Notes from Outside

You probably know the feeling of a bad-day-turned-bearable thanks to some fresh air and a little physical exertion. You’ve definitely read about the benefits exercise has on your overall physical wellbeing. For some people though, adventure is more than a way to blow off steam or stay physically healthy. It’s a psychological lifeline in a world that doesn’t feel made for them.In this issue, Scott Cornish describes a challenging solo Transalp ride he completed, reflecting on how the highs and lows of the adventure reflect his early adult life with an undiagnosed neuro-divergent brain. In short, an exciting (and insightful) read.

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.

Malawi is a country many people couldn’t place on a map, and that’s what makes issue 11 of Notes from Outside so exciting. This month’s story transports us to a little landlocked country in southeastern Africa to hike a peak veiled in the dense fabric of local myth. It’s the story of a multi-day hike with rain, slippery bum shuffles and hard decisions included, and it’s a glimpse into a local’s experience of discovering her childhood backyard for the first time. Whether we had you at “Malawi”, or you just happen to love a hiking adventure story, it’s worth setting aside 5 minutes with a hot beverage to absorb this one.

Sometimes all it takes is a little faith in the universe. That, and some great people around you to encourage you through the hard bits. That’s what Liz Seabrook discovered when she undertook her first ever gravel bikepacking adventure, which happened to be the komoot Women’s Rally GranGuanche edition. In this issue of Notes from Outside, she shares the ups and downs of her ride (both literal and metaphorical), proving once again that behind every smiling summit shot there is frequently a bigger story – the tough climb, the self-doubt, the new narrative about what you are capable of and, most importantly, the discovery of what really makes an adventure worthwhile.To awesome adventure-buddies and diving into the unknown!