My first trip of 2019

[Loki]

I am off to a very late start this year, illness and being a lame ass are to blame. This trip was good and a change of mind set has come from it, I am off again at the end of the month but I am going to be making some changes to my kit, stepping away from a light weight low drag set up to something a little more roomy.

https://slowlycycling.wordpress.com/201 ... et-button/

[redefined_cycles]

Well done fella. Nice setup I notice in the writeup. What panniers have you got there upfront? and how many litres. I might decide on something like this for the winter as I do like a good luxurious ride

[Loki]

The bags are Ortleib Roller Classic 20L bags, I am going to look into the idea of swapping to 4 12.5l pannier bags, probably Ortleib Sport roller plus, I like having the extra space for a change of clothes,or bringing along extra food/camera.

[darbeze]

The very fact that you are out, on your bike is a massive point not to be overlooked.

It is so easy when we feel down and very negative about ourselves to let it get the better of us. This will rob us of the positive effect of getting off our arses and getting outside.

Good on you for getting out, despite the anxiety.

Si

[thenorthwind]

I don't particularly suffer from anxiety (unlike my partner who has at times) but bikepacking, or more accurately, preparing for bikepacking does tend to bring it out of me - have I got everything I need? Will I be too cold? What if it rains? Will I get eaten by bears? Will I get mugged? Will I miss the train? (If it involves non-bicycle travel, the potential for anxiety is even worse.) Etc. Etc.

So I admire you for saying yes, going and doing it (however small you may think it - it's more than most people would even consider), dealing with the anxiety, making the most of it anyway, and sharing the experience afterwards. Thanks.

And you got some beautiful photos - one benefit of being up before the sun.

Here's to the next trip.

[Loki]

I don't particularly suffer from anxiety (unlike my partner who has at times) but bikepacking, or more accurately, preparing for bikepacking does tend to bring it out of me - have I got everything I need? Will I be too cold? What if it rains? Will I get eaten by bears? Will I get mugged? Will I miss the train? (If it involves non-bicycle travel, the potential for anxiety is even worse.) Etc. Etc.

So I admire you for saying yes, going and doing it (however small you may think it - it's more than most people would even consider), dealing with the anxiety, making the most of it anyway, and sharing the experience afterwards. Thanks.

And you got some beautiful photos - one benefit of being up before the sun.

Here's to the next trip.

Thanks, I need to take more photo's when out, it has been some time since anxiety last hit me, that was a full melt down, sat in the car shaking and in tears. I have been pretty good at reading what triggers it and taking steps to manage it better. The next trip for me is the end of the month.

[mountainposture]

Anxiety is sh*t so really pleased for you that you did get out and that you have coping techniques. And lovely pics