AFRICAP designs and manufactures beautiful cycling caps inspired by the vibrancy of West Africa and made from the very Ankara fabrics that the continent produces. Its founder, Hammer, takes us through the vibrant journey from fabric, to cap.

For Merida Miller, Gravel Mexico was more than a race. It was a return to a place she has loved since childhood, now seen from the saddle. Between the brutal beauty of the desert, the warmth of riders and locals, and the finish line fiestas filled with mezcal and tortillas, every detail felt alive with culture. Gravel Mexico showed her how cycling can truly weave us into the places we ride.

Emmanuel’s first year of gravel riding took him straight to The Traka 100 — Europe’s biggest gravel event — and it was pure chaos in the best way. From Girona’s warm welcome to torrential race-day rain, steep climbs, and slippery descents, every moment tested him. But it was the shared struggle, encouragement from strangers, and connection with fellow riders that made it unforgettable. For Emmanuel, The Traka isn’t just a race, it’s an experience.

Bikepacking, the art of combining cycling and backpacking, might seem intimidating, but it's surprisingly accessible to beginners. One of the greatest things about bikepacking is its flexibility; trips can be both long and short, so you could travel the world full-time or enjoy a week-long adventure closer to home. You don't need to embark on an epic expedition to experience the joy of it. You can start exploring your local area, either solo or with friends.

Contributors Alessandro and Nunziella tackle the Sicili Divide a 550km multi-terrain odyssey in one of Italy's most beautiful landscapes.

Sherry is our resident Colombian adventure mastermind, a title well-earned through blood sweat and tears completing the Transcontinental...

So why would I be fraternising with the idea of riding long in the first place? After all, I'm no long-distance rider.