Inspiration & Blog

Joel Caldwell is an expedition photographer and writer based in New York City. He often uses outdoor adventure to tell conservation stories from around the globe. In this edition of Rider’s Lens, he shares some of his favorite images from the field…

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…

Mountain bike access to our remote backcountry trails is becoming more and more challenging. In this new short film, three riders set out on a stretch of the Continental Divide Trail between Montana and Idaho in the hopes of shedding some light on this issue…

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?”

Have you bikepacked as a posse? The experience is very distinct from both meditative solo rides and the close camaraderie of a shared experience with a single friend. Factor in half a dozen riders and the dynamic completely transforms, with the journey taking on a different life. Cass heads out for a few days in the sun patinaed New Mexican desert… and returns with the feel good vibes from the very best of group rides.

Hollywood touring insider, Ultra Romance, investigates behind the scenes of the nation’s #1 hand built bike show. Join Ultra Romeo as he reports beyond the glossy paint jobs and meticulously filed lugs of the bespoke cycling industry. What titillating new revelations did this year hold for the world of adventure cycling? Who wore it best? All these salacious details and more right here in this tell all cyberweb dossier…

A short film following Lorraine Blancher as she explores the lesser known mountain bike trails on the border of Argentina and Chile, plus a quick Q&A on the route and the gear she brought along with her.

Badwater Basin and White Mountain are California’s lowest and highest bikeable places. Brian Vernor and two other riders connected them via 192.6 miles and 24,613 feet of elevation gain. Along the way they made this unique film to document the 30 hour ride. Watch it here and read a Q&A with the filmmaker…

What happens when you give two talented mountain bike shredders a pair of drop-bar adventure rigs and turn them loose on the trails of southern Spain? This…