Cycle of Simplicity
A short cycling journey of rediscovery - experienced and put on paper by photographer Dan Petermann.
Time out in the countryside
I have always found solace in the tranquillity of nature. However, due to the constant demands of daily life, I often find myself trapped in the routine of everyday urban life. To escape this monotony, I recently embarked on a bikepacking micro-adventure - a short but refreshing trip that offered me a soothing break from the stresses of everyday life.
Less is sometimes more
The minimalist approach of bikepacking allows me to focus on the simplicity and beauty of my surroundings and appreciate them more. At the same time, cycling offers me the perfect pace of travel. Unlike hiking, you cover large distances quickly, but still remain slow enough to immerse yourself in the landscape.
The tranquillity of nature
This balance creates an intimate connection to the surroundings, allowing you to take in sights, sounds and scents that might otherwise go unnoticed. As I drove out of the city, the transition from urban to natural scenery was gradual but profound - busy streets gave way to tranquil forests and the meditative sound of waves. The first day's ride perfectly combined lush greenery and coastal beauty. Every pedal stroke whetted the appetite for the next one!
Advantages with the bike
One of the greatest perks of biking is its ability to take you to places inaccessible by car or too far by foot. Narrow paths and secluded trails opened up a world of hidden gems and unspoiled landscapes.
Beauty in disguise
Exploring these less-travelled routes brought a new perspective to familiar regions. Paths I had driven past countless times suddenly revealed their hidden charms, offering a fresh and invigorating view of my surroundings.
Forests, fields, freedom
On the second day, I continued my journey from the coast, where I had camped the night before, and crossed the forest and surrounding fields of the Rostock Heath. The journey took me through tiny villages that seemed to have been forgotten by time. This part of the journey was just as enchanting with a mixture of dense forests and open fields. Every turn brought new impressions and experiences, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery.
This short escape was more than a break from routine; it reminded me of the joy of simplicity and the wonders that lie beyond our everyday paths. The combination of physical activity, natural beauty and the thrill of exploration made this experience unforgettable. It taught me that even short trips can provide deep and lasting recovery.
For me, this was a perfect way to start afresh, find new perspectives, rediscover the world around me and remember that often less really is more.
Dan Petermann
Find out more about Dan, his work and what he's up to next. Follow him at @dan_petermann or visit danpetermann.de. The tarp used by Dan is the DAWN Tarp L, gray in combination with our Mainstay tarp poles - also available as a set!
