Michael Akrep

Michael Akrep grew up in eastern Massachusetts in a rural area crisscrossed by a great density of abandoned steam railroad and passenger trolley rights of way. From a young age, exploring the rural countryside by bike with friends was the preferred activity. Over time as a kid, he accumulated more and more cheap bikes so more friends could join in the adventures.

Moving to western Massachusetts to attend UMass, he discovered the gravel of the Berkshire foothills and Vermont, mountain biking in places like the Deerfield Pocumtuck Ridge, and fat biking on spiked tires through the winters. Throw in road biking and some tandem action, biking has been a key part of Michael’s whole life.

New England was once nearly without forests in the 19th century from the activity of settlers. Now the forests are back, leaving interesting history and back roads to be explored. When not working as an engineer in his day job, he enjoys showing old and new friends great riding across the New England landscape.

We are excited to have Michael guide our Pioneer Valley Paradise and Deerfield Gravel American Heritage Weekend Bike Tours.