I love bikes. I love how simply complex they are and the places they can take you. especially when you are traveling through the forest with all your belongings strapped to your rig and your making good time. theres no more freeing of a feeling. I have been feeling a void recently. In need of a little adventure. I have had thoughts of an overnight bike trip for months, even when living in Santa Barbara half a year ago. I finally decided it was time to make it happen.

I did some research, found a route, packed my bags, strapped them to my bike, drove for the Mt. Hood foothills, and took off with my camera slung around my back. I found myself slightly in over my head, but it was exactly what I needed and I was stoked the entire time. There’s nothing more free feeling than biking through the forest on quiet paths and trails with all your belongings strapped to your bike. Maybe backpacking, but I prefer the mechanical advantage of gears and two wheels. It’s much more interesting, and fun, in my humble opinion.

On my journey I found heat, solitude, slight dehydration, levels of hunger I hope to not frequent, long dreamy gravel descents and equally long sweaty ascents. I found the complete focus required of riding single track, and what worked on my rig and what didn’t. I found new flavor combinations in a burrito. I found the loveliest swimming holes for a hot Oregon summers day, and a couple through hikers nearing their northern terminus on the PCT. I found exhaustion and exhilaration.

I find myself getting caught up in the details and logistics of planning things and making excuses not to do them. But more often than not, hell, I think every time I just get out there, I never regret it. So enjoy my moments I did my best to capture, and I hope it can serve as inspiration to get out there.