Weekend Bikepacking Fail - Lessons Were Learned

Sometimes trips don't go as planned.
The trip was suppose to be 3 days of riding and 2 nights camping. On this weekend I started experiencing leg cramps about 2/3rds of the way to my destination on the first day. Hindsight being what it is I should have headed straight home the next day but instead dug a deeper hole and needed my wife to come fetch me on day 2. I got really lucky at a high point on day 2 where I could catch a bit of cell signal and message her to come pick me up from a nearby town.
This video was never finished but I thought I'd publish it as a record to myself, and others, that planning for failure is an integral part of planning a bike trip, especially if you are going to be out of cell service. At the end I was sitting at the Millarville General Store waiting for my EVAC, eating ice cream, and contemplating my failure.
I now bring a Garmin InReach with me on all rides where I will be out of cell service.
As far as the leg cramps go, this is something that has caused other failures that has required me needing an EVAC from my lovely wife. I have since figured out that alcohol was a problem for me and am now at the time of writing this (May 2024) 18 months sober and feeling great.

[@charltor6]

Congrats on your sobriety. Thanks for the vid. I hope to be doing that route in the next few months.

[@Bikepacking]

Cool just subbed

[@Adventures4vida]

When I rode across the USA I did some primitive camping. On weekend overnighters I do like cycling to paid campsites. I'm sure you're next trip will be better! Do you bring gels and tablets with you on your adventures?

[@bikebikerides]

Generally prefer "real" food when possible and usually bring a good selection of snacks too.