A bike touring blog. Mostly about bikepacking and single speeds. By Montana Miller
We’re having some beers with a group of Kiwi guys and their Australian friend at the campground in Wanaka. “Well, I’m sorry to tell you this,” says one of the guys. People are never sorry when they say that. “But, in IQ tests of all the people in the world, Americans consistently score near the … Continue reading Otago
After the Rainbow Road, we ride through a real cold rainy day into Nelson to Philip's house (that Colleen found on Warmshowers). He was nice enough to let us stay for a few days, take us on a good ride around Nelson's local trails and to make us dinner. I hope he makes it to … Continue reading Old Ghost Road
The aspens are turning gold, and it's the last push through September. One more bike tour to guide, a few more days in the shop, then I should have some days to myself. Not that I'm complaining. Taking people bike riding isn't a bad way to make a couple bucks. Funny contrast to the Columbians … Continue reading Making Hay
Also on the Dirt Rag I haven't been able to sleep- every night I wake up, thinking that I still have more miles to ride to the border. "No, Colleen already picked you up, it's over," I tell myself. Then the sun comes up and my legs are rubbery. Tour Divide was monstrously hard. I … Continue reading Tour Divide
Sweep, back flush the espresso machine, mop, last dishes, count the drawer. Lock the door to the café by six. Grocery store with Colleen. "How much food do you need to take?" "I think around 4000 calories'll get me to Moab." Reese's King Size Easter Eggs are two for $3. Can't beat that- I grab … Continue reading Kokpelli’s Trail
Eight of us are piled next to a keg into the bed of an old red Toyota pickup. The truck turns into a dark field, and bounces down a dirt path. It stops, I drop the tailgate and everybody jumps out. A set of halogen work lights are shining on a blue tarp covered pit … Continue reading Big Bear Ultra and Thunderdome Light
“Hey, tell me how to race my bike,” Colleen says. “Just take your time and have fun. Don't hurt yourself,” I say. I wave and ride off. Colleen is doing the shorter 17-mile course, so she’ll drive to the top of the mountain. Everybody in the 40-mile endurance race is riding to the start. About … Continue reading Cheat Mountain Ultra
I'm spinning fast on a the gravel road, tucked way down. I look back. Sweet. I've got a pretty good gap on the rest of the single speed field. A few seconds later, Pat Blair passes me. We turn into the singletrack, and start up the rocky climb. Pat dabs, and I sprint around. Just … Continue reading Michaux Maximus
Dirt Cruise 