We check in with #ShimanoMTB Athlete Ryan Leech as he embarks on his new adventure - living out of his Earth Cruiser equipped Dodge Ram Power Wagon connecting with mountain bikers all over North America.
Ryan Leech is a professional trials mountain biker turned mountain bike skills coach and yoga instructor. His company, the Ryan Leech Connection, connects mountain bikers all over the World through his online coaching platform. He's created a platform where he can coach mountain bikers of all levels, skills through a community-based approach.
This fall, Ryan decided to make a major change in his lifestyle to continue living his dream life. His goal was to be able to live and work in the best mountain bike riding locations in North America. With his company, he doesn't really need a home base or to be tied down to any specific area. With all of his work being online through his website and platform, he can connect to people all over the world as long as he has an internet connection and his bike.
Ryan made the decision to simply his life - deciding to hit the road and live and work out of his 2017 Ram Power Wagon equipped with an Earth Cruiser GZL 400 traveling and connecting with mountain bikers all around North America. In Ryan's words, he "has everything he needs to live a really good life." After spending some time with Ryan you can't help but feel his naturally friendly and calming way of approaching things.
Through Ryan's social media, coaching platform, and community he aims to share the best camping spots, best trails, and skills and tips that are important to each riding zone along his journey. For him, connecting with not only his online community, but the local community is very important. It's something thats important to not only his business, but to his core. His friendliness and passion for spreading the mountain bike love is instantly felt as soon as you meet him. Ryan frequently promotes group rides through his Instagram and invites people to come and ride with him with fun and free meet-ups.
The idea of simplicity runs through and through for Ryan even when it comes to his bike set-up. He chooses to travel with only one bike, his Norco Sight 650b equipped with Shimano XT M8000. For him, "XT is a do it-all component group, all about adventure. The philosophy of the group matches my lifestyle as I'm doing all types of riding all over North America."
His route is constantly evolving and there's really no real end-date to Ryan's new adventure. As he was passing through Southern California, Ryan stopped by the Shimano Headquarters to give us a run down of his new adventure and share some behind the scenes look at his new home.
Ryan Leech's 2017 Ram Power Wagon Earth Cruiser GZL 400
Ryan's new home on wheels is built around a 2017 Ram Power Wagon equipped with an Earth Cruiser GZL400 camper that serves as his bed, office, kitchen and more. Electronically disconnecting front sway bars, electronically lockable front and rear axles, a built-in 12,000lb Warn Winch and fully equipped with fuel and skid plates make this a very capable off-road vehicle for Ryan's adventures - perfect for exploring all around North America.
Ryan's Power Wagon - Ready to kick off his new adventure.
A customized North Shore Bike Rack with an adjusted departure angel to work with the Earth Cruiser.
The top of the cruiser pops up to make additional space.
Ryan's mobile work station, that also serves as a living room and dining area.
Along with the wifi - his truck is equipped with some pretty serious electronics, powered with solar powers on the roof and additional panels when necessary.
We're sure there's going to be some pretty epic views from these windows in the coming months..
Ryan's on-board compressor for times he needs to air down on the trails, located in a nifty place under the rear seats.
Ryan shared a pretty cool story with us about his tire selection. The Toyo M-55 tires are popular among the loggers and truckers back home in British Columbia.
There are plans for a Baja trip to round out the year.
Best of luck to Ryan on his new adventure!
Be sure to follow along on Ryan's Adventures: