Today, the brand announced BOOSTED, a new range of plant‑derived lubricants and solvent‑free cleaners designed to hit the same performance benchmarks riders expect—without the petroleum, PFAS, or other junk no one wants on their bike or in their watershed.

The line is shipping worldwide.

Founder and CEO Hank Krause frames it as a moment of the company coming full circle. As he puts it, “Using plant-based ingredients was not much more than a dream at that time… BOOSTED is meeting and outperforming current petroleum and paraffin standards.”

Eco Without the Usual Compromises

Finish Line is positioning BOOSTED™ as “eco without compromise,” and the formulations back that up. All four products are:

• Petroleum- and solvent‑free
• Readily biodegradable
• Non‑toxic and user‑safe
• Free of PFAS, carcinogens, dyes, fragrances, and hazardous ingredients

This list of features is significant for those who maintain drivetrains in tight spaces or need to wash lubricant off their hands immediately after use.

The BOOSTED™ Lineup

The launch includes four core products, each built on synthesized plant oils or plant‑based waxes:

BioWax

A drip-on liquid wax that dries clean, repels dirt, and keeps drivetrains quiet and efficient for long periods.

BioWet

A wet-film lubricant made from synthesized plant oils with low friction and strong wet-condition durability.

BioGrease

A NLGI-1 plant-based grease in an aluminum base, safe for O-rings and plastics, built for high loads and water exposure.

BioClean

A water-based, solvent-free degreaser that breaks down grime quickly, rivaling traditional degreasers without the hazards.

Why This Matters

Bike care products are among the last holdouts of petroleum-based formulations in cycling. Riders have more options than ever for sustainable gear, but lubes and degreasers have lagged behind—mostly because performance expectations are high and the chemistry is hard.
BOOSTED looks like Finish Line’s attempt to close that gap for good. If the products perform as claimed, this could be a meaningful shift for everyday riders, shop mechanics, and anyone who’s ever felt uneasy about rinsing solvent off their bike and sending it down the gutter.
Samples will be secured for complete real-world testing in a variety of conditions, including mud, dust, and rain.

The post Finish Line BOOSTED Bike Care appeared first on Bike Hugger.

You know the routine. You’ve got a quality folding lock, and it lives in your bag — bouncing around with your pump, your rain jacket, and whatever else you’ve convinced yourself is essential. Or it’s bungeed to the rear rack in a way that feels fine until the first pothole. Or it’s just… not with you, sitting on the workbench at home while your bike is locked up with the sketchy cable lock you keep for emergencies.

Hiplok has been chipping away at the carry problem for years — their wearable chain locks made real inroads with urban commuters. The SWITCH 105 is the next chapter: a Sold Secure-rated folding lock built around a modular carry system that genuinely addresses how real riders actually move through the world. Order the SWITCH 105 from Amazon for $129.

THE SWITCH SYSTEM

The headline feature here isn’t the lock itself — it’s the ecosystem around it. The SWITCH system ships with three components: a bracket that bolts to your frame, a holster that connects the lock to said bracket (or to any bag strap or belt), and a plate that lets your water bottle cage swap right back in when you’re not carrying the lock on-bike.

“COMMUTING AND WEEKEND RIDING REQUIRE DIFFERENT SETUPS. SWITCH ACTUALLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT.”

That last bit is clever. The bottle cage swap means you’re not choosing between hydration and security on a mixed-use bike. On the commuter days, the lock mounts cleanly to the frame. On the trail days or the coffee shop rides, you throw the cage back in and clip the lock to your bag strap or belt via the holster. Additional brackets are sold separately, so you can set up multiple bikes without re-bolting every time.

In practice this kind of modularity lives or dies by how quick the transitions actually are. Hiplok’s video demos show a satisfying one-click swap, and the machined quality of their other products suggests this won’t feel cheap after a few hundred uses. That said — this is a lock you’ll want to handle before fully committing, so if you’re near a dealer, do that.

