My first multi day bike packing trip

[GirlBikeVan]

Hey all,

Monday morning i'll be embarking on my first multi day bike packing trip...On me tod!

Fascinated with the idea of adventure from the doorstep i've plotted a 4 day, 300k route from Leeds, taking in Appletreewick, Gisburn, Askrigg and many meandering quiet roads and bridleways in between. Aptly named the GBV300

More than a little nervous...Weather looks a bit showery (and cold at night) and i've decided to only pack a tarp instead of my tent. I'll have the option of a bothy on one of the nights and considering i've never stayed in one it'll be quite an adventure.

At roughly 50 miles a day the effort needed will also be new to me. I believe i'm more than fit enough though.

To make it a little easier i'm dropping in at friends houses along the way to say hi. Guess you could call that my safety net.

Got all the right kit including a titanium mug and mini brew kit for morning coffee. Even have a pillow! My mat is an Exped UL9 so that should keep me warm.

Would be nice to share my journey with like minded people. I'd call this a beginner to multi day trips bike packing route with plenty of civilisation (aka village cafes and pubs!)

If you see a girl on a rigid Trek Stache with Alpkit all over it say hi.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I'm sure you'll be fine and have a great time Sandra - don't over think stuff and stay flexible. It might not go quite according to plan but that doesn't mean it's gone wrong

[GirlBikeVan]

I'm sure you'll be fine and have a great time Sandra - don't over think stuff and stay flexible. It might not go quite according to plan but that doesn't mean it's gone wrong

Good advice, thanks.

[middleagedmadness]

Don't think I've ever had a trip go to plan ,not sure I'd know what to do if I did ,all the best and when it goes wrong remember it adds to the stories later

[PaulB2]

Yeah, don't take a stove, pot and gas canister and then leave the bag of food and coffee on the kitchen table and then discover that fact the first night when you're nowhere near a supply point.

[GirlBikeVan]

Yeah, don't take a stove, pot and gas canister and then leave the bag of food and coffee on the kitchen table and then discover that fact the first night when you're nowhere near a supply point.

I'll be sure not to do that...Although grass is nutritious!

[FLV]

Have fun. Sounds like a lovely trip

[redefined_cycles]

Have fun. Sounds like a lovely trip

+1 to this

[benp1]

I'm actually not sure if I've had a trip not go to plan

That's largely because the plan is generally so loose that most events would fit broadly within the plan. Thankfully I've not had to call out MRT, that would surely be not on plan. Route changes, minor crashes, sketchy crossings/descents, difficult sections - If I'm having fun then I'm on plan

[middleagedmadness]

Winter Bivi ,Ben ,I think walking down Minton batch is definitely not what you imagined you'd be doing that morning

[benp1]

Winter Bivi ,Ben ,I think walking Ng down Minton batch is definitely not what you imagined you'd be doing that morning

Oh yeah, good point actually

I also had two slow crashes on ice on the top of the Mynd before Minton Batch, that also wasn't part of the plan!

But the plan for the weekend was 'broadly' to have fun, and that was definitely had . Partly thanks to other amusing ice-based incidents. It would have been nice to ride the descent though, having cycled up the blooming hill!

[middleagedmadness]

It certainly was a good weekend ,looking forward to this year's wherever it maybe

[Escape Goat]

I'm rather jealous! Sounds like a great trip!

[RIP]

It was - one of the best. Look out for adverts for the coming Winter Bivi (only 6 months away, MaM knows I get a bit premature ( as with so many things ) ) in all fashionable colour supplements...

[middleagedmadness]

It was - one of the best. Look out for adverts for the coming Winter Bivi (only 6 months away, MaM knows I get a bit premature ( as with so many things ) ) in all fashionable colour supplements...

Same time , same place but maybe we actually get to do a full ride this year ,anyhows what's happened to G.B.V ,where's the stories ,there has to be some for her first trip

[RIP]

Same time, same place? Well I don't see why not! That boozer in Bridges will need to sharpen its act up though if they want our custom again. GBV? Who's that then, I'm bein' a bit fick 'ere? "Geriatric Bike Veteran"? - could be me.

[middleagedmadness]

Same time, same place? Well I don't see why not! That boozer in Bridges will need to sharpen its act up though if they want our custom again. GBV? Who's that then, I'm bein' a bit fick 'ere? "Geriatric Bike Veteran"? - could be me.

See opening post reg and user name, we got a bit off topic(as per usual ) just trying to bring back on topic and genuinely interested to hear the stories

[RIP]

. What naughty boys we are. Sorry GB - well, treat this as an invitation to our Winter Bivi .

[GirlBikeVan]

Hey all,

The trip didn't go to plan! However it evolved into something I could manage to complete.

3 days, one horrendous bivi in the rain and one night at a friend's

All in all 245k. The hardest thing I've ever done.

Not sure how to post links on here but if you search gbv245 on YouTube I put a video together.

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80vPQC68qb0

Sorry, it's 8 minutes long and a tad honest.

GirlBikeVan is my brand and username. I set up an MTB club for women a couple of years ago. Proud to be on the Cycling UK 100 women in cycling list for 2018.

The club is dormant for now as I've changed job (posty) and only have Sunday's off. I've chosen to use them to explore my riding more :)

[RIP]

"Do I feel a failure? Absolutely not"

[sean_iow]

And "This is a holiday not a race" is good advice I'll have to remember that.

[Bearbonesnorm]

And "This is a holiday not a race" is good advice I'll have to remember that.

Just not while you're racing eh

[RIP]

" I'll have to remember that" - but not take a blind bit of notice . Am in awe of your race/event achievements Sean.

(edit: snap, Stu)

[sean_iow]

I do like a non-racing ride, I just forget to go on them

[middleagedmadness]

Good woman (especially in the pint shop ,no need for food when Guinness is available) we told you there would be stories and good memories no matter what