Behind every bikepacking trip, there’s a story. For our friend and photographer Nicolas Bourdeau(@cycling_horizon), cycling and photography go hand in hand. Always carrying his camera (and a mountain of candy), Nicolas captures the raw beauty of the road as well as the small, spontaneous moments that make every ride unique.
Favorite Arkel bag: the Burrito
“Easy access for snacks, but also the perfect place to quickly stash my camera when the weather turns. The side pockets? Perfect for a little speaker to keep me motivated along the way!”
Music plays a key role in his adventures. From blasting Gerry Boulet at the end of a long day, to climbing hills with the Minions’ “Tu es belle comme la papaya” 🤣, the soundtrack is always part of the journey.
Trips, tips and highlights
From the Baja Divide (a trip he’d do again in a heartbeat) to dreaming about tackling the Great Divide, Nicolas is fueled by exploration. On his recent ride across Spain, he collected plenty of memories and lessons:
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Spending 1h30 looping around the Barcelona airport, searching in vain for a bike path.
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Enjoying affordable and delicious Spanish “El Menú” lunches (often cheaper than dinner—and sometimes including a bottle of wine).
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Meeting inspiring fellow travelers like @cyclingnomads, a couple who’s been on the road for 22 years.
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Watching flamingos in the Ebro Delta, a magical pause in nature.
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Stumbling into Montblanc on Sant Jordi day, right in the middle of a medieval parade inside a castle.
But perhaps the most memorable story? After 12 days in the backcountry dreaming about paella, Nicolas finally reached Valencia… only to face a massive power outage. No access to their accommodation, no restaurants open—just freeze-dried food eaten in a park, waiting nine long hours for electricity to return.
Always in his bags
His camera. A mountain of candy. Juicy Spanish nísperos.
With humor, grit, and a deep love for the unexpected, Nicolas reminds us that bikepacking is about more than just reaching a destination—it’s about the encounters, surprises, and little joys you pack along the way.
