Ask the experts: How to prepare for a bikepacking trip

Jon Sharples, head coach at TrainSharp, and ultra-cyclist Jasmijn Muller offer their tips on going long

Male cyclist riding a gravel bike with bikepacking bags
(Image credit: Future)

“One of the most important days of my life was when I learned to ride a bicycle.” Not my words, dear reader, but those of Micheal Palin. And few people are better travelled than the co-founder of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

We’re not suggesting you saddle up and cycle Full Circle, pedal Pole to Pole or ride around the world in 80 days. But, with bikepacking becoming ever more popular, and winter the perfect time to prepare for next summer's adventures, we do want to get you in the best possible shape for the two-wheeled tour of your choosing.

Lifelong cyclist Jon is the founder, director and head coach of Trainsharp Cycle Coaching (trainsharp.co.uk)
Jon Sharples

Jon Sharples is owner and head of performance at TrainSharp, based near Lewes in Sussex (UK)

Jasmijn Muller
Jasmijn Muller

Jasmijn Muller is an endurance cyclist, Level-3 coach, and Master’s student in sports physiology. A former world 24hr TT champion, she now races unsupported ultra events, finishing in the top-10 in races including the TransAtlantic Way and North Cape-Tarifa.

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Steve has been writing (mainly fitness features) for Cycling Weekly for 11 years. His current riding inclination is to go long on gravel bikes... which melds nicely with a love of carbs