Episode 136: Slauka Macurak

From Complete Beginner to the North Cape!

How Slauka Bikepacked to the Top of Europe With Zero Experience

What if your first-ever bikepacking trip was 1,500 kilometers long… through Arctic Norway… and ended at the top of Europe? That’s exactly what Slauka Macurak did. In this episode of Seek Travel Ride, Slauka shares how she went from bike-travel dreamer to doer by taking on her first multi-week tour with no bikepacking background. Her story is proof that you don’t need to be an expert to tackle a big adventure and I love how she didn’t let the lack of already completing a bigger journey get in the way from her taking on her adventure through Norway.

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A Beginner in the Arctic

When Slauka flew into northern Norway in May, she had never done a huge bikepacking trip before. But that didn’t stop her from assembling her bike, boarding a midnight ferry to the Lofoten Islands, and starting her solo ride toward Nordkapp, the northernmost point of mainland Europe.

This wasn’t going to be a cruisy beginner’s bikepacking trip through. Slauka had to contend with snow covered mountain passes, wind that would knock her sideways, rain on every single night, and a back injury mid journey which made her have to change up her pace and riding style. But regardless of all this she made the journey happen and loved every day of it.

I especially loved hearing how Slauka is a mountain lover and found the stunning Norwegian landscapes energising – even though they were also energy sapping to ride through as well. She also had some great tips on managing fear and self-doubt as a beginner and I loved how leading up to the trip she practiced a few rides with her bike loaded up to see what it would be like. She also even forced herself to ride out in the pouring rain, so that if the weather was that miserable in Norway it wouldn’t be a new experience for her!

One of the great stories from Slauka’s adventure came when she was at her lowest point on the island of Senja. It was late in the evening and she didn’t realise there would be a huge mountain climb to cycle up before she woudl be able to find a camp spot for the night. Then came Paolo – an Italian trail angel! You need to listen to this episode for this story alone!

The other thing that I reflected on after the interview was how it is through the really challenging moments that you can discover how capable you are. Slauka is an experienced alpinist and hiker, and she was able to draw on previous experiences as evidence that she would be able to cope with the challenges that Norway may throw her way. Taking this mindset on board allowed her to embrace the adventure and not be scared from it.

If like me you’ve ever dreamed of taking on a bikepacking adventure through Norway but felt like you weren’t ready, this episode is proof that you can make the dream happen.

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Top Takeaways from Slauka’s Ride

✅ Start before you feel ready. Slauka didn’t wait for “perfect prep”. She just made a plan and committed.

✅ Pack for all seasons. In Arctic Norway, sunny days can flip to snowstorms fast. Slauka shares how she layered, stayed warm, and dealt with cold-weather camping. Her two sleeping bag strategy was a great tip!

✅ Wild camping is easier than you think. Especially in Norway, where you’re allowed to camp freely and there are cyclist huts if the weather turns ugly.

Be sure to follow Slauka on social media via her instagram page – @AllRideGirl

The Seek Travel Ride podcast