Starting this Thursday in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Pinyons and Pines has a strong field of women lining up for either 300+ or 500+ mile routes. This event is fast becoming one of the classic bikepacking races in the west. In fact, it’s become so popular that it filled up in a matter of hours when registration first opened. Luckily, everyone on the waitlist ended up with a spot in the end. This year’s Pinyons and Pines could serve up some interesting conditions. With high levels of snowfall over the winter and unsettled spring weather, there’s a good chance for some high-quality mud slogging out on the course. The women of this year’s race have a wide variety of goals, experience, and outlooks. You can follow the dots over at Trackleaders.com.
Lilly (Frances) Hacker (she/they)
Age: 31
Home: Madison, WI
Bike: Salsa Woodsmoke
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: Nada! But I have been living and riding in Northern Arizona for two+ years.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I started riding bikes to get around my hometown when I was a kid and started mountain biking in college. I got my Woodsmoke and decided to dive into bikepacking when the pandemic hit in 2020 and have been stoked on it ever since!
When I’m not riding bikes I am usually hiking or staffing the Backcountry office at Grand Canyon National Park. I am a backcountry ranger at the South Rim of the canyon and although there is no biking allowed in the canyon, I love my home and the hiking opportunities there.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
I have always wanted to try a bikepacking race and this one is in my backyard!
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
The singletrack on Mount Elden is a personal favorite. The final trail on the route, “The Big Bang,” was built last year and is an absolute blast!
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
My headphones so I can bump tunes on the gravel sections.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
You don’t need the absolutely perfect set-up to start. My bike was kind of a junk-show on my first trip and it was still an amazing experience. You can work on acquiring gear over time and get into bikepacking with a “good enough” set-up for short trips.
Allison Bohn (She/Her)
Age: 33
Home: Flagstaff AZ
Bike: Juliana Wilder “Fleabane”
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: None
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I got into riding bikes in college when I bought a used ‘07 neon green Kona Jake the Snake to commute to class. I felt like a kid again and fell in love with the freedom it gave me. Since then I’ve loved riding road, gravel, and mountain for years but things really changed for me late 2021 when I decided I was ready to start living intuitively and try all the things that previously scared me. I took risks and ended up having some of the absolute best experiences of my entire life. I tried new things like long adventure rides, bikepacking, cyclocross racing, XC racing, touring, and even traveling to Spain for the Komoot Women’s Montanas Vacias bikepacking challenge. When I’m not biking I’m performing neurodiagnostic procedures, exploring remote places on foot, and living my best life with my partner and our pets.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I’ve been drawn to trying Pinyon’s for almost two years now because I’ve been yearning to try a big self supported epic adventure. I’m simultaneously looking forward to all of it and also intimidated by almost all of it, but that’s the exciting part right? I hope for strong legs, sunny skies, and lots of smiles.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
My goal is to just finish and do my best. This is my first time trying a bikepacking race so I’m excited to see what is possible, no matter how fast or slow I go. I’m hoping to see lots of neat wildlife and enjoy some critter counting to help pass the time. Bring on all the neat snakes and lizards!
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
I’m still testing gear to find the system that works best for me. My favorite bags so far are the salty roll by Revelate held to my bars using an Oveja Negra front loader and lunch box. My favorite bar bag is my feeder bag from Kasybag, decked out with sentimental pins. I will also have a Rogue Panda frame bag and top tube bag to carry water and snacks. My seat bags may change last minute pending the weather to accommodate extra layers and rain protection.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
I like to use coban to help secure bag straps and prevent rubbing on my bars. I also love bungee cords from Original Free Range. I’ve used these to secure cables when zip ties break, secure bags to the frame, fix broken boas for thousands of miles, secure coats to bags, and best of all I used one in combination with a buff as an emergency tourniquet and bandage.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Just go for it! Your ride doesn’t have to be long, epic, or crazy. Go with some friends, a local group ride, or even ride out to meet friends or family at a campsite. It will feel amazing to know that you got out there all under your own power. A good ride followed by a night under the stars can totally reset the soul.
Marin Sigurdson (she/her)
Age: 50
Home: Santa Barbara, CA
Bike: Gravity hardtail 27.5 from BikesDirect
Solo or Duo? solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: nope
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
First bikepacking trips were family trips on an xtracycle cargo bike with either a child or a dog on the back. More recently I’ve done the Tour de Los Padres several times. Picture is from TDLP last month, Carrizo Plain area. During the week I’m an engineer.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
The pine trees! (We have a lot of chaparral in SoCal.)