THE LOCK ITSELF

Strip away the carry system and you’ve got a solid, if not bombproof, folding lock. The bars are hardened steel linked with steel rivets, and the locking length tops out at 105cm — generous enough to get through a wheel and frame and around most fixed objects without requiring you to park in exactly the right spot. Folded down, the whole package measures 110mm, pocketable in a jersey or jacket.

The security rating is Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze. Let’s be honest about what that means: it’s the entry level of the Sold Secure tiers, which is worth acknowledging. Hiplok is transparent that there’s no angle grinder resistance here. For a high-theft urban environment where you’re leaving your bike for hours, you’ll want to layer this with a secondary lock or a heavier hitter. As a quick-stop lock for lower-risk situations — the coffee shop, the trailhead, the grocery run — it’s appropriately specified. The bar thickness at 4mm is consistent with this positioning.

Weight comes in at 1.18kg. Not featherweight, but reasonable for a folding lock with a real mounting system attached. Three coded, replaceable keys ship in the box — the replaceable key program is a genuinely useful touch that more lock makers should adopt.

Product Details

• 105cm locking length
• Folding design with hardened steel bars
• SWITCH plate allows the lock or a bottle to use the same mount
• Sold Secure Bronze rated
• Clips to belts and bags when not mounted on the bike
• Weight: 1.17kg (2.59 lbs)
• Three replaceable keys
• Available in black and grey
• £89 | €99 | $129 from Amazon

Who It’s For

The SWITCH 105 makes the most sense for the rider who commutes on the same bike they also take out on weekends — the gravel commuter, the urban all-rounder, the person whose bike genuinely has to do everything. The flexible carry system rewards that versatility rather than fighting it.

It’s less compelling if you’re after maximum security for long-term city parking. In that case, something from the higher Sold Secure tiers (Silver or Gold) is the right call, and Hiplok’s own lineup has those options if you want to stay in the family. But if you’re shopping in the “daily carry, lower-risk stops” category, the SWITCH earns its $129.99 by making the lock more likely to actually be with you when you need it.

The lifetime warranty — activated by registering within 30 days of purchase — is a confidence-builder. It signals Hiplok believes in the hardware, and it gives buyers a reasonable backstop on a product they’ll likely use daily for years.

Bottom Line

The best lock is the one you actually bring. Hiplok built the SWITCH around that idea, and it shows. The SWITCH system is genuinely flexible, the modular bracket-and-holster design solves a real problem, and the 105cm reach gives you enough flexibility to lock up properly in most situations. The Bronze security rating asks you to be honest about your threat model — pair it accordingly — but for a huge slice of everyday riding, it’s more than adequate. Available in All Black and Light Grey.

The Verdict

Smart Carry, Honest Security

A well-built folding lock that solves the carry problem better than almost anything else at this price. Know its security ceiling and use it accordingly — it’ll reward you with years of reliable, actually-with-you performance.
$129.99 — hiplok.com

The post The Lock That Rides With You appeared first on Bike Hugger.

Building on the aerodynamic and comfort‑focused U.P./U.P.PER 2.0 platform, the new model delivers meaningful upgrades particularly designed for bikepackers and long‑distance explorers. This direct evolution signals the next step in the U.P. Adventure story. As the press release notes, the U.P. 2.0 Adventure “takes the aerodynamics and comfort of the U.P.|U.P.PER. 2.0 frame and adds serious cargo capability and an even more comfortable fork.”

Aero Meets All‑Day Comfort

OPEN has always been vocal about managing speed with real‑world rideability. Co‑founder Gerard Vroomen sums it up perfectly: “Aero without comfort is useless.”

This ethos carries over into the U.P. 2.0 Adventure, where aerodynamic developments are integrated while still prioritizing the smooth, stable ride gravel cyclists trust for long-distance riding. This approach sets the stage for the bike’s key geometric updates.

A.I.R. Geometry: Agile, Integrated, Refined

Next, at the heart of these updates lies OPEN’s revised A.I.R. Geometry, crafted with the aim of seamless synergy among rider and machine. The now slightly longer and taller frames reflect the requirements of today’s gravel adventurers—riders who are stretching limits and demanding versatility.

Each frame size has unique geometry and tube shaping, and the forks are size-specific to preserve OPEN’s agile, responsive handling—even with bigger tires.

