RILEY: a Buckshot Bikepacking Story

As the world of self-supported bikepack racing evolves and grows, and race times and average speeds get faster and more competitive, is there a place for new riders? What does it take to ride one of these daunting routes for the first time? Meet Riley Merrell, an experienced cyclist and a dedicated husband and father. This will be Riley’s first bikepacking ultra event, and while he's put in the training and preparation required, there is always uncertainty when lining up at the start line. With a wet and cold forecast on the horizon, will Riley be able to put all the pieces together to finish his first Buckshot? This is not a story about racing on the pointy end of the group or chasing the top step of the podium. This is a story about putting yourself to the test and experiencing a brand new challenge with like-minded cycling adventure enthusiasts. The Buckshot is an annual Bikepacking Endurance event based out of Kamloops, BC. Every year, the route changes, but always starts and finishes at the same location. The event is self-supported, unofficial and unsanctioned. All riders are responsible for their own safety and race tracking. The 2025 Buckshot was 385km long with 5982m of climbing based on the RideWithGPS route. NOTE: Because of a Trackleaders error, Svein Tuft’s ride was not properly recorded. He undoubtedly raced the fasted time on-course, but voluntarily and graciously conceded his win to Brendan Taylor. Special thanks to: Riley... for letting me tell your story, follow along and pester you with my camera and questions. Lennard Pretorius for building the Buckshot routes. Tim Coulter for the drone videography. Yikwah Penner for the wood working videography. RideWithGPS Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50564183 The 2025 Buckshot on Trackleaders https://trackleaders.com/buckshot25f.php Riley Merrell on Instagram: www.instagram.com/r_ile_y Shot With: DJI OSMO Action 4 Lumix S9 - 50mm DJI Mavic Mini 3 Music: “Thoughts in Motion” by Tristan Barton “Daydreamer” by Tom Goldstein “Ember” by Tristan Barton “Dreamspace” by Caleb Etheridge “Moments in Time” by Tristan Barton “Sinking Island” by Tristan Barton