USA Archives - BIKEPACKING.com

Madrean Rugged Ramble

Joe Cruz — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:13:13 +0000

Additional photos by Neil Beltchenko and Miles Arbour The terrain of far southeastern Arizona—an ecoregion known as the Madrean Archipelago—is a rough and rugged sort of poetry. Its crumbled peaks, defiant cactuses, and dirt tracks beaten dry by a fierce sky. In places, chaparral gives way to grasslands. The sunshine hardly lets up for 300 […]

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Land of the Ancients Overnighter

Guest Routes — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:58:46 +0000

Land of the Ancients is a 60-mile loop that offers riders a taste of Eastern California’s varied geography and quiet sagebrush desert. The route is located in the arid White Mountain range east of the Sierra Nevadas and follows a series of quiet paved byways, gravel roads, rocky doubletrack, and singletrack through groves of bristlecone […]

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Vedauwoo Rendezvous

Guest Routes — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:30:18 +0000

Vedauwoo (pronounced “vee-dah-voo”) is a unique geological area located in southeastern Wyoming. Part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, Vedauwoo is the local shorthand name for a much larger region of the Sherman Mountains that extends from Pole Mountain to Curt Gowdy State Park north of Interstate I-80, approximately 15 miles east of Laramie and […]

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MinneIoWisco

Guest Routes — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:18:37 +0000

Named for the fact that the route navigates parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, the 273-mile MinneIoWisco falls entirely within the beautiful Driftless Area. While no formal boundaries define the region, it encompasses much of western Wisconsin as well as the corners of southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa. Described as the land of many hills, […]

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The Coconino Loop

Cass Gilbert — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 14:15:26 +0000

Originally published in December, 2014, this route guide for the Coconino Loop was updated in December, 2023 with photos and insight by Neil Beltchenko; also find a video from that ride under the Trail Notes tab. Knitting together some of the finest trails in Northern Arizona, the Coconino Loop is a 250 mile bikepacking journey […]

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Little Switzerland Loop

Guest Routes — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:35:57 +0000

Photos by Levi Bridges and Matthew Skeens The Little Switzerland Loop overnighter route departs from Fayette, Iowa, a small college town at the edge of Iowa’s Driftless region. This town is a great starting place for many of our local rides as it’s close to home and has all the amenities to get you started […]

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Ironwood Overnighter

Molly Sugar — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:23:49 +0000

Ironwood National Monument is known for its largest and richest stand of Ironwood trees. The Ironwood Overnighter highlights the region’s unique biodiversity while connecting two historical sites: the Titan II Missile Silo and Cocoraque Butte. Whether you want beautiful scenery, a secluded camping spot, or to learn more about the region’s history, this overnighter has […]

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Idaho Panhandle Ramble (PanRam)

Guest Routes — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:40:58 +0000

The Panhandle Ramble takes in a grand chunk of the spectacular Idaho Panhandle—a swath of rugged, geologically and culturally rich land sandwiched between Canada to the north, Washington to the west, and Montana to the east. This area has been known mostly for its abundant natural resources in the past, but it has since become […]

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The Drake Passage

Guest Routes — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:26:26 +0000

The Drake Passage is a collection of rail trails, singletrack, power line roads, hiking trails, state forest roads, and some pavement that make up an excellent loop in Western Massachusetts. Abundant streams, deep woodlands, and swimming opportunities present themselves every few miles. This route is a wondrous introduction to Hampshire and Franklin Counties’ best gravel […]

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Highlands Traverse Overnighter

Guest Routes — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:37:45 +0000

Highlands Traverse Overnighter captures three distinct riding zones Virginia mountains are known for: riverside greenways, high country balds, and ridge line riding. Starting with a cruise along Laurel Creek, you’ll enjoy the low grade and rolling terrain of the Creeper Trail. This rail-to-trail greenway showcases the small-town feel of Damascus and surrounding areas. You’ll likely […]

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No Business Loop (Cumberland Plateau)

Joe Cruz — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:20:46 +0000

Photos by Joe Cruz, Donalrey Nieva, and Logan Watts; originally published April, 2021 and updated with route additions in September, 2023 with the help of local volunteer Joe Cross Hibernating through the winter left us craving all of the ways of having fun on a bikepacking trip, and this route really does have everything. It’s […]

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Dollarhide Summit Overnighter

Guest Routes — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:08:02 +0000

Photos and additional insight by Miles Arbour Idaho’s Sun Valley/Wood River region is packed full of bikepacking potential. There are endless gravel roads branching away from the valley and cutting through towering mountains and over high-elevation passes. They link diverse, stunning views of beautiful terrain and several natural hot springs. Then there is the maze […]

