Picture this: You have spent weeks planning an over-engineered, highly complex cycling expedition. You bought all the ultra-lightweight gear, mapped out a grueling multi-day route, and set expectations sky-high. Yet, within the first few hours on the trail, you find yourself fighting a brutal headwind, nursing a jammed chain, and wondering why you did not just keep things simple.

In his refreshing video, “Not An Ultra Cycling Adventure | Bikepacking for Newbies,” seasoned explorer Benjamin Le Chappers takes us on a two-day micro-adventure through the rugged terrains of North Yorkshire and County Durham. His core message is simple: “Bags are back on bikes, and we are complicating things far too much.”

For beginners and experienced riders alike, the physical and mental demands of self-supported cycling are real. From navigating unpredictable trail classifications to managing muscle fatigue, successful bikepacking requires a balance of smart planning and structured physical recovery.

Let's break down the practical insights from Benjamin’s journey and explore how modern sports science—including the use of red light therapy devices—can help you stay strong, recover faster, and enjoy the ride.

The Philosophy of the "Bike Holiday": Why Less is More for Newbies

Endurance cycling culture often glorifies extreme suffering, massive mileage, and sleepless nights. While ultra-endurance challenges have their place, they can be incredibly intimidating for beginners.

Benjamin advocates for a shift in perspective toward what he calls a “bike holiday.” Instead of traveling thousands of miles to exotic locations, he packed his bags and headed into North Yorkshire—practically on his doorstep.

A bike holiday prioritizes enjoyment over punishment:

• Comfortable Lodging: Trading a damp tent for a local pub or hotel room allows you to dry your gear, edit footage, and sleep in a warm bed.

• Flexible Mileage: Allowing yourself ample time means you do not have to rush. You can stop at local convenience stores for a "meal deal" or pause to take in the views.

• Simplified Logistics: Eliminating the need for flights, trains, or complex transport permits lowers the barrier to entry, making it easier to simply get out and ride.

Gravel vs. Mountain Bike Routing: Navigating with Komoot

One of the most practical aspects of Benjamin's trip was his experiment comparing different route algorithms on the popular navigation app, Komoot. He planned his outbound journey using the "Gravel" setting and his return journey using the "Mountain Bike" setting. The differences between the two highlight how route planning impacts your physical fatigue.

The Gravel Route: Smooth Roll or Surprise Single-Track?

On day one, Benjamin set his navigation to gravel mode. While gravel routes are designed to utilize unpaved forestry roads, farm tracks, and minor roads, they are highly dependent on regional mapping data.

His outbound journey consisted of a mixed bag: smooth country tarmac, classic gravel paths, and occasionally, overgrown, unused single-track paths that felt more like mountain bike territory.

While gravel routes generally allow for a higher average speed (Benjamin averaged over 20 km/h), they can still throw unexpected technical challenges at a loaded bike.

The Mountain Bike Route: Technical Trails and the "Hike-a-Bike" Reality

On day two, Benjamin switched his Komoot settings to mountain bike mode for his 80km return trip over the Pennines. The algorithm immediately adjusted to prioritize rugged, off-road trails, directing him through Hamsterley Forest and across remote moorlands.

The reality of mountain bike routing on a gravel bike loaded with bags is physically demanding:

• Lower Average Speed: Benjamin's speed dropped to around 15–16 km/h.

• Hike-a-Bike Sections: Technical climbs, loose rocks, and steep gradients mean you will spend a significant amount of time off the saddle, pushing or even carrying your bike over styles, gates, and fences.

• Increased Systemic Fatigue: The constant lifting of a 30-plus-pound bike over obstacles engages the upper body, core, and lower back far more than standard road or gravel riding.

Real-World Trail Trials: Handling Mechanicals and Fatigue

No bikepacking trip goes entirely according to plan. Benjamin’s two-day ride offered several classic lessons in trailside problem-solving and self-reliance.

Dealing with On-Trail Bike Mechanicals

Before his trip even truly began, Benjamin’s bike fell over in his garden, slightly bending the rear derailleur hanger. On a steep climb on day one, this minor misalignment caused his chain to jump over the cassette and slip directly into the rear spokes.

Because he was riding uphill at a slow speed (about 10 km/h), he avoided catastrophic damage to his wheel. He flipped his bike upside down on a trailside bench to carefully extract the chain, realign his gears, and keep rolling.

Key Lesson: Always carry a multi-tool with a chain breaker, spare chain links, and a spare derailleur hanger. Inspect your bike thoroughly if it falls over, even from a standstill.

Managing Hydration and Energy Depletion

On day two, deep in the Pennine wilderness, Benjamin ran out of water. Because mountain bike routes steer you away from towns and high-traffic roads, "feed stations" (gas stations, convenience stores) are practically non-existent.

Fortunately, he was able to top off his water bottles at a cafe in Hamsterley Forest, but the experience served as a stark reminder of how quickly dehydration can set in on technical terrain.

