Introduction
For those who haven’t come across your incredible journeys yet, can you briefly introduce yourself and what got you into bikepacking?
I live in the beautiful southern Black Forest of Germany and have always been enthusiastic about discovering and enjoying new and unknown areas. By bike, you simply experience this unknown so much more intensively and with all your senses, which is why for me there is nothing better than traveling by bike! It all started when I wanted to cycle to my mom’s before Christmas, which was 650 kilometers that I wanted to cover in two days. Of course, this was quite extreme, but the feeling of being on the road with luggage on my bike inspired me right from the start. Since then, I’ve had quite a few adventures (including shorter distances, of course).
What does bikepacking mean to you—more than just the riding, what do you seek out there on the trail?
It's the freedom and minimalism that captivates me. We live in such abundance—always needing more and more—and yet it's enough to carry a small bag with a few things with which you can easily go on vacation for two weeks. You get up in the morning and don't know what to expect. You just set off, carefree and excited of what might happen today and what great places you will see! It doesn't matter what the weather is like (of course sunshine would be the best) or what the roads are like, everything has its pros and cons and that’s what makes the adventure.
Planning & Preparation
What are the top three things you always consider when planning a multi-day bikepacking route?
Be sure of your capabilities - There is no point in planning daily distances that are too long or too demanding for you. That will take the fun out of it.
Be prepared - Consider the conditions at your destination. If you arrive at your destination after 250 kilometers and find yourself in the middle of nowhere without food or the option to refresh yourself somewhere, you will get on your bike the next day with no energy. This may work for one day, but depending on the demands of the route, it can be very exhausting and nerve-wracking.
Don't take too much with you - People underestimate how little they actually need in everyday life! Cycling clothes can be washed out in the evening. The most necessary toiletries are best only taken in travel sizes. And it is important that you have the right Lezyne tools with you and that you are prepared for all mechanicals!
How do you prepare mentally and physically for longer, remote adventures?
In fact, not great at all. I make sure that the route and the stops are planned in as much detail as possible so that I can really just look forward to cycling without having to worry about accommodation, food or anything else. Of course, technical issues sometimes throw off your schedule, but so far, I have coped well with all adversities and have been able to solve problems reliably—either with the tools we had with us or with the help of nearby workshops. A motorcycle store once even helped me to pull a tire onto the rim after I had destroyed five tire levers. Now I am grateful to use the Lezyne Tubeless Power XL Tire Levers. There is usually a solution for every problem.
Do you follow a gear checklist? If so, what are some non-negotiable essentials in your setup?
I actually create a list and adjust it after every trip so that it is customized perfectly for me. Of course, it's adjusted slightly depending on the length of the trip, but the basics are definitely on there. For example, a Lezyne Pocket Drive hand pump, Lezyne V PRO 11 Multi Tool, spare inner tube, Lezyne Smart Patch Kit and cable ties are non-negotiable.
Gear & Equipment
Let’s talk gear! How do you strike the balance between being fully equipped and traveling light?
You learn something new with every trip. At the beginning, I was hopelessly overloaded and put half of it back in the cupboard unused after we got home. Now I know that one pair of underpants, one shirt and one pair of trousers is enough for a two-week vacation, I have minimalist barefoot shoes with me, saw off the end of my toothbrush and have an all-in-one shampoo/shower gel. These are small things, but they add up in the end. Instead of several inner tubes, I now prefer to take a Lezyne Smart Patch Kit with me so that I can fix the tube in an emergency.
Mechanical issues are inevitable in remote areas—how do you prepare for these, and what repair tools do you always carry with you?
The following things are always there and have often saved the day:
- Lezyne Tubeless Power XL Tire Levers
- Lezyne V PRO 11 Multi Tool
- Lezyne Fusion Drive Pro 600+ Front LED with Lezyne LED qPro Mount
- Lezyne Infinite Light Power Pack+
- Lezyne Saddle Ai Alert 250 Rear LED
- Cable ties
- Isotape and duct tape
- Replacement inner tube
- Lezyne Smart Patch Kit
- Lezyne Control Drive CO2 with 16g CO2 Cartridge
- Lezyne Pocket Drive
- Chain quick link
- Replacement brake pad
- Chain lube
So far, I've been able to fix all problems with these tools, at least enough to get me to the nearest bike store.
