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Chris Van Leuven on Muck Rack

Chris Van Leuven

Verified
(He/Him)
  • Freelance Writer and Contributor, Freelance
California
As seen in: MSN, The Guardian, Red Bull, Miami Herald, Outside Magazine, The Charlotte Observer, The Sacramento Bee, REI Co-op Journal, Kansas City Star, Men's Journal and
Covers:  Adventure and outdoor exploration Climbing culture and history in Yosemite and beyond E-biking tours and sustainable travel Hidden travel gems
Doesn't Cover: politics
📍 Yosemite E-Biking Founder 🚴‍♂️ | Adventure Writer ✍️ 🌄 Guided e-bike tours in the Sierra Foothills 🧗 Over 20 years of storytelling

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Chris Van Leuven’s Biography

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Chris Van Leuven is a seasoned journalist and adventurer based near Yosemite National Park. His work has been featured in esteemed publications such as Men's Journal, Outside, and Red Bull. In 2016, his poignant piece "Going Home," published in Alpinist 51, was selected for inclusion in Best American Sports Writing.

Beyond his writing, Chris is the founder of Yosemite E-Biking, where he leads guided electric bike tours through the scenic landscapes of Mariposa and the Sierra Foothills. With ne…

Chris Van Leuven’s Journalist Portfolio

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Working with Water, Light and People: Issue #113

Working with Water, Light and People: Issue #113

By Chris Van Leuven Every time I talk with filmmaker and cinematographer Grant Thompson, he's in a completely…

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Best New Bouldering Gear for Advanced Climbers

Best New Bouldering Gear for Advanced Climbers

We tested the latest crop of bouldering gear for experienced climbers in Yosemite Valley. It's the start of p…

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Inside Full Circle Expedition's Summit: First All-Black Team to Conquer Everest

Inside Full Circle Expedition's Summit: First All-Black Team to Conquer Everest

On May 12, seven climbers from the Full Circle Expedition reached the summit of Everest, nearly doubling the …

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Must-Have Winter Fat Biking Gear to Keep You Dry and Warm

Must-Have Winter Fat Biking Gear to Keep You Dry and Warm

Riding your bike during the coldest months of the year-with wind blasting your face as you splash through sno…

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Everything you need to know about speed climbing

Everything you need to know about speed climbing

Climbing is historically a slow, contemplative sport. Speed climbing cuts away the fat and gets right to the …

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Climbers Are Mixed About Yosemite's Evolving Big Wall Permit Program

Climbers Are Mixed About Yosemite's Evolving Big Wall Permit Program

As it has been for decades, Yosemite National Park is the climbing mecca of the universe, attracting visitors…

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Articles

Inside Jeremy Jones and Crew's Low-Carbon Freeride and Climate Advocacy Expedition Film

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By Chris Van Leuven Verified
| Men's Journal Verified
Over three nights from February 9-12, splitboarders and environmental activists Jeremy Jones, Max Hammer, Tim Eddy, and photographer/rider Ming Poon visited a narrow stretch of mountains in northeast Nevada to ride deep, untouched powder and talk climate change with locals. They hope the low-impact backcountry journey will help bring awareness to global warming and showcase the importance of protecting public lands. Jones, Eddy and Hammer walking toward their next objective. Ming T.
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Will Moss: The Climbs and Falls of a Rising Star in the Climbing World

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By Chris Van Leuven Verified
| Gripped Magazine Verified
Chris Van Leuven June 18, 2024 Share on X (Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on Email Share on SMS “The most viewed video of me climbing is of me falling,” Will Moss tells me. “I was in Indian Creek after trying Kokanee Corner late that night, and I got on the Carbondale Short Bus the next morning.
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Gaia Goes to the Top of Middle Cathedral in Yosemite

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By Chris Van Leuven Verified
| Gripped Magazine Verified
Chris Van Leuven June 3, 2024 Share on X (Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on Email Share on SMS “We’d like to take this route all the way to the top. We have nine days set aside in mid-May for that,” Lance Colley told Gripped in April about his route Gaia, a then-seven pitch 5.12c on the north Face of Middle Cathedral rock in Yosemite. Over the last weekend in May, they completed their goal, establishing the route into a grade VI at 18 pitches and rating it 5.12c A3+.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

Writing Yosemite climbing news for Climbing Magazine

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes. I learned to write on a typewriter by candlelight.

How is social media changing news?

It makes the news immediate. It provides a bazaar setting for communication.

Awards

Best American Sports Writing

2016 - creative non fiction

My story, "Going Home," originally published in Alpinist magazine, was honored by being selected for inclusion in The Best American Sports Writing 2016. This anthology, established in 1991, annually showcased the finest sports journalism from the previous year, featuring works from esteemed publications across the United States. Notably, "Going Home" was the first piece centered on climbing and BASE jumping to be included in the anthology, marking a significant milestone for these sports in mainstream sports journalism.

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