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
Well right now I’m looking forward to the Mogollon Rim, but when rubber meets the dirt I know I’ll be looking forward to those Maverick gas stations. And yes I am intimidated by the whole thing.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
I’m running tubes + slime; my goal is zero flats. We shall see.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
Airpods + audiobooks. For this trip I have queued up: Barry Lopez & Lessons in Chemistry. Bit of a mix. I might need one more.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
Don’t tell your family your actual daily mileage goal or finish goal, they will worry when you don’t make it.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Run what you brung! Expensive gear & bike not necessary. Google DIY bikepacking bags.
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
Thank you to ride organizers Dana Ernst, Dylan Turner, and all bikepacking ride organizers. You add so much value & take on so much responsibility for such little compensation!
And shout out to blogger, writer, & my long time bikepacking inspiration Jill Homer.
Hannah Dhonau (she/her)
Age: 30
Home: Salt Lake City, UT
Bike: Salsa Woodsmoke
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: None :’)
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I started riding on the farm roads around my hometown in high school, which in college evolved to road racing with our small and spirited club team. After school, I started riding more and more gravel when I was living in Minnesota. I loved seeing how far I could go, where I could go just by bike. As my friend told me about backpacking “you are powerful and portable!” And I think that’s shown so well in bikepacking. Bikepacking felt like the progression of my backpacking experience (I worked as a guide for long trips) and riding bikes. I love getting to greet the day from a tent (or bivy, or picnic table), and being able to ride all day and into the night. Outside of bikes, I move things around the internet for work in marketing and spend as much time as possible toodling around the mountains in Salt Lake.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
It’s a peer pressure success story: some friends raced it last year, and it looked both beautiful and rugged. Coming into this year, some pals were planning on it, and I love the social aspect of a grand depart, particularly in a town where some friends live!
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I’m so curious about it all! I’m healthily intimidated (like how I feel about bison, or bears) by the stout singletrack sections around Flagstaff, but have to remind myself that my bike is in fact pretty comfy to hike with when needed.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
I want to finish feeling full! For me that means feeling like I did all I could and used my body to the full potential. This winter has been an incredible ski season, so I also want to make sure to take care of a body that is less trained than I have been for previous romps.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
SPF Chapstick!
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
It’s an eating contest on wheels. Maybe that’s not a hack but it was a mindset shift from day rides to bikepacking, to just keep fueling so you can keep riding.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
My advice is to lower the stakes however you need for that first trip. Maybe that’s going with a group/organization, maybe that’s doing a loop to a nearby state park, maybe it’s car camping but riding with all your things to test it out. However you need to feel equipped and comfy starting out is right.
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
I’m really excited to get out and ride alongside so many rad femmes, several of whom I already count as friends. How lucky?!
Cami Scott (she/her)
Age: 35
Home: Flagstaff, AZ
Bike: Marin Pine Mountain
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: Pinyons and Pines virgin
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
Since I was a kid, I have always loved biking. What I love about it the most is the sense of freedom and accomplishment that comes from long days on the bike. I started to dabble into bikepacking a couple of years ago and fell in love with it! It is special and fun when all you could ever need is on your bike and you can take an adventure anywhere. Outside of riding bikes I love hiking with my partner and looking for antlers. I am one to never turn down a lazy night in, where I don’t leave the couch for hours and binge watch a show too!
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
What drew me to Pinyons and Pines is the fact that I live in Flagstaff and haven’t ever tried it. I figured I should take advantage of such a local adventure by bike.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I am not sure if there is anything particular about the course that I am looking forward to or intimidated by. I am excited to see all of the different terrain and am there for the experience, whether it be fun, intimidating, or both!
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
My goal for this ride is to complete it! Race pace is not a part of who I am. I like to enjoy the moment, push myself to what feels comfortable but challenging, and just have fun!
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
My must have piece for bikepacking is music. I love to be the party in the back. Not only this, but the tunes have pushed me through some difficult moments on the bike and it’s incredible how one song can change your mindset in a difficult moment.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
One of my favorite bikepacking hacks or tricks I am willing to share is dancing. Any time things start to feel overwhelming, or your body is getting tired and sore, it is always fun just to get off the bike and shake it off. My partner and I will do this at times and we’ve both done it with a group of other women we bikepack with. It boosts moral and it shakes out your sore muscles.
