Podcasts about Tour Divide

Hey, it's Mary Anne. With the Log Driver's Waltz Grand Départ coming up on August 29, it felt like the perfect time to bring this conversation back. Whether you're riding this year or just curious about bikepacking, here's my chat with Jen and Eric. Enjoy. “Just get out and explore on a bike.” In 2022 Jen and Eric bikepacked over 7000 km which included Grand Departs on the 4400 km Tour Divide and the 800 km ⁠ Log Driver's Waltz⁠ (LDW), and a time trial on the North of Seven 770.   In 2019 they were amongst the first few riders to complete the BT 700. They had such a positive experience following a well curated route that they decided to develop one of their own. Over the years they had completed many multi-day bike trips in the Lanark Highlands of Ontario and the Outaouais Region of Quebec. They knew they had the “knowledge of place” necessary to create a quality bikepacking route; one that would showcase the region, contribute to the growing bikepacking community, inject tourist dollars and foster connections between locals and riders. Importantly this would also be a challenging route that riders from Ontario, Quebec and New England could access without extensive travel. The result was the 800 km⁠ Log Driver's Waltz⁠ which they released in 2020.  In response to the requests of less experienced bikepackers they soon added ten shorter, more accessible routes. This has grown into a social project they call “bikepacking for all”. Through inclusive panel discussions, mechanics workshops,and rallies this project has continued to grow as more riders join the bikepacking community. Jen and Eric believe there are hidden gems to be discovered in all localities and it is by creating well curated routes that bikepacking route developers can share this knowledge with riders from near and far.They can be reached via their⁠ website⁠. *Artwork photo credit: Louise Philopovich, Panorama Cycles ⁠https://www.panoramacycles.com/en/⁠* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What had you accomplished by 17? Not what dreams did you have, but what dreams had you already made come true? One thing I know for sure: You weren't the youngest person ever to complete the Bikepacking Triple Crown…unless your name is Cruz Blue. When I was 17, I spent most of my time skateboarding, avoiding homework, and chasing girls. Not exactly my finest years, but I'd argue my experience was probably more closely aligned with that of the average teenage boy than Cruz's was. Over the past year, Cruz has quietly been making a lot of noise in the bikepacking world. He has no social media, no blog, and no YouTube channel. He seems motivated almost entirely by a sense of adventure and what he calls youthful ignorance. So, unless you've been paying close attention, you may not have realized that a star was rising in Flagstaff, Arizona. Cruz comes from an adventurous family and grew up inspired to seek out adventures of his own. For him, racing is simply another form of adventure. He isn't particularly concerned with times, watts, records, or results—but he does place a premium on finishing. His only DNF came in 2025, when he attempted the Arizona Trail Race 800 as an individual time trial at just 16 years old. But let's back up a little. Cruz entered his first bikepacking race in 2024 at age 15. Just two short years later, he finds himself among an elite group of athletes credited with completing the Bikepacking Triple Crown. A brief history of his racing career: Age 15 Pinyons and Pines — 2d 15h 53m — 14th overall Age 16 AZTR 800 ITT — DNF Pinyons and Pines — 2d 7h 23m — 10th overall AZTR 800 ITT — 17d 7h 42m — Youngest solo AZTR 800 finisher Age 17 Pinyons and Pines — 3d 5h 19m — 17th overall Tour Divide — 19d 11h 6m Colorado Trail Race — 6d 17h 49m — Youngest-ever CTR finisher In less than 10 months, Cruz completed the Arizona Trail Race 800, Tour Divide, and Colorado Trail Race, becoming the youngest person ever credited with completing what we call the Bikepacking Triple Crown. Technically, the formal Triple Crown Challenge requires completing all three races within the same calendar year. Cruz completed his within a rolling one-year period. But the keepers of the records at Bikepacking.net officially list him as the youngest Triple Crown finisher, and who am I to argue!  The results, however, are only a small part of Cruz's story. The real story is Cruz himself – and it's his to tell. On today's episode, I have the privilege of getting to know one of our sport's youngest athletes, who has quietly been making a whole lot of noise. EPISODE SPONSORS Old Man Mountain & Robert Axel Project = use code mountainsordeath for 15% off  Central Texas Showdown = code ctsordeath for 15% off West Texas Showdown = code wtsordeath for 15% off NEW PATRONS

