I was not fortunate enough to spend much time with Ryan le Garrec at The Migration Gravel Race in Kenya. Then a few weeks after the dust had literally settled, he released his film documenting the race it brought the whole experience flooding back. I wanted to get to know to the guy who had so accurately represented, in film, the suffering and the elation l had experienced in Kenya. Fail 4: Migration Gravel Race

It turns out this is just the tip of the iceberg of a man with a fascinating story, full of rich experience fuelled by his curiosity for what life can offer those willing to pursue.

I took a lot from this conversation particularly when it comes to following a passion and being true to your creative self.

I hope you also enjoy!

www.instagram.com/ryan_le_garrec

I Absorb Things Better at Speed

Lian and I first met at The Migration Gravel Race in June 2021, where she was capturing the race, the riders and the spectacular Kenyan scenery. This, however, was not the first time I had come across her work. That was earlier in 2021 when I heard about #crackedearthfilm - a film project aiming to reach and engage more cyclists around the globe on the topic of the Climate Crisis.

This is part of her broader work with Shift Cycling Culture aiming to unite the collective force of the cycling world to create positive climate action by inspiring brands and the cycling community to start doing things differently.

https://www.shiftcyclingculture.com/climatecommitment

🌍 www.saltlakephoto.nl

📷 www.instagram.com/saltlake_lian/

Badlands is a 750km unsupported bikepacking endurance event through some of the wildest parts of Europe. Staring in Granada, in the south of Spain, competitors are faced with 85% non-tarmaced roads, deserts, mountain passes, beach traverses and a total of over 15,000 m of vertical gain.

In his first event of this kind Suleiman Kangangi completed the gruelling journey in 2 days 8 hours - an impressive feat against some of the best endurance riders in the world.

He and I caught up the day after he finished to recount his race and share the story with all those who had been following his progress.