I am also known to just lay down and take a quick “dirt nap” if I am feeling tired or waiting for members of a group to catch up. Your bike is not only a great source of transportation but it is also a great resting prop for a quick nap!
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
My best advice for others looking to start bikepacking and the advice I try to remind myself every trip is PATIENCE. It is so easy to get caught up in how much further I have left to go. I will even calculate the time it will take to get to point B from point A based on my current speed/rate. All of that will start to stress me out and make me feel like I am not making progress. So, I like to remind myself to be patient.
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
Thank you for reaching out and asking all of us women who signed up these questions! I am not sure how many women have signed up, but it never amounts to the number of men who sign up for these kinds of rides. I think what you’re doing is important because it can help encourage other women to sign up for such events as Pinyons and Pines. Nothing brings the sense of freedom like a day on the bike and I want more women to feel encouraged to try it!
Cassidy Howard (she/her)
Age: 28
Home: Boise, ID
Bike: Scott Spark 910
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: First time
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I started mountain biking 6ish years ago when I moved back to Boise after college. We have a great trail system and its a fun way to get outdoors and exercise. I started bikepacking last year when I learned about our local bikepacking race, the Smoke and Fire 400. I set a goal to complete it, even though it was unlike anything I’d ever done before. Outside of bikes I am an engineer and I have 2 dogs. Sometimes I dabble in other outdoor hobbies such as hiking and climbing, but biking is my main focus.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
I DNF’d Smoke and Fire due to a mechanical but I loved every part of it – from training, meeting others in the bikepacking community, practicing skills, and actually racing. I wanted to take everything I learned and try a different event this year, in addition to going back to SNF later in the fall. Pinyons and Pines fit the length/difficulty and time of year I was looking for, and I haven’t spent much time in Arizona, so I’m looking forward to exploring a new place by bike! I’m also excited about the amount of women that are signed up for this event and happy to be a part of that.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
It will be all new territory to me, so I am looking forward to all of it. I’m nervous about riding/sleeping alone at night, but this is the perfect opportunity to force myself to get more comfortable with it.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
My goal is just to finish and feel like I gave it the best effort I possibly could.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
Rogue Panda Ripsey for bikepacking on a small full suspension mountain bike has been a game changer for this year and I’m very excited to take it on its first bikepacking race.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
My biggest struggle has been fitting everything on a small bike, especially since mine is a full suspension. I’ve experimented with a variety of different DIY setups to get my setup dialed in (DIY so not to spend a lot of money on trying different things!). Something I’ve been trying out recently is using electrical tape to attach a water bottle cage to the suspension fork. When testing out DIY solutions, always bring extra Voile straps to help keep everything together in case you need it!
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
If you can, find a community of other bikepackers. I started bikepacking with a local Boise group called Idaho Women’s Bikepacking. I have learned so much from riding with more experienced people and made lots of friends along the way.
Tiffany Love-Chezem (she/her)
Age: 34
Home: Phoenix, AZ
Bike: Surly Karate Monkey 27.5, SS
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: First Timer
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I started riding mountain bikes as a way to make friends when I first moved to Phoenix in 2013. I was surrounded by this awesome group of ladies that never shamed me for walking or not wanting to do the hard trail. Everyone from that group has moved but I now find myself riding with another awesome group and a life partner that pushed me to try new things, such as getting rid of gears and bikepacking. My partner and I’s first bike packing trip was a lot of hike-a-bike on the AZT near the Gila River in 2019.
I ride bikes A LOT, but when not on a bike I can be found packrafting with friends or working with imperiled fish in the Colorado River.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
I have heard great things about this event, and watching Katie kill it last year was so awesome. It seemed like a good chance to push myself, and it follows a lot of trails I haven’t explored yet.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I am excited for the views in and out of the Verde Valley (I will probably be stopping to take photos too often), and also getting to ride a new section of AZT. Definitely intimidated by Elden. I have spent some very suffery days on that mountain so to be approaching it with tired legs definitely has it lingering in the back of my mind. Also a little concerned about the amount of water that is everywhere. It’ll be awesome for not being dehydrated but may make for more hike-a-bike for me.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
I think my biggest goal is mental, to just stay present, enjoy the ride, and not get into my head when stuff gets challenging.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
I love my bike, but an XS KM doesn’t have a ton of storage, and being on the shorter side means I have never found an large seat bag that doesn’t constantly rub on my rear tire… so for me it is the Tumbleweed Mini Pannier Rack, it is a great platform to add a little extra carrying capacity to the back of my bike!!
