People often conclude, very rightfully so, that physical strain would be the hardest part of the journey. Kinda true, traversing mountains, valleys, cities, villages etc on a loaded bike against the forces of nature.
However, as I see motorbikes, cars, and faster bikers whizz past me, I feel the hardest part is having faith in your choices, and being patient. While I have always tried to strive for “Smiles per Hour”, however the “Miles per hour” gets you! The constant “what if” is indeed overwhelming. Trying to make sense of your own choices, and the suffering and joy that comes with it. My fickle mind sometimes sends me down the spiral of doubts, and comparisions. I dont know why and how, I find myself in an imaginary race, where with every second that I take at my own pace feels like I’m falling further behind, even though I don't see anyone. Alas, my fickle mind!
I remember climbing Stelvio with a painful tan, strong headwinds, and approaching rain, I did question myself with a grin on my face. But then I thought of the reason why I am here in the first place: the rustling of the leaves, slight changes in gradient, towering loops, fresh air and feeling the weather change. The deafening echo of the race recedes as I come back to reality with a smile on my face, feeling grateful to the universe.
With the amount of highs and lows in bikepacking, it is very reflective of a life you lead over a time. I try to use these mindful realizations in my everyday life as I navigate my own spirals.
