As I sat down to name my favourite products for 2024, I couldn’t help but reminisce about the journeys they’ve been a part of. This year has been filled with memorable rides: from a 120-mile epic, where climbing Mt. Ventoux was just the midpoint, to a trek across Morocco. There were also plenty of adventures had at home, from a spontaneous solo bikepacking overnighter to a rare chance to pedal up one of Portland’s busiest roads, temporarily transformed into a serene, car-free zone after a winter storm. And, of course, a couple of idyllic Pacific Northwest days capped off with a quick dip into a mountain lake.
For years, gravel and adventure riding have been my mainstay, but in 2024, I rediscovered my love for the road: the rhythm of the miles ticking by, the reward of a climb conquered, the changing scenery, and the simplicity of rolling out without debating tyre choices or packing extra gear for self-sufficiency in remote areas. There’s a special allure to the straightforwardness of road cycling that I’d lost touch with, in part, due to a few too many bad encounters with cars while riding.
