In the last decade or so I have evolved into a bikepacker. The freedom and flexibility appeal to me, riding usually without fixed plans and taking my time to experience what comes my way. I prefer the dustier and more remote roads, having no qualms if the total kilometers travelled in a day doesn't amount to much.

 

The Freedom Trail in South Africa has provided the opportunity and backdrop for much of my bikepacking, opening my eyes to the beauty of the landscape and the peoples that I encounter.

 

Whilst I welcome the serenity of riding alone in remote geographies, I also welcome and seek out human interaction. I look for the unhurried conversation, the answers to the questions "who are you?". It is a lot easier to connect when you are riding slowly on a bicycle as opposed to being hidden behind the closed windows of a 4X4.

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My adventures have now taken me to across the seas to Europe and to the United Kingdom. In time I hope to get across to North America. As always I ride with curiosity - "where are my tribe?".

 

I look for the story, as other traveller writers ( such as Bryson and Theroux) have done for thousands of years. Theroux chose trains. Bryson wasn't fussy, he hiked and bussed mainly. I cycle.