I first met Kurstin Graham in 2023 at Burning Man during one of his playa bike tours. As a fellow volunteer of the Earth Guardians camp, I was lucky enough to attend his talk in 2024 on “Leading Bike Tours for Conservation.” His passion for protecting Northern Nevada’s wild spaces through non-motorized adventures resonated with me, and I knew I had to get him on the podcast. In today’s episode, Kurstin shares his journey with us—from his early days with Friends of the Black Rock High Rock to how he uses bikepacking as a powerful tool for conservation.

Kurstin Graham is a board member of Friends of the Black Rock High Rock and an avid bikepacker. Over the past decade, he has spent countless hours exploring and mapping out Nevada’s rugged backroads, creating unforgettable bikepacking routes while playing a pivotal role in conservation efforts. From his work at the Reno Bike Project to leading advocacy tours through Nevada’s wildest landscapes, Kurstin’s work is a testament to the power of sustainable pedal-powered adventure.

Reno Bike Project: A Model for Community Action

Before diving full-time into conservation, Kurstin spent 10 years working with the Reno Bike Project, a nonprofit that has transformed Reno’s bike community. The project is dedicated to making cycling accessible for everyone through recycling and repairing bikes, community repair stations, and offering affordable bikes. Kurstin shared how the Reno Bike Project’s partnership with Burning Man plays a critical role in keeping the nonprofit running year-round.

During Burning Man, the organization holds a massive sale of quality used bikes to help participants navigate the playa. The proceeds from these sales allow the shop to remain open through Reno’s off-season, ensuring that cyclists in the community have access to affordable bikes and repairs even during the colder months. In addition to reducing waste by recycling bikes, the project keeps hundreds of bikes out of landfills and encourages a more sustainable cycling community.

Kurstin’s Journey to Conservation

Kurstin’s connection to the outdoors and conservation started as a board member and program manager for Friends of the Black Rock High Rock, protecting one of Nevada’s most pristine wilderness areas. However, his path to full-time conservation work came after an intentional decision to retire early. Kurstin embraced a simple, minimalist lifestyle that allowed him to focus on what he loves most—being outside.

In our podcast, Kurstin shared his approach to saving and investing for early retirement, explaining how maintaining modest living expenses gave him the freedom to fully immerse himself in conservation and outdoor adventures. He didn’t need much, just enough to keep his “toy closet” full of gear and get out into the wilderness as often as possible.

The Power of Bikepacking for Advocacy

While Kurstin was already passionate about bikepacking, he found a way to use it as a vehicle for conservation advocacy. Nevada’s unique landscape, with over 300 mountain ranges and endless stretches of public dirt roads, makes it a paradise for bikepacking. Unlike states like California and Oregon, where bike routes are often blocked by fences and private property, Nevada offers unparalleled freedom for off-road exploration.

Through bikepacking, Kurstin introduces people to the beauty of Nevada’s wild spaces, encouraging them to become advocates for protecting these areas. Even though the trips aren’t always easy, as he puts it, “It’s not if there’s going to be a hike-a-bike; it’s when.” The challenges of bikepacking in Nevada—whether it’s crossing mountain ranges or navigating sandy terrain—only make the reward greater. And for Kurstin, the real reward is seeing others fall in love with these landscapes and join the fight to protect them.

Visit Kurstin’ blog

Conservation Through Adventure

Kurstin’s bikepacking trips serve as more than just epic outdoor adventures; they are a platform for conservation. By leading trips through the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon, he exposes participants to the beauty and vulnerability of these landscapes. His partnership with Friends of the Black Rock High Rock allows him to raise awareness about threats to these federally protected lands, such as development or resource extraction.

Through these trips, Kurstin helps people form personal connections with the land. As he shared during the podcast, “Is this worth fighting for? This is what’s worth fighting for.” By experiencing the vast, untouched landscapes of Nevada firsthand, participants are inspired to become advocates for their protection.

How You Can Get Involved

If Kurstin’s story has sparked your interest in bikepacking or conservation, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Kurstin leads bikepacking trips in Northern Nevada regularly, and anyone interested in joining can reach out to him through Bikepacking Northern Nevada or Friends of the Black Rock High Rock. You don’t need to be an experienced bikepacker—Kurstin’s trips are designed to introduce people to the sport and Nevada’s wild spaces.

Additionally, supporting organizations like the Friends of Black Rock High Rock (donate or volunteer) or your local community bike project can make a huge difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, or join an adventure, every action helps protect these incredible landscapes for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Kurstin Graham’s dedication to pedal-powered conservation is a reminder that adventure can serve a higher purpose. By combining his love for bikepacking with his commitment to protecting Nevada’s public lands, he has created a movement that is as inspiring as it is impactful. Whether you’re an avid bikepacker or just looking to get involved in conservation, Kurstin’s story shows that there’s a place for everyone in the fight to protect our planet.

So, grab your bike, hit the dirt roads, and let’s adventure and protect the places we love!

Resources mentioned on the podcast:

• Bikepacking Nevada Blog and Facebook
• Friends of the Black Rock High Rock
• Reno Bike Project