Women's Bikepacking Workshop Series in Durango

The Bikepacking Skills You've Been Looking For — Right Here in Durango

Have you always wanted to go bikepacking but didn't know where to start? Or maybe you've already hit the trail and want to sharpen your skills? This summer, TripOutside and local Durango bikepacker Sam Lewandowski are hosting a four-part workshop series designed to give new and aspiring bikepackers everything they need to get out there with confidence.

Each workshop tackles a different set of essential bikepacking skills — from fixing a broken chain in the backcountry to planning your own route from scratch. Sessions are hosted at some of Durango's best local bike and outdoor shops, keeping groups small (15 or fewer participants) for direct, hands-on learning. The series is aimed toward women but open to anyone who wants to learn.

Registration for each workshop requires a donation (suggested $10+) to Bikepacking Roots, a nonprofit that has spent nearly a decade mapping and stewarding over 35,000 miles of bikepacking routes across the country. Every dollar goes directly toward protecting the public lands and routes we all ride. If you donate $10 or more, you are entered into a Grand Prize Sweepstakes to win an Otso Fenrir Ti custom-built bikepacking bike.

Workshop Schedule

Backcountry Bike Repair June 17 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | 2nd Ave Sports, Durango, CO Learn how to handle the most common mechanical issues you'll face on a backcountry bikepacking trip. Professional mechanics from 2nd Ave Sports walk you through brake adjustments, drivetrain repairs, tire plugging, spoke issues, and more. Topics include what to keep in your repair kit, adjusting and troubleshooting brakes and derailleurs, fixing a broken chain, plugging a tire, handling a sidewall tear, and emergency field repairs for racks and pedals. Ends with open Q&A.

Route Planning Deep-Dive July 16 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Durango Cyclery, Durango, CO Limited to 10 participants. Learn how to find existing routes, build your own using the best map apps and trail resources, and think through the logistics that make or break a bikepacking trip — water availability, resupply options, camping restrictions, local bike shops along the route, traveling with your bike, and more. Ends with open Q&A.

Camping Gear Repair August 5 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM | Backcountry Experience, Durango, CO Learn how to repair your sleeping pad, tent, and sleeping bag in the field, and how to maintain your gear between trips so it lasts. Includes a pre-trip gear checklist to help you leave nothing important behind.

Packing Your Bike for Bikepacking August 19 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Mountain Bike Specialists, Durango, CO Backstitched Bags — a local upcycled bikepacking bag maker — joins this session to talk through what gear you actually need, how to fit it all on your bike, and how to balance your load front to back and side to side. Bring your bike and gear if you have it. Topics include sleep kit, food and hygiene, water systems, first aid and repair, clothing, electronics, and evaluating resupply options on route.

Duration

Each workshop runs 1 to 2 hours. See the schedule above for exact times per session. You can register for one, several, or all four workshops.

Location / Where to Meet

Each workshop is hosted at a different Durango bike or outdoor shop. See the schedule above for exact locations. All venues are in or near downtown Durango, CO.

Ages

Open to all ages. The series is aimed toward women but open to anyone interested in bikepacking skills.

What's Included

• Expert instruction from professional bike mechanics, local guides, and specialty gear makers
• Hands-on skills for backcountry bike repair, route planning, gear repair, and bike packing
• Small group format — 15 or fewer participants per session (10 max for Route Planning)
• Your donation supports Bikepacking Roots and enters you into the Bikepacking Roots Grand Prize sweepstakes for a chance to win a custom-built Otso Fenrir Ti bikepacking rig

Not Included

• Bikepacking gear or equipment — bring your own bike and gear to the Packing Your Bike session if you have it
• Transportation to workshop venues

What to Bring / Wear

• Comfortable clothing suitable for an indoor workshop setting
• Your bike and bikepacking gear - recommended for the August 19 Packing session
• A notebook or device for taking notes — these sessions cover a lot of ground
• Questions — each session ends with an open Q&A

About Your Host

Sam Lewandowski has over five years of bikepacking experience across the American Southwest, New Zealand, and Scotland. She is a board member at Bikepacking Roots and an ambassador for Otso Cycles and Old Man Mountain, and regularly organizes women's bikepacking trips throughout the Four Corners region. She documents her adventures through photography and long-form writing.

About Bikepacking Roots

Bikepacking Roots has spent nearly a decade mapping and stewarding over 35,000 miles of bikepacking routes across the United States. As they approach their 10-year anniversary in 2027, they are building momentum to protect the public lands and routes the bikepacking community depends on. Your $10 minimum registration donation goes directly to that mission — and enters you into their Grand Prize sweepstakes for a chance to win a custom Otso Fenrir Ti bikepacking build.