Northbound - About Disconnection and Reconnection

Hey friends,

Hope you're all basking in the summer sunshine! Jana and I have been caught in a whirlwind of work, deadlines, and the general chaos of life. We're feeling that unmistakable itch for freedom again. It’s time for a much-needed bikepacking trip, and I couldn’t wait to share our plans with you. So, grab a coffee (or a beer, no judgment here), and let’s dive in!

In this newsletter, I’m sharing:

• Our upcoming bikepacking trip to Denmark
• The importance of taking a real break
• The physical and mental benefits of bikepacking

The Need for a Real Break

These past few weeks have been a non-stop hustle. You know that feeling when you’re running on fumes? That’s exactly where I’m at right now. I desperately need a break – a real one, not just a lazy weekend binge-watching Netflix with one bike ride or so.

I've spent countless hours refining the branding for my Hafenliebe Wedding Photography brand. I dug myself in for days, meticulously tweaking every detail to ensure it truly represents the essence of what I do. While it's been a reward, it’s also been incredibly exhausting. My mind is in overdrive, and my body is craving a break. For Jana in her job, it’s been pretty similar.

We’ve been glued to the Tour de France for the past two weeks, living vicariously through those superhuman athletes. But now it’s time to get back on the saddle ourselves – just at a much slower, more human pace.

Back in 2022, we did a similar bikepacking trip, and it was transformative. No rigid plans, just a rough route, our bikes, and the great outdoors. We're craving that freedom again – the kind that comes with spontaneity and the thrill of not knowing what’s around the next bend.

Danish Dreams: 1200 Kilometers of Adventure

We’re returning to Denmark to explore the stunning west coast even more, covering roughly 1200 kilometers over 14 days. The Danish west coast is not just stunning, but also holds a special charm for me with its mix of serene beaches and rugged landscapes. I’m particularly excited to explore the cliffs, the WWII bunker ruins (even though they provide very mixed feelings), the wandering dunes, all the scenic lighthouses, and the vast heath landscapes, forests, and nature reservations. One lighthouse holds a special place in our hearts – Rubjerg Knude, where we got engaged in 2019.

“Last time, we noticed how with every kilometer we rode north, the scenery became more and more beautiful. We’re bracing for all kinds of weather – blistering heat, unpredictable rain, and those charming Danish winds. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right? It's about embracing whatever comes our way and finding joy in the journey, no matter what.”

Disconnect to Reconnect

My goal for this trip is refreshingly simple: enjoy our time together, immerse ourselves in nature, and disconnect from the daily grind. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relationships often take a backseat. Work, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists can overshadow the moments that truly matter. It's crucial to step back sometimes and catch your breath because life moves pretty fast; you know if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. And this trip is our way of doing just that.

“It’s all about being present and savoring each moment, both physically and emotionally. This trip is our chance to recharge, reconnect with nature, each other, and most importantly, ourselves.”

This journey is about reminding ourselves why we fell in love with cycling and each other in the first place, and rediscovering our own passions and sense of self along the way.

Finding Peace while Pedaling

Life's been intense lately. As a photographer and small business owner, the hustle never stops. There’s always another job to pitch, another client to impress. Even when you’re your own boss, it’s crucial to step back sometimes and catch your breath.

“Cycling through open landscapes, with almost no people around all day, breathing in the fresh air, and embracing the adventure became our sanctuary. It’s like hitting the reset button on our mental state.”

When I'm out riding now, I can let go of the constant stream of work thoughts and focus on the simple, immediate concerns: where we’re heading next, what the weather will do, what we’ll eat. This shift in focus is incredibly liberating. It's like a mental detox. The usual stressors melt away, and it’s just me, my bike, and the road. Being fully present in these moments is something that’s hard to achieve in the hustle of everyday life. It’s these rides that remind me to savor the journey and not just rush to the destination.

The Physical and Mental Boost: Benefits of Bikepacking

These bikepacking trips really lift our spirits and make us feel so much better overall. Every time we hop on our bikes, we can feel those endorphins kicking in – it's like our bodies’ natural way of giving us a mood boost. Honestly, just getting out there and pedaling is a great tool for dealing with anxiety and stress. Plus, there's something about how exercise seems to clear our minds and make everything a bit sharper and brighter. It's amazing what a good ride can do for our brains and our mood!

“The ever-changing scenery keeps things exciting, and research indicates that being in nature lowers cortisol levels, which helps reduce stress (Park et al., 2010).”

