At AMB we are no strangers to bikes. We ride trail, bike park, sketchy jank, and flow. We race cross country, enduro, gravel and downhill. Suffice to say – we enjoy all things bike. For many rusted-on cyclists, bikepacking is a new and novel way to spend a solid amount of time exploring ‘behind bars’, but for many people the idea of carrying kilograms of tents, sleeping bags and cooking equipment is undesirable to say the least.
A better and more enjoyable way to get started on multi-day E-bikepacking adventures is to ditch the gear and flashpack: travelling with minimal clothing and equipment and staying in hotels, pubs or Airbnb’s in remote and scenic locations. Some of my greatest experiences riding bikes have been on multi-day flashpacks that feature a big mix of gravel, road, singletrack, mountains, fireroads, bunyips, yowies, native flora and fauna, and – at the end of every day – a severely shattered body filled with awesome experiences and memories from a big day out.
Flashpacking really allows you to travel much further and explore beyond your backyard, or bike park, and with the new generation of Bosch Performance Line CX and SX drive units and increased battery capacities, getting started flashpacking has never been so accessible.
Plan your E-bikepacking route
Route planning is the key to a successful trip. Sometimes, though, even the most careful of plans can come unstuck with overgrown trails or closed bridge crossings. Luckily, the Bosch Flow app features route planning guidance that can definitely get you out of a pickle if you’re unsure the best way to proceed mid journey. Feeling a bit more tired than expected? Select the Daily route option that gets you to your destination in the quickest time. Looking for quieter trails and a flatter route with a bike path? The Leisure option may be the best choice. Fuelled up on a packet of corn chips, a few handfuls of gummi bears and a can of Coke? Head for the hills and a more adventurous eMTB route.
For those who thrive on the excitement of planning a flashpack adventure, you can spend some time planning your route using mapping software Komoot, and sync that route to the Flow app to navigate your voyage. If you choose to use your phone as a display, you can also use the app to navigate on the fly. Need to share your adventures with the world? Upload your ride to Strava directly from the Flow app.
Focus on e-bike modes
Usually when I’m reviewing eBikes, I find myself riding in eMTB mode most of the time. This is the perfect setting for trail riding that reliably reflects your input and delivers some punchy power when it’s needed most. The setting I probably use least on the trails is Bosch’s Tour+ mode, but flashpacking where the Tour+ really shines. Tour+ delivers ‘stepless’ assistance with up to 340% support by adapting support between Eco and Turbo outputs.
Tour+ offers more range on flashpack adventures by dialling the output down when terrain is mellower, while supporting your efforts with ample power delivery if things get a bit too spicy on the climbs. This isn’t to say that you can’t flashpack in the more sporty eMTB mode, and I would wholly recommend this for any sections of your flashpack where you’re adding in trails on the way, but Tour+ is a great option to use on those gravelly fireroads, horse trails and stock routes that get you out of the city and into more remote areas to explore.
Range Roving while E-bikepacking
With the launch of the new generation of Bosch Performance Line CX, we saw the concurrent release of the Bosch PowerTube 800: an 800Wh battery that can be paired with the 250Wh PowerMore range extender for a huge 1050Wh setup. When I first hopped on the Trek Rail+ with the 800Wh battery I was amazed at just how far I could ride, on trails, with significant elevation, in eMTB and Turbo mode; nearly 70km. This was without a PowerMore range extender.
Because everyone is unique (rider size and riding style will impact battery use), the Flow app uses AI technology to build a profile of your ride style and history and is able to estimate your range alongside your selected route. With larger capacity batteries than ever, and a range of energy-saving modes, you can now explore and adventure further with Bosch, even a 100km flashpack day isn’t out of reach.
With the System Controller located in the top tube of most Performance Line-equipped mountain bikes, there is a constant visual cue to ensure enough juice is left in the tank to get to your overnight destination. If you’re really unsure, you can get a more precise percentage of battery left while accessing the Flow app’s navigation, Range Control, which uses all of the input rider data and destination as well as desired battery level at destination: perfect for shorter flashpacking adventures where you don’t want to take a charger.
Where to go E-bikepacking
Mountain bike tourism is increasing in regional areas of Australia, and a parallel increase in bike-friendly accommodation has emerged in key riding areas, especially in key tourist areas such as trail networks like Blue Derby and the long spanning gravel adventure of Queensland’s Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Accommodation such as the ‘Rail Trail Refuge’ in Linville, QLD, is purpose built for cyclists and eBikers to relax and recharge both body and bike, meaning you can drain that 800Wh battery, 250Wh PowerMore and do it all again the next day. Plus, many accommodation options catering for cyclists have washing facilities meaning you can set off in some fresh pants on day two.
But you don’t need cycling-specific accommodation (though it is nice). Staying in a pub usually means you have dinner on site. Make sure you book before you head out on your adventure, and check if there is a spot to charge your bike (there always is, but it’s good to ask).
So if you haven’t considered bikepacking and you’re an eBike rider, now is the time. With the Flow app, energy conserving rider modes and increased battery capacities on bikes, there is no better time to dip your toes into a big overnight adventure.
E-Bikepacking Hot Tips with Bosch:
- Plan your route using cycling heatmaps and talk to people about good route ideas
- Get a gauge of what the distance and profile of the ride is like using an app like Komoot that can directly sync to the Flow app
- Preparation is important: do enough rides with the Flow app that it has a good guide of what your rider characteristics are like so it can more accurately determine range on a flashpack
- Likewise, time how long it takes for your main battery and range extender to charge so you’re not caught short on your flashpack: ideally get your bike straight on charge when you arrive at your accommodation.
- It’s nice to do an overnight flashpack without much gear, but with an e-bike you have a bit of a buffer, especially when it comes to riding up steep climbs or adding trails into the mix. Carrying a change of clothes and bike and phone charger is much less of an issue on an eBike, and slows you down far less.
- If travelling solo always let someone know of your ride plans and destination
- It’s always wise to pack a small first aid kit, but more important when doing more remote adventures
- Take far too many snacks. It won’t be too many four hours in!
