Mt. Bike hunter's a question.....

[trkyslr]

So this last year i switched over to clip-in shoes while mt bike riding for all obvious reasons. My question is during hunting season if you have a ride of say 10-12 miles in and out, do you wear your clipin shoes during the ride and change into your boots once the rides over? This is my scenerio in Mt for my elk hunt in september. Two years ago i did this but rode wearing my hunting boots. Just seams smarter and more efficient to wear my clipins for energy purposes.....

 

[Curtis C]

If I was going to be riding that distance I would wear my bikes shoes while riding.

 

[bobhunts]

If you are doing that kind of miles I need to know what saddle you sport? Bob.

 

[Arbutusbucks]

Right now I only hunt (whitetail/turkey) about 4 miles from the truck on an easy rolling trail so I wear my regular boots in. If the distance was longer like you said 10-12 miles, or more technical...I'd be wearing my shoes.

 

[fillthefreezer]

this is the whats stopped me from switching over to clip pedals as 75% of my biking is followed by a hike.
following along..

 

[Beendare]

FWIW, I've used my biking shoes for mtn biking into lakes and such to fish...but have not hunted off my bike.

A couple spots we ride in to are a long washboard fire roads and such- nice to have the full pedal stroke on the uphills and helps to be clipped in to keep your feet on the pedals on the washboard downhill runs. I probably lose about 30%-40% efficiency on uphill unclipped, and gravity is already working against my 6'3" 230#...so i need all the help i can get!

Edit; if you are thinking you will pack out an animal on your back while riding you might want to test that with a heavy pack first- hint; it doesn't work so good- grin

 

[WyoElk]

I would wear them for the ride and stash them with the bike when you start hunting. Pretty minimal addition to the gear list and doesn't bog you down once on foot. With a heavy load and bumpy ride I really like the feel of being connected to the bike.

 

[Timberninja]

Another option worth considering could be flat pedals with cages and straps. Yes, it's a bit of a sofa bed but allows you to pedal more efficiently in hunting boots.

To me, it would depend a lot on how much descending/ascending there is on the ride. If fairly flat, I'd go in boots. What I would consider though is a trailer. I've packed out gear and a mule deer and that was ok but elk would benefit from a trailer, especially if you have that kind of distance to cover. Best of luck!

 

[Jason Snyder]

Toe cages/straps are okay, but they are kind of a pain. If I was riding my bike very far or on a road/trail with any hills I would wear bike shoes and clip in. They are much more efficient.

Don't forget to tuck your pants into your socks or wrap something around the cuff so you don't suck up the hem into the crank and chain.

 

[First Lite]

If its over a couple miles clipless is the way to go. Wearing boots is pretty inefficient. That being said if its 2 or 3 flat miles its easier to just wear your boots. Also if you have a full suspension be sure to add some extra air in the shock as day pack with a bow can easily weigh 30 lbs. and if you are riding out with meat on your back it makes it pretty sketchy with your suspension fully sagged due to not having enough air in the shock.

 

[trkyslr]

Thanks guys for the responses!