My first bikepacking adventure.

It is no secret that I have been somewhat absent from the world outside for the best part of 14months.

I spent my recuperation at home, watching others heading out into the post lockdown world and enjoying what nature has to offer, I missed my running immensely, to be able to transport myself for never ending miles around the countryside and exploring and finding little hidden gems that are simply forgotten.

I knew I wasn’t able to run anymore, or at least not for the foreseeable future that is and so began my own path towards bike packing. I had purchased my trusty steed a few months back, spending time trying to find what was right for me, I tried to stay clear of the more purpose built latest tech bikes, the 1000s of pounds immediately relegated them to the ‘only if I had the money’ board and opted instead for a more moderate £400 from my local Go Outdoors.

With the addition of a few necessary bags to provide the all required storage space I began to plan my first trip out. Bike packing seemed to me, to be the next logical step, I already had more gear than I really needed form my trail running days and with the light weight options I chose it seemed ideal to get back into a healthy lifestyle again.

I knew straight away where I was heading, I had been wanting for years to be have a secret wild camp near to the Wrekin in Shropshire. A secret, hidden little spot that I had visited many times on my previous runs with adventure dog. I knew that from my last visit (some 3 years ago) that it was rarely visited, I had seem on the odd occasion evidence of other humans, less careful that myself by evidence of their detritus.

I downloaded Komoot to aid with navigation specifically for the bike and made the simple request to plan a route from my Black country home to Wroxeter, home to an amazing piece of Roman history and from there I would be able to locate my camp for the night.

I had completed only a few long rides on the ‘bearded wheeler’ before hand, but was confident that I could cover the 32 miles with ease and set forth on a mini over night adventure.

This was more than an overnight for me, it was the first time I had been out on my own since 2021, the first time I had not had any supervision from people wanting to wrap me up in cotton wool, but more that I sometimes struggle to feel connected to the world around me and so this would be unplanned therapy.

Knowing that it wouldn’t take me 8+ hours as previously to complete the ride, I opted for a more gentler time of mid morning, with many adventures before, I began packing up my gear the night before and instantly felt at ease with something that had become second nature to me over a 2 years ago.

My route was one of mainly roads and little lanes, but thankfully one that avoided most of the busier main roads, initially Komoot decided that I need a rather odd large diversion around my local town, but I dually followed the suggestion anyway as it thread me through main roads and quiet back streets into Wolverhampton before I was finally able to join a very brief section of the Shropshire union canal, I did note that at this stage there appeared to be more downs than up and this would mean an inevitable climb back to home.

I took a leisurely pace along the roads, passing without notice into Aldersley and then Codsall before coming upon the little village of Albrighton, I passed by a local café and then quickly turned and stopped for a brew and a delightful piece of cake. When ever I was out running, this would always be the plan, at 15 miles in, I believed that I deserved it, It was soon consumed and off I set again, heading this time for RAF Cosford and the museum that we had visited on numerous occasions and enjoyed this little ride past.

More sedate and quiet country lanes awaited, cars for the most part were well behaved and apart from a few close calls, I cycled my journey in peace. I edged around Telford on the many cycle paths they have, they seemed to be more geared up than where I am for cycle provisions, there were a few steep descents leading me into the town of Wellington, where I would need to return later on to meet a friend for dinner.

The road leading from Wellington to Wroxeter was a little more busy than I would of liked and cars zoomed past me at 60 + mile n hour, one thing I noticed is that electric vehicles make next to no noise and you only know they are they when they are less than a few feet away, this makes it a little disconcerting when they suddenly appear by the side of you.

I diverted down along a very underused side road that pasted between fields and wished the rest of my ride was this nice before finally coming across Wroxeter. As I arrived a large group of small children where had commandeered the gift shop, buying little gifts with the pocket money their parents had supplied. The lady behind the counter, once free, looked at me with relief as the children began to be herded outside to the coach.

There I bought a brew, an ice-cream and one entry, as I had time to kill today, I sat and read through the guide whilst I finished my ice-cream and then had a wander around the historic setting.

I am always amazed by the structures of the past and this was no exception, the intricate brick and tile work stunning, to think that as we Britons lived in mud huts, the Romans where building massive stone structures, underfloor heating and sewer systems, nothing short of amazing.

After a few hours there, I headed back into Wellington where I met my friend for a long overdue catch up and meal and then off I headed towards the Wrekin.

This that Know, are more than aware of how busy this prominent Shropshire landmark can get, I had long ago found a little spot to sit and contemplate the world, away from the bustle of the crowds. I had intended to get to my spot via the running route, but found that I was blocked by a gate, put there to deter bikers and horse riders and instead had to circumvent this obstacle by having to push my bike up a rather steep incline and boy was it steep.

I sweated, puffed and panted as I hurled not only my weighty frame, but also that of the bearded wheeler and a dry slippy slope. I soon found myself at ‘my’ spot and set up my tent by a recently downed tent. I sat there listening to the last of the visitors leave and by 10pm the world was silent again, at this point however I could distinctly hear footsteps in the dry leaves around my tent, I only assume this was a small animal, as i was not disturbed.

Sleep came easily for me and I had a relatively settled night, by 5am I was waking up and lay there listening to the world begin to come alive, the birds chirped happily away and I used this time pack away and make a hot drink.

My return was a mirrored of the ride here and so I settled into a leisurely ride home, of course with a stop at the café again for crumpets and tea.