In the 27 previous episodes that we’ve recorded of the Gravel Union Talks podcast, we’ve chatted with guests who have done some pretty amazing things on a bike, but our guest in this month's episode should probably win an award for having ridden the furthest. Markus Stitz launched himself into the cycling world after spending nearly 12 months in 2015/2016 becoming the first person to ever ride around the world on a singlespeed bike. Since then he has become better known as a guide book author, filmmaker, gravel event organiser, public speaker and passionate advocate for all things Scottish.
Gravel Union Talks is a podcast series full of inspiring stories, news and events from the world of gravel biking. Each month hosts Carlo and Olly will be chatting with guests who are passionate about riding off the beaten track… adventure riding, bike packing and gravel racing.
In this episode:
Guests:
- Markus Stitz
- Gravel Union Talks podcast with hosts Carlo van Nistelrooy and Olly Townsend.
- GU’s editor-in-chief Olly on last month’s most popular articles on the Gravel Union platform.
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Links for the notes
- Travel Gravel – Karibu Kenya
- Until 2021, Kenya was perhaps better known for wildlife safaris or high altitude trekking than it was as a destination for gravel riders and bikepackers, but the launch of the Migration Gravel Race saw that turned on its head. With an incredible network of dirt roads, stunning wildlife viewing opportunities and plenty of sunshine, Kenya is now well and truly on the radar of adventurous gravel riders. Julian Velasco travelled there in autumn 2024 and has sent in an amazing write-up of his adventures.
- Armchair Adventure - Gravel racing at the end of the world
- Many of us have probably had the opportunity to ride off the beaten track before. After all, even in the most populous of regions, a gravel bike is often the perfect way to find a bit of solitude. Jorge Padrones decided that he wanted to really explore the wilderness though and headed off to Patagonia to try and find the end of the world. The Karukinka Gravel 2024 race seemed the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere that very few people have ever visited, let alone ridden a gravel bike. Read on to find out more.
- Gravel Inspiration – Mastering high-mountain gravel riding - essential preparation and top tips
- In early February, Olly will be on the far side of the world, heading for some of the planet’s highest gravel roads. A small but intrepid group of gravellers are going to be taking on the Trans-Nepal gravel event which starts at nearly 5000m, right on the border of Nepal and Tibet. With temperatures forecast to be way below freezing, rough terrain, fairly basic accommodation and the remote nature of the event, proper preparation is key to having a good time. What bike to take? Which clothing to pack? How to keep the luggage below the 25kg maximum? Olly shares his top tips for gravelling on top of the world.