Tips for loading a bike for packing(walking) an elk out/

[Spork]

I've packed out several times with both standard mtn bike and E-BIKE, usually using bike as cart, not riding (unless easy trail/road, and legal). Both bikes have front and rear racks, Lash game bags with boned out meat to racks with p-cord, like panniers. Antlers and head can get tied on top or on handlebars. Balance the load. Watch for abrasion (wheels etc eating holes in your nice game bags). Uphills can be a good push. Steep downhills disc brakes are a godsend. I think they work better than the game carts I see around,

I've used some sleds too (when snow), based on mountaineering designs, cheap....I'll share if there's interest.

 

[Ross]

IMO would not recommend lashing the hinds in that fashion. Sounds like a nightmare in my mind and more work than simply packing them. If can’t use a cart like pictured, then would bone out, lighten loads then riding for many trips or simply walk them out. Good luck

 

[Maverick1]

Looks like he has some photos that are a BOB ibex (has suspension, paint is a little green/tan/taupe) and others that are a BOB yak (no suspension, paint is grey)

The company went out of business unfortunately and these are now discontinued. You can still find some on the used market. You want to be careful if you have 29er wheels as the earlier versions don't have a long enough yoke to clear the tire. Depending on your bike's rear axle spec you may need an adapter from robert axle project to get the thing hooked up.

The most similar thing that I'm aware of that's currently available on the market is the burley coho.

This is correct. I have a BOB trailer, ibex variety. Purchased around 2013 or 2014. Was not aware they are out of business. Mine is hanging in the garage, looking pretty brand new. I moved onto canoes for access and haven’t gone back to the bike as much. Used the BOB (beast of burden is what that stands for) to haul out a couple of deer. Very useful in that application. As mentioned, they made different forks for different bike applications, and sometimes a through axle was required from the Robert m axle project. Good stuff!

To the OP. If you go the bike route: I’d suggest a front suspension bike only. Not a full suspension bike. And disc brakes! Wear a helmet! Going downhill with a fully loaded trailer things can get out of hand very quickly!!!!

 

[swavescatter]

Any recommendations for currently available trailers?

 

[Marble]

no e-bike, standard mtn bike, I was thinking I may have to walk it down for that reason. Don't wanna crash.

I've done it a few times. My take, put it in your backpack and ride the bike back. A trailer would work also, but if you have to go over anything, it will be tricky.

When you take the horns out, they can get up in the handle bar if you are not careful.

Sent from my SM-S938U using Tapatalk

 

[kcm2]

You need a trailer. Having the weight on your back makes balancing very difficult. And worse, the bike seat will be trying to end up near your tonsils.

 

[elsb0048]

Any recommendations for currently available trailers?

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Burley coho xc, the quietkat 1wheel seems similar too.

No first hand experience with either one. Quietkat is cheaper but weighs 10# more than the burley or the BOB's.

 

[wide_groupings]

As others have said, you just will not be able to lash elk quarters to a bike. If you are going to take a bike, get a trailer.
But honestly, for 2 miles of generally flat trails I would just walk. Bikes are awesome, but they introduce complexity. Pedaling a very loaded bike isn't all that easy, especially if you are not already used to it and don't know how to load it (I know you are not given your original question). You would expend less energy walking out hind quarters one at a time vs attempting to push a bike with both dangling over the top tube.

 

[Fireflyfishing]

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This is the way

 

[mtnbiker208]

How do you typically pack your rifle on the bike? On your body? On the trailer? On the bike frame?

Eberlestock packs.
When the just one came out, i bought one. Before that, i just slung it over my shoulder like in the pic below.
I then got a gunrunner pack, which was basically a burly hydration pack with a scabard. The x2 ran the scabbard on the side and was not conducive to bike packing. I am using a mainframe with a center scabard now.

the pic below is from 2011 and the just one is in the bob with meat and the raghorn head on top. I don't have this bike anymore.

 

[mtnbiker208]

Any recommendations for currently available trailers?

I wish i knew, i need to look into things, as i want to build up another bike for hunting. The pugsley is getting beat up. The pugsley has been discontinued, it was the original production fat bike. What i am running into now, is that the place i am hunting, is about a 5 mile peddle with about 1000 vert. Bringing heavy loads out the trailer wants to pull the rear wheel out of the frame.

But what this bike does have going for it, is the functionality of it. With the frame bags, racks, pogies, i am good to go no matter the weather. Peddling in snow is tough, up to about 4 inches, over that and it is a major chore. Also most of my bike hunting utilizes gate roads. That does not mean i hunt off of the gated road, but ride the bike to the end of the road and go from there.