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<p className="readable-intro"><a href="https://alastairhumphreys.com/microadventures-3/" target="_blank">Microadventures</a> are just that—small adventures that get you outside and are meant to leave you feeling refreshed rather than exhausted. Not every outing needs to be an epic feat of endurance. Follow Lew and his friend Scott as they plan and take a fun ride from Edinburgh, Scotland back to their homes in the north of England.</p>

<p className="readable">If you're reading this, you're probably wondering how to fit more cycling and adventure into your life. You might even be planning a trip or expedition to get your fix. For some of us it's adrenaline that fills our needs; for others, it's slower-paced rides in wide open spaces. Regardless of which adventure is your ideal, it may also be true that you never manage to scratch that grand adventure itch. Life can get complicated, and other commitments can easily put an end to plans before the trip has even begun. But what if there was a way to bring adventure into your life without having to sacrifice daily commitments and responsibility?</p>

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<p className="readable">The microadventure, a term popularised by <a href="https://alastairhumphreys.com/" target="_blank">Alastair Humphreys</a>, is a perfect way to scratch that itch without risk of disrupting 'regular life'...whatever that may be for you. A microadventure is exactly what it sounds like: an adventure that is short, local, and cheap—yet it is still fun, challenging, and rewarding. They are the perfect way to get outside, experience some wild landscapes, and then return back home with stories to tell.</p>

<p className="readable">Adventures don't have to be grand affairs. How often do you return home from a big expedition or vacation only to be more tired than before you left? Microadventures can be as simple as swimming in a river, cooking tea on a camp stove, hitching a hammock and reading a book in the woods—all twists on everyday activities, with an aim to scratch that adventure itch. Microadventures focus on the (short) journey, rather than the destination. </p>


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<p className="readable">After being introduced to Alastair online, I began following his writing intently. I watched his films and read his book, <a href="https://alastairhumphreys.com/product/ask-an-adventurer/" target="_blank">Ask An Adventurer</a>. I soon found that inspiration was at a high. I saw how adventure could be found in everyday places, how it doesn't need superhuman feats, and how accessible a sense of accomplishment can be. Reading Alastair's book cemented that drive to find adventure was within me too. And that's really the aim of microadventures: to get people outside. </p>

<center> <div className="quote"> <h3>“Microadventures offer a realistic escape to the great outdoors, without the need to ski to the South Pole or go live in a cabin in Patagonia.”</h3><div className="quote-source"><a href="https://alastairhumphreys.com/" target="_blank">Alastair Humphreys</a>, Author</div></div> </center>

<h3 className="readable-sub">Plan With What You Have</h3>

<p className="readable">Here in the UK, we've got swathes of countryside waiting to be explored. Thanks to local bylaws and bridleways, we have the right to public access across so much of the country. It's even better in Scotland where the right to roam is literally law, allowing even more access through acres of wild land. The tracks and trails stretch out between towns and villages providing pockets of space to let the legs turn and the mind wander. I often ride right from my back door and disappear for a few hours before coming back with a smile. But, like many of you, I had a niggling itch for a proper adventure—something bigger—which I just couldn't fulfil with evening cycles. I needed something more.</p>

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<p className="readable">With 8 days free coming up, my good friend Scott and I began planning. At first there was talk of cycling through Europe along the River Rhine on the <a href="https://en.eurovelo.com/ev15" target="_blank">Euro Velo 15 route</a>. This 1500km trail stretches the length of several countries before reaching Switzerland. This would be a grand adventure indeed, and would require careful navigation through countries with different laws and rules. It seemed doable and I began researching more into it. Inevitably, such a trip requires that lots of moving parts fall into place: passports, covid rules, and enough time—more than our alotted 8 days. We also considered the idea of cycling the length of the UK, from tip to toe; this, however, would also take too long. </p>

<h3 className="readable-sub">It Doesn't Have To Be Big</h3>

<p className="readable">Inspired by Alistair Humphries and the idea of microadventures, we did a pivot and took our plan in a totally different direction: we would take the train to Edinburgh, Scotland and then cycle the 200+ miles home, bikes packed with gear, over the next 6 days. We had a rough route in mind but it was otherwise left open to be an adventure. In the end decisions would be made on the fly, and all sense of a planned route disappeared; this ad hoc, minute-by-minute navigation added to the sense of adventure. We'd wild camp when needed and book campsites with showers when we wanted—a series of microadventures. Otherwise, it was a case of turning legs and reaching home before Monday. After settling on the “plan”, we booked our tickets.</p>

