Can we stop perpetuating the myth that bikepacking in remote areas requires an in-depth knowledge of wilderness survival skills, and instead focus on the reality that most cyclists are more likely to die from a preventable accident or a pre-existing medical condition than from a lack of knowledge on how to start a fire without matches?
It seems like every other article or video on bikepacking is touting the importance of learning survival skills, from foraging for wild edibles to navigating with a compass, but how many cyclists actually die from being lost in the wilderness? My research suggests that the majority of fatalities involving cyclists occur on paved roads, not in remote wilderness areas, and are often the result of collisions with motor vehicles or other cyclists.
Meanwhile, the real risks facing remote bikepackers, such as dehydration, heat stroke, and cardiac arrest, are often glossed over in favor of more sensational topics like bear attacks and snake bites. And dont even get me started on the overemphasis on gear, with many cyclists feeling like they need to spend hundreds of dollars on specialized survival equipment in order to be safe on the trail.
Im not saying that survival skills arent important, but cant we have a more nuanced conversation about the real risks facing remote bikepackers, and focus on teaching cyclists the skills that will actually keep them safe, like how to fix a broken chain or treat a minor injury? And what about the role of technology in bikepacking, with many cyclists now carrying GPS devices, satellite phones, and other gadgets that can greatly reduce the risk of getting lost or stranded? Are these tools making traditional survival skills obsolete, or are they just a crutch for cyclists who dont know how to navigate without them?