Plan & Prepare

After completing a trip through Bolivia and Northern Chile, Cass Gilbert talks us through his setup choices for touring on the South American Altiplano, including thoughts on weight versus practicality, the benefits of running a modular setup over a long trip, a core packlist, what survived and what didn’t, and a couple of nutritious, high plain recipes.

In this Route Report, Yuto Watanabe checks in after a hot and dusty ride around Utah’s Grand Staircase Loop, bringing back a wealth of great photos from the area’s meandering dirt roads and rugged canyons. Plus, he offers some thoughts on when to go, where to start, and what to look out for…

In our first-ever video route guide, filmmaker Jay Ritchey and Cass Gilbert offer a stunning and informative look at the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route. If you aren’t familiar with the TEMBR, this is a must-watch feature. And if you’re considering riding the route, this film will surely have you packing your bags…

For our fourth installment of One Question, Five Voices, we round up a group of experienced bikepackers and bicycle tourists to find out how traveling by bicycle has informed their understanding of the world today. Find out what important lessons they’ve learned while pedaling through places unknown…

Justin Barnes reports in after solo riding a sizable portion of the Ruta de las Tres Cordilleras, a challenging traverse from the high mountains of Bolivia to Peru. He shares a useful detour that allows for easier visa logistics, uncomfortable news on the mining situation in the area, and a poignant, personal tale of what he learned from the route’s many challenges…

In our third installment of One Question, Five Voices, we ask a group of Tour Divide finishers to share their secrets for mentally preparing to race from Banff to Mexico along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Read on to glean some insights for getting into the Tour Divide mindset, whether you’re hoping to set a new record or just want to make it to the finish…

We’re always striving to improve the routes we publish on the site. As such, Cass Gilbert headed out to re-ride a section of the Trans Ecuador Mountain Bike Route (TEMBR) at the end of last season to work on some improvements. In preparation for this year’s season, here’s a collection of images from the journey and thoughts on what bike suits it best…

To wrap up the Baja Divide season, Cass Gilbert heads off to tackle the 555-mile Missions section of the route, considered to be its highlight. He returns with a tan, a ride gallery, and advice on the ride itself, including some logistical details for zoning in on this glorious, easily accessed part of the 1,700 mile route. If you’ve two weeks to spare next winter, start dreaming now…

The 2018 Solstice Campout (aka Swift Campout) is right around the corner – time to get planning! In this guide you’ll find our suggestions and tips for making the most out of the biggest group bikepacking event in the world…

In this installment of One Question, Five Voices, we get a group of intrepid bikepackers to unroll their tool kits and show us what’s inside. Find out what tools and accessories they’ve deemed essential for everything from daily commuting to multi-country adventures…

Interested in converting a 700C cyclocross or touring bike into a 650B gravel bikepacking rig? Or maybe you’re just intrigued by 650B / road plus? With the promise of dirt-friendly tires and a more supple ride, there’s plenty to like. We took an Advocate Lorax and made the switch. Find out what we learned about 650B, everything you need to know about such a conversion, and details about the specific components we selected.

In the first installment of One Question, Five Voices – our new Q&A series – we ask a group of five experienced riders to offer their best piece of advice for new bikepackers. Find out what our panel thinks you should know before setting off on your first trip…