Mountain Flyer | Number 52
On The Cover: Emanuel Pomba floats a thin line between fantasy and reality high above the coast of Madeira. by António Abreu
What’s Inside
Photo Essay: Madeira, Pearl of the Atlantic by António Abreu
Katie Holden: ‘All In This Together’
Words by Trina Ortega
When she first began mountain biking, Katie Holden was afraid to even ride through a ditch. Now, after 10 years of downhill and freeride racing, Holden has a new purpose when riding. She’s using the bike as a platform to break down cultural barriers around the world.
Riding Carbon Behind the Iron Curtain
Words and Images by António Abreu
Even for globe-trotting adventurer António Abreu, traveling to an Eastern Bloc country seemed intimidating at first. Although Bulgaria remains in the shadow of its Communist past, natural beauty and a growing mountain bike scene are putting the country on the recreation map.
Maiden Spin On The Andean Footprint
Words by Kurt Refsnider | Images by Kurt Refsnider and Kaitlyn Boyle
Inspired by the Appalachian Trail, Patagonian mountaineers Walter Oszust and Estefanía Cherguini dreamed up the 570-kilometer-long Huella Andina, which traverses through the rugged terrain of the eastern Andes. Ultra-endurance riders Kurt Refsnider and Kaitlyn Boyle set out to see if the Huella Andina is good for bikepacking or better left to its “footprint” namesake.
Frank The Welder is Finding His Religion
Words by Berne Broudy | Images by David Shaw
Vermont innovator Frank The Welder Wadelton has designed and fabricated bikes and parts for a number of companies, including Mongoose, Yeti, Spooky and Sinister. He’s seen numerous pro athletes cross the finish line first on his frames. But after 40 years of dedicating his life to machines and people in movement, Wadelton says he is just now hitting his stride.