<center> <div className="quote"> <h3>No passports, no language barriers, no extra expedition gear. Just an adventure waiting to be had on the journey back home.</h3></div> </center>

<p className="readable">Whilst not quite local, Edinburgh is easily accessible, at just a short train ride away. Once we arrived in the city, we'd head off on a canal path which passed by the station itself and would take us out of the city centre. No passports, no language barriers, no extra expedition gear. Just an adventure waiting to be had on our journey back home. Despite the 200+ mile total, the reality was we had only around 4 hours of cycling each day. Easily achievable, and in comparison to something like the River Rhine or the length of the UK, a true microadventure.</p>

<p className="readable">The beauty of an adventure like this is that it's close to home. Sure, 200 miles in the legs doesn't feel close, but we were no more than a 4-and-a-half-hour drive away at the furthest point. We were also pretty close to train lines throughout. While we didn't want to use them, we were comforted knowing that they were there. We were left to just enjoy the beauty of the Scottish landscapes and the views from the hills throughout the north of England.</p>

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<p className="readable">We also had the luxury of dropping into towns and campsites to use shops and showers, and enjoyed many pub lunches and even a takeaway pizza. In the midst of empty wilderness civilization was never far away, and with it all the familiar comforts.</p>

<h3 className="readable-sub">Wrapping Up</h3>

<p className="readable">Adventure doesn't have to be something that pushes the limits of your abilities. Cycling one night into the hills with a tent and torch can be an adventure. Rising with the sun for your return home is also a journey worth doing. Make your adventure as small as you like; it's all about how you do it, rather than what you do. With microadventures, we can all scratch that itch more often.</p>

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Not every outing needs to be an epic feat of endurance. Follow Lew and Scott as they ride from Edinburgh, Scotland to the north of England.

Microadventures: How To Fit More Cycling Into Life


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<p markdown="1" className="readable-intro">We have all seen them, those huge tables of numbers that do little more than intimidate. Understanding geomtery is the key to choosing the right bike. Let's demystify some of the numbers and get you started.</p>

<p className="readable">Ask yourself a few questions like, “Do I need a bike for gravel racing or climbing steep hills?” or, “Am I looking for power and optimized aerodynamics?”. Questions like these will help you determine the best bike for you. Consider these three main requirements first and feel free to further tailor them to your liking from there. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub"> Position </h5>

<p className="readable">A relaxed rider position will provide longevity and stronger endurance. Placing the rider in an upright position allows them to breathe easier and balance their center of gravity. If you're planning on long backcountry adventures, choosing a relaxed geometry <a href="/bikes/hardtail">hardtail</a> is the way to go.</p>

<p className="readable">Comparatively, the aggressive rider position of many <a href="/bikes/gravel">gravel bikes</a> will improve power and give you the advantage of speed. Positioned to help you lean forward for more efficient wind resistance and powerful pedal strokes. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub">Steering </h5>

<p className="readable"> Choosing between slow or fast steering can be more complicated than you might think. Slow steering provides the rider with the ability to feel more stable and perform better at high speeds. Fast steering will allow the rider to have more control over the path the bicycle is taking and dodging debris. </p>

<p className="readable"> For those traveling at a face pace, slow steering is the best choice for a stable ride. Otherwise, choosing fast steering for biking on roads will increase your ability to control the bike and avoid accidents. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub">Turning </h5>

<p className="readable">Otherwise known as cornering, bikes can either have stable cornering or nimble cornering. Stable cornering allows the bike to smoothly turn with you in a controlled motion at high speeds. Nimble cornering is good for stable turning at lower speeds. </p>

<p className="readable"> Depending on your personal speed goals, stable is best for speed racers. Nimble is a good choice for leisure riders and those who require a tighter turn radius. </p>

