1. Cycle touring life: Gear up and go fast ?! The lifestyle of going the distance, life on a bike and never looking back Cycle touring often evokes images of gentle miles, leisurely lunches and a slow pace; and there's a lot to be said for living life in the slow lane and taking it all in, so is there any point going faster? Many of us dream about a nomadic lifestyle, meandering through the World at the speed of a bicycle but for most of is this doesn’t become a reality. A set number of days annual leave, fitting in family commit...
  2. Bike Touring - The Fundamentals When you think of the term "bike touring", many picture motorcycles, leather jackets and chubby, tattooed, bearded guys on them. While it still may be true for the person on the bike (sometimes), we are talking here about travel on the humble bicycle, usually for long distances. This article is about an amazing mode of travel - bicycle touring. Just what is Bicycle Touring? Simply said, bicycle touring is a type of adventure travel that mixes cycling with backpacking. Unlike standard ...
  3. WHAT DO I BRING ON MY CYCLE TOURING TRIP? Biking for long distances with limited space and having to carry everything you will need is not something to take lightly. Packing for a tour is an art and a bit of a science. There is the question of absolute“musts” or the basics and items that would make the trip maybe more pleasant or comfortable. There is a fine line between carrying enough gear and too much. In my earlier days, I tended to bring WAY too much, and I suffered on those hills for it. On the other hand, being too much of a m...
  4. 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. Mental Toughness: Psychological Techniques to Overcome Ride Fatigue When you're grinding up that seemingly endless mountain pass or battling headwinds across a barren desert, it's not just your legs screaming for a break. Long-distance cycling challenges your mind as much as your body, and often, your mental strength makes the difference between triumph and defeat. Let's dive into the world of mental toughness and explore how you can train your brain to push through those moments when your body is begging you to quit. Understanding Mental Fatigue...
  6. Bike for Personal Growth: Building a Stronger Mind and Body on the Open Road Uncover the mental benefits and transformative power of bike touring. Fulfilment in life involves challenging ourselves and growth. In an era where the hustle of modern life and the digital world often overwhelms us, finding an escape that not only challenges the body but also rejuvenates the mind is precious. Bike touring emerges as a beacon of adventure, offering an immersive way to explore the world, push physical limits, and discover inner strengths. Unlike a leisurely ride in the park, b...
  7. The Bikepacking Sabbatical: The 3-Month Life Reset Let's talk about stepping away from inboxes, burnout, and that desk chair that's wrecking your spine. If you're mid-career and hitting peak "I can't keep doing this," here's what more professionals are doing: take a sabbatical, get on a bike, and ride until you find clarity. Maybe even joy. No keynote speakers. No silent meditation retreats. Just hills, headwinds, and your breathing. Welcome to the bikepacking sabbatical. Why Bikepacking? Why Now? You're not ti...
  8. Which Bikepacking Bundle Is Right for You? A Guide by Trip Type The first bikepacking trip I put together looked like a gear sale blew through my garage. A handlebar roll from one brand. A saddle bag from another. A frame bag that didn't actually fit the frame I owned. Three different buckle systems. It took me longer to pack the bike than to ride the loop. That's the problem with building a setup piece by piece. Bag brands all claim compatibility, but the reality is messier — materials mount differently, volumes don't scale together, and colo...
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  10. 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...
  11. 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...
  12. 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...
  13. 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 ...
  14. 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...
  15. 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...
  16. 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...