Mid-Atlantic Gravel, Travel & Dirt

Exploring West Virginia Bikepacking & Grinduro PA with Mid-Atlantic Gravel Travel Join Brian and Joey as they dive into the vibrant West Virginia bikepacking scene, sharing insights on the Mon Forest project, upcoming events like Grinduro Pennsylvania, and the evolving bike models fueling these adventures. Whether you're planning your first trip or a seasoned rider, this episode is packed with tips, route highlights, and community updates to inspire your next ride. Main Topics Covered: The Mon Forest Bikepacking Routes: An overview of the regional loops, key towns involved, and the route diversity in West Virginia Upcoming Events & Community Initiatives: Details on the Mon Forest Bikepacking Summit, Grinduro Pennsylvania, and local engagement opportunities Bike Recommendations & Gear Tips: Insights on bike types suitable for various routes including terrain considerations and bikepacking-specific gear Strategic Route Planning: When to ride, logistical considerations, and scenic highlights like Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley Social & Community Building: The power of local meetups, Discord interactions, and shared experiences fostering the bikepacking community Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & episode overview 02:03 - Joey's bike and office tour sneak peek 06:03 - Details on West Virginia’s route network & key towns 10:09 - Comparing East Coast gravel events and community diversity 15:11 - Highlights of Mon Forest mountain loops and regional routes 20:05 - Water, lodging, and gear considerations for remote routes 21:28 - Upcoming bikepacking summit recreation & social activities 24:12 - Reviving Grinduro Pennsylvania with community vibes 30:06 - Bike choices and recommended setups for tough terrain 33:00 - Discord community insights & future meetups 42:38 - Philosophical musings on long-distance adventures & personal growth 48:08 - The cultural and traditional significance of the Masters golf tournament 50:43 - Closing thoughts & gratitude for the bikepacking community Resources & Links: Mon Forest Bikepacking Roots Project - https://bikepackingroots.org/projects/mon-forest-bikepacking Mon Forest Bikepacking Summit - https://bikepackingroots.org/2026/02/monforestsummit/ Grinduro Pennsylvania - https://grinduro.com/pennsylvania/ Note: Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring guest interviews on bike models, route design, and community stories.

Dive into this episode where Brian and Joey unveil their exciting new community platform, GTD After Hours, built on Discord. Discover how they're fostering a genuine connection among gravel biking fans, bikepackers, and adventurers, moving beyond traditional social media.Main Topics:- The evolution from Patreon to a dedicated Discord community- Building a vetted, spam-free, and engaging online space- How to join and participate in the GTD After Hours server- Features of the Discord setup, channels, and community guidelines- Supporting creators and the value of community-driven content- Upcoming meetups, ride reports, and community events- How this platform aims to replace doom scrolling with meaningful engagement- Technical tips for joining and using Discord effectivelyIn this episode:Brian and Joey share the backstory and motivation behind launching the communityDetails on how to support for only $5/month via LaunchPassThe significance of creating a curated space without politics or negativityA tour of the channels, from gear, ride reports, to event calendarsSpecial perks for early supporters, including free gravel-themed shirts and stickersTips on setting up your Discord account and troubleshooting accessThe vision for this community to grow into a hub for adventure bikers and gravel enthusiasts

Join us as we recount the exhilarating experiences from the Croatan Buck Fifty race, share insights into gravel-biking adventures, and discuss community, gear, and mental resilience amid challenging conditions. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to gravel riding, this episode provides valuable perspectives and tales from the trail.In this episode:- Overview of the Croatan Buck Fifty race and route- Personal stories of adventure, struggle, and triumph on muddy, fast, and technical terrain- Tips on bike setup, gear choices, and how to handle adversity during long rides- Community dynamics: camping, social gatherings, and the spirit of gravel racing- Exploring equipment talk: dynamo lights, tires, bikes, and innovative accessories- Reflecting on injuries, long-term health considerations, and mental toughness- Future plans for community-building platforms and online connectionsKey topics include:- Course conditions and changes caused by recent fires and road repairs- Strategies for pacing, starting line organization, and avoiding group congestion- The importance of community and camaraderie at gravel events and races - Gear setup, especially bike transport, lighting, and tire selection- Managing physical ailments like hand issues and race-day fatigue- Fun anecdotes, campfire stories, and food highlights from the weekend- The potential for a new online platform to connect gravel enthusiastsResources & Links:Schwalbe Tires (quality tires for gravel & road) https://www.schwalbe.com/Solo Stoves (campfire stoves) https://solostove.com/Coros Watches (adventure and fitness watches) https://coros.com/Gravel Travel & Dirt Website (event info & updates) http://graveltraveldirt.com/Connect with us:Instagram: http://instragram.com/MidAtlanticGTDWebsite: http://graveltraveldirt.com/Upcoming: Stay tuned for our new online platform designed to foster real-life gravel community connections, enhancing event experiences and online group cohesion. Together, we’re building a stronger gravel network!Thanks for riding along—remember to do good, be nice, go slow, and respect others. Until next time, loveyabye!

