More than a traditional cycling festival, BAM! is built around a simple idea: the bicycle is not the focus, but the starting point. Over three days it becomes a shared language that connects long-distance riders, local explorers and a broader audience interested in travel, outdoor culture and storytelling.

Rather than following a linear schedule, the event unfolds as an open environment where talks, workshops, rides and informal b happen simultaneously.

Participants move freely between them, building their own experience. Part of the program is specifically designed for the international community and will be held in English, reflecting the growing presence of riders and travelers from across Europe and beyond.

The 2026 program brings together a wide range of voices, combining well-known figures from the global bikepacking scene with new and emerging storytellers. Among the international guests, Max Riese and his WOSSA project, an initiative educating cyclists about water circulation in the Alps, Sami Sauri will bring her perspective on travel, photography and representation, while Nelson Trees will present a documentary linked to his work in shaping some of the most relevant bikepacking events worldwide. Traveling across Italy by bike, artists Juliane Borths and Arkadij Blinow will present at BAM a body of work shaped by their journey.

These international perspectives sit alongside a strong lineup of Italian and European travelers.

Monica Consolini will share her two-year solo journey around the world, while Matteo Stella retraces a transcontinental ride from Beijing to Venice along the routes of Marco Polo. Stories from Africa, Alaska and the Himalayas expand the geographical scope of the program, often focusing less on performance and more on human relationships, adaptation and unexpected encounters.

Figures such as Mattia de Marchi contribute to connecting the worlds of adventure, racing and exploration, while other talks move beyond cycling altogether. Climbers Giovanni Zaccaria and Alessandro Ferrari, for example, reflect on what it means to pursue long-term goals like climbing Cerro Torre later in life, shifting the focus from achievement to time, limits and friendship.

A central theme of BAM! 2026 is travel as a tool for freedom and community. International and grassroots collectives such as Bike Boobs and VaiGine explore inclusivity and empowerment within cycling culture, opening the conversation to new voices and perspectives.

BAM! is also a place to learn. Throughout the weekend, participants can take part in practical sessions on travel photography, storytelling, weather interpretation and first aid in remote environments, alongside discussions on road safety and new forms of mobility. The tone remains informal and accessible, designed for both experienced bikepackers and those approaching this world for the first time.

Riding is an essential part of the experience, with daily outings offering different ways to explore the Veneto region. Some are relaxed and social, others more thematic, but all reflect the same idea of the bicycle as a tool to connect with places and people.

At the same time, BAM! is also a celebration. As the sun goes down, the event shifts into a festival atmosphere, with DJ sets and live music transforming the venue into a shared space where travelers, locals and participants come together beyond the daytime program.

This mix of storytelling, outdoor experience and nightlife is one of the defining elements of BAM!, making it as much about meeting people as it is about listening to stories.

The experience extends through the entire site, with moments such as yoga sessions led by Francesca Oliva, performances by highliner Andrea Loreni and the “cycle cinema”, where film screenings are powered by participants pedaling. Families are increasingly part of the event, with dedicated activities that introduce younger audiences to travel and outdoor culture in an open and inclusive way.

Over the years, BAM! has grown into more than an event. It has become a cultural platform and a meeting point for an international community that sees travel not as performance, but as a way to rethink how we relate to time, space and others.

The full program will be available soon here.

The event is free to attend, while camping spots can be booked online.

The unique BAM! format
Meetings, music, workshops, bike rides: from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon the program has two themes. For those interested, there are workshops, meet-ups with fellow cyclists, performance artists, bike brands and talks by those well-known in the community. For those who just want to hang out there is also plenty on offer: beer on tap, live music and plenty of local routes to explore in and around Mantua.

What does BAM! stand for?
BAM!, is an acronym for Bicycle Adventure Meeting – the largest meet-up in Europe dedicated to bicycle travelers. Bikepackers, classic cycle tourists and those who adore long journeys, gravel, exploring by bicycle, ultracycling and family trips: all the kindred souls and fans of traveling on two wheels meet every year at BAM! Press office and organization here.

Cowichan Camp Confirmed as Official Venue
The 2026 Championships will be hosted at Cowichan Camp, a spacious, private outdoor venue located on Riverbottom Road West. The site offers a self‑contained event village, ample parking, onsite camping, indoor facilities for race operations, and direct access to the Burnt Bridge Classic gravel network—allowing riders to roll straight from the venue onto race‑ready terrain.

Book your stay at Cowichan Camp here.

The venue’s open fields and natural amphitheatre layout provide excellent spectator viewing, a professional start/finish environment, and efficient flow for teams, media, and support crews.

