A few adventures
in a few words and photos.
The Natchez Trace Trail
In October 2023, my friend Max asked if I’d like to join him and our friend Mark on a 464 mile cycling trip in the South to ride the Natchez Trace trail. I said, “What’s that? Never heard of it.” After doing some online research, I learned the trail - a beautiful paved road maintained by the National Park Service that attracts seven million visitors a year - would take us from Nashville, Tennessee basically straight south briefly through Alabama and then all the way to Natchez, Mississippi.
Cotton fields of Mississippi.
Riding nearly 500 miles seemed like a crazy thought to me. Which was really kind of the appeal. I like doing things that feel hard and that others might just say “Why would you do that?” or “That’s a lot of work to train!” And having only started riding a bike more seriously in January 2023, this challenge intrigued me.
My cycling journey began in the Fall of 2022 when my friend on a whim tossed out the insane idea if I’d be interested in joining him on the Death Ride in Markleeville, California, the following summer. Despite not knowing really much about the ride, aside from its scary name, I figured what the heck, why not. So for the next six months he coached me and helped me get into shape to tackle a ride that most would not enjoy. But, that beast of an experience got me totally hooked into cycling.
Writing this two weeks after completing our bikepacking journey of the Natchez Trace, which to me felt like a lot of riding in just seven days, I feel a sense of gratitude and elation. Riding the Trace gave me an unreal opportunity to see things from a perspective that I wouldn’t have experienced had we just rented a car and driven the Trace like most others visiting the area. I felt we had a more authentic experience traversing via bike. I loved meeting and talking so many different people along the way, from grizzled dudes on shiny Harleys to the owners of a mom and pop BBQ stand in Clinton, Mississippi.
Day 7 at the very end. Probably mile 497 at this point.
This was pretty much our view for 500 miles. I was so impressed with the excellent road conditions. The NPS should be proud.
A 200 year old one room church.
Some words from Max:
This is what travel is all about - taking you out of your Bay Area bubble and getting to experience places, cultures and history that is very much unlike your own. The small towns of TN, AL and MS did exactly that for the three of us.
People of all colors, shapes, sizes and economic backgrounds have been extremely nice to us and went out of their way to help. Except for the white truck that passed us way too close. Twice.
Raziel, Mark and I rode 500 miles on the Natchez Trace Trail and so grateful my body can do this. Couldn’t ask for better road conditions or better company. You know the trip is a success when we’re already talking about the next one.
Mark crushing the ride.
We visited the site of an old plantation that was destroyed by fire. The state of Mississippi several years ago took possession of the estate to preserve it for the future. Below is part of the original structure.
The morning of day 7. We spent the night at Canemount Plantation Inn, a beautiful family owned bed and breakfast on 40 acres. Most of their guests were typically visiting Alcorn State University, a HBCU about two miles away, so we were the odd cyclists who ventured ten miles off the Trace to check it out. Glad we did as it was neat to talk to the owners.
Banff
Last week, we had the opportunity to explore the Banff region in the Canadian Rockies. We did a bit of cycling, hiking, and kayaking. It’s an area I’ve only been to once before, in the winter, and in the summer, it was equally magical.
Lake Louise was simply spectacular. We learned the distinct color of the water came from the crushed rocks in the glacial melt.
We hiked up to the tea house which is supplied with food either on foot or by helicopter every couple of weeks. Worth it despite the limited menu.
Riding to Waterton, Canada on the open road. It felt kind of remote - a car would pass by maybe every five or ten minutes. Loved the wide shoulder, too.
Endless prairie.
We visited the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston and learned about the history of the area and how everyone got around before cars. Several carriages from back in the day we learned were valued today over $300,000, and had wood wheels with natural rubber, or metal, tires. We also visited a 300 acre farm and learned that at one point even in the late 1800s, there were hundreds of thousands of cattle to satisfy the demand for beef consumption.
Seven years ago, a fire ripped through Waterton Lakes National Park destroying about 35% of the park. In such a short time, it was really nice to see how the area is slowing bouncing back.
Downtown Banff. What a great mountain town!
Kayaking in Waterton.
Waterton waterfall.
While cycling out to Red Rock Canyon from Waterton, twice I rode past two mama + cubs. Unfortunately several cars were stopped on the road in what is called a "bear jam". I was able to grab a quick pic, and kept on my way.