Mathias Müller kennt ihr vielleicht noch als Redakteur und Gesicht der Bike Bild. Vor allem ist er aber auf den langen Strecken abseits des Asphalts zu Hause: Nach der Grenzsteintrophy und der Tour Divide ging es für ihn dieses Jahr einmal quer durch das Land – auf der Bikepacking Trans Germany von Basel bis an die Ostsee.Im Podcast erzählt Mathias von seinen gut 1.600 Kilometern zwischen steilen Rampen auf der Schwäbischen Alb, einsamen Abschnitten im tschechischen Grenzgebiet und dem Ziel an der Küste. Wir sprechen über seinen Wechsel vom Laufen und Triathlon zum Graveln, die veränderte Medienlandschaft nach dem Aus des gedruckten Magazins und warum Deutschland als Bikepacking-Revier oft unterschätzt wird.Neben den Erfahrungen auf der Strecke sprechen wir aber auch über den Reality-Check bei der Routenwahl, das Thema Unterkünfte auf Tour und seine Erlebnisse mit Bären in den Rocky Mountains.Viel Spaß!Shownotes- Mathias auf Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mueller_in_gefahr/ Quelle Musik- Tropic Fuse - French Fuse aus dem YT Creator StudioQuelle Bilder- Mathias Müller

This week we sat down with Meaghan Hackinen, the women's winner of this year's Tour Divide. Meaghan is a bikepacker and writer whose two-wheeled adventures have taken her from Haida Gwaii to Mexico's high plateaus, across Canada and the United States, and from North Cape to Tarifa along some of Europe's highest paved roads. She is a two time ultra-cycling world champion and with wins in some of the hardest bikepacking races on the planet, including the Tour Divide (2024 and 2026) and Silk Road Mountain Race (2025), regularly finishing in the top ten overall. Meaghan's debut travel memoir, South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels (NeWest Press, 2019) was a finalist for two Canadian book awards; her follow up, Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race, charts her entry into self-supported ultra-racing. You can find her exploring back roads in British Columbia's beautiful Okanagan Valley or on Instagram at @meaghanhackinen. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com Powered by: Mountain View Auto Dealers This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Today in the podcast we are joined by Ric van Wachem, TeamCPNZ athlete based in Adelaide, Australia who recently returned from tackling the Tour Divide which traverses the backroads of America completely self supported. This was Ric's third crack at the event and the goal was to complete the full 4,345km with 61,000 metres of climbing. Let's just think about that for a moment - backroads, self-supported, no peloton, and more vert and distance than the Tour de France. Ric shares his story. From the background to his build-up, why he lined up again, and how his adventure unfolded. This is a story of perseverance and pushing the envelope.

Meaghan Hackinen has a habit of breaking ultra-distance cycling records. Recently, the Kelowna, B.C., rider set the women's fastest known time for the iconic Tour Divide route. On this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, Hackinen shares her journey to setting new records in ultra-cycling, training strategies, gear choices and the importance of sleep and sobriety in performance. Check out her insights into managing long-distance rides and preparing for unpredictable conditions. Also, editors Matthew Pioro and Matt Hansen discuss cross country nationals and the Tour de l'Abitibi. There's up-and-coming talent to look out for. This episode is supported by Altitude Sports. [This collaboration is part of an advertising campaign managed by the agency Podpass for Altitude Sports.] Save up to 20 per cent off on your first order with code CYCLINGMAGAZINE2026 Shop at Altitude Sports: https://bit.ly/altitude-cyclingmagazine2026 Valid on regular-priced items only. Limited-time offer. One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotions or membership discounts. Chapters 13:39 Meaghan Hackinen: Training for an ultra-distance ride like the Tour Divide 16:56 Getting started in ultra cycling: Tips for beginners 21:37 The importance of sleep in ultra-racing 31:11 What happens when you give your bike a name 37:07 Where a beginner should start with ultra-cycling gear 39:26 The impact of sobriety on performance 44:20 Safety tips for solo female travellers

