In late summer 2021 Abbie Barnes cycled from Dunnet Head and John O Groats to The Lizard Point and Lands End, via each of the UK's 15 National Parks and their highest peaks.
This epic 55 day expedition saw Abbie and her partner Anna (who drove the support van) travel over 2,000 miles and battle mental ill health, chronic pain, and a number of unanticipated life-challenges along the way. Yet the duo completed this life-changing venture and now have a 3-part film series on YouTube following the highs and lows of their journey.
We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside.
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Show notes
Who is Abbie and what she does
We first spoke with Abbie Aug 26, 2021 - Founder and director of Spend More Time In The WILD, an organisation that seeks to inspire and empower individuals to get outside.
What is Abbie Bikes Britain?
Expectations verses reality
Having 3 months to plan
The logistical nightmare
Figuring out things as they went
Developing a mindset of curiosity
Learning the lessons when things don’t go to plan
Dealing with chronic pain during the cycle ride
What being an advocate for mental health and chronic pain
Not being willing to sit still and suffer
Being crushed by the pain
Why pushing your body can be a fun experiment
Day to day life on the road
Mental health while on the road
Being in love with life and feeling so happy
Finishing the journey
Not having the time to digest what she’d achieved
Finishing on the 22nd October 2021
What the remainder of the year looked like
Having an on season (March - Oct) and an off season (Nov - Feb)
Having the time to think and reflect
Implementing changes in 2022
Being a public figure and feeling burnt out
Spending time in the panic zone and wanting to get back to the comfort zone
Getting her Mountain Leader Qualification
Doing her Hill and Moorland Qualification
Doing her ML assessment in Snowdonia in April 2022
Plans for 2023
How to connect with Abbie
Watch me & Abbie while climbing Snowdon
Abbie meeting me in Rhosneigr while I was on the Wales Coast Path - vlog 11/50
Final words of advice to encourage you to get outdoors
Social Media
Website: www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk
Instagram: @abbiebarneswild
Facebook: @spendmoretimeinthewild
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You can listen to our previous conversations with Abbie below.
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