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In a personal reflection detailing his history with bikes, Michael Portugal speaks to how he won the 2026 Swift Summer Campout video competition. From early days riding bikes through the eyes of a hurricane to a long shot he didn’t even realize he’d hit, read more on Michael’s journey below…

While bikepacking across the Balkans en route from England to India, Joshua Kian and Sarah Morgan had an unforgettable encounter and savored some of their journey’s most fulfilling riding in Albania’s Accursed Mountains. “The People in Empty Places” is a 20-minute video that unpacks the experience of feeling something shift inside. Watch it and find an accompanying feature story here…

Dom Richard’s latest video offers a reflection on his first bikepacking trip. It asks the profound question, “What happens when you don’t chase your dreams?” Set along the picturesque English coast, it’s an insightful look at his journey through modern life. Watch the nine-minute video and find an introduction from Dom below…

Last summer, Tad Jiunn Kho and Wen Yee Kok went on a five-day bikepacking trip around Cornwall, England. Tad’s latest video offers a dreamy look at the coastal paths, snack stops, and quintessential summer camp spots they enjoyed along the way. Find a short written recap and watch his video here…

The L’esperit del Bikepacking Startline Bursary aims to increase diversity by providing financial assistance and gear to underrepresented riders at their events. Gabrielle Antoine was a recipient of this year’s El Piri bursary, and she completed the 800-kilometer route across the Pyrenees on her restored 26-inch mountain bike. Find her heartfelt written recap and photos from the journey here…

Earlier this year, 100 cyclists from across the globe set out on an extraordinary journey: a 3,000-kilometer crossing of Patagonia, from Chile to Argentina. “Southbound” is a video that documents the inaugural edition of Final Frontier Patagonia, an adventure that pushed human limits and forged lasting bonds. Read a recap and watch it here…

Produced by the organizers of the Trans Balkan Race, “Connecting Dots” provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to direct a self-supported bikepacking race, what happens when someone breaks the rules, and the pressure of making decisions in real-time. Watch the engaging 30-minute video and find a written reflection from organizer Beatrice Mezzena Lona here…

Three years ago, Emily Heron rode the 1,000-kilometer Tree to Sea Loop on Vancouver Island solo. The anxiety that comes with traveling alone as a woman was intense and occasionally overwhelming. In this piece, she reflects on her experience, framed by the Taylor Swift album that acted as her guiding light, and shares thoughts on what it means to be a badass woman in the outdoors…

In this freewheeling short piece, Shaunn Watt reflects on the expectations versus reality of any bikepacking trip and how that reality is ultimately presented. Read his thoughts after a recent getaway in British Columbia and find an accompanying set of photos here…

Despite being alone on his bikepacking trip to Colombia last year, Paulo LaBerge quickly learned he’d never truly be on his own in the country, thanks to the countless friendly, helpful people who encouraged and guided him along the way. Read his story of an impromptu ride to Bogotá and find a lush photo gallery here…

“Solo Bikepacking Japan” is a 40-minute video that follows creator Paul Fisson on a one-month, 3,000-kilometer ride across Japan, traversing the country’s four main islands. It blends video clips, still photos, and GoPro shots to showcase elements of rural and urban Japan as seen from the saddle. Watch it and find an introduction from Paul here…

The third Fenderfest took place in rural Germany this spring, and Rob van Driel traveled from the Netherlands to attend the special camping edition. In this report, he shares impressions from the event, musings on bicycles and how we relate to them, and a photo gallery from the ride through the serene countryside. Find it all here…