Nic Darwin (Darwin on the Trail) returns to My Back 40 for an honest conversation about about adventure filmmaking, backpacking, bikepacking, and what happened during his 2026 Tour Divide attempt. We unpack the lessons that come from scratching one of the world's toughest ultra-endurance races, the role failure plays in growth, and how creativity shapes both adventure and storytelling. Nic also shares the story behind Evolved Supply Co., his new outdoor gear company, and what it takes to build products for people who live for the trail. If you're into bikepacking, backpacking, endurance cycling, thru-hiking, the Tour Divide, and meaningful conversations about resilience, this episode is for you.It's always a pleasure speaking with Nic. Lots of laughs in this one so I hope you enjoy. Remember to send voice notes: Whip out your device, record me something, and send it to myback40podcast@gmail.com.A huge thank you to the sponsors who help make My Back 40 possible.Mannmade Cycles – Proud sponsor of the My Back 40 Podcast.Level Ground Coffee Roasters – Save 15% on orders of $50 or more with promo code MB40.Dynamic Cyclist – Save 25% with promo code MB40.Redshift Sports – Save 15% with promo code MB40.Supporting these companies helps support the podcast. Thanks for listening!

Stefan en Laurens gaan verder. De wereld heeft vandaag zitten kijken naar een enorm sterk machtsvertoon van Evenepoel. Tijdridder, aerokogel, loeisterk wonderkind, you name it. “Er is geen seconde twijfel geweest over winst voor Remco.”. Hiermee zet hij een dikke streep onder zijn tweede plek in het klassement. Verder: overstekende toeschouwers, gemiste starts, aanrijdingen, ruzies en valpartijen. Het zat niet iedereen mee vandaag. Eén ding is duidelijk: er wordt steeds meer duidelijk. Wil je de Tour Divide nabeschouwing (vanaf 22 juli einde dag) beluisteren? Check klak.af/liveslowridefast.En hoe zit het nou met Monsieur Chrono? Je hoort het allemaal in de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast.

Stefan en Laurens gaan verder. De wereld heeft vandaag zitten kijken naar een enorm sterk machtsvertoon van Evenepoel. Tijdridder, aerokogel, loeisterk wonderkind, you name it. “Er is geen seconde twijfel geweest over winst voor Remco.”. Hiermee zet hij een dikke streep onder zijn tweede plek in het klassement. Verder: overstekende toeschouwers, gemiste starts, aanrijdingen, ruzies en valpartijen. Het zat niet iedereen mee vandaag. Eén ding is duidelijk: er wordt steeds meer duidelijk. Wil je de Tour Divide nabeschouwing (vanaf 22 juli einde dag) beluisteren? Check klak.af/liveslowridefast.En hoe zit het nou met Monsieur Chrono? Je hoort het allemaal in de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast.

De hoogmis van de bikepacking races is weer achter de rug een ook dit jaar streed er een Belg mee voorin. Dries van der Kleij vertrok op 14 juni voor een tocht van 2700 mijl door de Rocky Mountains.

Meaghan Hackinen just made history on the Tour Divide, completing the 2026 Grand Depart in 14 days, 10 hours, and 2 minutes. In the process, she lowered the previous fastest women's time, set by Austin Killips during a 2024 ITT, by more than 13 hours. She also improved her own Grand Depart record by nearly 37 hours, one of the largest leaps we've ever seen at the front of the sport. For a full write-up and photo galley of today's episode, please visit BikesorDeath.com EPISODE SPONSORS Old Man Mountain – Today we highlight the new OMM Manzanita Cradle. Use code OMMORDEATH at checkout for 15% off your order. If you enjoyed today's episode please consider supporting our work at Patreon.com/BikesorDeath

And we're back, everyone. Mike Levy returns from the wilderness, and Lisa Charlebois and I join him to unpack exactly where he's been. But before we get to the heartbreak of ultra-endurance racing, the Tour de France is in full swing, and we've got a wild first week to discuss. Tour de France Carnage & UCI Rulings We kick things off with the absolute chaos of the opening team time trial. Two crashes in the exact same spot on a manhole cover beg the question: is this the UCI's fault for not securing the course, or the teams' fault for not scouting a public road? Plus, we break down the Wile E. Coyote-style crash from the XDS-Astana rider, and the UCI's controversial decision to ban ice socks in the middle of a historic heatwave. Defending the Tarmac SL9 We also dive back into the Specialized Tarmac SL9 discourse. I respond to a listener who compared the SL9's iterative updates to the Porsche 911. I'm defending the bike against the "boring" allegations—everyone says they want a refined, incredible-riding bike, so why complain when a brand delivers exactly that? Not every bike needs to be the Factor One. Mike Levy's Tour Divide Reality Check The real heart of the show is Levy detailing his abbreviated Tour Divide attempt. He walks us through the sleep deprivation, the cement mud, the brutal realities of pushing a 55-pound bike for hours, and the catastrophic rock strike that ultimately ended his ride. It's a raw look at what happens when the physical matches the mental breaking point, the absolute relief of finally stopping, and why he's already thinking about trying it again next year. Episode Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:04 Tour de France discussion 00:12:04 Listener questions including about the Tarmac SL9 00:32:53 Mike Levy attempts the Tour Divide

