The World By Bicycle, by Alex Hotchin
Alex Hotchin’s latest hand drawn map features an incredible assemblage of backcountry bikepacking routes, races, classic rides, and places to dream about…
PUBLISHED Apr 17, 2018
Note: A couple of months ago we goofed up and published this post too soon and had to pull it shortly thereafter. So, in case you missed it, here’s another chance to check out Alex Hotchin’s latest hand drawn map. You might recognize the work of Alex Hotchin from a Rider’s Lens we put together a year ago for Borderless, a book of maps inspired by a 17,000km overland bicycle journey from Europe to SE Asia. Or maybe you saw her mentioned in our 2016 awards. Either way it’s apparent that we find her map illustrations nothing short of amazing. It seems that is exactly what the folks at Apidura thought when they commissioned her to create this piece. Alex recently finished the aptly titled The World by Bicycle, a 90 cm wide x 65 cm high (about 3 x 2 feet) drawing that will hang in Apidura’s London office.
The World By Bicycle depicts an atlas of various places one can ride a bike. From epic race routes, legendary and exploratory ways, some classics, a few ‘must-ride’ routes, and even several new frontiers, the map is layered with things to dream about. As Alex puts it, “… of course there would need to be a few of these maps to show all of the places you can take your bike – it’s really an endless list which makes it the ultimate way to see the world!”
We were ecstatic to see our Trans Uganda and the Trans Ecuador routes both on the map! In addition, there are a few quotes peppered throughout — most of which come from Apidura’s ambassadors. How about this one, “PLOT OUT AN ADVENTURE. EVEN BETTER IF IT’S ONE THAT SCARES YOU A LITTLE.”
Also, see more of Alex’s work at our Rider’s Lens, or her site alexhotchin.com. You can also buy the book Borderless at alexhotchin.com/store/borderless-book and follow her on Instagram @alex_hotchin
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