The Why
"I don't believe there's an overarching purpose for everyone. You make your own purpose. And for me, that's developing into the best version of myself. The short answer to why I do it is that I haven't found a better way to live." - Tristan Ridley
When your body is in working order, it functions according to its nature and purpose.
You're built to move. Designed to run. Meant to soar. It's in your nature. But when did you last use your body at its full potential?
You crave movement. You have a psychological and physical need to move your body. Because movement, like water, is an essential component of life.
Regular physical activity prevents heart disease, strokes, and diabetes. Even walking yields dramatic benefits.
Physical activity improves your mental health and quality of life. And for Tristan Ridley, it also accelerates personal growth.
"Movement is a human necessity," says Tristan. "It's essential for my well-being, and long-distance bike touring is how I prefer to move."
Tristan is in the midst of a bikepacking trip that'll cover 100,000km. When he's done, he will visit 100 countries on six continents. As of November 2023, he's at 74,000km across 71 countries.
Bikepacking wasn't his first or even his second traveling option. He started the traditional way, jumping from party hostel to party hostel.
The problem was that this method felt like an extended holiday. Tristan wanted something more adventurous. So, he started hitchhiking.
Though, it didn't take long for thumbs up and out traveling to lose its luster. "I became frustrated with hitchhiking because I was always reliant on other people," says Tristan, laughing. "I wanted to be more autonomous and have a human-powered adventure. So, I started reading books about bike touring."
Fun has nuance, like most things in life. Not all fun is equal. There's type 1 fun, which is what you're familiar with. This fun is enjoyable at the moment, like going to dinner with friends or hanging on the beach.
Type II fun is what some people crave. These activities challenge you in the moment by forcing you out of your comfort zone. But they're exhilarating and fun in retrospect.
Tristan's first bikepacking experience left him and his ego bruised. But in hindsight, he had never felt more alive.
"You're meeting so many new people and having new experiences daily. Your brain is firing on all cylinders all the time," says Tristan. "The bike is a great way to connect with other cultures. People understand bikes. They understand that you're using your own steam."
Tristan's motivation for bikepacking has evolved over the years. When he first started, the desire to explore, to see the world, was all he needed.
So, he set out for New Zealand, traversing the island country for three months. Wholly committed to the cycling lifestyle, Tristan hatched a plan.
He would cycle home to the UK and surprise his family for Christmas, a distance of 25,000km through 25 countries.
"I told myself I'd stop with the cycling part of traveling after I got back home," says Tristan, grinning. "I was putting a lot of pressure on myself, riding 100 miles a day. But selective amnesia kicked in. A month after I got home, I began planning a much bigger adventure - 100,000km through 100 countries."
Tristan lives in an inverted reality. Time spent at home, working, catching up with friends and family is a holiday. Cycling through deserts, war zones, and the congested streets of Nairobi is normal.
Bike touring is a much more significant part of Tristan's life now. In some ways, it's his career. He consults aspiring cyclists and travelers. He writes and produces content. But the motivation has never and will never be about cold, hard numbers.
"I don't believe there's an overarching purpose for everyone. You make your own purpose. And for me, that's developing into the best version of myself," says Tristan. "The short answer to why I do it is that I haven't found a better way to live."
The Training
If you're considering a long-distance bikepacking trip, having some fitness is good. But it's not necessary. A good training plan will prioritize aerobic development. It'll also balance periodized training with bike hiking. But Tristan recommends training your mind more than your body.
Mental component
"Most people assume the hardest part is the physical bit," says Tristan. "The truth is that's the easiest part. You'll become fit quickly. People underestimate the mental component."
Spend time with yourself
"Time spent alone is essential. People are afraid to spend time with themselves. But time spent in my head prepares me for inevitable troubles," says Tristan.
Pro tip
Train in bikepacking conditions. Challenges will arise. It doesn't matter if you're cycling 100 or 1,000 miles. So, train in the rain. Ride at night. Ride when you're tired or stressed or don't want to.
The Food
Packing for a long-distance bike tour is a balancing act, especially regarding food. You want lightweight and compact things, but they must also pack a punch. You’ll be riding through remote areas. The last thing you want is for your energy to drain when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Tristan’s priority
To help make his money go further, Tristan prioritizes his cooking setup. “You could cycle around the world on $10K if disciplined and careful,” says Tristan. “So, you need the ability to cook basic, cheap food.”
Staples
Tristan prefers tried and true items: pasta, rice, and lentils. He will also carry bread, jam, and oatmeal. These items will stay edible for long periods, so they’re great for long-distance trips.
Tristan will also snag some fruits and veggies when he can. These items add variety to an otherwise dull meal, and they’re versatile.
The Gear
Tristan’s gear kit
You can find a complete rundown of Tristan’s gear kit here. He also provides a detailed description of his bike setup in this video. But here are some of his essentials:
Sleep system (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and tent)
Basic tools to maintain the bike, such as an Alan key set and a pinon gearbox
Two sets of clothes. On your coldest night, you should wear every piece of clothing you have.
Pro tip
Look at everything you pack and ask yourself what impact it would have on your trip.
Lessons Learned
Tristan, on finding purpose
“I don't believe there is one overarching purpose for everyone. Each of us has our own purpose. And for me, that is developing myself to become the best version of myself.”
My $0.02
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” - John A. Shedd.
How do you go from your current situation to a preferred one?
The basic laws that govern our physical world hold the answer. An object at rest remains at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
If you’re feeling stuck, pick a physical challenge to pursue. You can find dozens of them here.
You were not put on this earth to remain in the harbor, idly watching.
You’re built for the pursuit.
My next challenge is the Grand Canyon. You’re welcome to join.
But if you need or want help finding and training for a physical challenge, I’d love to help. We’ll find something that’s one step beyond your comfort zone.