Vandoit Saves The Day After A Van Build Goes Wrong
Vandoit Saves The Day After A Van Build Goes Wrong Read More »
Vandoit Interview With Olympic Cyclist, Nelson Vails
Vandoit Interview With Olympic Cyclist, Nelson Vails Read More »
VanDOit Interview with Olympic Cyclist, Nelson Vails
Not a Newbie – I Married a Rolling Stone
Not a Newbie – I Married a Rolling Stone Read More »
Not a Newbie - I Married a Rolling Stone
As a quiet, sedate, very proper child, I would have never thought I would marry a man who couldn’t hold still for five minutes. Most of my married life has involved wheels. From mobile homes, to campers, to motorhomes, to racecars, to motorcycles, four wheelers, snowmobiles, bicycles, even flying a plane—my husband just was not created to sit still. For me, prim and proper was out—NASCAR was in.
(courtesy photo)
When I say I’m not a newbie—that is no exaggeration. My oldest boy, now 54, learned to read a map before he was even in school while we took a motorhome, pickups, racecar and 13 people down to the southern racing circuit for the winter of 1972
If it had wheels, we’ve been in it, on it, or sold it. So I am very acquainted with camping. One fall we motorcycled all over the western two thirds of the U.S. Our form of camping that year was a pup tent for two, rolled onto the back of our Suzuki 750 water-cooled motorcycle. I still remember setting up our tiny tent on a bluff overlooking Denver. As we were finishing and getting ready for bed, a sheriff pulled up to inform us that two people had been mauled by a bear at that exact same spot the week before. Being smarter than we looked, we pulled up stakes and moved on.
(courtesy photo)
Another of our many adventures included a stop on the beach in Florida. Our overly eager oldest son opened the door of the motorhome and stepped down onto a hill of red ants. Ouchies!
So many stories—my mom used to say I should write a book. Looking back at all I have forgotten, I wish I would have, but I’m happy to share the moments on the road I do remember with this blog.
When it comes to living with an adventurer, traveling around in campers of every sort, I am NO NEWBIE. My weekends were always packing up clothes, food, bedding, maps and gear and heading down the road to return late Sunday night or early Monday morning, and then unloading everything. It’s too bad they didn’t give trophies for packing, unpacking, cooking or keeping everybody safe and sound. Those years were exciting, eye-opening, and just plain fun. Having spent so much time living in tents, campers, motorhomes and a bus that slept seven, I’ve got experience—all kinds of experience.
Today adventuring is so much easier. Back then, in the 60’s and 70’s, we had to figure things out for ourselves. Now you can buy a modular designed by various experts and engineers, all ready to use—no more jerry-rigging every single thing.
Back then it was so much more expensive and took so much longer to get everything together. With VanDOit, you just talk to a sales rep, decide which of the many options suit you, and you get an adventure vehicle that’s tailor-made for your needs. The van can be reconfigured daily into your plans. Do you want two seats or eight seats? Are you hauling bicycles, motorcycles, etc? Need to mow your parents’ lawn? Just pull out the gear slide, load it up, and tie it down.
Do you want the modular kitchen on board today? VanDOit’s modular kitchen can be kept in the van or used outside for outdoor cooking. Most of us don’t have an outdoor kitchen, but would like to. On holidays, it can provide additional cooking and cooling.
When you look at the pictures on the VanDOit website it is impossible to imagine all it will do. The demand for these vans is exploding. My son Brent developed the concept because of his vast experience in outdoor adventure and sports like motocross, mountain biking, running marathons, snow skiing, and much more. He grew up in campers and vans, and still is involved in the retail selling of them, following in his father’s footsteps. But he wanted something more—something more fitted to his present-day lifestyle. For decades he has participated in RAGBRAI, riding a bicycle from one side of Iowa across to the other.
VanDOit CEO, Brent Kline and son Alan during RAGBRAI 2018 stopping at one of the towns during their daily ride
He found that when there are hundreds of people gathered to camp out in fields, a 38-foot motorhome just doesn’t work. For one thing, it isn’t made to drive through a field. It’s too big to maneuver through the campsite. Seeing a need no company was filling, he imagined, created, and manufactured what is an amazing product- VanDOit. It’s incredibly useful for every day life and has the ability to flex into so many configurations—think “Transformers!” It is so versatile, so practical, so genius…and I’m not just saying this because my son invented it!
