The Power of Saying Yes: My First Bikepacking Adventure
The email arrived from a friend with an invitation to go bikepacking. After a few seconds of thought, I hit “reply,” and typed: “Yes!”
I said yes because I love a good adventure. I love trying new things, and I love connecting with friends—both old and new.
Now here's the thing... I have never camped before. I have never gone bikepacking. And I have none of the gear. I know! Shocking! Me, a lover of the outdoors, travel and adventure has never camped, never slept outdoors. I’m in my early 50s, this seems to be the right time to try something new.
My bike is a race bike, not a touring bike with mounts for bags. I don’t have a tent, a sleeping bag, a camping pillow, or a sleeping pad. I have nothing, including experience, that is needed.
Actually, that’s not entirely true. I had one very important piece of equipment: a credit card. And a second one, just as critical: YouTube.
With a deep breath and a new sense of purpose, the research began.
Trying something new is so exciting, but it’s also a little terrifying. There were no previous experiences to limit my expectations, but there are plenty of worries. My biggest one? How will I get out of my tent and to the bathroom in the middle of the night? (I’m of the age of recurrent midnight bathroom visits.)
I realized that every big adventure, whether it’s a new hobby or a career change, can be broken down. When faced with a new challenge, I think of a simple framework I call the T.O.S.S. Method. If I don’t have what I need, how do I get it? If I can’t get what I need, can I even do what I want? It’s a road map from that initial “Yes” to accomplishing your goal.
T.O.S.S:
Tools
Opportunities
Skills
Supports
Tools:
In this situation, tools is another way to say gear. Do I have the right kit, the right bike, the things needed for actual camping?
I had my bike (as previously mentioned, racing bike, not a touring bike. The deep set carbon wheels may have been a bit of overkill). And I had the basic kit: helmet, shorts, jersey. I even had to decide on the smallest of tools: which bike shoes to wear? Clipless or flat pedals? I chose flat pedals and regular shoes for better walkability. Everything else—the tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and bags to pack everything in—I had to buy. My credit card was about to get a workout. Thankfully I found a lot of gear on clearance or on sale. I didn’t feel the need to buy the best equipment available. I decided to go with “good enough”. Knowing this was my 1st time, there was a chance I wouldn’t like this and didn’t want to be left with an abundance of expensive gear. If I like it, I can always update what I bought.
Opportunity:
I had the time. With a flexible work schedule, I knew I could take the two days off, plus the two days of travel for the seven-hour car ride to our starting point. I also had the opportunity to try this new thing with friends. They provided me the opportunity to ask questions and learn from them. The opportunity was there, and I was ready to seize it.
Skills:
For this particular situation, I knew I had some of the skills. I knew I could ride the distance—25 miles down a canal towpath to a campground, with dinner in town, then 25 miles back the next day. But I didn’t know how to set up a tent, or how to pack my bike to stay balanced. The good news? These were skills I could develop once I had the tools. I could practice setting up the tent I bought.
Support:
I had the built in support for this journey! My coach was one of the people leading this adventure. I had another friend who initially sent out the invite. I knew I would be riding with them, and other of their friends. I knew my friends are cool, I made a logical assumption that their friends would also be wonderful! These friends gave me a place to stay before and after bikepacking. They set up a zoom call for other newbies with somebody much more experienced. They created a safe place to try this new adventure!
The Adventure:
The day arrived to set out on a loaded bike, down a canal tow path from Akron to Camp Fulton, Ohio. I will admit, I was a little nervous and my bike was a bit wobbly!! I knew I was well prepared, but nerves always show up when trying something new. The nerves melted away after the 1st few pedal strokes. Conversations started, new connections were built and I got to see a part of the country that I have never seen before. Our journey took us through urban Akron, through more rural areas and some forested sections. After a couple of hours we set up camp in Canal Fulton.
My first time setting up my tent went well!! The skills I had practiced paid off! We went into town at a tavern for dinner, followed by ice cream for dessert. Some then went to a winery for drinks and music, while 3 of us took on the mini-golf offered at the camp ground. After a full day, we each climbed into our tents to get some sleep.
I can’t say I actually slept. I tossed, I turned, I sweat as the weather was very hot…..The next morning, we got up, backed up our tents, packed up our bikes, headed to town for breakfast and then back on the canal back to Akron.
I enjoyed my 1st bikepacking trip. Using the T.O.S.S. Method, the adventure went well. I learned some important lessons that I look forward to bringing to future bikepacking journeys. Now I’m looking for ideas? Where should go next? I’m thinking C&O or the Erie Canal. What equipment do you use? What would you never leave home without?