OPEN B.A.R.: A Cockpit That Actually Fits

One‑piece cockpits look sleek, but they rarely fit real riders. OPEN’s response is the OPEN B.A.R., an integrated bar system available in 10 sizes with a clever 15mm stem‑length adjustment range.

As CEO Andy Kessler puts it, riders obsess over tiny fit details elsewhere — so why accept for 10mm stem jumps? The B.A.R. lets you fine‑tune your position in seconds.

Built for Adventure, Not Just Speed

OPEN riders use their bikes for fast gravel loops and multi-day expeditions; the U.P. 2.0 Adventure is built for both.
Key upgrades include:

• ` for a strapless frame bag
• Compatibility with custom bags, including a forthcoming aero bag from Apidura
• A redesigned U‑Turn Adventure fork with improved comfort
• The world’s lightest fork‑mounted cargo system, allowing bags to strap directly to the fork legs without cages

The fork’s integrated slots let riders use soft bags, straps, bungees, or a standard cage. It’s a minimalist, elegant gear-carrying solution that doesn’t compromise handling.

Tire Clearance: OPEN’s Stance on the “50mm Problem.”

After years of testing, OPEN believes 50mm tires occupy a “valley of death”—too big for aero, too small for true low-resistance float.
Their lineup reflects that stance:

• U.P. 2.0: optimized for tires up to 45mm
• WI.DE. 2.0 (coming soon): for 55mm and beyond

The U.P. 2.0 Adventure fits this approach with 46mm max clearance, keeping the bike fast and agile whether loaded or not.

Availability, Pricing & Options

The U.P. 2.0 Adventure is available now in Orange Pearl, with custom colors and a Raw Ready‑to‑Paint option also offered.

Frameset pricing:

• Raw Ready‑to‑Paint: USD/EUR 3,200
• Orange Pearl: USD/EUR 3,500

Cockpit kit (OPEN B.A.R./seatpost/headset):

• USD/EUR 1,000

Complete bikes:

• Force XPLR / Zipp 303 XPLR S: USD/EUR 8,000
• Force XPLR / Zipp 303 XPLR SW: USD/EUR 8,800
• Red XPLR / Zipp 303 XPLR S: USD/EUR 9,400
• Red XPLR / Zipp 303 XPLR SW: USD/EUR 10,200

Final Thoughts

The U.P. 2.0 Adventure isn’t just a gravel bike—it doubles down on what made the U.P. revolutionary, accepting modern gravel riding realities: more comfort, cargo, fit adjustability, and the same focus on speed.

If you’re the kind of rider who wants a bike that’s as ready for a fast Saturday loop as it is for a weeklong bikepacking trip, this one deserves a serious look.

Of note and not mentioned…OPEN is getting away from supporting 650b. As an evangelist of OPEN and an early adopter, I understand the market has spoken regarding wheel formats. Still, it takes away all the capability 650b had to offer.

The post The U.P. 2.0 Adventure Launched appeared first on Bike Hugger.

Terra Competition: Continental’s Fastest All‑Road Gravel Tire Yet

Continental positions the Terra Competition as the tire that blurs the line between road and gravel, with uncompromised speed, improved aerodynamics, and optimized weight. Its light-knobbed tread is designed for:

• Compressed soils
• Worn-out tarmac
• Dry to moist conditions

The center tread is nearly continuous for straight-line speed, while the shoulders carry more pronounced knobs and drainage elements for off‑road bite. Continental also claims that the overall pattern reduces aerodynamic drag, a claim they quantify later in the deck.

“Terra Competition is engineered for speed on light gravel, compressed soils, and rough, worn tarmac…”

Two Casings: Race and Trail

Continental splits the line into Race Casing and Trail Casing, each with a distinct personality.

Race Casing

Light, supple, and speed-focused.

• One‑ply construction
• Reinforced sidewall and crown
• Tubeless Ready and hookless compatible
• Optimized for gravel, XC, and down‑country
• Prioritizes plushness and acceleration

“Light and supple one‑ply construction… fabrics and body compounds combined for superb plushness and suppleness.”