Why am I gushing over this van? Because after years of adventure raising my family, I can tell you—as useful as VanDOit is for everyday life, it is invaluable to get you (and your family) out of the house to rediscover what freedom and fun are all about. Make a memory this year. It’s fun, it’s practical, and it can be inexpensive. What better way to spend your time and resources than by making memories with those you love in the great outdoors? I’m so proud to have instilled such a passion for the adventure lifestyle in my son Brent that he has made it his career, and that his passion inspired VanDOit—an incredible adventure vehicle that will help so many families create memories like ours.
VanDOit CEO, Brent Kline (in the background) with his brother Scott
Not A Newbie, Thank God I married a rolling stone.
Meet The Vandoit Team, “The Office” Style
Meet The Vandoit Team, “The Office” Style Read More »
Meet the VanDOit Team, "The Office" Style
Mountain Bike YouTuber “The Loam Ranger” Tests Out A Vandoit In Bentonville, Arkansas
Mountain Bike YouTuber “The Loam Ranger” Tests Out A Vandoit In Bentonville, Arkansas Read More »
Mountain Bike YouTuber "The Loam Ranger" tests out a VanDOit in Bentonville, Arkansas
Where To Park Your Van Overnight From Vandoit CEO Brent Kline
Where To Park Your Van Overnight From Vandoit CEO Brent Kline Read More »
Where to park your van overnight from VanDOit CEO Brent Kline
Many aspirational van dwellers and would-be VanDOit owners come up to us at events, campgrounds and parking lots, curious to know about our sweet van setup, and what our lives look like on a day-to-day basis.
Besides the most-asked question of, “where do you go to the bathroom?”the other thing people tend to be most curious about is where you can park and camp while out on the open road.
And I think that’s a fair question. It’s something I’ve been experimenting with and learning over the last 27 years, since I picked up my first van during college, a 1985 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition.
(courtesy photo)
Things have sure changed since then, but really, the best places to camp and stop overnight really haven’t.
But don’t take my word for it…to get to the heart of this question, we tapped into the founder of VanDOit, a man who has probably spent more nights in Ford Transits – not to mention many, many other types of vans, campers and RV’s over the years – than anyone.
We swiveled our seats and sat down with VanDOit CEO, Brent Kline for this insider interview. Hope you enjoy his insights!
>>What’s the ultimate go-to overnight parking spot, when you’re on the road?
My ultimate go-to overnight spot is a place that is free and also boasts a beautiful nature setting. The spot doesn’t have to have specific camping sites or other camping amenities, but on the other hand, I’m not opposed to it. We are a bit spoiled here in the state of Missouri, as we have “conservation areas,” which are park-like areas maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and a high percentage of them allow free overnight camping; and many of them actually have camp sites, restrooms, fire pits, nature education opportunities and other camping amenities.
Many of the MDC sites have nature-based amenities like hiking and mountain biking trails, hunting areas, fishing lakes, creeks and rivers, nature and wildlife areas, tree plant and horticulture viewing areas, bird watching and more. I happen to live by the Indian Creek Conservation area in Northwest Missouri and often fish, mountain bike and camp there with my family in a VanDOit.
Kudos to the State of Missouri for these tremendous opportunities they afford to outdoor lovers and campers at the ultimate affordable price, and for setting a standard concerning how our tax dollars should be spent. These MDC areas motivate families to introduce their children to the wonderful gift we have been given called nature, and allow families to learn how to enjoy our planet, which belongs to every living creature.
(MDC areas can be found at www.nature.mdc.mo.gov)
Brent & Jill Kline with sons Jon & Alan
And while I have found similar opportunities in other states, there are other ways to achieve this ultimate camping spot, including some very beautiful rest areas while out on the open road.
