Feature Stories Archives - BIKEPACKING.com

See Us Heal

Guest — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:29:15 +0000

Originally published in the 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal, "See Us Heal" is a powerful short piece from Eric Arce that follows three BIPOC mountain bikers on a trip to Crested Butte, Colorado. It broaches the subject of mental health by dispelling the notion that riding is therapy and highlighting the critical importance of vulnerability and connection. Find Eric's insightful story and a spectacular set of images here...

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A History of Bikepacking

Guest — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:36:52 +0000

Originally published in the 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal, we're proud to present an expanded version of "A History of Bikepacking" by Joe Cruz. This fascinating piece blends research and storytelling to trace the origins of bikepacking from the late 1800s to today and features a treasure trove of images and illustrations from across the years...

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Slow and Sandy

Guest — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:00:16 +0000

Following a two-week solo bikepacking tour along the Australian Outback's Anne Beadell Highway, Dylan Kentch put together this reflection that weaves together the past and present. Read about his experiences of pedaling at a snail's pace through a 1,300-kilometer stretch of remote, arid, and unforgiving terrain here...

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Klunk ’n’ Float

Miles Arbour — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:24:04 +0000

As featured in the ninth issue of The Bikepacking Journal last year, Klunk ‘n’ Float tells the amusing tale of four friends attempting to hold on to their youthful selves by using vintage mountain bikes and packrafts as personal time machines. Read it here...

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Announcing The Bikepacking Journal 10: Special Edition

Lucas Winzenburg — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:12:56 +0000

It's hard to believe we'll soon celebrate the release of our 10th printed issue of The Bikepacking Journal, and this is one you won't want to miss! Our special edition 10th issue features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more. Peek inside and get signed up before the April 17th deadline here...

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The Bikepacking Journal 09

Lucas Winzenburg — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:36:29 +0000

We're excited to share a peek at the latest issue of our biannually printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, which is shipping to our Bikepacking Collective members now. Take a look inside the ninth issue's 160 colorful pages and find out how to get signed up so you never miss another issue here...

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The Bikepacking Journal 08

Logan Watts — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 14:29:36 +0000

In case you missed it, take a peek inside the eighth issue of The Bikepacking Journal here, which we published this spring. Plus, find details on how to become a member of our Bikepacking Collective and get a printed collection of stories and photos delivered to your door twice a year, anywhere in the world...

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The Bikepacking Journal 07

Lucas Winzenburg — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:03:58 +0000

If you missed it, find a peek inside our seventh issue of The Bikepacking Journal here, plus details on how to become a member of our Bikepacking Collective so you'll have a printed copy on your coffee table twice a year, including the upcoming spring 2022 issue...

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The American Cordillera

Guest — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:55:09 +0000

Originally published in the sixth issue of The Bikepacking Journal, "The American Cordillera" chronicles Mark Watson and Hana Black's incredible four-year journey along the spine of the Americas. Find a reflection on what they learned along the way and a fascinating gallery of photos here...

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The Bikepacking Journal Issue 06

Lucas Winzenburg — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:22:38 +0000

In case you missed it, take a look inside our sixth issue of The Bikepacking Journal here, along with details on how to join our Bikepacking Collective so you have a fresh copy on your coffee table twice a year, including the upcoming fall 2021 issue...

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Baldy Bruised

Guest — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:43:48 +0000

Originally published in the fifth issue of The Bikepacking Journal, Baldy Bruised is Michael Zhao and Conan Thai's story of escaping the city for a grueling four-day ride through the mountains beyond Los Angeles, all without relying on cars on either end. Read about their trip here...

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Slower: Looking Closer to Home

Josh Meissner — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:37:09 +0000

Originally published in the fifth issue of The Bikepacking Journal, Slower is a pertinent piece about taking the time to appreciate your own backyard, no matter where that may be. Read Joshua Meissner's story of tuning in to the often overlooked wonders of rural Eastern Germany here...

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The Bikepacking Journal Issue 05

Lucas Winzenburg — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 14:53:38 +0000

We mailed the fifth issue of The Bikepacking Journal to our members around the world back in November, and the upcoming sixth issue is just around the corner! Take a look inside our beautiful biannually printed publication here, along with details on how you can join our Bikepacking Collective so you never miss another issue...

