Thunder in Paradise. Bikepacking in southern Idaho.

From August 30-September 1, 2023 we cycled the Thunder in Paradise loop from bikepacking.com. The route features lots of elevation change and beautiful scenery. We experienced rough roads and near perfect weather.

[@tombiggi1024]

I saw in the comments that flashed by in the video that the group you leap frogged with a couple times was Western Spirits. Some friends did a trip with them in the past few years but do not recall if that was in Idaho. Will have to ask them.

[@kruegerkenyon]

I believe they did a different route starting at rocky bar. That's why they were heading in the opposite direction on day 2.

[@kruegerkenyon]

Route link on bikepacking.com: bikepacking.com/routes/thunder-in-paradise/
Day 1 Strava: www.strava.com/activities/9782916625
Day 2 Strava (not complete):
Day 3 Strava: www.strava.com/activities/9782943569

[@tombiggi1024]

The road looks in great shape. Is it like that most of the time?
What was the gearing on your gravel bike? Tires used?

[@kruegerkenyon]

After completing the route I would not have said the roads were in great shape, although I have ridden much worse. All of the roads were ridable. Going uphill you could pick your way to the smooth spots. Going downhill we just had to go slower. The downhill on day one and definitely the downhill on day three had me wishing for bigger tires. We were both on Salsa Warbirds, I had 11-42 11sp, 1X gearing and 700X44 tires. Sherri had 11x34 11sp, 2X 30/46 and 650X50 tires. We both ran about 30psi. It was the only time we have been on the roads so I can't comment on the condition of the road at other times, other than to say the Bikepacking link has a picture with a big washout.

[@trhobbies9382]

What type of bike would you prefer on this trail seems like a gravel bike works best.

[@kruegerkenyon]

Thanks for the comment. I don't think any one bike would be ideal for the entire route, so it's a personal preference. The gravel bikes we used worked well for us. I have since gotten 650b wheels which allow 2" tires and would have definitely used them here. I couldn't help but wish for my full suspension mountain bike on the big descent on day 3, it would have been faster and much more fun. However, with the amount of time we spent climbing slowly compared to the extra time we took descending more slowly I'd choose the gravel bike if we did it again.