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
Extra straps!! You never know when something is going to break or just constantly loosen. I really like Voile Straps, but you can never go wrong with a good river strap!
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
On my first trip we ran into some folks doing the Queen’s Ransom and they encouraged us by saying “if you aren’t walking are you even bikepacking”. I think about it anytime I need to walk; there is no shame in walking is just part of the bikepacking journey (especially single speed).
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
I am so grateful for all the hard work from Dana and others that make this event possible!
Meg Knobel (she/her)
Age: 38
Home: Currently in San Diego, CA
Bike: Santa Cruz Blur
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: did it last year 2022 and loved it
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I love bikes! Life outside of bikes right now looks like building a new shop. When I’m not riding, I’m at Outdoor Traditions Tattoo. We are going to have trails out our backdoor!
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
The Flagstaff/northern AZ region drew me in, and I’m so glad I got to get out there last year with pretty great weather (especially compared to the two years prior). I had so much fun riding it. This year I have no goals, I’d really like to just get out there and enjoy the scenery and all.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
Honestly I’m not the most familiar with much of the route, so I’ll just take it a bit at a time. And I’m always intimidated by cold/wet weather, since I don’t ride in much of it where I’m currently living. That being said, last year I got super hot climbing out of Camp Verde, so hoping to hit that earlier in the morning.. but I’ll accept wherever it comes!
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
No time goals. I’ve been stretched thin this spring with work/Stagecoach, I’m fit enough but not to press extra hard or anything like that. Goal #1 is to finish safely while enjoying as much of it as possible. I’d like to stay healthy, not hurt my back climbing over downed trees, or crash on my face, or blow up an achilles… slow and steady and listen to my body.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
Yes! I’ve had a pretty bad tailbone injury for 2 years now and was worried I was going to have to stop bikepacking. I could only ride about an hour before I was so sore I couldn’t focus on anything else. I recently put a Brooks C19 (the widest one) all-weather saddle on my bike, and it has changed my world- I can do long rides again without excruciating pain. For any riders with wider hips/sit bones, I can’t recommend it enough, there is so much less stress on the tendons between my sitbones and my tailbone. I’m working out the right liner for no chamois (any tips appreciated), but that combo so far has really helped me with every ailment in that region and has allowed me to ride for days on end again!
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
Treat yourself to some tea tree wipes and a bird bath a couple times a day and your body will thank you. I think it’s really important to get the salt/sunscreen off as much of your body as possible to eliminate friction/irritation. I usually do it at sunset before putting on my warmer clothes, and then again before sleeping or at first light.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Give yourself more time than you think you need. As much as you can. Even if you’re going to start with an overnighter, don’t cram the mileage in, everything takes longer than you expect and there’s no need to put arbitrary time goals on yourself.
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
I can’t wait to see how everything goes for everyone! Almost time!
Leigh Bowe (she/her)
Age: 41
Home: Flagstaff, AZ
Bike: TBD
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: Raced duo with spouse 2021
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
As a kiddo, my Huffy was a way to explore and experience the outdoors. I loved getting lost and experiencing dirt roads and construction sites in my midwestern neighborhood. In 2018 I was processing the loss of a dear friend while having to move away from a home I loved in Colorado when I decided to race the CTR. It was my first experience with bikepacking and I was hooked. When I’m not on my bike, I’m either working as a nurse practitioner or a bike mechanic or hanging out with my baby daughter, EJ.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
It’s really important to me to maintain an identity separate from my kiddo. I want her to see me as someone to look up to; an individual who is strong and smart and athletic. I hope she will grow into a strong and smart and multifaceted human too! P&P is on my home turf and feels like it might be a manageable first-race-back for a new mom who loves bikepacking.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I crashed recently scoping out the descent down Casner Mountain- so that’s a bit scary for me. And spring weather in northern Arizona can be a big wild card.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
My goal is to finish. I’d love to do it quickly because I’m nervous about my breast milk supply depleting while being away from the baby for several days. Ideally I won’t cry too much, but new mom hormones + sleep deprivation can be a great recipe for tears. Also, I decided a week before the Grand Depart to race on a single speed. This will be my longest ride without gears ever. *gulp*
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
Lasinoh hand pump and my Haaka. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble and there is no battery to charge. I found my wearable electric pump took up too much space and wasn’t as effective as the simpler hand pump + Haaka combination.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
I try to give up caffeine for a month or so pre-race and then reintroduce it during the event. It’s not only energy boosting, but also mood enhancing!! It’s basically sanctioned doping, but it’s not against the rules.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Do it!! Start small with the bike you have and just go for a little overnight close to home. See how good it is and then go all in.
