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    600 Miles Across Montana / A Solo Bicycle Touring Adventure – Montana Bike Tour (Episode 1)



    The “Bicycle Touring Pro” is back! — In the first episode of his 12-day solo bike tour across western Montana, Darren Alff leaves the bustling university town of Missoula and pedals northeast toward the serene beauty of Salmon Lake State Park. With two injured knees and a sense of uncertainty, Darren feels nervous about how this journey will unfold. This is his first bike tour in several years, and the fear of pain and failure weighs heavy on his mind.

    But the road calls, and he pushes forward, embracing the adventure ahead. After a challenging day of cycling, Darren arrives at the spectacular hiker-biker campsite at Salmon Lake State Park, where he spends just $8 for a quiet night under the stars.

    Along the way, Darren reflects on his fears, doubts, and the excitement of getting back on the bike despite the pain and uncertainty. This journey is about more than just the miles—it’s about facing fears and rediscovering his love for life on two wheels.

    Subscribe to follow Darren’s 600-mile solo journey across Montana’s rugged landscapes as he camps in the wilderness, meets other travelers, and shares his story of resilience as a cancer survivor living with anxiety, depression, and panic attacks.

    SUPPORT THE JOURNEY:

    💰 Want to be part of Darren’s future bicycle tours? Your donations help Darren continue his bike tours and create more videos like this one! Chip in here: https://www.bicycletouringpro.com/donate

    📘 Get “The Bicycle Touring Blueprint” – the ultimate guide to planning your own bike tour: https://www.bicycletouringpro.com/book

    🌍 Explore more on the official Bicycle Touring Pro website: https://www.bicycletouringpro.com

    View 42 Comments

    42 Comments

    3. @robbwagner5945 on

      Darren, your european videos got me going on bike touring during COVID. Thanks for that. Your trips gave me the encouragement to do long distance rides. so far GAP/C&O, Michelson, Katy Trail, Rhine River Route (eurovelo 15), Coast of Estonia (eurovelo 13), Berlin to Copenhagen and back, this year going to do eurovelo 3 along Normandy coast and other parts of belguim and netherlands. Thanks again for the inspiration!!

    14. @AdventurebyBike on

      Darren, thank you for coming back. First and foremost, and I hope you see this, I can finally get a chance to tell you what an inspiring person you are. I have regretted not telling you that when we had limited correspondence in the past. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you that. I’m very happy to see you return.

    16. @tovers93 on

      Great to see you back Darren. I think you can tell how many people enjoy your videos by the huge support here in the comments section. I don't think it's any coincidence your touring videos started 10-12 years ago and the corresponding boom in bike-packing and cycle-touring. I know personally that your videos gave me the inspiration and encouragement to do my bike tours, which were very significant moments in my life. Really excited to see what else you have coming!

    37. @pcraze1 on

      So excited that you are back! I first discovered your channel years ago when I was driving from Phoenix to Tucson to do some cycling with my older sister who I discovered can only ride about a mile and then has to stop at Starbucks for a Frappachino😂! This year I think I’ll ride the Tucson Loop by myself and just stay with my sister, but it’s hard to tolerate that Fox News Channel😢

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