Escape Collective: Sarah Swallow is riding and scouting the Golden Gravel Trail

This interview follows adventure cyclist and route developer Sarah Swallow as she scouts the Golden Gravel Trail - a new 3,700-mile off-road route created by the Adventure Cycling Association. Spanning from the Oregon coast to the Mississippi River, the trail is designed as a more accessible and safer cross-country option for bikepackers. Through the conversation, Swallow shares insights from riding and evaluating the route ahead of its public launch in 2026, along with reflections on her experience in long-distance cycling and route development.