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Lost Canyon Overnighter

Neil Beltchenko — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:08:31 +0000

The 30-mile Lost Canyon Overnighter route starts and ends at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. It encompasses country roads, BLM land, and national forests, showcasing the region’s diverse public lands. Beginning in town, you’ll head northeast on paved roads, passing through ranchlands to the west and sage hills to the east. The journey then […]

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Upper Valley Trail Mix

Guest Routes — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 11:02:29 +0000

In Vermont’s Upper Valley region, the foothills of the Green Mountains tumble quietly into the Connecticut River basin. Pedaling the region’s snaking network of trails and gravel roads reveals steep hills and valleys, quaint villages, bubbling streams, and hillside farms with beautiful views. One of the most striking features of this region is Mount Ascutney, […]

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Gunni Grinder

Neil Beltchenko — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:03:56 +0000

The Gunni Grinder draws inspiration from the 120-mile race course with the same name, an annual event held in September in Gunnison, Colorado. The route heads out of town and to the renowned cycling hub of Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, home to 45 miles of singletrack and as many miles of dirt roads. Initially, it […]

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The Great San Diego Triathlon

Evan Christenson — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:22:16 +0000

NOTE (August 21, 2023): parts of the area that this route passes through were just hit by a tropical storm; we expect that folks won’t be riding this in the near future and will post any updates as we have them. San Diego is a metropolitan hub and tourist magnet known mostly for its sandy […]

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Sun Valley High Country Loop

Guest Routes — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:12:58 +0000

Photos and additional insight by Miles Arbour The Wood River Valley, commonly referred to as Sun Valley to those visiting, is a region in south-central Idaho known for its outdoor recreation, vacation opportunities, towering peaks, and access to the Sawtooth National Forest and Recreation Area. People flock from all over the United States to enjoy […]

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Sage and Saddles: The Gunnison Bikepacking Loop

Neil Beltchenko — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:08:53 +0000

Writing by Eszter Horanyi, photography by Logan Watts, illustrations by Chris McNally Gunnison, Colorado, is a small town located in central Colorado that serves as a hub to endless gravel roads connecting the lower elevation sage-covered deserts to the high peaks of the San Juan, La Garita, Elk, and Sawatch Mountains. In fact, the county, […]

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The Secret Mesa Loop: Fatpacking the Swell

Guest Routes — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:03:22 +0000

The Secret Mesa Loop is located almost entirely within the Eagle Canyon, Coal Wash, and Sid’s Mountain Wilderness Areas north of I-70. The best starting location for the route is off of Exit 116 on the south side of I-70 at Justensen Flat, where a large parking lot provides a safe and convenient location to […]

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Flint Hills Oz Overnighter

Guest Routes — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 11:01:47 +0000

The Flint Hills Oz Overnighter is designed to provide riders with a sample of some of the most beautiful backcountry roads and the remote nature of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. Starting and finishing in the college town of Manhattan, Kansas, at The Pathfinder (the local bike shop/gear store), the route explores the remote, […]

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Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Loop

Guest Routes — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:42:11 +0000

Pine Creek Gorge is a massive canyon carved into the Allegheny Plateau by Pine Creek. The gorge stretches 1,450 feet (440 meters) deep and spans 4,000 feet wide, earning the well-deserved title “The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.” The Pine Creek Rail Trail (PCRT) traverses most of the gorge, extending a total of 62 miles. Along […]

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Hartman Rocks Overnighter

Neil Beltchenko — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:03:53 +0000

Just a stone’s throw south of Gunnison lies Hartman Rocks, a cycling destination that offers an excellent high desert atmosphere for a night beneath the stars. This particular loop is merely one of countless road and trail combinations in the area, each traversing winding roads or singletrack through granite rock formations, seas of sage, and […]

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Cattle Calls and Canyon Walls

Guest Routes — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:58:52 +0000

This route encapsulates the incredible countryside of northeast Utah and southwest Wyoming. This region is often overlooked because of its proximity to Utah’s national parks and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Why would you go to the barren wasteland of Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area instead? Well, there are a handful of reasons, but one of them […]

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Echo-Titus Circuit: Death Valley

Emily Bei Cheng — Wed, 10 May 2023 11:03:49 +0000

Photos by Emily Cheng and Andy Wong The Echo-Titus Circuit straddles California and Nevada, looping out of and back into Death Valley National Park via two canyons: Echo Canyon and Titus Canyon. The route is suitable for both mountain bikes and gravel bikes—though gravel riders should pack a dose of grit for the occasionally loose […]

