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Episode 93: Spencer McCullough

A 29,000kms Bike Tour Taking in All the National Parks in the Lower 48 States

Embarking on a journey to cycle all 51 national parks in the lower 48 U.S. states sounds like a huge task for most, but for Spencer McCulloch, it was the perfect adventure to blend his passion for cycling, adventure, and environmental advocacy. All up his bike tour unfolded over 411 days covering over 29,000 kilometres. It also meant there were many awe-inspiring landscapes, heartwarming encounters, and unforeseen challenges for Spencer to experience all along the way.

The Genesis of a Grand Adventure

Spencer’s journey began with inspiration drawn from an article about the imminent threats of climate change on national parks. This revelation sparked a sense of urgency and purpose; visiting these natural treasures before their irreversible transformation became an adventure of a lifetime.

The journey commenced with the logistical planning stage where technology played a crucial role. Using a trucking logistics software gave Spencer the initial routing plan to connect the dots across 51 national parks. Starting from Florida, he rode north as the seasons and nature dictated, embracing the uncertainty and beauty of the wild landscapes.

Spencer’s journey was filled with emotional highs and lows, much like the terrains he traversed. From the majestic peaks of the Grand Tetons to the sprawling deserts of the Southwest under starlit skies, he found moments of awe and solitude. At times, days of isolation on the road gave way to serendipitous encounters, like meeting fellow adventurers in Yosemite who shared a stretch of the journey with him.

Despite the romantic notion of cycling through America’s iconic landscapes, there were pragmatics challenges, namely navigating the often-inhospitable park infrastructures geared more towards vehicles than cyclists. This experience sparked another mission for Spencer: advocating for better hiker-biker accommodations to encourage more human-powered journeys into these natural havens.

A Mission Beyond the Miles

While ticking off each national park from his list, Spencer was also setting the groundwork for a broader legacy: improving biking infrastructure and access in national parks. His post-trip endeavors include crafting an advocacy blog and website, GoBikeCamping.com, aimed at influencing change and providing resources for future bike tourers.

Through his exploration and subsequent advocacy, Spencer hopes to initiate discussions and actions towards sustainable travel and better park experiences for cyclists, reducing reliance on motorised park tourism. His work focuses on collaborating with organisations and building momentum to improve camping access and park policies.

Join the Movement

If Spencer’s journey inspires you to get involved or if you’re planning your own adventure, explore GoBikeCamping.com. Connect with the community, share insights, and rally support for a cause that prioritises our natural landscapes and the simple joy of discovering them by bicycle. You can also follow Spencer on instagram via his account – @SpenceXYZ

In Spencer’s words, this is more than a cycling trip; it is an invitation to experience and preserve the world’s natural grandeur in a sustainable way, ensuring they remain accessible and wondrous to generations of adventurers to come.