The short answer: for cycle touring and bikepacking inspiration, start with @whileoutriding (Cass Gilbert), @theradavist and its founder @johnprolly (John Watson), and @logans.ride (Logan Watts, founder of BIKEPACKING.com). Then use hashtags such as #bikepacking and #cycletouring to discover riders closer to your own style and region.
Before setting off on a trip, many of us love daydreaming over photos of faraway places taken by other travellers. Social networks have become an endless source of inspiration, showing dreamlike scenery and corners of the world few people have explored. But with so many accounts out there, which ones are actually worth following?
Here is our selection of the best Instagram profiles for cycle touring — accounts run by riders and editors who have been documenting bicycle travel for years.
Cass Gilbert — @whileoutriding
Cass Gilbert has been travelling the world by bicycle for more than two decades, writing and photographing as he goes. A contributing editor at BIKEPACKING.com and the author of the blog whileoutriding.com, he has ridden dirt roads from Alaska to Patagonia, crossed Asia and the Middle East, and today often rides with his son Sage — including family bikepacking trips in Mexico and along France's Atlantic coast. His photographer's eye makes every shot feel like an invitation, and his family adventures prove that bike travel doesn't stop when kids arrive.
The Radavist — @theradavist
The Radavist is one of the best-known voices in alternative cycling culture. Founded by photographer and cyclist John Watson, who began documenting the bike scene in New York City in 2006, it has evolved from urban track bikes to off-road riding, bikepacking and desert touring. Today it's run by John and his partner Cari Carmean from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Expect beautiful bicycles, framebuilder profiles and big landscapes. John also shares his own rides on his personal account, @johnprolly.
Logan Watts — @logans.ride
Logan Watts is the founder of BIKEPACKING.com, launched in 2012 after he left a career in graphic design to set out on his first long-distance bike tour. The site now lists hundreds of bikepacking routes in around fifty countries. His personal account follows the routes, gear tests and journeys behind that work — a great feed if you're looking for ideas for your next off-road adventure.
How to find more cycle touring accounts
The best accounts for you are often the ones riding where you want to go. A few practical tips:
- Follow hashtags such as #bikepacking, #cycletouring, #bicycletouring and #adventurecycling, then add the name of the region you're dreaming about.
- Check who your favourite riders follow and tag: the touring community is small and very generous with recommendations.
- Follow destinations and tour operators, which often repost riders' photos from their routes.
And for European routes you can actually book, follow us at @lifeonabike.travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Instagram account for bikepacking?
BIKEPACKING.com and its founder Logan Watts (@logans.ride) are a strong starting point for routes and gear, while Cass Gilbert (@whileoutriding) is ideal for travel storytelling and family bikepacking.
Which hashtags should I follow for cycle touring?
#bikepacking, #cycletouring, #bicycletouring and #adventurecycling are among the most used. Combine them with a place name to find riders in a specific region.
Are these accounts useful for planning a trip?
Yes: they're great for inspiration and for spotting routes, gear and seasons. For a ready-made trip with hotels and luggage transfer, a self-guided tour is the easiest way to turn that inspiration into reality.
Inspired to ride? On Life on a Bike you'll find hundreds of self-guided cycling tours across Europe, with hotels booked, luggage transferred and routes ready to follow.
