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Photo by Austin Kamps
There’s something magical about this photo. Maybe it’s the cowtrack, or the light, or the bicycle, but someday, I can only hope that everyone gets to ride something like this. California is an amazing place… Thanks for capturing this moment, Austin!
Death in the Valley – Team AWOL
Words by Erik Nohlin, Garrett Chow, Dylan Buffington, Sean Estes
Photos by Erik Nohlin and Dylan Buffington
“Let’s ride into the middle of the desert on our bikes.”
It was plain and simple. This was the brief that convinced a few friends to dive into Death Valley head first. We planned the trip in three weeks, the drive took 7 hours, and all of a sudden our feet were planted on the dirt of the Inyo Mountain Range that would lead us into Death Valley. We were set for an adventure but what we found was an epic one.
On long rides, moments and memories start to blend into each other, making it hard to differentiate this mountain from the next, that turn from this bend. As part of the Team AWOL spirit, there is a responsibility to tell a story. Whether that be with photos or reports, every rider will explain the pain of a climb a little differently than the next. This is something that is taken to heart especially when riding with a group. In this report, we are including everyone’s voice as a way to adjust the method of storytelling. We find this to be essential to understanding the bigger picture. Not only do we view and take in the photographs, but the style and reflections in each of their writings bring unique perspectives to understanding the truth in the story…
Dust off your pre-1980’s road or touring bike, start growing out your mustache and get ready for the L’Eroica California. This April, the popular vintage group ride hops the pond and lands in California, a state where dusty, dry roads are a plenty. Head over to the link to sign up for more information.
If you’re in Santa Barbara this weekend, make sure you roll through the Stinner Frameworks grand opening party! See more details at Stinner Frameworks. I wish I could be there.
This is an old video by internet standards, but it’s a great look into what makes Rivendell tick: the people behind it. Check out out for some great video sections of what it’s like to tour in the hills outside of Walnut Creek, California.
Santa Cruz to Big Basin Overnighter
Words and photos by Brian Barnhart
I agreed to this trip before I knew where we were going or what we were doing. I recently moved to Santa Cruz from the east coast and take any chance I get to explore the area with friends. I’m primarily a BMX rider / commuter who does the occasional tour, as is my friend Mike who invited me on the trip. Our friend Chris, on the other hand, rides trails every morning and gets a kick out climbing a long steep hill. Finding out on Friday night that we were about to climb 6000 plus feet was a bit painful sounding, but we were up for the adventure.
Such a riveting tale, from one of cycling’s most prestigious brands… Ritttayyyy!
This story fits in with the vibes of the site today so well. Collector’s Weekly has a great story up featuring Joe Breeze and the infamous Repack race. Head over to check out the full story.
The Sequoias. If you’ve ever been to the Redwoods, then you know how humbling of a sensation it is, walking, driving or riding through them. Now, imagine trees of that size, growing at 8,000′ elevation.
On our ride to Interbike with Acre and Mission Workshop, we found ourselves in proximity to Camp Nelson, smack in the midst of the Sequoia Nat’l Forest. Ty had ridden a few trails here before, so he pushed for us to spend the afternoon picking lines in the pine needles.
MTB mileage is nothing to note, but Bear Creek is a great climb!
It was insane. Insanely steep, insanely loose and insanely fun. I don’t think I’ve had that much fun on a MTB in a long, long, time. Until Kyle hurt himself…
Tecolote Canyon Cross Camp “TCCC”
Photos and words by Matt Lingo
Having someone like Josh Hayes around your office is a valuable asset. With all the logistics, red tape, and TPS reports that can seem to work against getting shit done, sometimes you just need someone to call a situation out for what it is, and then promptly return to their computer to blast Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”.
Out of all the Levi’s Commuter profiles, this one’s my favorite.
Well, we’re here in Los Angeles, after four days of pedal to the metal driving down Highway 1 from Portland to Los Angeles. The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the nation’s most popular bicycle touring routes and unfortunately, that also means it’s one of the most popular RV / Camper / no-clue how to drive windy road tourist destinations.
… and we’re in LA. What a trip! It was great being able to stop and explore sights and spots along the PCH that I didn’t have time to check out while touring by bike. I shot a lot of photos, broke in the pickup on some fire roads and ate some great seafood, all while soaking in Oregon and California’s majestic coastline.
I never thought I’d say this, but that drive wore me out! Portland to LA in four days isn’t nearly enough time, but we made it happen.
Enjoy the weekend.
We’re still out on the road, on HWY 1, which means no wifi and very little cell reception. Posting will commence once I’m in Los Angeles, but until then, follow me on Instagram – @JohnProlly – for updates!
I posted this on Instagram last night, as a challenge to my SoCal readers who happen to enjoy a lot of climbing. If you find this Jackal, you can win. Just do the following:
-Shoot a photo of it on Instagram, tag it #TheRadavist
-Then, email me the road name and an overall photo of the top of the climb.
-The first person who emails me, wins.
I’ll send you a care package filled with some goodies. You want a hint? I put this sticker up while riding in the Malibu area…
Shibby Dude claimed this one! Good hustle man! Email me and I’ll get you a fat care package.
Here’s the full length to Deux North’s latest Hunt video:
“Riding up the coast of California from Santa Cruz, Deux North’s 8 riders test a new bike built for every kind of road. After 2 days and 200 miles, the group meets the story’s narrator, El Chapulin (The Grasshopper) to listen to his story, tell their own, and compete in an event that he created over 15 years ago. On the final day. the 100-mile Grasshopper Adventure Series race serves as the finish line for Deux North’s Hunt 4. #SeekandDiverge”
Don’t miss Andy Bokanev’s photos from this fun looking ride.
This is so awesome:
“1894 found the United States in a deep depression. Unemployment was rampant, businesses were collapsing and crop value was dissolving back into earth.
Summer wage cuts at the Pullman rail car plant in Chicago, IL ignited the infamous Pullman Strike. Its battles and sympathizers echoed out across the plains, drawing in Eugene Debs, President Grover Cleveland, and the US Military, eventually reaching California and crippling rail service. No trains meant among other things, no mail.
In response, in July of 1894 a bicycle mail route was organized from Victor Cyclery in Fresno, CA north to the Overman Wheel Co. of San Francisco, CA. Totaling 210 miles, divided into 8 relays, and occupying 18 hours the route offered to carry a letter via bicycle from one end to the other for $0.25. “The only delay was an occasional punctured tire.”
We have created a commemorative patch, a replica of the original stamp present on each letter carried. We retained the misspelling of “San Fransisco” for authenticity.”
If you’re into random California history, pick up one of these replica patches.
Here’s the trailer from the forthcoming Deux North Hunt 4 video…
“Riding up the coast of California from Santa Cruz, Deux North’s 8 riders test a new bike built for every kind of road. After 2 days and 200 miles, the group meets the story’s narrator, El Chapulin (The Grasshopper) to listen to his story, tell their own, and compete in an event that he created over 15 years ago. On the final day. the 100-mile Grasshopper Adventure Series race serves as the finish line for Deux North’s Hunt 4. #SeekandDiverge”