I had to abandon a long tour that I had been planning for years halfway through it, and I’m still devastated. How do I get over it? Dear Devastated, I’m so sorry. It’s understandable that you’re feeling a great sense of loss, given how invested you were in this trip. It is totally okay to […]

Sleeping under the stars in a beautiful place, one that you reached under your own power, can be one of the biggest joys of bikepacking. If you’re new to camping it might seem like a lot to figure out, but with a little practice it can become a familiar routine. Choosing a Campsite A good […]

Water and food are always an important basic need for cyclists, and the remote nature of some bikepacking routes makes self-reliance absolutely essential. Knowing your route can help you strike the right balance between going thirsty and hungry and lugging an unnecessarily heavy load. However, always err on the side of having too much water […]

Northern New Mexico’s painted high desert landscapes, green chile, turquoise, margaritas, and world-class art galleries may make you never want to leave. And why should you? With plentiful gravel roads, mountain tracks, and numerous bike and multiuse trails, the city is also a cycling paradise. In fact, the International Mountain Biking Association designated the Southwestern […]

No matter where I am in the US, there’s always an Adventure Cycling route close by. When I lived in Michigan, I pedaled out my door onto the North Lakes route. In Arizona, I was just a few miles from the Great Divide. When I visited my friend Alison in San Francisco, I biked from […]

I just got back from Tuscany, Italy, where we wrapped up a weeklong cycling trip built around the Strade Bianche professional race. This one has all the ingredients for an incredible cycling getaway—stunning and challenging routes through the old world, incredible farm-fresh Tuscan food (my favorite), and witnessing a professional race that is pure magic. […]

Heavy in Houston asks: “I always overpack because I’m nervous I’ll need something that I don’t have. How can I lighten my load both mentally and physically?” You’re not alone. While I have been on tours with a few fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants folks, in my experience, the majority of pannier-touring bike tourists like to be prepared for […]

This article originally appeared in Cycling West, a print and digital publication about cycling in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Colorado. An Alaskan bicycle tour has been on the bucket list for Julie and I for 15 years or more. Initially the plan was to ride the “North Star route” from Missoula, […]

This review originally appeared in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine. Click here to learn more. After years of producing high-end carbon bike components, ENVE finally decided to try its hand at full bike builds in 2021. The result was the Custom Road, whose geometry, paint, and components are tailored to each rider. […]

You don’t have to plan your bikepacking trip months in advance, but it certainly doesn’t hurt — especially if you want to tackle a long ride overseas. Here’s a general timeline and trip planning checklist to help keep you on track. 1 to 3 Months Before You Go: Ride your bike often, stay active, and […]

Photo by Jeana Bala on Unsplash Lighthouses jutting out of cliffs. Fresh Atlantic lobster. Colossal forests of spruce and fir. Maine conjures a lot of romantic images, and if you love vast timberland and quiet small towns, Vacationland certainly lives up to its nickname. But while there are many ways to explore this holiday hot […]

It may only be February, but we can’t help daydreaming about Montana summers—they’re simply the best! Montana isn’t just where we host our trips; it’s our backyard, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. From May through September, The Cycling House will guide you through Big Sky Country, showcasing our favorite roads, climbs, […]

We couldn’t be more excited to see The Cycling House staff rocking some sharp, desert-themed Eliel Cycling kits over the last year. Guess what? Now’s your chance to snag your very own! Our online store is officially open, featuring those same kits plus a variety of fresh colors and styles to suit your vibe. As a bonus, we’re offering 50% off your […]

As we roll into 2025, I find myself reflecting on an incredible milestone: The Cycling House is celebrating its 20th anniversary! If you had told me 20 years ago that we’d be here today, I wouldn’t have believed it. What started as a way to ride bikes and avoid a “real job” has grown into […]

Riding a bicycle on backroads and trails is actually, statistically speaking, quite safe. Still, it’s natural to feel anxious about “what ifs” when jumping into something new. The best way to cope with worry is to figure out what’s most likely to go wrong, make sure you’re prepared to deal with it, and then relax […]

Photo by Frederic Guyot Simply put, bikepacking is more fun when mind and body are on the same team. Many a long bike ride has begun with no training at all, and we’re not here to discourage anyone from trying if that’s your style. But there is freedom in feeling like your body is helping […]

At The Cycling House, we know the value of a reliable and high-performing bike. That’s why, after putting tens of thousands of miles on our Cervelo Aspero rental bikes over the past few years, we decided to stick with what works. The Aspero has been a fan favorite among our guests and guides, performing flawlessly […]

This story originally appeared as the Be Here Now feature of the 2024 Sept/Oct issue of Adventure Cyclist. Perched on a peninsula in the south- western edge of Casco Bay, the city of Portland, Maine, is infused with all things ocean. Even the city’s most famous district is called the Old Port, evoking its maritime […]

Photo by Laura Irwin If bike touring with panniers is like traveling with a big roller suitcase, bikepacking is like traveling with only a carry-on backpack. The goal is to have everything you need and also to need everything you have. Here are some tips for packing lighter: Bring less stuff! Ask yourself “What would […]

We were thrilled to host Dave Malwitz of Gravelstoke on our first-ever Chiricahua Gravel trip! Joined by seven other guests, Dave explored southeastern Arizona’s breathtaking desert landscapes and Sky Islands during this 5-day cycling adventure. “The Chiricahua Gravel trip with The Cycling House was a true adventure. Each day brought new and exciting challenges, from […]

At The Cycling House, we believe a great cycling trip goes beyond the ride. This month, we’re highlighting the memorable off-the-bike experiences that make our adventures unforgettable.Here’s a glimpse at a few favorites: Tuscany Pasta and tiramisu-making class; Tuscan culinary traditions. Stroll through the medieval streets on a walking tour of Siena. Indulge in a wine tasting in the […]

Riding in the winter can be rewarding, but it comes with challenges. Here are our top tips to protect your bike, ride safely, and stay motivated when the temperatures drop. Protecting Your Bike and Keeping It in Good Shape 1. Pay Attention to Chain MaintenanceWinter riding exposes your bike to precipitation, salt, and sand, which […]

Gender Equity Mechanics (GEM) is a gathering of women and non-binary people interested in learning hands-on bicycle maintenance and repair skills. We would like to give a shout out to Bikes Together, a non-profit in Denver, Colorado that uses recycled bicycles as a vehicle for equitable social change, as they inspired the name for GEM. […]

This story originally appeared in the 2024 Nov/Dec issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine’s Final Mile essay anthology. *** I rode with tears streaming down my face. I pedaled as hard as I could, hoping that being on my bike would fix it. It used to always fix it. But this time was different — for […]

This year, we were able to welcome 19 young people with adaptive needs (and their families), plus two adults with adaptive needs on our weekend bike camping trips for free.  Through our inclusive model, Bike Camping For Everyone, we address the physical, emotional, and social health of our participants. Physical activity such as cycling (as […]