Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Cass Gilbert
Contributing Editor
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Clandestine Green Lane Rouleur
13 Apr 4 Cass Gilbert / Bikepacking BikesBuilt for a potter in Bristol, UK, the Clandestine Green Lane Rouleur is a bike that aims to connect the byways, bridleways, and green lanes of the Bristolian countryside, in both style and comfort. Pi Manson shares the thought process that went into the bike, details of its countryside-friendly mudguards, and insights into the Cleland Cycles school of bicycle geometry that influenced its design…
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Giant Agaves and Permagrins on Oaxaca’s Micro Vuelta
24 Mar 28 Cass Gilbert / PlanAs Oaxaca’s eco centres open their gates to outsiders, Cass heads back into the mountains to re-ride a familiar route with new friends—and a dog in a trailer behind him. Doing so reveals that even in the height of the dusty dry season, the Sierra Norte remains awash with life, as long as you take the time to look around you…
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Cargodoggo: JC, Zaina, and Basquiat’s Omnium Cargo Bike
19 Mar 11 Cass Gilbert / Bikepacking BikesWe talk cargo bikes, Border Collies, and tree planting with JC, Zaïna, and Basquiat – aka Cargodoggo. Find out how Basquiat and JC found each other, how Zaïna’s identity as a BIPOC rider has shaped her newfound love of bike touring, and how the Cargodoggo team got into dogpacking. Plus, check out a gallery of their photos from the San José del Pacífico Grand Dirt Tour and glean sage dogpacking advice, should you be inspired to do the same…
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118 mi. / 190 km 2-3 daysMeandros En Mitla, Mexico
16 Mar 4 Cass Gilbert Latin AmericaComplementing a growing body of shorter routes in the area, Meandros en Mitla is a three-day ramble through Oaxaca's Valles Centralles, connecting a series of dirt roads and trails between Oaxaca de Juárez and Hierve el Agua, a natural, waterfall-like rock pool formation with far-reaching views of the Sierra Norte. The route links some of the state's renowned culinary delights with Zapotec archeological sites, traditional markets, pottery workshops, and naturally dyed textiles, along with the world's stoutest tree... -
Cratepacking and Dogpacking with Huesos
31 Feb 16 Cass Gilbert / Bikepacking GuidesNewbie dogpackers Cass and Huesos share their experiences – and experiments – in cratepacking. Read on to find out all the details of their current setup and those they aspire to, along with a selection of photos from recent dirt road rambles in Oaxaca, Mexico…
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45 mi. / 72 km 2 daysExcursiones en Etla, Mexico
30 Jan 28 Cass Gilbert Latin AmericaExcursiones en Etla is a historical and cultural ramble complete with low-traffic rural terracerías, cross country mountain bike trails, delicious Oaxacan fare, a fabulous art centre, a brewery, traditional pottery workshops, and a Zapotec archeological site. If you're travelling from overseas and basing yourself in Oaxaca de Juárez, pair it with one of the longer routes on the site for an insight into the Etla Valley. Or, if you live in Mexico and are new to bikepacking, enjoy it as a standalone weekend ride with varied terrain, as well time on and off the saddle... -
Singletrack Dogpacking with Huesos: Packlist + K9 Sportsack Review
38 Jan 19 Cass Gilbert / Bikepacking Gear ListsWhile fostering an abandoned pup rescued on a trail ride, Cass heads out with human and canine friends into Oaxaca’s Sierra Norte. Read on to discover Huesos’ tragic origin story, along with dogpacking tips, a packlist, and a mini-review of the K9 Sacks backpack used on the trip…
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118 mi. / 190 km 3-4 daysOjos de Cuicatlan (TCBR, Sur)
18 Jan 10 Cass Gilbert Latin AmericaThe Tehuacán-Cuicatlán biosphere reserve is located in southeastern Mexico, set within the arid climes of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Being split between two states - Puebla and Oaxaca - we've put together two distinct loops accessed from each capital, showcasing both the rich biodiversity in the area and its cultural identity. Given the fluctuations in altitude, the South Loop is especially varied, sharing much of the desert flora that can be seen in the North Loop - including the reserve's ionic columnar cacti - as well as lofty oak forests and low-lying river valleys, where guacamayas verdes soar through the sky at sunrise and sunset. -
Cale and his Custom S&S Waltworks
14 Dec 24 Cass Gilbert / InspirationIt’s always a pleasure to meet up with old friends. Cass enjoys the chance to entertain a bikepacking and foodie amigo in Oaxaca, the perfect locale to ride bikes and eat fine fare. And Cale brings a wonderful custom Waltworks along for the trip. Read on to find more about Cale and his partner Melissa’s bikes, complete with S&S couplings, portage handles, and back-friendly geometries…
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A Winter Bikepacking Guide by Dave Gray
32 Dec 16 Cass Gilbert / Bikepacking Gear ListsAs a cyclist with over two decades of all-weather commuting, and a veteran of ten Arrowhead 135s – Minnesota’s winter ultra race – we asked Dave Gray, former Surly product designer and general off-grid survivalist, to share his packlist and tips for winter bikepacking…
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Editor’s Dozen: Cass’ Favorite Gear of 2021
54 Dec 10 Cass Gilbert / AccessoriesCass shares his rundown of gear favourites and more from 2021, including mini panniers, a magic carpet bike, a burly cargo rack ‘n’ milk crate, shiny carving knives, a memory catcher, and bikepacking with a once-abandoned hound…
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Bedrock Cairn 3D Pro II Review: Escape the Toe Prison!
45 Dec 3 Cass Gilbert / ApparelAfter relocating to Mexico, Cass Gilbert rediscovers the joy of cycling in sandals in the dry season and the rainy season alike. For those planning to ride the Baja Divide this winter, or heading to a similarly warm locale, read on for his full review of Bedrock’s Cairn 3D Pro II sandals…
