Laura Killingbeck’s ‘Choose the Bear Tour’: A Journey of Advocacy and Empowerment
This summer, acclaimed cyclist and storyteller Laura Killingbeck is set to embark on the ‘Choose the Bear Tour,’ a monumental 1,000-mile journey across Michigan. Scheduled to commence on May 20, 2026, in the Upper Peninsula and conclude in Detroit on July 20, 2026, the tour aims to raise awareness about women’s safety and autonomy. Throughout this eight-week expedition, Killingbeck will document her experiences through writing and interviews, shedding light on the challenges women face in outdoor spaces.
The ‘Choose the Bear Tour’ draws inspiration from Killingbeck’s widely acclaimed essay, “A Woman Who Left Society to Live with Bears Weighs in on Man or Bear.” Published in 2024, the piece delved into the viral debate where women expressed a preference for encountering bears over men in the wilderness. The essay explored the emotional and cultural roots of gender-based violence, advocating for more compassionate and nuanced conversations about safety and agency. It garnered significant attention, securing the top spot for Best Writing in the 2024 Bikepacking Awards.
In her own words, Killingbeck reflects on the societal perceptions she encounters:
“People often ask if I’m afraid to bike or camp alone because I’m female. This question shows how normalized gender-based violence really is—people expect that women who travel independently might be threatened, harassed, or assaulted by men.”
The tour is supported by Michigan’s Orsa Credit Union, highlighting the intersection of financial control and gender-based violence. Research indicates that nearly 99% of intimate partner violence survivors experience some form of economic abuse, undermining their ability to leave the relationship and build a safer future. As part of the tour’s conclusion, Killingbeck will donate her Kona Sutra LTD bicycle, provided by Kona, to another woman preparing for her own transformative journey.
For those interested in following Killingbeck’s journey, updates are available on her Instagram, Facebook, and through her newsletter.
Further Reading
-
Empathy is a Survival Skill: An exploration of the emotional and cultural roots of gender-based violence.
-
Gear List for Enigma’s Odyssey: An Eight Month Bike Ride Across the US: Insights into the equipment used during a cross-country cycling adventure.
Please note that the ‘Choose the Bear Tour’ is a real event scheduled for 2026, and the information provided is based on the latest available sources.