As we traveled to Overland Expo East at REEB Ranch in Asheville, North Carolina, we found a beautiful rest stop area somewhere near the Shawnee National Forest in Carbondale, Illinois. Out front were of course plenty of “big-rigs” lined up for the night, but behind the facility, a long way from the trucks and up next to a lake was a wonderful area for automobiles. There were many parking areas available (lakeside) and when we woke up the next morning the scenery was breathtaking. This particular rest area was complete with a park area and jungle gym for children, restroom and showers. Many states offer this same type of set up.
I have found that if the commercial haulers are lined up at a rest area at night, then sleeping at the rest area is acceptable. It is very rarely acceptable to sleep in tents, with the exception that a rest area may have an adjacent tent camping area.
Unofficially…from my experience, the states that allow for automotive camping at highway rest areas, with some limitations, are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois (toll roads), Indiana (toll roads), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio (turnpike), Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington State and Wyoming. I’ve camped in vans this way since I was a child and have yet to be asked to leave. I assume part of that is because I was always in a van!
And one of the greatest things about VanDOit Vans is that they are incognito and don’t look like motorhomes or RV’s. They don’t take up a lot of space, don’t empty out waste and don’t have jacks that can damage the tarmac of any given place.
Other overnight camping options include:
Beaches that allow for vehicles and camping. Waking up on a beach is pretty awesome. Pismo Beach is a good example.
More ski resorts are starting to allow van camping since the popularity of vans has skyrocketed. Mt. Bachelor is a great one.
Friend’s homes, farms and property. When a person really thinks of all the people they know around the country, it is pretty amazing, especially nowadays with social media. You have to work your network!
United States Forest Service land and campgrounds (USFS).
>>How do you feel about Wal-Mart parking lots?
Thank God for Wal-Mart! Nothing is perfect and one can find positive and negative in anything, but I personally appreciate the fact that Wal-Mart, with some exceptions, allows for overnight camping in an RV. While a Wal-Mart parking lot isn’t necessarily my ultimate campsite, they offer a lot of positives. Coffee, groceries, water, or about anything you might need is conveniently located a short walk away when you wake up. And, you won’t get stuck on a Wal-Mart parking lot in bad weather, since it’s paved and flat! Wal-Mart parking lots are also quite safe because they are well lit and usually have other campers around, and law enforcement patrols them. With the VanDOit thermal storage curtains, the van is so dark inside that we have slept well past our normal wake up time.
>>What about truck stops, or other places like that?
I love truck stops. We are not picky about what brand of truck stop we stay at, as long as they are clean. However, I am very picky about being able to escape the fumes of the diesel engines, which will generally run all night long.
Most truck stops have a large area for commercial trucks and a separate area for everyone else. I make sure to look at the distance between automotive parking vs. commercial truck parking first thing. Truck stops have similar assets to Wal-Mart with a few additional positive and negative attributes. While one can buy most of what one needs in a truck stop, certainly there isn’t nearly the variety of Wal-Mart. However, one of the best things about a truck stop is that most of them have restaurants, café areas and showers. Even though one can shower out of their VanDOit, variety is the spice of life, and since a person has to refill the water on the VanDOit, it’s nice to use someone else’s water occasionally. Speaking of water, a truck stop usually has an available hose for adding fresh water to the tanks. Likewise, you can fuel up, have breakfast the next morning and clean up the windshield with the longer squeegee sticks usually found only at truck stops.
>>How do you know when it’s OK to park somewhere overnight? What are some of the safe/legal stealth camping tips you might have for people?
I have found that with a van you can really camp just about anywhere because they are incognito and don’t look like motorhomes. I am not at all suggesting a person camp where they will cause harm or make someone mad, but there are many places everywhere you travel where cars are parked overnight, and are often taxpayer-funded entities. Hospitals and health centers are a great example. Likewise, a large percentage of towns and cities across the U.S. have certain streets where overnight parking is the norm. As an example, our crew camped in two VanDOit Adventure Vans in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas, right across from a neighborhood market before a mountain bike race. Many cities have carpool lots which have overnight parking available. Likewise, county fairgrounds and recreation centers have always worked for us as well.
