Ryan Van Duzer, a 47-year-old adventure influencer from Boulder, is about to embark on a monumental journey. He's set to tackle the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, a 2,700-mile trek spanning from Jasper, Alberta, Canada, to the U.S.-Mexico border. This isn't just any bike ride; it's a six-week adventure to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Adventure Cycling Association, an organization that has been instrumental in mapping and promoting cycling routes across North America. Van Duzer's journey is a testament to his passion for cycling and his unique approach to adventure storytelling.
What makes Van Duzer's journey particularly fascinating is his background. He started his adventure career in an unexpected way, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras. Instead of flying home, he chose to bike back, an experience that left him feeling more alive than ever. This journey, combined with his subsequent adventures in Central America and Mexico, shaped his perspective on life and his career path. He realized that his true calling was to explore the world on two wheels and share his experiences with others.
Van Duzer's journey has taken him to various media platforms. He started with a public access TV show in Boulder, where he filmed adventures around the city. This led to a weekly video series in the Daily Camera, titled 'The Out There Guy'. His work caught the attention of prominent publications like Men's Journal, National Geographic, and the Travel Channel. He even published a book, 'The Long Way Home', in 2022, showcasing his adventures in Venezuela and his participation in the Leadville Trail 100 Run ultramarathon.
In 2016, Van Duzer shifted his focus to YouTube, creating the channel Duzer TV. This move has been incredibly successful, with 206,000 subscribers and millions of page views. His channel has become a platform for sharing his love of cycling and adventure, and he has collaborated with companies like Priority Bicycles to design his own bike models, the Bruzer and Duzer Cruzer.
The upcoming Great Divide Mountain Bike Route expedition is a significant challenge for Van Duzer. He's never completed the entire route in one attempt, and this time, he plans to camp most of the way, stopping at hotels for showers and equipment recharging. His goal is to go at his own pace, taking time to connect with people and explore along the way. The journey will cover an elevation gain and loss of 200,000 feet, with daily changes of 7,000 to 10,000 feet, and he'll cover 50 to 75 miles per day.
What makes this journey even more intriguing is the diverse group of people Van Duzer has assembled to join him. He chose 20 fans from around the world and five Priority employees, including Connor Swegle, the co-founder of Priority Bicycles. Swegle's participation is a testament to the strong bond between Van Duzer and his followers, as well as the collaborative nature of his partnerships.
One of the participants, Nina Ratliff, an Idaho resident originally from Germany, is excited about the opportunity. She's a bikepacking enthusiast and is looking forward to fully enjoying the eight-day segment of the journey. Van Duzer's real-time updates on his Instagram account, @duzer, will keep his followers engaged and eager to hear more about his adventures.
In conclusion, Ryan Van Duzer's journey on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a testament to his passion for cycling, adventure, and storytelling. His unique approach to adventure, combined with his ability to connect with people and share his experiences, makes him a true pioneer in the world of adventure influencers. As he embarks on this epic journey, he continues to inspire and entertain his audience, proving that the road less traveled can be the most rewarding.
