Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
2024 Bikepacking Awards: Film, Photography, Writing, and Art
In the final installment of our 2024 Bikepacking Awards, we honor the work of inspiring creators with 37 awards across 10 categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Trip Photography, Best Event Documentation, Best Writing, and more. Explore the full list of winners in our tenth annual awards here…
PUBLISHED Dec 16, 2024
In the third and final installment of our three-part retrospective celebrating the achievements of the bikepacking community in 2024, we honor the individuals, teams, brands, and creative works that left the biggest impact this year. While part one focused on gear and products that stood out, and part two recognized the people, routes, and events that made this year special, part three highlights the films, photography, writing, and art that inspired our community and kept the spirit of adventure alive. These efforts have showcased breathtaking parts of the world, encouraged others to document their own journeys, and allowed us all to share in the magic of the ride.
Without further delay, here are the awards for the most inspiring creative works of the year, spanning films, photography, writing, and art. Most categories include three winners, ranked gold, silver, and bronze, based on votes from eight of our editors and contributors, who selected from nearly 100 nominations. Additionally, a Collective Choice award for Best Film was chosen by our member community. Selecting winners wasn’t easy, and every entry deserves recognition. Take a moment to appreciate their incredible efforts, just as we have!
Best Film
This year offered a wealth of outstanding films, and as usual, it was challenging to pick the winners for this category. After a round of voting and several debates among our editors, here are our top three picks.
Riding Han
By Pak Eugene
Released back in March, Riding Han (한) is a heartfelt 25-minute film that chronicles the journey of three young Korean Americans as they tackle the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Set against the backdrop of rising anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the film delves into themes of identity, resilience, and hope. It examines the challenges of the past and present while paving the way for a more hopeful future. This isn’t your typical Great Divide MTB Route cycling film, and it’s far more powerful as a result. Find our original coverage here, including a director’s introduction and behind-the-scenes photos.
The Divide
By Angus Morton
Published late last year after the 2023 awards cutoff, The Divide is an impressive film by Wahoo and EF Pro Cycling that captures Lachlan Morton’s incredibly fast ride along the iconic Tour Divide route. Covering the 2,671-mile journey from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells at the U.S./Mexico border, Morton completed the grueling route in just 12.5 days. The film offers an intimate look at his experience, blending the stunning scenery of the route with the mental and physical challenges he faced along the way. The brilliant videography and behind the scenes approach set it apart. Find the original post here.
Reroutes: In Search of Qhapaq Nan
By Adam Pawlikiewicz Mesa and Leonardo Brasil
Qhapaq Ñan, meaning “Royal Road” in Quechua, is the vast network of ancient pathways that once united the Inca Empire across South America. Cyclists and filmmakers Leonardo Brasil and Adam Pawlikiewicz Mesa set out from Bolivia with the ambitious goal of traversing sections of this historic route. However, the journey turned out to be far more daunting than they anticipated. Their experiences are captured in the lovely film Reroutes: In Search of the Qhapaq Ñan. Released in mid-October, this one quickly rose to the top of our list of favorites in 2024. Find it and a reflective article here.
Best Cinematography/Editing
The Best Cinematography/Editing category recognizes films for their videography, editing, and style. In their own way, they’ve all helped define a new standard in the quality of filmmaking in the world of bikepacking.
Wheels to Waves
By Haetam Attamimy
Wheels to Waves is a feature-length film that follows a group of friends, both new and old, during a 600-kilometer adventure around the breathtaking Lombok Island in Indonesia. It’s a unique film shot from the saddle during the trip and brilliantly captures all aspects of the trip as they navigate the island’s rugged terrain, pristine beaches, and unique culture. Through interesting visuals interwoven with unique narrative, the film offers a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of bikepacking in this unique setting. Find our oiginal feature with the 40-minute film and an introduction from the creator here.
Wheelie Big Adventure
By Keenan DesPlanques
Wheelie master Keenan DesPlanques spent part of his winter adventuring through Arizona, tackling the eastern half of the Fool’s Loop route. Along the way, he put together a short, entertaining video showcasing his wheelie skills in the wild. As with all bikepacking trips, the trip wasn’t all fun and games, as Keenan faced heavy rain and the infamous “death mud” that tested his resolve. With a blend of clever animation and a lot of wheelie great footage, this video was a shoe-in for this category. Read about his humbling experience on the route in our original post here.
Iceland: A Winter Crossing
By Joffrey Maluski
Iceland: A Winter Crossing is the latest video from French bikepacker Joffrey Maluski, chronicling his daring 1,000-kilometer fatbike expedition across Iceland’s three largest glaciers. Equipped with a sled in tow, Joffrey braved the harsh winter elements and unpredictable terrain and still managed to capture a stunning, self-shot film while doing so. You can find our original coverage featuring the 18-minute film paired with a stunning gallery of photos that capture the raw beauty of Iceland’s glacial landscapes here.
