27/05/2024
Finding your love for exercise !
Please have a read of my story about why bike packing is my new favourite way to improve my physical and mental health.
“ It feels good to be lost in the right direction”
My first solo backpacking adventure by Lisa Llewellyn.
With more time on my hands now that the kids are older and increasingly more independent, I was feeling I needed to fill my time with something that was going to fill my cup, push me outside my comfort zone and be good for my physical and mental health. Bike packing seemed to be the perfect answer !!
Fast forward to this weekend. I looked at several options , do I start easy ? A friend suggested I look at at the East Devon Trail. A 112 mile circular route with 8,650 ft of elevation - that was definitely a step too far but maybe I could do half ?
So the plan began to take shape - I would drive to Axminster , get the train to Exeter St Davids and cycle half the route taking in the coast back to Axminster . Camp overnight at Brancombe airfield and split the distance with the majority of the miles on day 1 .
The trip .
I rarely get the train ! But I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to book on and get the train very early on Saturday morning from Axminster to Exeter . My bike space was booked and the train was empty ! On arrival at Exeter stage 1 started.
Day 1 : Exeter - Branscombe
The start of the trail was absolutely stunning, the sun shone brightly and the trail along Exeter quay was flat ! It wasn’t long until the terrain changed to bridleways and more challenging for me as a novice gravel rider . I soon found some confidence and even with my bike fully loaded I keep telling myself ( maybe shouting at times ) to relax, not to tense up and just keep pedalling !! I stopped off at some of the suggested tour highlights and took my time - I wasn’t in any rush .
In Topsham I stopped off at the Route 2 Bike shop and cafe and had the most incredible bacon sandwich and flat white ! Onwards to Budleigh Salterton over some very tricky terrain, I struggled with some of the single track parts and did fall off a few times but persevered and just kept going !
I knew the rain was due to come in so I was pleased to arrive there with the sun still shining and pitched my tent in a sheltered quiet corner . Pizza and a cider consumed and I was asleep by 19.30hrs !
Total elevation 2750 feet
Total miles : 36.4
Day 2 : Branscombe - Axminster
Well luckily the tent was waterproof as it was torrential rain all night - despite this I slept well and woke excited to start day 2. Packed up fairly quickly and soon cycled past the Donkey sanctuary in Sidmouth . I wasn’t expecting the hills to start from the get go ! With no coffee on board yet I struggled . Through Beer ( all cafes were still closed ) and onto Seaton where I found a wonderful breakfast stop The Coast cafe bar. The sun came out which made the endless hills a bit more bearable ! I knew the mileage was less than day 1 but I hadn’t really thought about the elevation. Several sections of singletrack paths were impossible to cycle to had to push the bike a bit more than expected . I managed to avoid the rain and arrived back in Axminster just as the heavens opened .
Total elevation 2500ft
Total miles 21.5
What went well : I packed the correct clothing! Just enough to be comfortable and warm . My bike and sleeping set up were spot on .
What I need to change : Navigation - need to upgrade my Garmin - the 130 edge just doesn’t cut it and battery life too short . I ended up using Komoot on my phone which was much better . I did get lost loads of times but isn’t that part of the experience ?
In summary - I loved every bit of the trip , even the hills ! Finding peace in my solitude . I am sore and exhausted today but cannot wait to adventure again soon. I quite like my own company . Life is short and precious x x x
We can all make reasons why not to try something new , being kind to ourselves and looking after our own health is so important . Challenge yourself , step outside your comfort zone and find that love !
