
<p className="readable-intro mid"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/followmargopolo/" target="_blank">Tara Weir</a> is a bikepacker with some serious distance and global coverage under her belt. Cycling solo through some of the most remote countries on earth, she has amassed a wealth of knowledge on gear, bike repair and approaches to planning. In this article, Tara summarizes her top five lessons that we can all learn from. Buckle up.</p>

<p className="readable narrow">Bikepacking the planet has taught me more about life than any educational institution ever could. I often ride solo and starting out I had plenty of fears and made many mistakes. To overcome these fears and mistakes, I started doing my research, learning how to invest in the right gear and more. Bikepacking over 42,000km and through 21 countries has taught me many, many valuable lessons. I hope these summaries and anecdotes help you in your journeys.</p>

<h3 className="readable-sub narrow">Lesson One: Mechanical Expertise Isn't Necessary </h3>

<p className="readable narrow">When I decided to cycle a chunk of the planet solo, I predictably was often asked “Well, aren't you afraid?” Sure, we all have our fears. But for me, it wasn't grizzly bear encounters, kidnappings or run-ins with unsavory locals that scared me. I was afraid of my mechanical ineptitude. I was pretty good at changing a flat tire but that was about it. I knew I had to  delve into the world of Youtube mechanics. </p>

<p className="readable narrow">Over my years in the saddle, I had more than a few stressful (now quite hilarious) mechanical mishaps. On a tour in Tibet, I zip tied a broken bottle cage to my frame while accidentally pinching my derailleur cable. I spent hours struggling up a mountain pass in too high of a gear thinking my drive chain was the culprit, until a friend pointed out my ridiculous mistake. In China, I attempted to loosen my stem bolt, breaking off an Allen key head inside. I walked down the street in a small village gesturing wildly after what I had done to anyone who would pay attention to me. A Chinese welder on the street saved the day by welding a chunk of metal to the problem bolt before prying it off. When I got to Tajikistan to cycle the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamir_Mountains" target="_blank">Pamirs</a>, my paltry knowledge was put to the test when I had to true a wobbly wheel. With the help of an app and about an hour of struggle, I once again had a true wheel. I never felt so proud.</p>

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<p className="readable narrow">Things will often work out with a bit of patience, creativity or help from others when available. I would recommend <a href="https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/bike-repair/id382006079" target="_blank">this app</a> for emergency roadside repairs. I also recommend some time watching Youtube videos and familiarizing yourself with your own bike. In some countries, Facebook groups such as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Warmshowers.org/" target="_blank">Warmshowers</a> can help those in a pinch.  Mechanically, I still barely know what I am doing out there, but with about 42,000km under my belt, I am getting by.</p>

<h3 className="readable-sub narrow">Lesson Two: Make It Your Trip, Not Someone Else's </h3>

<p className="readable narrow">Let's admit it, we are all addicted to social media at some level. We are bombarded with images of epic tours traversing the back of beyond. While following Instagram bikepacking stars can be incredibly inspirational, it can also distort our own sense of self. Sometimes, I had to ask myself: “Am I doing this for me, or to impress others?” In past I would catch myself comparing my own journeys to others, thinking that I somehow wasn't hardcore or adventurous enough. This pushed me to create an important test for myself—to take on a long trip completely devoid of social media. I did this on my 2019 ride from British Columbia to the USA/Mexico border following the <a href="https://bikepacking.com/routes/great-divide-mountain-bike-route-gdmbr/" target="_blank">Great Divide</a> and the <a href="https://bikepackingroots.org/project/western-wildlands-route/" target="_blank">Western Wildlands</a> route.</p>

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<p className="readable narrow">On the trip, I felt completely absorbed in the world that I was in, in all its beauty and imperfections. I didn't permanently cut social media out of my traveling life, but, for me, it was important to take a break.  Try to design a bikepacking trip to be as adventurous or as easy as you want. Pace yourself and enjoy the scenery to avoid burning out on a long trip. Unless you are racing, no one is handing out medals. Planning mileage is important when resources are scarce on desolate stretches. Other than that, every day is different - ride as far as you want to. Whatever path you take, at whatever speed, make it your own. </p>