Riding High
By Mick Turnbull and Danielle O’Hara
In another stunning, self-shot film by Mick Turnbull, he and his partner Danielle O’Hara spent four weeks bikepacking Peru’s soaring Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash routes. They camped under snowy peaks, pushed up breathless 16,000-foot passes, and savored endless descents, all the while capturing some of the most breathtaking video we’ve seen from the region. After their trip, Mick stitched it all together with his usual flair with Danielle’s narration. Find the original coverage here.
Best Event Documentary
The Best Event Documentary awards films and videos that were created during a bikepacking event to tell an individual’s story or chronicle the event.
Ride to Endure: A Baja Divide FKT for ALS
By Reese Robinson and team
In January 2022, ultra-endurance cyclist Miron Golfman set out to break the fastest known time (FKT) on the 1,600-mile Baja Divide route as a tribute to his uncle Bruce, who had recently been diagnosed with ALS. Directed by Emmy Award winner Reece Robinson, the gripping documentary Ride to Endure chronicles Miron’s record-breaking ride, his determination to honor his uncle, and his efforts to raise awareness and funds for individuals and families impacted by ALS. The emotional journey combines the physical intensity of such an undertaking with Miron’s personal mission. Watch the 29-minute film and read Miron’s exclusive reflection on the experience in our original coverage here.
Pilgrimage: The Story of the Hellenic Mountain Race
By Brady Lawrence
Pilgrimage is a film from award-winning director Brady Lawrence that takes a unique approach to event coverage. The 50-minute film captures the 2024 edition of the Hellenic Mountain Race in Greece by blending candid interviews with several riders during different points in the race with beautiful footage of the rugged Pindus Mountains and towns through which it passes. The end result brilliantly showcases the challenge of the ride, the people who make it special, and the exceptional beauty of the 883-kilometer route. Watch it alongside a story about the process our feature post.
Scratches
By Ryan Le Garrec
Ryan Le Garrec’s film, Scratches, opens with Belgian ultra-cyclist Manu Cattrysse crashing out of the 2023 Silk Road Mountain Race. Using this pivotal moment as a starting point, the 25-minute film delves into the deeper relationship between cycling and personal growth. It reflects on how the sport has shaped Manu’s life, offering a place of healing from sexual abuse. A thoughtful exploration of resilience and self-discovery, Scratches is both a tribute to the transformative power of cycling and a brilliantly crafted film in Ryan’s signature style. Find our original coverage with a writeup from Ryan here.
Best Route Video Documentation
For the third year in a row, Best Route Documentary awards videos and films that showcase particular bikepacking routes and help inform and inspire folks interested in experiencing them…
Mega Mid South Series
To kick off the new Mega Mid South bikepacking route in Oklahoma, a 300-mile loop culminating over 10 years of Mid South course building, the Mid South team created a five-part video series to document their first recon trip on the new route. The well-made series not only does an excellent job of showcasing the route, but it offers a window into the grassroots community that created it. Find all five here.
West Kootenay Bikepacking Route Network
By Tom Powell
Videographer Tom Powell played a role in the final route scouting trip on the Kootenay Confluence, part of the West Kootenay Bikepacking Route Network. Along the way, he created a captivating video that offers a peek behind the scenes and the stunning region of British Columbia. The video highlights the area’s diverse terrain, breathtaking landscapes, and what bikepackers can expect when exploring this unique network. Watch the video at the bottom of the route network hub here.
Pitkin Passage
By Neil Beltchenko
The Pitkin Passage is a weekend bikepacking route that starts and ends in the town of Pitkin, Colorado. This scenic loop takes riders up and over six mountain passes as it connects a network of forest service roads, backcountry two-track, and singletrack trails scattered throughout the beautiful Sawatch Range. Our own Neil Beltchenko created this video during a ride on the Passage and shares the route highlights and his love for this area. Find the in-depth route guide here.
Of Resilience and Hope: The Story of Teruel
By Tristan Bogaard
As recognized in our previous installment of this year’s awards, Of Resilience and Hope is a stunning 600-kilometer bikepacking route through rural Spain designed by Ernesto Pastor. The route seeks to highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by the region, merging adventure with a deeper purpose. Tristan’s six-minute film beautifully captures the scenery of the route while offering a thought-provoking glimpse into the story that makes this route so special. Watch the video here.
Collective Choice: Best Film of 2024
We asked our Bikepacking Collective members for their input again this year, sending them a massive list of 24 film finalists and putting it to a vote. The people spoke, and here are the top three winners of the Collective Choice award for Best Film of 2024. A warm thank you goes out to all of our members for their participation and continued support!
