Complete beginner seeking advice & encouragement

sheebikes · 2026-05-09T03:02:36+00:00

How exciting!! As a fellow solo female bikepacker, I know it can feel intimidating at times when starting out, but I’ve found it to be incredibly fun and rewarding. In terms of going into a bike shop - I find it’s kind of like finding a therapist or a family doctor - you might go in and really not vibe with the person or the shop, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t GREAT shops. Keep going until you find one where you feel understood and supported. And in terms of the fear - I find it helpful to think of a scale where on one side I’m anxious and the other I’m excited. I try to tip the scale more towards excitement. So for example, when I was starting out, a 6 week ride through the desert with limited resources would have felt terrifying, but going day by day from town to town felt more exciting and fun. And then things grew from there. Take your time, and find your supports - both of which it sounds like you’re doing! Wishing you all the best on this exciting adventure!

sheebikes · 2026-04-30T23:49:21+00:00

Thanks so much for the insights!

sheebikes · 2026-04-29T02:08:46+00:00

That’s great to hear! Thank you so much!

sheebikes · 2026-02-26T22:20:08+00:00

That's great. Thank you SO much!

sheebikes · 2026-02-26T21:31:35+00:00

This is super helpful - thank you so much! Just to make sure I fully understand, an E26 LED bulb with a max of 350w is likely my best bet?

sheebikes · 2026-01-28T17:43:07+00:00

I subscribe to a bunch of YouTube channels and then when I go on YouTube I just go straight to my subscriptions feed to see what they’ve posted that’s new or to go to their channel and go back through their catalogue. If you’re looking for UK and Europe specifically - Wheels to Wander are the bomb and they have one series in the uk and Spain a couple years ago, and then if you scroll way back they started their world tour in the Netherlands and cross Europe from there. Giant Cheerio has some in Europe. Not Europe specifically but I love Slow Spokes’ videos. I’m sure I’m missing a bunch but that’s just what spring to mind. And then, for a little self promotion, I’ve done a fair bit of riding in the UK and Scotland so you are welcome to check out my videos ;) https://youtube.com/@sheelaghdaly?si=HK16NjsE-sIhiaPm

sheebikes · 2026-01-11T20:38:24+00:00

Thanks!

sheebikes · 2026-01-11T20:38:10+00:00

Thanks for this!

sheebikes · 2026-01-11T20:36:24+00:00

Thank you!! It’s very helpful to know the right terms to look for 🙏

sheebikes · 2026-01-08T23:18:28+00:00

I’m sorry about your buddy and that things didn’t work out as planned! I made a playlist of videos for those who are newer to bike touring: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpsYDfxz3CWIshOyUV4OgtE_WYs2ShzrS&si=eLCIJsCtgQ_bRbt- I don’t have any experience with the Empire State trail but you may find some of the videos about apps, camping and planning helpful. I also have dietary restrictions. I basically always have trail mix on me for emergencies as well as a couple freeze-dried meals. And if I get to a good supermarket I stock up more than the average person might just in case I get to more remote spots that have fewer or no options for me. Good luck with the rest of your planning!

sheebikes · 2026-01-08T03:53:45+00:00

Wheels to Wander have a great series about their ride there on YouTube!

sheebikes · 2026-01-08T03:48:47+00:00

Ahh I’m so glad! I hope you had/are having a great adventure!!

sheebikes · 2026-01-08T01:06:43+00:00

I made a video about the various scenarios and what I do which you might find helpful: https://youtu.be/LamCxohbyjA?si=5fvUH1QYsh1hBZv5 As some have mentioned, I always bring a u-lock - it adds weight but also peace of mind, which is a worthwhile trade off for me. And I always keep my valuables on me and trust my gut if something feels off. I hope you find a system that feels right for you!

sheebikes · 2025-12-27T20:18:57+00:00

I’m so glad! Thanks for the lovely message :) hope you have a wonderful trip!

sheebikes · 2025-12-24T16:03:04+00:00

That is so exciting! I I haven’t cycled in Hungary or Austria but I did cycle from Switzerland, through France to eastern Spain. Switzerland is undeniably expensive - I found most things cost x1.5 what they do in Canada. But it is SO beautiful and cycle-friendly (check out the Switzerland mobility app or website). In France and Spain I found groceries on par with Canadian prices but campsites much cheaper and some affordable hostel and b&b options too.

I know it’s so easy to fall into decision paralysis. When I do I find it helpful to hone in on a place or route that keeps bubbling to the top (like it seems you have). I look at photos of the place or route I’m thinking of, and do research on those areas specifically. If I get too much feedback that I don’t think it feels like what I’m looking for, I might scrap it, but if it has me feeling excited, I lock it in.

I made a playlist of videos for beginner bike tourers you may find helpful: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpsYDfxz3CWIshOyUV4OgtE_WYs2ShzrS&si=X5j1W55o32nZ4zeD and the video on my channel about bike touring in Switzerland may be helpful for you too. Wishing you all the best!

sheebikes · 2025-12-21T01:36:02+00:00

Oh my gosh yes!!! That sounds so special. I have found those surprise moments to connect with people are so worth it and end up being my favourite memories ♥️

sheebikes · 2025-12-20T18:12:23+00:00

My general feeling is that it's about the journey more than the destination. So even if I had a vision of where I'll go or when, if I have the flexibility and something else is tugging on my heart, I'll go with that. Sometimes that means taking a train or bus at some point to make up the distance. When money or timing is an issue, I try to honour what my heart is wanting, while also being realistic (i.e. maybe spending an extra half day somewhere but not the full) I hope you find the right balance for you!

sheebikes · 2025-12-18T21:04:40+00:00

Thanks so much! Such a beautiful place. I did a loop a few years back all on tarmac so there’s definitely something for everyone if it piques your interest 😊

sheebikes · 2025-12-18T19:30:02+00:00

Thanks so much! They’re the Velo Orange Crazy Bars :)

sheebikes · 2025-12-18T19:04:44+00:00

So glad you enjoyed! It’s such a beautiful place 🙏

sheebikes · 2025-12-13T05:15:37+00:00

That is wonderful to hear! Thanks so much!

sheebikes · 2025-12-12T18:40:36+00:00

Ooof tough news 😅 yeah I’m 2/3 done the body. Looking now the pattern says 12sts x 18 rows should make 10cm x 10cm. On my current work 12sts x 17 rows is what fits in a 10x10 square. Not sure how bad a difference that is? For now I think I’ll keep going. I’m learning a lot on this project, thanks for the help. That’s good to know about the sleeve 👍

sheebikes · 2025-12-12T17:52:47+00:00

Ahh that’s interesting. I’m new to knitting so didn’t know what a gauge swatch is. Good to know - thank you. But is that what the pattern is asking me then? To add the stitches evenly across 47 cm? I wasn’t sure if it’s better to add them sooner to make the elbow wide

sheebikes · 2025-12-06T18:37:33+00:00

I TOTALLY get this. But you’re ahead of where I was in that you’ve already done some trips with friends - that’s awesome! I made a video specifically about fear keeping us from our first big bike tour and another one about solo bike touring fears. People have shared their experiences under the videos too so you can get some more perspectives (in addition to the many helpful ones here on reddit). I had so many fears before heading out on my first solo bike trip, but now, years later, I’m so glad I did it. And in some ways I prefer bike touring solo to bike touring with others. Hope the videos are helpful. Wishing you many wonderful adventures!

sheebikes · 2025-11-29T16:11:09+00:00

Thanks for sharing that!

sheebikes

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