Although Jamie Van Beek and Corbin Hudacek had to alter their Hood River to Canada bikepacking plans because of the 2020 smokestorm, they meticulously planned on being self-sufficient for seven days. Here are their gear lists with an important caveat: For a ride this long, it's likely that the food at the start of the ride will outweigh all the other gear combined. Jamie's … [Read more...] about Gearing up for a Bikepacking Epic
Gear
How to Choose Cycling Shorts
In the world of bicycling gear, shorts are often an afterthought. They’re not as exciting as an airy new helmet or adding another gear to your drivetrain. Some riders don’t even wear bike shorts, while others settle for poorly-fitted and uncomfortable options. And that’s a real shame, because whether you ride roads or trails, a well-fitting pair of shorts makes a world of … [Read more...] about How to Choose Cycling Shorts
Swiftwick Merino Wool @ Bridle Trails
During some recent Bridle Trail laps, we tested Swiftwick's Pursuit Ultralight and Pursuit Hike socks. The Pursuit Ultralight is constructed with the lightest weight, fine-gauge merino wool which provides maximum moisture and sweat management. Moisture on your feet = friction, friction = blisters. Keeping your feet dry is the key to keeping them blister-free. The thin, … [Read more...] about Swiftwick Merino Wool @ Bridle Trails
Beginner’s Guide to MTB in Seattle
Seattle is known for many things: fish markets, sports teams, and rainy weather to name a few. But what many folks don’t know is that we have some of the best mountain biking in the world. The backbone of mountain biking in the Seattle area is Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (EMBA), which has helped create an amazing progression of trails. We have great trails for riders of … [Read more...] about Beginner’s Guide to MTB in Seattle
The n + 1: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL w/ Day & Night Contrast Lenses
I have a finicky fetish for sunglasses. As a result of a near-fatal auto accident, my left eye is permanently dilated. After the accident I thought of the eye damage as a disfigurement, but have gradually embraced it. Now I'm all-in with a fashionable and functional collection of sunglasses that fill a 2 gallon tub. I recently added a set of Oakley Flak 2.0s mated with … [Read more...] about The n + 1: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL w/ Day & Night Contrast Lenses