There’s something incredibly special about riding long distances. It might be the endorphins your body releases or all the great sights you get to see. Whatever it may be, long-distance bikepacking ticks a lot of the boxes for people. As a bikepacking and ultra-cycling expert who has not only raced at a high level but … Read more
As a professional endurance cyclist with a vast amount of bikepacking experience, I’m often asked: “Which is the better for bikepacking storage – panniers vs bikepacking bags?”
In this article, I’ll be sharing my views and experience on whether you’re better off opting for panniers or dedicated bikepacking bags for your next bike touring trip.
Bike camping combines the freedom of backpacking and the enjoyment of cycling into one adventurous traveling experience.
Having completed countless bike camping trips all over Europe and beyond, I’m here to share the lessons and experiences I’ve picked up along the way to help you have a great first adventure for yourself!
Through my own bikepacking and ultra-cycling experience, which has seen me race the BikingMan series, the Transcontinental Race, and even (briefly) hold the world record for most countries cycled through in a week, I’ve learned my fair share of bikepacking route planning tips and tricks.
Now, I want to pass that hard-won knowledge on to other bikepackers just starting out!
Put simply, a “randonnée” (also known as “brevet” or “Audax”, depending on where you are in the world) is a long-distance, non-competitive, self-supported bike ride.
Randonnée courses are typically 200 km (125 miles) or longer, with predetermined checkpoints through which riders must pass. Finishing order does not matter; the sole aim is to complete the course within the time limit.
Unpleasant at best and excruciating at worst, saddle sores can transform a passion for pedaling into a test of endurance.
So, how can we overcome this obstacle and continue to enjoy our rides?
Biking the Colorado Trail is a bucket list adventure for any daring bikepacker willing to take it on.
This 500-mile trail takes you through some of the most breathtaking tracks in the Rocky Mountains, with majestic peaks, glistening streams, and vibrant wildflowers at every turn.
Don’t get it twisted; it’s not all beautiful wildflowers, this is no easy ride!
To help you kickstart your adventure, we’ve assembled a bikepacking gear list so you can separate the don’t-leave-without-it from the probably-won’t-end-up-using-that!
One of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world, the Carretera Austral is a road stretching over 1200 km through Chilean Patagonia.
It is known for its beautiful scenery and is littered with dramatic mountain formations, glaciers, volcanoes, and fjords. The Carretera Austral is a partly paved, partly unpaved road spanning 1240 km, passing through some of Patagonia’s highlights.
Do you find that your gearing is just too high for steep climbs or fully loaded bikepacking gear? If you struggle to get up steep climbs or spend long days in the saddle on a bikepacking trip, you probably need a granny gear. Despite the name, a granny gear isn’t just for grandmothers. But what … Read more
One of the most unorthodox cycling events in Europe, the Transcontinental Race – often abbreviated to TCR – is exactly what it says on the tin: a race that spans the whole of Europe. Fancy cycling all day, every day, bivvying up in bushes at the side of the road every night for a few … Read more
The ultimate island-hopping bikepacking trip, the Hebridean way is an iconic multi-day cycle through Scotland’s stunning Outer Hebrides. Spanning ten of the Outer Hebridean islands, the Hebridean Way includes two ferries, six causeways, sharp climbs, countless beaches, and some of the United Kingdom’s most incredible wildlife. If you’re looking for your next bikepacking adventure, look … Read more
Have you ever wanted to be able to traverse any terrain on your bike? Fat tire bikes are the piece of kit designed for this kind of riding freedom! They can traverse just about any terrain you can get two wheels on. Whether you’re traversing Antarctica, the harsh Alaskan winter, or giant Peruvian sand dunes, … Read more
Imagine a time before your trusty Shimano indexed shifters. Everything’s normal until you approach a steep hill. You look down towards your handlebars and see nothing to help you change gears – except for these strange-looking twisty levers on your down tube. These are friction shifters. They’re old-school bike shifters and were the standard until Shimano … Read more
Bicycle touring has become super popular in the last few years. By combining the thrill of cycling, the adventure of backpacking, and the freedom and sense of achievement of hiking, it can make for a pretty amazing outdoor experience. In essence, a touring bike is a durable and comfortable bicycle specifically designed for long-distance travel. … Read more
Bicycle touring has exploded in popularity over the last few years – and for good reason! Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist desperate for a new challenge, a seasoned globetrotter fed up with the long, cramped bus journeys along the same worn-out tourist trails as everybody else, or a casual rider just looking for a unique … Read more