Solo bikepacking for the first time in years

After years of bike touring with my partner, I head off on my first solo bikepacking trip in ages. This represents something big for me, as I say goodbye to the comforts of riding with someone else, and seek out the experience of adventuring alone again.
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[@ArjaRintamaki]

I wear earplugs when solo wild camping so that small cracks and sounds don't jolt me awake. I remove them at first light to listen to birds while I snooze for another hour or two. I have found this practice relaxing and helpful. Happy travels 🚲⛺and greetings from Finland!

[@alexmorgan3435]

Tip: Carry nitrile gloves with your tools. I carry say 5-6 pairs. You might want more. They take up hardly any volume and are so light. They will prevent your hands from becoming filthy dirty when trying to sort out a mechanical issue/puncture. Good luck with your solo travels.

[@Muscapee21]

Besides the other million bikepacking Videos, this is not very "special" with some crazy gear, places or Video effects. But girl, you are so authentic. Really Nice to watch.

[@heatherwenthiking]

I just bought a bike to start bike packing. I can barely ride 3km without being sore & puffed and wanting to give up 😂 this is what a full time office job has done to me for the past 2.5yrs. Guess I’ll just keep trying and pushing myself a little further each wknd. Great inspirational video!

[@Savress]

It takes time but its enough to ride and dont overwelhm yourself. I could barerly walk after 6km the first week. After 2 years 200km is fine

[@SheelaghDaly]

So excited you’re getting started!! The beginning is definitely the hardest, it will get easier!! And if there are aspects that continue to feel hard (I.e. saddle sores, wrist pain, shoulder pain, etc) don’t hesitate to visit your bike shop or a bike fitter. Changing saddles, stems, handlebars, grips, etc can make a big difference on a long ride. You’ve got this!!

[@heatherwenthiking]

@@SheelaghDaly I’ve done 3km, 7km and last Sunday - 16km, with a lot of pushing from other half to keep going, coffee is my reward & waiting at the end lol! I am definitely getting better and I must change my handlebars, the wrist pain is terrible on my mountain bike with the straight bars. Apart from that I have found my bike comfortable, although I’m now thinking of getting a gravel bike for bike packing & keep my mountain bike for the fun tracks down the road.

[@PunaSquirrel]

Keep the wheels spinning, it'll get easier🤙🏼🌴☀️

[@Savress]

@@heatherwenthiking I can tell from my experience, I'd been riding a gravel bike for two years, it's not worth if you prefer comfort. I had constant neck pain, wrist pain etc. I bought a trekking bike but I adapted it for gravel roads. It's still incredibly comfortable and easy to ride on dirt. I think it reminds me of an ATB now. But! That's just my opinion. :) Happy travels!

[@melissasinclair9303]

I've only done one 4-day bike packing trip so far and it was solo. I wasn't scared or worried at all. I don't know if it's because I'm over 50 I don't give a fuck or if I have a false sense of security being an overweight woman with graying hair? Like who would mess with me? That has more to do with the "attitude" than the age and physical appearance I think. My partner has ZERO interest in bike packing with me or camping with me. Neither do my two adult kids. So, if I want to do this, I have to do it on my own and I'm OK with that. I set the pace. I don't have to think about anyone else except for ME as as a hopeless people pleaser, this is a good thing to ONLY worry about doing what I want and where I live (Maryland) there's always people around if I need help or if I want company.

[@SheelaghDaly]

I love hearing that you weren’t scared or worried at all! I hope to keep finding more of that energy within myself ♥️ Thank you for sharing that ☺️

[@patvanschaik4271]

Good in you! I’m 61 and am about to do my first solo bike camping and I’m not a camper! I have ridden lots but not much in the last few years. I’m a tad scared. 😮

[@DBusch-ks7jg]

Love this

[@goldenstardust]

I'm almost 64 and in same situation. My husband not interested in cycling fullstop. So it is solo or nothing for me! Loved this video, could relate 👍

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@goldenstardust it's so nice to hear you can relate :) Love that you're going it solo!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Finally got around to watch this video and what a surprise! I'm so honoured you use my videos for motivation and to remind yourself that while not perfect, solo touring and bikepacking is very possible. Love that bike of yours! I could've used it on my tour of Poland. 😉

[@SheelaghDaly]

I have loved following along your Poland adventures so much! Your videos really brought me so much comfort and inspiration alone in my tent ♥️ thank you!!

