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Bikepacking Across the UK: A GB Divide Film (Video)
Earlier this year, Avery Caudill rode 2,000 kilometers from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the UK, following the GB Divide bikepacking route. Watch the 20-minute video he put together from the ride here…
This spring, Avery Caudill set off on the GB Divide, a 2,000-kilometer bikepacking route running the length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the north. Avery took five weeks to complete the route, had six days without rain, and consumed 69 bags of cookies. In his latest video, Avery shares his experience riding in some of the most challenging conditions he’s faced. Watch the 20-minute video below, and then scroll down for a short recap and photos from Avery.
Words and photos by Avery Caudill
One morning, I met a lady in a cafe, and she asked, “Oh, you’re riding for charity?” I laughed and said it was just for fun as I peeled off my soaked rain jacket, gloves, and two thick hats. She just stared at me for a minute, then wished me good luck before ducking out into the cold drizzle.
Cycling the GB Divide has been one of the more challenging things I’ve done in my life. My timing with the weather was accidentally far worse than I could have pictured and it had me doubting my decision many times as I pushed my fully loaded bike through a foot and a half of mud. I’m sure I would have turned around if I wasn’t making this film. Now a few weeks after finishing the ride, I can fully appreciate how wet, challenging, but beautiful it was.
The route itself was spectacular! Scotland, in particular, stole my heart, but I found myself amazed at the variety day to day throughout. Cornwall had so many short, steep hills with blind descents that I started cursing the hedges, but the ancient stone circles and castle ruins I stumbled upon made it worthwhile. Working my way north, I enjoyed Wales far more than I expected. There were real gravel roads, almost no traffic, and my first mountain Bothy.
I spent my birthday in Liverpool eating pizza with a lovely couch-surfing host, before making good time to Scotland. The highlands and coastline were probably what I looked forward to the most before departing, and my expectations were easily matched. The sun came out for my last week, and my jaw started to hurt from grinning so much as I pedaled through golden fields and past lakes sparkling in the sun I had missed so much.
Arriving at John O’Groats was bittersweet. I was sad to be done just as the weather had gotten nice, but I was proud of myself and thrilled to have made it all the way across the UK.
Further Reading
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