I’ve finally managed to get back to bike packing, and I’m really hoping to keep it up.
I used to do quite a bit of touring in my 20s. I cycled across Canada, and cycled a bunch around Scandinavia and Germany. It was a great pleasure and privilege to be able to spend my time doing that. I never had any fancy gear or very much money, which in a way made the trips even better. It often forced me to think out of the box, and I found this way of travelling to be rich not only in experiences in nature, but also in interactions with the people I would meet on the way. I’ve had so many unforgettable adventures thanks to my bike. It was also attainable for me on a low income. If you’ve got a bike, a tent, and some cheap food, you’re good to go.
But I have realised, of course, that the biggest resources I need to spend on getting out on my longer trips on my bike are time and energy. Since having kids and dealing with health problems, it has been harder to draw from both those wells.
I’ve missed it…and it’s so good to be out again. I started small, a 2-day trip last weekend, and this weekend I enjoyed 3 days around Skåne in Sweden. Cycling and wild camping, such a life to be living!
In the photo is my new set-up. I’m still experimenting a bit with what should go where. I have my tent at the front, sleeping bag, clothes, and random camping equipment at the back, tools and bike lock in the frame bag, and my sleeping mat on the front fork. It felt really agile and fun to ride, and I’m looking forward to downsizing my gear a bit more.
Anyways, it’s given me a buzz to be back out there and I wanted to share with other people who share the enthusiasm for bike packing, since I also enjoy reading all your posts 🙂
by dip-sheet