Trail Casing

More robust, adaptive, and protective.

• One‑ply construction with reinforced sidewalls
• Designed for down‑country and trail‑level abuse
• Tubeless Ready and hookless compatible
• Built for riders who push gravel into MTB territory

“Adaptive and robust one‑ply construction… superb robustness and ground adaptation.”

Rapid vs. Grip: Two Compounds, Both with BlackChili

Continental keeps things simple with two compound options:

• Rapid Compound — the fastest, lowest rolling resistance option, inspired by road race tires.
• Grip Compound — more damping, more traction, and better suited for XC, down‑country, and trail.

Both use the brand’s BlackChili additive.

“When speed and acceleration… is all that matters, then the Rapid Compound is your go‑to option.”

“This compound offers an excellent balance of grip and rolling resistance.”

Performance Claims: Lighter, Faster, More Aero

Continental directly compares the Terra Competition to the Terra Speed, stating that the new model delivers improved figures across weight, aerodynamics, puncture protection, and rolling resistance.

Weight Savings

Depending on size, the Terra Competition Race casing weighs 5–16% less than the Terra Speed Protection. For example, the 35 mm Terra Competition Race weighs 345 g, while the 35 mm Terra Speed weighs 413 g.

“35‑622 Terra Competition… 345g vs Terra Speed 413g (16.4%).”

Aerodynamic Gains

Continental measured lower aerodynamic drag for the Terra Competition compared to the Terra Speed, across yaw angles from –20° to +20° and at speeds from 30 to 45 km/h.

“Savings in aerodynamic drag for all tested velocities for yaw angles from –20° to +20°.”

Puncture Protection

Both Race and Trail casings include a textile breaker under the tread, which Continental states improves puncture resistance compared to the Terra Speed’s ProTection casing.

“Enhanced puncture protection, thanks to a textile breaker beneath the tread.”

Rolling Resistance

The largest difference: the 35 mm Race/Rapid version offers up to 17% lower rolling resistance than the Terra Speed in the same size.

“5.0 bar | 26.41W vs 21.89W | ~17%.”

Sizes and Specs

The Terra Competition launches in 35, 40, and 45 mm widths, each available in Race Rapid or Trail Grip constructions. All are tubeless-ready, hookless-compatible, and E‑25 rated.
Weights range from 345 g (35 mm Race) to 530 g (45 mm Trail).

What This Means for Riders

The Terra Competition aims to be a “race everywhere” tire—able to match fast road options on pavement while offering bite and protection for gravel. The dual-casing design gives riders a clear choice:

• Race Casing + Rapid Compound for events like SBT GRVL, Unbound 100, or any fast all‑road ride.
• Trail Casing + Grip Compound for chunky gravel, down‑country detours, or riders who want more insurance without giving up too much speed.

For Bike Hugger readers who ride mixed surfaces in the Cascades, Methow, or anywhere the pavement ends abruptly, this tire sits right in the sweet spot. The tires also look sharp.

The post Continental Terra Competition appeared first on Bike Hugger.

Winter transforms the landscape into something quieter, softer, and—if you’re prepared—far more adventurous. If you’ve been looking for a way to explore snowy trails without sinking knee‑deep into powder or in the snow, the Retrospec Snowshoe Bundle ($81 on Amazon) is one of the most accessible, beginner‑friendly, and budget‑smart ways to get out there.

Whether you’re new to snowshoeing or just want a reliable setup that won’t overcomplicate your winter outings, this bundle delivers a surprising amount of performance for the price.

Built for Beginners, Ready for Adventure

Retrospec Drifter snowshoes are beginner-friendly, intuitive, and easy to use. Ideal for short hikes or walks through fresh snow, they help keep you on top of the powder.

What makes them approachable?

• Simple, intuitive design
• Lightweight construction that won’t tire you out
• Enough traction and stability for casual winter exploration

They’re not trying to be technical mountaineering snowshoes—and that’s the point. They’re built for everyday winter wanderers.