On the way to Red Rock Canyon.
Lake Louise from above.
Mojave Trail Expedition - Late 2024
Later this year, a group of us will venture down to explore the famous Mojave Trail. Some of us will be returning, and some of us will be experiencing this magical place for the first time. Regardless, we are stoked for an incredible adventure.
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”
An old mine in the Mojave Preserve near Nipton.
Below are a few friends who will be joining me for the adventure.
My name is Eric Sevim. I grew up in automotive industry and found a passion for exploring the outdoors. About 15 years ago, I started building out my 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser. Traveled up and down the West Coast, traveled rugged trails, and now one wife and three kids later, we’re still exploring the outdoors, venturing into unknown and known territories. Through out these trips, we’ve met a bunch of great friends and created lifetime memories. I still live in the Bay Area, which is an incredible jumping off for exploration. Look forward to continuing passing this thirst for camping and traveling onto my family! (LinkedIn)
I’m Ofer and I’m up for nearly any activity that has me going outdoors. I enjoy being in remote areas and appreciate the contrast of natural and social isolation. As the summer comes on I look forward to camping in colder climates and look forward to traveling through the desert this winter. The one thing I look forward to even more is reuniting with my friends to share an adventure, a set of meals, and long lasting positive memories. (IG)
I’m Garrett, a photographer and writer/editor by trade, and a lifelong friend of Raziel’s. While the majority of my adult life has been spent in, on or around water through my work, growing up in California and adventures through Scouting instilled in me a love for the outdoors. Oddly enough, my work in wakeboarding has taken me to several desert and mountain environments, including the UAE, the San Juan Mountains, Lake Powell, and much more. I’m excited to experience the desert landscape of Mojave in a fun, different way, while capturing it with my camera. (IG)
Hey everyone, my name is Mark White.
I’ve been camping and loving the California outdoors since before I can remember. It started with a Jeep Wagoneer and parents who are teachers, allowing us to spend much of the summer exploring and fishing rivers and lakes.
My twin brother and I joined the Scouts and learned a ton: from climbing snake dike on Half dome and then completing a 50 mile backpack from Hetch Hetchy into Yosemite Valley, to wilderness survival in Alaska, culminating with making Eagle Scout. We bought and built a 1972 bronco in high school. The bronco evolved over the years, becoming a rock crawler and traversing the Rubicon trail multiple times during the Jeepers Jamboree.
Now, you can usually find me in my Tacoma TRD Pro snowboarding, camping and backpacking around the Tahoe or Yosemite. I have a wife, two kids and a dog who all live to join me. I’m a science nerd by training who now runs a product marketing team in the east bay, developing hardware and software for other scientists. I can’t wait to get out in Mojave and try over landing for the first time.
Hi! My name is Reuben. I’ve been enjoying getting outside to camp, hike, swim and run since before I arrived in the USA, around a decade ago. I’ve met some incredible people through overlanding and relish any time I can get away from a busy work schedule to reconnect with them, exchange new and old stories, and continue to share our mutual appreciation and enjoyment of the incredible outdoor recreation opportunities in California and throughout the US. I’ve had a few trucks over the years; a couple of 4Runners, Chevy Colorados, and a Jeep, and currently have an Ineos Grenadier.
Hey folks! My name is Jihyun, but you can call me Jun. Ever since I was a kid, I've had a love for nature and adventure. Growing up in Seoul, my parents would take me on hiking trips to the mountains, where we'd hike up and bring fresh spring water to last us for a whole week. Those experiences ignited my passion for hiking and witnessing the beauty of the natural world. I also have fond memories of my dad's old Westfalia, where I would often take naps on the roof pop-up tent. Now, here I am with my own rig, lovingly named Tacojun. I haven't strayed too far from my childhood joy of car camping. After Ofer gave me a ride in his own vehicle, I knew I had to have one for myself. Over several years, I modified this truck, which has opened up countless opportunities for social outings and an escape from the concrete jungles. I am looking forward to continue exploring and embracing the wonders of the great outdoors.
