When we told the story of Jurgen Knupe’s Panamericana bikepacking challenge earlier in the year it created intrigue and admiration from other riders, and after a staggering 25623 km over 230 days Jurgen’s trip is now complete.
As number one in the VeloViewer Explorer Max Cluster leaderboard and in the top three of the Explorer Tiles leaderboard, we were keen to learn more about Jurgen’s focus and motivation during the trip and his love of tile hunting.
Get inspired by Jurgen’s tales of adventure….
1. How long had you planned the trip for, and was it hard to make the time to take on the challenge?
The idea for this trip came to me in early 2023. However, it wasn’t until January 2024 that I started planning properly. I had decided to end my working career early, and my last day of work was scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2024. Just three days later, my flight to Vancouver, Canada, left. Continue reading
Category: Explorer
Intro to Tile Hunting Series – From Roadie to Gravel Rider
Hearing how tile hunting has totally changed riders’ approach to cycling is very rewarding, as it is often a gateway to inspiring new adventures. In British tile hunter Matt Fletcher’s case when he realised the limitations of road cycling, and the squares he was missing out on due to accessibility, it encouraged him to start gravel riding. His switch to off-road has allowed him to achieve a 47×47 explorer square, with plans to grow this even further in 2025.
Read how Matt introduced a new cycling discipline to his ride outs, and how this increased his rate of tile collecting. Continue reading
Intro to Tile Hunting Series – How to Get Involved
If you’re not already, inject some new energy into your local riding with our VeloViewer Tile Hunting tool. There are 27K Pro VeloViewer users, and an ever increasing number of them regularly tiling, and exploring new routes to increase their Max Square or Max Cluster of tiles.
For those new to the sport, here’s what tile hunting offers and how it can spice up your riding.
Intro to Tile Hunting Series – Sweet Treats
Explorer tile hunting has been in the spotlight recently and becoming an increasingly popular pastime with VeloViewer users. If it’s new to you, discover how others are using the VeloViewer platform to collect tiles and give a new focus to their riding, which isn’t all about chasing KOMs/QOMs.
In our Intro to Tile Hunting Series find out from everyday riders their motivation to claim tiles, equipment they use, and the adventures along the way.
For British cyclist Jeffrey Ott tile hunting has helped to give him focus in the British winter, and when faced challenges claiming squares he’s resorted to offering home-baked goods to try and ‘sweet talk’ residents to let him gain access – unfortunately yet to be successful!
Explorer Tile Tales – Bushwhacking Safari
The lengths Explorer Tile fanatics go to is somewhat staggering, and we were impressed by the grit and determination of Jim Solan went on his own bushwhacking safari to reach a square by a British zoo.
VeloViewer Wrapped – Panamericana Bikepacking
As 2025 gets underway we received one more tale of adventure from a German rider that was too good not to tell. Jürgen Knupe shared details of his Panamericana bikepacking trip that is sure to inspire you for the year ahead. Continue reading
VeloViewer Wrapped – Spanish Champion
Our final VeloViewer Wrapped of the year takes us to Spain. Alberto Bravo’s infographic story is one of victory and determination, with an epic win in the Spanish 100km Running Championship, and 366 active days.
Alberto talks us through his 2024 highlights and plans for 2025. Continue reading
VeloViewer Wrapped – Mediterranean Challenge
When Dutch rider Yorick shared his story on Strava of his goal to create an explorer corridor to the Mediterranean from his home in the Netherlands, we were keen to know more.
Continue reading
Explorer Tile Tales – Final Destination
For this Explorer Tale we introduce you to a Stephan Geissler who put VeloViewer to good use during the pandemic to uncover tiles closer to home. Hear how Stephan’s tile hunting took off at Frankfurt airport. Continue reading
Explorer Tile Tales – Fuelled by Sausage Rolls
After tales of chocolate being exchanged for access to tiles, it seems VeloViewer adventures are fuelled by food – and this extends much further than a traditional cafe ride! In our latest tale British rider Peter Draper, a retired Professor of Nursing, shares how VeloViewer tile hunting has renewed his passion for cycling and increased his love of sausage rolls.
For our followers outside of the UK who haven’t had the pleasure of trying a sausage roll this is what you’re missing: a piece of sausage meat wrapped in pastry and baked.