We love chatting with people who make things. Check out our interviews with people who build bikes, sew bags and make generally awesome stuff.

Our interviews with people who build bikes, sew bags and make awesome stuff.

Bike Builders, Bag Makers And More

Makers & Builders

We were thrilled to chat with Martina about fifteen years of bag making, how the industry has evolved, women-run companies, and more. Don't miss it.

Interview with Martina Brimmer of Swift Industries

Years before bikepacking became a household term, Martina Brimmer had an "aha" moment that sparked a shift in bike bag making. Fast forward 15 years, and she is now the CEO of her own company, <a href="https://bit.ly/3UrKe1e" target="_blank">Swift Industries</a>, one of the most renowned bikepacking brands on earth.

Martina Brimmer: 15 Years of Swift Industries

In recent months, Pablo and his partner Isabelle have been bikepacking from the Mayan jungle in Mexico to the Amazon. Join them for the Colombia portion of their incredible journey.

Bikepacking Colombia: From Shores to Peaks

In recent months, Pablo and his partner Isabelle have been bikepacking from the Mayan jungle in Mexico to the Amazon. They aim to raise awareness about the challenges facing the world's largest jungles. Join them for the Colombia portion of their incredible journey.

Recently, Barry headed to Vancouver with the optimistic view that all cities have access to nature and some sort of gravel. If you are new to Vancouver gravel, start here.

Vancouver Gravel: Three Hot Loops

Recently, Barry headed to Vancouver, one of Canada’s largest and densest cities with the optimistic view that all cities have access to nature and some sort of gravel. Over three days he rode three routes that all had different vibes. If you are new to Vancouver gravel, start here.

We spoke with Casey from Camp and Go Slow about bag-making's kinship with pottery and how we can all learn something from John Prine.

Camp and Go Slow: Unhurried Class

<a href="https://www.campandgoslow.com/" target="_blank">Camp and Go Slow</a> is a bike bag and accessories brand from Northern California co-founded by Casey Clark. We had the pleasure of chatting with Casey about how bag-making and pottery have similar energies, how he collaborates, and how we can all learn a little something from John Prine.

In late July, a group of riders embarked on the Squamish Triple Crown, a 71km ride encompassing three local climbs and a total elevation gain of 3417m.

The Squamish Triple Crown

In late July, a group of riders embarked on the Squamish Triple Crown, an event organized by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucasgreenough/?hl=en" target="_blank"> Lucas Greenough</a> and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/squamishgravel.cc/" target="_blank">Squamish Gravel Cycling Club</a>. The ride spanned 71km and three local climbs resulting in 3417m of elevation. Join Sarah as she recounts her journey, replete with chunky gravel, pristine beauty, and unintended flatulence.

The Squamish Triple Crown: Kings & Queens

Due to a change in plans, Mattie and his wife bikepacked the East Devon Trail over four days.

Bikepacking the East Devon Trail

The <a href="https://eastdevontrail.com" target="_blank">East Devon Trail</a>, designed by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katherinebikes/" target="_blank">Katherine Moore</a>, is a 180km backpacking route in southern England. Due to a change in plans, Mattie and his wife bikepacked the trail over four days with their family meeting them along the way. Follow along.

Flashpacking on the East Devon Trail

In September 2022, Sarah and Alice embarked on a 4-day bikepacking adventure through British Columbia's South Chilcotin Provincial Park.

Bikepacking South Chilcotin Mountains Park: Meditation in Movement

In September 2022, Sarah and Alice embarked on a 4-day bikepacking adventure through British Columbia's South Chilcotin Provincial Park. Join Sarah as she shares their awe-inspiring journey, revealing how cycling in the wilderness can become a meditative experience. Om.

Bikepacking South Chilcotin Mountains Park: Meditation in Movement 

We sat down with Casey Robertson and had a chat about how he landed on his illustration style, the creative process, and who exactly Champagne Rodman is.

Casey Robertson & The Art of Champagne Rodman

<a href="https://robertson-designs.com/" target="_blank">Casey Robertson</a> (a.k.a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/champagne_rodman/" target="_blank">Champagne Rodman</a>) is an illustrator from North Carolina with an iconic style and a portfolio of top-tier cycling clients. We sat down with Casey and had a chat about how he landed on his style, the creative process, and who exactly Champagne Rodman is.

Discover the visionary behind Send It Safely, an ubiquitous brand in alt-cycling. Uncover their journey, challenges, 'necatarizing' and Def Leppard influence. Get ready for a zinger!

