Swift Campout is the annual, global call to go bike-camping to celebrate the summer solstice. For the tenth year in a row, adventurers will pack camp gear on their bicycles and head out on June 22nd and 23rd, 2024 to kick off summer with a bike-overnight. Swift Campout is an ode to spending the longest day in the saddle and the shortest night under the stars. It is a celebration of the stellar community that rallies to share this stoke. To capture the magic of the event, we’ve called on Navigators around the world to guide their communities on a Swift Campout adventure.
We’re pleased to introduce you Angry Catfish Bicycle and ride leader Elena Haynes!
Elena Haynes has been making bikes – riding them, wrenching on them, racing them, and connecting with community through them – her main focus since she was a teenager. Give her a dirt road and a fully loaded bike, maybe some snacks, and she’s the happiest she can be.
Angry Catfish was cultivated by the vibrant Minneapolis bicycle culture that lives on the streets, dirt, gravel, and snow that surrounds us. We are a collective of individuals with a like mind – bicycles are an amazing form of transportation, recreation, and fitness.
Together, we aim to inspire people for their next two-wheeled adventure, whether it be rolling down to the River Bottoms for a communal impromptu drink, heading “West” for a multi-day bike packing expedition, or pedaling your way to the office or school.
Stop in and ask us where we’ve been or where we are going. We’re really not all that angry.
What does Swift Campout mean to Elena? It’s all about getting outside and creating community! Years ago it was one of my first overnight bike camping trips, and was the first time I connected with many of my now friends who were interested in the same wild idea – getting outside, riding our bikes and enjoying the beautiful green spaces close to home.
The Angry Catfish Campout
Campout Destination: Interstate State Park – Wisconsin
About the ride: Join us for a mixed surface overnighter to one of the most beautiful state parks! The route will be on a mixture of pavement that includes both bike trails and the road, along with some country gravel. There will be a fair amount of elevation for our midwest area, but we will have lunch stops both days and stay together or split in to two depending on the size and overall pace desires. Everyone welcome! 128 total miles, about 60 the first day and about 70 the second day. Expect a pace of about 10-12 miles per hour.
The Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46158879
Difficulty Level: Moderate – For active individuals who are ready to ride for a full day. Expect variety in the route with a few serious climbs and descents.
Registration: We have capacity for 40 people, and to register just email elena@angrycatfishbicycle.com!
