Using ultra-endurance occasions or an prolonged bikepacking journey could be fairly a bit completely different from a giant time out that finally ends up again within the comforts of dwelling. What are a few of the mindset suggestions and psychological methods to get you thru?
Since I received into bikepacking again in 2021, yearly has featured a number of large adventures. They had been all completely different, from solo to driving with a single longtime buddy, to a three-day trip with two guys I’d by no means met however who’ve since grow to be shut buddies. Some had been open-ended in each day schedule, whereas others had been constrained by having to be at a sure place at a sure date (e.g., bikepacking to a gravel race). Some had been bank card journeys near dwelling with a bailout possibility, whereas in Iceland we introduced all the pieces and something wanting a full disaster was simply going to must be handled.
My gang of 5 from Iceland 2024 shall be doing our model of the Tree to Sea loop on the northern tip of Vancouver Island the primary week of June.
I’m positively no Jenny Graham, Lael Wilcox, or Mark Beaumont. However I figured it’d be helpful to jot down some reminders to myself about mentally sort out an ultra-adventure.
It Will Get Higher…and Worse…
No journey took me as far out of my consolation zone as did our Iceland journey in 2024. The surroundings was as gorgeous as you may think.
The terrain and problem was additionally approach past something any of us had skilled earlier than. Holding your fully-laden bike down to stop it from turning right into a kite as you’re getting buffeted by 80+ kmh crosswinds on uncovered ridges could be a actual bummer. As can the 20th icy chilly river crossing of the day. This led to a few of the highest of highs, and in addition the bottom of lows mentally.
My favorite nature photograph from Iceland.
You’ve possible heard this earlier than, however holding a good emotional keel is totally crucial. It actually was a case of appreciating the splendor round me however not getting overwhelmed by it. And when it grew to become a grind, I stored telling myself that no low lasts endlessly, and that all the pieces will rebound and even out once more.
Having a way of humour about issues additionally positively helps. Bear in mind, you selected to do that, so embrace the nice and the absurd!
How Do You Eat an Elephant?
The reply, after all, is “one chew at a time.”
The identical is true with any trip that’s longer/more durable/stranger than regular. You may drive your self psychological for those who begin telling your self “24 km down, 298 km to go” or “2 climbs finished, 9 to go.” Don’t do it.
The twentieth icy river crossing and large uphill of the day can put on on you. Preserving rely simply makes it worse.
Staying within the second is crucial. Preserve your give attention to what you possibly can management and the method. This contains managing your diet and hydration; stretching or altering positions; or simply plain specializing in the surroundings.
Recognize the right here and now. Don’t get too forward of your self.
Distress (and enjoyable!) Loves Firm
Some folks thrive within the solo journey, and there’s definitely one thing to be stated for the entire freedom and autonomy whenever you’re by yourself. One man who was driving an analogous route as us in Iceland solo is at the moment driving solo from the Yukon right down to BC after which the Tour Divide.
Iain (again in black) is a solo journey hero.
Extra energy to him, however – whereas I do most of my driving at dwelling solo and adore it – I’ve realized that adventures are much more enjoyable for me once they’re shared with somebody. In addition to the psychological consolation of realizing that you simply’re not alone in case something goes unsuitable, I discover that the shared expertise – and shared exhaustion – brings out deeper conversations and cements friendships.
The one bit of canopy earlier than dealing with hours of 80+ km/h crosswinds.
And what’s extra enjoyable that chirping your driving buddies for years afterwards about one thing silly that you simply did collectively?
What Else Do You Should Do At the moment?
When driving round dwelling, there’s all the time a time strain or issues that it’s good to get finished again dwelling. So whereas biking is an escape for many people, it’s by no means a real escape from actual life realities. So whereas I take pleasure in my café stops throughout weekend group rides, there’s all the time part of my mind saying “let’s get going” in order that I can get dwelling and get on with my day.
In distinction, whenever you’re out for an extremely or multi-day journey, it’s really an escape since you actually don’t have anything else to do however get from Level A to Level B (or typically an improvised Level C). It takes a little bit of getting used to, but it surely’s additionally fairly liberating whenever you reorient your self to essentially spending a full day doing one factor relatively than serious about all of the issues ready again dwelling.
Our largest day in Iceland was 67 km, with about 8 h of driving time however almost 13 h whole.
In addition to two lengthy lunch stops, we additionally detoured to dry out in a mountain hut for a few hours, brewing espresso and chatting with the volunteer wardens. That was along with snack breaks, stops to admire the surroundings, and so forth. Again dwelling, that quantity of stopping would’ve pushed me loopy. However right here, such diversions had been your complete level.
Settle in. Benefit from the time and expertise.
Abstract
Extremely-rides and bikepacking adventures are actually a special beast bodily and mentally from rides round dwelling. If you happen to haven’t tried it earlier than, there’s no higher time than now!
Journey far and have enjoyable!
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