What is Bicycle Touring all about and should I plan a trip for 2023? Bicycle touring, also known as cycle touring or bike touring, is a popular activity that involves exploring new places and cultures by bicycle. One of the main attractions of bicycle touring is the freedom and independence it offers. Unlike other forms of travel, bicycle touring allows you to travel at your own pace and on your own schedule. You can stop and explore interesting places along the way, and you have the flexibility to change your route or plans if you want to. Bicycle touring is ...

Stoicism for Cyclists: Discomfort and Adversity on Long Rides You’re 100 miles into a cross-country bike tour. Your legs are burning, the headwind is trying to push you back, and dark clouds are gathering on the horizon. Your GPS died an hour ago, and you’re sure you took a wrong turn at that last intersection. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever been on a long-distance bike tour, you know that moments like these are par for the course. But what if I told you there’s a 2,000-year-old philosophy that could help you endure these challenges and thrive in them? ...

5 Reasons Cycling Will Improve Your Life: The Benefits of Adventure Bike Travel Because of things like job, chores, and obligations, life might feel like a never-ending treadmill at times. If you feel like you're stuck in a rut and need a change of scenery, a bike ride or a bikepacking trip might be a great way to get out of your routine and into the great outdoors. It's possible that getting out on the open road on your trusty bike is the single best thing you can do to enhance the quality of your life. Here are five reasons why you should agree with me: Lower...

Campfire Gourmet: Tasty Meals to Prepare while Bikepacking There is more to bikepacking than the adrenaline rush of the ride, the peace and quiet of nature, or the difficulty of the trail. It’s also about the culinary adventure! If you're deep in the woods or taking a break at a scenic overlook, treating yourself to a tasty meal can take the experience to the next level. In this piece, we will explore the savoury world of gourmet cooking over an open flame and provide some mouthwatering meals that are perfect for bikepackers. Importance of Nutrit...

Train, Pack, Ride: Preparing for your Epic Bikepacking Adventure – Part 3 This is part 3, the final installment of our series on getting yourself ready for that long-distance bikepacking or bike touring adventure you have always dreamed of doing. If you missed part 1 and part 2, make sure you read those first. A bikepacking adventure is on your bucket list, and you have dreamed long enough. Now it’s time to get ready for it! In this third and final installment, we will explore rest and recovery, proper gear, specific techniques depending on the terrain ahead, and g...

Exploring Nova Scotia on Two Wheels: Your Bikepacking Route Planning Handbook Bikepacking in Nova Scotia – A Dream Destination Nova Scotia, a gem in Canada's eastern coast, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it an ideal destination for bikepackers. As you pedal through this picturesque province, you're greeted with breathtaking coastal views, lush forests, and charming towns, each with its own story to tell. Bikepacking in Nova Scotia is not just a journey but really about immersing yourself in an experience ...

Train, Pack, Ride: Preparing for your Epic Bikepacking Adventure – Part 2 This is part 2 of our series on getting yourself ready for that long-distance bikepacking or bike touring adventure you have always dreamed of doing. If you missed part 1, make sure you read this first. A bikepacking adventure is on your bucket list, and you have dreamed of it long enough. Now it’s time to get ready for it! In this second installment, we will cover nutrition, mental preparation, and a more detailed progressive training regimen. Our third and final section next week will expl...

The Journey Within: Integrating Mindfulness and Meditation into Bikepacking Adventures Going on a long bike ride always does a world of good! Bikepacking, is a journey that promises not just the obvious physical travel but also a profound exploration within. In today's world, brimming with distractions, our mental well-being often takes a backseat and a beating! The constant buzz of technology, social media, and the fast pace of modern life can lead to a myriad of mental challenges. Anxiety, depression, and a general sense of overwhelm are increasingly common. In fact, acc...

Train, Pack, Ride: Preparing for the Bikepacking Adventure of a Lifetime You have been dreaming for a long time that you would like to hit the road and go on a long-distance bike journey. You want to escape the daily grind, panniers and bike in tow, immersed in the beauty of the backcountry. A bikepacking adventure is on your bucket list, and you have dreamed of it long enough. Now it’s time to get ready for it. The first part of a 3-part Bikepacking Preparation series starts now, and this will get you on your way to becoming fit and ready for a life changing adv...

Conquer the Cold: Ultimate Guide to Winter Bikepacking Gear and Survival Winter Bikepacking: Essential Gear and Clothing Its starting to get cold out there. However, the dropping temperatures does not need to turn us into hermits. We can still get out there and explore, we just need to prepare for it and be dress for the occasion! When preparing for a winter bikepacking trip, it's essential to carefully consider the gear and clothing needed to ensure a safe and comfortable adventure. Layered clothing plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and prov...

Top Bicycle Tires for Epic Bikepacking and Bike Touring Adventures Choosing the Right Tire for Your Next Ride Going on a bikepacking or bike touring adventure is a great experience, blending the thrill of exploration with the joy of cycling. However, the success of such an adventure heavily relies on having the right equipment, particularly the right bicycle tires. Choosing the perfect tire can mean the difference between a smooth, enjoyable journey and a challenging ordeal. Let’s delve into the world of bicycle tires suited for bikepacking and bike touring....