Hey gang! My name is Brandon and I’m pumped to be heading out to Mojave once again. I love being outdoors and remote as possible, the challenges off-road driving often brings is also a joy and adds to every experience. My current setup is new-gen Land Rover Defender and a Patriot x3 camper. We love being on the road and have clocked over 100k miles in the past 3 years exploring all parts of the US and Canada, from deserts to forests and even an 11k miles journey up to the Arctic Ocean and Alaska. My trusty crew includes my partner Lauren and our 13 year old dog Cora. We try to get off the pavement whenever we can and can’t wait to enjoy the Mojave desert once more and hang with all of you! (IG)
Hi, my name’s Isaac, some folks call me Ike, I’m a scientist, yogi, climber, outdoors enthusiast and Ofer’s bro-in-law! I started off backpacking in high school, then after having a kid (7 years old) began the slow transition to car camping through group family climbing-camping trips around So Cal. In 2019 I rode shotgun in Ofer’s jeep for an amazing trip to the eastern sierras, and now I’ve swapped out my Mazda3 for Reuben’s last 5th gen 4runner and another friend’s 4th gen V8! I’ve been overlanding in Mojave twice, first in 1989, second this past January, and I’m sure the third time will be the best!
Pictures: New Zealand with the wifey, Titibasana in the river Ganges near Rishikesh India, Agua Caliente Oasis hike with the boy (Anza Borrego), 50F ocean swimming at The Sea Ranch, Mojave with the boy and uncle Ofer, and Black Mountain bouldering (Idyllwild)
Hi everyone,
I am Sean and enjoy getting outdoors, and riding dirt bikes, go karts, and of course getting off road! I am married, and have two boys, Chase and Finn, who keep me busy while not working or playing with my toys. I am looking forward to exploring the terrain of the Mohave with everyone in December!
I’m David (BIG DAVE). My love for travel and the outdoors started very young. For years, my family and I would go on month long camping trips throughout the Western US and Mexico and I haven’t stopped exploring the outdoors since. I’ve camped in the desert, in the snow, and everything in between. I’ve climbed Half Dome, explored the Canadian Yukon, rafted down the Rogue River and slept amongst the stars in the South Pacific. I have met some amazing people throughout my travels and fortunate to have my closest friends share the same passion as I do. It’s especially great when friends get together to work on our vehicles for the next road trip. For the last 10 plus years, I’ve been making pretty cool improvements to my 2000 Tundra, to get to those epic off the grid locations. Bonus is my wife and dog love off the grid camping as well.
Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez.
I grew up in Bay Area and still reside locally in the Peninsula. Over the years I have been introduced to overlanding as a passenger. In 2021, I had the opportunity to build out a 2008 Lexus gx470.
I have been fortunate enough to share the love of the outdoors with great friends who share the same spirit for Mother Nature.
Now I can continue to share these experiences with my family, as we explore the vast California landscape from the mountains, deserts, lakes, chasing sunsets, and making lifetime memories.
Hi, I’m Pablo. I’m just excited to do some trail exploration with people who know how to do it. Excited to learn from experienced peeps and have a good time with good people. I love exploration from camping to skiing to hiking in random areas. Just haven’t done a ton of true overlanding!
Hi, I’m Michael. I reside in Burlingame with my wife Stephanie, my two kids (a 14-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son) and our 4 year old Doberman Pinscher. For this trip, I’ll be driving my 1996 Toyota Landcruiser with a 3” lift, 33” tires, an auxiliary 38 gallon fuel tank which increases range to 500-600 miles, and an ARB roof top tent. I’m a big sports fan and a long-time season ticket holder for the San Francisco Giants, the 49ers, and my alma mater the Cal Bears. I enjoy spending time with my family on the west shore of Lake Tahoe and I also play the tuba in a local concert band. I look forward to experiencing the Mojave Desert with you all.
Deven: Let me tell you something of myself. I come from a place completely within the realm of imagination, a suburb not far from where you sit now. Forged in this intense crucible of leisure and affluence I have emerged promethean. Now I stand like an overfed nordic giant prepared to leverage me resources to conquer any adventure. To go forth and have fun. Never ever take myself seriously. Wonder at nature. I’m looking forward to this trip as an opportunity to stretch my overloading skills and spend time with friends old and new.
Mojave Trail
Mojave Trail 2017
As I look forward to revisiting the Mojave Trail later in 2024, I reflected back on previous trips there in 2017 and 2011.
Endless dirt track.
The dry lake bed. My old 80 Series Land Cruiser.
Carlos and Dave
Max, Mark and Sorin
