Beginner Bikepacking Coaching & Mentorship: Your Global Guide to Adventure
Personalized Training, Bikepacking Gear Advice, and Route Planning for Riders Worldwide
Have you been watching the adventures on the ThruRider YouTube channel and wondering how to transition from a weekend cyclist to a backcountry explorer?
Bikepacking—the fusion of cycling and minimalist camping—is the ultimate way to see the world. However, for a beginner, the logistics can feel overwhelming. Whether you are planning a 50 km (31 mile) overnight “S24O” (Sub-24-hour Overnighter) or dreaming of a 4,000 km (2,500 mile) cross-continental epic like the Tour Divide, the challenges are the same: What do I pack? How do I train? And what happens if things go wrong?
At ThruRider Bike Adventures, we take the guesswork out of the equation. We provide 1-on-1 online coaching and mentorship specifically designed for beginners and intermediate riders. We don’t just give you a static PDF; we become your “digital trail partner,” ensuring you are ready for every kilometer and mile of your journey.
How We Help You Get Trail-Ready
1. Training Plans for Every Fitness Level
You don’t need the fitness of a Tour de France pro to enjoy bikepacking. The secret is “functional endurance.” Whether you plan to ride 30 km (18 miles) or 100 km (62 miles) a day, we help you prepare your body for the unique demands of a loaded bike.
- Building “Saddle Time”: We focus on gradually increasing your time on the bike so your body adapts to back-to-back riding days.
- The “Loaded Bike” Feel: Riding a bike with 10 kg to 15 kg (22 lbs to 33 lbs) of gear is different than a Sunday cruise. We teach you how to handle the weight and practice climbing hills before your trip begins.
- Fitness for Life: We design schedules that fit your busy life, ensuring you have the strength to tackle 500 meters (1,640 feet) or 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) of climbing without burning out.
2. Gear Selection: Lightweight & Budget-Friendly
The biggest mistake beginners make is carrying too much weight. Every extra kilogram or pound you carry is energy taken away from your enjoyment.
- The “Big Three” Efficiency: We’ll help you select a tent, sleeping bag, and stove that are light and compact. Our goal is to keep your “base weight” low—ideally under 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for most summer adventures.
- Use What You Own: You don’t need a $5,000 USD / €4,500 carbon bike to start. We specialize in “shaking down” your current gear and finding creative ways to strap bags to your frame using affordable solutions.
- Electronics & Power: We advise on the best power banks and navigation tools to keep you on track for every mile and kilometer, ensuring your phone or GPS never dies in the backcountry.
3. Route Planning: Safety in Every Turn
The fear of getting lost is the #1 barrier for new riders. We help you build a “bulletproof” route using modern tools like RideWithGPS, Komoot, and Gaia GPS.
- Finding the Sweet Spot: We help you find trails that match your skill level, whether you prefer smooth “rail-trails” or rugged singletrack.
- Resupply Strategy: We map out your water and food stops. On a remote route, knowing there is a grocery store at the 60 km (37 mile) mark is essential for your peace of mind.
- Emergency “Bail-out” Points: We identify exits along the route. If a mechanical issue happens or the weather turns, you’ll know exactly how to reach the nearest town.
4. Trail Skills & The “What-If” Scenarios
What happens if you get a flat tire 20 km (12 miles) from the nearest road? We give you the mechanical confidence to stay moving.
- Basic Repairs: We walk you through the “must-know” skills: fixing a broken chain, plugging a tubeless tire, and adjusting your brakes.
- Mental Resilience: Based on the experiences shared on our YouTube channel, we teach you how to manage “The Wall”—that moment of fatigue that often hits in the late afternoon.
- Documenting the Journey: If you want to share your story like we do, we can even advise on how to film your ride without it feeling like a chore.
Why Work with a ThruRider Mentor?
YouTube tutorials are great, but they aren’t personalized. As your mentor, I look at your specific bike, your specific route, and your specific fears.
Whether you are in the United States, Canada, Europe, or beyond, our online sessions bridge the gap. My goal is to give you the knowledge to stay safe and the confidence to say “yes” to your first big adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I’ve never camped before. Can I still go bikepacking?
Absolutely! Many of our clients start with “hotel-packing” or “credit card touring,” where they ride 40–60 km (25–37 miles) between towns and stay in B&Bs. Once you’re comfortable with the riding, we can transition you into backcountry camping.
How much distance should I aim for on my first trip?
For a first-time beginner, we usually recommend a “shakedown” ride of about 30 km to 50 km (18 to 31 miles). This is long enough to test your gear but short enough that you can easily return home if something isn’t working correctly.
What if I don’t speak “Metric”? Do you work with Americans?
Yes! We are fully “bilingual” when it comes to measurements. Whether you think in miles and pounds or kilometers and kilograms, our training plans and gear lists will be delivered in the units you are most comfortable with.
Do I need to be a mechanic to go bikepacking?
No, but you should know the basics. During our online advisor sessions, we can do a “virtual garage visit” where I show you exactly how to maintain your bike over a video call.
How do I know if my bike can carry 15 kg (33 lbs) of gear?
Most modern mountain and gravel bikes are rated for much more than that. However, the distribution of weight is what matters. We’ll show you how to split the weight between your seat pack, frame bag, and handlebar roll for the best handling.
Ready to Turn Your Miles into Memories?
Stop scrolling and start pedaling. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just a quiet night under the stars, I’m here to help you get there.
