Bicycle Touring Apocalypse

@bicycle-touring-apocalypse

I love cycling. Always have. Thus, I've decided it's the perfect way to see the far corners of our planet! I'm hungry for adventure...but also often hungry because i'm completely lost in foreign lands with no food. This is my story. Latest blog here: https://expeditionportal.com/road-to-lofoten/

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A little update on the van and my plans. The leaking roof has been a long hard battle, anyone who has suffered leaking in a live-in vehicle will know it’s just chaos. All my possessions were getting soaked, water pooling in cupboards, mould, damaging electrics. In the end the van was dry stored, everything was done from scratch and I now have a completely water tight van 😅. In the meantime I’ve updated the interior electrics, integrated my @goalzero lithium set up, figured out the pesky noise/vibration I’ve had for months (ended up being the custom underslung protection bars touching the exhaust when the engine was under load), and all-in-all I’m ready to explore. However, with @bamberlin surprising me with flights I figured I’d hold out until her arrival for a big road trip, and in the meantime dial everything in locally. Definitely itching to get back on the road. Fingers crossed the UK stays on track 🙈. #vanbuild https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRKf48nQ6X/?utm_medium=tumblr

#vanbuild

@bookbikebrew a.k.a Pepper Cook is a LEGEND, and someone I’m lucky enough to call a friend. Thus, I was super excited when I got the opportunity to interview her at length for @expeditionportal . I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for Pepper, but getting the opportunity to talk to her at length was genuinely one of the highlights of my year, and listening to her life story was truly inspiring, link in profile. #bikepacking @bookbikebrew @spoonoutside @salsacycles https://www.instagram.com/p/CQLBpH6AlvN/?utm_medium=tumblr

#bikepacking

After a year and a half separated by Covid, me and @bamberlin have plans to see each other. Amber surprised me last night, and to be honest it was all a bit overwhelming. I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sent both of us words of encouragement and support. I know social media has its downsides, but I’m very grateful for the real friendships I’ve made on these platforms. Friends/family from both sides of the pond, we’re very lucky to have you all. Obviously, the pandemic hasn’t gone away, and we recognise that our plans are subject to many factors. But. It’s something. An actual date we can look towards. https://www.instagram.com/p/CP0NfiRgUew/?utm_medium=tumblr

“Road to Lofoten” is now live over at @expeditionportal , link in profile. This piece documents my journey to the Arctic Circle during wintertime, but more importantly explores my relationship with the Syncro. I share my thoughts on the Vanagon’s reputation for poor reliability, whilst also discussing the challenges of full-time adventure. #vwsyncro https://www.instagram.com/p/CPnK3TiAM3c/?utm_medium=tumblr

#vwsyncro

A few update photos, and a different shot of the interior. Fresh set of @bfgoodrichtires ATs have made a massive difference to ride comfort/road noise. Still have a leaking roof, despite basically refitting again, but hopefully this will finally be sorted next week (not going to lie this new build has really been a miserable process at times, although it’ll be worth it in the end). Bodywork is getting a little sad in places, so that’s the next priority (something I’ll be handling with one of my best mates in Scotland this summer IF Covid doesn’t kick off again...fingers crossed 🤞🏻). Autumn/winter I’ll be rebuilding suspension and completely overhauling my locking diffs (I’ll be needing them for future plans more than ever). Ultimately I just want to enjoy the van again. I have a syncro for the experiences it provides, it was never bought to sit on a driveway. Hopefully this summer I’ll get in some fun trips #vwsyncro https://www.instagram.com/p/CO8A49VgyBB/?igshid=1rurkj8t7kzx8

#vwsyncro

Midnight Sun Magic 🧙🏻‍♂️ #lofoten https://www.instagram.com/p/COz7mnZA22J/?igshid=1iwrpgr7a2fh1

#lofoten

There aren’t words to describe how excited I am about finally getting on another bikepacking trip. It has been nice taking time to service all the bikes properly as they get a hard life on the road. #surlybikes https://www.instagram.com/p/COxQqFZgLjO/?igshid=1drmglbqryb8