Sarah Higgins (she/her)
Age: 24
Home: Salt Lake City (originally Reno, NV)
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: 2nd year
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
It’s a funny story- I used to hate riding bikes! My parents ride, so naturally bikes were a part of my life growing up. We did many trips out to Moab and rode locally in the Tahoe area, but I was pretty much uninterested in bikes until college. I was lucky enough to go to school in Flagstaff, AZ, which meant easy access to trails all over town. I started working at a bike shop in Flag after graduating and fell in love with riding after getting my first full squish. Over the past few years, I’ve found myself wanting to go longer and explore places that are much more remote, so the transition to bikepacking only made sense. I signed up for P&P last year on a whim, which ended up being my first bikepacking experience. After finishing P&P, I was hooked. I loved the challenge and the mind games that were involved in that type of riding.
When I am not on my bike, I am a full-time physical therapy student at the University of Utah.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
Northern Arizona is my favorite place to ride! The mountain biking is STELLAR and the diversity of landscape will always draw me back to the area. P&P absolutely floored me last year…It’s probably still to this day one of the hardest things I’ve done. I am stoked to get out there again and hopefully improve on some aspects that I struggled with last year. I have quite a few friends in the field as well, so it will be fun seeing/riding with them. PLUS, that Pizzicleta coupon? What’s not to like!
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
Honestly, all of it. AZ is the best! I’ve never ridden down Casner, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the gnar on that descent. I’m especially looking forward to burritos in Camp Verde (24hr!).
Mingus is always intimidating. I remember pushing my bike up it last year and yelling some choice words at every turn. Hoping it won’t be as bad this year. And the potential mud this year…that could spice things up.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
My goal is to finish during the day so I can sit on the sidewalk and enjoy a pepperoni pizza from Pizzi and a Mother Road Tower Station. And to have fun!
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
Knee warmers! I have some creaky knees (2 ACL surgeries) and they can get pretty irritated 200mi in. Knee warmers act like compression sleeves (and warmth) and kinda take the edge off.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
If you get in a shitty mood, eat something. I promise you’ll feel better.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
I think finding community is the best thing you can do when getting into bikepacking. Having someone to ask those silly questions to is key in this sport. Leigh Bowe has been my go-to for the past year. Hannah Dhonau has taught me how to plan properly. Meg Knobel has given me great advice on how to eat/drink during a race. There are people out there with a wealth of information that they are willing to share, all you gotta do is ask!
Lindsay Nohl (she/her)
Age: 45
Home: Driggs, ID
Bike: Pivot LES
Solo or Duo? solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: My first ever bikepack race was Pinyons & Pines in 2021, finishing in 82 hours.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I started riding mountain bikes in 2012 after I got dropped 25 ft on a rock climb and realized that I was no longer having fun when climbing. That fall really freaked me out and I knew I needed to focus energy on a sport where I was completely in control of my own moment by moment risk management. I was also excited to find another sport that didn’t hurt my knees, which I’d had three surgeries on after a long collegiate and “trying to go pro” soccer career. Mountain biking became an almost immediate passion for me. I was drawn to the combo of strength, grit, body control, fitness, and focus needed to ride a bike on singletrack. I took a couple of skills clinics right away and my riding progressed pretty quickly over the next few years.
