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Roadblocks or Redirections?
Codey Orgill
February 22, 2025
Most people panic when life doesn’t go as planned. But what if roadblocks were actually redirections?
(Keep reading - we are giving away FREE Bikepacking Gear that could be yours!)
I wasn’t even supposed to be in China.
If you’d asked me a month ago where I’d be right now, I’d have said Vietnam. The plan was simple: land in Hanoi and base there for a few weeks before bikepacking across Vietnam. But life had other plans.
This story isn’t just about travel. It’s about trusting the path, surrendering to the unknown, and leaning into discomfort as a doorway to our highest potential. It’s about how everything - even the obstacles - serve us, if we let them.
I arrived in China for a connecting flight to Hanoi (which would be in 2 hours), expecting a smooth transfer. But when I got to immigration, they stopped me.
My Visa was not approved - And I was denied entry onto the next flight!
I was stranded. No internet. No VPN. No way to contact anyone. No way to figure out a solution. My bike, still boxed, sat beside me as a silent sidekick - like an unspoken promise of movement. Except I wasn’t going anywhere.
I had two choices:
Panic and freak out, get frustrated, and let the situation take control of me. (Which almost happened)
Trust and believe that this moment was happening for me, not to me.
I chose trust and this deeper knowing
But trust didn’t mean the path was easy. After hours of trying to find a way forward, I realized I had no choice but to sleep on the airport floor, under the glaring fluorescent lights of Guangzhou International. Broken sleep. Short bursts of rest, were interrupted by security, bright lights, and the ever-present hum of a foreign land I didn’t plan to be in and it’s language.
Then, in a half-delirious moment of determination, I decided: I’m going to bikepack my way to Vietnam - All 700 km or so
I spent the early morning building my bike, gearing up my gear for an impromptu ride through China. I had no plan, no route, but I had promise of movement. And that was enough.
But I didn't realize something…
I got 1 km down the road!
And then all of a sudden my chain snapped, the derailleur had been cracked in transit and the the drivetrain was wrecked.
I hadn’t even left the airport before my trusty steed collapsed beneath me.
And there I was. Sitting on a narrow concrete divider between the incoming and outgoing lanes of airport traffic. Above me, the overhead bridge leading to the runway. Around me, the chaos of China’s relentless movement.
And I thought: What the f**k am I doing here?
It’s funny how these moments, where everything seems to collapse, are often the ones that wake us up.
To surrender and realize a greater unfolding that is at play!
Mistakes (or perceived failures) are feedback, not failure!
I sat there, bike broken, journey stopped before it even started, and accepted in that moment
This is exactly where I need to be.
Not because I understood why. Not because it made sense in the moment. But because every challenge or adventure is an initiation - a test to see if we’re really ready to step into our highest path!
And I get it - fear, doubt, and disbelief are loud. They whisper things like:
❌ "You’re not good enough."
❌ "You’re not ready."
❌ "Why even keep trying - it’s not working"
But here’s the truth…
I just had to take the chance and trust that it’s all going to unfold how it should.
It’s only when we take the step. When we go on that adventure! That the universe supports our efforts. But we have to step even if it feels frightening.
Our mind is the most powerful tool in the universe - if we learn how to use it!
As I now reflect on the adventure that has been. I was meant to be here in China and will be here for a couple more weeks.
Because as it so turns out…
Our manufacturer for Zuetani - a Responsible Travel brand we co-founded - is located not far from here.
The name Zuetani comes from the Basque words Zu (you), Eta (and), Ni (me) ~ It’s a reminder that every journey, every connection, and every action is about us all - You and Me!
And in the next few weeks, I’ll be meeting with them to finalize samples for something that I know will change the way we travel.
If you’ve ever traveled long-term, you know that finding good, nourishing food can be one of the hardest parts.
Hotels & Airbnbs rarely have fully equipped kitchens - or any kitchen at all.
And If you have dietary needs, you're left spending way too much or just settling for whatever’s available.
This has been a constant struggle for me
(Watch the video below for a quick sneak peek….)
Since traveling with our prototype BlendVoyage™ a Travel-Size Thermo-Blender designed for modern nomads like you and me!
I’m able to use it for so many things that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do when travelling.
With 6 pre-set functions, you can blend, heat, and cook when travelling the world (no kitchen required)
I just used it this morning to boil water for my tea. The apartment I’m staying in doesn't have a kettle (or if you don’t want to use the kettle for hygiene) it's perfect!
Tonight I’m going to make a Silky Ginger & Sesame Tofu Soup for dinner inspired by Chinese flavours
Join the Zuetani Tribe & be the first in line → Get Yours!
What happens when you step into the unknown, with nothing but your bike, your gear, and a willingness to embrace whatever comes your way?