Silk Road Cargo Race
By Omnium, Allan Shaw, Silk Road Mountain Race
The Bikepacking Collective votes were tallied, the The Silk Road Cargo Race was the clear winner. This short documentary resulted from Allan Shaw’s decision to tackle the grueling 2023 Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan aboard a cargo bike—a choice few would dare to make. The 13-minute film delves into the unique challenges Allan faced, combining humor and heart as he reflects on the experience. Check out the original article here, where you can also find Allan’s written recap and a collection of analog and digital photographs, offering a complete look at this unconventional journey.
The Divide
By Angus Morton
Coming in it at a close second, the standout cinematography and behind-the-scenes storytelling of The Divide clearly elevated it among adventure cycling films when it came time for the Bikepacking Collective to place their vote. It documents Lachlan Morton’s remarkable 12.5-day ride along the 2,671-mile Tour Divide route from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells at the U.S./Mexico border, capturing Morton’s mental and physical endurance in an intimate portrayal of his journey. Find the original post here.
Slowest Known Time
By Jonny Campbell
We were happy to see the Slowest Known Time rise to the top for the Bikepacking Collective. This 30-minute film by director Jonny Campbell chronicles his relaxed ride of the 210-mile Badger Divide route through the Scottish Highlands with two close friends. The film avoids any unnecessary drama, offering a soothing and authentic depiction of a week spent savoring the joys of bikepacking. Watch the full film and read Jonny’s thoughtful introduction here.
Iceland: A Winter Crossing
By Joffrey Maluski
French bikepacker Joffrey Maluski’s third film, Iceland: A Winter Crossing, also earned high marks in the Bikepacking Collective vote. The film captures his extraordinary 1,000-kilometer fatbike expedition across Iceland’s three largest glaciers, all while towing a sled loaded with supplies. The 18-minute film offers a stunning window into this challenging trip, complemented by an impressive photo gallery. Watch the film and explore the visuals here.
Best Trip Photography
Eight Months Around Africa
By Evan Christenson
Having spent most of 2024 in various corners of Africa, Evan Christenson wowed us with his sweeping photo galleries this year. His projects included a two-parter documenting his time shooting and delivering portraits in Morocco, a push up and ride down the rocky slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and an in-depth look at World Bicycle Relief and their Buffalo Bicycle. This is the second year in a row that we’ve recognized Evan’s outstanding photographic work, and we’re curious to see the award-worthy coverage he comes up with in 2025!
Cycle Therapy
By Chris Christie
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is easily one of the most well-documented trails out there, but that didn’t stop photographer Chris Christie from assembling a set of GDMBR images that stopped us in our tracks. His piece on easing into retirement by riding the route features some awe-inspiring shots. Find them here.
Who Let the Dogs Out?
By Eric Hockman
A vibrant tribute to the power of the overnighter, Eric Hockman’s Who Let the Dogs Out? is an upbeat route report and story set along our Wilson’s Ramble route in North Carolina. Eric’s superb images perfectly capture the simple joys of getting out for a ride with friends. See them in his piece here.
Ebb and Flow of the Baja Davide
By Tom Norman
For his first solo bikepacking trip, Tom Norman braved the rugged Baja Divide route in Mexico. His unforgettable ride provided an unending mix of surpassed expectations and dramatic twists and turns, and he captured a sensational set of images on picturesque route. Take a look here.
Best Event Documentation
2024 Arizona Trail Race
By Eszter Horanyi
Spanning a race preview, daily updates, and several in-depth reports from the field, Eszter Horanyi’s coverage of this year’s Arizona Trail Race (AZTR) was nothing short of phenomenal. She found gripping storylines as they unfolded in real-time and seamlessly incorporated uniquely valuable reflections informed by her first-hand experience with the race. Find all of her reporting via our 2024 AZTR Tracker.
2024 Tour Divide
By Eddie Clark
Our annual awards wouldn’t be complete without recognizing Eddie Clark’s tireless efforts to document the expansive Tour Divide. Again this year, Eddie was out driving up and down the length of the route to create unmatched coverage, including some of the photos of the year. Catch up on parts one and two.
Ana Jager’s Iditarod Trail
By Jill Homer and Ana Jager
She wasn’t technically participating in the official Iditarod Trail Invitational event, but Ana Jager’s harrowing 19-day solo ride of the route made for one of the most engaging efforts of the year. Jill Homer’s post-race profile stands out as an exceptional piece of documentation. Read it here.
2024 Ruta del Jefe
By John Montesi
Weaving an impactful ecological perspective into a summary of his time at the Ruta del Jefe event in spectacular Sonora, Mexico, John Montesi’s coverage went above and beyond the usual event recap format, eloquently conveying his sentiments on the broader merit of protecting the natural places we love. Find it here.