A Bundle That Actually Makes Sense

This bundle from Retrospec offers more than just snowshoes. It includes:

• Drifter snowshoes (available in 25″ or 30″)
• Lightweight aluminum trekking poles
• Adjustable, quick‑lock bindings that are glove‑friendly
• A full‑floating pivot system that reduces leg strain on climbs

With this bundle, you’re equipped to hit the trail immediately—every item is thoughtfully matched. You avoid extra shopping, piece-by-piece guesswork, or the hassle of incompatible gear, making it especially streamlined for newcomers.

The bundled poles shouldn’t be underestimated. Properly matched to the snowshoes, they add critical balance and confidence on winter trails, helping new users feel stable, safe, and ready to explore varied terrain.

Durability Without the Price Shock

The Drifter snowshoes are built from high‑quality, all‑terrain materials designed to handle everything from deep powder to firmer, icier surfaces.
You get a durable, budget-friendly setup—not ultralight gear, but solid quality for the price. The bundle is often under $100, making it a very affordable winter gear choice.

Why Snowshoeing at All?

If you’re new to the sport, snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter activities out there. It requires minimal technique, offers a great workout, and lets you explore places that would otherwise be off‑limits in deep snow.
Snowshoes work by distributing your weight over a larger surface area, preventing you from sinking into soft snow. It’s simple physics—and it makes winter feel a lot more inviting.

Who the Retrospec Bundle Is Perfect For

This bundle is a great fit if you:

• Want to explore snowy trails without investing in high‑end gear.
• Prefer intuitive, low‑maintenance equipment.
• Need a complete setup that’s ready to go.
• Enjoy casual winter hikes, cabin‑side adventures, or snow‑covered forest roads.

If you’re planning steep, technical, or multi‑day backcountry trips, you’ll eventually want something more advanced. But for everyday winter exploration, the Retrospec bundle is a standout value.

Final Thoughts

The Retrospec Snowshoe Bundle is affordable, durable, and beginner-friendly—making it easy and enjoyable for cyclists to get outside this winter.
If you embrace winter and cross training, get started with this bundle.

Extras

While shopping from Retrospec, check out the helmet and canteen I added to my order. Meanwhile, in the west, we’re all waiting for more snow.

The post Retrospec Snowshoe Bundle appeared first on Bike Hugger.

There are bikes that feel premium because of paint, branding, or clever marketing—and then there’s the Tern Orox, a bike that feels premium because every part of it is unapologetically overbuilt. You don’t have to squint to see the quality. You feel it the moment you load it up, point it toward a forest road, and realize nothing on the bike flinches.

The Orox isn’t trying to be cute. It’s trying to be durable. And that’s exactly why it stands out.

A Frame That Doesn’t Blink

Tern designed the Orox with the same mindset as a good work truck: reliability first, aesthetics second. Welds are clean and confident. The oversized tubing doesn’t just look strong—it is strong. You can stack cargo, strap odd-shaped gear, or haul a week’s worth of groceries without the frame twisting or complaining.

It’s the kind of bike that seems like it will outlast the rider.

The Drivetrain: Quiet Power, Zero Drama

Where the Orox really separates itself is in the drivetrain. Cargo bikes expose weaknesses fast—long climbs, heavy loads, and mixed terrain will shred anything that isn’t engineered for abuse. The Orox’s drivetrain handles all of it with a calm, almost smug competence.

• Smooth shifting under load
  Even when you’re grinding up a steep gravel pitch with a full pannier setup, the drivetrain doesn’t hesitate. No clunks, no ghost shifts, no “please don’t do this to me” noises.
• Torque that feels bottomless
  Paired with the motor system, the gearing delivers usable power exactly where you need it. It’s not about speed—it’s about controlled, predictable force that makes a 70‑pound bike plus cargo feel surprisingly manageable.
• Low maintenance, high resilience
  They choose components for longevity, not flash. They shrug off dust, cold, mud, and the kind of everyday abuse that comes with living in a rural valley where roads exist optional, and weather is a suggestion.

This is a drivetrain built for riders who don’t baby their equipment.

