Go Further

Me, my bike and one wet mountain – the unexpected joys of riding in the rain

“I’ve been on my bike for about five minutes now, the same length of time it’s taken me to seriously question whether I should continue.

Planning is an important part of any adventure, but there are some things we can’t control. Like the weather. Sometimes though, it’s the unexpected things that end up making the adventure so special.

In this week’s Go Further story, Martin sets off on a gravel biking overnighter in the Bavarian Alps. It isn’t the idyllic, sunny ride he envisioned, but as he finds his rhythm he comes to embrace the adventure just as it is.

“Speeding downwards, my rain jacket does a good job of protecting me from the cool air. Undistracted by the cold, I enjoy spinning downhill with all my senses alert. Even the nip of cold air on my nose makes me feel a little more alive. Just as I’m starting to enjoy myself, Mother Nature provides another reward. As the trail emerges from the forest, the clouds clear for a moment. The village down in the valley becomes drenched in glittering light, like a beacon guiding me toward it. And once again there it is, a precious wow-moment I couldn’t have planned.”

Feature Spotlight

On-Tour weather