[@chiparooo]

Yep, the early morning rides are the best! Great job. Thanks for sharing!

[@-BlazeHunter-]

Thats RIght!

[@emp-ty-g]

i always leave late so i don't have to many hours in camp at night. and your body works best when you been awake for 3-4 hours.

[@slow_spokes]

“Feels like no time has passed…” I know that feeling! Nice job on this video!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you so much! ♥️

[@MagicshineLights]

While a solo cycling trip might seem lonely, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of cycling and the beauty of nature. Persistence leads to victory.💪💪💪

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yes you really notice all the little things a bit extra on a solo adventure 💛

[@Gurkmassa]

Thank you for a great video about an important subject! My only proper bike tour so far was both a solo trip and a two man trip at once, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to try both. While both had pros, I actually enjoyed the solo stint more. And my next trip will be completely solo. As a youngest sibling who most people have seen as feeble and defenseless, it's such a great experience to embark on my own and solve all sorts of problems on my own. It helps both me and others discover how much I can truly handle on my own.

[@SheelaghDaly]

That is awesome, thank you for sharing! Wishing you many more empowering adventures!

[@user-wx7wg5cn1m]

Nice , well put together experience with good insight- this was a treat and glad that you shared this with us- thank you! ❤🚴🏼‍♂️🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you so much for the kind words ♥️

[@julieibbott3239]

Glad to see you’re back at it.

[@Tanstaafl1976]

Good for you! I'm sure that this was a very re-empowering experience for you! Well done! Liked and subscribed.

[@sasakontour]

I enjoyed your video so much!! Great storytelling. Amazing impressions and I really can relate, because I go solo bikepacking too, and it’s always a big thing to me and out of my comfort zone. I happy that I found your channel and I am looking forward to see more content from you.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Awww thank you so much for the lovely message ♥️ made my day! Wishing you beautiful adventures!

[@416cyclestyle]

Thanks for sharing!

[@philipcaldwell3187]

Excellent story telling with a fresh perspective! I really liked how you started the trip with an example of the importance of a shake down ride before a trip.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks so much Philip! 😊

[@IanMcBeth]

love it! Thanks for the post... looking FWD to following your various journeys

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks so much Ian!

[@user-mb9fh4jb1u]

Omg I just came back from the Simcoe loop and saw this! Awesome!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Ahh no way!! It’s such a nice loop :) Hope you enjoyed!

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

I first started watching your channel because you were cycle touring, just have a good spray 😊😊 nice bike the surly.

[@danalaine2403]

Just got done with Erie Canal trail for my first bikepacking trip. Amtrak ticket got messed up, so I had to ride from Albany to Buffalo with little training. Headwind much of the way, but persistence paid off and my faith brought me through.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Well done 🙌🙌🙌 Love to hear it!

[@nickmetcalfe4536]

Nice video, hi from Australia!

[@nichy777]

I am about to head off on my 2nd every bikepacking trip this Fall. September 15 to Nov 2nd. I hoping to do Lisbon to Istanbul! I did Vancouver to St. John's 10 years ago. That was my first trip. I really enjoy watching your videos, they remind me how exciting and beautiful travelling by bike is. I am glad you enjoyed your return to solo bikepacking :)

[@SheelaghDaly]

That sounds incredible!! What a great plan. And thank you so much for your kind words 😊 I hope you have a great trip!

[@sabamacx]

THIS MAKES MY HEART SOAR

[@jimmarshall807]

Inspiring!

[@bikesandbeyond618]

drive side rack bolt on the Sulry Bridge Club - same issue with my BC. A washer or two, or a shorter bolt work for me.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yup, all fixed up now! :)

[@mediumrick7667]

Wife and I just spent two and half weeks on the Via Rhona. Was on the lookout for you but didn't see you.

[@j.visvam9592]

Take Care❤️❤️❤️

[@TerryRamsey-jg8fm]

Thumps in the night, what do you have to defend yourself in a "What if" case??? Self protection, against a crazy in the middle of the night😮... Cool video...😊

[@helidude3502]

I’m hoping to get one or two of these trips in before winter rolls around. Not something that I’ve done before.

[@SheelaghDaly]

I hope you're able to! Happy riding!