Send It Safely: Bikes With Buds

In this interview, we chat with Nick Vacca, the man behind <a href="https://www.senditsafely.us/" target="_blank">Send It Safely</a>, a brand that has become ubiquitous in the alt-cycling scene. We spoke about how he got started, the challenges that face smaller makers, what it means to 'necatarize', and Def Leppard.

We sat down with Will of Farther Bag Co. to chat about collaborating with other brands, the impact of his Chief Visionary Officer and how he balances a small business on the side.

Farther Bag Co.: Bags With Vision

Recently, we were introduced to Will Moss of <a href="https://www.fartherbag.com/" target="_blank">Farther Bag Co.</a> in Memphis, TN, who we have admired from a distance for a long while. Will sat down with us to chat about how he loves collaborating with other brands, the impact of his Chief Visionary Officer and how he balances a small business on the side. 

During a recent family trip to Paris, Barry hauled his bike overseas with the intention of getting to know the city by gravel.

Paris Gravel: Riding Protected Forests & Parks

During a recent family trip to Paris, Barry hauled his bike overseas with the intention of getting to know the city by gravel. He spent much of the time experiencing the explosion of cycling in the city and hunting gravel in the capital's protected forests and parks.

We spoke with Bryan Couchman, the founder of Steady Co. based in Oklahoma City, who has been making some of the freshest bike bags out there.

Steady Co.: Fresh & Snappy Bike Bags

For the past three years, Bryan Couchman has been making some of the slickest bike bags out there as <a href="https://www.steadybags.com/" target="_blank">Steady Co.</a> based in Oklahoma City. We spoke with Bryan on being a designer, how he got started as a bag maker, his workflow and where it's all headed. Photos by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dirt_dad/" target="_blank">Josh McCullock</a>.

La Ride is a French graphic novel about two friends who jettisoned their hectic city lives in search of adventure.

La Ride: A French Graphic Novel Adventure

<a href="https://instagram.com/la_ride_" target="_blank">"La Ride"</a> is a French graphic novel about two friends who jettisoned their hectic city lives in search of adventure. Written by <a href="https://instagram.com/simonboileau.jpg" target="_blank">Simon Boileau</a> and beautifully illustrated by <a href="https://instagram.com/florent__pierre" target="_blank">Florent Pierre</a>, the novel is full of situations and emotions that only come from the experience of traveling by bike.

Follow Meaghan and James' spontaneous ride that turned into a 700 km loop by linking many of interior British Columbia's routes into one epic adventure.

Rail Trail Rambler: Bikepacking in BC's Interior

In September 2021, Meaghan Hackinen and her partner James embarked on a spontaneous ride departing from Kelowna, British Columbia. What was initially planned as a two-day trip turned into a 700 km loop, taking them on a journey that linked many of interior British Columbia's routes into one epic adventure.

Take a Trip bags is the moniker of bag-maker Michael Bock from Bend, Oregon. We spoke with Michael about how he got into the game and where he's headed.

An Interview with Michael Bock of Take a Trip Bags

<a href="https://www.takeatripbags.com" target="_blank">Take a Trip</a> is the moniker of bag-maker Michael Bock from Bend, Oregon. Michael's bags, brand, and use of social media are engaging, lighthearted and fun. We spoke with Michael about how he got into the game and where he's headed. Buckle up.

Take a Trip: Bold, Happy Bags

We spoke with Bill Scanga, the self-proclaimed non-leader of Bicycle Society, a leaderless cult that encourages the path to finding your inner Shred.

Bicycle Society: The Singletrack to Enlightenment

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bicyclesociety/" target="_blank">Bicycle Society</a> is a leaderless cult organized by Bill Scanga from Brooklyn, New York. Bicycle Society warns us to not follow the 'false metrics' and to explore our innerspaces as cyclists. In this interview we discuss the differences between hammering and shredding, whether cycling is a religion or not and how it's possible for anyone to find The Shred.

The BC Bike Show is the biggest bike show in Western Canada and happened this past weekend. Barry headed to the show with a camera and no plan.

The Best of the BC Bike Show 2023

The <a href="https://bcbikeshow.com/" target="_blank">BC Bike Show</a> is the biggest bike show in Western Canada and happened this past weekend. Barry headed to the show with a camera and without a clue. He came out with a new appreciation for the cycling industry of British Columbia and a few new friends. There was a lot to see including tons of great bikes and gear. Let's Go.

We spoke with Julien, the co-founder of Medium, an all terrain bike brand hailing from Paris, France.

