I’m your cyclist, butch

A Little About Me & My Gravel Biking Adventuring

Picture this: By day, I’m piloting a big rig with Shaffer Trucking. By every free moment, I’m conquering trails, peaks, and cliffs—because who needs a gym when nature is the ultimate playground? From my home base in Augusta, Kansas, I balance the open road with cherished family time—my wife Nancy and our fearless adventurer, Chris. Together, we pedal into memories that blur the line between trucker and explorer.

Oh, and when I’m not on two wheels, I’m crafting pixels with Miller Media and Web Design—yep, I built this very site! So, if you spot a truck near a trailhead, that’s me—balancing tires and digital dreams. Dive into the journey!

my latest cycling blog

My Three Longest Rides

My New Ride, the Ari Shafer 2.0

Gravel Biking Freedom is Here

ARI Shafer 2.0

The moment my new Ari Shafer 2.0 touched the ground, I knew my gravel adventures had reached a new horizon. Clad in a misty “Fog Grey,” this sleek machine doesn’t just ride—it practically whispers across every surface. With its featherweight MonoForm™ CleanCast™ carbon frame, it’s agile, responsive, and ready to dance up mountains or sprint through valleys. The road ahead—paved or untamed—is mine to explore.

The powerhouse? A 12-speed drivetrain coupled with a mighty 10-52T cassette—giving me an astounding 520% gear range. When the landscape throws its wildest at me, I shift effortlessly, whether scaling inclines or flying down descents. Every crisp gear change is a reminder that I’m ready for whatever gravel, dirt, or adventure lies beyond.

But this is more than a bike—it’s a key to freedom. With a generous tire clearance and vibration-taming carbon, the Shafer 2.0 devours miles—whether on a daily ride or a multi-day bikepacking epic. As a truck driver who spends hours on the highway, this bike swaps asphalt for endless horizons. It’s my escape, my balance, and my invitation to nature’s open arms. Wherever my truck stops, my gravel adventures begin. Let’s ride!

New Year’s Resolution 3000 Miles

This year, I’m embarking on a coast-to-coast quest: riding through each of the lower 48 states, one gravel trail at a time. My ARI Shafer will be my trusty companion, rolling across hidden paths and open vistas. At 15 miles per hour, I’ll be catching the world in all its raw detail—the kind you miss behind a windshield. Camera in hand, I’ll capture the soul of the journey so you can ride along with me.

I’ve set my sights on a 3,000-mile year, each state requiring a minimum 20-mile ride to count. It’s more than a challenge; it’s a celebration of endurance, discovery, and the sheer joy of pedaling into the unknown. Stay tuned—every mile tells a story!

My Last 3 Resolution Rides

Cycling Around America Blog Motivation

Image of me

Why Start a Blog

Why did this blog come to life? Simple: I thrive on capturing those fleeting moments—whether it’s the hush of a sunrise ride or the unplanned detour to a hidden café. This blog is my canvas, where the art of storytelling and the snap of a photo meet.

Let’s be clear: while I dream of turning this passion into a sustainable endeavor, every word and every review is real—no sponsors, just gear I trust. Ultimately, I envision my photography—whether it’s the quiet awe of the stars or the pulse of the city—finding a place on someone’s wall. For now, I’m drawn to the raw beauty—be it under the stars, across the landscape, or in the heartbeat of the streets.

Travel Photography

Travel photography is one of the beating hearts of my journey. I aim to capture the world in its grand, odd, and mesmerizing detail—from the majestic sweep of natural wonders to the hidden, offbeat corners of a tucked-away alley. Whether it’s a sweeping canyon or the graffiti whispers of an urban street, each shot is a celebration of the world’s diverse character.

Writing, in turn, is my pause button. It slows me down, gently nudging me to notice the subtle magic—the way the wind whispers through the pines, or that satisfying, bone-deep fatigue after conquering a climb. Documenting these moments lets me savor every detail, and I hope it stirs a spark in you too—to slow down, look closely, and discover the extraordinary in the everyday.

Nature Therapy

Nature therapy is the ultimate life hack. When the to-do list looks like a novel, stepping outside is the reboot button you didn’t know you needed. For me, the outdoors plays double duty—it’s both my muse and my therapist, patiently nodding while I chat with squirrels. Whether it’s a quick jaunt in the neighborhood park or an epic hike that leaves your legs questioning life choices, there’s a slice of wilderness that fits everyone.

And then there’s cycling—the rolling meditation on two wheels. Each pedal stroke is a rhythmic reminder that forward motion is all it takes—whether I’m cresting a hill or coasting downhill with the wind in my face. It’s therapy that moves: breathing deeply, clearing the mind, and reminding me that every journey—on the road or in life—is made one revolution at a time.

So, welcome to my Gravel Biking Adventuring Diary

Welcome to my ongoing adventure diary, where every uphill climb comes with a great story, and every surprise trail mishap is just a twist in the plot. Here, I’ll share the highs that make your heart race, the lows that teach you patience, and the unexpected moments where nature says, “Surprise!” My hope is that these tales will spark something in you—to step out, soak in the world’s beauty, and find your own rhythm on this winding path. So, grab your sense of wonder—let’s discover, chuckle, and yes, get gloriously muddy. Ready to roll?