8 Day Micro Adventure - Through my eyes
New shelter -- Old shelter
I had my first micro adventure of the year, starting exactly one year from the date that I set off to bike around America. The start date was a pure coincidence, but one that was not lost on me. It was a challenging trip as I set out on my Salsa Fargo to bikepack to Scotland. I had spent only a little bit of time planning the trip, so it was a big surprise to me within a day or two of setting out the conditions informed me that I was totally out of my mind.
A few modifications to my kit, an adjusted attitude, and a new objective of just exploring was all that I needed to get me back on track. The Salsa Fargo continues to handle every and all tasks that I give it. This trip saw me riding on asphalt, cobblestones, dirt roads and single track trails. It was the perfect test for my new Porcelain Rocket bikepacking kit which performed flawlessly. I have a video up that highlights how the bags were set up and what kit was stored where. Since I had to deal with conditions that would range from 20F to 50F along with snow, rain, sleet and sun, it was quite the challenge getting the right gear selected and stored in the frame bags. In the end, I think I adjusted quite nicely and found a good mix of gear to keep me dry and warm.
The trip provided me a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and find the silence of travel that I so love. There is something special about going to sleep under a tarp in the middle of the woods, nothing more than the wind moving the trees and the moon rising high up in the sky. Snuggled in a warm sleeping bag, it is amazing how one can drift off at 6:00 and not wake until 12 hours later. A good day of hard riding or paddling, coupled with a warm meal and cold air is all that is needed to send the body adrift.
I love being out on the trail and the opportunities it provides to connect with people that otherwise would not give you the time of the day. The woman at the vegetable stand that helps you track down a charger for your phone and then, after you leave, proceeds to tell another person about you who then goes and tracks you down, across town, and offers to watch your bike and the buy you a cup of soup. I mean really, these stories can't be made up and they never cease to amaze me and inspire me. The world is full of such magical experiences that are simply out there waiting for us to track them down. Simply packing up your gear and heading out for a small adventure is all that is needed to set your soul free.
Below are some of my favorite images from the trip. I chose to make them all Black & White because this trip, while not all grey, was definitely dark and forboding. Travelling in a new land, riding on the wrong side of the road, dealing with minimal daylight hours and winds that I would not normally walk in... well, lets just say it was one of the most challenging adventures of the past three years.
I will have some articles up later in the week that talk about what worked and what didn't along with more details on the Yorkshire Wols, and the kindness of complete strangers.
Enjoy!!
