In 2019, I joined a group of students from Texas Tech on a five-day bikepacking trip through Big Bend Ranch State Park. That trip is where I met Anna Claire. On the morning of day two, she and I sat down to record Episode 6 of the Bikes or Death Podcast.

That conversation provides important context for today's episode, as it showcases AC's longstanding love for Big Bend. We play a clip from it in today's show, but the full episode is worth a listen if you want to join us on a journey through Big Bend in a pre-COVID world.

Fast-forward seven years. Anna Claire is now a resident of Terlingua, Texas, which sits on the doorstep of both Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. As a result, she has had a front-row seat to the border-wall activity happening throughout the region.

A full-time photographer and passionate lover of the outdoors, especially Big Bend, Anna Claire couldn't sit idly by. She picked up her camera and began documenting what was happening.

It wasn't long before a coalition of residents and allies joined her to form No Big Bend Wall, a nonprofit organization established to inform, educate, and fight the construction of a border wall in Big Bend.

While today's episode deviates from our typical bikepacking fare, it does so for a very real and important reason.

Our public lands are under attack. We as trail users, outdoorsmen, and adventurers are able to enjoy these places because public lands were protected by those who came before us. Throughout history, when those lands have come under threat, coalitions have formed to defend them.

Now it is our turn.

Today's episode isn't about politics. It is about one of our nation's most sacred outdoor sanctuaries being under attack. Big Bend needs you right now.

In this episode, Anna Claire breaks down some of the misinformation circulating online. We discuss the real-world implications of the proposed wall, explore alternative solutions, and provide tangible ways you can take action to help preserve Big Bend and keep it unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

TAKE ACTION

Visit No Big Bend Wall to take a deeper dive into the topics discussed in todays episode and take action where you can!

Are you a business owner against the construction of a Big Bend Wall? Sign this petition NOW! DEADLINE IS JULY 29TH

Today's episode is provided ad-free courtesy of Old Man Mountain 🫶🏻

For 15% off at Old Man Mountain use code: OMMORDEATH