Ryan Van Duzer, a 47-year-old adventure influencer from Boulder, is about to embark on a monumental journey. This six-week trek down the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route will span 2,700 miles, from Jasper, Alberta, Canada, to the U.S.-Mexico border. This ambitious endeavor is not just about the physical challenge but also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Adventure Cycling Association, which built the route in 1997. Van Duzer's passion for cycling and adventure began early, as he chose to ride his bike instead of getting his driver's license at 16. This love for two wheels led him to become a successful adventure influencer, sharing his experiences and inspiring others to explore the outdoors.
What makes Van Duzer's journey particularly fascinating is his unique approach to adventure. He started his career in an unexpected location: Central America. After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Honduras, he rode his bike back to Boulder, an experience that left him feeling more alive than ever. This journey not only shaped his future but also taught him the importance of kindness and generosity from people in small villages. Van Duzer's love for adventure and his desire to share his experiences led him to create a public access TV show and eventually garner attention from publications like the Daily Camera.
Over the years, Van Duzer has chronicled his adventures, from surviving in the Venezuelan jungle to running ultramarathons. He has become a familiar face in the cycling community, designing his own bikes and collaborating with companies like Priority Bicycles. His channel, Duzer TV, now boasts 206,000 subscribers and millions of page views. Van Duzer's ability to connect with people and share his experiences has made him a beloved figure in the adventure community.
The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route expedition is a testament to Van Duzer's spirit of exploration and his commitment to sharing his adventures. He plans to camp throughout most of the journey, hitting hotels occasionally for showers and equipment recharging. The timeline will be flexible, allowing him to immerse himself in the local culture and connect with interesting people along the way. With an elevation gain and loss of 200,000 feet and a daily change of 7,000 to 10,000 feet, this journey will be a true test of endurance and adaptability.
Van Duzer's journey will also include a group of 20 fans and five Priority employees, adding a layer of community and camaraderie to the expedition. Nina Ratliff, an Idaho resident originally from Germany, is among the group, excited to fully enjoy the eight-day leg of the trip. Van Duzer's ability to bring people together and create a sense of community is a testament to his leadership and charisma.
As Van Duzer embarks on this epic journey, he will continue to inspire and entertain his followers through his Instagram and YouTube channels. His ability to connect with people and share his experiences in a meaningful way is a testament to his talent and passion. This journey is not just about the destination but also about the journey itself, and Van Duzer's unique perspective and approach to adventure make it a truly captivating experience.