We have also never had a problem parking at a casino, which also allows for overnight parking. Church parking lots tend to be a good place to camp. I typically just ask someone in the church for permission and offer to leave a donation should they allow me to charge my batteries through shore power. Like churches, civic organizations tend to be good sports about allowing overnight camping if one simply asks permission.
One of the best-kept secrets is a nationwide fitness centers that are open 24 hours a day. They are used to cars parked in their parking lot overnight and a person can grab a great workout and a shower. Hotels and motels can be a great place to camp, but we are transparent with them. We pay for breakfast the next morning. The request is usually accepted, especially if you can show that you are a rewards member and do business with the hotel. They usually ask what type of vehicle you are driving and give a smiling approval. Cracker Barrel is a great location as well…and of course we are patrons the next morning.
Many retail style farms and vineyards are usually happy to allow you to stay, as they tend to benefit from this type of tourist. Harvest Hosts is a cool resource to find the farms and vineyards who allow overnight parking/camping. Companies who “get it” and benefit from outdoor-oriented people generally love to have you stay. Retailers such as Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s, REI and nearly every privately-owned sporting goods/camping store are almost always happy to have us, and of course we try to do business with them.
I’ve found that camping in a van without ruffling feathers is really easy due to its size and appearance. I have also found that being transparent and asking permission gets the job done almost anywhere if you are in a VanDOit. I have also found that if a person tries this in a motorhome…one is usually disappointed. Lastly, we can always find a state campground and hook up to shore power for the night.
>>What’s your favorite place you’ve ever van camped?
I have literally been camping in conversion vans my entire life, as my grandfather started in the RV business in 1947. It’s not always about the campsite, the amenities, the weather, the beauty…often it is about the memories created.
One of these great memories was when my wife and I were on a VanDOit camping trip in one of our early prototypes, and we drove late into the night in order to get to Monument Valley, Utah, to celebrate my wife’s 48th birthday. When we arrived it was pitch dark and we couldn’t see the outline of any of the monuments. We camped in our van and made a commitment to get up early the next morning to watch the sun come up amongst the stunning natural landscape. Little did we know that we parked in just the right position. When we woke up, the sky was beginning to glow from the sun’s soon arrival, and we opened up our back doors to the most beautiful scene we could imagine. Afterward watching this incredible sun rise from our cozy bed in our PJs, we went into the nearby facility for breakfast and some hot coffee, and then went hiking in the valley.
Vandoit Ford Transit Travels The Oregon Trail As Part Of The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour
VanDOit Ford Transit travels the Oregon Trail as part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour
VanDOit is proud to be a part of the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour in partnership with the Willamette National Forest, Choose Outdoors and Travel Oregon. The cross-country tour will follow the Oregon Trail to deliver the tree in Washington D.C., involving more than 25 communities along the way.
The tour announcement was timed to celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the National Trails Systems Act, one of the inspirations for the 2018 theme “Find Your Trail.” The tree will follow a more than 3,000-mile journey that commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, following a reverse path of the trail.
A series of festive events and parades will be hosted by local communities at museums, main streets, city halls, state capitols, markets, retailers and high schools. Attendees will have the chance to sign banners on the sides of the truck carrying the tree, learn more about the Willamette National Forest and Oregon, purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise and more.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tradition began in 1964 according to Jodi Massey, director of sponsorship & communications for Choose Outdoors.
“The first few years, the trees on the West Lawn didn’t hold up,” Massey said. “In 1970, the National Forest Service was asked to provide a tree. Every year a different national forest is chosen to provide a tree to the Capitol. This is the first time a tree has been used from the Willamette Forest. This is also the first time a noble fir tree has been used. Next year’s tree will come from New Mexico.”
VanDOit has donated two Ford Transit adventure vans to serve as tour support vehicles carrying cargo, supplies and memorabilia.
“We couldn’t do it without VanDOit. Their support is going to allow us to make our historic cross-country journey in style and will be a big step up from previous years for our team,” said Bruce Ward, founder and president of Choose Outdoors.
During the tour, the crew stopped by the VanDOit headquarters in Blue Springs, Missouri.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will arrive at the nation’s Capitol on November 25.
