Bikepacking the highland mountains of Lesotho, Africa
Http://Oopsmark.ca
“Why are you I doing this? Where are you going? “
That’s what most people what to know….plus how much the bike costs.
Can I find water, food, shelter and safety amongst strangers while propelling myself to the next destination?
So much of our live is prescribed, safe and predictable. Although this has served us well, there is often a longing for something else - to comfront the base challenges in life we’ve evolved to conquer. To be tested, to see what we’re capable of.
This is how i feel while confronting the physical and mental challenges of navigating a third world country by bike. The alertness derived from the stress of not knowing where I’m going to sleep eventually becomes normal. I start to relax around the dozens of curious eyes that initially made me feel insecure. My body learns to adapt to the availability of sun, water, food and toilets. It’s no longer panicking. Somehow, these once intimidating challenges have become normal.
After some weeks of being pushed to my physical limits, the contrast of beauty mixed with sad realities and poverty, I’m feeling touched and open. Taking in the view on these mountain tops i can feel it all.
Grateful for this opportunity to confront these mountains, these people and this self.
Grateful for the challenge.
The track is called “Lessons”.
Dave and i made it some years ago (Muscifirm on spotify, apple and YouTube music).
It often comes to mind at the end of my long bike trips.
#journey #bikepacking #Lesotho #lesothobybike #gravelbike
