Episode 128: Ceri Belshaw

Gravel Roads and Beyond. The Thrill of Off-Road Bikepacking Adventures

The Allure of Off-Road Bikepacking Adventures

From a young age, Ceri has loved spending days in the outdoors. Her adventures began in the picturesque landscapes of Wales and have since expanded across the rugged terrains of Scotland, the huge mountainous landscapes of the French Alps, and more recently the vibrant chaos of Morocco.

Wales: The Heart of Adventure

Wales holds a special place in Ceri’s heart, offering a kaleidoscope of landscapes perfect for gravel riding. From the mountainous terrain of North Wales to the rolling hills of Mid Wales and the stunning coastlines, her love for her homeland is evident. In Wales Ceri is able to curate incredible off-road routes that promise both challenge and breathtaking beauty. Her upcoming book, “Gravel Rides Wales,” is a testament to her dedication in sharing these experiences with others, encouraging both locals and tourists to discover the undulating trails of Wales.

Morocco: A Trip Through Contrasts

During our discussion we also get into some of Ceri’s more recent advnetures which include a trip to Morocco, undertaken with her close friend. Their route tracked the famous Atlas Mountain race route, presenting them with a blend of scorching heat, cultural encounters, and some absolutely incredible vistas of the Atlas Mountains themselves. Ceri’s insights from her Moroccan adventure reflect both the external challenges of the landscape and the internal growth that accompanies such bold expeditions.

Challenges and Triumphs

The conversation isn’t just about the beauty of landscapes; we also address the difficulties encountered along the way as Ceri has grown into off-road backpacking. She has endured the baptisms of fire with thousands of Scottish midges descending on her tent in a plume just before dark, the intimidating stare-downs she has had with highland cows as she has traversed through their fields, and then cycling through the relentless heat of Morocco. These experiences to me sum up bikepacking so well, the unpredictability of travel, along with the humor and resilience required to tackle such adventures. Hearing Ceri want to kiss the ground on the appearance of a gravel track after tracking through endless bog, I could really put myself in her position and know distinctly what it is like to go through that. Often the best stories come from the tales of misadventure after all.

The Joy of Simple Living

Ceri also spoke of the joy which comes with bikepacking, realising all that you need to survive in life are all being carried with you on your bike. There’s a profound joy in knowing that everything necessary for survival and comfort is with you, allowing you to be able to connect deeply with your surroundings and fully immerse in the natural world. Ceri is also an advocate for slowing down when on adventures. She recounted stopping for hours to photograph beautiful butterflies in the Alps, and believes deeply that slowing down to appreciate the area you are riding through is key to having an ideal adventure.

A Passionate Advocate

Ceri has fallen deep into the bikepacking world, she even built up her own bike from a frameset. Setting herself the challenge of taking it one part at a time. In the same vein she is also helping to create a community around gravel adventures in her home in Wales. She is definitely inspiring others to take on their own adventures. Whether solo or in the company of others, her journeys emphasise the importance of embracing the unknown and the beauty of forming connections, be it with fellow travellers or locals.

Conclusion

Ceri’ Belshaw’s’s adventures reminded me of the possibilities that lie beyond the horizon, the stories waiting to be told, and the landscapes that are ever eager to be explored. She certainly makes me want to step out, explore, and most importantly, ride. Whether through rolling Welsh hills, the grandeur of the Scottish Highlands, or the vibrant streets of Morocco, the adventure is as much about the path as it is about the destination. As Ceri aptly puts it, the best thing about taking a bike adventure is the journey into the unknown.

You can follow Ceri’s future adventures via her instagram page – @stillsbyceri and her personal webpage – stillsbyceri.com

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