Joel Teiger - Go Big or Go Home

Our Real Bike.People series highlights the everyday people who ride and race Ribble bikes. Wherever they may be and no matter what style of riding they've embraced.

In our latest edition we feature Joel Teiger. Joel is one of those hardy cyclists who get a kick out of loading up their bikes with enough bags, bottles and camping gear to sink a small ship and then ride mammoth distances unsupported - all in the name of adventure. We caught up with this unassuming chap ahead of his latest great expedition. A 1000km cycle tour, that will see him cross two countries and traverse two mountain ranges, as he travels along the Black Sea coast from northern Turkey to the Georgian capital, Tblisi.

Hi Joel, can you give us a feel for who you are and what it is you do in everyday life.

So, here is a brief summary of myself. I’m 27, living in Hertfordshire but originally from West London. I’m drawn to almost any outdoor activity. But cycling, running, and surfing seem to occupy most of my time outside of my full-time job as a Physiotherapist for a Premiership rugby team. In recent years, self-supported trips have become my slight obsession, from cycling to hiking. I love the pure simplicity of surviving and exploring with only what you can carry on your person (or bike).

You’re no stranger to the odd epic ride or two; what trips have you completed so far?

My bike packing journey feels like it’s only really just starting. However, I must admit I pretty much went straight in at the deep end. Having completed many solo trips around the UK, including the South Downs Way, Parts of the Trans Pennine Trail and several routes around west Wales, my first trip abroad was through northern Italy. I first flew to Verona and navigated my way (with several errors) up to the beautiful Lake Lugano in Switzerland. From here, I rode the Veneto gravel route alongside my best mate Duncan, frequently diverting when things caught our eye. Until eventually traversing the Dolomites to the Austrian border.

What rides have you got lined up in 2024?

So far there's only one set in stone. This trip will take me through the north of Turkey along the Black Sea, working our way through the Pontic Mountains and then over to the Arsiani Range in Georgia to make our way to the capital, Tbilisi. Whilst this is my main bike packing trip of the summer, I have a convenient trip to Bordeaux for a wedding (So, why not cycle?!). Further adventures in the works include a trip around the Lake District, exploring the extraordinary beauty that the UK has to offer. But the big trip in the pipeline is north to south New Zealand. It still needs some planning but the aim is to get this completed by early 2025.

How do you fit these in around work and family commitments?

This is the challenging part!! I live quite a busy lifestyle working as a full-time Physiotherapist in professional Rugby alongside my various hobbies. Of which I accept I have far too many. But I’ve learnt over the years that these adventures, both with friends and alone, are what bring me the most joy and the biggest sense of achievement in life. So I prioritise these where I can. Not only this, but they also imbue me with a new sense of motivation when I return to work, even if this is only a weekend – I believe they are always worth the effort. I find they perfectly balance me out. Working in a high pressured and stressful environment, I see this trips as my down time. I live by the motto: If I’m able to spend an equivalent amount of time or more at my destination as it took me to get there, it's always worth the effort. Plus, why not make the travel part of the trip? CYCLE!!

Did these rides offer any mistakes/lessons you carried into future rides?

Oh, for sure!! There is never a trip without an error, which usually involves food or kit. Spare straps and cable ties are essential and a lifesaver. Is there anything you can’t fix with these! Whilst I try to carry as little as possible, I also plan for the things that I know would halt my adventure, e.g. spare chain links and mech hangers – these will get me out of so many sticky situations or at least allow me to seek further help if I need it. My biggest lesson is to stop for food and water when the opportunity arises, even if you don’t think you need it! On these trips, I find you never know when it’s going to be your last food or water stop of the day or even the upcoming days. And let’s be honest, bonking is no one’s idea of fun! Finally, I'd say its imperative that you try not to plan too much – these adventures often make themselves – and an unplanned stop in an unexpected town or bivvy spot cannot be beaten.