<h3 className="readable-sub narrow">Lesson Three: Invest In The Best Gear You Can (Or Get Good At Fixing Things)</h3>

<p className="readable narrow">Bikepacking is an affordable way to travel. At a minimum, you only need a bicycle and you can get creative from there. Premium bikepacking bags can run from $150-300 each—not exactly what one would call “affordable.” There are many tips and tricks to get people out there bikepacking on a smaller budget with <a href="https://bikepacking.com/tag/myobg/" target="_blank">home-made gear</a>. </p>

<p className="readable narrow">In Laos, I met a track cyclist from Toronto (with quads as thick as my waist) riding a $25 piece of junk single speed that he bought locally. He was grinding up 30km climbs with 80 lbs of gear on the back. He said that he had rebuilt his wheel 3 times in two weeks, but was as happy as could be. If you want to go badly enough, money doesn't matter as much as a good attitude and a willingness to repair things. I won't lie, I hate fixing things. So, I try to buy the best gear I can afford, the stuff that won't  break. </p>

<p className="readable narrow">If you are on a tight budget, don't stress. It can be done. I love meeting cyclists with low end gear cycling the same gnarly routes as the riders with $6000 setups. I just think of the smiling track cyclist busting spokes like it was a hobby in Laos. Until I become a master (or barely competent) wheel builder, I'll gladly fork out the extra cash. </p>

<h3 className="readable-sub narrow">Lesson Four: Connect With Fellow Bike Packers </h3>

<p className="readable narrow">Bikepackers are a unique bunch. As popular as the hobby has become, we are quite a minority and still “crazy” compared to a large part of the population. As a solo rider, I am always happy to come across other bikepackers. We share a certain vision of life that I find difficult to find in everyday society. Many long-term travelers have sacrificed the material Western comforts for a simpler way of life on a bike. </p>

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<p className="readable narrow">I have met an incredible group of two-wheeled travelers in many different countries and even a one-wheeled traveler in Chile. While I greatly enjoy my solo time, connecting with other bikepackers makes for a truly fulfilling journey. If you prefer to travel with company, Facebook groups such <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Warmshowers.org/" target="_blank">Warmshowers</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/309085539288044" target="_blank">Bicycle Touring Companions</a> are good places to search for a possible bikepacking partner. The Adventure Cycling Association also has a page where you can post an ad for a trip <a href=" https://www.adventurecycling.org/adventure-cyclist/companions-wanted/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<h3 className="readable-sub narrow">Lesson Five: In Many Ways, We (Humans) Are The Same</h3>

<p className="readable narrow">As a traveling solo female cyclist, I often felt like I had family members in every country looking out for me. I recall one very memorable experience in Myanmar.  I asked a local if there was a guesthouse in a small village that I was passing through. She nodded, pointing to her own house, saying it was the only “hotel” in the village (it wasn't a real hotel).  It turns out she was a school teacher and a single mother, who had lost everything in a house fire. Through the help of the community she was building her life back again. She paraded me around the village like a celebrity, taking me to the local monastery and multiple homes where I had food shoved in front of me endlessly. This was only one of many offerings of kindness and hospitality around the world. </p>

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<p className="readable narrow"> It was in these moments that I realized that us humans have more in common than we think. Though our ways of life vary drastically across cultures, it seems that ultimately, we are the same. At the core of it, we all need to be fed, to be sheltered, to be protected and to be loved.</p>

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

<p className="readable narrow">Bikepacking has opened me up to an extraordinary way of life. It is hard for me to consider traveling any other way. I want other bikepackers to know that we are capable of more than we may think. I would encourage others to be open to discomfort—to sometimes throw themselves into the wild and away from the insulation of modern life. This is when I experience the greatest rewards, even after I return home to a more “normal” life. The world is massive, but it is tiny at the same time. Get out there and start pedaling. You'll have no regrets. </p>

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Tara is a bikepacker with some serious distance and global coverage under her belt. She has amassed a wealth of knowledge that we can all learn from. Buckle up.

