Mini Bicycle Adventures – How Short Trips Can Be Just as Rewarding

I often think about heading off on a long adventure - taking a number of weeks off work and riding into the distance without a care in the world. In the past I was frustrated by the lack of these trips. In my 40-ish years, the longest has been just under two weeks, with everything else being one to four nights somewhere relatively local.

Mini Cycling Adventure

With a family-focused life and a full-on corporate job, my free time is limited - especially the kind that lets me head off on my bike. Over the years, my views on adventure, and how many days it takes to make one, have completely changed.

Multi-week trips often (not always) require planning, booking travel to another country, can cost more, and can be overthought before you even start pedalling. There can be a mild pressure to have a great time. With a short getaway, you can forget all of that and just head out in any direction. Worst case - accommodation is booked, it rains, or you’re just not in the mood and head home.

This trip is a perfect example. I’m writing this from a campsite in Hereford (UK), on the banks of the River Wye. The sun’s been out, the quiet back roads have been a joy to ride, and I’ve eaten some great food. It all came about because my son needed dropping at a summer camp. Instead of turning around and driving 100 miles home, I booked into a local campsite for two nights and planned a long day in the saddle. After hours of riding in 30 degree heat, I cooled off with a swim in the river - the perfect end to the day.

mini bikepacking adventure

Life doesn’t wait for the perfect time. If you’re like me and waiting for that ideal trip, try smaller ones in your local area - or jump on a train for an hour and see where you end up. This is my fourth trip in as many months, and there will be more - even if it’s just a single night of wild camping a few miles from home.

It’s important for me to continue my cycling adventures and take any opportunity to counterbalance the pressures of everyday life. It keeps me sane.

If you fancy trying your own mini adventure, here’s a quick checklist to get you rolling:

Mini Adventure Checklist

Pick a direction, not a destination – be open to changing plans along the way.
Check the weather – pack appopiate clothing and make the trip memorable for the right reason!
Sort your overnight gear – tent, bivvy bag, or book a small campsite/B&B. Hotels if you like your home comforts!
Plan a rough route – aim for scenic back roads, but keep options flexible.
Bring enough food and water – going remote? You might not pass shops when you expect to, so plan ahead. I managed campsite steak and salad on this trip!
Charge your lights and phone – I always have some 'be seen' lights and who doesn't have a phone - keep it charged or take a battery pack.
Leave room for spontaneity – the best moments often aren’t planned. I have got lost so many times and it almost always enhancements my ride.