A look inside Issue #174

On the cover

Photographer Martin Bissig captures international adventurer Claude Balsiger as he crosses a frozen bridge deep in the Himalayas en route to the Indian town of Manali.

The Dirt

Rebecca Rusch successfully hosted her first gravel Gran Fondo called My Own Private Idaho. Read her first hand account about how it almost didn’t happen. Plus, we track down the infamous Gene Oberpriller and attend the Oregon Stampede, Chequamegon Fat Tire Fest and the final round of the Big Mountain Enduro Series.

Inside Line

Another year of Interbike has come and gone. Take a look at what caught our fancy in this photo feature.

Features

Below Zero: A Frozen Himalayan Dream

By Claude Balsiger

Balsiger’s dream was to trek by bike, skis and on foot out and back across the frozen Himalayan mountain range. He anticipated needing four months to cover the 310 miles. What could possibly go wrong?

Into The Unknown: A Mountain Bike Journey To El Salvador

By Steve Storey with photos by Justa Jeskova

El Salvador is more than a Central American surf destination; it also has a thriving mountain bike scene. Follow Storey and Jeskova as they capture this unique paradise in our special feature story.

A DIY Guide To Riding The Keweenaw

By James Murren

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the best places in the U.S. to ride. In this story Murren offers up a guide to all the best trail networks as well as local establishments you don’t want to miss.

Access: Marin County Bicycle Coalition

By Maureen Gaffney

Find out how this group of riders is saving the birthplace of mountain biking though improved access based on better relationships with other trail users in the hotbed of trail conflict.

Reviews

Bikes

• Coconino Signature 27.5
• Niner RIP 9
• Olympia Bullet Race 2
• Trek Fuel EX 9.8 29
• Turner Burner 27.5

Plus

• 2014 RockShox Pike RCT3 fork
• 2014 Shimano Xc90 shoes
• 2014 Specialized S-Works Trail shoes
• Clothing
• Lights
• Tools