Episode 105: Marta Ballús

Facing Fears on a Solo Bikepacking Adventure Through South America

Marta Ballús’s story is a great example of someone looking to tackle their fears head on. In this episode she shares her experiences from taking a bikepacking journey through some of the most vast and diverse landscapes of South America. It was great to hear Marta share her incredible adventure which saw her trading in the metaphorical ‘car of her life’ for a bicycle, and in doing so, finding a new path entirely of her own making.

For Marta, the decision to embark on such a daunting journey was rooted in a metaphorical shift. Following being made redundant from work, she realised that others were steering the course of her life. Determined to take control, Marta decided to transform her life, swapping the car controlled by others, for a bicycle, where she could be in command of the single handlebar.

Marta’s adventure commenced in the southern regions of Chile. Initially, the plan was daunting. The first week was a mix of fear and excitement as she adjusted to the new lifestyle — learning to embrace every twist and turn of the road and the unpredictability, of finding campsites, and settling into a routine. But what seemed overwhelming at first, slowly transformed into a symphony of rhythm and solitude, where Marta learned that not every part of a journey needs to be planned.

Beyond the physical landscapes, Marta immersed herself in the rich cultures of the countries she traversed. From the vast expanses of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni to the vibrant Indigenous cultures of Peru and Ecuador, where not only the terrain but the people, notably the resilient indigenous women she encountered, left a lasting impact. Those experiences brought her closer to the heart of South America and deepened her appreciation for the diversity and richness of its communities.

Marta’s journey is interspersed with lessons on self-discovery and facing fears. From taking time out to learn how to paraglide, to the initial trepidations she faced about isolation or failure, Marta discusses how these experiences have expanded her confidence. Her travel philosophy evolved to embrace the idea that once intimidating challenges can become manageable with persistence and courage. The idea that consistently facing what scares us leads to empowerment and liberation — a kind of freedom aptly reflected in her chosen song for the Seek Travel Ride guest music playlist – ‘Libertad’ by Neil Molyneux.

The bike became Marta’s passport to new relationships and impromptu gatherings, such as an unexpected invitation to an Argentinian barbecue thanks to a friendly customs officer. These exchanges underline a truth about bike adventures — the road is as much about the people as it is about the places.

Reflection and Advice for Beginners

Reflecting on her journey, Marta advises everyone, regardless of the length of their bike adventure, to just start. She emphasises the importance of just starting with easy trips and progressing naturally, letting each decision bring new experiences and learning opportunities. This really resonates with me and I’m sure if you perhaps feel stuck or hesitant, it will with you as well. Marta really highlights the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it’s just a weekend excursion.

Final Thoughts

Marta’s experiences provide some valuable insights into the world of bikepacking. Her journey from a metaphorical co-pilot to the driver of her own destiny is a really powerful reminder of the freedom that comes from taking charge of your life — one pedal stroke at a time. For those inspired by her story, Marta suggests staying positive, starting small, and most importantly, not letting fear dictate your choices.

You can follow Marta’s adventures via her instagram account – @MartasWay and also her YouTube Channel – @Martas_Way

The Seek Travel Ride podcast