Uninterrupted time together really strengthens our bond. Just spending time riding and exploring together makes us feel so much closer. It's incredible how shared activities and experiences can deepen our connection and bring us even closer together.

After our last adventure, we returned home feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever came next. It was like pressing the reset button on life. We’re eager to capture that feeling again – the unique blend of physical exhaustion and mental rejuvenation that only a long ride can provide.

Danish Delights

Denmark's landscapes – with their sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, quaint villages, and rolling countryside – add a special magic to our journey. Each new view is a reminder of the world’s beauty and helps put our worries into perspective. I remember one path right next to the edge of a cliff, slightly eroded downwards. The view was impressive, but I have to admit, it made me a little nervous for a second.

“Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being, according to science. So, we thought, why not spend 20,160 minutes outdoors over two weeks and really soak it all in?”

And hey, we’re going all in – why not spend 20,160 minutes outdoors over two weeks and really soak it all in? Camping for two weeks straight! Imagine the joy of nonstop outdoor living: fresh air, scenic views, and let’s not forget, the constant battle with bugs and unpredictable weather. But seriously, it’s about embracing the full experience. This trip is as much about mental health and personal growth as it is about physical fitness. It’s about taking the time to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and let the natural world rejuvenate our spirits. As we pedal through Denmark, we're looking forward to soaking in the scenery and finding inspiration in every turn of the wheel.

The Paint Chips Away

Progress-wise, it’s been a mixed bag. I’ve hit a bit of a plateau on the weight front. This past week, I’ve been a bit lazy with my workouts. I haven’t felt like riding indoors, and work’s been swamping me. Sometimes, it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day. You know how it goes – life gets in the way, and next thing you know, your bike’s gathering dust, and you’re contemplating whether couch-cycling counts as exercise.

“This week, especially, I made every excuse to skip rides. It’s been hot, I’ve been busy, and honestly, I just haven’t been feeling it. I told myself that with the upcoming bikepacking trip, I didn’t need to push myself too hard.”

But deep down, I know I should’ve kept up with my routine.

Resilience and Adaptability: Facing Challenges Head-On

Despite this recent lull, I’m curious to see how my body will respond after the trip. Our last bikepacking adventure left me feeling fitter and more energized, like a well-oiled machine. The physical challenge of long-distance riding does wonders for my fitness, and I’m hoping for a repeat performance this time.

“These trips challenge our resilience and adaptability. Facing unpredictable weather and varying terrain teaches us to push through discomfort and find our stride.”

It's about mental toughness as much as physical fitness. When you’re out there, battling the elements and conquering miles, you learn to embrace the struggle and find joy in the journey.

Ride for a Reason?

As you may remember, I’m deeply motivated by the loss of my father to heart issues. It's a stark reminder that health is not something to take for granted. I’m committed to doing everything I can to stay healthy and avoid a similar fate. For me, that means regular cycling, sticking to a balanced vegan diet, and making mental health a priority.

Interestingly, Denmark holds a special place in my heart. My parents and I visited several times when I was younger. So, this trip may be an indirect reminder of those family times, even though I don’t constantly think of it or take it as my mission to ride for him. But somehow, every pedal stroke is a tribute to him, a way to honor his memory, and ensure that I’m around for a long time. Cycling has always been fun, even when he was still alive, and it's become my way of staying fit, clearing my mind, and keeping my heart strong – literally and figuratively. This journey isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that promotes long-term health and well-being.

**So, that’s the plan and the progress so far. This bikepacking trip with Jana is exactly what we need – a break from the hustle, a chance to reconnect with nature, each other, and ourselves, and an opportunity to recharge. We’re ready to embrace the unpredictable Danish weather, the beautiful landscapes, and the sheer joy of being on the road together.

We’ll be covering about 1200 kilometers over 14 days. It’s not just about racking up miles but truly savoring each moment, taking in the sights, and finding that sense of freedom and peace. This trip is as much about mental health and personal growth as it is about physical fitness.

As for next week’s newsletter, I might be too busy soaking up the adventure to send an update. But who knows? If inspiration strikes, I might drop a quick note. If not, expect a full report once we’re back.

Thanks for following along and for all your support. It means a lot to have a community to share this journey with. Take care, and I’ll catch up with you soon – either from the road or when we’re back with stories to tell.**

Big hugs,

Björn