Welcome to Shawn Bikes
I’m a cyclist from Southern Illinois who enjoys gravel biking, road biking, and mountain biking. This is my blog for all things cycling, ride reports, gear and apparel reviews, and more.
About Shawn
Howdy, folks! I’m Shawn from Shawn Bikes. I’m a 40-year-old cycling enthusiast who rides as much as possible. I started cycling in 2012 after my health began to decline, and it completely changed my life. Now, I live a much healthier lifestyle and enjoy road biking, mountain biking, and, most of all, gravel biking.
My bikes include a carbon Trek Domane for the road, a Trek Marlin 29er for the trails, and a Trek Checkpoint for gravel adventures. I ride several times a week, especially when the weather is warm. My favorite place to ride is the 45+ mile Tunnel Hill State Trail. In fact, I serve as the Chair of Friends of the Tunnel Hill State Trail, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the trail.
Many of you might also know me as Hiking with Shawn, as I’m an avid hiker. I mainly ride in Southern Illinois, where I live with my wife, two stepchildren, and daughter-in-law, whom I’m incredibly proud of. We also have a few cats.
Outside of cycling and hiking, I work in the surveillance industry and strive to enjoy life—especially when it involves a bike.
About Shawn Bikes
Shawn Bikes is my blog dedicated to cycling.
Here, you’ll find stories from my cycling adventures—whether on gravel, road, or mountain bike trails. Most of my rides are day trips, but I also plan to share bikepacking and bike touring experiences in the future.
I’ll be posting ride reports, YouTube videos, photos, gear and apparel reviews, and other cycling-related content. Much of what I share will focus on cycling in Southern Illinois, particularly in and around the Shawnee National Forest.
I hope you enjoy following along on my cycling journey!
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