A Bike That Rewards Real Use

The Orox shines most when it’s doing actual work. Errands, long-range mixed-surface rides, hauling gear to a trailhead, navigating snow berms, or just linking forest home to town—this is where the bike’s quality becomes obvious. Nothing rattles or loosens. Nothing feels like a compromise.
It’s a rare thing: a cargo bike that’s not only capable but confident.

Why Quality Matters

When you rely on a bike for transportation, exploration, and the occasional “let’s see where this road goes” detour, quality isn’t a luxury. It’s the difference between a good day and a long walk home. Chiefly, the Orox’s build and drivetrain give you permission to ride harder, farther, and with more trust in the machine beneath you.

You earn that trust; you don’t advertise it.

The post Tern Orox High Quality Build appeared first on Bike Hugger.

The Salsa Wanderosa: When Gravel Riding Gets Ambitious

The Salsa Wanderosa isn’t just another gravel bike. It draws a line in the sand, declaring that “gravel” can include full‑suspension, drop bars, and electric assist. It still keeps the soul of exploration—and doubles down with added comfort, control, and power for any adventure.

This bike is for riders who want to roll out the door, point at the longest, rowdiest backroads, and keep going. It outlasts traditional gravel setups. It’s made for interest and days when you check the mileage only after you’re deep in the forest.

What Makes the Wanderosa Different

Full‑Suspension Meets Drop Bars

Salsa calls the Wanderosa a full‑suspension gravel e‑bike. That’s not just marketing. It has 120 mm of travel in front and 110 mm in the rear. It borrows from XC mountain bikes but keeps the progressive drop‑bar geometry that gravel riders love.

A Motor That Extends the Adventure

The FAZUA Ride 60 drive unit is at its core. It offers four assist modes. The boost seems natural and never overwhelms. With 60 Nm of torque and a 480 Wh battery, it’s ready for long days and big elevation.

Carbon Frame, Clever Details

The Wanderosa has a carbon frame with flex‑stay suspension. It offers clearance for up to 29 x 2.35” tires and smart mounting points for bottles and gear. This platform adapts to anything the day delivers.

Who This Bike Is For

If your ideal ride involves:

• Linking forest roads, singletrack, and forgotten connectors
• Riding farther than your legs alone would normally allow
• Tackling rougher terrain without giving up drop‑bar efficiency
• Turning a “quick spin” into an all‑day wander

…then the Wanderosa is speaking your language.

This isn’t a pure gravel performance bike or a mountain bike. It creates its own category, with comfort for long rides, the capability to handle varied terrain, and the freedom to venture anywhere.

The Ride Experience

Salsa says the Wanderosa is “inspired by the feeling of spending a whole day exploring in the forest.” That’s how it rides.

The suspension smooths out chatter and chunk. It never feels mushy. The geometry keeps you stable on descents and planted on climbs. The motor is there when you need it and invisible when you don’t.

This bike encourages detours. It can turn a familiar loop into a choose‑your‑own‑adventure ride. Check the edit.

Final Thoughts

The Salsa Wanderosa is bold. It pushes the definition of gravel, thrilling some riders and confusing others. That’s what renders it exciting. It’s for riders who want to break limits, blur categories, and ride terrain that used to require compromise.

If getting lost is your idea of a perfect day—in the best way—the Wanderosa might be your new best companion. Find one at a bike shop near you.

The post Salsa Wanderosa Takes You Farther and Faster appeared first on Bike Hugger.

Tern Bicycles has moved into a new headquarters in New Taipei City, a major step for the urban mobility brand. The new space brings all Taiwan-based teams—previously scattered across multiple buildings and floors—into one purpose-built workspace designed to spark collaboration, creativity, and spontaneous problem-solving that fuels Tern’s product development.

Team Captain Josh Hon says the move let Tern rethink teamwork.

“Designing this space from scratch allowed us to be deliberate with the layout,” he says. The new HQ focuses on how ideas move, how teams gather, and how energy flows each day.

A Workspace Built for Ideas

The new office covers the entire eighth floor and houses 70 team members. At its center is the Hub—an open area designed to spark casual conversations and “water cooler” moments that lead to breakthroughs.
Around the Hub are focused and creative zones: bean bag rooms for brainstorming, Zoom pods for private calls, an expanded Innovation Lab, and a dedicated Photo/Video studio for Tern’s content and product storytelling.

