Late summer already, and with it, we unfortunately start off with another headline of threats to public lands. For as much as we all benefit from this great resource, it feels absolutely necessary to keep it at the forefront. From there, we have a selection of stories, news, and pieces of gear that caught out eye from the last couple of months. Hope you enjoy!
Under threat again
Back in early July, the outdoor community successfully rallied an enormous response to the attempted sell-off of millions of acres of public lands. “Safe for Now” is how we described it in the last news roundup, a nod to the fact that public lands were nowhere near risk-free from future attempts at cashing in on our cherished recreation areas.
Perhaps no surprise, but it’s happening again – this time with a proposition to rescind the Roadless Rule, which currently protects land across 42 states from harmful development and resource extraction. As always, the Outdoor Alliance is serving as a much-needed resource for education and action.
To contextualize it a bit for those of us living in Arizona, consider the idea of logging roads and extraction chewing up huge swaths of the Catalina Mountains, the Pinaleños, the virtually untouched Whetstone Mountains, and the Dragoons, to name a very small few. Across the West and since its passing two decades ago, the Roadless Rule has been widely supported and increasingly critical for conservation work, fire suppression, carbon sequestration, recreation, and more.
It’s exhausting to hear of yet another attempt to monetize, extract, and separate us from places that, by simply existing in a largely undisturbed state, is worth so much to so many of us. There’s a lot going on, and a lot of issues need our attention. A public comment period is open until September 19th on this particular issue, so please take some time to speak up and share this information.
More news!
- Bikepacking with a Brompton: A short and sweet video about a short and sweet trip aboard the classic folding bike.
- Sofiane Sehili’s Eurasia World Record: Ryan Le Garrec provides an interesting look into the lead-up to Sofiane’s attempt at the Eurasia speed record. Though it ultimately didn’t end in his favor, it seems as though there may be a second time around in the future.
- UPDATE: Sofiane is currently detained in Russia. Read an update here.
- A Brooks Factory Tour: The classic saddle. My backside has never jived with one, but a look behind the scenes is always a treat.
- Adventure Cycling’s 16th Annual Bicycle Travel Photo Contest: Cool to see Arizona framing the backdrop for a few of these, and the snake photo is so cool!
- Rogue Panda Frame Bag Thumb Screws: A simple design to alleviate the tediousness of tightening frame bag bolts with a multi-tool.
- Chris King in Matte Jade: Bike jewelry in classic jewelry tones.
- North London Dirt’s “Superstore Wilderness” Magazine: Stories and reflections about the edgelands that surround urban spaces. Oft-forgotten and overlooked, they provide little escapes and places of respite.
- Our Fall Overnighter Schedule: We’ve got rides scheduled every once month from September through November, from beginner to advanced. Come ride with us!
Leaving you with a scene from the Enchantments of northern Washington.