I started bikepacking in 2015 with my ex partner, Ryan, while we lived in Tucson, AZ. We both worked for NOLS and taught lightweight backpacking courses, amongst other disciplines. So, going from day rides to overnights was a natural progression for us once we got the gear. We did all sorts of trips together including the Coconino 250, Craters & Cindercones, chunks of the AZT 300, the Black Canyon Trail, and a bike-packraft trip in the Big Bend area. I loved being out on a bike for long periods of time and seeing a ton of terrain. I also loved the nerdery involved in choosing and packing gear in the lightest and most efficient way possible. I’ve got a gear spreadsheet for every trip I’ve ever been on.Off the bike, I spent 18 years working full-time for NOLS, and then a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a mtb crash fully shook my life up in 2019. I lost my health, my job, my home, and my partner all in a very short period of time. I ended up in the Tetons and it took me over a year to recover enough to be a functional human in society again. Once my brain worked well enough, I got back involved in non-profit work for a couple of years. However, I just recently took a big scary leap and transitioned into a life full of different kinds of coaching. I started my own life coaching business (Lindsay Nohl Coaching) and also work as a strength coach in a gym and a mountain bike coach on my own and for LadiesAllRide and Dirt Series. My personal mission is to help others feel strong and capable through movement, experiences, and reflection.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
Pinyons & Pines in 2021 was my first ever bikepacking race. It occurred exactly a year after I started feeling better from my TBI. Competing in a bikepacking race after almost dying from the TBI downward spiral felt like a miracle. So, this race holds a special place in my heart for that reason. I was excited to come back this year and compete again, but this time not because I needed to prove anything to myself. This time I’m here just to push myself, suffer a bit, meet some more amazing people, and be in my favorite desert ecosystem again.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
Well, funny enough, I have the same answer for both of those questions… Mingus Mountain. My first ever multi-day bikepacking trip was the Coconino 250 Loop in 2015. I was unsure that I could ride that far back then, and on the first fifty mile day of that trip I was so nervous that I could barely eat. I fully bonked out of Cottonwood and basically walked my bike up the whole 3,000 ft Mingus mountain climb and still ended up cramping while just walking. While the climb up Mingus isn’t exactly the same as the Coconino Loop, there’s a bunch of overlap. I’m excited to go back and get revenge on that damn climb this time around.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
Here’s the tick list:
• Finish.
• Embrace the type II fun.
• Remember to have gratitude for being alive and capable enough to partake in this adventure.
• Keep choosing courage over fear anytime I encounter something that is out of my comfort zone out there.
• Stay as present as possible.
• Connect with the people I end up riding chunks of the race with.
• Have a good fuel and hydration plan and stick to it. No bonks!
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
One piece of gear that I’ve started religiously using in the past two years is the Katadyn Be Free 1L water filter. Besides being able to safely filter your water immediately, it’s lightweight, packs small when empty, and gives an extra 1L carrying capacity. I’ve been a diehard Aqua Mira user for water treatment for many years because that is what all we used on backcountry courses at NOLS. I still bring small dropper bottles of that too, in case the filter were to break or the water source is particularly nasty.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
Favorite hack has to do with handing my phone during the race. I often have my phone out while riding for photos and looking at route notes. I use a Loopy brand phone case, which basically has a rubber loop sticking out of the back to slide your finger through, which helps prevent dropping your phone. I also cut off the thumb and pointer finger tips on my right hand bikepacking glove, so I don’t have to take my glove off every time I pull my phone out.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Some tidbits that come to mind are:
• You can bikepack on any bike.
• Don’t get too intimidated by all the gear. A stuff sack and some lash straps works just as well as a fancy front roll bag with a harness system.
• If you’re scared of going out on a trip by yourself, start small. Ride a familiar trail and then camp somewhere just off of that trail and then ride home in the morning…that’s still a bikepack trip! Your confidence will grow from there to take on bigger and longer adventures.
Eliza Sampey (she/her)
Age: 40
Home: My Van, most recently Tucson AZ
Bike: Revel Bikes El Jefe SS
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: I’ve raced 2.5 Pinyons & Pines courses (the first time I only intended on doing half due to time constraints so that’s the .5)
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I’ve been riding mountain bikes consistently since I was 15, and bikepacking since 2015 when I lived in Guatemala and riding through the country was a great way to explore. Life outside of bikes looks like running my small business doing virtual physical therapy and adventure coaching, some freelance writing, and other sorts of dumb multi-day adventures involving skis, packrafts, feet, and generally hauling way more shit around the mountains than a 5’2, 120lb person should be carrying.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
I like this race because it’s the only ultra bikepacking event I know of where the course changes every year. It’s pretty rare for me to repeat a race once I’ve finished it, because I like to experience new landscapes and new selections of 2am gas station fare. But the change of scenery keeps me coming back to this one.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I look forward to the parts I haven’t seen yet, which is basically all of Mingus and the Rim road leading to the AZT (I’m racing the short course). I’m intimidated by the very likely possibility of desert death mud that always seems to be in play this time of year.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
I’m doing the race this year as a fundraiser for LoveYourBrain’s Ride for Resilience campaign. LYB is an organization that provides free programs and resources for people impacted by TBI (traumatic brain injury), including concussion. The Ride for Resilience campaign specifically targets support for people in the cycling and mountain biking community. My own life was changed by a TBI in October 2020, which I’m still dealing with today as I’m re-learning how to adventure and maybe even race again with my “new brain.”
