Inspiration & Blog

Last year, photographers Chris Shane and Chris Bennett of the Adventures of Chris And Chris YouTube channel pedaled a modified version of the Katahdin 360 bikepacking route in Maine. They shot a 15-minute video documenting their travels along sleepy backroads, wildlife encounters, spectacular sunrise hike, and more. Watch it here…

For nearly two decades, Mike Varley of Black Mountain Cycles has been designing and selling functional steel bicycles fueled by a lifetime of working in the bike industry and an unshakable obsession with drop bars and big tires. We swung by his shop in Point Reyes Station, California, to get to know the Black Mountain story firsthand and take a closer look at a few of his bikes…

After retiring from his high-stress career as a firefighter and first responder, Chris Christie set out on a head-clearing bikepacking journey along the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route between Canada and Colorado. In this piece, he celebrates the start of a new chapter and reflects on how riding can be a tool to help manage mental health and build resilience to combat the mounting anxiety of daily life. Find his story and a remarkable gallery of images here…

Last fall, Jack Thompson, aka The Ultra Cyclist, set his sights on the 1,067-kilometer Munda Biddi Trail in Southwestern Australia. He finished the entire route in just 2 days, 12 hours, and 15 minutes, establishing a new fastest known time. “Munda Biddi Dreaming” is a 23-minute film that shares the highs and lows of his experience. Watch it here…

In April, Tristan Bogaard pedaled a weeklong loop around Spain’s empty interior, and he created this understated video documenting his solo experience in the captivating region. Watch his 23-minute video and read some backstory here…

“Slowest Known Time” is a 30-minute feature from director Jonny Campbell that traces his ride of the 210-mile Badger Divide route across the Scottish Highlands with a pair of close friends. The result is a calming film that’s free of artificial drama and tells the simple story of a week well lived. Watch it and read an introduction from Jonny here…

Following a two-month bikepacking trip around New Zealand, Matt Bark reflects on the value of following established routes versus the potential risks and rewards that come with charting your own path. Find his story of finding the right balance, making new connections, and embracing spontaneity here…

The “Man or Bear” debate recently went viral online, with women sharing their thoughts on whether they’d rather be stuck in the forest with a man or a bear. In this piece, long-term bicycle traveler Laura Killingbeck reflects on the question and adds her unique perspective to the conversation. Read it here…

The inaugural edition of Fenderfest was held in rural Germany earlier this month, and we sent writer Hélène Fromenty and photographer Stefan Haehnel there to document the charming new event and gather details on a dozen spectacular classic and modern bicycles. Find their report and a rich set of images here…

In the conclusion of his two-part tale from Morocco, Evan Christenson re-rides the same loop around the Atlas Mountains to deliver the 46 portraits he shot during his first spin along the route. He’s met with a mix of familiar and unexpected experiences during his ride. Find the second part of his story and another exceptional photo gallery here…

In part one of this thrilling tale, Evan Christenson returns to Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains to finish a ride that left his bike broken and in the back of a taxi five years ago. This time, he tries to evade police and makes new friends along the way. While on the ride, he contemplates the point of travel and finds a way to give back. Find his story and a spectacular set of photos here…

“Bike to Fly” is a new film by Will Phelps that documents nine days of fly fishing and bikepacking in Patagonia as part of Miles Sebald’s 30,000-kilometer ride from Alaska to Argentina. Watch the hour-long film here…