Episode Description What happens in the dark hours before sunrise on day two, when your body starts asking what exactly you are doing out here?   Justin Smith teaches high school in Santa Cruz, California, where his classroom is a working  bike shop. By day he runs a Career Tech Ed program through Project Bike Tech, teaching teenagers to fix bikes, build resumes, and solve real problems with their own hands. On his own time, he is an ultra-endurance athlete who has finished the 2,700-mile Tour Divide from Banff, Canada to the Mexico border in 16 days straight, raced the Fiji Eco-Challenge with Team Curl, competed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, and returned three times to a 60-hour swimrun across the Swedish archipelago.   In this conversation, Justin takes Josh inside the pain cave and the mental game of multi-day  racing: the dark hours before sunrise on day two, the difference between the front country and the back country, and why the body only truly comes alive on the second night. He explains how a psychology degree and Outward Bound canoe trips led to a life built around adventure, why he and his wife once lived in a tiny house they built on television, and how putting himself in hard situations makes him a better dad, husband, and teacher.   They also talk about the people. From trail angels on the Pacific Crest Trail to a septic-truck  driver in Southern California, Justin keeps returning to the connections that outlast the miles. Most of all, this is a story about a simple idea he repeats to his students and his daughter: a ship is safe in its harbor, but that is not what ships were built for, and the more you do hard things, the more you realize hard things are worth doing.   Episode Highlights • 00:00 Meet Justin Smith: high school teacher by day, ultra-endurance adventurer on his own time • 02:00 The bike shop classroom and the Project Bike Tech program in Santa Cruz • 08:00 Building a tiny house on the TV show Tiny House Nation • 14:00 The permission slip to not conform, and choosing the hard path on purpose • 16:00 Comfort is what gets sold to us, but hard things are what move the needle • 19:00 Meeting Roy Malone at the 2019 Fiji Eco-Challenge with Team Curl • 20:00 The One Water swimrun across the Swedish archipelago, attempted three times • 26:00 The Stagecoach 400 and sleeping on McDonald's cardboard with no sleeping bag • 31:00 Courtney Dauwalter's pain cave, and learning to redecorate it instead of fighting it • 38:00 Finishing the 2,700-mile Tour Divide in 16 days, from Banff to the Mexico border • 43:00 The Pacific Crest Trail, meeting his wife, and hiking through grief in 2009 • 55:00 Orienteering, gut instinct, and trusting intuition when the map runs out • 01:04:00 A ship is safe in its harbor, but that is not what ships are built for • 01:12:00 The mantra: if you can't get out of it, get into it, and find a way About Justin Smith Justin Smith is a high school Career Tech Ed teacher in Santa Cruz, California, where he leads a bike shop program through Project Bike Tech, and a lifelong endurance athlete and adventurer. A former NCAA swimmer, he has finished the Tour Divide, raced the Fiji Eco-Challenge and multiple expedition-style adventure races, competed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, and thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. He lives in Santa Cruz with his wife and daughter, with whom he shares most of his adventures. Connect with Justin Smith • Facebook: www.facebook.com/smilingjustin • Inspire Out: www.instagram.com/inspireout/ Connect with the On Adventure Podcast Hosted by Josh Self, financial advisor and everyday explorer. • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms • Follow on Instagram for short-form clips and behind-the-scenes content • Connect on Facebook: On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self • Connect on LinkedIn: Josh Self • If this episode resonated with you, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

 Meaghan Hackinen just rode the Tour Divide faster than any woman ever has in 14 days 10 hours 2 minutes, taking more than a full day off her own previous time across nearly 4,400 kilometres from Banff to the Mexican border, and besting Austin Killips record 14 days 23 hours. In this episode of Detours, Meaghan shares the ins and outs of her record-breaking run: what she learned from her rookie attempt in 2024, the marginal gains that added up, the collective she built for women and underrepresented riders to build community around the divide, how she managed to find time for a skinny dip on route... yes you heard that right! and so much more.  Follow Meaghan's adventures on Instagram @meaghanhackinen Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingUse code DETOURS15 to get 15% off your next order from AlbionIf you enjoy listening please consider pledging your support to sustain producing this show: https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast

