Iām back on the bike šµāāļøššŗšø
Here is the first instalment of my recent Southern California bikepacking trip.
A few weeks ago I was interviewed for the Watchword Podcast. In this episode, I give an update on life after the bike tour. You will get an insight into how my perspective on goals has changed and how I'm trying to build community on the south coast.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chat. I hope you do too.
Back in January 2020 (the time before the world went crazy) I went to Scotland and itās my friend George to climb Ben Nevis. Heās finally got round to finishing the video he filmed two years later.
It's been almost a year since I finished the bike trip and to celebrate that milestone, I am releasing a 2021 calendar. It will feature my favourite photographs from my 20,000km/505 day journey. I've got hundreds of photographs sitting around in hard drives so I thought I'd try to create something useful from a handful of them.
I think these calendars will make a great Christmas present for someone that loves to travel. There are discounts available to those that buy multiple calendars and I will post them to anywhere in the world.
Later this week I will be making a video to tell you the story behind each photograph in the calendar.
You can order at this form forms.gle/LNhsYCSK5pFwyXN86
Iāve been quiet over the last couple of months on YouTube as Iāve started a new job and Iāve been spending lots of time with loved ones in England.
A few weeks ago I recorded a podcast episode with my good friend George Beasley. George also spent 18 months travelling by bike (from Alaska to Panama) so we had lots to talk about. We give our top tips for anyone that is interested in getting started in the bike travelling world. Here are the links for those that are interested:
www.calltoadventure.uk/podcast/cta-episode10-adamhā¦
open.spotify.com/episode/1ojqeCzSUXklpjSmkdzlum
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-call-to-adventurā¦
It's been a week since I posted my failed bikepacking journey on the BG Divide. The response to this video has been brilliant and I truly appreciate the advice (note to self, take a spare rear mech hanger in the future).
I also appreciate the encouragement from people for being alcohol-free for what is now over 100 days. I'm planning to make a video about my reasons for this change, my thoughts and feelings about it and how it's been the single best decision I've made this year.
If you haven't yet watched the video of my few days bikepacking on the GB Divide, here's the link.
Tomorrow (10 Aug) at 3pm UK time, my latest video will be going live.Ā It's my first full video and a throwback to the days on the bike during my world bike tour.
I will be joining you for the premier for the episode.
Disaster strikes! Now the adventure really starts.
Absolute banger of a wild camping spot on my first night in Yorkshire (which coincided with Yorkshire Day). In the far distance you might be able to spot Ribblehead viaduct.
My takeaway from day one is that Bikepacking is tough. Itās much tougher than bike touring. The speed you travel over rough terrain can be close to walking pace for large sections. Packing light is always better but with that comes a cost (both financially and with comfort).
With my gear, a lot of it is what I used in the big bike trip. I didnāt buy any special gear for this journey which is a nice feeling, knowing that I can just leave my home with the gear I have.
On this journey, Iām not going to be editing as I go. Iāve not brought a laptop so the edit will happen at the end. I may have a livestream at some point. Probably in a couple of weeks once Iām at about half way.
Iāll keep posting updates on here as I go along.
tās time to go on a new adventure. After spending weeks trying to work out where to head to for the summer (Iām fortunate to have 5 weeks off from work) today I finally made my decision.
Iām staying in the UK.Ā
I had plans to go to Portugal and Spain but with the changes in travel advice, Iāve decided to have a big old adventure here in my home country instead. The aim of this journey is to get to the top of Scotland whilst being off the roads as much as possible.Ā
My plan is to leave my home in North Yorkshire tomorrow and make my way onto the āGreat North Trailā. Iāll head north through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines before arriving in Scotland. Iāll briefly pass by Edinburgh and Glasgow before continuing up to Loch Lomond & a The Trossachs.Ā
Itās at this point Iāll get onto the Highland Trail 550. This route has 550 miles of the most rugged and remote terrain in the Scottish Highlands. Iām sure there will be plenty of hike-a-bike but the rewards will be worth it.Ā
Time depending, Iāll look to link this in with heading to Cape Wrath, John o Groats and possibly some islands on the west of Scotland before I make my way south and back to Yorkshire.Ā
Iāll be filming the journey and Iāll continue to post updates over the coming weeks on my progress.Ā
For the first time in a long time, I feel a little anxious about heading out on the bike and leaving behind the comfort and stability of a warm bed, a sofa and shelter from the rain. I feel I need to get back on the bike and experience the best the UK has to offer. Iām also really excited to be living in a tent for a month and seeing places in the UK where Iāve never been.
Welcome to Pathfinder Bikepacking, where every journey is an adventure, and every ride tells a story.
Who We Are:
Pathfinder Bikepacking is dedicated to the spirit of exploration and the joy of discovering the world on two wheels. Founded by Adam Hugill, a seasoned adventurer with a passion for bikepacking, our mission is to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts through breathtaking landscapes, fostering a sense of community and connection along the way.
What We Do:
Our channel offers a rich blend of content for bikepacking lovers of all levels. From detailed route guides and gear reviews to captivating travel vlogs and practical tips, we cover all aspects of bikepacking. Whether you're planning your first overnight trip or your next epic journey, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration here.