ADVENTURE
At a time when I am restlessly searching for valuable connections in life, The Sleepover by IRIS catches my eye: a bikepacking adventure for and by women in the middle of winter. It sparks something in me, especially since my bike and I have been on a bit of a break. Why not rekindle that long distance relationship with my two-wheeler? I'm signing up, looking ahead with a mix of excitement and nerves!!
By Brenda Saeys
Hey ho, let’s go!
Early out of bed, Bieke and I catch the train to Maastricht, headed for the seriously cool bike store Off the Map. The three-woman team Iris, Petra and Elske radiate warmth, making us feel instantly at ease. Doubts about fitness and my bike setup quickly went away and after an enjoyable cup of coffee, plus a reassuring intro by Iris, we set off in the direction of Malmedy.
After gathering at Off the Map, we roll out of Maastricht in very rainy conditions. Photos by Eloise Maivan @tornanti_cc
Despite the rain, 30 enthusiastic women, (many in the colourful, quirky IRIS wear), make the trip unforgettable. What a fine blend of young and old, introverted and extroverted, different nationalities and physical conditions! We divide into three pace groups, some pedaling a little more firmly than others. The awesome thing about The Sleepover is that no one is left behind and everyone finds someone who rides at the same pace.
Aaaaand yes, for me, bikepacking is about the journey and not just the destination. We pilot each other over pimples of mountains, back each other up when tires go flat, pull off our cycling shorts for a much needed wee and share stories along the way.
No matter how challenging the conditions it was a day full of smiles and connection. @tornanti_cc
Fun, even off the bike
Night falls and the fireplace crackles. What follows are chats, laughs and food good enough to make you orgasm. Big shout out to the kitchen team Franke and Eefje. How divine it was. Fresh from the field, straight to the plate, every bite was a delight!
Day one ended with a good old Bingo game. With beautiful artwork bingo cards created by HeyHeyDeHaas, we ticked off number after number. Lots of ooh’s, aarghs and excited shouts of Bingo! Fun fun fun, but sadly no win for me.
Cold as f**k
Day two and it is bitingly cold. Surrounded by snow covered landscapes and beautiful winter views at the highest point in Belgium, our nipples are on the verge of frostbite! Sometimes you curse the hills and sometimes they are oh so welcome as every climb and conversation warms us up. One last coffee stop before we complete the final stretch of our journey back into Maastricht and after just 24 hours together we feel like one big family, supporting and pushing each other forward.
Morning brought fresh snow and a new challenge: Signal de Botrange, Belgium’s highest point. Photos by Cyril Chermin @serialcee
After a cold start there was even some sun to accompany us on our way back to Maastricht. @serialcee
Conclusion
More than 160 km later, my first group bikepacking adventure comes to an end. Long live the power of estrogen. Long live kindness to each other. Long live winter bikepacking. Long live dancing when there’s a flat. And most of all – long live IRIS. Thank you for the miles and smiles. And just like that, I’m falling for my two-wheeler all over again, ready for the next adventure!
Thanks Brenda for pulling turns and snacking with so much joy and passion! And for sharing your experience.
Want to ride The Sleepover route yourself? Check out the full route on komoot:
