The Bikepacking Journal Issue 06
In case you missed it, take a look inside our sixth issue of The Bikepacking Journal here, along with details on how to join our Bikepacking Collective so you have a fresh copy on your coffee table twice a year, including the upcoming fall 2021 issue…
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-8.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-13.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-4.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-3.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-20.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-12.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-11.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-9.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-17.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-16.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-19.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-15.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-5.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-10.jpg)
![](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-Bikepacking-Journal-06-Pages-2.jpg)
After we all endured another half year of relative isolation and various states of lockdown, we were delighted to be able to share a new assortment of writing and photography with our Bikepacking Collective members. We especially hoped opening the sixth issue of The Bikepacking Journal afforded them an occasion to slow down and tune out the noise of 2021, if only for a moment. Even better if the stories planted the seed for future adventures or reminded them to hop on their bike and breathe in some of the lucidity riding can bring.
In this edition, our contributors used bikepacking as a lens through which to explore topics that included embracing aloneness, finding a sense of adventure, grappling with failure, nourishing relationships with friends and family, and forging new connections—themes many of us have had on our minds throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, whether on or off the bike.
We’d like to highlight that most of the stories in issue six were submitted by readers of the site, at least a few of whom were likely never expecting to see their work in print when they sent us a note about their trip. That’s to say: building community is truly at the core of what we’re trying to do with the Bikepacking Collective, and we’re eager to hear our readers’ voices and learn more about what they’re up to, whether they’re seasoned bicycle travelers or still figuring things out.
As a thank you to our members for supporting our work, we also included a custom-printed 22″ x 22″ cotton bandana with each copy, featuring a design with our skull, our entire ecosystem of drivetrain critters, and each of our three taglines, as well as an updated Bikepacking Collective badge. If you’re not yet a member of the Bikepacking Collective, get signed up before the October 17th deadline and you’ll never miss another issue of The Bikepacking Journal again (along with lots of other great benefits).
Stories in Issue 06
A True Fool’s Loop
When Nothing Goes According to Plan by Kevin Frias and Andrew Bydlon
ArizonaThe American Cordillera
Four Years on the Road by Mark Watson
The AmericasCaught in the Middle
On Bikepacking and Belonging by Steff Gutovska
Republic of GeorgiaEscape of the Incas
A Journey Through History by Simón Mendizabal and Nacho Pellejero
PeruGenerational Tales
Reversing Roles in Tuscay by Franzi Wernsing and Matteo Dunchi
ItalyNew Chums
Searching for Solitude by Tom Powell
New ZealandOld School New School
From Bike Tourer to Bikepacker by Cass Gilbert
MexicoRecovery Pace
One Step at a Time by Conan Thai
New YorkRiver Road Rendezvous
A True Test of Friendship by Jessica Alexander and Andy Chasteen
TexasUnlikely
A Family Misadventure by RJ Sauer
British ColumbiaWhere You Lay Your Head
Snoozing Across Continents by Jack Boffy and Dean Liebau
London to Hong Kong
![Bikepacking Journal Issue 07](https://bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BPJ-07-cover.jpg)
Interested in more stories like this one? Enjoy inspiring writing and breathtaking photographs, all in the full glory of print!
- Twice yearly – New issues are released in April and October of each year.
- Free shipping – Shipping is on us, anywhere in the world.
- Carefully crafted – We've worked hard to create something beautiful and lasting.
- Limited edition – We print one copy for each of our members, and not many beyond that.
- Only in print – There's nothing quite like savoring stories and images on paper.
- Truly independent – This project wouldn't be possible without our members.
- Member Support – Sustains this website and all the content we publish.