Hey,

If you've never loaded up the bike and just gone, out of one city, into a town you've only ever driven through — put it on the list for this year. I mean it.

I held off on bikepacking for years. Told myself I'd do it properly once I had the time, the route, the bags everyone seems to own. So I never did it at all.

Then I finally went. Threw some stuff in a saddlebag, pointed the bike at the horizon, and figured the rest out as I rode.

I didn't expect much. Maybe a sore back and a good story.

Riding point to point does something a loop never can.

You leave one place in the morning.

You fall asleep somewhere that feels like a different country.

No driving back to where you parked. No circling home. Just a line across the map that you drew yourself, with your own legs.

This week I rode from my home in Dublin to Kinsale, Co. Cork (300km, one day)

You slip out through the city traffic, and 10 hours later you're rolling down into a harbour town on the south coast where the Wild Atlantic Way kicks off.

A completely different world from the one you woke up in.

And before you start doing the maths in your head about why you can't — let me get there first, because I know exactly what you're going to say.

You don't need two weeks off. A weekend does it. A Friday off the work and you're laughing.

You don't need a route you've agonised over. You need a rough heading.

And you really don't need the gear. A basic setup is grand. A rucksack is grand. Some of the best trips I know of started with a bag held on by a bungee cord and blind optimism.

The kit is not the thing standing in your way

Buying more stuff just feels like getting closer, because it's the easy part. You can do it from the couch. It gives you the warm feeling of getting ready without ever having to leave.

But the bike sitting in your shed right now is already enough.

What's actually missing isn't more “stuff”. It's the decision.

That part's free.

So consider this me leaning on you.

Pick somewhere. Anywhere your legs can carry you over a weekend. Pack whatever bag you've got. Text someone the plan.

Then just go.

The version of you waiting for the perfect setup will be waiting this time next year.

Let me know when you're going. I might even come with you.

Anthony

We're not done yet,

Anthony

ps. If anyone is in Barcelona for the Grand Depart, i’m going to a free event TrainingPeaks are running (it looks class). See you there if you’re going