218 – Around The World Ride On A Single Speed with Markus Stitz
Today’s Guest:
From bikepacking to cycling around the world on a single speed to mountain biking in New Zealand to writing his first book, ‘Great British Gravel Rides’, to moving to Scotland, we chat with the well travelled Markus Stitz
On episode #218 We are chatting to Markus Stitz about the release of his new book called Great British Gravel Rides, founding Bikepacking Scotland, competing in the Silk Road Mountain Race and the Highland Trail 550, plus lots lots more.
Markus has travelled the world on two wheels and has documented much of it on his way. We chat about his upbringing in Germany and what got him interested in bikes at an early age. Markus tells us about how living in New Zealand sparked his love for bikepacking and travel adventure. We get into this and much more with Markus including exciting plans he has for the near future.
Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy the show!
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This episode is proudly sponsored by ALLTA
Here at MTB Tribe we are super excited to introduce you all to our new brand – ALLTA.
ALLTA is a range of mountain bike clothes and accessories dedicated to make mountain biking easier. Our gear is designed to be practical, stylish and environmentally friendly. Our best-selling Trail Changing Robe will keep you warm and dry while you are getting changed in and out of your riding gear and our other pieces work just as well on the streets as on the trails.
We’re a small Irish based brand, but our range is growing steadily with the support of a fantastic group of mountain bikers across Ireland and the UK.
You can check us out at www.rideallta.com or on Instagram @ride.allta
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Right click here and ‘Save as’ to download to your computer.
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Find Out:
- How Markus got interested in two wheels
- Mountain biking in Germany
- Where Markus caught the bike adventure bug
- What New Zealand is like to ride bikes
- Some of the bike adventures Markus took in New Zealand
- Why he moved to Scotland
- Why Markus likes Scotland so much
- What it is like racing Ultra Endurance races
- Some of the challenges you have to deal with during these types of races
- Why Markus founded Bikepacking Scotland
- Riding around the world on a single speed and the highs and lows that come with such a trip
- Why Markus decided to write a book about gravel riding in Britain
- How the book will inspire you to get out and hit the trails
- Added extras that come with the book
- What exciting stuff Markus has planned for the near future (there is quite a lot)
- How to get in contact with Markus and find out more
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It was awesome to get Markus on the podcast. He has such a wealth of knowledge on everything on two wheels, has travelled the world on two wheels and takes a massive amount of pleasure exploring and enjoying the natural surroundings that riding bikes gives you. Markus rides in all weathers and is really looking forward to getting back in the Scottish snow! (that side of bikes is not for me).
If you are thinking of taking on any bikepacking trips then this is the episode for you. Markus has so much knowledge on bikepacking, bikes, gear, camping, food for your journey etc etc, the list goes on. Check out the links below for more information on how Markus can help.
Markus has put all of his knowledge into a great new book called. ‘Great British Gravel Rides’. Instead of me telling you what it’s all about, here is the excerpt from the book:
Great British Gravel Rides pays homage to the very best gravel cycling across England, Wales and Scotland.
Markus Stitz has curated a collection of 25 routes across Britain – each a favourite route of a passionate gravel cyclist. You can join round-the-world cycling men’s record holder Mark Beaumont in East Lothian, experience a different side of East Anglia with ultra-endurance racers and GBDURO20 winners Josh Ibbett and Gail Brown, embark on a coast-to-coast trip across Scotland with round-the-world cycling women’s record holder Jenny Graham, or see the best of Scottish Borders with diversity in cycling champion Aneela McKenna.
Each route gives an insight into what each cyclist loves about gravel riding – what inspires and motivates them – and why they believe it qualifies as one of Britain’s best gravel rides. A detailed route description of the trail is then provided, including interesting information about the local area, exactly what to expect on the route, details on the best places and attractions to explore, recommendations for the best local cafes and pubs and a list of local bike shops, should they be needed. With inspiring photography showcasing some of the best gravel trails in the UK, as well as bespoke maps and downloadable GPX files for each route, this is the essential companion for any gravel rider.
Whether you want a challenging pedal through the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes or a more leisurely day out in the saddle, let Great British Gravel Rides help you explore the best gravel cycling of Great Britain – your adventure begins here!
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It really is a nice user friendly travel guide, the kind of thing you have sitting on your coffee table and flick through everyday. The quality is fantastic and the images are great and with loads of extra information regarding maps, public transport and local eateries, you will be pumping up those tyres and dusting off your sleep bag in no time.
So join us as we chat, gravel, travel, gear, endurance racing and single speed love.
Thanks for your support!
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To Connect with Markus:
‘Great British Gravel Rides’ is available in good book stores and online, as paperback and eBook.
For more information about the book: greatbritishgravelrides.com
For more information about Bikepacking Scotland: bikepackingscotland.com
Website: markusstitz.com
Instagram: reizkultur
Twitter: reizkultur
YouTube: reizkultur
Facebook: fearlessandunique
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Resources in this Episode:
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This episode is proudly sponsored by ALLTA
Here at MTB Tribe we are super excited to introduce you all to our new brand – ALLTA.
ALLTA is a range of mountain bike clothes and accessories dedicated to make mountain biking easier. Our gear is designed to be practical, stylish and environmentally friendly. Our best-selling Trail Changing Robe will keep you warm and dry while you are getting changed in and out of your riding gear and our other pieces work just as well on the streets as on the trails.
We’re a small Irish based brand, but our range is growing steadily with the support of a fantastic group of mountain bikers across Ireland and the UK.
You can check us out at www.rideallta.com or on Instagram @ride.allta
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Thanks to Markus for coming on the show and sharing his travelling experience and expertise.
And thank you once again for tuning in!
Join me next time for another MTB TRIBE Podcast show.
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