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How I Rediscovered Bikepacking
When I was in my early teens—around 1978—two friends and I set off on a multi‑day bikepacking tour around Ryfylke in Rogaland. We loaded our bikes with a tent, sleeping bags, and cooking gear, then rolled out from Randaberg, where we all lived at the time.
The first stretch was easy enough: a 10‑kilometer ride to Stavanger, followed by the ferry to Nedstrand. From there, the real adventure began. Over six days we covered roughly 240 kilometers, exploring, camping, and feeling like true explorers. It was unforgettable.
Fast‑forward more than 40 years. I was still cycling regularly, but only for fitness, and bikepacking wasn’t on my radar at all—until I stumbled across the MatthewNorway channel on YouTube.
Those videos brought back the excitement of that long‑ago trip and sparked something in me. Suddenly, the idea of loading up a bike and heading out again felt irresistible.
So I outfitted my road bike with a big saddlebag, a frame bag, and a few other essentials, packed for a two‑day solo ride, and set off. It was fantastic. Since then, I’ve even recruited my wife. She rides her long‑range e‑bike, I ride my road/gravel bike, and together we’ve enjoyed several trips. It’s a perfect match for both of us.
Now I’m already looking forward to next summer and whatever new adventures await.
Matthew Norway and Michel1 Comment-
That’s a lovely reflection @[email protected] . Those early experiences have a way of staying dormant rather than disappearing, and it’s usually one small spark that brings them back to life. It sounds like you’ve rediscovered bikepacking in a way that actually fits the life you’re in now — and sharing it with your wife makes it even richer. All the best for 2026 on the road.
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