Turkey to Georgia sounds like a lot of fun. What are you looking forward to most during this latest bike-packing odyssey?

It sounds silly, but what I love most about bike-packing is the ability to prioritise only 3 things – finding food, finding water and finding somewhere to sleep. This allows most of the worries to exit my head and let me fully take in whichever insane landscape I may be riding in! I’ll be joining one of my best mates, Duncan, on his around-the-world trip for this adventure. Being able to experience a country not many people get to explore to the depths we will be doing fills me with so much excitement. But the Pontic Mountains are up there as one of the trips main highlights.

How do you even prepare for a ride of this magnitude?

I try to make sure I keep my weekly distance up on the bike to prep for riding over 1000 km during this trip. But more importantly, it’s just the time in the saddle! Make sure you get out whenever you can. I have to fit this in around a full-time job that often takes up six days a week. So, finding the time to train can be tough. And I’ll be honest: no matter how thorough your preparation, you always feel like you're never fully prepared. But I listen to my body when I’m out there and find that as long as you take it at a comfortable pace, you’ll be surprised at what your body can do.

Do you have a daily mileage target in mind? Or is it more a case of taking each day as it comes?

I know I only have a certain number of days to complete the distance, but each day is so hard to predict. We try to aim for around 100km a day where possible. But you never know what you might pass in a day. I think it’s always worth exploring places, so spending time taking photos or videos often shortens this daily distance.

Can you offer us some insight into what luggage you’ll need to carry all the belongings required for this trip?

Yeah, for sure. I’m actually making some adjustments on this trip. This is why I’ve swapped to the Gravel Ti Model over the CGR Ti (mainly for its ability to carry a bigger load). I’ll be taking two forkbags that usually carry my sleeping stuff for quick access. I’ll then carry a handlebar dry bag and a 5L bar bag for more sleeping and cooking equipment along with all my technology (This is where the weight builds). A 4L frame bag for all my spares and charging equipment. A 15L saddle bag for all my clothes, shoes and anything else I grab along the way. Then, three water bottles, but this is where I may need to re-think, as I might not be able to get water for a few days along parts of the route, so more storage will be needed …. I’m still working on this bit.

Do you have a specific calorific intake for each day; what do you eat/drink to ensure you meet this target?

My background is primarily in road riding and half marathon/marathon running, where the calorie intake is easy to work out and keep consistent. But I find these trips to be so much more unpredictable. Usually, I aim for 60-80g of carbs per hour on a road ride. But on these trips, the slower pace usually lowers my requirements. However, I will always ensure I have three meals throughout the day and have regular snacks! Salted Pretzel sticks, Honey and Dates are a personal favourite. I'll always carry spare energy bars and gels with me, but I only really break these out in case of emergency. Having said that - this supply has saved me on many occasions when the final push to the sleeping spot has tipped me over the edge. Water …… this is a different story – on this trip, I’m going to need a LOT of it. But making sure you always have some left over to cook with is key. This one has caught me out a few times. A very valuable tip I was once given is the rule I go by. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink – it’s often too late. On a long trip just regular intake and ensuring I get 2-3L a day is my aim.

Which bike will you be riding during these trips?

I’ll be riding the Ribble Gravel Ti for all my upcoming trips.

What made you gravitate towards that model?

I've owned Ribble’s almost exclusively all my adult life. I’ve always loved their feel, fit and affordability. But the Gravel Ti really does it all! Not only does it have a comfortable geometry for long days in the saddle, but the titanium gives it a smooth yet fast ride whilst being unbelievably durable. I really do put these bikes through their paces and rely on them functioning throughout, and I find the Gravel Ti and the CGR Ti to fit this bill perfectly. The additional mounting points on the Gravel Ti also give me endless setup options, so this bike is perfect for trips spanning from multi-week adventures to local weekend trips. Plus, the timeless look of the Titanium finish never ever gets old – especially with gravel dust all over it!!