I’m writing this from Missoula, MT by my fireplace. It’s cold outside, that odd shoulder season where there isn’t quite enough snow to ski and just enough ice in the shadows to make riding a challenge. So today is a reflection day. No bike shoes or ski boots, just slippers and a cup of coffee. Maybe I’m feeling extra good because I hop on a plane tomorrow morning for Tucson sunshine! Maybe it’s because we’re closing out another really special year at TCH. Probably a mix of both.
As I look back on the past 12 months, a few highlights stand out and I’m holding onto them with a lot of gratitude.
And if you joined us on a trip this year, thank you! You are what keeps this whole thing spinning. Truly, we wouldn’t be here without your support and love for what we do.
A Few Highlight Moments from My Year at The Cycling House
Tucson, Arizona Updates
I’ll start with Tucson since it’s on my mind while this winter freeze settles into Montana. Tucson and our unique model has always encapsulated the heart and soul of TCH. I first came here in 2004 to escape the cold and get some miles in, and the desert sunshine has been pulling me back ever since.
New Tucson Tiny Cabins
Goodbye yurts, hello tiny cabins. We deconstructed the yurts and swapped them out this year for insulated tiny cabins with real walls, heat and AC. They’re cozy, simple, and comfortable. Folks are already loving them!
New fire pit, new backyard vibes
This project only took me eight years to complete, but we finally got it done (yes, they let me drive the bobcat tractor). The new space feels completely transformed with all Sonoran desert native plants and a few boulders to tie it all together. Now when we settle in for those end of day sunsets, we get to take in the glow of the new ocotillo and Texas ranger cactus too. Here is a video of the final product.
Working with Chef Liz, my sister
I get to work with Elisabeth, better known around TCH as Chef Liz, and her husband Nate. She cooked on a bunch of trips this year (Nate joined when his schedule allowed) and everyone who crossed her kitchen magic felt pretty lucky. Her food makes every long ride feel even more worth it. Even better, Liz and Nate moved back to Missoula, so we get to see them a lot more. She keeps trying to convince me that riding horses is as fun as bikes. I’m not sold yet, but I’m trying.
My Time Riding in the Spanish Pyrenees
I made it to Spain this year for our new Pyrenees gravel tour, and it was a highlight for sure. We had an incredible group of guests join us and we are adding a Pyrenees road itinerary for 2026 that I am really excited about. The region reminds me a little of Montana in its own way. Quiet, rugged, and off the beaten path.
Dolomites with Mom Gue
My mom turned 70 this year, and her dream was to celebrate in the Dolomites. We had an incredible trip filled with hiking, great food, me “supervising” some unfinished Winter Olympic construction, and even more food.
Sella Ronda Bike Day
Believe it or not, this was not planned as a biking trip, but our dates landed on Sella Ronda Bike Day (which we do on the June TCH itinerary). We could not resist. I rented some very humble hotel bikes and rode the entire loop with Mom. No riding gear, no problem.
And if the Dolomites are on your “someday list”, you can stoke the excitement by checking out our trip page. In my opinion, this region belongs on every cyclist’s bucket list.
Provence France Recon Trip
This place is incredible, and I had not been back in years. Brendan ran a TCH trip in Provence way back when, and between our history here and Hannah Siler bike packing through the region earlier this year, we finally decided to bring back TCH Provence, France to our trip lineup. I visited in June for recon and to reconnect with our amazing partners in France. We’re are so excited to bring this one back in 2026.
The biggest scare I had of the year was a French livestock dog that came out of nowhere (video here, and go easy on the bike I’m on. I was traveling light and had to borrow a hotel cruiser).
Extra credit adventure in Provence
The Rossi family from Tuscany happened to be on holiday nearby, so I linked up with them for a quick 24 hour adventure and we went canoeing. As you can tell from this pic I am clearly an expert waterman. My cell phone ended up at the bottom of the river somewhere between mile 3 and mile 8 (Totally worth it). I bought a paper map afterward and navigated all the way from Mont Ventoux to Barcelona without gps. Oddly refreshing to use my brain that way again.
Glacier Park Trip Update for 2026
We have run a few variations of this trip over the years, and this past month Brendan and I spent time dreaming up how to make it even better. The result is a fresh new Glacier Park itinerary with a home base in Whitefish, MT. The updated route includes rides in Glacier Park, but what makes it extra special are all the rides around the park that stay off the beaten path. It is a fantastic itinerary and we cannot wait to share it in 2026.
My Time in Tuscany, Italy
As many of you know, Tuscany has become my second home. A big update this year was running a new trip with Guido at Il Molinello for the Strade Bianche week. This trip has become so popular that we now run two groups at the same time. We have our longtime home run itinerary with Andrea near Siena, and now a new one that we’ve created with Guido.
I made it back again this fall and stayed at Pallazo a Merse. Dinner in the Mill there still feels like coming home and going out to ride this stretch of the Strade Bianche right out from Andrea’s front door is the first ride I do when I arrive in Italy (pic below).
You’ll find me back in Tuscany in 2026.
TCH Team
I made a lot of great memories with our team this year. If you have not had the chance to meet our growing crew, I really hope you do soon. They are a sweet, hard working group who carry the TCH spirit forward in all the best ways.
A big part of my job is continuing to build a team that cares deeply about our guests, our partners, and the amazing places we get to visit. I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside them, and I am very excited to head into 2026 together.
New additions to our European team
TCH Office Crew!
If we did not have this crew holding things down at our HQ in Missoula, we would not be able to be out there riding. They keep us organized, welcome new guests into the TCH world, and make sure we are fully dialed to run great trips. Check out our entire team here. I feel lucky to work next to this crew.
A few more standout TCH moments from the year
That’s all I have for this update. If you joined TCH on a trip this year, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! You are what keeps this whole adventure rolling. We would not be here without your support, your energy, and your willingness to share a week of your life with us.
If you ever want to catch up, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am always happy to talk about trips and help you find the right one, but we can just as easily chat about deconstructing a yurt, how to photograph a late night dish line, or anything related to traveling and riding bikes! I would love to hear from you.
Andiamo!
Owen Gue, Owner and President
Fourth best dishwasher, undefeated-ish ping pong champ
The post My Year at The Cycling House appeared first on Cycling House.
