Hike Vs Bike

[getcervid]

I have two options to get to a glassing knob/hunt location. I will be pursuing Mule Deer.

Bike: It’s a closed FS road that looks very bikable (I am a novice mountain biker and would be borrowing a generic MTB, not the likes of which I think most bike hunters on here use)


Or Hike: It’s a mix of unnamed trails and off-trail hiking through really tame sage brush habitat. But not as quick as a maintained hiking trail.



How much faster might biking in be each morning? Is it doable with a daypack and rifle hanging off my back?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[antaresproper]

Are you able to attempt one or both of them prior to hunting? Or at least try riding with your pack and gun, as well as simulating carrying a quartered deer on your bike. Might be easier to push than ride at that point.

I’ve biked in by headlamp on many turkey hunts and carted duck decoys and gear around duck refuges. You can only ride so slow before you fall over and getting your gear balanced takes some time

 

[twall13]

I mountain bike and hike quite a bit. Looking at those two options for a mule deer hunt I'd hike it personally. I don't really care for biking with a large pack on and could do that hike in less than 45 minutes, it would likely be faster than biking it to be honest. 7.7 miles with nearly 2k elevation isn't going to be a 20-30 minute zip up the hill. I'd guess a novice mountain biker on a borrowed bike with a pack and rifle would be over an hour for that trip. The way back down could be nice on the bike but I still think I'd opt for the hike. If you can test them that would be ideal but I suspect you'll come to the same conclusion.


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[wildwilderness]

I would ride an E-bike. If you don’t bike though it would be better for you to walk.

 

[rclouse79]

I would hike if I couldn’t get my hands on an ebike or dirt bike. I have mountain biked before and it wasn’t much fun with all my hunting gear.

 

[brancher147]

I would ride an E-bike. If you don’t bike though it would be better for you to walk.

E-bikes are illegal behind Forest Service gates where I am. Better check regs

Having ridden a bike with gear and a gun, I would not go that route unless it saved you a very considerable amount of time. Wear a helmet and know those Forest Service roads get real slick once leaves start to fall especially when wet….don’t ask how I know lol

 

[bradmacmt]

“Now shall I walk or shall I ride?
'Ride,' Pleasure said;
'Walk,' Joy replied.”

W.H. Davies

 

[justinspicher]

Walk. At least that’s what I’d do. Using a bike is a good idea, until it isn’t.

 

[Thompy]

Depends on the e-bke. Dual -motor on both hubs pulls a much steeper incline with little to no peddling. I put 2 frame packs on the back rack ,much like panniers on a horse. I prefer a bow sling for my bow or sling for the rifle. Works great for me.

 

[rogerdoger]

If you do not mountain bike on a regular I would leave it at home.

 

[Poser]

Biking with a a pack that weighs more than ~15-20 lbs absolutely sucks. You may get sweaty as hell. You’ll definitely want to be in mom biking shape or it’s going to be miserable.

Personally, I’d hike it. It gives you some more hunting opportunity on your way out.

 

[hoooogan]

Gonna echo everyone's sentiment here. 1800+ft of climb is a LARGE ride in itself. If you don't mountain bike similar efforts at least once a week, your legs will be jello after one attempt. Rent an E-MTB if you are leaning towards riding. I can't imagine any novice MTBer doing that much climb back to back on pure human power.

 

[getcervid]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

It’s a gated FS road that is seasonally open to all, but closed to motorized use during my hunt. I don’t believe e-bikes are legal on this route.

I mountain biked a fair amount as a kid but could not remember or forecast what it would be like to ride a bike on this road. This has been very helpful.

 

[mtnbound]

I have two options to get to a glassing knob/hunt location. I will be pursuing Mule Deer.

Bike: It’s a closed FS road that looks very bikable (I am a novice mountain biker and would be borrowing a generic MTB, not the likes of which I think most bike hunters on here use)
View attachment 942062

Or Hike: It’s a mix of unnamed trails and off-trail hiking through really tame sage brush habitat. But not as quick as a maintained hiking trail.

View attachment 942063

How much faster might biking in be each morning? Is it doable with a daypack and rifle hanging off my back?

Thanks for your thoughts.

If you are in shape for Mtn biking then it might be worth a try but I wouldn’t try it for the first time during season.

Walking in you will see more and have a better chance to get a shot off if you happen to jump an animal.

Riding in you will be more focused on the trail and trying to get your rifle or bow off your pack can be challenging for a quick shot if you jump an animal.

 

[Deputy Dummer]

The hike will suck, but the biking would suck worse and likely be on trail much longer than you think. Plus hiking it gives you time to take in your surroundings and observe things you may just blow right by. Happy hunting!

 

[Beendare]

Test it; Try biking with a pack and your rifle....and you will quickly see why it's a bad idea.

 

[ztc92]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

It’s a gated FS road that is seasonally open to all, but closed to motorized use during my hunt. I don’t believe e-bikes are legal on this route.

I mountain biked a fair amount as a kid but could not remember or forecast what it would be like to ride a bike on this road. This has been very helpful.

I am a recreational biker but use a peloton a lot so am fairly fit on the bike. I agree with others. No way I’m biking that with any amount t of gear/weight when the hike js 1/3 the distance.

Maybe an e-bike could swing the balance but looks like they aren’t allowed there, so I think that makes it a very easy decision.

 

[Chris in TN]

I enjoy cycling for exercise. I think it's a great idea for off-season hunt prep, too.

There are *incredibly* narrow scenarios where I'd use a bicycle hunting. YMMV.