New Championship Routes Through the Burnt Bridge Network
This year’s course design showcases the Cowichan Valley’s signature mix of fast forestry roads, punchy climbs, river‑side corridors, and rugged backcountry gravel. Three routes have been confirmed:

• Elite / Masters A-B Championship Route – 123 km   A demanding, selective course for Elite and Masters A-B Men/Women featuring long power climbs, technical gravel sectors, and decisive ridge‑line sections designed to crown the 2026 Canadian Gravel Champions.
• Masters C-D / U19 Routes – 75 km   A challenging but compressed route for U19 (Juniors) and Masters C-D that still provides racers with a balance of climbing, descending, and technical sections. competitive and recreational riders seeking a true Vancouver Island gravel experience.
• U17 Route – 50 km   An age appropriate route that still offers similar challenges to the other categories.
• Ability Based Categories for Recreational Riders in the Open Fondo:
  • Esperto 123km
  • Intermedio 75km
  • Impulso 50km

All routes start and finish at Cowichan Camp, minimizing transfers and maximizing rider safety.

Event Schedule

Saturday June 13, 2026

• 10:00 am to 5:30 pm – Check in and race package pick-up
• COWICHAN CAMP 5070 Riverbottom Rd W, Duncan, BC V9L 3X9

Sunday June 14, 2026

• COWICHAN CAMP 5070 Riverbottom Rd W, Duncan, BC V9L 3X9
• 7:30am to 9:00 am – Check in and package pick-up
• 9:15 am – Greetings, Rider’s Briefing
• 9:30 am – Championship Elite Men
• 9:31 am – Championship Elite Women
• 9:32 am – Championship U19
• 9:33 am – Championship U19
• 9:34 am – Championship Masters A (35-39/40-44)
• 9:35 am – Championship Masters B (45-49/50-54)
• 9:35 am – Championship Masters C (55-59/60-64), Masters D (65+)
• 9:36 am – Championship U17 Men / U17 Women
• 9:37 am – Championship Masters Women A/B/C/D
• 9:40 am – Open Esperto Fondo (Non Championship)
• 9:41 am – Open Intermedio Fondo (Non Championship)
• 9:42 am – Open Impulso Fondo (Non Championship)
• 11:00 am to 3:00 pm – Food Truck & Drinks
• 3:00 pm – Awards Presentations

A full technical guide, including route maps and GPX files, will be released to registered riders in the coming weeks.

A National‑Level Gravel Festival in the Cowichan Valley
The Burnt Bridge Classic has quickly become one of Western Canada’s premier gravel events. With the addition of the Felt Canadian Gravel Championships, the 2026 edition is expected to attract a deep elite field, national media attention, and strong community participation.

“The Cowichan Valley is one of the most dynamic gravel regions in the country, and this year’s venue and routes reflect that perfectly,” said event director Jon Watkin. “We’re excited to welcome riders from across Canada to experience this terrain at its absolute best.”

Registration
Registration is open now here. Early registration is strongly encouraged due to field‑size limits for championship categories.

Media & Partner Inquiries
Panache Cycling Sports Ltd.
Email: info@panachecycling.com

Covering Edinburgh, East, West and Midlothian and crossing the Firth of Forth into the Kingdom of Fife, the rides range from 17 to 89 kilometres, plus a challenging 244-kilometre bonus route. The routes explore charming fishing villages and the industrial heritage of the Fife coast, follow Scotland’s oldest railway, the 1722 Waggonway in East Lothian, or venture into the Pentland and Lomond Hills.

The longer routes in the book include a route which tracks the Edinburgh bypass on off-road paths, created with round-the-world cycling record holder Mark Beaumont, a multi-day bikepacking adventure inspired by the Rough Stuff Fellowship and a visit to the Great Polish Map of Scotland and Rosslyn Chapel.

Researched, ridden and written by the Bikepacking Scotland and Edinburgh Dawn Patrol founder, the routes feature clear and easy-to-use Ordnance Survey maps; easy-to-follow directions; details of distance, timings and difficulty gradings; stunning photography; refreshment stops and local knowledge; and a detailed appendix. Also included is a link to downloadable GPX files.

Stitz, originally from Germany, has lived in Edinburgh since 2009 and has deep ties to the city. From 2010 – 2015 he commuted regularly through Fife and West Lothian, cycling from Stirling home to Edinburgh most days before his round the world trip. He has worked with Welcome to Fife and Visit East Lothian and has most recently collaborated with Pindar Creative on the redesign of the Edinburgh cycle maps.

