Your Stories

Where were you this June 23rd? We rounded up a dozen of the thousands of groups of bicycle travelers who were out riding and camping under the stars in celebration of the 2018 Swift Solstice Campout weekend. Here’s a peek at what they were up to…

Last summer, Canadian photographer Pat Valade headed out on his first extended bikepacking trip, a 10-day stint along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. Here, he shares images from the ride and recaps some of the lessons he learned while forgetting about his day-to-day worries and settling into life along the trail…

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 Crust Bikes crew pedals around Puerto Rico in search of good waves and white sand beaches, but ultimately finds much more. Read about the highs and lows of their week spent riding (and pushing) around a tropical wonderland…

Ryan Sigsbey first took on the Monumental Loop in 2017 and returned a year later to finish it. Find his account alongside an excellent gallery of photos in our latest Ride Gallery. Plus, notes on tire selection and the route’s difficulty…

Ultra racer Neil Beltchenko brings us along for the ride in this detailed report from his victory in the 2018 Iditarod Trail Invitational 350, recounting his three-day battle against the legendary Iditarod Trail, the merciless Alaskan winter, and the competition…

Every year, a hundred-strong tribe of winter-hardened fat bikers, skiers, and hikers gather in Northern Minnesota to race across a land known as the Icebox of the Nation. This year, I was one of them. Kind of…

It’s fairly uncomplicated to gather some provisions, lash some dry bags to a bike, and disappear into the woods for a couple of days. Read Logan’s account of a last-minute decision to go bikepacking back in 2013. Plus, a how-to starter kit for an easy overnighter.

Although renowned for its chunky, world class singletrack, Sedona and its red rock buttes also make a fantastic backdrop for a family bikepacking adventure. Cass and Nancy head off with their five-year-old in tow – literally – to explore its trails, jeep tracks, and gravel roads…

Made in Taiwan. Made in China. These words have been stigmatized by Western consumers for decades. Cjell Monē​ recounts his time working with master frame builders there and asks, “Why? Why do we assume ‘Made in China’ or ‘Made in Taiwan’ means shitty?”

Cjell Monē wanted nothing more than to follow a faint, squiggly line from Sela Pass, a 14,000’ remote corner of India, to the Bhutan border. He was thwarted by the military, chased down by taxis, and barricaded by an entire village during his attempt. Read the whole story…