SOUNDS GREAT! WHERE SHOULD I GO?
Wherever you fancy! That’s the beauty of it! It’s a good idea to start small and local and build your experience. You don’t need to ride a million miles away to find a camping or a bivvy spot. A ride out on a Friday or Saturday night to return the next day and you will learn a lot about what you should carry and what you don’t need, without getting stuck too far out in the wilderness! It is also a good idea to set a bothy as destination; there are several in the north of the UK, but make sure you are familiar with the bothy code of conduct if you are new to it. Check out the Mountain Bothy Association for more information.
We are fortunate in the UK to have some incredible and well established long distance mountain bike bikepacking routes; look up the Yorskshire Dales 300, The Capital Trail, (starting in Edinburgh) or for the truly hardcore, the Lakeland 200 or the mighty Cairngorms Loop!
(Take note: these routes must be approached with experience and caution and require navigational skills).
Image Credit: @reizkultur
For a more gentle introduction to off-road bikepacking, how about taking on the Sandstone Way, ideal for a Gravel Bike, or an XC Bike, with some overnight stays in some beautiful Northumbrian villages? Berwick to Hexham; it’s right on our doorstep!
When many of us are making the most of our local area, there is no better time to start bikepacking. It’s a simple pleasure that opens your eyes to adventure from your front door.
If you have any questions about bikepacking, speak to Team Cycles staff or feel free to contact our Team Cycles bikepacking enthusiast and cycle coach @richrothwellcycling and he will point you in the right direction!