This trajectory of first being Really Into Bikepacking before realising it's actually quite a lot of hassle is a very relatable one. Well done for getting back into it slowly and in a way that is kind to yourself, Lewis. Perhaps when the days are actually warmer and we all have some more disposable time, we can do some more extended adventuring all together.
I reckon I'll have some more disposable time in about five years, when the youngest child is a couple of years into being a teenager and less likely to want to spend any time with me 🙃
I resonate with this. I’ve been dining out on the fact that I rode the badger divide once for quite some time and haven’t done any big trips since. When I first got back into cycling again (also around 2020) it took me ages to pluck up the courage to join one of the Grass Up The Middle bivvy nights, but I’m glad I did. I took way too much stuff and barely slept but one of the fellas I met on that first trip ended up joining me for the badger divide and I now consider him one of my closest friends. Trauma bonding is real ha
I'd really love to do something longer like the badger, or the Traws Eryri (probably spelt that wrong). I think that's part of the issue, overlooking the stuff which is actually feasible because I'm too busy mourning the fact I definitely don't have the time to do the bigger trips. Silly brains. Hopefully though a nice weekend trip will be a good reminder that it doesn't have to be epic to be worthwhile!
I tend to ride on my own, I can go when it suits me and not have to rely on others. Not always though, I think it was April last year when I was invited to the character Reg who was out for his 100th successive month of getting out. A third guy came and he was up to 60+.
One tip I would give if little noises and tiny birds scare you (which is my problem) would be to take ear plugs and use them. The last bit is reminder to me!
Lewis, I feel you. I'm one of those people who probably, for a time at least, seemed to be in possession of a time machine and I assure you, I wasn't. But I did have fewer commitments to navigate, like having a family.
For people who don't get paid to talk or write about their adventures (I.e. the majority of people), there's always going to be an element of time juggling and childcare jiggling and mental barrier hopping to contend with. But like with any hobby or interest, doing it just once legitimises you - if I regularly consume media about dressmaking, go on a course, collect magazines and scour the Internet for patterns, but only ever successfully make one garment, that doesn't mean I don't get to claim enjoyment of sewing/dressmaking. It just means I have to also put dinner on the table and do my day job and get through my pile of books and catch up on the latest episode of something or other, and spend quality time with people, and weed the garden, and give the dog attention ten million times a day... and I don't have children!
So all that is to say, give yourself a break my friend. You've got the interest, you've got the gear, and now you've got yourself a weekend to do it, and other people on board to do it with. That is a huge step!
I chuckled so much at your description of your one experience and the terrible nights sleep. That's pretty much every bikepacking experience for me. I love the first day of riding, cannot do the sleeping at all, and wind up more exhausted and grumpy as the trip goes on. It's hard, it's taxing on your body, and it requires a lot of prep and brain power from before the trip has even started.
But it's also a wonderful way to experience the world, and (I think) an excellent way to get to know new people. I did a couple of bikepacking trips with Cycling UK to recce their routes ahead of launch (King Alfred's Way, Cantii Way, Rebellion Way) and didn't know all the people I was travelling with, but in that kind of situation where you're all going through physical and emotional rollercoasters, you very quickly skip past the awkward small talk and bond over your experiences (and sharing of snacks).
I'm excited for you and look forward to hearing about your trip with Loop!
That's a great point about the shared experience being an accelerator for building a relationship with the people you're riding with, I hadn't considered that at all.
You're right, you were on my list of people who I wondered how they were getting out there so often, haha. It was only once the articles appeared or routes were launched that I think I realised it was actually work!
I have been bikepacking before it was a thing I suppose having done it since ~2009. I had to order my first bike packing bags from Alaska, it was there or Colorado and an adventure in itself.
I still get anxiety about being discovered despite many rides. In October last year I completed 34 continuously months of being out at least once per month.
If you want any support or inspiration I can recommend www.bearbonesbackpacking.co.uk where their is a number of lovely folk. Look on the 'Your trips and adventures' forum and the 'Bivvy a month' thread where people put up words and pictures of where they have been. A really nice read.
I started the idea back in 2012 when just three of us made it through the year and I still find it hard to believe it is still going and so may people have had so much fun. Failures as well of course.
Enjoy your trip and maybe it will just be the start. I have very rarely been discovered and when I have the other person is perhaps more surprised than me .
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I've been a member (lurker, I suppose) on the BB forum for a few years. I think I even posted once or twice. Nice to virtually meet the instigator of bivvy a month, haha!
Do your overnighters tend to be solo or with others?
