7 Questions Answered About The Adventure Bus

Back in 2014, new Gociety member and self-proclaimed liver-for-adventure Chris Riedinger gutted and then retrofitted an old school bus into what he describes as the Pacific Northwest’s only “Adventure Bus.” According to Chris, “The world is large, the places to explore are many, and the accomodations at those places may be lacking. And by lacking, we mean non-existent.” So Chris came up with a better idea…

Team Gociety: What inspired you to convert an old school bus into an “adventure bus”?

Chris Riedinger: A schoolbus is built on a heavy duty truck chassis, enabling it to go places most normal RV/coaches cannot. A friend and I came up with the idea of purchasing a school bus to convert into a mobile basecamp while on a ski trip in Utah in early 2014. We had just run across a Belgian couple who purchased an American school bus and shipped it to Europe to do their conversion and chase powder. Not ones to leave a ridiculous idea untapped, we began scouring Craigslist, local northwest public auctions, and eBay for bus types, drivetrains and optimal options. In the end, we found a great deal on a local bus right here in metro Seattle–a few miles from home.

How long did it take to renovate?

While working full time jobs, it took us a weekend or two a month for about eight months to get the bus to where we’re at right now. It’s still a work in progress and we’re always looking for improvements to add on.

“We searched for a couple months before stumbling on a local bus that was owned by a private school system. It was their backup special events bus, and meticulously cared for.”

What trips has the bus been on so far?
 The bus has seen several trips to Whistler, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier. The next trip is currently scheduled for the Sawtooths for some backcountry skiing in Idaho next month.

What’s the most people you’ve had on the bus?

Haha, that’s a loaded question! We’ve had about 20 in (/on!) it at once for a mini dance party, but there’s currently room for eight to sleep on official bed platforms. Plenty of room for people to crash on the floor as well.

On your site, you say you “Live for Adventure.” How does the bus help you live that dream?
 The bus pushed me to seek out a life direction that was more in line with my goals. Ever since the first time I visited the West (best) Coast, I’ve been transfixed with glaciers, big mountains, and skiing pristine lines–generally far off the beaten path. I’ve been determined to spend more time in the mountains, gaining experience and comfort in big, steep, and complex terrain. I love sharing my experience with others, and really get a big rush when I meet others with similar goals.

“We removed the old galvanized steel wall panels, replaced the insulation, and installed tongue and groove pine boards. The kitchen cabinets were acquired through a local craigslist deal.”

You said that currently you’re focused on using the bus for ski trips. What’s in store for the bus this summer?
 The bus will likely serve as a mobile basecamp for mountaineering and ski trips throughout the year. I’ve got a trip to Alaska to ski off Denali in June & I’m currently planning some loops through the North Cascades, eastern Oregon, and down into northern California for the remainder of the summer.

Congrats on being a new Gociety member. What intrigued you about the community?
 The sharing! I love collaborating with others and building mutually beneficial partnerships. I recognize that although equality is sought out in nearly every part of society, it’s simply not always a realistic expectation. I’ll help you with something and you can help me with something; both of us will gain from the experience.

Live in the Pacific Northwest (or headed there soon) and wanna get on the bus? Find Chris and all the info about the bus you can ever want at pnwbus.com.