Vandoit’s Top 10 Holiday Gear Guide
Vandoit’s Top 10 Holiday Gear Guide Read More »
VanDOit's Top 10 Holiday Gear Guide
Van-lifers are a crowd that really know their gear. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time, multi-year, digital nomad, being out on the open road, enjoying the fun and freedom your VanDOit or other rig affords, you and your co-pilots need the best gear for the adventure ahead. To that end, we spent the last year testing and playing with all the latest and greatest – to make your holiday shopping just a little bit better, easier, and more rewarding. Check out our VanDOit Vanlife Holiday Gear Gift Guide for yourself, friends and family before it’s too late!
These innocent little packing solutions have been a godsend for so many serious travelers around the globe and are a game changer for staying organized in your van. The latest version from travel luggage experts Eagle Creek are designed specifically so muddy shoes, wet swim suits, sweaty cycling kits and other laundry and essentials stay as contained and as fresh as possible. Simply get one color for him and one for her, and you’ll thank yourself all year long
2. Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Explorer
Your van first aid kit is one of your most important purchases, and it pays to invest in a professional level kit like the Mountain Explorer Medical Kit from AMK. Eventually you may want to create parts of your own kit, but this is an amazing starting place and gives you EMT-grade tools and the trusted Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine by Eric A. Weiss, M.D. From blisters to dog bites, burns, internal distress and more, you’ll be a more confident and prepared traveler with this first aid kit on board.
If you haven’t already invested in a Dometic fridge/freezer unit for your van, definitely consider for a holiday spend. It reduces your dependency on ice, reduces food waste associated with coolers, and is just cleaner and easier to regulate for cold drinks and food. Specifically designed to fit all kinds of vehicles, the Dometic CFX Series is a range of compact portable electric coolers to keep food and drinks chilled or even frozen while out on a 4×4 trail, tailgating or off the grid. The CFX50W is the most popular unit in the range, with room for up to 72 cans (1.62 cubic feet / 46 liters). The CFX line runs off the 12V power from your VanDOit’s accessory port in addition to 110V power. Every CFX is capable of reaching -7 F and extremely efficient due to the Dometic-manufactured compressor; which is designed with exclusive VMSO Mk2 technology (Variable Motor Speed Optimization) to create maximum cooling power while using the least amount of energy needed. (Shop.dometic.com or buy directly through VanDOit)
For those of you cooking outside the van, you’ll obviously want to add a good two-burner stove to your repertoire. And while you’ve got options, one thing that caught our eye this fall is the new Primus Tupike. Its stainless steel body and oak laths give the lid a rigid and robust feel while also protecting the stove from wear and tear. When open, the lid and fold-out windscreens ensure steady cooking, even in windy conditions. The Tupike also has a non-stick aluminum griddle plate for even heat distribution and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning.
5. Kaenon Summit Division Sunglasses
You don’t need me to tell you how important and valuable a high-quality pair of shades is for long hours behind the wheel. Some may even say it’s their most important piece of gear for driving. The new Kaenon Clark’s will also be your most important tool for hitting the town, for climbing, long boarding, and long walks on the beach. Featuring a mid-century mod classic look with a performance twist, the Clarke is ultra versatile with a sweet hand-painted frame and SR-91 Polarized lens. You’ll swear off cheapos forever.
For your co-pilot…add to the wish list a pair of Rex Specs dog goggles! Fully adjustable straps ensure a secure fit and the spherical single lens is comfortable with unobstructed vision for Fido, protecting his eyes from debris and harmful rays.
We’ve tried them all, and while every brand makes some damn fine vittles, we recently discovered this little gem from across the pond. Just launching in February 2017, Firepot is now known for making some of the most delicious meals in the industry, having won awards including Silver in the Taste of the West (judged against restaurant food), with ingredients sourced as locally as possible and always conscientiously — no palm oil, artificial preservatives or additives. Check out the vegan Chile Non Carne, Spicy Black Beans, Porcini Mushroom Risotto (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free), Orzo Pasta Bolognese (lactose-free), Beef Stew with Pearl Barley (lactose-free), Spicy Pork Noodles, Chilli con Carne (gluten-free, lactose-free), Dal and Rice with Spinach (vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free), or Posh Pork and Beans (gluten-free, lactose-free). In addition to fueling your van life, Firepot can be found on the fastest female rowed crossing of the Atlantic by Kiko Matthews; the fastest round-the-world cycle by Mark Beaumont; the first ascent of the most remote mountain in the world, Spectre, by British climber Leo Houlding; and the attempted solo unsupported ski crossing of the Antarctic by polar explorer Ben Saunders, among others.