This trajectory of first being Really Into Bikepacking before realising it's actually quite a lot of hassle is a very relatable one. Well done for getting back into it slowly and in a way that is kind to yourself, Lewis. Perhaps when the days are actually warmer and we all have some more disposable time, we can do some more extended adventuring all together.
I reckon I'll have some more disposable time in about five years, when the youngest child is a couple of years into being a teenager and less likely to want to spend any time with me 🙃
Footnote #2. Truth for the ages.
I resonate with this. I’ve been dining out on the fact that I rode the badger divide once for quite some time and haven’t done any big trips since. When I first got back into cycling again (also around 2020) it took me ages to pluck up the courage to join one of the Grass Up The Middle bivvy nights, but I’m glad I did. I took way too much stuff and barely slept but one of the fellas I met on that first trip ended up joining me for the badger divide and I now consider him one of my closest friends. Trauma bonding is real ha
I'd really love to do something longer like the badger, or the Traws Eryri (probably spelt that wrong). I think that's part of the issue, overlooking the stuff which is actually feasible because I'm too busy mourning the fact I definitely don't have the time to do the bigger trips. Silly brains. Hopefully though a nice weekend trip will be a good reminder that it doesn't have to be epic to be worthwhile!
I tend to ride on my own, I can go when it suits me and not have to rely on others. Not always though, I think it was April last year when I was invited to the character Reg who was out for his 100th successive month of getting out. A third guy came and he was up to 60+.
One tip I would give if little noises and tiny birds scare you (which is my problem) would be to take ear plugs and use them. The last bit is reminder to me!
Lewis, I feel you. I'm one of those people who probably, for a time at least, seemed to be in possession of a time machine and I assure you, I wasn't. But I did have fewer commitments to navigate, like having a family.
For people who don't get paid to talk or write about their adventures (I.e. the majority of people), there's always going to be an element of time juggling and childcare jiggling and mental barrier hopping to contend with. But like with any hobby or interest, doing it just once legitimises you - if I regularly consume media about dressmaking, go on a course, collect magazines and scour the Internet for patterns, but only ever successfully make one garment, that doesn't mean I don't get to claim enjoyment of sewing/dressmaking. It just means I have to also put dinner on the table and do my day job and get through my pile of books and catch up on the latest episode of something or other, and spend quality time with people, and weed the garden, and give the dog attention ten million times a day... and I don't have children!
So all that is to say, give yourself a break my friend. You've got the interest, you've got the gear, and now you've got yourself a weekend to do it, and other people on board to do it with. That is a huge step!
I chuckled so much at your description of your one experience and the terrible nights sleep. That's pretty much every bikepacking experience for me. I love the first day of riding, cannot do the sleeping at all, and wind up more exhausted and grumpy as the trip goes on. It's hard, it's taxing on your body, and it requires a lot of prep and brain power from before the trip has even started.
But it's also a wonderful way to experience the world, and (I think) an excellent way to get to know new people. I did a couple of bikepacking trips with Cycling UK to recce their routes ahead of launch (King Alfred's Way, Cantii Way, Rebellion Way) and didn't know all the people I was travelling with, but in that kind of situation where you're all going through physical and emotional rollercoasters, you very quickly skip past the awkward small talk and bond over your experiences (and sharing of snacks).
I'm excited for you and look forward to hearing about your trip with Loop!
That's a great point about the shared experience being an accelerator for building a relationship with the people you're riding with, I hadn't considered that at all.
You're right, you were on my list of people who I wondered how they were getting out there so often, haha. It was only once the articles appeared or routes were launched that I think I realised it was actually work!
I have been bikepacking before it was a thing I suppose having done it since ~2009. I had to order my first bike packing bags from Alaska, it was there or Colorado and an adventure in itself.
I still get anxiety about being discovered despite many rides. In October last year I completed 34 continuously months of being out at least once per month.
If you want any support or inspiration I can recommend www.bearbonesbackpacking.co.uk where their is a number of lovely folk. Look on the 'Your trips and adventures' forum and the 'Bivvy a month' thread where people put up words and pictures of where they have been. A really nice read.
I started the idea back in 2012 when just three of us made it through the year and I still find it hard to believe it is still going and so may people have had so much fun. Failures as well of course.
Enjoy your trip and maybe it will just be the start. I have very rarely been discovered and when I have the other person is perhaps more surprised than me .
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I've been a member (lurker, I suppose) on the BB forum for a few years. I think I even posted once or twice. Nice to virtually meet the instigator of bivvy a month, haha!
Do your overnighters tend to be solo or with others?