The Man Who Rode Into Forever: The Odyssey of Heinz Stücke

By the time most people settle into a routine, Heinz Stücke had already ridden out of it. He wasn’t running from something. He was pedaling toward everything. One Push of the Pedal The year was 1962. Elvis was on the radio. The Berlin Wall was freshly built. The space race was heating up. But in …

How Do you adventure

How Do YOU Adventure?

Adventurer Stories That Inspire We’re kicking off something new at Time to Xplore—a fresh category on the blog called “How Do YOU Adventure?” This series will dive into the lives and journeys of incredible adventurers from around the world. Whether they hike, cycle, sail, climb, or live on the road, we’ll be sharing their stories …

Starting Over: Time to Xplore on YouTube (Again)

So here we are—new channel, fresh start, same mission.Time to Xplore has always been about one thing:How do you adventure? Over the past few months, things have been… quiet. We took a step back. Tried some new ideas. Life happened. Honestly, there were times it felt like everything was falling apart—camera issues (shoutout to the …

AKU Rocket Hikers

First Impressions and 5-Month Review: AKU Rocket DFS GTX Men’s Hiker

Since my motorcycle accident back in 1990, I’ve gone through a lot of shoes. After reconstructive surgery and learning to walk again, one thing has stayed consistent: I wear out the outer heels and insoles of my footwear fast. Think of it like a car that needs an alignment—tires wearing unevenly on the outside. That’s …

First Overlanding Trip of the Season: Mud, Snow & the Moosewagen Hits the Trails

Nothing says spring quite like mud, cold nights, and a snowy drive home. We kicked off our overlanding season with a trip that tested gear, patience, and traction—all in the best way possible. The crew met up in Lornville and headed out for the first campout of the year. It was also the Moosewagen’s first …

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 35L Me trail

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 35L: A Game-Changer for My Neck and Shoulder Sensitivities

Finding the right backpack when you’ve got specific physical issues—like nerve compression in the collarbone/neck area—is no small task. For me, the Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 35L hit the mark better than any pack I’ve tried in years. As the image shows it was prior ot Christmas when I purchased the pack. Key Features That Matter …

Me and the Marin Stinson1

Loosening Up on the Bike: Comfort, Health, and the Long Ride Ahead

Yesterday’s ride was exactly what I needed—smooth, quiet (well, mostly), and one step closer to getting my Marin bike dialed in just right. It’s been a process, learning how to make the bike fit me instead of trying to force my body into a position that just doesn’t work. I’ve caught myself too many times …

Marin Stinson1

I Switched to the Marin Stinson 1—and Why It Works for My Body

For years, my fatbike was my go-to rig. It got me through a lot. But in 2023, things changed. I was back at square one with my neuropathy—numbness in my hands, extreme burning in my thighs, and now, new symptoms: arm spasms strong enough to jerk me awake at night. I tried to adapt. I …

Why I Chose the Volvo XC70 for My Downsized Overland Rig

There’s something about a wagon. Long, lean, capable without making a scene. For years, I had my 2000 Ford Explorer built up as a rugged overlander — rooftop tent, lift, the works. It was a beast, and it took me places I’ll never forget. But after downsizing life and reassessing how I travel with a …

Northrock XC00 Bikpacking mode engaged

Building a Fat Bike That Works for Me: Northrock XC00 Mods and Why They Matter

Cycling has always been my reset button — a way to breathe deeper, think clearer, and feel more in tune with the world around me. But as neuropathy and back issues became part of my daily reality, I knew I had to rethink what riding looked like. I didn’t need the lightest bike. I needed …