Lifestyle
How To Spot Ryan Van Duzer On The Great Divide This Summer
How To Spot Ryan Van Duzer on the GDMBR this Summer
By Kristina, Lead Editor, CyclingTrend.com
If you spend any time around bikepacking circles, you’ve likely heard the name Ryan Van Duzer—endurance rider, storyteller, and the kind of human who can make a headwind feel like a plot twist. This summer he’s rolling onto the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) with an agenda that’s refreshingly non-racey: soak up the views, meet riders along the way, and keep the stoke level high from the Canadian Rockies all the way to the border.
The thing is, “not racing” doesn’t mean “not moving.” Van Duzer’s version of a cruise still involves big mileage, early starts, and the sort of momentum that makes you wonder if he’s secretly powered by espresso and optimism. So if you’re hoping to catch him in the wild—whether to say hey, ride alongside for a few hours, or just confirm that yes, that cheerful figure ahead is singing to himself—you’ll want to know what to look for.
Consider this your field guide: not a gear list for buying your way into a Divide finish, but a set of tells—choices, habits, and little details that, together, add up to unmistakable “Duzer energy.”
1) The hardtail silhouette: practical, purposeful, and pointed south
On the GDMBR, a lot of rigs start to look the same after a week: dust-caked frames, bags bulging like overstuffed suitcases, and tires humming out a steady “keep going.” Van Duzer tends to ride a no-nonsense hardtail setup—built for long days, rough surfaces, and the kind of efficiency that keeps the fun-to-suffering ratio manageable.
If you’re building a similar all-terrain touring setup, you’ll notice many Divide riders converge on a few evergreen essentials: a helmet with serious coverage, durable gloves, and dependable lighting for the inevitable “why am I still riding?” moments.
- Ready, Set, Send: This next generation of our award-winning Smith Forefront mountain bike helmet has your back (and front, and sides) offering fully encompassing protection while mountain biking
- Your Protection at its Core: Our improved Forefront 2 helmet features complete Koroyd coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing & ventilated protection, MIPS Safety Protection System. Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for Persons Age 5 and Older as well as CE EN 1078 and AS/NZS 2063
- Stay Cool & Eliminate Foggy Lenses : With 20 fixed vents for consistent airflow, Ionic+ lining for sweat-activated odor control and lightweight, low-bulk single-layer webbing, you’ll stay cool and your glasses or goggles will stay clear
- Adjustable for a Comfortable Fit: The VaporFit dial system offers 270-degree fit adjustment at the turn of a dial for a comfortable fit and the visor adjusts into three positions for easy glasses storage
- Born on the Mountain, Built from Innovation: Smith is a performance eyewear and helmet brand for those inspired to pursue new and deeper connections with the outdoors; we’ve been outfitting consumers with the confidence to experience more since 1965
- POWERFUL LIGHT OUTPUT: Delivers up to 400 lumens of brightness for reliable visibility as a headlight/headlamp for hiking gear, camping gear, night running gear, and emergency use. The powerful beam helps illuminate trails, campsites, and dark environments with ease. Ideal for camping supplies and hiking essentials.
- RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE: Integrated 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery charges via micro-USB. Eliminates the need for disposable batteries and ensures consistent, reliable performance in the field.
- WATERPROOF & DURABLE DESIGN: Rated IP67, the Spot 400-R withstands full submersion in water for up to 30 minutes. Rugged housing makes it dependable in rain, snow, and demanding outdoor environments. Perfect for adventures in rain, snow, or challenging outdoor conditions, dependable outdoor camping gear / equipment and accessories for men and women.
- MULTIPLE LIGHTING MODES: Offers full power, dimming, strobe, red night vision, and lock mode. Simple button interface allows easy cycling between brightness levels and settings to match your activity. Features a simple button interface and an adjustable headband for comfort on your forehead.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMFORTABLE FIT: Compact design with an adjustable headband provides a secure, all-day wear fit. The low-profile construction keeps the headlamp stable during active pursuits without adding bulk. Perfect gift or present for camping accessories, cycling, and as a quick work headlamp for tasks around the house or an emergency flashlight for a car kit.
But the real giveaway isn’t the product—it’s the intent. Van Duzer’s rig choices tend to broadcast: “I’m here to keep moving, but I’m also here to have a good time.”