[@tomsitzman3952]

The simplest solution is the best solution is called Occam's razer. One of the best ways to avoid knee injury riding a loaded bike is to never use the highest gear. I used to set up my rear derailer to keep from shifting into the smallest rear cog.

[@kovie9162]

That's technically the highest gear, as in a car, but agreed, the highest gears are for when your bike isn't loaded and you're on the flats or descents. The best way to tell if you're in too high or hard a gear, aside from being in pain and really struggling, is if your cadence it below 50-60rpm. That's usually a sure sign that you're in too hard a gear. Really bad for the knees.

[@frankducett9]

As soon as I did that adjustment, I would be chased by dogs.

[@gurolarslan1296]

Amazing , by

[@RenatoRuy11]

Seus vídeos são legais! Abraços.

[@JohnRadford-iy7db]

Great

[@brentjennings3267]

Thanks for sharing. Sometimes the overnighters are the most fun. Take care and I look forward to your next video. You do a fantastic job with your videos.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you so much Brent! Wishing you the best as well 😊

[@emp-ty-g]

its not changing the route that is the failure. its the planning :) its hard after a long winter to start out slow :)

[@Sangram-IND]

❤❤❤

[@DjClarky78]

Nice video - how far did you ride each day?

[@arusswurm4733]

Great video! I’m trying to build up the courage to give this a try. Currently fretting about coyotes at night. Any suggestions?

[@sambest8011]

well, it`s very easy to say "just do it" but if you have never bike-packed before then take it easy; do it the way sheelagh did, find a campsite, or friend or relative who lives near who has space for a tent, cycle there and camp for the night. about the coyotes ? not a clue, they dont exist in england.

[@pablixska]

Im going to Iceland mid august for biketouring, want to come? :)

[@the1andonly]

Awesome video! I like solo bike touring because I'm totally a non-planner. It means I make route and camping decisions last minute and whenever someone is with me, I feel bad for all the "failures" that result. I can put up with camping behind a Walmart or a noisy highway, but to do this to someone else isn't the same. My wife Barbara had sleepless nights because of my planning skills (I slept like a log).

[@SheelaghDaly]

Ahaha yeah there is a lot of freedom in making decisions at the last minute on your own for sure!

[@Midwestfishingbros]

Are those the Velo orange crazy bars? How are you liking them? Torn between them and the Koga denham bars.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yes indeed they are! I'm really liking them so far, but I bet I would like the Koga Denhams too haha Not sure if you've already seen this, but this is a cool way to compare handlebars: whatbars.com/

[@radiocontrolled9181]

I could never sleep after hearing noises outside my tent and not knowing wtf they were coming from. No way. I would put a camera outside so I coukd at least see on my phone. Are there bears out there in that area?

[@katjasendmayr1342]

Watching this video 3 days before starting my own bike adventure is so much fun! Thank you for this ❤

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yayyyyyy!!! Hope you have a great one!!

[@dems_mtb]

Great video! I kinda want to set the MTB aside and do a gravel bike packing ride...means i'd have to buy a new bike....

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hehe quite the predicament 😆

[@helidude3502]

I cut a trip short when I got a text from my mom saying that it was 108 degrees outside. That’s a big difference from the high 90’s that I was expecting. I had been wondering why I felt like I had been struggling for no reason and my frozen water bottles had hot water in them. An air conditioned Walmart break and the shortest route back to my car at a leisurely pace…… I’ve never regretted aborting a trip midway even if I feel like continuing on. An after the fact view has always shown it to be the right decision. Cut a camping trip short by one day just because I wasn’t feeling into anymore. I missed out on a lot of really bad weather that wasn’t forcast.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! Totally agree, sometimes changing the route or calling it quits early is the absolute right call 🙌

[@Bunsoft]

Lovely video, thanks for sharing. To me, this is a great reminder that weekenders, overnighters, and even day rides can be our bread and butter. I think as bikepackers/tourers, we can get obsessed by the massive adventures.. I certainly do anyway. Solo adventures definitely have a different character to them, but I think they're the most empowering in some ways 😊

[@SheelaghDaly]

Wow, so beautifully said! I think that was a big discovery for me during this trip also - that just a couple days can feel so meaningful and it doesn’t have to always be about the grand adventures. Thanks so much for mentioning that!

