The Global Bikepacker Readiness Scorecard

Are you ready for your next big adventure?

Bikepacking is the ultimate freedom—until your derailleur hanger snaps 50km from the nearest town or your knees give out on day two! The difference between a life-changing adventure and a "survival situation" often comes down to preparation.

We designed this scorecard to help you assess your current readiness level across three critical pillars: Mechanical Resilience, Rider Proficiency and Expedition Planning.

Instructions: Be honest! Give yourself 1 point for every "YES". You can also download this scorecard as a PDF and share it with a friend.

Part 1: Mechanical Resilience

This section assesses your ability to keep your machine rolling in remote environments.

1. Tubeless Troubles: If you slashed a sidewall and lost all your sealant on a rocky descent, could you fix it trail-side and get rolling again within 45 minutes?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

2. Drivetrain Disasters: Do you know how to remove a broken chain link and resize your chain using a quick-link without looking up a YouTube tutorial?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

3. Spoke & Wheel: If a spoke snaps on your rear wheel under a full load, do you have the tools and knowledge to replace it (or temporarily true the wheel) so it doesn't rub against the frame?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

4. Brake Surgery: Can you identify the difference between a contaminated pad and a spongy bleed? And can you adjust your mechanical or hydraulic callipers in the field to stop brake rub?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

5. The MacGyver Factor: If your derailleur hanger snaps and you don’t have a spare, do you know how to "single-speed" your bike to limp back to civilisation?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

6. Bolt & Rack Hygiene: Do you carry spare M5 bolts and zip ties, and do you habitually check your rack and cage bolts daily to prevent shearing on washboard roads?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Part 1 Score: _____ / 6

Part 2: Rider Proficiency

This section assesses your physical ability to handle a loaded rig over demanding terrain.

7. Loaded Handling: Have you practiced technical descents (loose gravel or singletrack) with your bike fully loaded to simulate the changed centre of gravity?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

8. Climbing Cadence: Can you maintain a steady, aerobic heart rate while climbing a 10% gradient with gear, or do you find yourself "redlining" and burning out within minutes?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

9. Slow-Speed Balance: Can you navigate a tight switchback or a rock garden at walking pace without putting a foot down (dab)?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

10. Endurance Engine: Have you completed back-to-back days of 8+ hours in the saddle to understand how your body reacts to cumulative fatigue (saddle sores, wrist pain and neck fatigue)?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

11. Hike-a-Bike Form: Do you know the proper technique for pushing/lifting a loaded bike up un-rideable terrain to protect your back and conserve energy?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

12. Weather Resilience: Have you ridden in heavy rain or near-freezing temps for 10+ hours to test both your waterproof gear and your mental grit?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

13. Core Stability: Do you incorporate core strength work into your weekly training to prevent the lower back pain that frequently ends multi-day trips?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Part 2 Score: _____ / 7

Part 3: Expedition Logistics

This section assesses your route planning, packing strategy and camp craft.

14. Water Logistics: Can you accurately estimate your water intake for a 30°C day with 1500m of climbing, and do you have a filtration backup plan?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

15. The "Shakedown": Have you tested your entire sleep system (tent, bag and mat) in conditions similar to your target destination to ensure you won't freeze?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

16. Navigation Redundancy: Do you have a primary navigation device (GPS) and a non-digital backup (paper map/compass) that you know how to read?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

17. Nutrition Strategy: Do you have a fuelling plan that accounts for 200-300 calories per hour to prevent "bonking" (hypoglycemia) during long efforts?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

18. Remote Reconnaissance: In foreign or remote regions, can you identify which villages offer reliable food, water and accommodation versus those that are merely names on a map?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

19. Power Autonomy: Do you have a power management system (dynamo or sufficient power banks) to keep navigation tools running for 4-5 days without grid access?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

20. Emergency Protocol: Do you have a written plan for a medical emergency in a "dead zone", including a satellite communicator (e.g. InReach) or a pre-agreed evacuation route?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Part 3 Score: _____ / 7

The Verdict: Are You Ready?

Total Score: _____ / 20

If you scored 0 - 10: The "Aspiring Adventurer"

You have the passion, but you’re heading into the danger zone. Riding into the wild with significant gaps in mechanics or riding skill can turn an adventure into an ordeal quickly.

• Recommendation: Don't risk it. We highly recommend you start with a strong foundation.

• Priority: Check out the Expedition Mechanics Course first—safety starts with a working bike.

If you scored 11 - 17: The "Weekend Warrior"

You’re capable on standard routes, but you have specific blind spots. Look at where you lost points.

• Did you lose points in Part 1 (Mechanics)? You are one bad mechanical away from a long walk.

👉 Fix this here: Join the Expedition Mechanics Course

• Did you lose points in Part 2 (Riding)? You might survive the trip, but you’ll suffer more than necessary.

👉 Fix this here: Join the Rider Development Program

If you scored 18 - 20: The "Expedition Expert"

You are dialled in. Your skills, fitness and mechanical knowledge are at a level where you can tackle remote, challenging routes with confidence.

• Recommendation: Check out the Bikepacking Library for advanced resources, join one of our future Guided Adventures, and please share this scorecard with a friend in need!

Ready to fill the gaps?

🔧 Join the Expedition Mechanics Course

Stop fearing the "breakdown". Learn to fix flats, chains, spokes and brakes in the middle of nowhere.

🚴 Join the Rider Development Program

Ride further, faster and with more fun. Master the art of handling a loaded bike and building bulletproof endurance.