2) The bag arrangement: dialed, not dainty
A seasoned Divide rider packs like a person who has been cold, wet, hungry, and mildly lost—sometimes all at once. Van Duzer’s packing style typically reads “field-tested” more than “photoshoot-ready.” You’ll likely see a full frame bag (because the triangle is prime real estate), plus additional storage that suggests he’s optimized for long days without frequent resupply drama.
For riders who want a similarly stable approach—especially on chunky dirt roads—focus on keeping weight centered and minimizing sway. The classics remain classics for a reason:
- High Capacity: 15L storage space, ideal for bikepacking trips.
- Durable and Waterproof: Lightweight, water-repellent, stain-resistant polyethylene, anti-slip PU leather, nylon, and polymer, with a 10,000 mm waterproof rating for the inner bag.
- Secure Attachment: Holster with hook and loop fasteners and buckle fastener ensures a stable and secure mount to seatpost and saddle rails.
- Convenient Features: Includes a waterproof carry bag, air release purge valve for compact packing, and an attachable rear light strap.
- Compact Size: Measures 51 x 24 x 22 cm (20.1” x 9.4” x 8.7”) and weighs 525 g (18.52 oz), with a maximum load capacity of 5 kg (11 lb).
Spotting tip: when you see a rider who looks calm while rummaging in a frame bag—like they know exactly where everything is—there’s a good chance they’ve spent years refining that system. That’s a very Van Duzer vibe.
3) The comfort tell: hydration pack, not just bottles
Many Divide riders are bottle purists until the first string of dry stretches, surprise heat, or “I don’t want to stop again” moments. Van Duzer often leans toward an “always sip” strategy that makes long days smoother and keeps energy from falling off a cliff.
If you roll up on a rider who’s cruising steadily, rarely stopping, and seems to be drinking in tiny, frequent pulls, you may be in Duzer territory.
- Our flagship MTB pack. Secure your gear for all-day riding or bike park laps and enjoy bike-specific features like the winged harness and tool roll
- Ride Stability - Bike-specific winged shoulder harness and airmesh wrap hipbelt create ultimate stability for the roughest rides
- Trailside Organization - Ride confidently and with peace of mind, benefiting from features like a tool roll, internal organization and intuitive hydration sleeve access
- Reservoir Included - Quick access to the Osprey Hydraulics LT 2.5 L reservoir keeps you hydrated for the miles ahead
- Stretch mesh zippered hipbelt pockets provide on-trail access for small items
4) The wardrobe clue: lightweight layers that disappear into a fist
Divide weather is a prankster. You can leave town in sun sleeves and arrive at a pass shivering, questioning your life choices. Van Duzer’s style leans toward packable, low-bulk layers—the kind you can deploy quickly and then stuff away without turning your bag into a wrestling match.
If you see someone pull out a wind shell that compresses into almost nothing, toss it on without drama, and keep riding like it’s no big deal—that’s a strong sign.
- LIGHTWEIGHT HOODIE: A perfect performance gear for all your adventures, this men’s hoodie is designed to keep you protected from bad weather and headwinds. It has a regular fit, long sleeves and an adjustable hood that will always look great.
- DURABLE AND TOUGH: Manufactured using Pertex Diamond Fuse, bluesign-approved 100% 30D ripstop nylon, this rain jacket for men is durable and offers great resistance against tearing and ripping. Lightweight and breathable, this jacket keeps you comfortable all day.
- QUICK DRYING: You can easily wash this windbreaker jacket for men and reuse it without any difficulty. Benefitting from a quick-drying fabric, this jacket will not let you feel wet even if you worked up a sweat.
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: This men’s lightweight jacket is a smart piece of clothing that offers numerous functional features including low-pro binding cuffs, an elastic drawcord waist, zip chest pocket that doubles up as stuff sacks, carabiner loop, and laser perforated under-arm vents.
- OUTDOOR RESEARCH: We built a company from a feeling: the urge to get out. It's what drives us. Our tribe is devoted to exploring our outdoor passions and challenging ourselves in the mountains, water, and deserts of the planet we love so much.