Atelier Medium: Colorful All Terrain for the People

<a href="https://ateliermedium.com/" target="_blank">Atelier Medium</a> is a colorful component and all terrain bike brand hailing from Paris, France. During our interview with co-founder Julien, we discussed the brand's emphasis on versatility, expression, color, and how all terrain bikes are becoming the new 'fixed gear' for adventurous riders. Let's go.

Portland-based Spencer Hawkes has been crafting sewable patches as Nomad Patches for the past 8 years.

Nomad Patches by Spencer Hawkes

In this interview we delve into what it takes to be the best endurance bikepack racer in the world.

Sofiane Sehili: World-Class Endurance

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sofianeshl/" target="_blank">Sofiane Sehili</a> is a French ultra-cyclist who has been dominating the most grueling races in the world for the past few years. We had the chance to chat with Sofiane about how he started, what it takes to stay on top, what comes next, and the type of music he listens to while grinding the cold and dark distances.

An interview with Keaton Haire, the master bender behind DOOM BARS, a brand that prides itself on creating stunning, hand-crafted handlebars.

Doom Bars: Forged In The Fires Of Hell

Keaton Haire is the master bender behind <a href="https://www.doombars.com/" target="_blank">DOOM BARS</a>, a brand from Albuquerque, New Mexico that prides itself on creating stunning, hand-crafted handlebars. In this interview, we chat about what makes a good set of custom handlebars, how Keaton got started, whether cycling is a cult, and how he sources materials from hell.

Doom Bars: Forged in the Fires of Hell

San Util Design is Adam Nicholson, a bag maker from Winter Park, Colorado. We spoke with Adam about how he got started and more introspective themes like how to feel fulfilled in life.

An Interview with Adam From San Util Design

<a href="https://sanutildesign.com/" target="_blank">San Util Design</a> is the moniker of Adam Nicholson, a 27-year-old bag maker from Winter Park, Colorado. San Util has been creating beautiful and rugged hand-sewn hip and bike bags for the past two years. We spoke with Adam about how he got started which eventually led to more introspective themes like how to feel fulfilled in life. Let's go.

San Util Design: Bike Bags & The Trail To Happiness

Watch the film of Sam and Bec as they make their way through the steep jungles of Northern Thailand and learn about the place and themselves.

Gone Bikepacking: Thailand Video

Meaghan Hackinen a Canadian ultra-cyclist was forced to cancel a race due to injury yet managed to still find herself on an adventure in Big Sky Country, Montana.

Bikepacking In Big Sky Country, Montana

<a href="https://meaghanhackinen.com/" target="_blank">Meaghan Hackinen</a> is a Canadian ultra-endurance cyclist and writer whose adventures have brought her around the globe from Mexico to Europe and across Canada and the United States. Last summer, Meaghan had to drop out of a race at the last minute but still managed to find an adventure in Big Sky Country, Montana. Let's Go.

A Change In Plans: Bikepacking In Big Sky Country, Montana

Jason Quinn is an engineer from New Mexico who is creating stem caps from used computer parts.

Circuit Board Stem Caps by Jason Quinn

The Art Of Kook Grin

We spoke with Buffalo Bags founder, Be, about how he started, their flagship bag called the Big Buffalo, his crew of self-proclaimed bike nerds, and how Thailand is likely the next best cycling destination.

An Interview With Buffalo Bags from Bangkok, Thailand

Since 2020, <a href="https://buffalobagth.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo Bags</a> has been creating bags small and huge from its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. We spoke with the company's founder, Be, about how Buffalo Bags started, their flagship bag called the Big Buffalo, his crew of self-proclaimed bike nerds, and how Thailand is likely the next best cycling destination. Let's go.

Buffalo Bags: In The Workshop

A film by Mercator Films and Evergreen Gravel Racing the explores the intersection of adventure cycling, conservation, and Indigenous Sovereignty.

The Dark Divide: Cycling, Conservation & Indigenous Sovereignty

Grab a coffee and have a read of our chat with Rogue Panda founder Nick Smolinske about how it all started, where it's going and about a special new bag they have been working on.

Rogue Panda: Dedicated. Rugged. Relentlessly Custom.

<a href="https://roguepanda.com" target="_blank">Rogue Panda</a> is one of the best custom bag makers out there. Inspired by the local terrain of Arizona, Rogue Panda approaches bag making with a 'singletrack first' process. This ensures that their bags are ready for anything. Grab a coffee and enjoy our chat with Rogue Panda founder Nick Smolinske about how it all started, where it's going and about <a href="https://roguepanda.com/products/ripsey-seat-bag" target="_blank">a special new bag</a> they have been working on. Let's go.

