A sub 24 overnight is basically a bikepacking trip that lasts less than twenty four hours (duh!). I didn’t do a single bikepacking trip in 2024 and hadn’t been camping in a tent for quite some time. I get this itch to sleep outside that needs scratching. The whole #vanlife thing is fun and definitely soothes that itch, but the sure-fire way to really satisfy it is combining my love for cycling and camping. Given the “stuff” I have coming up, a quick trip up to Stub for a simple after work overnight was a simple way to accomplish some tent time.

I packed up my bike on Thursday after work, ready to bike to MAX in the morning, work all day and then meet John at his house for the twenty-six-mile jaunt to Stub.

After a hot start to the week, Friday rolled around with temps in the low 60s and a wicked wind (like always) in the late afternoon. The summer solstice is right around the corner so even with a 6pm roll out from John’s house we still had plenty of light and time to not feel in a rush.

We swung in to Jim’s Market in Banks, about a mile before the Banks-Vernonia trail, to grab a quick dinner of deli sandwiches and a cookie. This took a bit of pressure off for getting there, setting up and cooking. Nothing like the K.I.S.S. principle on a trip like this.

We arrived at the park just past 8pm. John’s family drove up to hang out with us for a few hours. It was nice to see the kids and Flor. It had been a while since I last saw them. Their son is a giant, just over six feet tall now and just finished his freshman year of high school.

We were delighted to see that fires were still allowed. There are two communal fire pits in the walk-in camping area. After a bit of dinner, we hung out for a bit by the fire and cooked s’mores and chatted. I was surprised to learn that it was quarter past 10pm at one point. It was dark but my head didn’t compute how late it actually was. Full dark doesn’t happen until 9:30-9:45 this time of year.

Temps dropped down to the low 40’s overnight. I was quite impressed with my NEMO pad and sleeping bag. I was wearing a few layers and a light hat and never felt cold all night. Even with my teepee tent that has no floor.

Both John and I are early risers. We were all packed up and ready to roll a little past 8am, meaning just over 14 hours since we left his house we were ready to roll back home. Not before a quick stop in Banks at Local & Joy, a fantastic little coffee & wine shop. I will 100% recommend their chocolate chip scones. They are fantastic!

John and I split off in Roy as he headed back to Hillsboro and I worked my way back to Forest Grove. A quick trip, minimal fuss and not a lot of hassle was just what I needed. John and I got our tent fix and some time in nature. One of the conversations while riding was to plan a week long trip for 2026. I’d like to stay in the PNW but wouldn’t be totally against a little bit of travel if the route was great. Conversation shall be had later this year.

Thanks for reading,

-Pete