Coincidentally, Pinyons and Pines in the fall of 2020 was the last ultra I competed in before my accident happened, so doing this year’s ride as a fundraiser for LYB holds special meaning for me, as that P&P was the last time I actually felt like a bike racer. I have yet to make a return to the sharp end of the field in ultra racing because of the limitations I’ve dealt with since my injury, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be back there. But considering the alternatives, I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to be out there at all, trying hard and doing my best with my current capabilities. That’s what I think about while racing these days, and my goal is to continue to test my new brain in this environment and stay curious about what’s possible for me, without expectations, and without comparing the rider I am now to the rider I used to be (which is hard!). And hopefully, this time, to raise some money for the Ride for Resilience in the process.
If you’re interested in donating, check out my page here, and learn more about Ride for Resilience here. And if you’re someone who is impacted by a concussion or TBI, check out LoveYourBrain for some great resources — they were so helpful to me after my injury and I’ve been involved with them ever since.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
I’m pretty stoked on the new Rogue Panda Ripsey seatpost harness, which I helped prototype over four years. The initial version was created for my 2019 AZT 750 ride, and the final product is something I’m stoked is finally out in the world. If you’re a vertically challenged bikepacker, it’s a game changer.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
Have fun. Look around you and enjoy the ride, even if you’re pushing yourself to your limits — it really is an amazing experience to get to be out there, especially with so many others doing the same thing.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Just start. You don’t need all the fancy stuff right away (or ever). Just throw some stuff in a bag, get on your bike and go camping. You won’t regret it.
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
This will be my first time bikepack racing on a singlespeed. I did my first bikepacking trip on a singlespeed last week, which was 90 miles over 3 days. It was hard and I figured I should probably do it again. This one will be over 3x that distance. Wish me luck!
I’ll be posting race updates to my IG stories when I have signal, so follow along at @elizasampey
Ti Eversole (she/her)
Age: 34
Home: Durango, CO
Bike: Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt
Solo or Duo? Solo
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: First timer!
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
Yá’át’ééh! I am a multi-cultural (Apache/ Diné/ Anglo) mountain biker, originally from the high desert of New Mexico, but calling the mountains of Colorado home nowadays.
I taught myself how to ride a bike when I was 8. My cousin had left his new bike in my grandma’s front yard, and I spent the afternoon practicing balance, slowly working toward placing my feet on the pedals, then pushing forward ever so slightly. From then on, I fell in love with the feeling of riding bikes. Growing up, my family didn’t have the money to buy me nice bike gear or sign me up for lessons or devo programs, so it wasn’t until college that I bought my first nice mountain bike: a “vintage” Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo hardtail. Since then, I’ve enjoyed high mileage days in the saddle as well as fast downhill laps in the bike park.
Bikepacking is a somewhat new adventure for me. My first taste of bikepacking was in the form of a hut-to-hut trip from Durango, CO, to Moab, UT, back in 2020. Since then, my partner and I have romped around the varying and unique trails of the Southwest, and I’m looking forward to getting a taste for bikepacking “racing” during Pinyons & Pines.
Outside of bikes, I am an endurance trail runner, backcountry snowboarder, rafter, writer/storyteller, aspiring photographer, baker and dog mom to a cute little rez pubby.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
A friend had posted about Pinyons & Pines last year, which put the ride on my radar. I loved that the course is located on Diné Bikéyah, my Navajo Homelands, and that the race directors acknowledged the significance of this region not just to the Diné, but to other tribes as well. I also haven’t spent much time exploring this area, so what better way to do it than from the saddle!
