Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
The Bikepacking Journal 12
Printed in the spring of 2024, the 12th issue of The Bikepacking Journal featured essays and stories from the north and south of Africa, the alluring Andes, the unforgiving terrain of Death Valley, the charming French countryside, Cuba’s backroads, and beyond. See inside here…
Made Possible By
There are many parallels between creating an issue of The Bikepacking Journal and planning a bikepacking trip. Both often start with a loose idea catalyzed by a moment of inspiration. Next is assembling a group that will hopefully mesh well. With a destination in mind and a cast of characters on board comes figuring out how to connect the dots and make it all work. And no matter how meticulous the planning is, there are inevitably a few surprises and detours along the route, whether that’s a crashed hard drive or a closed resupply. Thankfully, with the right attitude (and a little help), it all can be part of the fun—occasionally only in retrospect.
From a jumble of hand-scrawled, coffee-stained notes, checklists, and rough mock-ups to the printed, cut, and perfect bound publication you hold now, we’re happy to say that this issue, like most of our bikepacking trips, came together beautifully in the end. Across its vibrant pages, you’ll find another mosaic of essays and stories featuring everything from lighthearted tales of more attainable weekend adventures near home to awe-inspiring reflections from years and decades on the road.
As always, we want to express our sincere thanks for giving us the means to share this latest collection with readers worldwide. Bringing The Bikepacking Journal to life is truly a labor of love for everyone involved, and it only exists thanks to support from members of the Bikepacking Collective.
Stories in Issue 12
After the Gold Rush
A Long Haul Through Death Valley By Gregg Dunham
CaliforniaClarity
Adventures in Ecopointing By Franziska Wernsing
Alps & Atlas MountainsGoing Back
Keeping it Real in the “Real World” By Jake Dacks and Andrea Molina
AmericasLast Oasis
Pedaling Through the Ochre Lands By Louise Philipovitch
MoroccoOff Track
A Weekend on the Off-Road Runner By Colt Fetters
New MexicoOn His Own Steam
The Story of Charlie and his Trek By Johan Wahl
South AfricaRibbon Cutting
Trails Don’t Maintain Themselves By Spencer Dillon and Chris McNally
OregonThe Road of Power
Bikepacking Qhapaq Ñan By Leo Brasil and Adam Pawlikiewicz
AndesThe Whole World to See
Heinz Stücke’s 52-Year Journey By Joe Cruz and Sebastian Hofer
GermanyTotal Eclipse
In Pursuit of the Present By Kody Dahl and Cameron Muilenburg
Missouri & IllinoisWhat Are We Missing?
The Thing That Holds it all Together By Evan Christenson
SpainThe Bikepacking Journal is reader supported, with additional funding for the current issue provided by:
Interested in more stories like this one? Enjoy inspiring writing and breathtaking photographs, all in the full glory of print!
- Twice yearly – New issues are released in April and October of each year.
- Free shipping – Shipping is on us, anywhere in the world.
- Carefully crafted – We've worked hard to create something beautiful and lasting.
- Limited edition – We print one copy for each of our members, and not many beyond that.
- Only in print – There's nothing quite like savoring stories and images on paper.
- Truly independent – This project wouldn't be possible without our members.
- Member Support – Sustains this website and all the content we publish.