We always keep at least one yoga mat in our van. Yes for doing Instagram-inspired sunset yoga on a beach, but also for when you need a little bit of extra padding on the floor, at a campground, for the dog, etc. These lightweight travel mats are ideal for commuting and air travel as well. The polyurethane top layer absorbs moisture during those sweaty desert sun salutations in J Tree.
The Scrubba is the world’s smallest washing machine and the ultimate travel and camping essential. This convenient little dry-bag type device allows you to travel lighter and save money, time and water. The Scrubba Wash Bag is a modern take on the old fashioned washboard, is twice as effective as hand washing, more hygienic than hotel sink, and works anywhere. Just mix your dirties in with some water and soap, rinse, hang dry, and enjoy fresh skivvies.
Having a sturdy pair of weatherproof shoes to toss on at your van’s doorstep is essential. Something you can hike to the john in, build a fire, walk the dog, and easily kick off when you get back into your cozy home on wheels. The new LaCrosse Alpha Muddy is comfortable, dry, breathable, warm and durable — and will have you looking stylish before and after any adventure.
(All images are courtesy of the brands featured)
–Note about the Author:
VanDOit Ambassador Aaron H. Bible is an internationally acclaimed travel writer and outdoor industry journalist. Contact him for any gear related questions, to inquire about a new van, or to find out more about how he maximizes his VanDOit time on the road! Follow his adventures with his wife Jasmine and baby Lavender @team_bible_travels & @ahbible
Vandoit Interview With Cyclist Jack Gabus On His West Coast Van Adventures
Vandoit Interview With Cyclist Jack Gabus On His West Coast Van Adventures Read More »
VanDOit Interview with Cyclist Jack Gabus on his West Coast Van Adventures
Ultra Racer, Christie Tracy Rises From The Ashes To Vandoit
Ultra Racer, Christie Tracy Rises From The Ashes To Vandoit Read More »
Ultra Racer, Christie Tracy Rises From the Ashes to VanDOit
The back of Christie Tracy’s VanDOit Ford Transit camper van reads, “She believed she could, so she did.” After multiple injuries, she’s come back to win national and world championships in ultra cycling, and is chasing her dream of becoming a professional cyclist with a VanDOit to get her there.
The Austin-native started riding in April of 2012 when a friend from the CrossFit Gym she coached at dared her to enter a local Sprint Triathlon on her birthday. That was the day she fell in love with cycling, even though she was riding a borrowed road bike three times too small for her.
“I fell in love with it. I don’t know how to explain it,” she said. “It was white noise. I got on and it was nothing, and I was going as fast as I could with the wind in my hair.”
The next day she told her husband Jamie she wanted to get a bike for her birthday. She hired a coach the next week. She continued to do CrossFit for a year, but gradually started cycling more.
“I learned that my body type is genetically predisposed to being really good at cycling,” Christie said. “I never would have made it to the CrossFit Games. Being the competitive person I am and finding something I was naturally good at made me think, ‘Why don’t I just try this?’ and I haven’t looked back since.”
Her first official USA Cycling Road Race was the Texas State Road Race Championship that September.
“It was pouring rain, and I showed up in my off-brand puppy dog jersey and shorty-short bike shorts, and no-show socks looking completely out of place among girls in their team-branded, sponsor labeled kits, and bike shorts and socks of more ‘acceptable’ lengths,” Christie said. “Nevertheless, I finished the race completely hooked on this bike racing thing.”
Christie has had the misfortune of breaking her collarbone three times while riding, requiring surgery each time: first, in 2012 in a criterium race at the Driveway Series in Austin, Texas, in 2013 at the Iris Stagner Memorial Stage Race in Mineral Wells, Texas, and in 2014 during a local group ride in Austin. Each time, she was determined to come back stronger than ever in pursuit of her newfound passion.