Markus comments: ‘In my almost 17 years in Edinburgh, only interrupted by a one-year trip by bike around the world, I have seen cycling becoming more visible and used my hometown as a base to explore the rest of Scotland, the UK, and the world. Most recently I took inspiration from the Oslo Dawn Patrol and founded a similar social ride in Edinburgh.’

‘Researching this book was in equal terms easy and very challenging. I want this guidebook to be relevant for people who are lucky enough to call Edinburgh, Fife or East Lothian their home. Almost all my book deliveries in Edinburgh are done by bike, and I wanted to write a book for all the people I have met on those journeys and through the Edinburgh Dawn Patrol.’

‘But I also wanted to create a book which is a useful companion if people visit Scotland’s capital for a few days. Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world – welcoming, buzzing and steeped in natural and architectural beauty. I can’t think of any other city that is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites and hosts some of the world’s most inspiring artists each summer.’

All routes in the book are accessible by public transport, and the book also includes an introduction to gravel riding in Scotland, covering the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, bike and kit advice.

Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians is available in all good bookshops, as signed copies directly from the author here and here.

Title: Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & the Lothians: 15 gravel bike adventures around Scotland’s capital city
Publisher: Vertebrate Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1839812996
Release Date: 21 May 2026
RRP: £15.95
Available at: Bookshops nationwide and internationally, here and here.

We’ve been working hard on the course, and it’s shaping up to be a great one—flowy, fun singletrack mixed with a bit of old-school challenge to keep it interesting. This year features a solo course that is mostly separate, helping with smoother passing and less congestion. Both courses will ride really well!

Our events all have a friendly spirit — some push it, most just ride at their own pace and enjoy the day. It’s the perfect way to find your flow heading into the mountain bike season. There’s still time to get your team together or jump in solo.  Once registration closes, that’s it.

Event information here.
Register here.

Panache Cycling Sports is proud to announce a new partnership with Felt Bicycles as the official Title Sponsor of the BC Gravel Series and the Canadian Gravel Championships, marking a significant expansion of the brand’s presence and commitment to Western Canada’s rapidly growing gravel cycling community.

Schedule
Saturday May 16, 2026
10:00 am to 5:30 pm – Check in and race package pick-up
JUMPING SLUG COMMUNITY CYCLERY 4691 Dundalk Ave S, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8P1

Sunday May 17, 2026
7:30am to 9:00 am – Check in and package pick-up at the Mosaic Log Sort at Stirling Arm Road and Canal Main.
9:15 am – Greetings, Rider’s Briefing
9:30 am – All Riders Start (Self Seeded with Fastest Riders in Front)
11:00 am to 3:00 pm – Food Truck
3:00 pm – Awards Presentations

How to get to the Race
Coming from the southwest on Highway 4, take a left turn onto the Port Alberni Highway. Turn Right on River Road to Pacific Rim Hwy. Keep left and cross the Orange Bridge and then take the first left on Tsuma-as Dr. Stay left on Shoemaker Bay Rd. Turn Right on Canal Forest Service Road. Then take a right on Stirling Arm Road followed by the first left to the site entrance.
Google Directions Link here.

Book Your Camp Spat at the Race
We are offering limited space for onsite overnight camping at the start/finish venue for Saturday May 16. Space is available on a first come first serve basis for RV’s, Campervan/truck, Tenting, or Motorhome. The area is paved so if you are tenting, you may need to find a place to properly stake .

Note that the following rules apply:
No campfires
No sale or consumption of alcohol on premises
All Camping Vehicles must have a Fire Extinguisher
No littering
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Reserve your spot here.

Price is Free, but we do invite you to make a charitable donation to the Port Alberni Shelter Society: DONATE HERE.

Note that Mosaic offers dedicated camping at the Macktush Camp Ground here.

IMPULSO – 31.97km / 467 Total Ascent here.
INTERMEDIO – 76.36 km distance / 1443m Total Ascent here.
ESPERTO – 122.9km distance / 2404 Total Ascent here.

Register for the 2026 Felt BC Gravel Series #2 at Port Alberni here.

The signatories argue that safe walking and cycling networks are essential to “improving affordability” for Canadian households at a time when conflict in the Middle East has driven gas prices to record highs. The group identifies active transportation as a “low-cost, high-impact” solution that provides “reliable, zero-cost alternatives to car dependency” for families struggling with the rising cost of living.

The group warns that despite the funding being committed in 2025, it has not yet been released and municipalities and First Nations across Canada have shovel-ready projects that are now at a critical juncture. With the 2026 building window narrowing, the statement emphasizes that further delay “risks losing an entire building year.”