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
This is slightly a trick question for me. Given that this is my first go and I haven’t ridden in much of this area, I’m stoked for all of it! I’m also intimidated by all of it, as this will be my first 300-mile bikepacking attempt.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
Finishing would be the ultimate win for me. Finishing without crying at least once is a close second. I’m not typically a cryer, but when shit gets tough, anything (and everything goes).
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
Pickles! They’re great for restoring electrolyte levels and taste alright in hot or cool temps. If I’m not worried about weight, I’ll bring a hefty Hot Mama pickle to celebrate the completion of a long day. For ultralight days, I pack some pickle shots for on the go.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
Pack something that brings you personal joy or security, especially on longer rides — whether that’s a favorite food, piece of clothing or memento. When my pup passed unexpectedly a couple years back, my partner and I brought the bandana he used to wear as a way of letting him tag along for one last adventure. For my upcoming ride, I’ll be wearing my sani scarf, a staple in Indigenous fashion, to keep things bright and cheery for those long mile days.
What’s your best advice to others who are looking to get into the sport of bikepacking?
Start small. An out-and-back or short loop overnight trip will give you a taste for the sport and help you ease into this crazy new world of bike travel. If you’re absolutely unsure of where to begin with gear, nutrition and routes, consider taking a guided tour and learning as much as you can during the trip.
Karin Pocock
Hometown: Steveston, BC (near Vancouver)
Current Home: Blue River, CO
Bike: Still riding my Santa Cruz Carbon Chameleon, just keep upgrading the components. His
name is “Charlie.”
Solo or Duo? Solo – 500
Past Pinyons and Pines Experience: First time on pinons
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into riding bikes? How about bikepacking? What does life look like outside of riding bikes?
I started bikepacking in 2018 after a significant foot/ankle injury took me out of most everything else that I could do outdoors. Bikes provided mobility when I couldn’t walk and hike. I’ve been riding bikes since I was a kiddo playing in dirt jump parks and riding around the town I grew up in. Living in Cumberland, BC for quite some time in the mid-2000s really cemented my love of being on bike on amazing singletrack and then living in Colorado full time since 2016 has taken my love of singletrack riding into the alpine. Riding through the mountains of Colorado and seeing as many sunrises and sunsets as possible fill my heart with joy and holds a special place in my heart.
I spend my time off the bike working as a guide for backcountry skiing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. Skiing powder and climbing desert splitter cracks with friends and loved ones fills any additional spare time.
What drew you to wanting to race Pinyons and Pines?
I had looked at Pinons and Pines the past few years as a chance to explore Arizona, but had never been able to set aside the time for it and also wondered if I would be in shape to ride since May comes after a long season of ski-based work. I finally set aside the time this year and 2 friends from the CTR provided some extrinsic motivation to boost my decision to ride.
Is there are particular parts of the course you’re looking forward to? Any part you’re intimidated by?
I’m looking forward to riding along the Mogollon Rim and seeing that part of Arizona. I also just looking forward to being out for 500+ miles in the desert in the springtime and seeing all the cactus flowers starting to bloom.
I’m intimidated by the potential to cross paths with rattlesnakes and hoping that maybe the nights will be cold enough or the trail traffic with be substantial enough that I won’t encountering any snakes on the trail.
Do you have any specific goals for the ride?
I just had surgery later April and just being cleared to race has been a goal for this month, so I feel like I’m already winning. Beyond that, I’d like to finish and have a super fun time riding through a lot of new-to-me country in the high desert.
Do you have a must-have piece of bikepacking gear?
A flatbrim hat and thermal leggings. I like to spend my time on mellow terrain keeping the sun of my face and giving my head a break from my helmet. I also get cold way too easily and being able to change my temperature in a moment with leggings is a huge help.
What’s your favorite bikepacking hack or trick you’d be willing to share?
- A quality saddle may be worth more on the trail than any other fancy or expensive component on the bike. Keeping your butt comfy is a must.
- Having bags that don’t move is a game changer on rough terrain. I’ve moved to a carbon bar from rockgeist to hold my front roll and a rack rather than a seat post bag on the rear. I find I can move through chunky terrain with way greater ease and speed without my bags moving on the bike and either destroying cables or colliding with my rear tire.
Have I missed anything you want people to know?
Super excited to get out and ride the route! Thanks Dana and Dylan for putting so much effort into the route design and fingers crossed we don’t get the volume of rain to produce the death mud.