As she continued to train and race, she set her sights on winning the 2016 Master’s National Time Trial Championship in Winston Salem, North Carolina, comprising of a road race, criterium race and time trial. She decided to race the criterium race in addition to the time trial, so her parents could watch and cheer her on more. (Criterium races allow spectators to see the racers more because they pass by every few minutes around the track- usually less than a mile long.) Tracy was in second place a few laps into the race, when the person in front of her went down going into a corner, taking her down with them. She spent several days in the hospital with a few cracked ribs and vertebrae and a collapsed lung.
As soon as her doctor cleared her, she returned to training with a renewed passion and determination to come back and win the Time Trial Championship title in 2017. This time, she chose not to race the Criterium Race and registered only for the time trial and road race. All of her hard work and training paid off, and she won the time trial- her first national championship title, and placed second behind a friend from Austin in the road race the next day. Her first and second place finishes resulted in her winning the BAR (Best All Around Rider) Award for the 2018 Master’s National Championship Race Weekend.
“I came home with the stars and stripes on my shoulders, and a fire in my belly to keep pushing the envelope and see how far I could take this bike racing thing,” Christie said.
She went on to win the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association 12 Hour Time Trial National Championship at the Texas Time Trials, and months later, the World Championship in the 12 Hour Time Trial. This form of ultra racing requires cyclists to ride for 12 hours straight. Time trials are known as “the race of truth,” determining who’s able to go the hardest over a set distance or amount of time.
“I specialize in time trialing and ultra racing,” Christie said. “I have a really strong engine. I go into the pain cave and hold it. I love it there, that’s the thing. Everybody is different. I love that white noise. I’m a Type-A person, always thinking I have to do something. When I ride, it’s 12 hours of silence. I like pushing myself hard and I’m comfortable with suffering.”
When asked what keeps her fueled for twelve hours of racing, aside from her sponsor Nuun Hydration, she said her favorite is Trolli gummy worms and frozen Peanut M&Ms.
She finished out 2017 with back-to-back wins at the Texas-State Road Race Championship in both the Women’s Skill-based race and the Age-Based Race.
After having a very successful racing season, she decided to take things to the next level in 2018 and race as many pro road and stage races as possible, with the hopes of being picked up by a professional team in 2019.
“This would require tons of travel, and doing it in our little Mazda CX-5 would have been next to impossible, so I started researching Sprinter and adventure van options, and stumbled across VanDOit,” Christie said. “I really loved the features of the VanDOit builds, and the fact that they were rugged adventure vans, which could cater more to someone like me who’d be throwing dirty bikes in the back and using it as a mobile garage to store and work on bikes, as well as a mobile office, kitchen, and bedroom for me, my husband and our two dogs.”
Christie and her husband Jamie were interested in VanDOit Ford Transit camper vans because of the affordability and opportunity to custom design their van.
“I don’t mind spending money on something quality, but it was about finding the most value for what we’re spending,” Christie said. “We didn’t want to buy something with a ton of features we would never use- that’s throwing away money in my opinion. There is a lot out there, so when we found VanDOit it was perfect because we were able to customize it to get exactly what we needed.”
Christie also appreciated that VanDOit’s CEO Brent Kline and Sales Director, Ted Vandevort were cyclists.
“It was so nice talking to people who were very familiar with cycling and intimately understood my needs,” Christie said.
Christie designed her dream adventure van in a lime green and black wrap with matching leather seats. She chose the unique colors to match her bikes and because her mind “interprets green as speed.” Her van wrap has a phoenix on the side and those powerful words, “She believed she could, so she did.”
Christie and Jamie got their VanDOit in mid-March just in time for a five-week road trip of racing. Jamie is retired from the Coast Guard, allowing him to do all the repair work on Christie’s bikes and most of the driving during their road trips while Christie does accounting work in the backseat of the van (making it a mobile office whenever needed.)
“Our van has #TeamTracyATX on it, because we are a team,” Christie said. “I’m the cyclist and he is my support. I couldn’t do it without him.”
