I often enjoy doing things by myself, but going to a festival all alone was never something I fancied. Frankly speaking, it sounded terrible. For Camp VC, however, I made an exception and decided to give it a go. Let me tell you, taking a leap has never felt so good!
The weekend in Wales was glorious! For the first time in what seemed like ages (thanks Covid), life felt normal again, joyous and exciting. Maybe it was the constant sound of revving engines, or the atmosphere that a crowd of womxn celebrating each other create, perhaps it’s just a banging event. Either way – it was absolutely worth going. If you’re still trying to make up your mind, this is your sign to nip all doubts in the bud and get ready to book your ticket.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE OVER THINKERS AND THE KEEN
My biggest concern about going to Camp VC by myself was that the community might not be as open and friendly as camp veterans had made out (it is), and that going alone was a much bigger deal than the social media posts had acknowledged (it isn’t), so I decided to take some ‘precautions’.
I booked classes in advance. This I would highly recommend (if you can afford them) even if you don’t go by yourself. Not to (just) fill your time but for the sake of learning and adventure. There’s a lot of classes to work on your skills on and off the bike but I’d recommend only booking a couple if you also want some time to just hang with your new friends and experience the camp – time flies when in Wales!
I found a travel buddy. This eased the worry of not knowing anyone on arrival. I discovered more about flying solo thanks to this VC blog. Useful stuff all round!
I packed a book. (And I didn’t need it.)
Once my travel buddy and I had arrived, managed to put up our tents in the wind and befriended our neighbours, we ventured to the social event where we made some more friends (hooray!). From then on the weekend was an absolute breeze!
IMAGES BY SARAH EMMA SMITH + SAM DUGON
SO, WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM CAMP VC?
Camp VC can be whatever you want it to be. There is something for everyone. You can dance and party or you can get up early and do yoga. I didn’t do the latter, but I learned some techniques for offroad biking in an enduro class and got to dash through Wales’ stunning hills on gravel roads, rode through puddles and past many a sheep in a trail ride class.
I have never had my own bike so I had a million questions and no answers. Luckily, Camp VC also provided lots of opportunity to resolve that. Over the course of the weekend I got to speak to a myriad of amazing womxn, all more experienced riders, who kindly shared their knowledge and encouraged me to get my own two wheels.
Summed up, Camp VC is an experience and totally worthy of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. To be surrounded by a community that is so empowering, welcoming, badass and appreciative was an absolute blessing. I sure won’t pass up the opportunity to be part of something that important and fun this year either, and neither should you!
IMAGE BY SARAH EMMA SMITH