Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Ryan Van Duzer—a man who lives and breathes adventure. If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to bike across countries (4000 miles from Honduras to Boulder, CO), run 100 miles, or dive headfirst into human-powered exploration, Ryan is your guy. He’s a content creator, a storyteller and a passionate advocate for getting off the couch and connecting with the world in a more meaningful way.

What struck me most during our conversation wasn’t just his impressive list of achievements (though running the Javelina 100 in record heat is no small feat!). It was his philosophy on life—choosing adventure over comfort and finding joy in the simple act of moving through the world at your own pace. He is one of the happiest people that I’ve had the opportunity to meet.

Here are some of the key takeaways from my chat with Ryan that left me feeling inspired and ready to tackle my own adventures.

Facing Fear and Choosing Adventure

One of the most profound moments in our conversation was when Ryan shared his approach to fear. Like all of us, he feels fear—it’s a human response. But what sets him apart is his ability to manage it and push through. He explained how doing hard, scary things not only builds resilience but also unlocks unexpected rewards

This resonated deeply with me. I often think about how intentionally choosing challenges makes life easier in the long run, while seeking comfort tends to make life harder. Ryan’s adventures, whether it’s running 100 miles or riding through hurricanes, prove that there’s growth in discomfort.

The Beauty of Slowing Down and Living Car-Free

Ryan has never owned a car. he just uses his bike—a choice he made at a young age after learning about pollution on a PBS special. His life revolves around human-powered travel, whether it’s biking to the grocery store or pedaling across continents. He shared how moving at a slower pace allows him to connect more deeply with nature, his community, and himself.

I loved how he described the small joys of bikepacking: hearing the crunch of gravel under his tires, stopping to say hello to a neighbor, or just sitting quietly and taking in the stars. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to be grand or far away. It can be as simple as walking around your block or riding your bike to work.

Bikepacking 101: Start Small

As someone who’s just getting into bikepacking, I soaked up every bit of advice Ryan shared. His top tip? Start small. Don’t set out to ride across the country right away—go for an overnighter, test your gear, and get a feel for what it’s like to carry weight on your bike.

Living in Durango, I’m lucky to have access to dirt roads that connect to so many incredible places. Ryan’s words gave me the push I needed to start planning my first bikepacking trip, and I can’t wait to set out on my own mini-adventure.

Balancing The Offline and Online World

As a content creator, I often struggle with balancing the joy of being outdoors with the need to document my experiences. Ryan admitted that this is a challenge for him too. While his priority is always having fun and being present, he also knows the importance of storytelling.

I appreciated his honesty about the mental effort it takes to capture a moment when all you want to do is relax. His advice? Always prioritize the experience first, and the content will follow. This approach really clicked for me and is something I’m going to try to implement moving forward.

Human-Powered Exploration is Vital

Perhaps the most powerful part of our conversation was Ryan’s reminder that human-powered travel isn’t just good for our physical and mental health—it’s vital for reconnecting with our communities and the planet. We live in a world that’s so comfortable and fast-paced that it’s easy to feel disconnected from the things that truly matter.

By choosing to slow down, walk, bike, or even take public transportation, we can build deeper connections with the people and places around us. And in doing so, we might just rediscover the joy of being alive.

Final Thoughts
Talking to Ryan was a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. His enthusiasm for life is infectious, and his stories remind us that adventure is always within reach. Whether it’s riding your bike to the store, camping under the stars, or tackling a 100-mile race, the key is just to start.

As for me, I’m already planning my first bikepacking trip and thinking about ways to embrace more human-powered exploration in my daily life. If you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend checking out Ryan’s book The Long Way Home or following his adventures on Duzer TV.

Here’s to choosing adventure over comfort—and finding joy in the journey.

Resources: Ryan’s Youtube, Instagram, and website. If you’d like to support Ryan’s work, please pick up his book, The Long Way Home, or consider supporting on Patreon.

If you’re in the market for a bike, consider checking out Priority Bicycles, a low-maintenance bike manufacture of bikes and e-bikes.