BIKEPACKING FOR BEGINNERS

Rachael Wight shares five lessons she learned on the Pennine Rally

- Rachael Wight

WHO IS RACHAEL?

Since a stint as MBUK's staff writer in the mid-2010s, Rach has done all sorts, from emigrating to New Zealand and working for various MTB websites, to setting up her own mobile coffee business (https://boostcoffeeco.co.uk), providing skills coaching with www.proridemtb.com and becoming an ambassador for Specialized UK. She's learned plenty along the way and has some great advice to give.

It was the urge to be a total beginner at something again that led me to the start line of the Rapha Pennine Rally earlier this summer. The thought of riding 513km from Edinburgh to Manchester, self-supported and mostly off-road, was daunting, even with one of my best friends for company. Especially as we joined the 100-strong crew with only one previous practice night's sleep under the stars to our names! As beginners, we had to grapple with the uncomfortable and the unknown, not to mention our own vulnerabilities.

But, just as we'd hoped, as well as really enjoying the challenge, we learned a few things along the way. These could be useful for anyone else thinking of giving bikepacking a go, whether as part of an organised multi-day event like the Pennine Rally or just for an overnighter with mates.

1 YOU DON'T HAVE TO CAMP