July 4th, 2024 | by Jaab Veskijkul
Ever dreamed of a paid road trip across the USA? Sounds amazing, right? Well, it is! But let me share the full story—the ups and downs, the challenges, and the incredible moments.
Hey there, I’m Jaab Veskijkul, Bivo’s Event and Field Service Coordinator. Over the past few months, I’ve been on a whirlwind adventure across America. In just three months, I’ve witnessed the breathtaking diversity of our country, starting with the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. With over 80,000 attendees, it was mind-blowing to be part of one of the world’s largest cycling events.
From there, my journey took me through mountains, beaches, forests, and flatlands. Each landscape was a reminder of America's vast beauty. In Arizona, I drove over 500 miles through cactus-filled deserts and straight roads to Prescott's lush pine trees. Despite cold, windy rain at the Whiskey Off-Road event, the warm cycling community kept my spirits high. Huge thanks to Tasco MTB team, Endurelite, and Shredly for helping me anchor my tent against the relentless wind.
Ever dreamed of a paid road trip across the USA? Sounds amazing, right? Well, it is! But let me share the full story—the ups and downs, the challenges, and the incredible moments.
Hey there, I’m Jaab Veskijkul, Bivo’s Event and Field Service Coordinator. Over the past few months, I’ve been on a whirlwind adventure across America. In just three months, I’ve witnessed the breathtaking diversity of our country, starting with the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. With over 80,000 attendees, it was mind-blowing to be part of one of the world’s largest cycling events.
From there, my journey took me through mountains, beaches, forests, and flatlands. Each landscape was a reminder of America's vast beauty. In Arizona, I drove over 500 miles through cactus-filled deserts and straight roads to Prescott's lush pine trees. Despite cold, windy rain at the Whiskey Off-Road event, the warm cycling community kept my spirits high. Huge thanks to Tasco MTB team, Endurelite, and Shredly for helping me anchor my tent against the relentless wind.
Hico, Texas, brought an unexpected challenge at the Gravel Locos event—fire ants! The Gravel Locos team quickly rescued me with Benadryl and ointment, showcasing the generous spirit of these events.
Bentonville Bike Fest in Arkansas, was unforgettable. I (and our #tornadoproofbottles) survived a tornado, though the Bivo tent didn’t. The sheer force of nature was humbling, but the resilience of the event, the camaraderie of the volunteers, and the stunning landscapes left a lasting impression.
Every city has its own vibe and challenges. From a foggy drive to Lutsen, Minnesota (Lutsen 99er), to humorous requests for vodka bottles at Cry Baby Hill in Tulsa (Tulsa Tough), and the vast plains of Kansas. Through it all, I never felt alone. My Bivo team was always there, supporting me through countless texts and calls.
Hico, Texas, brought an unexpected challenge at the Gravel Locos event—fire ants! The Gravel Locos team quickly rescued me with Benadryl and ointment, showcasing the generous spirit of these events.
Bentonville Bike Fest in Arkansas, was unforgettable. I (and our #tornadoproofbottles) survived a tornado, though the Bivo tent didn’t. The sheer force of nature was humbling, but the resilience of the event, the camaraderie of the volunteers, and the stunning landscapes left a lasting impression.
Every city has its own vibe and challenges. From a foggy drive to Lutsen, Minnesota (Lutsen 99er), to humorous requests for vodka bottles at Cry Baby Hill in Tulsa (Tulsa Tough), and the vast plains of Kansas. Through it all, I never felt alone. My Bivo team was always there, supporting me through countless texts and calls.
Picture 1:Bivo Trio in the aftermath of the storm in Bentonville. Picture 2: Jaab working the tent at Unbound.
