Riding My Bike - A bikepacker's tales from the trails

Book excerpt: A bikepacker’s tales from the trails Bikepacking has been an activity since bikes were invented, but in recent years it has really grown in popularity. The UK has proven itself to be an exceptional place for bike-bound, off-road adventures. In this book, Mike takes you on his journey to becoming a competent bikepacker and it’s filled with top tips and good advice. It contains tales from some of our greatest bikepacking routes including the Highland Trail 550, the Trans Cambrian and the Lakeland 300 routes. The centrepiece of the book is Mike’s own Cylchdaith Cymru/Welsh 550 journey around his adopted home of Wales. Mike is a naturalist, mountaineer and educator and as such he comments knowledgeably on the countryside and how it is being managed. He tells tales of the people he meets, the people he cycles with, and the places he visits. This is a bikepacking travelogue for our times. ‘An engaging account of bikepacking as it should be done, with head up and eyes open.’ Jethro Jessop, Bikepacker and YouTuber ‘I love how Mike has added the nature writing and history into his personal story of bikepacking. This book emphasises the importance of being outside in nature and of movement through the environment. It contains great practical and technical information for those starting out, but it is a personal journey – from naïve beginnings to travelling and exploring the natural world – the unconscious competency. This book is so much more interesting than simply going faster, going stronger!’ Rosie Baxendine, she/her, Bikepacking Guide ‘This is a book full of information, anecdotes and useful insights, written by a man who has climbed, walked and biked around most of the UK and Ireland. Mike’s beautifully written travelogue clearly indicates his intimate knowledge of ecology, geology, history, travel, and a sense of place. A cracking read.’ Iolo Williams, Naturalist and Broadcaster