When it comes to bikepacking and ultra cycling, it’s not always easy. There are times that are tough on emotions. You might encounter logistical problems and injuries, and you could feel out of your depth. Having bikepacking mental toughness can really help.

Bikepacking mental toughness doesn’t come easy, and as someone with a decade of bikepacking and ultra cycling experience I didn’t have it when I started. It took me a while to learn, but by using certain techniques, it was much easier. 

 In this article, I will tell you how to improve your mental toughness when bikepacking. We will be discussing:

• Are People Just Mentally Tough Or Do You Learn It?
• Techniques For Bikepacking Mental Toughness
• Tough Times Don’t Last Tough People Do

Are People Just Mentally Tough Or Do You Learn It?

When it comes to bikepacking, there are two sorts of people. Some are incredibly mentally tough even before they have been on a bikepacking trip and others need time to build up toughness. 

Mentally Tough People

Some people are naturally just very mentally tough. They might be like that in personality, or quite often, before coming to bikepacking, they have grown that. Although you get these people who just naturally seem mentally tough, I believe it comes from somewhere.

A good example is that people who have been very adventurous or well-traveled go into bikepacking more mentally tough than others. They have more experience and understand how being on an adventure can make you feel.

People Yet To Be Mental Tough

I fell into this bracket before I started bikepacking, and bikepacking was a big part of me becoming mentally tough not just on the bike but in general daily life. Mental toughness is an excellent way also to grow confidence. 

I learned to be mentally tough, and although I was fairly traveled before I started bikepacking, nothing could have prepared me for the night rides in Peru and Taiwan and also sleeping rough on the side of the road.

10 Techniques For Bikepacking Mental Toughness

Here are my top ten techniques when it comes to getting through tough times when backpacking. They are tools I have learned over many years, and although they might not all work for you, some will. 

Goal Setting

I have always been a big believer in goal setting. When I go into an adventure or even a race, I always go in with a goal I want to achieve. It could be just reaching the end within a certain time limit or finishing above a certain place. 

This helps me stay much more focused on the task at hand and also fills me with motivation. Not only does this give me extra confidence, but it makes me feel much more tough in my mind.

Embrace The Chaos

Bikepacking and ultra cycling can get a little crazy. It’s important not to let that get to you. You have to learn to be in the moment and embrace that it will be like that sometimes. The moment you can accept that the clearer you will think.

I have been in some crazy situations while bikepacking, where routes I need to use have been cut off. The weather has gone absolutely wild, and I’m stubbing through the snow. Embracing the moment and thinking clearly will help your head so much.

Visualize

Another great technique you can use to get more mentally tough is to visualize what you want out of the adventure. Think about what you want to achieve and visualize it happening. This positive thought process will make you happier and more mentally strong.

When I have been in races before and know I’m struggling, I think about the finish line and how I will feel when crossing it. I get lost in my own mind, and before I know it, I’m in a better place with lots of good stuff to think about.

Be Adaptable

When it comes to bikepacking, one of the biggest skills you can learn is adaptability. When things start going wrong, you need to think of solutions and adapt yourself to overcome the challenges you will face.

If you are getting saddle pain, then find a way to minimize the problem. Adjust the saddle, use some special cream, or whatever will help you adapt and overcome the challenges. You must be positive and always think of a solution first.

Learn From The Problems

You would be so surprised at how many bikepackers I have met since being in the community that seem to make the same mistake repeatedly. I have done it myself, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of not improving over time. 

If you have certain issues on a bikepacking trip it’s important to reflect after any problems and find solutions to ensure it doesn’t happen again. It could be poor routing, poor nutrition, or even forgetting kit. Avoid letting problems happen twice. 

Eat Pizza One Slice At A Time

Eating pizza is much easier by the slice instead of the whole pizza in one go. It’s the same for bikepacking. You have to break it down into small sections and take it day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. 

When I am bikepacking, I generally only think about the day I’m riding. The furthest I think ahead is where I’m sleeping that night. Apart from that, I’m thinking hour by hour. It makes riding big miles so much more manageable.

Routines Are Incredibly Valuable

When you go bikepacking, it’s really easy to get lost in everything and lose routines when these can help mental toughness. Waking up, cleaning your teeth, stopping for lunch, and having dinner around a certain time helps so much.

For me, it helps break up the day and stops me from thinking too far ahead. I am very routined when it comes to eating, drinking, and resting. It makes the day much easier to manage and keeps everything feeling more normal. 

Laugh It Off

Sometimes, things just keep going wrong, and it’s super tough to stay positive. In these times, you need to learn how to laugh it off. You might have fallen off your bike, bent the rim, and it’s started to rain. Just laugh it off and think about the funny story you will be able to tell later.

Unless it is something that you really need to panic about, then just laugh it off, fix the problem, and then get on your way. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Just fix the issue and get on.

Celebrate Your Achievements

A beer at the end of a rough day, a chocolate bar at the top of a big climb, a few Haribo on each switchback, and even a big breakfast after a long night’s camping. It’s important to celebrate the small wins.

If you don’t, you will have a pretty miserable experience. Bikepacking is about the journey, not the destination, and enjoying the process along the way is so important. I remember so little of the end of a ride. I never forget how I got there.

Remember How Lucky You Are

When I face tough times, I always think about how lucky I am. Being able to ride a bike in a really cool place and have an adventure like no one else might be having. Although it might not feel very positive at the time, remember you’re on holiday.

There are loads of people probably sitting at home or in an office somewhere who would give loads to be riding a bike in an unknown place in peace and quiet or with their friends. Honestly, if that’s not a reason to be mentally tough, what is?

Tough Times Pass Tough People Last

Always remember tough times don’t last, but tough people do. If you want to get mentally tough, having some tough times and getting some experience is important. The more you can practice being mentally tough, the tougher you will get. 

It’s also important to remember there’s very little when bikepacking a coffee, a decent meal, and a good night’s sleep isn’t going to fix. Trust me in saying don’t do anything irrational until you are full and rested.

Thanks for taking the time to read my article. If you enjoyed this you might like How To Deal With Dogs When Bikepacking, The Ultimate Bikepacking Kit List, and 20 Top Tips For Beginner Bikepackers!