35'000 KM

2 YEARS

13 COUNTRIES

1 BIKE RIDE

"What if I just rode home" turned into a long, thin, red line on a map along with numbers difficult to comprehend in the context of a single ride.

Diego’s time living in British Columbia was eye-opening but increasingly lacked a sense of permanence. Looking beyond with an urge to find truths with his internal compass pointing due South. The coastal mountains that showed the chilean-born what mountain biking can be, now the backdrop for his biggest leap yet. Stripping life back to simplicity in motion, prepared to navigate cross-roads on his way home.

Adventurous mountain biker rides through golden autumn meadows with misty mountain peaks in the background.

Mountain biker takes a break in autumn meadow with misty peaks in background, wearing black jacket and yellow pants.

Diego grew up in Santiago, Chile. Mainly riding dirt bikes, he first started mountain biking as a means of training — but it quickly grew into much more. Eventually summiting several volcanoes above 6000m, he became one of the Andes’ most renowned high alpine mountain bike riders and guides.

In 2023 he moved to Squamish, BC, with the goal of immersing himself in one of the epicentres of global mountain bike culture. Meeting Kenny Smith and Margus Riga, guiding them to the summit of Cerro Tupungato (6570m), and becoming close friends prior to the move, quickly propelled him to the core of the BC bike community.

Based on his experience and trajectory, simply boarding a plane didn't feel right. Riding home is the logical next step in search of what will follow. He wants to bring his experiences and learnings back to his home country, build upon them, and cultivate a riding community in the place he feels like he belongs.

Overhead view of person lying on white surface surrounded by camera equipment and photography gear.

The melancholy of a new beginning

Packing, repacking, preparing for the unknown.

Obsessively researching, route planning and dialling things in but most importantly, coming to terms with himself.

More refined with each set-back, until it resembled a foundation solid enough for Diego to pull the trigger.

Person working late at night at a desk illuminated by warm lighting.

Workshop scene showing bicycle maintenance and repair tools with bike parts laid out on a workbench.

A sequence of dark silhouettes against a dimly lit background shows someone walking with a red light effect.

A silhouetted figure stands on a misty mountain slope against a moody blue sky during twilight hours.

Cyclist in protective gear adjusting equipment on a mountain bike in black and white.

Red headlamp illuminates a dark scene as someone prepares camping supplies at night.

Motorcyclist rides through a scenic forest road surrounded by lush green trees and natural scenery.

Mountain biker taking a break on a sunny trail in the forest.

The initial test — Racing the seasons

Delayed due to injury with eyes set on the Colorado trail.

High altitude and the correlated weather patterns setting the pace to get there.

Squamish, BC to Frisco, CO in 30 Days meant 100km per day for Diego and a chance to ride the infamous pieces of alpine singletrack.

Relentless, long days in the saddle testing Diego right off the bat, while settling into a new rhythm, routine and lifestyle altogether.

A sequence of red-lit nighttime trail biking photos showing a rider navigating through dark forest terrain.

Colorado and beyond

A pace he knew to be unsustainable in the long run but a necessity to reach his intermittent goal. And so he did — arriving in Colorado on September 17th.

Incomprehensibly for many, the reward being more dawn to dusk, physically demanding days in the saddle.

With it, an unforgettable experience, meandering alpine singletrack and the most vibrant fall colors.