Episode 108: Melanie Schautt

Bikepacking Adventure From Patagonia to Colombia as a Beginner

Melanie Schautt is an avid outdoors enthusiast, who took on the challenge of bikepacking South America despite being a complete beginner.

Embracing the Unknown

When first confronted with the idea of bikepacking through South America, Melanie didn’t even have a bike. Inspired by her friend Luise, she embraced the challenge, learning the ropes of long-distance bike travel on the fly. From the wind-lashed landscapes of Patagonia to the high-altitude expanses of Bolivia’s Altiplano, Melanie persevered through every obstacle thrown her way.

Overcoming the Challenges

Patagonia presented Melanie with her first major trial. Battling relentless headwinds, rain, and physical exhaustion, she navigated through some of the toughest terrain in the region. The experience was an early lesson in resilience, pushing Melanie to her limits and beyond. With grit and determination, she adapted to life on the road, gaining confidence with each passing day.

Self-Discovery Through Solitude

A turning point in Melanie’s journey came when she biked solo in Argentina. This period of independence enhanced her self-reliance, as she tackled mechanical issues on her own and discovered the joy in setting her own pace. The solitude allowed her to reflect, create, and ultimately embrace her identity as a bikepacker. It also solidified her understanding that adventure is as much about the people you meet and the cultures you encounter as it is about the daily distance you cover each day.

Unforgettable Landscapes and Cultural Exchanges

Something I especially loved hearing about from Melanie was her rich interactions with indigenous communities, particularly in Ecuador. Through platforms like Social B&B, she immersed herself in the cultural nuances of the regions she explored, a testament to her desire for genuine connection and understanding. It wasn’t just the cultural exchanges which were enriching thorugh, Melanie also recounts her surreal experiences in Bolivia’s Altiplano, a landscape so vast and breathtaking that many times just riding through it moved her to tears.

Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

Back home in Innsbruck, Melanie reflects on the life lessons her adventures have given her. She emphasises the importance of setting small goals, embracing your own unique journey, and never underestimating your personal strengths. Inspired by her experiences, Melanie is now organising her own bikepacking community events as she wants to share share the thrill of adventure with newcomers. You can find out more about her upcoming event here.

You can learn all about Melanie’s journey, by listening to the full episode of Seek Travel Ride. And if you’re eager to dip your toes into the world of bikepacking, keep an eye out for Melanie’s upcoming event, the Bikepacking Play Date, a fun and welcoming introduction to the sport. You can also follow her on instagram via her account @livingintents

Conclusion

It was pretty clear that for Melanie this adventure wasn’t all about going on an all out extreme physical challenge – although at times it certainly pushed her to her limits ! For me the resounding narrative was all about how this journey gave her a healthy dose of personal growth, showing her the endless possibilities that come with saying “yes” to adventure. Her story is a great reminder that sometimes the journey is more about the person we become along the way than the destination itself.

The Seek Travel Ride podcast