Notes from Outside

Hiking 630 miles in one long thru-hike has its tough moments. Likewise when it comes to parenting a toddler. So what happens when you combine the two on a 65-day family hiking odyssey, complete with an uncharacteristic heatwave and entirely characteristic British rain?

Places hold memories for us and our memories give these places meaning. This is what Matt Mendendorp explores in this, the 16th issue of Notes from Outside. He cycles 190 miles along the Manistee River —his personal Table Mountain—which has provided the backdrop for many of his own life’s ups and downs. And just like life itself, his ride took some unexpected twists and turns along the way. Enjoy!

When you plan an undertaking that has meaning beyond yourself, you’re sure to have an extra boost of motivation when things get tricky. But the expectation that comes with it can feel heavy. Laurent experienced this when he followed the path his family took to flee the Spanish dictatorship in the 1920s.On the centenary of their journey, and to honor their grit, Laurent set off to follow their original route, calling the project “La Esperanza” (“The Hope” in Spanish), running from Ayerbe, in Spain to Lourdes, in France in four days.Lucky for us, he’s captured the story in writing, giving us a unique glimpse into this special journey. Enjoy!

Age is nothing but a number. You’ve no doubt heard that phrase before, but do you believe it? In this issue, pro mountain bikers, Anita and Caro Gehrig are surprised when their 66-year old dad, who is decidedly unadventurous (in the outdoorsy sense of the word), decides spontaneously to join them on a four-day bikepacking trip. As someone who hasn’t camped or “roughed it” in over two decades, the twins were intrigued as to how this ride would pan out… and reading the pitch for this story, I was too! Were his bones too creaky for a night on the ground? How would he handle the uncertainty of where’d they’d sleep each night? You’ll have to read the story to find out.

Relationships are tested and bonds are strengthened under all sorts of circumstances, although most couples don’t know how it feels when a poor decision can put you in physical danger.That’s what makes issue 13 so interesting. Not only was this month-long hike in the Swiss Alps a physical test for Nic and her partner James, but it was also a bold way to develop as a couple. Between being tired, sweaty and even scared at times, would they make it to the end of the hike on speaking terms?

Every adventure starts with an idea, whether it’s a short break from everyday life, or a big adventure you’ve been dreaming about for years. No matter what your idea is, there is ultimately only one person who can make it happen – you.Set a date, do some research and maybe invite another adventurous soul to join you just like Udo and Lothar did. On a whim they decided to cycle a lap of the Baltic coast, and they refined the idea until it became clear: They were really doing it. “It” turned out to be 49 days on the bike, 49 nights in the tent, 4000 kilometers, and more than a million stars. I don't want to reveal too much so I’ll just add one thing: This story could be contagious.