The allure of solo travel has steadily grown, captivating adventurers with the promise of self-discovery and unbridled freedom. From solitary hikes through verdant landscapes to tranquil beach getaways and invigorating urban explorations, the act of tackling the world alone has become increasingly accessible, safe, and empowering. Modern technology has reshaped the landscape of solo exploration, offering tools for connection and safety that were previously unavailable. Stories abound of individuals embracing the unknown, whether it’s traversing African countries via public transportation, embarking on a pilgrimage to Mount Fuji, conducting social experiments in foreign lands, or celebrating personal milestones with challenging solo adventures. This is a story of one such adventure, a solo bikepacking journey undertaken to mark a significant birthday.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a persistent rain in Coos Bay, Oregon. The protagonist, having already logged over 550 miles and ascended 24,000 feet in elevation over the course of five days, found herself questioning the endeavor. Every essential for survival was meticulously packed and strapped to her bike, transforming it into a mobile basecamp. But the relentless rain and accumulated fatigue began to chip away at her resolve.
This challenging bikepacking trip stemmed from a tradition conceived in her early twenties: a solo physical trial designed to test the boundaries of her mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical endurance. The initial iterations of this birthday ritual were relatively modest. She would cycle the 40 miles separating her college residence from her family home. Or she would run a distance equivalent to her age. Later, living in Colorado, she embraced the challenge of hiking and skiing a "14er" – a mountain peak exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation. A relocation to California’s Bay Area brought new opportunities for challenging herself. She cycled and ran to the summit of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, starting from the shores of Stinson Beach. She biked from her home in Berkeley to Mount Diablo in the East Bay, then ran back up the mountain after driving to the base.
These birthday challenges were governed by two fundamental principles: they had to be genuinely challenging, and they had to be undertaken solo. As her 30th birthday approached, she felt compelled to devise her most ambitious challenge yet.
The plan, conceived as simple in theory but daunting in practice, involved flying to Vancouver, British Columbia, with her carbon fiber road bike and minimalist camping gear. From there, she would cycle back to her home in Berkeley, California – a journey spanning over 1,000 miles.
However, the reality of the road began to diverge from the idealized vision. Waking up on the sixth morning of the trip to yet another downpour on the central Oregon coast, she began to question the journey itself and the significance she had attached to it within her own identity.
The trip flew in the face of one of the cardinal rules of outdoor adventure: Never embark on such a pursuit alone.
Cycling, a tremendously popular recreational activity in the United States, has seen steady growth in participation. The Outdoor Foundation estimates that nearly 53 million Americans aged six and older participated in cycling in 2020, representing approximately 17.3% of the population. This figure surpasses participation rates from any prior year tracked by the foundation. Notably, over a quarter (28%) of youth aged 6 to 17 engaged in cycling in 2020, making it the most popular outdoor activity in that demographic.
Furthermore, cycling’s economic impact is substantial. Data from the Outdoor Industry Association indicates that bike tourism generates approximately $83 billion in economic activity annually within the United States alone. Cycling had already emerged as one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities prior to the pandemic-induced surge in bike sales. The popularity of bike touring and bikepacking continues to rise, capturing the attention of outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
In the months leading up to her 30th birthday, the protagonist shared her ambitious plan with friends and family. Their reaction was one of concern, stemming primarily from the inherent risks of undertaking such a journey alone. They worried about her safety and the potential for unforeseen circumstances.
Despite these reservations, she remained steadfast in her commitment. While she cherished the connections forged through shared adventures, she also deeply valued the unique bond that develops between an individual and the natural world during solo expeditions. She believes that everyone should experience a solo trip or adventure at least once in their lives, and she hoped that the lessons learned from her journey could inspire others to embark on their own.
Start Simple
Having cultivated a lifestyle centered around endurance sports and outdoor pursuits, the protagonist felt comfortable in natural settings. However, for those new to solo adventures, she strongly advises starting with simple experiences. A solo overnight camping trip can serve as a gentle introduction to the challenges and rewards of independent exploration. Progressing to an overnight backpacking trip can further build confidence and self-reliance. For individuals planning a more ambitious multi-day solo bike touring or bikepacking trip, she recommends gradually working toward the goal by spending a night or two alone with the complete gear setup before committing to the entire journey.
Prep and Know Your Gear
Thorough preparation is paramount. The protagonist invested considerable time at her local bike shop, collaborating with the head mechanic to meticulously prepare her bike and acquire the skills necessary to address potential mechanical issues. During the trip, these skills were put to the test. Because her bike touring trip primarily followed main roads and passed through populated areas, the consequences of a mechanical failure were relatively low. However, it’s important to remember the implications of traveling solo: you are solely responsible for resolving any problems that arise.
Preparation also extends to familiarizing yourself with the equipment you’ll be using. The bike she used was her familiar road cycling bike, on which she had already ridden thousands of miles. She also acquired the necessary gear (comfortable bike seat, bivvy bag, bike bags, backpacking stove, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag) months, or even years, in advance.
Know Why You’re Doing It
A clear sense of purpose is essential for a successful solo adventure. This might be the key element that was lacking in the protagonist’s journey. The purpose could be as simple as spending a night alone in the wilderness or as profound as a months-long existential quest. Perhaps it’s for social media content. Whatever the motivation, she strongly recommends establishing a clear intention and meditating on it before setting out.
Let Others Know Your Plan and Practice Safety
If you do venture out alone, the second most important rule is to inform at least one other person of your detailed plan and whereabouts. Emphasizing the importance of this precaution, the protagonist cites the motto of a highly experienced alpinist and mountaineer: "Live to climb another day." Regardless of the chosen outdoor activity, prioritize safety and ensure that you live to enjoy future adventures.
You’re Rarely Actually Alone
Despite the solitary nature of the journey, the protagonist encountered numerous interesting people along the way: fellow cyclists, restaurant and market staff, other campers, and families at breweries. Regardless of the specific activity, there are almost always other people nearby. These individuals may be strangers, but they are fellow human beings who likely share common interests and values.
Bailing Is Fine
As she cycled south from Coos Bay, the rain persisted. The trip was not unfolding as planned. A wrong turn in rural Washington added 10 miles to an already challenging 120-mile day. She literally learned the meaning of the phrase "white-knuckled" as she battled howling winds while crossing the Columbia River Bridge into Astoria during a coastal storm. Her gear remained perpetually damp. She developed saddle sores on top of existing saddle sores. And she learned that a landslide had closed her planned route in Northern California. In short, her romanticized solo trip had devolved into a grueling ordeal.
So, she decided to call it quits.
This marked the first time she had abandoned an outdoor pursuit. As an endurance athlete and outdoor enthusiast, she prided herself on her ability to endure discomfort. But leaving Coos Bay, she felt completely drained. Her only option was to backtrack and cycle from the coast to Eugene, where she could catch an Amtrak train back to Berkeley.
During the ride of shame back home, as she informed her friends and family of her failed mission, she learned a valuable lesson: the importance of self-compassion. There is no greater act of self-love than extending grace to yourself, even when adventuring solo.
