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So, I accepted a verbal offer for my next job and since my start date is in two weeks, Barry suggested I take a solo bike trip. Can't believe it didn't occur to me. After doing a bit of research, I think the Aspen area is a place that I could keep busy riding all the blue trails and camp at trail heads. The weather isn't Austin hot there and promises to be comfortable riding and camping. Anyone have any car camping hacks that you learned from the school of skinned knees that you care to share? Camping Options Found this nifty website that allows the user to view National Forests with biking trails and campsites together. https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/ While some campsites can be reserved, quite a few are first come first served. These campsites are ideal due to price and bathroom/shower situation There are regular camping sites in the "city"- but I think finding an open FCFS by the trails is better - bringing the telescope. Food When Barry and I travel we eat a mix of fast food and restaurants. Since I want to keep this relatively cheap, I am bringing a small burner I got at Hana Market (thanks Hanjing). Breakfast: Egg-cheese sammies, french press, maybe instant grits/oatmeal Lunch Since I will be riding through lunch (at a higher altitude these rides will take me the better part of the day with photo taking and daydreaming) it seems like Perpetuum is the way to go with some gels. Dinner Canned chicken creations- Pad Thai, Knorr Pasta Sides, Stovetop, and some Ramen. Easy to make after a long day of riding and doesn't take up room in cooler Maybe beanie weenie, whatever I can get in a individual serving that is shelf stable. Biking I was originally going to do a hiking and biking trip- but soon realized I would not feel comfortable with my bike locked to my car while I went to check out pre Columbian Architecture. I also wanted to minimize the time I spend driving and get the max benefit from the altitude training. Since I am riding alone- nothing more challenging than a blue trail with a black feature. The Goal is to ride as many of these trails in no particular order: Aspen https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7005156/sky-mountain-park-loop https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3633466/lincoln-creek-road-to-ruby-ghost-town (not single track but cool ride-good views recovery day) https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7054374/crown-tour https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7018198/the-up-n-over-aka-rock-bottom-ranch-aka-crown-cruise https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/951198/rim-trail-loop with this one https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7020270/seven-star-trail Buena Vista- way back home stop possibly https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3733565/buena-vista-singletrack-loop Bike Tools/Spares This is where things get internet dependent. I will need to video chat with Barry if I need to do a serious repair or YouTube. Barry's list for me Extra tires and tubes. Lube. Multitool. Extra bacon. Extra quick links. Shop rag or 2 Silver floor pump. Derailleur and Derailleur Hanger Now to finish that new hire paperwork.