Bikepacking while fat, and sewing activewear
I’m still riding the stoke from my first ever bikepacking trip on my bike named Dolly (yes, of course, she’s named after Dolly Parton). It was the most empowering thing I’ve ever done. It changed my life and I can’t wait to see what I do next!
Before we headed out!
My partner and I impulsively signed up for a beginner friendly bikepacking trip led by @shriketour. S/o to Shea, who is passionate about creating an inclusive and accessible biking environment for all genders, races, ages, and abilities. I felt really safe and had a blast. We covered 60mi over 2 days, and stayed one night at the beautiful oceanside Refugio campground. We rode single track, gravel, and freeway.
Prior to this trip, the most I biked was 14mi, 1-2 days a month. I’ve been purposefully walking every day, lifting heavy weights 1-2x week, rowing 1-2x week, and hiking up mountains 1x a week. I didn’t really have a specific goal in mind. It’s exciting to see that my training paid off on the bikepacking trip. It was still challenging and I was one of the slowest, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I fucking crushed it, and I want more (she screams in death metal).
Tyler, the camp hobbit
Forever loving sunsets
On being fat and active
Wearing a self drafted merino wool knit tshirt
As I heal my relationship with my body and food, weight loss is no longer motivating to me. Becoming stronger and fitter so I can hike longer, bike more, and move with ease until I’m dead is! Separating exercise from weight loss has been the best thing for my mental and physical health. It’s not a punishment, it feels good, and the benefits are never ending. Fat people love to exercise and enjoy nature too :)
I identify as “fat” because it’s the category I’ve been put in by others my whole life. It was used to shame me, for existing I guess? I’m still not exactly sure why being fat is so hilarious or shameful. Either way, I don’t give a shit anymore. I’m not ashamed of my amazing body that gives me life every day, and I hope to inspire other fatties to live, laugh, love to the motherfuckin’ extreme. I also must acknowledge I navigate society easier because my fatness is on the smaller end.
If you feel like your size is holding you back from doing the activities you want to do in life, don’t let it. You have one life to live, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Go after what you want, be proud of who you are. Heal yourself. Don’t let other people’s (or your internalized) fatphobia keep you from enjoying life to it’s fullest. You deserve to take up space as much as the next goober. YOU ARE STRONG. That’s my tiny pep talk.
Sewing activewear
Thompson coat, toaster sweater #1, brassie joggers, self-drafted tshirt
Sewing my own clothing has helped me love my body more. I love making nice-looking, hardworking active clothing. Most of the clothing I brought on our bikepacking trip was made by me!
I discovered merino wool knits this past year and haven’t looked back. It’s great for people with hyperhydrosis and for activewear. It’s breathable, moisture-wicking and suitable for all seasons.
Handmade clothing I took on the trip with me:
2 Lightweight merino wool knit tshirts - I duped an everlane crop tshirt that I liked the fit of and have made a ton of them and wear them all the time!
Midweight merino wool knit Toaster Sweater #1 quarter zip hack
Size 20
Followed various youtube tutorials to add a quarter zip
Midweight merino wool knit Brassie Joggers
Size J
High rise view
Ankle length, no cuff, and then shortened 2” (My inseam is 27” lol)
Front + Back - removed 1” horizontally from side seam at hip tapering to nothing at CF
Back - removed 1/2” wedge from CB taper to nothing down crotch curve
Back - Lengthened crotch curve at inner thigh 1.25”, tapering to nothing down inseam
Sewed channel on waistband for drawstring
Lightweight packable puffer Thompson Coat
View A, Size JJ 1X
Graded hips out 1” on front & back (adding 4” total to hip)
Gifted Patagonia test fabrics - 4 ply supplex DWR nylon outer/inner and lightweight primaloft batting
A famously size exclusive brand. So stoked to be able to make my own gear!
I definitely should’ve lengthened arms 2”+
Used snaps instead of buttons
My handmade activewear performed excellently, no complaints! I was cool and dry while riding, and warm and cozy at the campground. Sewing is so rad.
I love riding with my sweetie
Tired, banged up & so happy