Inspiration & Blog

Seeking a short getaway near their home in Spain, Alba Xandri and Ricard Calmet recently pedaled a five-day route that combined segments of the Montañas Vacías XL and Ibérica Norte Loop into a picturesque circuit. Their ride took them up high passes, through lush vineyards, and into charming small towns. Find their story of dodging storms on a memorably beautiful adventure here…

Amid her attempt to break the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle, we introduce 25-year-old Vedangi Kulkarni of India. We hear about the chaotic first weeks of her ride, recap the lessons she learned during her first trip around the world at just 19, unpack her goals and motivations, and more. Meet the young endurance cyclist and follow her ambitious journey here…

The first episode of “Sounds from London to Lyon” introduces young brothers Morris and Felix Winby and follows the first week of their journey between England and France in search of inspiration and sounds for their electronic music compositions. Meet the dynamic duo behind eyeveyes and watch the engaging 20-minute episode here…

As part of her continuing challenge to get out for solo overnight bikepacking trip in four consecutive seasons, Belén Castelló recently attempted a quick summer trip near her home in Spain that included riding along the coast, taking a dip in the sea, and sleeping outside without a tent for the first time. Watch her 15-minute video here…

“Reasons to Ride” takes an intimate look at the fifth edition of the Silk Road Mountain Race, an unsupported 1,880-kilometer bikepacking event in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Find the 15-minute film with an introduction from race director Nelson Trees here…

The latest video in Ryan Le Garrec’s “Fail” series documents his 2,000-kilometer ride around Spain as part of the 2024 Desertus Bikus event after a slipped disc in his back kept him off the bike for a month. Find his 15-minute video, a written perspective, and a gallery of film and digital photos here…

In the third and final installment of our 2024 Bespoked UK coverage, we learn why ferrous steel is the most environmentally friendly bike frame material and take a look at nine more bikes and builders, including the titanium beauty awarded “Best Mountain Bike,” an interesting Pinion steel hardtail from Ted James, a 29+ ATB from Olsen, Drust’s drop-bar 29er, the mighty Titanosaur, 3D-printed bike bling, and more…

Are we getting lost often enough? Exploring more mindful navigation, Josh Meissner joins a mysterious gathering on the outskirts of Berlin called SteppenLOST. Join him as he gets turned around in the forest, and find a delightful set of photos from the event here…

Earlier this year, Avery Caudill rode 2,000 kilometers from Land’s End to John O’Groats in the UK, following the GB Divide bikepacking route. Watch the 20-minute video he put together from the ride here…

In the second part of his comprehensive coverage of the 2024 Tour Divide, photographer Eddie Clark offers an immersive glimpse into latter half of the race. He shares his experience of pursuing elusive cyclists and capturing ephemeral moments amidst the hills and hollows along this legendary route. Find his detailed recap and another stunning photo gallery here…

In our second set of coverage Bespoked UK 2024, find several more inspiring stories of small frame builders and makers, including one about a wild frame conversion from Bousif Custom Bikes, the best in show bike from BTR Fabrications, a new “carry” bike from Assembly, bags born from “British Gravel” and more…

In part one of our in-depth Bespoked UK 2024 coverage, we catch up with Clandestine to see the new Carrier and Carrier Pinion, look at a handmade carbon gravel bike from Sideways, learn about bikes and bird hides, see some new bags from Wizard Works and Tailfin, and check out several more custom bikes from Medusa and Alfano. Find all that and more here…