10 Random Thoughts While Bikepacking

Writing this from somewhere in Thailand, covered in sweat and dust, with legs that are finally starting to feel like they belong to a cyclist rather than someone who impulsively bought a bike in Kuala Lumpur after her world fell apart.

Three months ago, I was that person who had everything planned out. The neat little life boxes all checked and organized. Then everything imploded in the way that life sometimes does when you least expect it, leaving me standing in the wreckage wondering what the hell I was supposed to do next.

So I bought a bicycle. Because apparently that’s what you do when you’re heartbroken and slightly unhinged and need to put as much distance as possible between yourself and the life that just crumbled. The plan, if you can call it that, is to cycle from Malaysia to Berlin. It sounds completely insane when I write it out like that, but here I am, several countries and countless kilometers later, and I’m still pedaling.

What I didn’t expect was how much this journey would teach me about everything I thought I knew about myself, about people, about what actually matters when you strip life down to what fits in very small bags attached to a bicycle frame.

These are some random thoughts that have been bouncing around my head as I’ve been pedaling through this beautiful, chaotic, life-changing adventure. Some of them might sound overly optimistic for someone who started this trip as a complete emotional disaster, but that’s the thing about long-distance cycling—it has a way of rearranging your perspective along with your leg muscles.

The Kindness of Strangers Is Touching Me Beyond Words and Has 100% Restored My Faith in Humanity

I’ve not had to pay for accommodation in over a month and food has been provided for me along the way on several occasions. Whether it be friendly and generous Couchsurfing or Warmshowers hosts, friends met during or before the trip, or people at private houses, police and gas stations or temples where I have clumsily asked permission to pitch my tent, the response has always been overwhelmingly positive. I am just blown away by the generosity of everyone that has crossed my path so far. Although I know this isn’t the reason why they are doing it, I cannot wait for the day I can pay it forward when I am in a situation to do so.

Venturing off the Beaten Path Is Magical

It’s as if bikepacking unlocked the true South East Asia that I was dreaming of before I came here to backpack. Crossing little villages where few Westerners have been means meeting a lot of curious locals. Friendly smiles and waves, people stopping me to ask questions because they are genuinely interested and not because they want to sell me something, cheap and authentic food – with people inviting me over to sample it – are all part of my daily life. I feel privileged to get to see this side of South East Asia that few people get to experience and it is truly magical.

I Was Born to Live Outside

There is not a chance in the world I will ever work in a cubicle full time again. What’s this crap about?! Real life is outside and I’m a jungle woman. Period.

Patience Is a Virtue

Preparing this trip and traveling by bicycle has taught me patience, something I haven’t always had. Learning patience is learning to be content with the present moment, accepting sudden changes of plans and letting go of expectations. An invaluable lesson indeed.

Being a Solo Traveler Fosters Wonderful Encounters

It’s the best way to travel! Trust me, you will be able to explore a lot and several unexplored spots as well when you are traveling by bicycle.

6. YES, I CAN

I have had to learn a few tricks of the trade in case I run into mechanical troubles with my bikepacking gear, and I know there will come a point where I will be stuck and will have to learn for myself, which is really the best way to learn. Self-sufficiency, especially as a woman, is an extremely empowering thing. Having other women feeling empowered by what I am doing is equally very moving.

Cycling Is a Lifestyle and the People From the Community Are Real Awesome

Be it online communities, or other cyclists met along the way who have provided me with advice, shelter, food, free bike parts or just a good chat, I am happy and proud to be a part of such a great group of people.

If it feels right…

Just do it and the rest will follow. Everything has felt right since this crazy plan of bikepacking started sprouting in my mind: things falling into place on their own, wonderful encounters, even professional engagements along the way. I feel like I am doing what I am meant to do right now, and I am feeling so happy and free.

Balance Is a Work in Progress, and I Accept That

Before this trip, I was a health freak with way too much control over everything I ate. It was all about the superfood and everything had to be organic and wholesome. The only thing I had no control over was all the stress that I had inflicted on myself with a manic pace of life, juggling a uni­ver­sity degree as a mature stu­dent with two demand­ing jobs and an intense half marathon train­ing. I was stuck in this vicious circle that’s so common throughout the western world, and it was making me miserable. I was trying to lead a healthy lifestyle by having complete control of my diet and exercising, but so long as I was holding on to the stress I was never going to reach optimum health. Now, I have admittedly been eating a lot of junk so far on the trip (namely 7 Eleven instant noodles…), but I am feeling at peace, balanced and free from stress. Being able to let go is actually a great feeling. And I bought a bag of chia seeds. Baby steps. Life is a work in progress.

I Freaking Love Malay and Thai People

You have made this bikepacking trip so amazing for me with your big hearts, funny English, wonderful smiles, and beautiful lands. I will be leaving bits of my heart behind when I go next month, that’s for sure. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Amélie

Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.