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Plains Perspective

Guest — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 12:42:40 +0000

Originally published in The Bikepacking Journal 04, Plains Perspective recounts a four-day journey through a remote area of Texas. It's a story about the bonds formed through bikepacking, a reflection on place and history, and proof that adventure can be found anywhere...

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The Bikepacking Journal Issue 04

Lucas Winzenburg — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 12:29:56 +0000

The fourth issue of The Bikepacking Journal hit mailboxes this spring, and the upcoming fifth issue is just around the corner! Take a peek inside our beautiful biannually printed publication here, along with details on how you can join our Bikepacking Collective so you never miss another issue again...

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Ditibised

Alexandera Houchin — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 13:34:15 +0000

Originally published in The Bikepacking Journal 03, Ditibised is Alexandera Houchin's extraordinary story of training for the Tour Divide, framed in four seasons. This unique piece of writing with illustrations from Alex Hotchin is not to be missed...

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Holiday in Transylvania

Guest — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 14:04:30 +0000

In this feature story from the third issue of The Bikepacking Journal, Ben Page offers a reminder of the value of getting out on shorter, simpler trips, instead of always being wrapped up in planning something big and ambitious...

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The Bikepacking Journal Issue 03

Lucas Winzenburg — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 14:26:51 +0000

We're pleased to present the latest issue of our biannually printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal. This new collection is loaded with fresh bikepacking stories and essays from all over the globe, and this issue is our biggest one yet. Find out what's inside here, along with details on how to join our Bikepacking Collective so you never miss another issue again...

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Slow Fare: An Edible Journey

Cass Gilbert — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:21:52 +0000

In this feature story, originally published in the first issue of our printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, Cass Gilbert reflects on how slowing down and thinking about the foods he eats has given him a deeper connection to the people and places he encounters while traveling...

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Lost and Found

Franzi Wernsing — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 12:45:53 +0000

In this feature, originally released in the second issue of our printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, Franzi and Jona pedal into an unknown wilderness in the high mountains of the Alpes Provence. Read on for Franzi's story about what it means to get lost in the mountains and pay it forward...

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The Bikepacking Journal Issue 02

Lucas Winzenburg — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 12:14:45 +0000

After months of seeking out the best bikepacking writing and photography from around the world, we're almost ready to launch our second issue of The Bikepacking Journal. It's packed with a fresh collection essays and stories, all in the full glory of print! Read on for a peek inside, along with details on how to subscribe before the April 17th cutoff...

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Freedom

Guest — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 13:15:31 +0000

In this feature story, originally released in the first issue of our printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, Steve Fassbinder pedals and packrafts his way across Tajikistan in search of a better understanding of freedom. Read on for his story of traversing spectacularly rugged landscapes, connecting with local people, and finding a renewed faith in humanity...

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Boundless

Huw and Annie — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:07:23 +0000

In this feature story, originally shared in the first issue of our printed publication, The Bikepacking Journal, Huw Oliver and Annie Le pedal and paddle their way across Greenland, traversing the country's immense landscapes and isolated fjords. They observe and appreciate the wild and barren terrain as they make their way through it, celebrating every sign of life and earning each mile that ticks by...

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Patagonia, Tierra De Gigantes

Montanus — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:10:59 +0000

The idea for this journey was gleaned from the pages of an old book, one in which Walter Bonatti, Italian alpinist and explorer, describes the exploration of a remote and wild land. Once inhabited by monsters and giants, today its name still evokes adventure and exploration. Patagonia. Driven by his story, we found ourselves flying over the Atlantic Ocean to discover it for ourselves.

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The Bikepacking Journal Issue 01

Logan Watts — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 14:09:53 +0000

The inaugural issue of The Bikepacking Journal is bursting with over a dozen pedal-powered stories and essays that span 148 colorful pages. From remote fjords in Greenland, to muddy passes in the Andes Mountains, to dusty roads in South Africa, we’ve searched the globe for the best writing and most beautiful photographs captured from the […]

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Hooker On Wheels

Guest — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:24:11 +0000

Trien Pauwels shares some of the high points and intercultural challenges of a solo trip across the world as a woman, framed by two starkly contrasting experiences in Morocco and Oman. Plus, she offers some personal advice for other women who are considering a long trip by bicycle...

