It’s hard to believe we’re already two months into the new year, already publishing our “winter” roundup. Strong air quotes for “winter,” as it’s been in the 90s the last couple of days here in Tucson.
In our first writeup for the year, we have a nice collection of videos, routes, and a few pieces of gear to highlight from the last couple of months. We’ll kick it all off with a brief intro to the upcoming documentary Trailblazers, chronicling the creation of the Arizona Trail.
“Trailblazers”
Those of us living in Tucson are incredibly fortunate to have one of the country’s most beloved long-distance trails just a few miles outside of town. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to options for hiking, running, and pedaling sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail – Pistol Hill, Bellota Ranch, the Canelo Hills, and Molino Basin to name a few. In the shop, we come across dozens of folks every year who stop by before or after their time on the trail, whether as a tour or part of the yearly race from the Mexican border. In the early 1980s, however, the idea to connect the state from top to bottom via a multi-use ribbon of trail was a far-fetched one.
The new film Trailblazers weaves together recent interviews and archival footage to tell the story of the trail’s founders and earliest advocates, Troy and Gil Gillenwater. To give a little perspective, the famed Appalachian Trail of the east was already nearly 50 years old by the time the brothers first set out.
With a two-mule team and feet clad in what looks to be early versions of the Nike Cortez running shoe, the brothers embarked on the type of adventure that you just don’t hear about anymore. While the Tucson premier is already sold out, you can catch a showing in early April during the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival.
More news!
- Seldom Seen Camp Chopsticks: One of my favorite bag makers at the moment has just released a set of utensils to elevate your evening bowl of Ramen.
- How important is sleep?: A refreshing take on how important it is to prioritize sleep on long, multi-day efforts, with a unique example from the recent winner of the Atlas Mountain Race.
- Carrier Issue 02: “Highly educated bike couriers are the quest for meaningful work.”
- Greg McCahon is back!: After a year-long hiatus, Greg is back with a fresh video covering his three months ambling across Colombia. For those who’ve followed along since he left Alaska, it’s great to see him at it again.
- The Great American Wheel Route: A new route covering just under 4,000 miles spanning from the Space Needle to Washington Monument in D.C. This would make for a heck of a ride in one go, or some wonderful section riding. There even looks to be a grand depart coming later in June.
- Adventure Hydration Crank Tank: The Strawberry Milkshake colorway didn’t last long, but you can still pick it up in their original colors. With hotter temperatures already hitting us, better start thinking about hydration!
- The 2025 inReach SOS Year in Review: I always like perusing Garmin’s recap of the year, with some interesting infographics and insights into how patterns have changed through the year.
- 50 Years of Chris King: A collection of short videos with the man himself, reflecting on how the brand developed through the years, with heartfelt topics such as the importance of the work place for quality of life, good business, and success through shared vision.
- The Stagecoah 400 Film: This event likely needs no introduction, but if it does, you can watch the trailer here for Gregg Dunham’s still-in-the-works documentary. Crowdfunding to finish the film ends later this week and is currently 92% backed.
In honor of of our February overnighter on the Sky Islands Loop, here’s the view coming down into the Sonoita Valley from a ride a couple years back.