In 2024, Meaghan Hackinen became the first woman to complete the Grand Départ of the Tour Divide in under 16 days. Two years later, she returned with unfinished business.In this episode of My Back 40, Meaghan and I talk about her record breaking ride from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. She claimed the overall women's victory in a provisional time of 14 days, 10 hours, and 12 minutes, setting a new women's record with her well known smile on her face. Her ride eclipsed her own 2024 Grand Départ record by more than a day and surpassed the previous women's fastest time by over 12 hours.It's always a pleasure to chat with Meg and I hope you enjoy this one.Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Welcome to Episode 150 of ShiftLess! We made it to a major milestone, and we wouldn't have it any other way than doing what we do best: bicycles and conspiracy theories.This week, Kevin brings actual facts and market research to the table after spending a 100-degree weekend observing riders at the North Shore Trailhead during the Mountain Bike Free For All / Hell on Wheels event. We dive deep into the data to find out what the current mountain bike landscape really looks like—and the disparity between the endurance crowd and the general population might surprise you. From the exact split of flats versus clipless pedals to the surprising surge of e-bike riders looking like they're ready for a motocross rally, we break down what we saw on the dirt.Plus, we talk about the booming Hispanic mountain bike community in DFW, recap the shattered course records at the 2026 Tour Divide, and dig into the UCI's bizarre rulings on 32-inch wheels. Brad also introduces the newest member of his family (a rescue pup named Lawrence) and shares his final thoughts on the series finale of The Bear.In This Episode, We Cover:North Shore Market Research: Surprising stats on flats vs. clipless, drop bars, and helmetless riders on a 100-degree Texas day.Brand Sightings: Why Cannondale is everywhere and Trek is nowhere to be found.The E-Bike Evolution: Why are e-bike riders wearing full-face helmets and body armor for a casual trail ride?Endurance Mountain Biking: The massive growth of the Hispanic MTB community in North Texas keeping the old-school XC spirit alive.The 32-Inch Wheel Conspiracy: Canyon's new prototype, negative drop stems, and the UCI's hypocritical stances.2026 Tour Divide Records: Massive shoutouts to the new Men's, Women's, and Single Speed overall record holders.Pop Culture & Pups: A deep dive into The Bear Season 5 (Spoilers!) and the story behind Brad's new dumped puppy, Lawrence.Support the Show & Local Food!Don't miss out on Brad's upcoming Sagamore Spirits dinner on July 11th. Incredible menu, fantastic whiskey, and great times. Grab your seat at eatatfam.com."If you dedicate a calendar year to riding a rigid or hardtail mountain bike, your momentum conservation and line picking will go through the roof. You can't buy that experience for $10,000." Hit subscribe, leave us a review, and as always: Go ride your bike. Episode 150: North Shore Trailhead Survey, E-Bike Gear Culture, and Endurance MTB's Next Chapter00:00 Episode 150 Kickoff01:03 Trailhead Survey Plan02:23 Endurance Event Setup05:01 Lost Rider Story07:05 Beginner Trail Confusion10:45 Endurance Survey Results17:04 Language Shift Insight20:05 General Crowd Tick Sheet23:53 Gear Stats Helmets E Bikes37:27 Bike Brands Surprise42:13 E Bike Culture Clash46:09 Skills Over Equipment48:54 Gatekeeping vs Bashing50:35 E-Bikes and Trail Skills52:06 Motocross to MTB Pipeline53:15 Big Brands at Events55:29 Canyon 32-Inch Prototype01:00:18 Research Banter and Caleb01:01:02 New Puppy Lawrence01:05:36 Dumped Dogs and Empathy01:07:01 The Bear Final Season01:18:15 Tour de France Preview01:21:21 Tour Divide Records01:24:57 Wildfires and Saharan Dust01:26:24 Cycling News and World Cup01:29:38 32-Inch Wheels and UCI01:31:15 Endurance MTB Plans01:35:31 Wrap Up and Dinner Plug

Stefan en Laurens gaan verder. En de komende drie weken is Thomas er ook - gewoon - weer bij. Drie weken Tour de France, dat vraagt om een vooruitblik. Maar natuurlijk ook ff aandacht voor het NK, Tour Divide en de bébé's! Maar natuurlijk is het de Tour wat de klok slaat. Is hoop op een duel gegrond? Gaat er spanning zijn? En, oh ja, hoe ziet het parcours er uit en wie zijn de favorieten?En hoe zit het met de Nederlanders? Je hoort het allemaal, in een nieuwe aflevering van de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast!

