Dangling Vines – June. 30, 2025
While pedalling through some trails yesterday, I came across this tree draped in what looked like aerial roots or parasitic vines—I wasn’t sure which. Either way, it looked pretty amazing. The long tendrils hung low, almost close enough to high-five or brush the top of my helmet.
Orange Cat Behavior – June. 23, 2025
My semi-domesticated cat, Rambo, is out to prove every orange cat stereotype. He prefers fruit over meat and has now taken up carjacking—specifically, commandeering the roofs of my neighbors’ cars. Here he is, napping like he owns the block, not a care in the world.
Helmet On, Worries Off – June. 16, 2025
I had a great time riding through a private golf course near my home. Smooth tarmac, fresh air, and all that greenery made for a perfect ride. Every now and then, I’d duck at the sound of a golf swing—then remember I’ve got my Giro helmet on and relax.
Best Man Duty – June. 09, 2025
Over the weekend, I had the honor of being best man at my friend Xavier’s traditional wedding—you might remember him from when I helped him buy a bike last year.
The highlight was a hilarious skit where the bride was hidden among her bridesmaids, and we had to guess who she was. Each wrong guess came with a fine paid to the in-laws. We found her on the second try! Can’t wait to laugh about it all over again on our next ride.
Goodbye Alee and Laura! – June. 02, 2025
Alee and Laura stopped by to pick up their Koga touring bikes as they gear up to ride through the rest of East Africa—starting with Northern Kenya, then on to Uganda and Rwanda.
These two are incredibly well-traveled. Alee, in particular, is a walking encyclopedia of bike travel knowledge. It was fun watching him swap out his handlebars (a design he actually invented and sells on his website) and fit a new frame bag.
Before heading out, Alee kindly left me with some high-end used bike parts he no longer needed. While I’m sad to see them go, I’m excited to follow their journey and wish them all the best on the road ahead.
Follow their adventures on YouTube: youtube.com/@CyclingAbout
And check out their website for more: cyclingabout.com
View from the top – May. 26, 2025
I’ve always wanted to summit this large hill near my home, so last week i decided to summit it with my Timberjack. The climb was tough but definitely worth it. Standing at the top felt amazing, and the ride back down was just as exciting. One of my favorite things about mountain biking is how it pushes and rewards you all at once.
Agave Season – May. 19, 2025
Hi, Botanist Kip here.
Often mistaken for aloe, these gorgeous agaves bloom once (after many years), then die—a cycle that earned them the “century plant” nickname. Out of respect for how rare a bloom is, I just had to take a few shots of these plants while out riding yesterday.
More Baobab – May. 12, 2025
I came across another beauty for the baobab collection and I couldn’t help but wonder how many seasons it’s seen. I’ve heard they grow even bigger, so I’ll keep chasing these giants until I find one that looks like it walked straight out of Lord of the Rings.
Sandy Trails – May. 5, 2025
It’s all sand out here—long trails and dry riverbeds where your wheels suddenly sink and the ride turns into a slow grind. They say all the world’s sand is connected, so next time I’m out there, I’ll be calling out to the Tucson desert… maybe one of you will hear me and shout back.
Someone was watching – April. 28, 2025
During the MTB race two weeks ago, we rode through a remote area known for its hyena population and it added some wild energy to the ride. Locals told us that farmers here rely on electric fences and regular patrols to protect their livestock from these sharp-toothed visitors.
Here’s a shot of one curious hyena keeping an eye on us as we pedaled through its turf. They’re way bigger than you’d expect—and honestly, a little too clever for comfort!
Bit by the Camping Bug – April. 21, 2025
My first camping trip a few weeks ago was just so much fun. The night hit us with a heavy downpour and I worried about getting soaked, but my Big Agnes Copper Spur tent held up perfectly.
The color-coded clips and buckles made setup simple for a rookie like me, and the oversized ceiling pocket kept my gear organized. I also loved the media pockets near the sleeping area for taming earbud cords, and the dual-zippers. If my partner ever caves to my camping invites, we’ll see if it can fit 2 people. So far, I am twelve rejections deep— her dedication to staying indoors is tougher than my tent’s waterproofing.
Camping surprised me. Fresh air, the sound of rain on the tent, and a surprisingly comfortable setup made me a believer. The tent’s reliability turned a potential disaster into a memorable adventure, and I’m eager to get back out there.
The Wild XC MTB Event– April. 14, 2025
I had a fun time taking part in a local MTB race last week. The terrain was a sloggy mudfest, making all of us earn every mile and climb. Beyond the race, it was fantastic seeing so many cyclists genuinely having a blast on the trails and admiring each other’s rigs.
The Timberjack was definitely a head turner. I look forward to taking part in more of these events!
A Multisport Campfire – April. 07, 2025
Over the weekend, I was part of a fantastic mountain bike race and campout. The evening before the race, we gathered around a crackling fire, swapping stories with seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. Trail-hardened hikers, long-distance cyclists, and endurance runners shared tales of their adventures. Listening to their passion for the outdoors was equal parts inspiring and humbling.