Episode 111: Tristan Ridley (Part 2)

A Bikepacking Journey Across North America

Exploring New Horizons in North America

In this episode guest Tristan Ridley shares his experiences biking through North America, a journey that sees him tackling both natural beauty and the elements. From the isolated road and mosquito-laden expanses on the Dalton Highway in Alaska, the spectacular Icefields Parkway in Canada, traversing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and then creating new routes through the arid deserts of Utah, Tristan’s bikepacking adventures on this continent have been truly epic.

Iconic Routes and Personal Challenges

One of the highlights of Tristan’s journey was his quest to finaly bikepack The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), a route that holds a special place in the hearts of many long-distance bikers. Tristan shared that this was a route he had dreamed of riding for years now. However, he doesn’t shy away from critiquing the well-trodden path, comparing it to more scenic and personally crafted routes that align with his own philosophy of travel. His insights into route creation, particularly his work in Utah, showcase his passion for sharing the world’s hidden gems with fellow adventurers.

Overcoming Adversity: From Mosquito Clouds to Peanut Butter Mud

Tristan’s stories wouldn’t be complete without discussing the trials that make each journey memorable. He recounts battling the aggressive Alaskan mosquitoes and the treacherous peanut butter mud of Utah, illustrating the unpredictable nature of bikepacking. These obstacles certainly weren’t just purely physical but little mental tests which challenged him to have to adapt and overcome. I liked how Tristan reflected that the horror day spent lifting his bike painfully across a section of road trapped in Peanut Butter mud could well have broken him if it had occurred ten years ago. But now with his years of experience taking bike adventures under the belt, he has been able to draw on a positive mindset to get him through.

Gear and Preparedness: Lessons from the Road

With extensive experience comes valuable insights into the gear necessary for such adventures. Tristan shares his evolution in gear choices, adapting to the diverse needs of terrains and climates faced during his travels. Whether it’s adjusting for the technical trails of Colorado or the water-deprived deserts of Utah, his approach to equipment showcases the harmony between preparation and adaptability. You can find a full breakdown of the Tristan’s set up here.

A New Bikepacking Route in Utah

Something exciting for us all to look out for is a new bikepacking route in Utah which Tristan is developing. This soon to be released route is something Tristan spent 1.5 months working out while riding in Utah. A way for him to combine some of the great routes already there and link them up into a ‘super route’. Tristan said he aimed to make sure that each day contained what he calls ‘glory moments’ – those times when you are riding in a landscape and Mother Nature makes you feel the size of a tiny ant.

Stay tuned for more incredible stories, and don’t forget to explore the rich content on Tristan’s platforms for visuals and insights that accompany his journey. You can follow him on Instagram via – @TristanRid , his YouTube channel as well as his personal website – TristanRidley.com

The Seek Travel Ride podcast