[@redsorgum]

Was that wheels on a bike you were watching to help fall asleep?

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yes indeed! I love her so much ♥️

[@redsorgum]

@@SheelaghDaly I’m subscribed to her channel. ✌️

[@helidude3502]

Which tent are you using?

[@SheelaghDaly]

This is the Big Agnes Ultralight Bikepacking tent (3 person). It’s been a worthwhile investment, but I also really enjoyed my MSR elixir 2 which was bulkier to carry but a more affordable option if getting started.

[@nuoutdoor]

I belive to fail requires more courage that actually win... actually to exit garmin navigationb and guide to the nearest "whatever".

[@rafriedman]

I’ve run into that gear/rack bolt issue a number of times. Happy trails!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hehe glad I’m not alone :) right back at ya!

[@zukzworld]

❤✌🏾

[@rob0tmassacre]

I appreciate the content as another woman from Toronto interested in solo bike packing! I'm interested in more details about the route and campsites, looks like it was the Simcoe loop from the signs

[@SheelaghDaly]

Cool!! Yes indeed, this was the Simcoe County Loop! The campground I stayed at is the Bell Falls Family Campground. They have an area they keep for cyclists and only charge $15 which is so lovely. It was a really nice route, mostly on rail trails and quiet roads with the occasional busier section. I'm a big fan!

[@julieibbott3239]

I thought that was Bells Falls. I recognized the sink!

[@JasonBagniVlogs]

hey!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hey!! Hope you’re having great rides on the bike 😊

[@dimrub]

If you don't want to have to remember not to use your highest gear, you can just screw in your H limiting screw, effectively cancelling that gear. Or you could borrow the washers from the screws holding your bottle cages. Nice video.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks! Yes, both good solutions also 👍

[@anthonybrewer931]

I started to follow you when you did your first European trip. I loved you and your trip then as I do now. This little over nighter was brilliant in every respect. It has given me a kick to do something very similar. Thank you Sheelagh Anthony

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you so much ☺️ I hope you do and have a wonderful time!

[@philiprayner]

being tired take a rest day full stop

[@natashahussain6281]

do you have a list of other solo female bikepackers that you watched on your trip? I've been watching Mayumi cycles on instagram and her style of trips are really encouraging me to go solo, but I can't help but assume the safety of Japan isn't quite the same as where I live and that's talking me out of it. I'd love to see especially other canadian bike packers such as yourself!

[@SheelaghDaly]

That’s a great question! I should put together a full list but for now: - Giant Cheerio (KZbin and Instagram) - wiebkelueh (KZbin and Instagram) - lazerleo_cyclonaut (Instagram) - push bike girl (Instagram and blog) - wheels on a bike (KZbin and Instagram - bikes solo across Canada) - blooming_wild_adventures (Instagram) I totally understand! It can feel really intimidating. But the more I’ve surrounded myself with stories of women who’ve adventured solo, the more it doesn’t feel so scary ♥️

[@davex5424]

Rail trails I find a little boring.

[@toolaholicsanonymous]

simcoe loop trail?

[@SheelaghDaly]

Yes indeed!

[@toolaholicsanonymous]

@SheelaghDaly nice to see you conquered it. It's awesome that you went back and did it as your first solo ride in a while after not completing it because of your knee I think it was.

[@padippistkallan884]

You look like female version of Devon Larratt,

[@princepage632]

yeah, your on a surly!!, why do folks think they have to go out and buy a surly. there's other touring bikes out there. I don't get it!! yeah surly is steel, i have a fuji touring steel frame i'll match up against any surly any time anywhere. You don't have to ride a surly. so many folks ride them, thinking that's going to be the best. it aint. its a fad!! 4130 cromolly steel is 4130 cromolly steel. its no diffrence. In fact, i am building up an aluminum frame touring bike i'll match against any touring bike anywhere When i get through with it.I am so tired of seeing surly!! ok surly price2,000 dollars. my gravel touring bike G-1 ozark trail wal mart bike 6061 aluminum frame. 250 dollars plus upgrades. surly is over priced.

[@Stockto1]

Who cares what she rides? Don’t worry about it!

[@padippistkallan884]

I love you 💖, perfect girl, very independent girl, beutiful

[@millenium2003]

Stay home and raise children lady