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Bull Valley Mountains Loop

Guest Routes — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:32:49 +0000

The Bull Valley Mountains Loop is located in the southwest corner of Utah where the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert converge. It’s best completed counter-clockwise. The first half boasts long, challenging climbs from Veyo’s volcano country up to Enterprise Reservoir, following quiet creeks before reaching a small aspen grove that provides a gateway […]

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The Wydaho One Hundred

Guest Routes — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:09:30 +0000

The Wydaho One Hundred circumvents Teton Valley, butting up against the Snake River Range and briefly crossing into the Teton Range and Big Hole Mountains. Known as the “quiet side of the Tetons,” this valley is ripe with open rural landscapes, mountain town culture, and abundant wildlife. This 107-mile loop lies completely within the Greater […]

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Wayne Forest Trail Tour

Guest Routes — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:47:51 +0000

The Wayne National Forest is located on the edges of the Allegheny Plateau, one of the most ancient mountain ranges in the world. This means the topography is far from the stereotypical Ohio flatland. There are, in fact, a lot of hills, steep climbing, and great descents! Almost all the amazing Archers Fork Trail is […]

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Hold Onto the Cat’s Tail (Around the Calico Mountains Wilderness)

Guest Routes — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 14:35:26 +0000

Black Rock Country is 1.2 million acres of protected high desert landscape. Within Black Rock Country is the Black Rock Desert – High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. This is the largest National Conservation Area (NCA) in the lower 48 and protects 120 miles of the Applegate-Lassen Emigrant Trail as well as 900 […]

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Rothrock Rambler Overnighter

Guest Routes — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:00:54 +0000

This route takes advantage of the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC)’s work in Central Pennsylvania’s Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. Regrettably, the 1800s booming steel industry in Pennsylvania resulted in many of the forests in this area being clearcut to fuel the blast furnaces. At the turn of the century, the state of Pennsylvania bought […]

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Ephraim’s Grave Scenic Route

Guest Routes — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:47:03 +0000

Ephraim’s Grave Scenic Route dives into locally roasted coffee, snacks, and Logan’s first and only brewery. Riders quickly escape the city and enter Cache Valley’s expansive backcountry, mostly on dirt roads and flowy singletrack. The route passes several sections of river with filterable water, dozens of primo campsites (both reservable campgrounds and free dispersed camping,) […]

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Sardine Lookout Tower Overnighter

Guest Routes — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 12:30:24 +0000

This bikepacking overnighter is located within Tahoe National Forest, California, the homeland of the Washoe Tribe. The route begins with 12 miles of singletrack through forests of pine and fir trees and meadows carpeted with sagebrush and wildflowers. The singletrack ends at Stampede Reservoir, which offers serenity, a fishing opportunity, and a water refill stop […]

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Caldera 500

Evan Christenson — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:28:18 +0000

The Eastern Sierra is a truly special region. It’s volcanic, alpine, arid, and lush all at the same time. These iconic mountains serve as a gateway to the Great Basin, beginning the watershed all the way to Utah, and cast a great rain shadow into the dry Owens and Long valleys you ride through along […]

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Eastern Divide Trail (S8): Cypress

Karlos Bernart — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:27:07 +0000

NOTE: Florida recently experienced extreme damage and loss from Hurricane Ian (September 29-30, 2022). As such, parts of this route may have flooding, downed trees, and other damage that make it impassable or unsafe at present. We posted this guide for planning a trip at a later date; if you were anticipating riding it this […]

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Eastern Divide Trail (S3): Lupine

Logan Watts — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 12:39:05 +0000

Segment 3 of the Eastern Divide Trail, aka Lupine, is named after a distinctive flowering plant that carpets the landscape throughout the eastern United States, spanning from New England to Florida. A native species to Maine named Sundial Lupine (Lupinus perennis) has been steadily declining in number and range since the Industrial Revolution and is […]

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Valhalla Beach Party

Guest Routes — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:15:00 +0000

The Valhalla Beach Party is a shorter route that overlaps a bit with the Wisconsin Waterfall Loop and includes a couple of waterfalls, but the highlights of this route are the great beaches and opportunities for swimming. While not exceptionally long, this hilly route includes some sections of soft sand that are best ridden with […]

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Sheltowee Bikepacking Route

Guest Routes — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 11:52:14 +0000

Photos by Neil Beltchenko In the heart of Appalachia – spanning from the northern boundary of the Daniel Boone National Forest to the Big South Fork NRRA in the south – the Sheltowee covers some gorgeous yet rugged terrain in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky and a sliver of northeastern Tennessee. The name pays […]

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Eastern Divide Trail (S7): Longleaf

Logan Watts — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 11:15:31 +0000

