Whether venturing on a gravel expedition or your first bikepacking experience, YT MOB athlete and resident wild child Sami Sauri has the goods you need to kickstart adventure.
Since joining the YT MOB in ’22, Sami and her SZEPTER have scaled volcanic faces in the depths of Iceland, navigated the vast desolation of Yemen, and traveled through the endless landscape of the African wildlands. It’s always an adventure. When Sami puts tires to dirt, you can be sure there’s an adventure in the making; from ride-ending mechanicals far from home to new local cuisines and testing route changes, she’s seen it all. Shaped by experience, Sami knows a thing or two about exploration – here are her top tips to help take your riding to the furthest corners of the map… and beyond.
GEAR UP, PACK SMART
Sami and her custom YT SZEPTER
To make it in the wild, you need kit you can count on. Sami’s go-to weapon of choice is the all-terrain YT SZEPTER: a gravel bike capable of crushing long distances over rugged terrain in comfort. Since joining the YT MOB, it has been her bike of choice, seeing her through killer events like the Kenyan Migration Gravel Race.
You’ll need more than a bike, though. Sami’s essentials list includes a packable insulated jacket for layering, especially for overnight camping, a tire boot for vibe-killing punctures, and Merino socks for their warmth, quick-dry, and antimicrobial properties.
Sami’s adventure essentials:
Puffy Jacket
Merino Socks
Tire Boot
Cheese Plate
Cheese Grater
Cheese Knife
TACTICAL ROUTE PLANNING
Bike, check. Equipment, check. Now, you need to work out where to go. There are endless options for route planning tools to help you plan your next adventure, but Sami’s top tip is to study your route – crack out the map, keep an eye on the elevation, and expect the unexpected.
When bikepacking, you must carry everything you need with you, so efficient packing is vital. You can’t compromise on food and water, but if you can plan supply stops to your route, you’ll free up valuable space and weight.
Your route is dynamic and constantly changing. Conditions, terrain, road closures, seasons – if you’ve planned your route long in advance, run through it again before setting off. Doubling back on yourself wastes valuable time and energy!
SAMI SAYS WEAR A HELMET
For most mountain bikers, wearing a helmet is a no-brainer and mandatory at some bike parks and competitions. Sure, gravel riding and touring may be more tame than downhill, but wearing a helmet provides more than crash protection. A helmet offers sun protection without compromising breathability when riding in warmer climates. When it does rain, a helmet even provides a breathable barrier between your head and your cold, wet jacket hood.
No matter the weather
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” – Alfred Wainwright
Rain or shine, get out and ride your bike. Check the forecast and pack the right kit, but don’t let bad weather get in the way of your adventure. You might miss your best ride to date!
HAVE FUN: GOOD TIMES ONLY
Bikepacking is the highway to some of the best adventures you’ll ever have. Sure, flat tires, bad weather, and searing quads are type two fun, but these moments elevate your experience, even if they seem like a chore at the time. “Don’t be afraid to go off course and explore a little along the way,” – you never know what hidden treasures you may find.