Their road trip began in Texas with the Tour of Corsicana Stage Race, where Christie won first overall. From there, they travelled to Fayeteville, Arkansas where she raced her first professional stage race of the year with the Amy D Foundation Composite Team. Next, they were on to Monterrey, California for several race events at the Sea Otter Classic where they got to spend some time with the VanDOit team.
Christie with VanDOit CEO, Brent Kline and Midwest District Manager, Andy Brown at the Sea Otter Classic
“Lodging in Monterey during the Sea Otter Expo is crazy expensive, so we were stoked to be able to make an economically priced RV park home,” Christie said. “We stayed just steps away from the beach, and ideally located just a block from a bike highway that I was able to ride in to the expo and race venues daily. This was our first opportunity to really break in the van, and we found it very comfortable. We were plugged in, and the air conditioner kept it plenty cool throughout the day with temps reaching the lower 90’s, and the heat pump kept it nice and warm in the evenings, when temperatures dropped down into the upper 40’s. We were able to cook most of our meals using a little electric hot plate and our microwave.”
From Monterey, they drove up to the mountains of Crestline, California so Christie could spend the week training at altitude in advance of the Redlands Pro Stage Race. After the four days of racing in Redlands concluded, their VanDOit made its way back home to Austin.
They were only home for a few weeks before departing for their next road trip. This month-long adventure took them to Tulsa, Oklahoma with the DNA Pro Cycling Team for the Tulsa Tough Crit Weekend. From there, they were on to Augusta, Georgia so Christie could attempt to defend her Master’s National Time Trial Championship title. Unfortunately, she got a flat tire in the middle of the race, but still managed to pull off a fourth place finish. From Georgia, they hit the road for Knoxville, Tennessee, where Christie raced her first professional national time trial and road race championships. They stayed in Knoxville for several days in advance of the races, which gave Christie the opportunity to pre-ride the courses in the afternoons after her nine-hour workdays remotely from the van.
“Rain was forecast for the time trial, so we set up the VanDOit canopy for me to warm up under,” Christie said. “It provided awesome shelter from the elements, while still allowing enough airflow to keep me cool during my warm up.”
She raced to 18th place in her first professional national time trial, and was happy with her top 20 finish, given the caliber of the field and the technical nature of the course.
Christie and Jamie got one more bike trip in their VanDOit Ford Transit camper van in late June when they headed to Rosebud, Texas for the Texas State Gravel Championship Race where Christie claimed the championship title.
“There were on-site overnight parking spots available, but no plug-ins or running water,” Christie said. “We hooked up to our portable generator, and the air conditioner kept us very comfortable despite the 90+ degree temps outside. After winning the championship title on Sunday, it was awesome to be able to shower all of the dirt and grime off using the van’s portable shower before beginning the three-hour drive back to Austin.”
In early August, Christie was involved in another collision during a criterium race, fracturing her hip. Of course, she’s not letting that stop her. After therapy, she is recovering to defend her 12 Hour Time Trial World Championship title on October 27 in Borrego Springs, California. Coming full circle, she will also be at the 2019 Gravel National Championship Race in Lawrence, Kansas, one year from the day she got her VanDOit in nearby Lee’s Summit.
“The phoenix is my spirit animal,” Christie said. “It’s a reminder to me that no matter where I’m at, I have to look at everything I’ve overcome. I’ve overcome three injuries and come back to win national and world championship titles. Never count yourself out. You can always come back, so never give up.”
In 2019, Christie plans to switch her focus to racing primarily gravel and ultra cycling events. A few of the races that she’s planning to tackle include Dirty Kanza, Iowa Wind & Rock, The Belgian Waffle Ride, Rebecca’s Private Idaho, HooDoo 500, and The Silver State 508 among others. Team Tracy has a full year of road-tripping in their VanDOit planned for 2019. They will get to call their van home in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, California, Georgia, Tennesee, Utah, Nebraska, Idaho and Nevada next year. You can follow Team Tracy’s adventures on their website and blog at www.TeamTracyATX.com and on Instagram @TXPaleoRacer.