Neuhaus Metalworks is the moniker of Nick Neuhaus, a builder who creates some beautiful hardtails with the latest additive manufacturing techniques.

Neuhaus Metalworks: Additive Performance Bikes

<a href="https://www.neuhausmetalworks.com/" target="_blank">Neuhaus Metalworks</a> is the moniker of Nick Neuhaus, a builder from Marin County, California. Since 2018, Nick has been building some beautiful hardtails with the latest additive manufacturing techniques. We had the chance to chat with Nick about 3D printing, production vs. custom bikes, and the future of bike building in general.

Neuhaus Metalworks: Additive Performance

Inspired by a short film, Barry and Huxley set out on their first overnight bikepacking trip.

Bikepacking With Kids

Inspired by a short film, Barry set out on an overnight bikepacking trip with his son, Huxley. Bikepacking with children is a fantastic activity and requires a different approach to planning and setup. Come along for the ride and see how they planned, packed and cried.

Our First Overnighter: Bikepacking With Kids

Andrew and Katie Strempke are ultra-bikepack racers who apply their experience to making some kick-butt bike bags. Oh, and they are made with 100% solar power.

Dispersed Bikepacking: Sun Powered Bike Bags

Andrew and Katie Strempke are ultra-bikepack racers who apply their experience to making some kick-butt bike bags. Their company <a href="https://dispersed.bike" target="_blank">Dispersed Bikepacking</a> is the first (that we know of) to be creating bikepacking bags 100% from the road and with solar power. An inspiring tale. Read on.

Five years ago, Chad Corbin pivoted his career and started making lovely, lovely bikes designed for the dirt. We spoke to Chad about his bikes, the process, his career and the future of cycling.

Corvid Cycles: Crafted Titanium Bikes

Boulder-based <a href="https://www.corvidcycles.com/" target="_blank">Corvid Cycles</a> is the moniker of custom titanium builder Chad Corbin. Five years ago, Chad shifted the focus of his career from engineering and programming to making lovely, lovely bikes designed for the dirt. We spoke to Chad about his bikes, the process, his career and the future of Corvid. Read on.

A Peek Inside Corvid Cycles: Crafted Titanium Bikes

Todd Nisbet is a cyclist from New York City who challenges every bikepacking cliché out there.

Bikepacking New York City

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/concretetrails/" target="_blank">Todd Nisbet</a> is a cyclist from New York City who challenges every bikepacking cliché—where to ride, how to dress—all of it. We were happy to chat with Todd about community, personal growth, how he got into bikepacking, and how he merged his love of street apparel and cycling. Sit back, read slowly, and enjoy this one.

Bikepacking New York City with Todd Nisbet

Faced with some last-minute changes in plans, Barry and Andy decided to try the top half of the Tree to Sea Loop in reverse. Oh, and they did it in the middle of a heatwave.

Vancouver Island's Tree to Sea Loop Report

Earlier this year, <a href="https://bikepacking.com/" target="_blank">bikepacking.com</a> posted a 1000km route on Northern Vancouver Island dubbed the <a href="https://bikepacking.com/routes/tree-to-sea-loop-vancouver-island/" target="_blank">Tree to Sea Loop</a>. Faced with some last-minute changes in plans, Barry and Andy decided to try the top half of the loop, but in reverse. The trip was full of amazing people, endless natural beauty, pristine gravel, and huge, punchy climbs. And they did it in the middle of a heatwave.

Big Hot Grinds on Vancouver Island's Tree to Sea Loop

Tara Weir has bikepacked 42,000 KMs through 21 countries. In this story, Tara recounts her transition from an unadventurous teen to an awe-inspiring bikepacker.

Global Bikepacking: A Life Altered

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/followmargopolo/" target="_blank">Tara Weir</a> is a seasonal forestry worker and bikepacker from British Columbia, Canada. Tara has clocked 42,000 KMs through 21 countries on her <a href="https://www.thorncycles.co.uk/bikes" target="_blank">Thorn</a> Nomad Mk2. In this story, Tara recounts her transition from an 'unadventurous teen' to one of the most awe-inspiring bikepackers we have had the pleasure to meet. Enjoy the ride.

We chatted with Cory Ostertag on his recent win at the Buckshot and his journey to becoming a racer.

Cory Ostertag: A Journey Into Self-Sustained Bikepack Racing

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/full_beans/" target="_blank">Cory Ostertag</a> is a bikepack racer who recently won a grueling 420 km race, known as the Buckshot, in interior British Columbia. He will also be racing this year's BC Epic 1000, and <a href="https://gofund.me/0849c69e" target="_blank">fundraising</a> for an emergency relief effort for the city of Princeton, which was greatly affected by last year's flooding.