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of coffee, cycling, and community with Karl Fisher, the visionary behind Alabaster Coffee Roaster. Discover how Karl's passion for coffee and biking has transformed a hobby into a thriving community-centered business. Explore the unique intersection of coffee culture and cycling, and learn about Alabaster's commitment to supporting local initiatives and fostering community growth. Key Highlights: - The journey from hobby to business: Alabaster Coffee's origins - How coffee and cycling communities intersect and thrive together - Sourcing and roasting practices: direct trade and regional rotation - The role of coffee in community events and bikepacking adventures - Collaborations with local breweries, bike shops, and nonprofits - Karl's personal cycling experiences and favorite gear Resources & Links: Alabaster Coffee Roaster https://alabastercoffee.com/ Alabaster Coffee Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alabastercoffee Zangi Kenya Bicycles Initiative https://zangi.co/ Supporting small businesses like Alabaster Coffee fosters community growth and authentic connections. Whether through local collaborations or sharing a cup, community is at the heart of everything Carl and Alabaster stand for.

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.Exploring Gravel Bikes, Events, and the Future of Bike TechJoin us for episode 278 of Mid-Atlantic Gravel Travel and Dirt, where we dive into upcoming bike & gravel events like Philly Bike Expo and Croatan Buck Fifty, share impressions of new tires and gear, and discuss the latest innovations in bike technology for 2026. Whether you're planning your season or love bike talk, there's something here for every gravel enthusiast.In this episode:Highlights and insights into upcoming gravel events in March and April, including Philly Bike Expo, Harry Roubaix, Appalachian Journey, and Bald Eagle Gravel GrinderFirst impressions on American Classic tiresDeep dive into 2026 bike industry trends: suspension systems, tire clearance, and ride tech innovations like future shock integrationThe rise of tire pressure sensors and data-driven riding tools, including Kickstarter finds like OutriderNew bike models from Kona, Specialized, and others, including front suspension gravel bikes and full-suspension optionsAccessories and pedal adapters like Redshift's mousetrap for converting SPD pedals to flatsPricing comparisons for bike and car tires, and reflections on bike tire costs vs. automotive tiresPersonal anecdotes on yard work, creek crossings, and fave spring gravel routesA playful discussion on daylight savings, fluid dress codes with jerseys, and the importance of enjoying the gravel seasonTimestamps:00:00 - Intro and season kickoff; upcoming gravel events in spring02:22 - Philly Bike Expo details and what to expect04:22 - Favorite local dining spots and travel logistics for Philly06:49 - Preview of upcoming gravel races in March/April11:01 - The magic of Croatan Buck 50 and camaraderie12:01 - Campfire gear and social vibes at Buck 5015:50 - New bikes & gear for 2026: trends and innovations20:35 - Suspension tech and ride quality insights26:20 - Wider tires and tubeless tech improving ride comfort30:36 - Emerging tire models: Conti Terra, Schwalbe G1 RX Pro, and more37:53 - Deep dive into tire design and arrow optimizations42:30 - Comparing tire costs: bikes vs. cars, value considerations45:54 - Personal ride testing and tire impressions50:19 - Fun polls: porta potty choices and daylight savings thoughts55:50 - Gravel route challenges: freshly laid gravel vs. potholes58:13 - Wrapping up and upcoming plans, including the vibe at Buck Fifty

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.Join Brian & Joey as they share thoughts on gravel biking, bikepacking, and the quirks of bike shoes and gear. This episode covers bike gear hacks, the fun of bikepacking adventures, and humorous takes on cycling fashion.Nextool Multi-tool: https://amzn.to/4rc1ff0Topics in this episode:Bikepacking gear hacksCycling shoes and footwearHumorous cycling stories

Guest: Dave Pryor, Co-Founder of unPAved PennsylvaniaIn this episode, we sit down with the man responsible for putting Pennsylvania gravel on the map. Dave Pryor joins us to discuss the "easy on the eyes, hard on the legs" philosophy of his events, why Central PA is the ultimate destination for "IPA Gravel," and the cultural quirks that make riding in the Keystone State a one-of-a-kind experience.Mentioned in this EpisodeEvents & OrganizationsunPAved Pennsylvania: The flagship gravel event in Lewisburg, PA. (Next main event: October 11, 2026).Higher Ground: A grassroots tour of the history and rugged terrain of Johnstown and the Laurel Highlands.Monkey Knife Fight: Dave’s "hardest charity ride you'll love to hate" in the Lehigh Valley.Connect with Dave & the TeamOfficial Website: unpavedpennsylvania.comInstagram: @unpavedpennsylvaniaFacebook: unPAved PennsylvaniaSupporting the PodcastIf you enjoyed this deep dive into the gravel backroads of Pennsylvania, please leave us a review and subscribe!