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Roadside Intervention: Bikepacking With Keith Richards

Logan Watts — Fri, 04 May 2018 12:25:43 +0000

When you travel a lot, you see a lot of roadkill. When you travel on a bicycle, you see that roadkill in shocking detail. In our latest feature story, Logan and Virginia try to take matters of life and death into their own hands. Read their account of a roadside euthanasia gone wrong and the exceptional series of events that followed...

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Life on Mars

Skyler Des Roches — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:28:02 +0000

Skyler, Scott, and Rick set out to ride a 1300 kilometer route in the sublimely harsh Puna de Atacama desert along the Chile-Argentina border. Here’s Skyler’s tale of mental starvation, dizzying winds, mind-boggling scenery, and a harrowing river crossing.

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El Silencio: Ponderings From The Pampa

Cass Gilbert — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 14:34:40 +0000

Peruvians call it El Silencio. The highest reaches of the country's Andean mountains is a quiet, startlingly beautiful, and unrelenting harsh pocket of the world, interlinked by rugged mining roads and faint alpaca trails. But despite its challenges, there's nowhere quite like it to ride your bicycle, promises Cass Gilbert, as he ponders the cathartic quality of the solo tour and learns to savour its solitude.

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Blood, Sweat and Skyr

RJ Sauer — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 13:33:45 +0000

RJ Sauer's fat-bikepacking trip through Iceland takes a turn for the worse, sending his party on a quest for the elusive “Bike Repair Enthusiast” in the mystical mountains of Kerlingarfjöll...

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Invocation of the Arctic

Bjorn Olson — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 12:45:08 +0000

A mammoth tusk, towering brown bears, and the Nalukataq, Northern Alaska's whaling festival, are just a few of Bjorn Olsen's encounters north of the 66th parallel. Read more in this tale of his pioneering, summer Arctic Circle fatbike expedition.

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The Breaking Trail

Logan Watts — Tue, 26 Sep 2017 13:08:01 +0000

Logan and Virginia's trip in the Georgian High Caucasus took a turn for the worse. Here Logan tells the tale atop a red stretcher while bouncing along one of the most dangerous roads in the World...

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End of The Road

Franzi Wernsing — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 13:27:35 +0000

In 2012 Franziska and her partner Jona set out on an around the world bike trip. After many countries and countless miles, somewhere amidst the rugged dirt roads of the Ecuadorian Andes, slipping her way through a quagmire of rainy season mud, Franzi began to question the very essence of what she'd set out to do...

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When The Trail Goes Cold

RJ Sauer — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 12:50:29 +0000

RJ Sauer's epic account of the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational race from Knik to Nome, Alaska. A must-experience piece complete with maps, hallucinations, introspection, and exquisite detail of a monumental journey.

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Across Cuba… the bad way.

Logan Watts — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 13:31:16 +0000

After just a single day into our Cuba traverse, we unanimously agreed that the route should be named ‘La Ruta Mala’, or ‘the bad way’. That’s quite a contradiction considering that our bikepacking trip across The Pearl of The Antilles would turn out to be a beautiful and fantastic adventure. But, then again, it took less than 24 hours to realize that Cuba is brimming with anomaly.

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Don’t Whistle Indoors.

Logan Watts — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 13:04:40 +0000

“You’re not supposed to whistle inside, man,” Joel muttered as he nudged my arm. “Shit, I forgot… again.” Like anywhere else, Kyrgyzstan has its own quirky customs and rules of etiquette. It’s always good to study up on local conventions before traveling…

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Quasi-Survival

Logan Watts — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 14:22:19 +0000

In the second installment from the Trans-Uganda, Logan and Virginia gain an appreciation for challenge in their westward journey from Sipi Falls to the Albertine Rift...

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The Call of Mzungu

Logan Watts — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 05:46:09 +0000

In the first of a three part series, Logan and Virginia set out to explore a 2,000km Trans-Uganda off road loop, circumnavigating this small nation in equatorial East Africa.

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