Longleaf is a fitting name for Segment 7 of the Eastern Divide Trail. Not only is it the second longest of the eight sections, it also takes in a distinct forestal transition from the hardwoods of the Appalachian Mountains to the coastal plain, marked most notably by the introduction of the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), […]

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Olympic Bridges Overnighter

Molly Sugar — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:09:12 +0000

The Olympic National Forest is known for its rushing rivers, temperate rain forests, and alpine wildflowers. The Olympic Bridges Overnighter highlights the region’s expansive beauty while connecting the area’s history with logging. This short overnighter includes Washington state’s two highest arched bridges, Vance Creek Bridge and High Steel Bridge, which were once logging railroads for […]

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Teanaway River Link Up

Guest Routes — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 11:56:14 +0000

The Teanaway River Link Up Loop starts and ends in historic Roslyn, Washington. This 40-mile route primarily follows gravel and packed dirt roads up the wildflower-lined foothills of the Central Cascades and encounters multiple forks of the wild freestone Rivers of the Teanaway Community forest. Once on the decline due to overgrazing and wildfires, this […]

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Sky Meadows Overnighter

Guest Routes — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 13:24:10 +0000

The smooth gravel roads on this route take you to Sky Meadows State Park in the foothills of the Blue Ridge massif in Delaplane, Virginia. The patchwork of rolling gravel roads in the Loudoun Valley is a playground for gravel cyclists looking for challenging riding in serene farm country flanked by mountains to the west. […]

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Eastern Divide Trail (S4): Trillium

Logan Watts — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:31:52 +0000

Named after a flowering plant that can be found in the dark and dense forests up and down the Appalachian Mountains, Segment 4 of the Eastern Divide Trail (Trillium) takes place largely within New York State. There, the Red Trillium is a protected plant, but if you’re lucky enough to discover one in bloom in […]

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Wolf Hole Mountain Overnighter

Guest Routes — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:41:22 +0000

Traversing Pueblo and Southern Paiute Land, this route starts on the outskirts of Saint George, Utah, though you could easily start from the city center. It’s an accessible route for new riders, and almost all of the climbing will be done on the first day. You’ve got options: you can climb a chunkier doubletrack on […]

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Eastern Divide Trail (S5): Hellbender

Logan Watts — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:58:54 +0000

Main image by Jess Daddio With a name like Hellbender, you might expect Segment 5 of the Eastern Divide Trail to be the most diabolical and monstrous part of the ride from Newfoundland to Key West. But fear not: this segment actually gets its nickname from a gentle species of aquatic salamander that’s endemic to […]

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Eastern Divide Trail (S6): Blue Ghost

Logan Watts — Tue, 31 May 2022 11:41:35 +0000

Forward by Logan Watts: Each segment of the Eastern Divide Trail is uniquely beautiful, but Segment 6 holds a special place in my mind. It rolls through multiple areas where I spent my younger years backpacking, hiking, and playing in the woods. It also passes through the community where I currently live. As a result, […]

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The Wilson’s Ramble

Logan Watts — Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:08 +0000

With additional photos by TJ Kearns Originally published in May, 2021, The Wilson’s Ramble was updated in May, 2022 with a few tweaks to eliminate pavement and tie in the newly refurbished Yancey Ridge Trail. The Wilson’s Ramble long weekend bikepacking route was designed to enable riders to soak in the scenic forests, rivers, and […]

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Chauga River Ramble

Guest Routes — Thu, 19 May 2022 11:56:36 +0000

The Chauga River Ramble highlights South Carolina’s slice of the Blue Ridge in the northwesternmost corner of the state. The Chauga is at the heart of the route, which crosses the river multiple times and is based around two primary campsites along its scenic banks. There are at least six waterfall stops along the route. […]

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San Juan Space Jam, New Mexico

Miles Arbour — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:10:19 +0000

San Juan County is the northwesternmost county in the state of New Mexico, situated on the Colorado Plateau and part of the Four Corners region. The area is characterized by vast swaths of bare rock, huge canyons, hoodoos, and natural arches. The county also serves as the backdrop for several historical events, including the original […]

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Peaks & Plateaus

Neil Beltchenko — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 12:12:36 +0000

Like many cycling destinations, Moab’s draw is its robust trail networks, beautiful views, and great town atmosphere. And, because of its popularity, finding a good time to go to avoid crowds is always a hurdle, especially with the uptick in recreationists in recent years. But what the surrounding area may lack in trail networks and […]

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Texas BBQ Tour Overnighter

Guest Routes — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 13:25:27 +0000