A Location That Reflects Tern’s Values

The headquarters is in a redevelopment zone that prioritizes public transit, walkability, bike infrastructure, parks, and green space. The building has a Green Building certification and on-site solar power.

Tern encourages employees to commute by bike through its Bike to Work program.. Accordingly, through the program, staff earn credit for every kilometer, redeemable toward a Tern bike. Secure indoor bike parking, showers, and lockers make daily riding easy.

Global Roots, Shared Space

While the new HQ unites Tern’s Taiwan teams, the company remains globally distributed. Its bikes are designed in Finland, engineered in Taiwan, and marketed worldwide. Tern collaborates across time zones even as the office strengthens its base.

The move highlights Tern’s dedication to urban mobility—not just through its bikes, but equally by choosing work environments that match its mission.

My take on this: If Tern is producing bikes like the Orox, then they’re know what they are doing. Also see our visit to Tern from a few years back.

The post Tern Returns to the Office appeared first on Bike Hugger.

This weekend, on Saturday, January 31st, cyclists and bike lovers from all walks of life are coming together in an extraordinary show of unity, remembrance, and solidarity. Across the United States — and in cities around the world — riders will take to the roads and trails to honor the life and spirit of Alex Pretti, a treasured member of the cycling community whose recent passing has moved riders everywhere.

In the Methow Valley, we’ll meet at 11:30 am and ride the Loyds ranch fatbike trails. The Pretti posters were created by Casey Robertson.

Why We Ride

Alex Pretti was a passionate cyclist, a dedicated ICU nurse, and an active member of the Twin Cities cycling community. He showed kindness, courage, and love for the outdoors. His life affected many on and off the bike. After his tragic death, the cycling community chose to remember him by riding together.

Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop in Minneapolis organized the memorial rides. Alex was a regular and beloved customer. These rides honor his memory and celebrate the values he lived: compassion, community, and joy in riding.

A Movement That Spans Cities and Continents

A local ride in Minneapolis started a larger movement. Bike shops, clubs, and community groups across the U.S., Europe, and Australia are hosting Unity Rides on Saturday, January 31st. These peaceful, inclusive rides unite people in remembrance and purpose.

Some rides are short neighborhood loops. Others are planned group rides with mapped routes. All rides share one goal: to honor a friend, a healer, and a fellow rider. Whether you ride with a few friends or hundreds, your pedal stroke shows connection and respect.

How You Can Take Part

Join a ride near you.
Community rides are happening nationwide and globally. Find details on local group pages or bike shop social media.

If you can’t gather in person, ride anyway.
Ride solo on Saturday and share online with #RideForAlex to join others from afar.

Share the story.
Share this story online or locally to unite and inspire our cycling community.

This Weekend, We Ride in Remembrance of Alex Pretti (+ Event Map)

Hashtags

• #RideForAlex
• #AlexPretti
• #MemorialRide
• #RideInRemembrance
• #RideInUnity

The post Alex Pretti Memorial Rides appeared first on Bike Hugger.

The Best Season: Winter Bikepacking video.

The video was made possible by the Tern Orox. That’s an adventure cargo bike I’ve put through similar paces in the North Cascades. Riding it is Markus Stitz who writes in the intro, “In my latest film I discover the joys and challenges of winter bikepacking. I throw all my gear, experience and resolve at enjoying a sub-zero, 680-km tour of Southern Norway in January on the Tern Orox S12 from Eidsvoll to Gjøvik, Lillehammer, Ringebu, Dovre, Folldal, Alvdal, Budor and back to Eidsvoll in Southern Norway.”

Find the route here. It’s impressive and reminds me of my experiences with the Tern Orox. It’s a bike that’ll handle anything and expanded what counted as a ride in the first place. It handled the Methow Valley’s extremes, carried everything I threw at it, and turned everyday rides into stories worth publishing.

The post The Best Season: Winter Bikepacking appeared first on Bike Hugger.