Questions to Ask Before Going on an Adventure.
Questions to ask before you go on an adventure*.
A number of events and conversations led us to wanting to write this blog post.
At our P.A.S.T adventure series, Meredith shared this golden nugget ‘The best goals have nothing to do with distance’. (Meredith’s goal for her alpine trip was to have at least 1 local beer every day).
In September, Nic, Sue and Meredith all went to the incredible Outspoken event in Oxford and heard Emily Chappell talk about her round the world adventures. Emily said “we abdicate responsibility of finding out about the community we will be visiting”.
Friend and supporter of New Forest Off Road Club, Vicky Balfour rode the Badger Divide in September 2021. Vicky was really open with us about how she found the ride and what she would do differently next time.
Add to that, a whole host of conversations with people who have spent time on a bike ride with a partner who had different expectations for the ride.
We thought we would write up some questions that can be asked before heading out on an adventure, big or small.
Why?
If you feel the need to be more intentional in your actions. Establishing the ‘why’ can be helpful.
To ensure you get out of it what you want. The answers to these questions will help guide your decision making whilst out on the trails.
Clear expectation setting with your bike friends. Discussing these questions will help you establish common ground and avoid conflicts whilst out on the trail.
It can be easy to get excited and say yes to things quickly. Having a really clear sense of what it is you want will help you say yes to the things that will serve you and no to the things that don’t.
Answer the questions you want, sack off the ones you don’t.
What do you want to get out of your bike ride?
Who do you want to share the experience with?
What does a successful ride look like to you?
Where can you learn about the places you are visiting?
How do you want to feel at the end of your bike ride?
What can you honour on the ride?
How can you benefit the local communities you are visiting?
Why is this trip important to you?
What do you want to get out of your adventure?
Do you want a nice time? See new places? Connect with new people? Ride the furthest you’ve ever ridden? Stop at that cafe that does the best hot chocolate.
What does a successful ride look like to you?
Achieving one of the above? Taking some gorgeous photos for the album? Helping someone else achieve their personal best? Seeing a New Forest horse? Doing your first overnighter with your little one?
Who do you want to share the experience with?
Will it be powerful to go by yourself? Do you want to share the adventure with your Mum? Do you want to ride with new people? Do you want to spend some time reconnecting with your partner? This question alone can sometimes help you understand exactly what you want to get out of the trip.
Where can you learn about the places you are visiting?
Whether you're riding through a different county, country or continent, there is SO MUCH TO LEARN. You can research places before you visit or take the time to ask questions and read while you're on the trail.
How do you want to feel at the end of your ride?
Exhausted? Content? Happy? Accomplished? Full? Inspired? Rejuvenated?
What can you honour on the ride?
This might sound a bit dramatic but honestly. Give it some thought. Perhaps you want to honour someone's memory and make a pilgrimage to their favourite beach spot? Maybe you want to go on a bike tour to honour the fact that you’ve made it through another year.
How can you benefit the local communities you are visiting?
We believe in regenerative permaculture principles (sustainability is not enough). We were really inspired by the Montanas Vacias rally this year. The route takes you through a myriad of Spanish villages, all suffering from economic decline. Stopping in bars for food and drink not only added an amazing dimension to the experience but it also benefited local people.
Why is this trip important to you?
Oooof, this is a big one. Probably best if you let this one stew for a bit and then come back to it. The answer to this one might become clearer once you’re out there.
If you’re setting out on a trip with a group of pals, it’s a good idea to establish some intentions so everyone is on the same page. We’ve made this spreadsheet (make a copy) which can be shared amongst the group. If you use it, let us know if it helped!
That’s all we can think of for now, let us know what we’ve missed and make sure, above all else, you’re enjoying yourself out there, in what ever way that looks like to you ✌️.
*the word adventure can also be ride, walk, trip, whatever you want.
