Good morning. 

Do you ever get the feeling that you just want to quit your job and go run across the desert by yourself for a few days?

Don’t answer that until you read Epic Bill Bradley’s article on Outdoors.com (link below), where he discusses how he went from “divorce, bankruptcy, and business failure” to pushing himself to the limits of human endurance.

Also in today’s edition: we wade into the e-bikes-in-National-Parks debate, take a trip on Alaska Railroad, and serve up great outdoor cooking ideas to from our resident chemical engineer/recipe writer, Montana Mascio.

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Epic Bill Bradley: How I Went From Video Store Owner to Running Across Death Valley… Alone

“Growing up, I could never imagine living the life of an extreme endurance sports athlete. I followed the usual path that led to a ‘normal’ blue-collar life: Grow up, work hard, make money, start a family.

I’m a former electrician and video rental chain store owner from Novato, California. I became a successful businessman and started a family. My chain of 13 video and game stores were my identity. We were super busy: On a typical Friday or Saturday night, 1000 people would come through the doors in a four-hour period. We won a ‘Retailer of the Year’ award, all while competing head-to-head with Blockbuster and Hollywood Video.

Then Netflix came along with a new mousetrap, wiping out our whole video store industry.

But I knew there was more for me beyond divorce, bankruptcy, and business failure. That’s when I found endurance sports, the perfect way for me to achieve other dreams.”

Read more from Epic Bill, and watch a live stream of his race at the link below.

Together with Inside Hotels

Hotels We Love: Paradise Point Resort & Spa

As the name implies, this place is its own little slice of paradise, situated on its own 44-acre island in San Diego’s Mission Bay and lined with tropical gardens and meandering lagoons along with several beaches to spread out at. Close proximity to Sea World and abundant surf classes create an exciting environment, where no two days are the same (unless you want them to be). Grab a California-casual breakfast overlooking the bay at one of the on-site restaurants, and end your day around a bonfire with s'mores. For those craving a tropical island getaway but not the international price tag, this resort is for you.

Take a Trip on The Last Full-Service Train in the United States

In July 1923, President Warren G. Harding traveled to Alaska to drive a golden spike in at Nenana, symbolizing the completion of the Alaska Railroad. Now, 100 years later, this railroad carries approximately half a million passengers a year around the state, and also serves as a vital freight link to transport products throughout Alaska and beyond.

Today, Alaska Railroad can be used to access two national parks—Denali and Kenai Fjords—and scenic dome cars provide opportunities for passengers to look out—and up—at mountain ranges, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, and sometimes even wildlife.

“The wilderness landscape up here just does not disappoint,” says Alaska Railroad’s Marketing Communications Manager Meghan Clemens. “And for us, operating across about 500 miles of Alaska, it’s hard to go that far in the state and not come upon some pretty incredible destinations.”

Should E-Bikes be Allowed in National Parks?

Whether you love them or hate them, e-bikes are here. Their explosive growth in popularity proves these bikes aren’t going anywhere soon. Now, the question is should these peddle-assisted and sometimes borderline electric motorcycles be allowed in National Parks?

E-bikes are getting more people on two wheels, benefiting not only the riders but also the environment, as the bikes are a far more sustainable option than a car. While this is receiving the praise of some environmentalists, others are concerned about the long-term impacts of where bikes are allowed.

Do the electronic bikes in some way take away from our National Parks? Does it increase safety risks, and can it damage the often fragile backcountry? These items are still up for debate, following public comments and even a lawsuit.

Outdoor Gear Checklist

We take pride in uplifting other brands within the Outdoors community. Check out and buy from the brands that support us.

1. Patagonia

Starting now, you can get 30% off Patagonia clothing and gear for men, women and kids.*

2. Stanley

Use coupon code SummerRefresh and get 20% off all items (Quencher, Stanley Create, accessories and sale products excluded).*