Despite facing tough weather, the highlight has been the incredible people I’ve met. I encountered a family participating in the NY Five Boro Ride for the seventeenth year, young racers, seasoned pros, and even a triathlon coach with over 20 years of Ironman events. The biking community welcomed me with open arms. Shoutout to everyone who stopped by the Bivo booth, Moosepacks for their help, Lain Van Ogle for lending me his chair, and Scott and Paul from Premiere for their tornado assistance. Thanks to everyone who watched the booth while I took bathroom breaks, chatted with me, smiled, and supported me.
Being on the road alone took me on a reflective journey. I listened to various podcasts like 99% Invisible, Song Exploder, The Moth, and even the silly ones like My Dad Wrote a Porno and Who Shat on the Floor at My Wedding to keep me awake and laughing. I screamed through songs and explored new music. These moments of solitude allowed me to reconnect with many people I hadn't spoken to in ages due to busy schedules.
This adventure has shown me stunning landscapes and introduced me to amazing people. The challenges were worth it for the experiences and connections. Representing Bivo at these events has been an honor, and I look forward to many more road trip adventures ahead!
Despite facing tough weather, the highlight has been the incredible people I’ve met. I encountered a family participating in the NY Five Boro Ride for the seventeenth year, young racers, seasoned pros, and even a triathlon coach with over 20 years of Ironman events. The biking community welcomed me with open arms. Shoutout to everyone who stopped by the Bivo booth, Moosepacks for their help, Lain Van Ogle for lending me his chair, and Scott and Paul from Premiere for their tornado assistance. Thanks to everyone who watched the booth while I took bathroom breaks, chatted with me, smiled, and supported me.
Being on the road alone took me on a reflective journey. I listened to various podcasts like 99% Invisible, Song Exploder, The Moth, and even the silly ones like My Dad Wrote a Porno and Who Shat on the Floor at My Wedding to keep me awake and laughing. I screamed through songs and explored new music. These moments of solitude allowed me to reconnect with many people I hadn't spoken to in ages due to busy schedules.
This adventure has shown me stunning landscapes and introduced me to amazing people. The challenges were worth it for the experiences and connections. Representing Bivo at these events has been an honor, and I look forward to many more road trip adventures ahead!
July 6th & 7th: Mad Marathon, Waitsfield, VT
July 12th- 14th: NW Tune-Up, Bellingham, WA(Mark will be at this one!)
July 20th:Ragbrai, Glenwood, IA
Aug 8th & 9th: Leadville 100, Leadville, CO
Aug 16th & 17th:SBT Gravel, Steamboat, CO
Aug 17th:D2R2, Shelburne Falls, MA
Aug 22nd-24th:Hotter N' Hell, Wichita Falls, TX
Aug 23rd - 25th:Made PDX, Portland, OR(be on the lookout for a super special water station, Mark, Carina and Svea!)
Sept 9: Door County Century, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Sept 13th: Cheqamegon, Hayword, WI
Oct 5th & 6th:Green Mountain Cyclocross, Williston, VT
Oct 19th & 20th,The Big Sugar, Bentonville, AR
Think we should attend your event? Let us know by commenting below, and see you on the road!
July 6th & 7th: Mad Marathon, Waitsfield, VT
July 12th- 14th: NW Tune-Up, Bellingham, WA(Mark will be at this one!)
July 20th:Ragbrai, Glenwood, IA
Aug 8th & 9th: Leadville 100, Leadville, CO
Aug 16th & 17th:SBT Gravel, Steamboat, CO
Aug 17th:D2R2, Shelburne Falls, MA
Aug 22nd-24th:Hotter N' Hell, Wichita Falls, TX
Aug 23rd - 25th:Made PDX, Portland, OR(be on the lookout for a super special water station, Mark, Carina and Svea!)
Sept 9: Door County Century, Sturgeon Bay, WI
Sept 13th: Cheqamegon, Hayword, WI
Oct 5th & 6th:Green Mountain Cyclocross, Williston, VT
Oct 19th & 20th,The Big Sugar, Bentonville, AR
Think we should attend your event? Let us know by commenting below, and see you on the road!
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