Five Bikepacking Lessons Learned Through 21 Countries

5 Bikepacking Lessons Learned Through 21 Countries


<p className="readable-intro mid"><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 narrow">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 narrow">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 narrow">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 narrow">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 wide"> <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 narrow">Plan With What You Have</h3>

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

<p className="readable narrow">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 wide"> <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 narrow">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 narrow">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 narrow">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 narrow">Wrapping Up</h3>

<p className="readable narrow">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.

Biking Microadventures in the UK

Microadventures: How To Fit More Cycling Into Life


<p className="readable-intro mid">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 narrow">Ask yourself a few questions like, “Do I need a bike for gravel racing or or all day comfort?” 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 narrow"> Position </h5>

<p className="readable narrow">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 hardtail or <a href="/bikes/gravel">gravel bike</a> is the way to go.</p>

<p className="readable narrow">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 narrow">Steering </h5>

<p className="readable narrow"> 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 narrow"> 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 narrow">Turning </h5>

<p className="readable narrow">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 narrow"> 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 narrow">The Geometry of a Bike </h3>

<p className="readable narrow">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 narrow">Frame Size </h5>

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

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


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<Image width={1200} height={800} src="/learn/understanding-geom/seattube.svg" alt="Bike geometry - seat tube length" className="responsive-image"/>
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<p className="readable narrow"> 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 71-77 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 narrow" id="reachstack">Stack and Reach </h5>


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<p className="readable narrow">Stack is the distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the mid point of the head tube. Reach is the horizontal distance from the centre of the bottom bracket to the middle of the head tube. Together these two measurements determine the feel and use of a bike. If you are looking to go fast for racing or whatever reason, look for something with a long reach and short stack (also known as aggressive). If you plan on doing long days in the saddle bikepacking you want to stick to short reach and high stacks (also known as slack or relaxed).</p>

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

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<Image width={1200} height={800} src="/learn/understanding-geom/toptube.svg" alt="Bike geometry - top tube length" className="responsive-image"/>
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<p className="readable narrow">Similar to reach, top tube length can help determine the length of a bike and its ride. There are a few ways to measure top tube length. In todays world, top tube length is measured as an imaginary level tube that runs from the center of the seat post to the top of the head tube.</p>

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

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<Image width={1200} height={800} src="/learn/understanding-geom/headtube.svg" alt="Bike geometry - head tube length" className="responsive-image"/>
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<p className="readable narrow"> 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 narrow" id="forkrake"> Fork Rake and Fork Offset </h5>

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<Image width={1200} height={800} src="/learn/understanding-geom/forkrake.svg" alt="Bike geometry - fork rake and fork offset" className="responsive-image"/>
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<p className="readable narrow">Fork rake or offset is the measured distance from the steering axis to the front axle. Fork offset is linked to the Trail of the bike. Together these two measurement's affect a bike's wheelbase and handling. </p>

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

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<Image width={1200} height={800} src="/learn/understanding-geom/chainstay.svg" alt="Bike geometry - chainstay length" className="responsive-image"/>
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<p className="readable narrow">The length from the centre of the bottom bracket to the centre of the rear dropouts. Long chainstays keep you stable and create a longer wheelbase. Shorter chainstays provide crisp movement and controlled handling. </p>

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

<div className="narrow" style={{backgroundColor: 'white', padding: '32px', borderRadius: '8px', marginBottom: '24px'}}>
<Image width={1200} height={800} src="/learn/understanding-geom/bb.svg" alt="Bike geometry - bottom bracket" className="responsive-image"/>
</div>

<p className="readable narrow" 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 narrow"> Understanding Your New Bike </h3>

<p className="readable narrow"> 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>


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

Understanding Bike Geometry: A Guide for Beginners

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