Brendan’s 1,450 km ride from Currumbin to Albury wasn’t just about distance—it was about the inner journey just as much as the physical one.
He faced 30% climbs that burned deep into his legs, rolled through remote landscapes where he didn’t see a soul for hours, and rode straight into fierce, rolling storms with nothing but sheer determination.
But out there, between the maps and the mileage, he discovered something profound—
You can handle more than you ever thought possible.
Read the full story & see the route → Click Here
Have an epic adventure you want to share? Share Your Journey Here
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Codey’s Gear Highlight
Zorali Air-Grid Fleece – The Ultimate Mid-Layer for Adventure
When you’re constantly on the move, from cold morning rides to misty mountain hikes, having the right layering system is everything. And lately, I’ve been living in the Zorali Air-Grid Fleece - a lightweight yet super warm mid-layer that’s built for both the outdoors and everyday wear.
(Take a closer look here in this video below + my entire Go Anywhere Bikepacking Setup!)
My personal take?
"A super-lightweight yet incredibly warm fleece. Perfect for relaxing around the campfire after a big day of adventuring! I love it so much I’ve been wearing it almost every day since I got it. I think it’s about time I give it a wash :) Been on the lookout for a vegan alternative to wool, and this fleece ticks all the boxes!"
Check Out Zorali’s other most popular-sellers
Big thanks to Zorali for supporting what I do
Bike of the Week
Polygon Tambora G8X: A carbon adventure gravel Bikepacking machine that’s ridiculously fast, lightweight, and still shockingly comfortable for long-haul adventures. Thanks to Bikes Online, I’ve had the opportunity to ride this beast for the past couple of months and I’m loving it!
WIN FREE Bikepacking Gear!!
Want to win some epic bikepacking gear?
I’ve teamed up with Fred Bars to giveaway a Fred Bars Aero Bar System
The Fred Bar helps bikepackers install aero bars in a comfortable and convenient posture so you can use aero bars while bikepacking + I’ll be giving away some bikepacking bags all for one lucky winner!
Watch more about how it works in this video….
How to enter:
1️⃣ Be subscribed to this newsletter ✅
2️⃣ Reply to this email with [ADVENTURE] - Also say hello - I would love to connect with you!
3️⃣ Winner announced in next week's newsletter!
Book Club: What We’re Reading This Month!
Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
If this journey through China has taught me anything, it’s that our perception of reality is shaped by our self-image. And if we don’t consciously rewire it, we’re doomed to live within the limits of old beliefs, past failures, and subconscious doubts. That’s exactly what Psycho-Cybernetics is about - the idea that success isn’t just about skill or talent, but about how we see ourselves.
Sitting in that airport, I had every reason to believe I was stuck, powerless, and defeated. But Maltz’s work reminded me that how we frame our challenges defines the way we move forward.
He describes the mind as a goal-striving mechanism, like a guided missile, constantly course-correcting toward its target. But the trick? You have to program the right destination. Your beliefs, your vision of yourself, and how you see yourself in the world - all of it shapes what’s possible for you.
The Power of Self-Image in Adventure and Growth
Maltz explains that we always act in alignment with who we believe we are - whether that’s conscious or not. The reason so many people stay stuck isn’t that they don’t have the skill or opportunity; it’s that they still see themselves as someone who struggles, fails, or isn’t worthy of success.
This hit me hard.
How many times in my life have I subconsciously kept myself small because of an outdated version of who I thought I was? Even when life was pushing me forward, I still held onto an inner narrative that held me back
But the truth is: We are built for success.
Failure isn’t an identity - it’s just feedback. The mind operates like a heat-seeking missile. Every "miss" isn’t a failure - it’s an automatic recalibration toward the goal.
What if every setback in your life was simply your system adjusting to get you where you need to be?
You already have everything you need inside you. This book is just a reminder to trust yourself, trust the journey, and keep moving forward.
See you out there!
Rad Companies That Support What I Do Here!
Huge shoutout to the brands that support this community! If you love what I do, check them out and show them some love.
✅ Zorali – Sustainable, adventure-ready outdoor apparel built for exploring the wild.
✅ Bikes Online – High-quality, affordable bikes shipped straight to your door.
✅ Fred Bars – Ingenious aero bar solutions for bikepackers and ultra-distance riders.
✅ Old Man Mountain – Versatile and rugged bike racks designed for any adventure.
✅ Tailfin – Sleek, lightweight bikepacking bags that don’t compromise speed or performance.
✅ OutIn – Compact, high-performance travel coffee makers for caffeine on the go.
Finally, I Want to Thank YOU!
I’m so grateful to connect with so many incredible, like-minded human beings here. Some of you have been following my journey for over 13 years - eternally grateful!
As we step into this next chapter, I’m truly excited for what’s to come.
Talk soon
Codey