Single use on a single speed
The spoon and subway sandwich paper were acquired in Chemult
Single use plastics - hard to avoid, easy to obtain, with us forever?
Consumerism produces garbage there’s no questioning that. As an aspiring bicycle manufacturer this glaring reality kept me from pursuing a passion until I forgave myself for existing (still working on this). The saying goes, REDUCE, RE-USE, recycle. I have not done due diligence, but my understanding is recycling is mostly a sham to shift the blame from large companies producing tons of waste to us consumers. Yeah, we are all consumers.
When I saw the call to take a pledge and partake in a bikepacking-oriented event without using single use plastic, my interest was piqued. I already planned on riding the Oregon Timber Trail grand depart as well as other local rides (see: windigo100 series).
No single use plastic for touring, an ultra,...a grand depart? I enjoy long days with a bike. The bicycle gives me an unmatched feeling. Pedaling, walking, coasting through a section of land with enough supplies to make it to the next hub of sustenance offers an experience. The experience had is based on a multitude of variables, some of those variables are of your own choosing and can become an exciting challenge.
Sunrize at Freemont Point day 2
I’m not going to out green anyone with my lifestyle, but I have been able to live with myself at the end of each day. Walking or riding a bike when feasible is a low stress angle I choose to pursue in my day to day. I try to avoid purchasing new items for the rush that is felt when a package arrives to my doorstep. When bulk is an option, I use it, and my reused bag. I come equipped to the grocery, or any other store, with the means to carry home my purchases. Still I produce waste, I love eating chips!
I attempted the OTT300 with the ambition to not use any more plastic than I brought along. I was unsuccessful. I made my own energy balls, bought tailwind, gummies, nuts, candy - all in bulk including the supplies to make my energy balls. Still the lure of town thwarted my intentions. Everything my nutrition was packed in were pre-used plastic bags. I had enough food to complete the route without the need to stop and “resupply”. I only had to resist the temptation once, as there was simply one town the route crossed through.
energy ball production, packaged in repurposed packing pillows
About 10 miles outside of Chemult, the only re-supply option on route, I was joined by another rider named Cliff. We laughed and talked about our rides up to this point. With power in his legs Cliff noted he would see me in town - off he rode, with a cold drink and a snack in his near future. I thought to myself how town had nothing to offer for me, but a cold drink sure sounded nice. An easy solution, fountain soda and my water bottle, that settles it, I will have an orange soda!
The orange soda syrup was exhausted and what came out was less palate-appealing than simply ice water. I lingered for a few moments before exiting the gas station having purchased nothing. Ah Ha! There is a burrito cart just up the road and I’ll just about guarantee they’ll prepare me a warm burrito without the use of plastic!
Upon arrival to the cart I was informed they had just closed. I thanked them and turned to scan along the roadside, now pining for something different than what I had brought to eat. As I mulled through my options the cart owner hollered to me an offer I was unwilling to refuse, even though I knew the consequence would cause failure to my intended goal. “Beans and rice for you buddy, no charge! It’s all I have, no charge.”
A styrofoam container and plastic spoon have entered my world - they existed before me, but now they are mine. The beans and rice were delicious, the kind gesture warmed my heart, the spoon joined me and the container went in the trash.