For many outdoor enthusiasts, the journey is just as important as the destination. For College of the Rockies Director of Facilities and avid bikepacker and adventure cyclist Allan Knibbs, that philosophy has become a way of life, leading him deep into some of British Columbia’s most remote and spectacular landscapes.
Allan’s passion for bikepacking began in 2010 after watching Ride the Divide, a documentary following athletes competing in a self-supported bike race from Banff to Mexico.
“After that, I was hooked,” he says.
Since then, countless kilometres of gravel roads, mountain passes, coastal routes and backcountry campsites have cemented his love for exploring by bike.
When planning a trip, the focus isn’t on speed or competition. Instead, it’s about discovering places that few people get to see.
“I look for remoteness and what cool things I’m going to see along the way,” he explains.
While he once enjoyed the competitive side of the sport, his approach has evolved over time.
“I used to be competitive and enter races, but now it’s purely recreational.”
That spirit of adventure recently took him on an unforgettable 1,100-kilometre journey around northern Vancouver Island. Starting in Comox, the route followed forest service roads westward through the island’s rugged interior before reaching the coast.
The trip passed through communities including Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos and Port Alice before continuing north to Cape Scott, the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. From there, the route looped east through Port Hardy, Port McNeill and Telegraph Cove before returning to Comox along the island’s eastern shoreline.
Approximately 95 per cent of the ride took place on forest service roads, creating a quiet and remote experience that showcased some of the province’s most impressive scenery.
“Whale watching was plentiful, and there were lots of oceanside BC Recreation Sites to camp at along the way.”
Why the Kootenays Are a Bikepacking Paradise
Though trips like the one around Vancouver Island provide unforgettable scenery and experiences, if you ask Allan what makes the Kootenay region special for bikepacking, the answer comes quickly.
“The Kootenays and BC in general have so many forest service roads that take us to spectacular places you can’t reach by paved road.”
These vast networks of backroads open the door to adventure. Riders can access alpine viewpoints, remote lakes, historic sites and pristine wilderness areas while avoiding busy highways and urban traffic.
For those seeking solitude and exploration, it’s hard to imagine a better playground.
What keeps him coming back year after year is simple: adventure.
“There is truly an unknown aspect to these trips. Taking everything you need on your bike, being self-supported for the entirety of the journey, and pedaling farther into places less travelled, you just never know how it will turn out.”
The experience has become even more meaningful thanks to family involvement. Many of his trips have included rides with his children, creating shared memories and strengthening connections through the outdoors.
“A lot of these trips I’ve done with my family. My kids still ride bikes with me, so that’s pretty awesome.”
Advice for Anyone Looking to Start
For those interested in trying bikepacking for the first time, he says there’s no need to overthink it.
“There are so many options here in the Kootenays. If you enjoy the idea of self-supported adventure by bike, then it’s for you.”
The region offers everything from beginner-friendly overnight trips to multi-day expeditions through remote terrain.
His advice is refreshingly straightforward:
“No fancy gear is required. An old working mountain bike and a rack on the back will get you started.”
A Different Perspective
As someone who spends much of the workday at a desk, bikepacking offers an opportunity to reset and simplify.
“It is much easier on the mind. When bikepacking, you just need to think about eating, biking and sleeping, and then repeating.”
That simplicity is part of what makes the experience so rewarding.
Allan’s favourite local ride is the 8 Rivers Route, while the Tree to Sea Route earns his vote as a must-do bikepacking adventure for anyone from the Kootenays. Both routes can be found on Bikepacking.com and showcase the incredible landscapes that make the region a destination for cyclists from around the world.
Of all the memories collected over years of riding, one remains especially meaningful.
During his racing days, he participated in a bikepacking race that crossed Washington State from west to east. After days of riding, he rolled into the small border town of Tekoa at dusk.
Waiting at the finish line were his wife, two children and family dog.
“Seeing them there when I arrived was pretty special.”
For a rider who has spent thousands of kilometres chasing adventure, it’s a reminder that while the landscapes are unforgettable, the people we share the journey with often make the biggest impact.