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) is home to some of the most storied and challenging dirt in the Mid-Atlantic. In this episode, we sit down with Pat Engleman, the mastermind behind two bucket-list events: the legendary Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo and the remote, wilderness-heavy Starrucca Crossing.Pat shares the history of the "Hundo," explaining how it evolved from a local loop into a "Spring Classic" that routinely breaks bikes and spirits alike. We also explore the unique personality of the Endless Mountains and why Starrucca Crossing is his most ambitious project yet. Whether you're chasing a hatchet or just looking for the best post-ride tacos in PA, this conversation is for you.Key Discussion PointsThe Hundo Legend: Why the Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo is "as hard to ride as it is to say."The NEPA Vibe: Breaking down the specific mix of steep climbs, remote secondary roads, and "crap pavement" that makes the region unique.Starrucca Crossing: What it means to ride a course that is 80%+ dirt/gravel in the Endless Mountains.The Director’s Chair: Logistics of remote aid stations and managing a massive community-driven event.Rapid Fire: "This or That" with Pat (Luke-warm hot dogs vs. walking THE hill).Event Details & Registration2026 Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo V14Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026Location: Jenkins Township / Duryea, PADistances: Full 100, 3/4 Hundo (75 mi), Metric Century, and "A Lovely 40."Registration: Register on BikeRegThe Starrucca CrossingDate: Sunday, May 17, 2026Location: Montrose / Fleetville, PADistances: 100 Mile Gallop, 75 Mile Trot, 50 Mile Canter, 30 Mile Amble.Registration: Register on BikeRegPA Campfires & CanvasesWebsite: https://www.pacampfires.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keystonecampfires

Today on the podcast, we are thrilled to welcome professional cyclist and adventurer, Jeremiah Bishop. While Jeremiah has a storied career in racing, many of you also know him from his collaboration with Tyler Pearce (The Vegan Cyclist) on the visually stunning and incredibly grueling YouTube series, "The Impossible Route."In this conversation, we peel back the layers of what it really takes to complete these massive multi-day adventures. Jeremiah takes us behind the scenes of the filming process, discussing the logistics of balancing high-level athletic performance with creating compelling content in the middle of nowhere.But the most exciting part? The "Impossible" is becoming accessible. Jeremiah shares the details on his brand new venture: offering supported bike tours along some of the iconic routes featured in the video series.If you love gravel cycling, bikepacking, or just hearing stories about human endurance in beautiful places, you don’t want to miss this one.In This Episode We Discuss:The origins of the collaboration with Tyler Pearce (The Vegan Cyclist).Defining "Impossible": How they scout and select routes that balance rideability with extreme challenge.The reality of filming vs. the reality of riding: What the cameras don't show.The New Tours: How Jeremiah is opening up these legendary routes to the public through guided trips, and what participants can expect.Are you up to the challenge? How to prepare for an "Impossible" route.Links & Resources Mentioned:Jeremiah Bishop's Website & Coaching: https://www.jeremiahbishop.com/"The Impossible Route" Tour Information: https://www.bikereg.com/74421The Impossible Route: https://www.theimpossibleroute.com/Follow Jeremiah on Instagram: [@JeremiahBishop]Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! It helps other gravel and adventure lovers find the show.

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.This episode we talk with James Llewellyn, the mastermind behind Mammoth Endurance Gravel. We’re digging into the PA Grand Canyon, the logic behind the two-loop format, and why this might be the hardest mental test on the East Coast calendar.Mammoth Endurance Gravel: https://www.mammothendurancegravel.com/Official MAMMOTH Jerseyhttps://trevolti.com/products/mammoth-endurance-gravel-2026-event-jerseyOr grab one from our Reg page until March 1.Trek BikesNittany Mountain Works Key LabCS SportsMonolith Performancehttps://monolithperformance.com/Pennsylvania DirtbagsunPAved PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Environmental Council

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.How to contact us…Website at graveltraveldirt.comInstagram @midatlanticgtd Don’t forget T-shirts, Hoodies, and Stickers are available through our Shopify store and you can find the link on our website or any of the socials.

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.Coros Dura: https://us.coros.com/dura

Join us each week as we discuss gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes.Let's talk this week about cleaning bikes in the winter, new wireless groupsets from Shimano, and using AI to help plan adventures.RYOBI 40V HP Brushless EZClean 600 PSI: https://amzn.to/4s3HXdmTed King Bike Cleaning on YT: https://youtu.be/0QmvOTbuviA?si=mrZRTFiuAPhpwkXc&t=367