Guest

In this feature edition of Reader’s Rig, we meet UK-based framebuilder Pete Skelton of Medusa Cycles and learn the story of how a rugged 2018 tour across Europe and Asia planted the seed for what would eventually become the Kangal concept build. Find photos and a detailed description of what Pete considers the “ultimate bikepacking rig” here…

Set on Canada’s remote Canol Trail through the Yukon and Northwest Territories, this time-traveling piece weaves the past and present with memories of the late Iohan Gueorguiev. In it, author Brad Roach shares glimpses of Iohan’s legend and later retraces a path they once shared to spread some of his ashes. Read it here…

Part route report from Spain’s Montañas Vacías, part two-in-one review of the titanium Terra Pinion and Roure Rohloff from Nua Bikes in Barcelona, this unique piece from friends Bengt Stiller and Jona Riechmann blends travel writing, exceptional photography, and an analytical approach to pedaling. Read their thoughts on both bikes and the storied 700-kilometer track here…

The Bombtrack Bikes crew has pedaled the Tuscany Trail together every year for more than a decade, and a special guest joined them in 2026. Charismatic ultra-distance cyclist Sofiane Sehili accompanied the group this time around, slowing down and discovering the magic of one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Watch the 18-minute video from his ride here…

Filmmaker Cameron Muilenburg’s latest project follows the 2025 edition of the grueling 260-mile Cohutta Cat bikepacking race in Georgia, highlighting some of the many characters who lined up at the start and offering an inside look at what it takes to pull off such an event. Find the video, photos, and an introduction from Cameron here…

Soon after having their first child, Kornelia Thörn and Robin Lyne sold nearly everything and traded the typical path for a nomadic life on two wheels. With their young daughter in tow, they first traveled to the ruggedly beautiful Azores, where they got a crash course in parenthood and family bikepacking. Read their story of adapting to a new rhythm here…

After many months of planning, Rylie Denis and Tristan La Haye loaded up their rigid steel Surlys and pedaled away on a bikepacking and surfing trip down the Americas. Nearly a year in, they share valuable insights for anyone considering an ambitious ride, including advice on budgeting, preventing burnout, finding resources, and accepting imperfection. Read on for their experience-based guide to getting started…

Pedaleo is a three-day bikepacking festival in Switzerland packed with inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, a vibrant expo, social rides, outdoor movies, live music, lake swims, and more. Leoni Kolberg was one of more than 1,000 participants, and she wrote a detailed reflection on what made the weekend special. Find her recap and photos from the event here…

Earlier this summer, David Lamb joined Ryan Van Duzer and a group of 25 other riders for a 500-mile journey down the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route between Colorado and New Mexico. His latest video shares an inside look at the one-of-a-kind experience. Watch it here…

Last fall, Marek Švančara and Lucia Tureková bikepacked a modified version of the Cyprus Crossing route, riding 675 kilometers from the west side of the island to the east over three weeks. Find a short written recap, their trip video, and a collection of photos here…

Curious to see what all the buzz is about, Jesse Turner of Slow Southern Steel in Fayetteville, Arkansas, recently fabricated his first 32-inch bike. The result is a striking singlespeed titanium ATB with a truss fork from Black Sheep and a one-of-a-kind finish from Rare Earth. Find Jesse’s short reflection on building his debut 32er here…

Finishing fifth overall in just 4 days, 21 hours, and 23 minutes, Matt Annabel takes the singlespeed win at the 2026 Colorado Trail Race! Learn more about his ride and his bike setup here…