Matt and Phoebe
Go Bikepacking
Considering an overnight bikepacking trip but not sure where to start? That is exactly the predicament Matt Stephens found himself in.
After successfully kicking off his gravel cycling journey with Phoebe Sneddon, learning how best to go on a local gravel adventure and taking on his first ever gravel event, Matt headed this spring to the Peak District to pick up some helpful tips from Phoebe to help him get to grips with bikepacking.
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The Tissington Trail
The Tissington Trail runs for 13 miles from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne in the south and was the route of choice for Matt and Phoebe. Perfect for gravel and mountain bikes, this section of the Peak District National Park is easily accessible and boasts fantastic views to boot.
The Bikes
When it comes to carrying all the items you will need to comfortably and successfully partake in an overnight bikepacking trip you need a bike up for the task. With Matt and Phoebe opting for a gravel bikepacking trip, the choice of gravel bikes was narrowed down to Cannondale's Topstone Carbon Apex AXS Gravel Bike and Specialized's S-Works Crux Gravel Bike.
The Kit
Riding over the course of multiple days, especially in the UK, can be a challenge when it comes to knowing what to wear. This is no more apparent when riding through an unpredictable spring. Thankfully Matt and Phoebe were covered with the assistance of GOREWEAR, who provided the duo with a wide range of clothing to cater for the windy, at times wet and mild weather they experienced on the trails. In addition to this protection was covered with the help of KASK and Specialized, while the latter also provided support in the form of shoes. Keeping their vision clear, Oakley sunglasses were the eyewear of choice for the duo.
The Equipment
Should you be like Mr Stephens and appreciate luggage space for those all important on-bike snacks, or you simply want to ride safe in the knowledge you have everything equipment-wise you could need for every eventuality having the right bike bags is key. Ortlieb are a brand that know a thing or two when it comes to transporting your ride essentials and were able to deliver with a range of handlebar, frame and seatpacks.
In addition to the bags, Matt and Phoebe were prepared for riding in low-light with the help of Exposure Lights based on the power and reliability their products offer.