Dispatch

Tristan Cardew placed 11th at this year’s Badlands event in Spain, overcoming stomach issues, torrential rain, extreme heat, and hallucinations to arrive at the finish. Watch his self-filmed documentary from the race here…

Hans de Neve’s latest short video in the “Bikepacking the Americas” series finds him and his partner Silke amid the stunning high-elevation plateaus and otherworldly salt flats of Bolivia. Follow their journey across the Altiplano, iconic Salar de Uyuni, and further south toward the storied Ruta de Los Seis Miles here…

In a new four-part film series titled “Burning Matches,” Rob Britton shares his story of transitioning from World Tour rider to privateer and adventure racer. In the first episode, he attempts to establish a fastest known time (FKT) on a new north-to-south route on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Find the 12-minute video and by Rob’s thoughts on the project here…

After being rejected due to high winds and sleet, four friends returned to the White Rim Trail in Utah last month to take another shot at the iconic route. Find a post-ride reflection from Rodeo Labs founder Stephen Fitzgerald, notes on the ideal bike for the route, and a trip video with insights into shooting it using only an iPhone here…

Earlier this year, Ulrich Bartholmoes took part in the Race Around Rwanda, following a 1,000-kilometer route around the beautiful Rwandan countryside. “Dirt, Sweat, Fever” was filmed during the event, and it shares his story of resilience, determination and the unpredictability of ultra-cycling. Watch it here…

With a fresh look for mountain bike shoes, the new Quoc Escape Off-Road eschews categorical classification and blends trail durability with a streamlined aesthetic typically found on road shoes. Joe Cruz put a pair to the test and reports back with this in-depth review…

In the 14th episode of the “Cycling to Argentina” video series, Greg McCahon and Ana Victoria Cedillo pedal their way through Northern Mexico en route to Ana Victoria’s hometown in Chihuahua for a reunion with friends and family. Watch it and catch up on any episodes you’ve missed here…

The latest travel film from Restrap follows a group of six bikepackers on a 600-mile journey across Türkiye. Following a route that brought them from the southern town of Dalaman to Istanbul in the north, they got a taste of the country’s vibrant present and rich history. Find the 45-minute film, a route map, and some still images here…

A few weeks ago, Dwayne and Michelle Allgire drove up to the Great North Woods to tick the Wisconsin Waterfalls Loop off of their long bucket list of bikepacking routes to ride. This was their first time in the area, and they loved experiencing it by bike. Watch the video they made along the spectacular route and find insights from their ride here…

Seven Serpents is an unsupported 850-kilometer bikepacking challenge from Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Trieste, Italy, through the Croatian islands following gravel and side roads. The organizers just released the official 2023 Seven Serpents Film, and you can watch it here…

Launched earlier this year, the Crankbrothers Klic HV Mini Floor Pump has a fold-out foothold, a proper handle, and a magnetic detachable hose. Miles has been using it for the last few months to see how it stacks up against his beloved Lezyne Micro Drive. Find his KLIC HV mini Floor Pump review and some thoughts on the Crankbrothers F16 multi-tool here…

Despite their gravity/enduro label, Neil found the new canvas Shimano GE5 shoes to perform exceptionally well while bikepacking. In his latest video review, Neil shares his experience with them and what makes them a good multi-disciplinary shoe. Watch it here and find a written review, pros and cons, and a selection of photos…