<h3 className="readable-sub">The Geometry of a Bike </h3>

<p className="readable">Let's explore the full geometry of a bike, starting with each individual part. The dynamics of each piece work together to create the best experience for the rider depending on how they choose to use the bicycle. By combining all optimized parts together leads to better achievement and endurance. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub">Frame Size </h5>

<p className="readable">Though most retailers sell bikes in small, medium, and large, these sizes aren't exactly dependable. Choosing a customized bike based upon the length of the seat tube is a far better way to guarantee a comfortable stable ride. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub" id="seattube"> Seat Tube Length and Angle </h5>

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    <Image width={3} height={2} layout={'responsive'} src="/learn/understanding-geom/seattube.svg" alt="Bike geometry - seat tube length"/>
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<p className="readable"> The seat tube is located below the top tube in front of the back wheel. This tube keeps you well centered and does not vary further than 71-75 degree angles. Using this measurement to find the perfect bike size for you ensures your bike will be optimized and ready for your specific needs. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub" id="reachstack">Stack and Reach </h5>

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<p className="readable"> The stack and reach are responsible for the most important elements of a bicycle. The two tubes reaching from the front of the bike to the back, one connecting to the pedals, the other to the seat tube. The stack will tell you how tall the frame of the bicycle is while the reach will tell you how long the frame is. This can help you decide between different styles of bicycle and which will best fit your body type. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub" id="toptube"> Top Tube Length </h5>

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<Image width={3} height={2} layout={'responsive'} src="/learn/understanding-geom/toptube.svg" alt="Bike geometry - top tube length"/>
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<p className="readable"> The top tube measures the distance between the frame and the seat. This will determine how high or low you are seated. You can use the measurement of the top tube to gauge stack and reach measurements and compare different models. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub" id="headtube"> Head Tube Length and Angle </h5>

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<Image width={3} height={2} layout={'responsive'} src="/learn/understanding-geom/headtube.svg" alt="Bike geometry - head tube length"/>
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<p className="readable"> The head tube resides right under the handlebars connecting the front wheel and the frame of the bike. The angle of the head tube can either be slack or steep. A steep head tube provides more controlled steering for road biking, while a slack head tube gives you stability for fast rides. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub" id="forkrake"> Fork Rake and Fork Offset </h5>

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<Image width={3} height={2} layout={'responsive'} src="/learn/understanding-geom/forkrake.svg" alt="Bike geometry - fork rake and fork offset"/>
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<p className="readable"> The steerer tube runs from the head tube all the way down to the front wheel axle. A fork rake is the best choice for a road bike and offers a straight line down for stability. A fork offset is preferred for mountain biking and will provide fast steering with control. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub" id="chainstay"> Chainstay Length </h5>

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<Image width={3} height={2} layout={'responsive'} src="/learn/understanding-geom/chainstay.svg" alt="Bike geometry - chainstay length"/>
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<p className="readable"> The chainstay is located between the gears of the back wheel and the pedals. Choosing the length of your chainstay will offer different benefits. Long chainstays keep you stable and create a longer wheelbase. Shorter chainstays provide crisp movement and controlled handling. </p>

<h5 className="readable-sub"> Bottom Bracket Height and Drop </h5>

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<Image width={3} height={2} layout={'responsive'} src="/learn/understanding-geom/bb.svg" alt="Bike geometry - bottom bracket"/>
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<p className="readable" id="bb"> The bottom bracket connects the crankset to the bike.Consider length from pedal to ground, higher is typically better for off-road bikes. </p>

<h3 className="readable-sub"> Understanding Your New Bike </h3>

<p className="readable" style={{marginBottom: '32px'}}> Whether you choose a bike for increased performance speed, traveling, adventures, or pleasure, knowing the geometry of your bike is crucial. With the right information choosing an ideal bike is easier than ever. So what are you waiting for? Use your new knowledge to find your perfect fit and start riding! </p>

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Understanding geomtery is the key to choosing the right bike for you.

Learn

Microadventures: How To Fit More Cycling Into Life

Understanding Bike Geometry: A Guide for Beginners

Learn

Microadventures: How To Fit More Cycling Into Life

Understanding Bike Geometry: A Guide for Beginners

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