1500 km. 20,000 m. 15 days.
Words by Jess. A story from Team Wilkinson Wilkinson.
What is time? To us, time is the most precious thing we have, the greatest gift we can give or receive, and the most fleeting thing we will ever possess. How we choose to spend it defines who we are and the memories we leave behind. Time gives us the chance to create moments that last forever, yet it waits for no one. Always moving, always changing. And if we let it slip by, we risk missing the moments that matter most.
Isaac and I have always tried to live fully, making the most of the time we’re given. Our love for adventure has been our common ground, and it was that shared passion that first brought us together at a gravel race in South Africa: the Road to Desolation.
We lived on opposite sides of the world, and from a logical perspective, a relationship seemed complicated. But after just one day riding and exploring together in Cape Town, we fell for each other. We lost all sense of time, completely immersed in the moment. That night, Isaac flew back to Berlin. Even with no idea when we’d see each other again, we just knew it was meant to be.
Two months later, we met again at a mountain bike race in Switzerland, The Swiss Epic. From there, the rest is history. Isaac turned to me and said, “Next year, we’ll be married, and our honeymoon will be bikepacking in Patagonia.”
A year later, our wedding behind us, we found ourselves riding through the Chilean and Argentine mountains: 1,500 kilometers and 20,000 meters of elevation over 15 days. Most people questioned our choice, it’s not exactly the typical honeymoon. But for us, it was the perfect adventure: a chance to spend time together doing what we love most, exploring, discovering, and getting lost in the unknown.
Patagonia was more stunning than we could have imagined. Every kilometer took our breath away. With only our flights and start and end points booked, we let each day unfold as it came. When an unexpected snow storm rolled in, we’d take refuge in a cozy eco-cabin and watch the blizzard pass. When headwinds slowed us down, we allowed ourselves to enjoy the ride instead of racing the clock.
Adventure forces a different kind of thinking. We spend so much of our lives planning and looking ahead that it’s easy to live in the future and miss the present. This trip reminded us to slow down, take it all in, and appreciate both where we are and how far we’ve come.
Our trip was the perfect reminder that a true adventure isn’t defined by perfect conditions or flawless plans. It’s shaped by the moments that challenge you, the ones that don’t go as expected. Those are the moments that stay with you. Like stepping outside and being met with 70 km/hr wind gusts and snow clouds, intimidating and uncomfortable, yet leading to one of the most unforgettable days on a bike. Accomplishing something challenging, something that at first feels unachievable, is one of the best feelings you can experience.
Riding bikes opened up our world to adventure and led us to each other. They can take you near or far, and give you the chance to connect with amazing people who share the same passion. Because it’s not about where you are in the world, it’s about who you choose to spend your time with.
Luna De Miel
Luna De Miel is an intimate and breathtaking bikepacking film chronicling our honeymoon through the wilds of Patagonia. Shot across northern Patagonia and deep into Los Glaciares National Park, the film follows our journey along the legendary Carretera Austral, a ribbon of road threading through glaciers, turquoise rivers, endless gravel, and vast, untamed landscapes. What began as a honeymoon became a test of endurance, partnership, and wonder, as we pedaled day after day into the heart of one of the most remote regions on Earth.
Kit List
Everything we needed was strapped to our bikes, so packing well was essential. Long days in unpredictable weather meant layering for extremes: scorching heat, snowstorms, humid rain showers, freezing mountain passes.
Long Sleeve AE Trail Tee
The relaxed fit was comfortable for long days on the bike. We customised our jerseys with our own design through CIOVITA’s Canvas offering, which made them feel even more special for the journey.
Cargo Bib Shorts
We were testing a new pair of cargo bib shorts (watch this space, they’re amazing). The pockets were perfect for carrying all the snacks we needed and keeping our cameras easily accessible.
View the Cargo Bib Shorts collection →
Apex Hydro Repel Waterproof Jacket
The ideal layer for unpredictable conditions, this jacket provided reliable rain protection and kept me dry and comfortable.
Shop the Apex Hydro Repel Waterproof Jacket →
Apex Polartec Adventure Jacket
This is my go-to adventure jacket, lightweight and easy to pack. It kept me warm in freezing temperatures, layered with a base layer and the Hydro Repel jacket.
Shop the Apex Polartec Adventure Jacket →
DriRelease Long Sleeve Baselayer
The smallest addition that can make a cold day so much more comfortable, adding extra warmth while moisture-wicking properties keep you dry.