“Active transportation is the ‘connective tissue’ that makes new high-density housing developments viable,” said Kate Walker, Chair of Vélo Canada Bikes. “As the statement makes clear, these projects are ‘low-cost, high-impact’ solutions to the challenges our country is facing.”

The joint statement highlights an unprecedented level of consensus across sectors, featuring prominent signatories that include:
• National organizations: Leading organizations from the health, environmental, and transportation sectors including the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
• Leading Canadian businesses: Major industry players including Giant Bikes Canada and Cycles Devinci, representing the economic footprint of the cycling sector.
• Provincial and local organizations: Major provincial entities such as Vélo Québec, Cycle Toronto, BIXI Montréal, and HUB Cycling.

“The window for action is closing,” the statement reads. “By unlocking these funds, the federal government will demonstrate that it is ready to move at the speed required to build a modern, affordable, and productive Canada.”

The full joint statement and the complete list of 101 signatories can be found here.

The P2A 2026 event was a huge success. After rain and wind on Saturday, race day on Sunday dawned cool and clear. Even the traditional P2A mud managed to dry out some. The wind was a bit of an issue but sunny skies brightened the mood.

Check out the photo galleries here and the race results here.

The Prize Package Includes:

• 7 nights of accommodation on the yacht, in a double cabin with a private shower/bathroom.
• 3 days of full board (all 3 meals), and 4 days of half board (breakfast + one other meal)
• 2 free bicycle rentals
• 7days of guided bike touring
• Maps for daily routes
• Two guided city tours, with one lunch at a traditional konoba
• Pedal & Sea water bottle
• All water and port fees
• Accommodations for 2 the night before the tour starts

*Airfare is not included

You can buy your raffle tickets here. The draw is on Saturday, April 25. Don’t miss out!

Click here to find out more about Pedal & Sea Adventures.

AGLC License 772574

Don’t wait too long as this iconic ride is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it. To register for P2A 2026 click here.

“The Varial represents a new way of thinking about rooftop storage,” said Luke Kuschmeader, Founder and CEO of Küat. “For years, cargo boxes have only opened from one side, forcing people to work around the box instead of the box working for them. The Varial fixes that with its 3-sided access at all times. It’s intuitive, beautiful, feature-packed, and built to handle real travel and adventure.”

Forward-Opening, Three-Sided Access
The Varial’s signature innovation is its unique forward-opening door, which enables loading and unloading from the back, driver side, or passenger side. This design eliminates the need to shuffle around the vehicle, reach awkwardly, or deal with restricted access in parking lots or at trailheads.
Users can also lock or unlock the Varial from either side, reducing hassle and removing the need to use a key every time the box is accessed.

Fast, Set and Forget Mounting System
The Varial’s quick-mount hardware allows users to install or remove the cargo box in seconds. The system is engineered for confidence and simplicity, making it as friendly for family road trips as it is for multi-sport athletes.

Premium Construction, No Exposed Hardware
Built from UV-capped ABS for long-lasting protection and durability, the Varial features a clean exterior design with no exposed rivets or hardware. The result is a sleek, modern silhouette that’s more water-resistant and easy to service over time.

Inside, strategically placed mounting points for tie-down straps keep gear secure and organized, whether traveling across town or cross-country. Gas spring struts deliver a smooth, stable opening and closing experience in any weather.

Formed & Assembled in the USA
Proudly formed and assembled in the United States, the Varial reflects Küat’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and long-term product support.

Built for Real Travel
Created for families, road trippers, skiers and snowboarders, car campers, and year-round adventurers, the Varial provides the additional space families and travelers need, without compromising vehicle comfort or cargo accessibility.

“This box is designed for people who want more time outside and less time wrestling with their gear,” said Aaron Houston, R&D Manager at Küat. “Every detail, from the door geometry to the internal mounting points, is thoughtfully considered. The Varial is built to elevate every type of trip, in every season.”

Public Debut at Sea Otter Classic
Varial will make its official, public debut at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, where attendees can experience the new system firsthand. Visit booth A77. Additional showcases will take place throughout 2026 and beyond.

Availability
The Varial is expected to ship in October of 2026. Detailed specifications, pricing, product videos, and preorder announcements will be available here.

About Küat
Küat builds industry-leading bike racks, roof systems, and overland cargo solutions that elevate outdoor adventure. Combining award-winning design, robust engineering, and face-melting customer service, Küat products are crafted to endure the miles ahead. Through their Future Forest Initiative, Küat partners with veritree to plant trees for every rack sold, helping restore natural ecosystems worldwide. Learn more here.