It has long been known that cycling is not only a form of physical activity, but also a gateway to rest, contact with nature and discovering the world. This is a type of movement based on the stress relief and minimalism needed in life. Bikepacking may be the answer to all these needs.
What is bikepacking?
It's a philosophy , i.e. the art of traveling by bike with everything you need, but in a minimalist version. Bikepacking differs from the age-old bicycle tourism mainly in the distribution of the bicycle's center of gravity, by mounting bags with luggage on the bicycle frame and handlebar, instead of classic panniers on the rear rack. The above-mentioned bikepacking-style center of gravity increases the bike's controllability. Additionally, the bicycle's packing geometry allows it to be used in less accessible places, such as mountain paths and narrow paths between trees and other objects.
Bikepacking is for everyone!
Now think: what if you didn't just pass through your favorite forest, meadow, or lake, but stayed here for an hour or two, maybe overnight? Maybe after work, go off the beaten path, sit on the grass or on a fallen tree trunk, drink coffee, look into space and eat dinner? It can be done, you only need a few things.
A bike with a bag that won't land on your back
Regardless of what kind of bike you ride, it is worth adapting it to accommodate all your equipment. During a one-day trip, a bag on the handlebar or under the saddle will come in handy. On long trips with overnight stays, it is worth having a bike (like our Koloride) with additional bags and holes on the rear and front fork, enabling the installation of racks, more bags or panniers.
Remember, bikepacking does not require a special bike, the best one is the one you have and works well in the area you frequent.
A little time and a break from the four walls
Do you have an afternoon or weekend free? This is a good opportunity to spend time in a nearby park, forest or lake. Ready-made sandwiches and your favorite snacks, a thermos with a drink or a water bottle are the basics. Nothing tastes as good as eating outdoors. Do you like to meditate, read books, draw, take photos, cook, make coffee or do nothing? Pack your bags with what you need and a comfortable seat: a small blanket, a mat or a hammock.
Accommodation in harmony with nature
When trips lasting several hours are no longer enough, it is worth considering another adventure - exploring new spaces and spending the night outdoors. This option requires more thoughtful solutions, primarily regarding packing luggage, place and method of sleeping, clothing, catering and adapting everything to the season and prevailing weather conditions. It's best to start the adventure in the company of an experienced person - two heads are better than one, and a good start is the best start!
Over time, it will become clear which technical and logistic solutions work best. Give yourself time and the right to experiment to gain confidence in your choices and comfort that allows you to fully benefit from what you came for - being in nature.
You are not alone!
The bikepacker community is a big family. On the Internet and in you can easily find guides, forums and sales exchanges with equipment and accessories, as well as local groups organizing one-day trips and longer bicycle camps.
The advantages of bikepacking in a nutshell
- being physically active
- mere joy - recharging the body with endorphins
- clearing the head
- supplementing vitamin D on sunny days
- direct experience of the soothing effect of greenery for at least half a year
- functioning in rhythm nature
- devoting time to your needs
- gaining new skills and self-confidence
- practicing minimalism - reducing the amount of luggage you take, only the most necessary things
- your bike is still steerable
- ability to travel practically everywhere
- exploring space, getting to know new places and people
- low budget, and after collecting the appropriate equipment, costs even decrease
- independent and self-sufficient
Or maybe you feel other benefits from your bikepacking experiences? The point of view depends on where you sit, so if you feel like it, share your opinion with us.
With this entry, we start the BIKEPACKING WITH KOLORIDE series, in which, without a mentor's narration, we will show you the simple and practical possibilities of light cycling. All content will be based on our everyday life and bicycle walkers in the field. We'll see how it goes, stay tuned ????
Hania, Bajkowy Rower
