Since completing my self-supported 34,097km circumnavigation of the globe on a single-speed steel mountain bike in 2016, I've worked as a filmmaker, author, route creator and speaker. One of my main goals is to lower the barriers to bikepacking, be they geographical, physical or psychological. Adventures by bike should be open to everyone, straight from their front door.
Adventure cycling is any bike ride that takes you out of your comfort zone. Everyone's comfort zone is different, and flirting with the edges of what's comfortable for you will open up new adventures. Some people love sleeping in a tent and looking at the stars. I also know people who say: "Nah, that's not for me".
My philosophy for adventure cycling is the same as for cycling in general. What counts is riding your bike and having a good time. What a 'good time' looks like is so individual though. You don't even have to ride from A to B to have an adventure. I'm setting up a self-catering cottage in the Cairngorms, where guests will be able to discover new trails while returning to the same place each night.
This story is from the October 2024 edition of Cycling Plus UK.
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This story is from the October 2024 edition of Cycling Plus UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GANARY A COALMINE
The James Brown tune 'It's a Man's Man's Man's World' comes on the radio, filling the coach, and does nothing for my pre-event nerves as I sit surrounded by serious-looking, wiry, tanned men in Lycra. It's 6.30am, pitch black outside and I'm feeling very out of my depth as a relative newcomer to the world of clipless pedals and hurting for fun. Last night's stress dream involved being very unprepared to get married and being handed my great-grandmother-in-law-to-be's hideous silver dress with lace trim to wear minutes before the ceremony was due to start. I'll let you psychoanalyse that one.
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