My riding partner always shirks camp duties. How can I get them to contribute their fair share? Dear Overworked, Bummer! I feel for you on this one. Going out on a limb here, I assume that this is someone you enjoy riding with enough that you’ve put up with shouldering more than your fair share […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

CategoriesTours & Routes

History of The Cycling House Founded in 2005 in the heart of Montana, The Cycling House was born from a simple idea: blend high-quality cycling with the comfort and camaraderie of a home-away-from-home experience. What began as a winter training escape for cyclists has evolved into one of the most respected adventure cycling companies in […]
Basic bike repair skills are indeed very useful, especially in remote places where bike shops are few and far between, but you don’t have to know everything before you start. Eventually though, especially if you want to ride solo, you’ll need to learn the basics. Plus, it’s kind of fun! You’ll find many excellent how-to […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

In America, whether our bike is a source of adventure (hello, new towns and terrain) or a ticket to a healthier life (goodbye, stress and fatigue), we generally ride them by choice. In Africa, however, bicycles are also an essential form of transportation, and not just from place to place. Bikes have the power to […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

I had to abandon a long tour that I had been planning for years halfway through it, and I’m still devastated. How do I get over it? Dear Devastated, I’m so sorry. It’s understandable that you’re feeling a great sense of loss, given how invested you were in this trip. It is totally okay to […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

Sleeping under the stars in a beautiful place, one that you reached under your own power, can be one of the biggest joys of bikepacking. If you’re new to camping it might seem like a lot to figure out, but with a little practice it can become a familiar routine. Choosing a Campsite A good […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

Water and food are always an important basic need for cyclists, and the remote nature of some bikepacking routes makes self-reliance absolutely essential. Knowing your route can help you strike the right balance between going thirsty and hungry and lugging an unnecessarily heavy load. However, always err on the side of having too much water […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

Northern New Mexico’s painted high desert landscapes, green chile, turquoise, margaritas, and world-class art galleries may make you never want to leave. And why should you? With plentiful gravel roads, mountain tracks, and numerous bike and multiuse trails, the city is also a cycling paradise. In fact, the International Mountain Biking Association designated the Southwestern […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

No matter where I am in the US, there’s always an Adventure Cycling route close by. When I lived in Michigan, I pedaled out my door onto the North Lakes route. In Arizona, I was just a few miles from the Great Divide. When I visited my friend Alison in San Francisco, I biked from […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

I just got back from Tuscany, Italy, where we wrapped up a weeklong cycling trip built around the Strade Bianche professional race. This one has all the ingredients for an incredible cycling getaway—stunning and challenging routes through the old world, incredible farm-fresh Tuscan food (my favorite), and witnessing a professional race that is pure magic. […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

Heavy in Houston asks: “I always overpack because I’m nervous I’ll need something that I don’t have. How can I lighten my load both mentally and physically?” You’re not alone. While I have been on tours with a few fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants folks, in my experience, the majority of pannier-touring bike tourists like to be prepared for […]
Secure your spot—pick your destination when the time is right. Love the idea of joining The Cycling House but still sorting out your calendar—or unsure which destination is right for you? This flexible option lets you reserve your place now and choose your trip later. Whether you’re dreaming of Mallorca, Montana, or somewhere in between, […]
This article originally appeared in Cycling West, a print and digital publication about cycling in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Colorado. An Alaskan bicycle tour has been on the bucket list for Julie and I for 15 years or more. Initially the plan was to ride the “North Star route” from Missoula, […]
This review originally appeared in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine. Click here to learn more. After years of producing high-end carbon bike components, ENVE finally decided to try its hand at full bike builds in 2021. The result was the Custom Road, whose geometry, paint, and components are tailored to each rider. […]
You don’t have to plan your bikepacking trip months in advance, but it certainly doesn’t hurt — especially if you want to tackle a long ride overseas. Here’s a general timeline and trip planning checklist to help keep you on track. 1 to 3 Months Before You Go: Ride your bike often, stay active, and […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

Photo by Jeana Bala on Unsplash Lighthouses jutting out of cliffs. Fresh Atlantic lobster. Colossal forests of spruce and fir. Maine conjures a lot of romantic images, and if you love vast timberland and quiet small towns, Vacationland certainly lives up to its nickname. But while there are many ways to explore this holiday hot […]
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It may only be February, but we can’t help daydreaming about Montana summers—they’re simply the best! Montana isn’t just where we host our trips; it’s our backyard, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. From May through September, The Cycling House will guide you through Big Sky Country, showcasing our favorite roads, climbs, […]
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We couldn’t be more excited to see The Cycling House staff rocking some sharp, desert-themed Eliel Cycling kits over the last year. Guess what? Now’s your chance to snag your very own! Our online store is officially open, featuring those same kits plus a variety of fresh colors and styles to suit your vibe. As a bonus, we’re offering 50% off your […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

As we roll into 2025, I find myself reflecting on an incredible milestone: The Cycling House is celebrating its 20th anniversary! If you had told me 20 years ago that we’d be here today, I wouldn’t have believed it. What started as a way to ride bikes and avoid a “real job” has grown into […]
Riding a bicycle on backroads and trails is actually, statistically speaking, quite safe. Still, it’s natural to feel anxious about “what ifs” when jumping into something new. The best way to cope with worry is to figure out what’s most likely to go wrong, make sure you’re prepared to deal with it, and then relax […]
Photo by Frederic Guyot Simply put, bikepacking is more fun when mind and body are on the same team. Many a long bike ride has begun with no training at all, and we’re not here to discourage anyone from trying if that’s your style. But there is freedom in feeling like your body is helping […]
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At The Cycling House, we know the value of a reliable and high-performing bike. That’s why, after putting tens of thousands of miles on our Cervelo Aspero rental bikes over the past few years, we decided to stick with what works. The Aspero has been a fan favorite among our guests and guides, performing flawlessly […]
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This story originally appeared as the Be Here Now feature of the 2024 Sept/Oct issue of Adventure Cyclist. Perched on a peninsula in the south- western edge of Casco Bay, the city of Portland, Maine, is infused with all things ocean. Even the city’s most famous district is called the Old Port, evoking its maritime […]
Photo by Laura Irwin If bike touring with panniers is like traveling with a big roller suitcase, bikepacking is like traveling with only a carry-on backpack. The goal is to have everything you need and also to need everything you have. Here are some tips for packing lighter: Bring less stuff! Ask yourself “What would […]
CategoriesTours & Routes

We were thrilled to host Dave Malwitz of Gravelstoke on our first-ever Chiricahua Gravel trip! Joined by seven other guests, Dave explored southeastern Arizona’s breathtaking desert landscapes and Sky Islands during this 5-day cycling adventure. “The Chiricahua Gravel trip with The Cycling House was a true adventure. Each day brought new and exciting challenges, from […]