Your Stories

Over the summer, Nathan Khalsa and friends took advantage of the free ferries connecting some of the more than 450 San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state to piece together a beautiful bikepacking journey that soaked in the unique local charm. Find their story and a vivid collection of 35mm film photos shot along their route here…

Evan Christenson continues his recumbent ride around the Netherlands, this time with the tight-knit bohemian group Platte Gang. They pedal into the forest, camp out together, and Evan gets to see what makes this small Amsterdam-based group ride unique. Find his story and some tips from the organizer on leading an inclusive ride in your hometown here…

When Paul Kalifatidi’s sunny solo bikepacking journey through Utah’s Canyon Country took several turns for the worse, he found salvation in the most unexpected of places. Read his story of literally and figuratively digging deep to brave waist-deep snow and bike-stopping mud in hopes of sublime riding just around the next corner here…

“Seven Shots” is a new series from photographer Ryan Le Garrec that takes an unconventional approach to storytelling by exploring the narratives behind a selection of images that might otherwise be rejects. In the first installment, Ryan takes a ride around the French capital with Ritchey’s Fergus Tanaka ahead of the 2023 edition of Paris-Brest-Paris…

As part of a newly established tradition, Rob Wilson and friends rode out for a backyard bikepacking getaway over the summer. In the face of an uncertain future and many life changes among his circle of Millennial/Gen Z friends, he reflects on how bikepacking has helped him stay connected to his youth and the people around him. Read Rob’s story here…

Marcus Nicolson braved the soggy conditions at the inaugural edition of Further Elements in Scotland last month, a 500-kilometer race around the unforgiving Highlands. Find his impressions from the experience paired with a moody image gallery from photographer Rupert Hartley here…

For Christina Grande, this year’s DangerBird event in New Mexico was as much about reconnecting with family as it was about riding. Find her recap from the 2023 DangerBird paired with a lovely set of photos from Nathan and Eric Burnside here…

In this piece, Ty Domin makes the case for why he calls his style of riding “overlanding.” Following more than 40,000 kilometers of pedaling on many of our routes around the world, he also shares a look at his current Tumbleweed Prospector setup and offers some thoughts on how a shift in mindset has unlocked boundless possibilities. Find it all here…

In this insight-packed piece, Mia Altieri reflects on the experience of pedaling off on a grand solo adventure only to develop a deepened appreciation for the subtle beauty of her backyard and the richness of her community at home. She also offers advice for organizing group rides and lessons from a women-led campout. Read her story with photos from the idyllic German countryside here…

After being rejected due to high winds and sleet, four friends returned to the White Rim Trail in Utah last month to take another shot at the iconic route. Find a post-ride reflection from Rodeo Labs founder Stephen Fitzgerald, notes on the ideal bike for the route, and a trip video with insights into shooting it using only an iPhone here…

Tristan Bogaard and Belén Castelló recently pedaled the rugged GR247 route in Spain, which they tailored to their liking when the going got too rough, leading to some unexpected animal encounters and serendipitous interactions with locals. Read their story with a photo gallery and a 17-minute companion video here…

Conan Thai attended the 2023 Nutmeg Nor’Easter in Connecticut for a weekend of riding, camping, and community events. He put together a reflection on filling his cup by pedaling through the forest and savoring slow moments with newfound friends. Find his story and a vibrant gallery of images here…