Life is busy! Terence and I live at a rapid pace and moving from one location to the next take good planning, teamwork and excellent communication. Our recent conversations have been about "gaining" days" and "losing days" and what it means to add value to each and every day we live. Keeping life simple, and doing what we love together, where we can is always a top priority. We won't be here forever and once this day is over we won't be getting it back. Time is precious!
We spent almost 24 hours of ride time on our bikes. This (almost) 300km journey, with 5000m of elevation gain, started in Nottingham Road and journeyed to Himeville. Here we slept over and then we travelled back. The main objective was to learn - learn about valuable bike packing necessities, testing out equipment, gear, layering for minus degree mornings/evenings and hot afternoons. Undoubtedly, we knew too that we would be testing our physical and mental strengths!
5 things I learnt while bike packing included:
Pack light! I was horrified how an extra 11kg made me 6km/h slower than I had anticipated. When I started doing the maths I realised I could run at my riding pace. Pack as light as you can while including all the essentials. There are lighter smaller kinds of toothpaste, brushes, hairbrushes, and sun creams etc. All these little necessities add up - be smart when packing.
Taking quality gear that protects you from any weather variable is worth carrying. Everything I packed I wore at least twice (except my rain jacket, a fresh pair of socks and a bra). On that note, make sure you have good lights (and spare batteries) on your bike. You may find yourself starting early in the morning and finishing late at night. You want to be able to see and feel as safe and visible as possible
If you come across a river - fill your bottles up, unless of course, you know the route. You never know where the next water point may be - staying hydrated is important.
Choose a variety of high-calorie snacks (and meals) that are light and enjoyable. Do your research before you start. See if you are able to have a meal on the route this will save you the weight of carrying extra nutrition.
Get yourself a Spot tracking device. We were travelling in an unknown environment and we felt safe knowing we had a GPS satellite device that did not require a signal. We shared this link with our family and we were lucky enough to be tracked.
Our highlights included our sunrise and sunset moments, river stops, and admiring the snow on the tops of the mountains. We live in such a magnificent country.
My realization was how the adventure is just so accessible to everyone! I encourage you to get out there and explore the roads that add magic to your inner world.
Chi - xx
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