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Navigating the world of custom bikepacking bags can be daunting, even for experienced riders. Adding to our growing archive of guides to understanding and getting the most out of custom-built bike luggage, Ty Domin of Yeah Nah Thread Works compiled this primer featuring several key pointers to keep in mind when discussing projects with one-off bag makers. Read it here…

The latest video in Ryan Le Garrec’s “Fail” series documents his 2,000-kilometer ride around Spain as part of the 2024 Desertus Bikus event after a slipped disc in his back kept him off the bike for a month. Find his 15-minute video, a written perspective, and a gallery of film and digital photos here…

Following our first story from Concours de Machines 2024, French photographer Nicolas Joly is back with his second report, featuring six more stunning bikes from the event. Dig into his gallery here…

The highly anticipated annual Concours de Machines bike show is happening in France this week, and all of the stunning bikes on display this year were purpose-built to tackle a self-supported bikepacking trip through the rugged Pyrenees. We sent French photographer Nicolas Joly to the show, and his first report features a roundup of six of his favorite custom bikes. Explore the gallery here…

After years of putting off participating in the storied Highland Trail 550 bikepacking race in Scotland because she thought she wasn’t capable enough, Jenny Tough finally lined up for the 2024 edition of the race this spring. Find her uplifting story of persevering through the demanding course to quiet the voices of self-doubt alongside photos by John Summerton here…

In our latest edition of Rider’s Lens, we share a charming and colorful collection of illustrations from Colombian artist Camilo Parra, also known as Washedog. Read about Camilo’s passion for working by hand, find his perspective on the parallels between bikepacking and drawing, and explore the pages of his sketchbooks here…

In this Make Your Own Bikepacking Gear (MYOBG) tutorial, our friend Cody Toth in Berlin shares insights on how to sew an ultralight Rinko bag, allowing you to discreetly bring your bike on trains without paying extra fees. Find his step-by-step guide and some tips for using your bag here…

Mick Turnbull’s latest video chronicles a solo shakedown ride around his home in Tasmania ahead of an upcoming bikepacking journey across Peru. Join him on a stunning spin around Tasmania and read his reflections on returning to filming after several months of leaving the camera behind here…

The inaugural edition of The Accursed Race followed a 1,600-kilometer off-road route along the roof of the Balkans. Josh Ibbett was among the 35 riders who showed up to the grand depart last month, and he worked with filmmaker Ryan Le Garrec to create a self-shot video documenting his experience. Watch the 20-minute video and find a written reflection with film photos Josh captured here…

One thing all riders need to sustain their trips is fuel, and the latest short piece Jacob Martin cooked up explores the topic of bikepacking food. Read about the foods he eats to keep the pedals turning, find the story of his best camp meal ever, and share your go-to snacks and recipes here…

In today’s feature edition of Reader’s Rig, we meet writer and photographer John Montesi (and his dog, Hank), who shares the one-of-a-kind titanium Sklar hardtail that’s shaped his mountain biking experience throughout the past four years. Find a deep dive into John’s cycling history, detailed notes from thousands of miles with his Sklar, and a vibrant collection of photos shot on picturesque trails around the United States here…

In this story, Frances Hacker looks back on a moment during the final stretch of the 2023 Colorado Trail Race when they were forced to reckon with a dying battery and the significance of their purple dot on the map. Read about Frances’s race experience and how registering for the CTR as a non-binary rider was a monumental decision…