Best in Art/Multimedia
Sounds from London to Lyon
By Morris and Felix Winby
One of the most original undertakings of the year came from young brothers Morris and Felix Winby, who left home in England in search of sounds to incorporate into the electronic music they release under the name eyeveyes (pronounced “ivy eyes”). Pedaling 1,000 kilometers across France, they founds inspiration in unexpected places and harnessed it to create some captivating compositions. Immerse yourself in the first of their videos from the journey here.
Framing Everyday Life
By Ryutaru Nakamoto
The quirky, charming family portraits Ryutaru Nakamoto has been cataloging around his home in Tokyo, Japan, won our hearts this year. We published a Rider’s Lens feature that shares a collection of more than 30 endearing photos and a little background on the widely adored project. Check it out here.
Cataloging Inspiration
By Camilo Parra
Colombian illustrator Camilo Parra, better known as Washedog, has filled countless pages of his sketchbooks with a kaliedoscopic array of drawings over the years, and he shared a smattering of pages with us in June. Find a sampling of his work and some thoughts on the parallels between riding and drawing here.
Sew Many Miles
By Ben Davies
Combining sewing and bikepacking, Ben Davies embarked on a six-week journey across the UK with a sewing machine and piles of fabric in tow, measuring and cutting custom frame bags for many folks along the way. He documented the wildly creative project in a 20-minute video that you can watch here.
Best Writing (Web)
Again this year, we’re recognizing the best community-contributed stories we’ve published on the site. These nominees reflect the most honest, gripping, and reflective examples of storytelling from the saddle.
Man vs. Bear
By Laura Killingbeck
Easily one of our most widely read pieces of the year, writer Laura Killingbeck eloquently weighed in on the viral “Man vs. Bear” debate with her perspective as a long-term bicycle traveler who’s spent plenty of time away from civilization. It’s a phenomenal piece that offers worthy and carefully presented insight and leaves readers with some pertinent points to mull over. If you missed it, read it here.
Whee: Bikepacking the Japanese Alps
By Riaz Moola
One of the most open and vulnerable guest posts of the year, Riaz Moola’s story about preparing for and taking a three-week trip to Japan as a person who struggles with anxiety offers a refreshing take on traditional travel writing. It’s a realistic and ultimately heartening piece of writing that’s well worth taking the time to peruse here.
The (Traka) Adventure?
By Stephen Fitzgerald
The Traka Adventure in Spain made waves when it was canceled at the last minute due to weather this spring, sparking debate about how organizers should intervene in the event of extreme weather. Stephen Fitzgerald from Rodeo Labs rode the course anyway, and his piece from the trip offers a riveting examination of the topic. See it here.
Lonesome Lands and Sugar Sand
By Tanner Arrington
Upon returning from a low-key solo overnighter through a wildlife refuge, Tanner Arrington penned a standout piece that beautifully blends observations on natural history, reflections on land stewardship, and a welcome reminder of the beauty surrounding us. His stirring words provide valuable food for thought. Dive in here.
Best Writing (Print)
Although we think every story that makes it into our biannually printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, represents the very best in pedal-powered writing and photography, we want to highlight a few of our favorites as we look back on this year’s issues.
On His Own Steam
By Johan Wahl
Delightfully capturing the misadventures of an aging bicycle traveler, Johan Wahl’s On His Own Steam tells the inspiring story of Charlie, a friend who’s beginning the next chapter of his two-wheeled adventures by attaching a battery to his trusty mountain bike. Charlie has mixed success with his contraption on their first outing together, and Johan perfectly captures the highs and lows of the experience. Bikepacking Collective members can find it in their copy of issue 12.
Emotional Landscapes
By Emily Bei Cheng
After her mom passed away, regular contributor Emily Bei Cheng reflected on loss in Emotional Landscapes, a powerful piece that tackles a challenging subject we all inevitably confront. Her exploration of grief draws on takeaways from a bikepacking trip around Iceland, a place she’s visited on many occasions but experienced anew following her mom’s death. Find it in the 11th issue of The Bikepacking Journal.
Going Back
By Jake Dacks
Returning to a more stationary life after three years of riding across the Americas with his partner Andrea, Jake Dacks distilled the many lessons the road taught him in Going Back. In the piece, he presents five valuable lessons, elaborating on each in an approachable and actionable for everyday life and travels further afield. Read it in The Bikepacking Journal 12.
That’s a wrap for this year’s Bikepacking Awards. Find our previous two roundups for 2024 Bikepacking Gear of the Year and the Top People and Routes in the Further Reading grid below. You can also dig into #bikepacking-awards to find all of our annual awards roundups since 2015.
Do you enjoy our in-depth reviews, route guides, and stories? We’re a small, independent publication dedicated to keeping our content free for everyone, but we need your support. To keep articles like this one coming (and not behind a firewall), please consider becoming a member of our Bikepacking Collective. By joining, you’ll receive The Bikepacking Journal in the mail twice a year, industry discounts, and many other great benefits. Learn more here.
Further Reading
Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...
Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.