#surlybikes

#tbt to sub zero vanlife. I remember wincing when I spoke to Eberspacher about the cost of buying/fitting one of their heaters. Arriving in the Arctic Circle I realised it was the bargain of the century. I didn’t run the heater during the night, but it made days spent in the van comfortable, and getting out of bed in the mornings possible 🤣. #vanbuild https://www.instagram.com/p/COsQ89ygMPz/?igshid=1ti2vh6qv828q

#tbt #vanbuild

I’ve spent the last month living in @clubrideapparel and subsequently put together a review over at @expeditionportal ,link in profile. I’d heard a lot of good things about CR from biking friends & @bamberlin , and it was great to finally try some. #clubrideapparel https://www.instagram.com/p/COfWKpZg_MY/?igshid=16eqxor72qqea

#clubrideapparel

Removed my approx 50,000 mile @bfgoodrichtires ATs (pictured) this weekend for a fresh set. A few points of interest for other users. The reduction in noise is insane. Over time the rubber goes hard (plus more touches the tarmac as tread thins)...plus all four were pretty out of shape making them louder at speed. The new rubber feels incredible at the wheel, is silky smooth and I can finally just listen to the purrrr of my @thevwenginecompany WBX rebuild. Next job is the water tank, which I’m going to order next week (I’m so excited for that). Suspension overhaul is going to wait til the autumn. Finished some little bits on the interior, and fitted a nice little vintage Eber timer for lazy mornings. All-in-all productive weekend. #overlandvehicle https://www.instagram.com/p/COYgFJAADH4/?igshid=8lva1m8zqapt

#overlandvehicle

Looking forward to testing the new Syncro build on the rough stuff. #vwsyncro 🏔 https://www.instagram.com/p/COSSCuigKMq/?igshid=d23bzq0i4p1

#vwsyncro

These are some of the last photos I took in Lofoten before the outbreak of Covid and flying back to the UK. Shot on expired @kodak Portra | @leica_camera M6 📷 Developed by @river_and_coast ( @digitalab ) 🎞 https://www.instagram.com/p/COP3hCQAWfq/?igshid=17e59gf5ruj80

Idyllic camp spot in Norway. Just about see the reflection of the clouds on the fjord, mirror flat. I was waiting here for some CV joints to be shipped out, one of the plus points of old VWs in Europe is the access to spares. #vwsyncro https://www.instagram.com/p/COKihHggWY_/?igshid=1nsq6bxxaz0b3

#vwsyncro

Overall a pretty productive weekend on the Syncro. A fresh set of @bfgoodrichtires ATs are on the way, and I’m finally in the process of ordering my 80l water tank (which will be a total game changer). @goalzero Yeti is in (supported by their 100w Boulder foldable panel). Plus, I’ve made some progress on the van’s work station (more on that to come), which will ensure I have a suitable set-up for all day working. I also removed my LED headlights & have reverted to halogen Osram night breakers with a relay upgrade (LED is something I’d like to revisit but with square housings it’s just not worth it). I’m not sure when I’ll be back on the road, but when I do Itll be much more comfortable. This project is no longer just about me, it’s about building a home for @bamberlin too. I want this to be the vehicle we take round the world step by step, and whilst that seems like a long way off, having that to look forward too, focusing on the build, it helps keep my chin up and moving forwards. #vwsyncro https://www.instagram.com/p/COGIf5gA6bW/?igshid=1c96navtho81

#vwsyncro

The @surlybikes Karate Monkey in its natural habitat. #surlybikes https://www.instagram.com/p/CODEhU-g475/?igshid=19zc39p8mcarl

#surlybikes

This week I’m sharing a selection of photos shot locally on medium format film. Its been nice getting used to the Mamiya 7 locally, and I’m now super excited to shoot some mountain backdrops. #mamiya7 | 65mm | @kodak Portra 400 📷 https://www.instagram.com/p/COAoqZlg62E/?igshid=fvsy2i0cvtg9

#mamiya7

Room with a view. #vwsyncro https://www.instagram.com/p/COAXjHfAd-7/?igshid=153kwqocaj80d

#vwsyncro

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