Baptism of ice: It’s the dead of winter and my first time bikepacking - what could go wrong?

Biblical headwinds and brutal natural beauty - a winter bikepacking adventure across the North York Moors

Route YC
(Image credit: Honor Elliott)

As an avid adventure seeker and passionate off-road rider, I've long been curious to give bikepacking a try - but I've also always had anxiety as to how I would actually do it in practise. 

Mainly due to living in an area with very little off-road riding routes. As well as the fact that, as a woman, I don’t often feel safe being a lone traveller because I’m well aware and well versed in the dangers women face when isolated. 

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On meOn the bikeIn the bags
PEdALED ODYSSEY Women's Cargo Bib Tights Canyon Grizl CF SL 7Spare bib tights
PEdALED ODYSSEY Women's Longsleeve JerseyPEdALED ODYSSEY Waterproof Handlebar BagSpare undertop
PEdALED ODYSSEY Merino SocksPEdALED ODYSSEY Frame BagSpare sports bra
PEdALED ELEMENT Alpha® Neck WarmerPEdALED ODYSSEY Saddle BagSpare thermal cycling socks
Long fingered windproof / water resistant glovesWahoo Elemnt RoamMicrofibre towel
Overshoes Row 5 - Cell 1 Underwear
Mountain bike shoes Row 6 - Cell 1 Thermal leggings
Glasses with brightening lensesRow 7 - Cell 1 Sliders
Heart rate monitor Row 8 - Cell 1 Long sleeve t-shirt
Waterproof capeRow 9 - Cell 1 Thin jumper
Sports braRow 10 - Cell 1 Thermal normal socks
Pocket size pumpRow 11 - Cell 1 Contact lenses
My phoneRow 12 - Cell 1 Tooth brush / paste
Row 13 - Cell 0 Row 13 - Cell 1 Shower gel
Row 14 - Cell 0 Row 14 - Cell 1 Tampons (my period was due around the trip)
Row 15 - Cell 0 Row 15 - Cell 1 Mascara
Row 16 - Cell 0 Row 16 - Cell 1 Sweets
Row 17 - Cell 0 Row 17 - Cell 1 Bars
Row 18 - Cell 0 Row 18 - Cell 1 SiS hydro tablets
Row 19 - Cell 0 Row 19 - Cell 1 Paracetamol
Row 20 - Cell 0 Row 20 - Cell 1 Medication
Row 21 - Cell 0 Row 21 - Cell 1 Portable charger
Row 22 - Cell 0 Row 22 - Cell 1 Cables for electronics

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