The Science of Cycling Recovery: Keeping Your Body Trail-Ready

Whether you are pushing your bike up a rocky moorland trail or grinding through a 22 km/h headwind, multi-day cycling places immense stress on the human body. Your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and neck muscles undergo thousands of repetitive contractions, leading to micro-tears in muscle fibers, localized inflammation, and joint stiffness.

To prevent performance declines and enjoy your multi-day trip, implementing a dedicated recovery protocol is essential.

Sleep and Active Recovery

Getting quality sleep is the cornerstone of recovery. Benjamin noted that on his first night, his sleep was disrupted by local noise outside his pub window. Poor sleep elevates cortisol (the stress hormone) and impairs muscle protein synthesis, making the next day's ride feel significantly harder.

When planning a trip, prioritize quiet accommodations, and use active recovery techniques—such as gentle stretching, dynamic mobility work, and hydration—as soon as you dismount.

Red Light Therapy Devices: The Modern Cyclist's Secret to Cellular Muscle Repair

To combat the profound muscular fatigue and inflammation associated with back-to-back riding days, many modern endurance athletes are turning to advanced recovery technologies. Among these, red light therapy devices - PRUNGO FLUXGO have emerged as a highly effective, scientifically-validated tool for accelerating muscle tissue repair.

Also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), red light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light—typically red light around 660 nanometers (nm) and near-infrared (NIR) light around 850 nm. These wavelengths penetrate deep through the skin barriers into your muscle tissue, where they are absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells.

Here is how incorporating medical-grade red light therapy devices into your post-ride routine can transform your recovery:

• Mitochondrial Stimulation: The light energy stimulates an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, boosting the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). Increased ATP means your muscle cells have more cellular energy to repair micro-tears and clear metabolic waste.

• Reduction of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Applying a portable red light therapy device to your quadriceps, calves, and lower back after a grueling ride can significantly reduce the severity of muscle soreness the following morning, ensuring you can climb back onto the saddle without debilitating stiffness.

• Combating Systemic Inflammation: NIR light has been shown to modulate inflammatory cytokines, helping to soothe sore knees, strained lower backs, and aching neck muscles caused by holding an aggressive riding position with a heavy backpack.

For bikepackers utilizing hotel or pub accommodations like Benjamin, compact, travel-friendly red light therapy wraps or panels can easily be packed alongside your electronics, providing a clinical-grade physical therapy session right in your room.

Essential Takeaways for Newbie Bikepackers

If you are inspired to plan your own simplified "bike holiday," keep these core principles in mind:

1. Don't Overcomplicate Your Route: Start with short, local loops. Use gravel routing to keep your average speeds higher and minimize exhausting "hike-a-bike" sections.

2. Expect and Prepare for the Unexpected: Pack a robust tool kit, check your bike's mechanical integrity before setting off, and always have a backup plan for water and food.

3. Prioritize Comfort over Pride: There is no shame in booking a warm hotel room instead of wild camping. If a bed, a hot shower, and a solid meal keep you cycling, embrace them.

4. Invest in Your Recovery: Your body is the engine of your bike. Focus on nutrition, hydration, and cellular recovery techniques like red light therapy to keep your muscles firing optimally day after day.

Conclusion: Embracing the Simple Journey

At the end of his 200-kilometer journey over North Yorkshire, despite falling off his bike, losing his camera pole, and running out of water, Benjamin Le Chappers returned home with a smile. The beauty of bikepacking does not lie in a flawless execution or a record-breaking speed; it lies in the simplicity of exploration.

By stripping away the pressure of extreme "ultra" events, packing a single bag, and focusing on the pure joy of the open trail, anyone can experience the magic of a bike holiday. Just remember to pack your tools, plan your water stops, and take care of your body so you are always ready for the next climb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1:What is the main difference between "Gravel" and "Mountain Bike" routing on apps like Komoot?

Gravel routing prioritizes unpaved but maintainable forestry roads, canal towpaths, and double-track lanes that allow for relatively high riding speeds. Mountain bike routing, on the other hand, prioritizes single-track trails, rugged bridalways, and technical terrain. On a loaded gravel bike, mountain bike routes will often force you to dismount and push your bike.

Q2:What should I do if I run out of water in a remote area during a ride?

Always research your route beforehand to locate public cafes, visitor centers, or clean water sources. It is highly recommended to carry a compact, lightweight water filter or purification tablets. This allows you to safely filter water from fast-flowing streams or rivers in an emergency.

Q3:How do red light therapy devices help with athletic recovery?

Red light therapy devices emit red and near-infrared light wavelengths that penetrate deep into your muscles. This light stimulates the mitochondria in your cells to produce more ATP (cellular energy), which accelerates muscle repair, reduces inflammation, and minimizes post-exercise muscle soreness (DOMS).

Q4:Is it better to camp or stay in a hotel/pub on a first bikepacking trip?

For your very first trip, staying in a local B&B, pub, or hotel is highly recommended. It significantly reduces the amount of heavy gear (tents, sleeping bags, stoves) you have to carry, which makes your bike easier to handle. It also guarantees a warm environment to dry out gear and get restorative sleep.