Finally ready to make this big announcement…I got a new/another job as a Tour Manager for Wilderness Voyageurs. Since the close of our retail space at the end of 2024, I’ve been looking to supplement my bike touring gig with something related and meaningful. I will be remotely managing multiple departures of the following tours

We have run the GAP/C&O Bike Tour in it's entirety (from Pittsburgh to Washington DC) for 6 seasons. It has become one of my favorite rider die to to accessibility for riders of all skill levels, as well as the history and scenery to take in along the way.

I get asked about bike weights all the time, and I've never really cared that much. "It is what it is", I would say. In 2025, 3 things caused me to want top actually take a look.

Part of my overhaul of my 2013 Salsa Vaya this offseason is getting my wheels rebuilt (with Tuned/Honey Wheels). After 2 season and about 9,000 miles, I was starting to develop cracks in the rear rim. This was due to all of those miles being loaded touring miles, as well as a packing system that had a disproportionate amount of weight over the rear wheel (that is getting solved in another blog post).

718 Outdoors is a 1-person operation that has remained small, local and independent by design since 2008. If this resonates with you, your support is welcome and greatly appreciated! If not, that's cool too. My mileage Year-in-Review is completed. I know there are a few weeks left in the year, but I am beginning to take my bike apart to overhaul it over my offseason. (sorry, December) I use RideWithGPS for navigational and data tracking. The info then gets spit out into St