You’ve had the chance to use a few Lezyne products—how have they held up in the wild, especially the hand pump you carry?
The Lezyne Pocket Drive has saved my butt so many times...I've had constant bad luck with flats on two tours and ended up without a repair kit, so I was always able to pump the air that was slowly leaking out of the tube. The Lezyne Pocket Drive is indispensable for me on such long trips and is always inconspicuously attached to my bike. Basically, almost all Lezyne tools have been used before and ensured that my ride could be continued and didn't end in the middle of nowhere.
Product Spotlight: Lezyne Pocket Drive
You’ve been using Lezyne Pocket Drive. Can you walk us through why this pump has earned a permanent place in your gear bag? (of efficiency, durability, and ease of use)
The Lezyne Pocket Drive not only looks stylish, but also blends in perfectly with the overall design of the bike! I always have my pump mounted underneath, my Lezyne Matrix Team Cage where it doesn't get in the way and is always within easy reach when needed. The fact that you can screw it directly onto the valve with the ABS Flex Hose makes it much easier to pump and very unlikely to damage the Presta valve. I have been using my Lezyne Pocket Drive since 2016 and it still works perfectly, even though it is always exposed to the elements.
What situations has it saved you in? Any “thank goodness I had this!” stories?
The story of when I rode my bike to my mom's house before Christmas in 2019 and had a whopping seven flat tires. To start, I slashed my tubeless tire, then one tube after the other were punctured. Of course, it was Sunday and not a single store was open. When I didn't have any spare tubes or patches, I pulled in a “slightly” damaged tube and then inflated it again and again with the Lezyne Pocket Drive after it had gradually lost air. I still managed to get almost 80 kilometers (although I had to pump it every 10 kilometers) until friends along the route were able to bring me a new inner tube. If I hadn't had the pump, my trip would have ended there.
Real-World Bikepacking Insights
Tell us about one of the most memorable moments you’ve had on a bikepacking trip. What made it unforgettable?
That was certainly last year, when we cycled from Basel across France to Brest. First there was the moment when we saw the Eiffel Tower in front of us after three days in constant rain and then, after five more days, when we saw the magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel on the horizon behind a bend. How this unreal island, with its impressive buildings, suddenly appeared before my eyes. What a moment, I had goosebumps, I will remember that for a long time!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone wanting to get into multi-day bikepacking but doesn’t know where to start?
First and foremost: just do it. Don't worry too much or have second thoughts. If you assess yourself and the route correctly and put a few hours into planning, it can only be great! Don't hesitate to contact people who are already experienced and ask them for tips and tricks.
Maria’s Must-Haves
Besides the essentials, do you carry any “luxury” or personal items that help you feel human out there?
My luxury item is my camera and my mini drone. I need the visual memories of such trips and often look at photos and videos of past trips. I often forget one or two details, but I have them captured for eternity. Our wall at home is full of photos of our adventures and it's always fun to look at them. Apart from that, I actually keep my luggage very minimalist; no make-up, no fancy clothes.
What’s your go-to snack or meal when you’re deep into a multi-day route?
I always have a bag of Haribo gummies and crackers with me. If you do hit a mental low, sitting down on a bench and eating your favorite snack (whatever that is for each individual) can work wonders.
Looking Ahead
What’s your dream bikepacking destination or route?
I would love to cross Norway from south to north. Riding through the wilderness along the fjords must be fantastic! The return journey is relatively complicated, which is why we still have to do a bit of planning.
Any upcoming adventures on the calendar you’re excited about?
In one month, we start our bikepacking for this year with Budapest as our destination! Over the course of 12 days, we will ride almost 1,700 km from Basel over the Gotthard Pass to Italy via Veneto to Trieste, from there to Slovenia and on to Budapest, Hungary. We're really excited as my boyfriend and I haven't been to Slovenia yet and we're looking forward to the wild nature and completely new places.
Where can people follow your journeys and see your Lezyne setup in action?
You can visit me on my Instagram account @maryywilke and follow my adventures on the bike here! Here you can often find detailed information about the setup, tips and tricks for short and long adventures and I'm always happy to answer any questions.
