Packing It Out Team Completes 4,500 Mile Bike Tour Across America

Traverse City, MI

On September 14th, 2017, Granite Gear sponsored Packing It Out team, Seth Orme and Abby Taylor, completed their passion-driven 4,500 mile bike tour from Georgia to the Pacific Ocean in Washington state. Totaling 2,100 pounds of trash picked up along their route, they held 11 trash clean ups and inspired hundreds of thousands of people to leave our planet better.

With relentlessly positive attitudes, the team battled various weather and bug-laden conditions throughout their 18-state journey. As they pedaled closer to the west coast, they were hit with the reality of many smoke-filled miles due to wildfires. After arriving safely in Seattle, Seth and Abby plan to take a break and enjoy the west coast for some time.

“It has truly been a one of a kind, wild ride,” said Abby Taylor. “If you want to see America, if you want to meet people, if you want to fall in love with your country again … go on a long bike ride. I have received more kindness on this trip than I thought possible.”

Packing It Out was born out of a decision to leave it better. According to the team, “we had forgotten that this land is our land; this land is our responsibility. As a result, many of our scenic areas have become coated with litter.” Since its inception, the team has packed out over 4,000 pounds of trash from national trails, national parks, state parks and community parks.

“The Packing It Out team continues to astound us after every adventure they complete. They’re enthusiasm to clean up our planet and inspire others to do the same is remarkable,” says Rob Coughlin, VP of Granite Gear. “We’re beyond proud to be able to work with and support the Packing It Out team. Seth and Abby are true wilderness heroes.”

Photos and/or video of the bike tour can be obtained from social media sites linked at http://www.packingitout.org. To schedule an interview or photo/video shoot, please contact Seth Orme at sorme2013@gmail.com.

About Granite Gear

For 31 years, Granite Gear has brought cutting-edge products to the outdoor marketplace. Their award-winning backpacks, adventure travel gear, extensive variety of storage sacks, lifestyle accessories, and canoe gear offer excellence in design and construction. Granite Gear’s desire is for all outdoor enthusiasts and travelers to experience the incredible durability and comfort of their products. Located in Northern Minnesota, just minutes from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior Hiking Trail, they have a rugged and beautiful testing ground for their products.