This article discusses the characteristics to look for in a bikepacking bike that will be suitable for extended touring on a wide variety of terrain, and looks at what we…
Mark WatsonJune 28, 2023
from the mountains to the jungle Ever since arriving in the Cusco region, we'd talked about making a trip down to the Madre de Dios jungle and the fringes of…
Mark WatsonMay 23, 2019
Introduction Bikepacking is a new name for an old sport: multi-day mountain biking or dirt-road touring with an emphasis on travelling light and seeking adventurous routes. Ever since the late…
Mark WatsonNovember 12, 2018
We get lots of questions from people regarding the bikes we're riding and in particular our combination of panniers with more new-school Revelate Designs bikepacking kit. Here's a breakdown of how…
Mark WatsonNovember 27, 2016
Bicycle Traveler Magazine recently interviewed me regarding the hybrid cycle touring/bike packing set up Hana and I are using for our Alaska to Argentina tour. I talk about the bikes,…
Mark WatsonOctober 16, 2016
From Fairbanks to Cantwell and the start of the Denali Highway, our route through Alaska passed the single road entrance to Denali National Park. Mountains will always be magnets, and…
Mark WatsonJuly 15, 2016
This post is long overdue, and comes after months of planning, preparation and house packing. As I write this we’re in the air – en route to Deadhorse (permanent population…
Mark WatsonJune 6, 2016
A four day bike packing trip over the first four days of 2016, incorporating the Old Ghost Road, Charming Creek Walkway and Denniston Shortcut. This trip was originally intended to…
Mark WatsonJanuary 7, 2016
A few photographs from two great days cycling the St James Cycle Trail return from Hanmer Springs in late November 2015. Four of us headed over Jacks Pass from Hanmer,…
Mark WatsonJanuary 6, 2016
The past four months have been something of a transitional time. I finished Te Araroa in early July, then spent eight weeks doing long days at the computer to get…
Mark WatsonOctober 29, 2015
Here's a few shots from a three-day Banks Peninsula bike packing trip back in November. Hana's training for the biennial Kiwi Brevet again this year and was keen for some…
Mark WatsonDecember 27, 2013
