Bikepacking Culture

Wrapping up our coverage of the 2025 Bespoked show in Dresden, Germany, we turn our lens toward the visitors who attended, highlighting an eclectic sampling of the everyday bikes we saw throughout the weekend. For a change of pace, explore a diverse gallery of portraits of around 30 people and their bikes here…

This summer, a group of friends met in Dresden with the task of building a bike from scrap parts within two months and then ‘racing’ it in three short events in the forest. The idea was to create a more punk rock gathering ahead of Bespoked, inspired by the English Bike Hack Derby. Find a recap of the inaugural High Velocity Research Trash Metal Framebuilding Competition and loads of photos here…

With the 2025 Arkansas High Country Race kicking off tomorrow morning, six-time AHCR participant Aaron Arnzen is kicking off our coverage with a detailed look at the race’s history, notable records, and some names you should keep an eye on as the race unfolds. Dive into all the details here…

Pilgrimage, not podiums. Le Pilgrimage trades finish times for shared meals, tough stages, and the stories riders carry home—Galibier-level grit by day, long-table camaraderie by night. Meet the “Pilgrims,” hear why community beats competition, and feel how a hard ride becomes a lasting tale.

Our Fill in the Map Local Overnighter Challenge is back for 2025, and we’re calling on our world wide community of talented readers to share their favorite curated routes. We’ve partnered with Rockgeist, Teravail, and Wolf Tooth Components to offer some fantastic prizes for the best route submissions! Dig into all the details here…

Photographer Jonny Ramirez followed the 2025 Trans North Georgia Adventure (TNGA) with a camera in hand, waiting in spots along the route to capture all the action. In this look back, Jonny shares his experience documenting the race and a stunning collection of photos. Read on below…

Building Momentum Bikepacking is a newly established project by Moe Nadeau of Nelson, British Columbia, that aims to provide an inclusive space for women and non-binary people to learn about and access bikepacking. Find a short video, photos, and a recap from their inaugural workshop and overnighter here…

Riding is all about movement, but on a recent getaway, Lucas discovered a fresh appreciation for the simple joys of coming to a complete stop. In this short piece, he recounts an enchanting break spent basking in the company of ravens, wildflowers, nighthawks, and golden evening light. Read it here…

In his closing video from MADE, Neil poses a simple question with big implications: “What does this show mean to you?” Watch the finale to hear candid answers from 20 builders spotlighting community, craft, and momentum behind handmade bikes and where the bike world goes next…

At MADE last week, Neil left the camera rolling for a rapid-fire round. In this video, he found out which bike industry standards builders most hate and which they love. The answers ranged from unexpectedly passionate to hilariously predictable, revealing just how personal standards are in framebuilding. Watch it here…

In our final official video from the 2025 MADE Bike Show, Neil continues his deep dive into the venue to connect with component and accessory makers. Highlights include new releases from Ultradynamico, Wren, and Velo Orange, plus a closer look at a few of the most eye-catching bikes from the show floor. Watch it here…

Countless variables determine the cost of exhibiting at tradeshows, including travel, entry fees, booth setup, and, in the case of MADE, the creation of show-worthy bicycles. We wanted to hear from the builders absorbing these expenses to answer the ultimate question, “Is it worth it?” The Road to MADE shares perspectives from 20 brands at the 2025 MADE bike show, shedding some light on the realities of attending…