Vintage Biker is a custom builder from the Netherlands that specializes in 90s mountain bike builds.

Vintage 90s Mountain Bike Builds

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/vintagebikercom/" target="_blank">Vintage Biker</a> is a custom builder from the Netherlands that specializes in 90s mountain bike builds. The project is led by Ben who sources the parts from all over the world to create his stunning machines. Stumbling on his Instagram account transported us to another place and time. We were thrilled that Ben agreed to tell us his story, and answer our burning questions. 

Vintage Biker: Nostalgic 90s Mountain Bike Builds

Haniwaya3 is a creator from Japan who builds mini track bikes—at a 1:12 scale—in his home.

Mini Bikes From Japan: Detailed Craftsmanship

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/haniwaya3" target="_blank">Haniwaya3</a> is a creator from Japan who builds mini track bikes—at a 1:12 scale—in his home. The level of craftsmanship of these mini-bikes blew us away. Hiniwaya3 documents his entire build process on Instagram, which had us wanting to know more. He wishes to remain anonymous, but we were lucky enough to have a chat with Haniwaya3 about technical skills, creativity, and life. 

For the past two years, a pathway project has been underway in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Western Vancouver Island. It is a 25km path that will connect Tofino to the Ucluelet area.

Cycling Tofino Ucluelet Bike Path

For the past two years, a <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/visit/visit5/visit8" target="_blank">pathway project</a> has been underway in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Western Vancouver Island. It is a 25km path that will connect Tofino to the Ucluelet area. It has taken considerable resources, planning, and coordination by many levels of Government and communities in the area. Though the pathway officially opens in Spring 2022, we had the chance to ride a small part of it—before the weather hit.

Cycling Tofino: The Ucluelet Bike Path

We spoke with Simon Bergeron from Panorama Cycles about being the first Carbon Neutral cycling manufacturer.

Panorama Cycles: Interview With the Founder Simon Bergeron

<a href="https://bit.ly/48z4vsJ" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Panorama Cycles</a> is a Montreal-based adventure bike manufacturer that specializes in fat, gravel, and mountain bikes. We spoke with Simon Bergeron, the owner and operator of Panorama Cycles, about being the first carbon-neutral bike manufacturer certified by <a href="https://www.climateneutral.org/" target="_blank">Climate Neutral</a>, remaining independent in a corporate world, and cycling in Quebec.

Panorama Cycles Interview: Climate Neutral Bikes From Quebec

We spoke with Be of Buffalo Bag and Nu from Triple Cats Cycle, about the emerging bikepacking scene in Thailand and got some advice on routes, best times to go, and more.

Bikepacking Northern Thailand

We spoke with Be of <a href="https://www.buffalobagth.com/" target="_blank">Buffalo Bag</a> and Nu from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/triple_cats_cycle/" target="_blank">Triple Cats Cycle</a>, about the emerging bikepacking scene in Thailand and got some advice on routes, best times to go, and more. Clip-in. 

Bikepacking Northern Thailand: What to Expect and Where to Ride

We ventured to Tutti Gravel Inn. A home away from home for gravel cyclists in the Southern Cariboo Region of British Columbia, Canada. The Inn is run by Kelly Servinski, a cycling industry veteran & his wife Erin.

Tutti Gravel Inn: A Gravel Riders Paradise

<a href="https://www.tuttigravelinn.com/" target="_blank">Tutti Gravel Inn</a> is a home away from home for gravel cyclists in the Southern Cariboo Region of British Columbia, Canada. The Inn is run by Kelly Servinski, a cycling industry veteran & his wife Erin. Together with their cat, Buzz, they have created something special - a warm home with access to the most pristine gravel BC has to offer.

Tutti Gravel Inn & Cycling The Cariboo: A Gravel Riders Paradise

We spoke with Curtis Litun the owner and operator of The Spandex Panda Collection who travelled the world to study what makes clothing timeless, class, and stylish.

Spandex Panda Collection Interview

<a href="https://www.thespandexpanda.com/" target="_blank">The Spandex Panda Collection</a> specializes in imported Italian Merino wool apparel for cyclists with a sense of adventure. We spoke with Curtis Litun the owner and operator of  The Spandex Panda Collection who travelled the world to study what makes clothing timeless, class, and stylish. 

Spandex Panda Collection Interview: Style Designed for Adventure

We focus on bike builders, bag makers, inspiring places to ride and the interesting people who do it. Grab a coffee and get some reads in.

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