It’s no surprise that Texas has very limited public land for grand adventures compared to much of the American West. However, there are plenty of beautiful state parks that can be strung together with country roads to create a perfect weekend microadventure. The Texas BBQ Tour Overnighter begins in Lockhart State Park, a small park […]

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The Brown County Delight

Guest Routes — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 13:09:11 +0000

Folks don’t think much of Indiana, beyond it being a place with lots of corn that you fly over or drive through. Its reputation as being flat is well deserved, but only for its northern half. Bloomington is about an hour’s drive south of Indianapolis and is conveniently located close to a number of state parks and […]

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Warm Lake Wanderer

Guest Routes — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:13:05 +0000

Ah, the Warm Lake Wanderer. Even the faintest whisper of such a name sparks the imagination. And lo! The imagination isn’t far off. The WLW is a dirt and paved road loop through the beautiful Boise and Payette National Forests, a short drive north from Boise, Idaho, a bustling, resplendent town perfect for resupplies, making […]

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The Queen’s Ransom

Guest Routes — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 13:30:49 +0000

Updated December 2022 The Valley of the Sun lives up to its reputation with around 300 sunny days per year. It also boasts a variety of trail systems circling the Phoenix metro area; some of the more popular ones are located in the East Valley. The Queen’s Ransom route ties these areas together using dirt […]

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The Sam Houston Restaurant Tour

Guest Routes — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 13:25:34 +0000

Updated January 2022 Located just 50 miles north of Houston, Texas, Sam Houston National Forest is comprised of over 160,000 acres that intermingle with timberland and privately owned farms. Today, the area is a popular hiking destination and is home to the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, primitive camping opportunities, paddling, and hunting. Texas may […]

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The Sand County Caress

Guest Routes — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 14:48:51 +0000

The Sand County Caress (TSCC) was inspired by naturalist Aldo Leopold’s seminal work The Sand County Almanac and is a deep dive into Aldo Leopold country. Savanna, marshes, lakes, rivers, farms, and wildlife areas abound. Bald eagles soar, deer bound, sandhill cranes squawk, and whooping cranes (one of the rarest birds in North America) are […]

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Owens Valley Ramble

Guest Routes — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:28:31 +0000

The Owens Valley Ramble starts and ends in the county seat of Independence, California. This 60-mile loop offers a glimpse into the region’s checkered history as it follows gravel doubletrack roads that lay in the rain shadow of the dramatic Eastern Sierras. Abandoned mining operations, storied Hollywood film sets, a war relocation camp, and a […]

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Red Feather Ramble

Guest Routes — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 13:26:10 +0000

Photos by Aaron LaVanchy (@aaronlavanchy) The Red Feather Ramble provides riders with an accessible, weekendable route that showcases one of the lesser-hailed but equally beautiful regions of the state of Colorado! Staging from Fort Collins, a college town with a thriving bike scene, offers all of the amenities of a large urban area before setting […]

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Redington-Lemmon Loop

Lael Wilcox — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:30:42 +0000

Photos by Rugile Kaladyte Begin and complete the route at the Le Buzz/Safeway Parking Lot. This is the easiest access from Tucson and a great place to meet up with friends, buy food, and enjoy a hot meal. The route starts out on paved Tanque Verde road with a bike lane that becomes Redington Road […]

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New Mexico Off-Road Runner

Cass Gilbert — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 13:40:36 +0000

Originally created in 2017 and published in April of that year, the NMORR was refreshed in April and October 2021. Note that the latest version of the route has two MTB-friendly alternatives, which are shown as POIs in the GPX file and on the map below. Those of a mountain biking persuasion should also consider […]

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Bay Area Triple Crossover

Emily Bei Cheng — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 12:58:27 +0000

The route begins at the Golden Gate Bridge. After crossing the San Francisco Bay, the first 60 miles travel almost exclusively on peaceful fire roads and singletrack through several ecosystems. Multiple climbs reward the rider with classic California views of the ocean and coastline before the path dips into the shade of redwood and Douglas […]

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The Pulpwood Pedaler

Guest Routes — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 12:28:32 +0000

Alabama has many stereotypes, and I’m here to tell you that while some of them are true, along its backroads and within its small towns, you can find hidden beauty everywhere, as well as genuine people who are the embodiment of Southern hospitality. Let’s be clear from the get-go. This route is not a far-off […]

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Little Egypt River to River

Guest Routes — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:16:01 +0000

Photos by Antonio Martinez The region of southernmost Illinois known as “Little Egypt” has several unique features highlighted on this river-to-river route. Historically, it’s where the state’s European settlements began. Cairo (pronounced locally as “care-oh”) was a thriving Illinois river port at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Farther up the Ohio River […]

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