For context, I know Zach, Caleb, and Jack from my time (2023-24) at REI.
I worked as a bike mechanic and a retail sales associate. We connected with each other because we all ride bikes and worked in the same departments (Action Sports, Camp, and Frontline). I’ve ridden with Zach before, but never Caleb or Jack. It was going to be cool to hang out with them and see how fit/technically skilled they were.
Zach hit me up a month ago asking if I wanted to go on a bikepacking trip around Ojai, to celebrate his birthday. I was like hell ya, brother, let’s run it. Jack and Caleb were in too.
Before the trip, Zach and Jack came to mine and Alec’s housewarming party.
Josh, my friend from law school also made an appearance and chatted up Zach and Jack. They connected about riding bikes and the outdoors. Josh became our fifth and booked a bike spot on the Surfliner.
Midterms took a lot out of me. So, I was really excited for this trip. I’ve been feeling creatively inspired and taking more photos and videos. I’ve been writing more too. I wanted to take a lot of pictures and videos and maybe put them together for a youtube video.
I made one youtube video before, a video essay about Shia LaBeouf becoming Catholic. I edited on my sister’s MAC desktop using Final Cut Pro. With this video, I used iMovie on my old iPhone that crashes every few hours. But, I think it turned out okay. I don’t really care if it’s perfect. It’s got an Alex G song and some fun visuals.
Overall, it was a great trip. Thanks Bikepacking.com for the route, Pathlesspedaled for the recon vids, the Mob Shop in Ojai for helpful tips and pleasant conversation, and the Los Padres National Forest for allowing free, dispersed camping.
Back in Malibu 
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