Spreading the Stoke on Diné Nation

At Dzil Ta’ah Adventures, we’re all about spreading bikepacking stoke across the Diné Nation. We do it however we can—by showing up at local races, setting up displays of packed bikes, and recreating cozy camp scenes to get people asking questions.

Anything that helps build an inclusive bikepacking scene is worth the effort.

One connection came from an unexpected place. I was giving a keynote at an economic development conference when Claudia Jackson, from a nonprofit called Diné We Can, approached me.

She runs Tour de SiiHasin, a 400-mile supported ride across the Navajo Nation to raise awareness of suicide in Indigenous communities. Claudia also supports youth mountain bikers across Arizona and Native athletes in general.

The Bikepacking Series

For new riders, we often run what we call a “bikepacking series”—three to five workshops covering everything from gear setup to packing techniques, wag bag demos, and short sub-24-hour trips.

We’ve learned that throwing all that new knowledge into one big trip can overwhelm folks. Between gear, food, water, and the ever-charming topic of “bathroom logistics,” it’s easy to get discouraged if something goes wrong.

The Reverse Bike Packing Plan

During one of our sessions, the reverse bike packing idea took shape. Most of the group couldn’t make it, but three women could—just not at the same time.

So, we decided to set up camp first, test out the ultralight gear, sleep under the stars, then pack everything onto the bikes and go for a loaded ride the next morning.

Maybe it’s not technically reverse bikepacking. Maybe it’s just camping and riding loaded. But hey—my story, my rules.

Stories at Camp

The three riders rolled in pretty late that night. Once everyone settled, we circled up around, introduced ourselves and shared stories—about family, how we got into cycling, and life outside the bike.

We loved hearing about Kim, who does biology work with deep-sea organizations; Karen, who was training for a 300-mile road ride to raise funds for local police; and Arlinda, whose first bike—Turquoise Rose, a heavy steel beast—was stolen off her porch and returned a few days later. (Some bikes are just meant to stay with their owners.)

Riding Through Ancient Landscapes

It might not have been an “official” bikepacking trip, but it worked beautifully. The women got to practice loading their gear efficiently on smaller bikes, then rode through landscapes shaped by an ancient ocean—fossilized shells scattered across the desert floor where they stopped for snacks.

After the ride, we talked about what worked and what didn’t:

• the pros and cons of quick-release seat collars,

• the art of stuffing sleeping gear instead of the traditional rolling,

• and other small insights that make big differences on the trail.

We didn’t get to cooking lessons this time, but we did share some of our favorite freeze-dried meals and Snow Peak camp setups from gear our library.

If it weren’t for community groups like Claudia’s, we wouldn’t have the same level of support from the outdoor industry. And if it weren’t for experiments like this reverse bike packing thing, we might miss out on those small, powerful moments that remind us why we do this in the first place.

Author’s Note

At Dzil Ta’ah Adventures, our mission has always been simple: help our Diné community reconnect with the land through movement, stories, and shared experiences on the bike.

Every campfire conversation, every loaded bike, and every smile on a new rider’s face reminds us that bikepacking isn’t just about miles or gear—it’s about reclaiming space on our own homelands, one ride at a time.