The latest Alt_Road collection by MAAP, including cargo bibs, tees, and more, marks the start of the collaboration between the Aussie brand and outdoor photographer and adventurer, Chris Burkard.
We have followed Chris’ inspiring adventures from close, like the First Known Time in Iceland or his bike trip across California’s High Sierra. MAAP’s desire to get him on board was a no-brainer, as few people can put this new range to the test better than him.
For the new Alt_Road collection, Chris and the MAAP team went on a multi-day adventure in California. Chris Burkard can call The Carrizo Plain his own backyard, and when he’s not adventuring around the world shooting stunning landscapes, he gets there in no time and starts making the most of the endless possibilities for gravel riding.
The proper way to test the new range
He planned this three-day adventure and four people from MAAP joined him. It featured several river crossings, long climbs, evening temperatures barely above 0ºC, and improvised camp spots.
All products in the range were tested. The all-new Alt_Road Tee 3.0, with a completely redesigned cut, was the perfect fit for the adventure. The Polartec® Power Dry® construction provides faster evaporation by pulling moisture away from the skin for a fresh feel. Something useful when you are crossing rivers and then climbing under the scorching sun.
Both the long and short-sleeved Alt_Road jerseys are made from Natural Match® fabrics that provide the optimum ratio of natural, breathable merino wool fibres paired with durable man-made yarns. Taking into account the temperature changes that cyclists tackling long-distance adventures go through, merino is the ideal choice to stay cool in high heat and mitigate the cold when the temperature drops.
MAAP on and off the bike
We are getting used to the launch of casual pieces of clothing from cycling brands, or at least not exclusively related to the riding part of the whole cycling experience. Accessories like their legionnaire’s caps and Merino beanies are great examples, and one cannot deny that they are useful. Their anoraks, vests and jackets are multi-faceted, being able to cope with everything when going on an adventure.
As a novelty, this re-designed product range includes a collaboration with Apidura, materialized with a frame bag a handlebar bag, and a saddle bag.
The new season Alt_Road collection debuts Thursday, April 20th. Similarly to anyone getting their hands on the new products, Chris is now expected to take the Alt_Road range to new limits in wild spaces all around the world, helping to evolve and enhance the collection for a wider range of adventures on the bike.
“To me, the goal with Alt_Road is really to think about experiencing something in an alternative way. Trying to take an unconventional path. To look at the world, to look at your bike, to look at the way you’re experiencing something – and to try in some way to do it a little differently […] It means to revisit the simple reasons that we love riding bikes.” – Chris Burkard
