Our Manifesto - for bicycle journeys but also life in general!
Break things down, set small achievable goals
When the going gets tough, we break bigger goals and challenges down into smaller manageable steps. Such as where we want to be for lunch, getting to the next corner on a long climb or where we want to sleep at the end of the day. We stay focussed on that which is within our control and don’t get lost or overwhelmed by the larger ambition or bigger picture.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We value collaboration and support from others. We recognise that nobody is perfect or able to do everything. Asking for help from strangers or those around you opens you up to the generosity and support of others. This is also a practise in humility, a quality we believe everyone should have.
Move as one
We travel as a group, working together and supporting each other. It is not about going fast, but moving together and all arriving at our destination. Everybody has good and bad days, we will all be the slowest or last in the group at some point. We always travel as one and leave no one behind.
Keep pushing and you will be rewarded
When you feel like stopping, dig deep to push through and carry on. A beautiful view, a dreamy campsite or a good warm meal could be just around the corner. Sometimes we need to work a little harder for something truly special.
A climb is always worth the descent
When we’re struggling uphill and it feels like it will never end, we remember the feeling of getting to the top and flying downhill, with the wind in our face, feeling freer and lighter than ever.
Be self aware and communicative
Tune into your mind and body, understand how you are doing and communicate this to who you’re travelling with. We must communicate openly and honestly in order to work together effectively. Its okay to be having a hard time, for your legs to be hurting or for you to feel hungry again so soon after lunch, self awareness and communication are the foundations to good teamwork.
Embrace the challenge, believe in yourself
We believe bicylce journeys are transformative and developmental ways to stretch the abilities of your mind and body. We believe everybody has great physical and mental power, and that with these two combined, you are unstoppable. A journey is a means of pushing the boundaries, embracing discomfort, exploring your own potential and building self confidence and self belief along the way
Appreciate the journey as much as the destination
In the pursuit of our goals and destination, we don’t forget to slow down and smell the flowers. We always remember to appreciate where we are, allowing ourselves the opportunity to explore the place and moment we find ourselves in, rather than only focussing on the end destination.
Focus on independence and self reliance
We value being prepared with the tools, knowledge and confidence to cycle through countries alone. With the food, shelter and a little technical knowledge that we need, we are equipped to live and explore independently. Shedding luxuries, travelling simply and being resourceful opens the door to new experiences and personal growth. Independence and self-reliance is freedom.
Navigate with physical maps, not technology
Physical maps connect us to a landscape on a deeper level than GPS’s or smartphones ever could. We value the hands-on experience of exploring a physical map for clues about the best way to cross hilly terrain, or interesting features to visit. Maps retain a certain level of mystery as well, leaving surprises for us to discover along the way.
Journeys are about people as well as landscapes
We cycle through beautiful countries and landscapes, but we also seek out opportunities to connect with people. Interactions with people along the way may be brief and we may never see them again, but they profoundly shape our experience and remain in our memories. This could be a kind stranger offering a cup of tea, somebody generous with directions, shared cake and sandwiches at the side of the road or a friendly wave and a ‘hello’ as we cycle past.