Photography courtesy of An African Abroad by Olabisi Ajala Arriving at the Mandelbaum Gate border post between Israel and Jordan’s Jerusalem, Nigerian journalist Olabisi Ajala spotted a sign on his right that read: “This is Jordan. Beyond is no-man’s-land. Only U.N. officials allowed.” Guards and soldiers from both nations watched from high towers, bombed-out buildings,…
The Caicos Challenge: A Human-powered Expedition with Eco Adventurer Mario Rigby
Mario Rigby is an athlete, entrepreneur, business owner, and eco-adventurer dreaming up and pursuing human-powered expeditions across the globe. His most recent adventure, the Caicos Challenge, saw him run, cycle, kayak, and swim his way across the Turks and Caicos archipelago, raising awareness and funds in support of sustainable tourism and ocean health along the…
Send It Foundation Partners with Backcountry for Second Annual SENDtember Campaign
One of the many joys of vehicle-based travel is the ability to spend time in the great outdoors, partaking in activities ranging from riding trails to fishing, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. Adventuring outside has become second nature to many of us, and if our health is sound, we often take this ability for granted….
More Power, Baby :: Exploring Colorado Backroads in a Jeep Wrangler 392
Photography by Richard Giordano We always seem to find ourselves at the brink of dusk with nowhere to camp. Richard and I were parked at a Whole Foods Market in Castle Rock, Colorado, and while my husband scrolled through the iOverlander app, I crammed the last of a Chipotle burrito into my mouth. We hopped…
36 Hours of Adventure :: Exploring Colorado’s San Juan Range
This 36-Hours of Adventure is Presented by: Colorado’s San Juan mountain range is arguably one of the most spectacular groupings of peaks within the state. Characterized by extremely steep (and often crumbly) multi-colored slopes interspersed with vibrant green meadows and expansive stands of aspens, this region in Southwestern Colorado was formed by the collision of…
Destination: Peachland, British Columbia
Photography by Richard Giordano Nestled on the western shore of Okanagan Lake, the charming town of Peachland, British Columbia, is located in the south-central region of the province, midway between the sizable cities of Kelowna (to the north) and Penticton (to the south). While Peachland itself is worth a visit, what truly captures the hearts…
International Overland Vehicles of Expo Mountain West 2021
Photography by Richard Giordano Immediately upon entering the gates of any Overland Expo event, I quickly pass by the shiny things, gadgets, gizmos, whatsits, and thingamabobs and head to the Showcase and DIY Vehicle Area. This place feels like home. It’s where creativity comes to life, where travel tales are shared over cans of beer…
Rwandan Legacy
There is a mist that hangs over this small landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley. The clouds fall gently over the mountains, quietly holding the land and shrouded forests even when the sun shines. Rwanda is not the first place you would visit in Africa, but it’s a short distance from Tanzania or Kenya…
2021 Bronco Badlands Edition
I am smitten. But this is no fly-by-night love affair—it’s complicated. It all began nearly 40 years ago when I caught a ride with a friend in her dad’s Bronco. I don’t recall where we were or what we were doing, but it made an impression on me. A two-tone orange and white box on…
Overland Expo Reveals Ultimate Motorcycle Overland Build for Africa Twin
Overland Expo is the world’s premier overlanding event series. This year it has revealed an Ultimate Overland Build for a Honda Africa Twin given a workover by Overland Expo’s Adventure Motorcycle Ambassador, Eva Rupert. Nice work, Eva! Unedited Press release—Loveland, CO Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT “What an absolute pleasure it has been…
Field Tested: Micro-Start—The World’s Smallest Jump Starter
Created by Antigravity Batteries, known for high-end lithium batteries, the Micro-start is the first, original mini jump starter. These days, we rely on electronic devices more than ever—even in the middle of nowhere—which is what makes the Micro-start an essential item whenever I walk, drive, or ride two wheels off into an adventure. This pocket-sized…
“Over 50 Outside” Offers Hiking Sponsorships for Women Over 50
Overlanding is all about adventure, exploring the the backcountry, relying on your own preparedness and resources, and spending time outdoors. Aside from vehicle-based travel, putting boots to the trail is remarkably similar and aims to achieve many of the same goals when the road runs out. Oboz, Osprey, and Outdoor Research, in collaboration with 52…
The Legendary Bessie Stringfield
Photography courtesy of nationalmcmuseum.org In 1911, a true motorcycling legend, Betsy Leonora Ellis, was born in Kingston, Jamaica; she would later go by Bessie and take on the last name of a spouse. She was tragically orphaned at a young age, then adopted and raised by a well-off Irish woman who would raise her Catholic….
Humanity:: From Russia with Love
Inside the world’s largest country, you’ll find elderly ladies baking bread in wooden houses with painted window frames; large, prosperous cities and honking horns; children riding bicycles on gravel roads, and some of the most industrious, approachable people on the planet. Russia scares many travelers. Bad things happen there, just like bad things happen in…
Memoir and Travel Diary: Van Living 1971, by Gay & Jack Reineck
These days the term vanlife is hardly ever mentioned independently of web-based social media platforms, but the truth is that van living predates the internet. So who were the early pioneers? And what did the early days of van living look like? Gay and Jack Reineck might just have the answers to those questions and…
From India to London in a Toyota Fortuner :: Interview with Amarjeet Singh, The Turban Traveller
As a teenager in New Delhi, Amarjeet Singh longed to roam free and travel the world. He dreamt of meeting people and sharing ideas, food, and culture. But when Singh told his father of his plans, his father became upset. “This is not the time for you to travel,” his father said. “This is the…
Leave No Trace—Outdoor Ethics for Riders, Overlanders, and Other Land Users
I was camping in eastern Washington a month ago. We had a gorgeous spot right on a river and plenty of space for three vehicles and six dirt bikes. On arrival, I jumped out of the truck and headed into some trees to relieve my water-filled bladder. Walking a few feet away from camp, I…
A Self-Drive Adventure Through Botswana
In January 2021, my wife, Kirsten, and I went on a self-drive safari in Botswana in a vehicle from Chobe 4X4. We are camping idiots and always depart with a slight sense of trepidation that we may not return. It is not being in the wild that worries us; it is our profound mechanical ignorance. …
Pioneers of Moto History: The Van Buren Sisters’ 1916 Ride Across America
Photos courtesy of vanburensisters.com In August of 1916, sisters Adeline and Augusta Van Buren found themselves stranded in Skull Valley, an arid expanse of desert between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Reno, Nevada. Despite being part of the Lincoln Highway, the desolate track along which they navigated their three-speed Indian Powerplus motorcycles had vanished. Their…
Field Tested: Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. The Micro Grid hoodie from outdoor clothing manufacturer Melanzana has developed a cult following over the past decade and a half. Perhaps it’s because this synthetic hooded pullover achieves the perfect balance of comfort and technical performance or because its two-tone…