Rim Tours guide Scott Pauker spent three years riding his mountain bike 32,000 miles from the northern coast of Alaska to the southern tip of Argentina — one of the most ambitious off-road cycling journeys ever undertaken. His expedition, chronicled on his blog Spoke and Words, blended adventure mountain biking, wilderness awareness, and deep human connection across two continents. Scott now lives in Moab guiding mountain bike tours for Rim Tours, bringing the perspective of a world-class adventurer to every ride.
The Journey: Alaska to Tierra del Fuego
Scott set out in late May 2014 on a ferry from Bellingham, Washington, heading to Alaska. His original plan was to circumnavigate the world by bike, with a focus on generosity and human connection along the way. Over the next three years, he rode from Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s Arctic coast all the way south through Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the length of South America to Tierra del Fuego — the southernmost point of the continent.
By the numbers:
- Distance: 32,000 miles
- Duration: 3 years (May 2014 to April 2017)
- Route: Alaska’s Arctic coast to the southern tip of Argentina
- Mode: Off-road mountain bike, prioritizing trails and dirt roads over pavement
The journey was not a racing expedition — it was a deeply personal exploration. Scott blended his passions for adventure mountain biking, wilderness awareness, and human connection, honestly sharing both the highs and lows through his blog along the way.
What Drives a Journey Like This
Long-distance mountain bike expeditions are fundamentally different from road touring. Scott wasn’t following paved highways with predictable services. He was navigating remote backcountry terrain, mountain passes, desert crossings, and jungle tracks — often far from any support or resupply. The mental and physical demands of living on a bicycle indefinitely, through every conceivable climate and terrain, forge a unique perspective on both riding and life.
That perspective is exactly what makes Scott — and guides like him — so valuable on a Rim Tours guided tour. When your guide has ridden 32,000 miles across two continents, they bring a depth of experience to every trail in Moab that no certification course can replicate.
The Rim Tours Guide Culture
Scott’s story is remarkable but not unique at Rim Tours. Since the late 1980s, the company has attracted guides who are genuine adventurers — people who chose Moab and mountain biking as a lifestyle, not just a job. The guide team includes riders who have explored trails across the American West, competed at high levels, and dedicated years to mastering the terrain around Moab and beyond.
This depth of experience translates directly to the quality of your guided tour experience. Whether it’s a half-day Courthouse Loop for beginners or a multi-day White Rim expedition, your guide brings trail knowledge, riding expertise, and storytelling ability that make the ride far more than just following someone down a trail.
Following Scott’s Adventure
Scott chronicled his entire journey on his blog, Spoke and Words, sharing photos, stories, and reflections from the road. His writing captures the raw reality of long-distance bike travel — the loneliness, the unexpected kindness of strangers, the physical challenges, and the moments of profound beauty that make it all worthwhile.
He is currently writing a book about his journeys, drawing on the extensive blog archive and three years of memories from the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scott Pauker still guiding for Rim Tours?
Scott returned to Moab after his journey and joined the Rim Tours guide team. He brings the perspective of a world-class adventurer to every guided ride, whether it’s a half-day introduction to Moab or a multi-day backcountry expedition.
What kind of bike did Scott use for the Alaska to Argentina ride?
Scott used a mountain bike for the entire journey, prioritizing off-road capability over pavement speed. Long-distance mountain bike touring requires a robust frame, reliable components, and the ability to handle everything from Arctic gravel to Andean mountain passes to Patagonian wind.
Can I do a long-distance mountain bike trip through Moab?
Moab is a natural waypoint on several long-distance routes, including segments near the Hayduke Trail and various cross-Utah routes. For a taste of multi-day mountain biking without the bikepacking logistics, Rim Tours offers supported multi-day tours including the White Rim 4-Day and The Maze 5-Day.
What makes Rim Tours guides different from other outfitters?
Rim Tours has been operating since the late 1980s and attracts guides who are genuine mountain bike enthusiasts and adventurers. Many have spent a decade or more with the company. The guide culture emphasizes not just trail knowledge and safety, but storytelling, natural history, and creating memorable experiences.