While many of the Readers’ Rides we feature here are well-loved machines that exude character from miles of usage and years of iterations, we also receive reader submissions featuring fresh builds. Today, we’re taking a look at one of these from Michael in southern California who recently commissioned a hardtail from Bender Bicycle Co and had it built up by the team at Velo Hangar in Carlsbad. They even had the build process and completed bike documented by talented local photographer/director Embry Rucker. Let’s check it out below!
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Reportage
Leo Rodgers Meets Julian Molina and Fundraiser for Leo’s Recovery
It doesn’t take long to understand why Leo Rodgers is such an inspirational figure in the cycling world, and beyond. After losing his leg to a motorcycle accident nearly a decade ago, Leo found bicycles as a positive outlet and has been spreading good vibes in communities across the world ever since. He’s always cracking jokes and makes riding bikes look the most fun you’ll ever have. Leo was excited about the upcoming release of his most recent collaboration project with BMXer Julian Molina when, the week before Christmas, he was involved in another accident that resulted in a broken neck and paralysis. Continue reading below for a recap of Leo and Julian’s project by James Luedde, video by Stew Johnson, and Jeff Zielinski‘s excellent photoset. There’s also a link to a fundraiser, which will help support Leo and his family during these difficult and uncertain times.
Reportage
The Distance I’ve Travelled Video Series with Brett Hite
Brette Hite is half of the American pop duo, FRENSHIP, and when he’s not making music there’s a good chance you’ll find him on a bike. The short film series, “The Distance I’ve Travelled,” shares artfully captured moments of introspection from Brett, over the course of a year, as he navigates the difficulties of the pandemic, the death of a friend, and a devastating break-up. Throughout it all, he finds solace through riding where the simple act of turning the pedals reminds him that, despite all, you can keep moving forward.
Reportage
FAIL 12: Tomorrow Comes Too Soon at Gravel Birds Ultracycling Challenge
For FAIL 12 Ryan le Garrec raced the first edition of Gravel Birds, a 750km bikepacking race in Portugal’s largest region, Alentejo. For Ryan, it was initially more about the idea of fast touring a well-curated route than properly racing the course. The region is characterized by a beautiful mix of rough hills, coastlines and small deserts inland. Its arid section, down South and just over the more famous Algarve, is often ignored by tourism yet hosts some of the most incredible hidden gems of Portugal and probably its best gravel tracks too!
Radar
Radar Roundup: Team Dream Holiday Launch, Nitto Factory Caps, Abbey Bike Tools Kit, Custom Wolf Tooth Multi-Tool, Komoot Women’s Rally Series, Shifting Mindset with Taylor Lideen, and Nothing Special
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Radar Roundup: MADE Handmade Bike Show, Wizard Works in the US, August Trees, Velo Orange Granola Moose, Goodday + Curiosity Spacer Cradle Rack, Brother Cycles Mr Wooden, Ortleib Repair Week, Santa Cruz Suspension, Charlie and Jacquie
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Radar
Oddity Cycles Video
Here’s our video that accompanies today’s Reportage from the shop visit with Oddity Cycles!
Radar
Riding into Motherhood with Amanda Chapin
I’m Amanda Chapin – I’m a gravel rider, mountain biker, cyclocross racer, tandem stoker, and sometimes even a roadie – plus I’m a new mom! And what an adventure it has been…
Reportage
The Bird Was a Butterfly: Ana Orenz on Recovering from Injury
About one year ago, Ana Orenz had a crash going downhill during the first night of the Trans Pyrénées. Her accident ended in nerve damage, spinal injury, and facial reconstruction. But Ana never backs down.
Continue reading below for Ryan le Garrec’s multimedia profile of endurance cyclist Ana Orenz…
Radar
2022 East Texas Showdown Video
The East Texas Showdown is a bikepacking event founded last year by Patrick Farnsworth, notoriously known as the host of the Bikes or Death podcast. The event includes two distance options: the 380-mile SHOWdown or the 280-mile SLOWdown. As a follow-up to our East Texas Showdown event coverage from April, filmmaker Seth Dubois just released a wonderful film showcasing the event. Check it out here!