5) The sock detail: small graphics, big personality
Yes, socks. On a route defined by enormous landscapes, tiny personal touches stand out. Van Duzer has a knack for weaving identity into the smallest pieces of kit—whether it’s a quirky pattern, a hometown reference, or simply socks that look chosen rather than grabbed.
It sounds trivial until you’ve been on the Divide for a week and you realize morale is built from small wins: dry feet, a clean layer, a snack you actually want to eat. If the rider ahead has socks that look like they were selected with intention—and they’re still smiling—file it under “possible Van Duzer.”
- Midweight with Cushion - A warm and extremely comfortable choice when conditions demand it, this fine gauge knitted sock provides mid-level cushion density under your foot. True Seamless technology allows for an undetectable seam fusion for an ultra-smooth, invisible feel.
- Micro Crew Height - A shorter, more concise take on the traditional crew height. Peeks just above the top of a standard hiking boot.
- Composition - Knit with 63% Merino Wool 35% Nylon 2% Lycra Spandex. The fast action wicking pulls moisture away from skin, so no more sweaty, stinky socks. The soft, breathable merino wool has fast drying, all weather performance that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Guaranteed for Life - If these socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them. No strings. No conditions.
- Made in the USA - Every pair of socks is knit in Northfield, Vermont - the perfect testing ground for the finest premium all weather performance socks.
6) The nutrition signature: simple, filling, and unapologetically “real food”
Here’s the most reliable tell of all: the man’s affection for straightforward, high-satiety fuel. While many riders chase gels and powdered drink mixes, Van Duzer’s style tends to skew toward “actual food” that keeps the engine steady. On the Divide, it’s not just about calories—it’s about the kind of calories you can tolerate day after day.
So if you roll into a resupply stop and see someone loading up on basic staples with the confidence of a person who has already tested the plan for thousands of miles, that’s your sign. Bonus points if they’re cheerful about it.
- Ultra-Compact Design: Stove collapses to just 1.4 inches in height for easy storage and transport.
- Durable Construction: Made with premium materials, including magnesium, aluminum, stainless steel, and brass, ensuring longevity and reliability.
- Powerful Dual Burners: Each burner delivers 11,000 BTUs of regulated propane heat, ideal for both rapid boiling and gentle simmering.
- Easy Ignition: Piezo ignition system allows for matchless lighting with a simple turn of the knob and press of a button.
- Protective Carry Bag: The included padded stove bag (25" x 15" x 1.5") features reinforced handles and an internal pocket for the fuel regulator and hose, ensuring safe and organized transport.
7) The intangible giveaway: the sound of optimism
The final clue isn’t a bike part. It’s tone. Van Duzer carries a kind of forward-leaning joy that’s hard to fake at altitude, in hail, or on the tenth hour of corrugations. He chats. He laughs. He encourages. He moves with purpose but doesn’t act like the route is something to “beat.”
If you catch a rider who seems to be collecting stories as much as miles—and who treats other cyclists like potential friends rather than moving obstacles—you may have found him.
FAQ: Spotting Ryan Van Duzer on the Divide
When is he likely to be on the GDMBR?
Expect a summer start window around the solstice, with a multi-week push south. Conditions, filming, and logistics can shift exact timing, but the general rhythm is “mid-summer north-to-south.”
Is it okay to ride with him for a bit?
Generally, yes—if you’re self-sufficient and respectful. The Divide isn’t the place to rely on someone else’s tools, routing, or food plan. Think “ride alongside,” not “guided trip.”
What pace should I expect if I try to tag along?
A “cruise” on the GDMBR can still mean big days. Be honest about your fitness and your recovery. If you’re not comfortable riding long hours on mixed surfaces day after day, plan a short meetup instead of trying to match a multi-day block.
What’s the most recognizable piece of kit?
It’s usually the combination: practical hardtail setup, dialed bag system, and lightweight layers—plus the unmistakable upbeat demeanor. No single item is definitive, but the whole package is.
Any etiquette tips for saying hello?
Keep it simple. Say hi, wish him a good ride, and be mindful of timing—resupply stops and camp setups can be the only quiet minutes in a long day. If you want to ride together briefly, ask directly and accept a “not today” gracefully.
Affiliate disclosure: CyclingTrend.com uses affiliate links. If you buy through the links above, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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