Cass Gilbert
While Out Riding
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118 mi. / 190 km3-4 daysOjos de Cuicatlan (TCBR, Sur)
2 Mar 31 Cass Gilbert Latin AmericaThe Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve is located in southeastern Mexico, set within the arid climes of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Given that this vast and little-travelled UNESCO heritage site is split between two states - Puebla and Oaxaca - we've put together two distinct loops that can be accessed from each capital, aiming to showcase both the rich biodiversity in the area and its cultural identity. The South Loop centres around the high elevation settlement of Santa María Ixcatlán in Oaxaca. At four days in length, it offers a satisfyingly broad overview of the area, or a week's varied riding in the reserve if coupled with the North Loop. -
86 mi. / 138 km2-3 daysOjos de Tehuacan (TCBR, Norte)
17 Mar 26 Cass Gilbert Latin AmericaThe Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve is located in southeastern Mexico, set within the arid climes of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Given that this vast and little-travelled UNESCO heritage site is split between two states - Puebla and Oaxaca - we've put together two distinct loops that can be accessed from each capital, aiming to showcase both the rich biodiversity in the area and its cultural identity. The northern loop centres around the small settlement of Zapotitlán, in Puebla. At 2-3 days in length, it's especially suited to those new to bikepacking, or anyone with an interest in the beguiling world of desert flora. If coupled with the more challenging southern loop, expect to enjoy a week's riding in the reserve. -
Roberto and his Jamis x Surly Baja Rig
16 Mar 13 Cass Gilbert / bikesThink you need to spend a small fortune for a Baja-worthy rig? Think again! Roberto-Apolinar Martinez tells us how his dinged-up 2006 Jamis hardtail, mated to a modern 27.5+ Surly fork, saw him successfully ride a chunk of the Baja Divide… teamed with bags he made himself, good coffee, and the spirit of adventure.
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Review: Jones Truss Fork Pack (by Revelate Designs)
14 Mar 13 Cass Gilbert / bikepacking-bagsAs bikepackers, we often seek ways of keeping our setups light, minimal, and rattle-free, whilst still increasing capacity when we need to. For those running a truss fork instead of suspension or a more conventional unicrown, Jones’ Truss Fork Pack is a clever way of making it all work, and one that will likely suit smaller riders too. Cass spent a few months testing a pair for this review…
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The Analog Kids (video)
18 Mar 4 Cass Gilbert / videoThe Analog Kids is a short film from Bombtrack about a father and son overnighter in the woods close to where they live in Lille, France. We catch up with Clem and his seven-year-old son Lubin, and ask them both about how they planned their trip, what it means to them to bikepack as a family, and to share tips about the experience. Plus, we find out more about Lubin’s Beyond Beyond Junior…
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Salvador from FASS Bike: Savior of the Baja Divide!
7 Feb 26 Cass Gilbert / cultureFor the many riders who head south over the winter to ride the Baja Divide, Salvador Basurto from FASS Bike is something of a savior… or at least, he’s known to go to extraordinary lengths to help when mechanical grief strikes. Cass drops in on his way through to share some trail time with him, and finds out more about the role he’s been playing in the growing success of this wonderful 1,700 mile desert route…
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66 mi. / 106 km2 daysMaar Volcanoes Overnighter, Texas and New Mexico
5 Feb 13 Cass Gilbert USAThis overnighter offers an easy escape from El Paso, Texas, keeping almost completely to ditch roads, bike paths, and gravel roads. It heads west from El Paso to Kilbourne Hole, a massive maar volcanic crater, connecting it with its smaller neighbours, Hunts and Phillips, flanking the railway line on its return into town. An ideal route for those new to bikepacking, it offers a true taste of Chihuahuan Desert solitude... -
69 mi. / 111 km2 daysCabezon Peak Overnighter, New Mexico
23 Feb 6 Cass Gilbert USALooping around New Mexico's Cabezon Peak not only showcases some of the finest examples of volcanic plugs in the world, it also makes a classic overnight bikepack suited to all levels of riders. The peak looms dramatically above the surrounding high desert and is well worth studying from every angle. For those with more time to spare, the route can easily be extended. Or, bikepackers can drop their gear and hike to the top of Cabezon itself, or enjoy a singletrack blast around the otherworldly White Ridge Trails... -
An Ode to the Fat Bike: Where Coyotes Do Roam
71 Jan 30 Cass Gilbert / plogIn homage to the fat bike and the places his beloved Pugsley has taken him, Cass spends a day and a night exploring the arroyos of Abiquiu, New Mexico. He shares thoughts on this slow, ponderous, yet poetic beast, whose true potential lies in its mystic ability to open minds, transcend trails, and reveal the most unexpected of places…
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Bontrager Flatline MTB Shoes: Grippy and Durable
21 Jan 23 Cass Gilbert / apparelAfter years of riding in 5.10’s classic Freeriders, Cass thinks it’s time to give another trail shoe a go: Bontrager’s Flatlines. After six months of use, find out how he got on, and whether their Vibram tread survived the rigours of bikepacking, city sidewalks, and regular trail riding…
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No Country for Old Sealant: Ringing in a New Decade
47 Jan 15 Cass Gilbert / plogTo practise what he preaches, Cass heads out for solo overnighter to ring in the decade. Out in the Chihuahuan Desert, he ponders the way in which bikepacking reveals the underbelly of a land, how it serves to remind us that we inhabit a planet in crisis, and how it might just be the perfect catalyst for change…
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Slow Fare: An Edible Journey
16 Dec 31 Cass Gilbert / storiesIn this feature story, originally published in the first issue of our printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, Cass Gilbert reflects on how slowing down and thinking about the foods he eats has given him a deeper connection to the people and places he encounters while traveling…