Stefan en Laurens gaan verder. En de komende drie weken is Thomas er ook - gewoon - weer bij. Drie weken Tour de France, dat vraagt om een vooruitblik. Maar natuurlijk ook ff aandacht voor het NK, Tour Divide en de bébé's! Maar natuurlijk is het de Tour wat de klok slaat. Is hoop op een duel gegrond? Gaat er spanning zijn? En, oh ja, hoe ziet het parcours er uit en wie zijn de favorieten?En hoe zit het met de Nederlanders? Je hoort het allemaal, in een nieuwe aflevering van de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast!

Guy Martin is a television presenter, mechanic and former motorcycle racer. During his career he achieved 17 podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) Races – one of the most prestigious and dangerous motorcycling events in the world. His television programmes often focus on his daredevil nature and combine two of his greatest loves - engineering and history.Guy was brought up in the village of Kirmington in North Lincolnshire. When he was five his father, who raced bikes himself, bought him his first motorcycle which he promptly crashed into the rose garden. His father is a mechanic and Guy used to sit and watch him at work in the shed from a young age and at 12 he began working for him at weekends and during school holidays.Guy's first race meeting was at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire when he was 19. Less than a minute into the race he crashed. He was not badly injured but the bike was destroyed in the process. In 2004 he made his debut at the biggest road race of them all – the Isle of Man TT, finishing seventh in the Senior race and winning the Newcomers Trophy. Guy retired from racing in 2015 after a very bad crash at the Ulster Grand Prix. After that he turned to his bicycle and has taken part in several endurance cycling events, including the Tour Divide, to test his resolve and stamina and fill the adrenaline gap.Guy lives in Lincolnshire with his wife Sharon, their daughter Dottie and three dogs. DISC ONE: Bam Ba Lam (Here Comes Daddy) - Alabama 3 DISC TWO: Testify - Rage Against the Machine DISC THREE: Blinded by the Light - The Streets DISC FOUR: Getaway - The Music DISC FIVE: Me and my Monkey - Robbie Williams DISC SIX: Hurt – Johnny Cash DISC SEVEN: The Day is My Enemy - The Prodigy DISC EIGHT: With or Without You - U2 BOOK CHOICE: Stealing Speed by Mat Oxley LUXURY ITEM: The back catalogue of Race Engine Technology magazine CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: With or Without You - U2 Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Paula McGinley

Carte eSIM Airalo : Économise 4,50$ avec le code « JBROY » sur ton forfait cellulaire à l'international.Attachez-vous, Marie-Soleil Blais raconte son passage de la route au bikepacking, ses trois fois sur le Tour Divide et ses trois grandes peurs. Elle apprend le concept du hike-a-bike et s'envoie du bear spray dans la face.Au passage : 2 victoires à la Race Across Québec et un 800 km à la Race Across Andes.Trouvez les cours de Marie-Soleil au womensride.ca et @womensride, et elle-même au @msoleilblais74Envoyez-nous vos questions ou vos idées d'invités → @jonathanbroy et @encycliquesLa chaîne YouTube de Jonathan

Brad and Kevin are hot on the mics for Episode 149 of ShiftLess! This week, the guys dive deep into the current state of the cycling industry, looking hard at how the market is begging for a shakeup. They break down the aggressive new pricing from XDS/X Labs and their GT8 gravel bike, and Kevin questions the math of $10,000 acoustic bicycles when a fully capable adventure motorcycle sits at the same price point.The conversation also covers the sharp end of the Tour Divide, the ongoing debate over "weight weenie" culture versus the rise of 32-inch wheels for big-power riders, and the reality of navigating Texas roads on two wheels. Plus, Kevin shares his own struggles with knee pain and the mental hurdles of getting back on the bike after a hiatus, while Brad serves up details on upcoming F.A.M. culinary pop-ups and a rye whiskey pairing with Sagamore Spirits.Throw in some updates on Spinistry routes, the upcoming Gainesville bike swap and hostel concept, and a little local trail talk, and it's a packed hour.Keywords:Gravel cycling, bikepacking, Tour Divide 2026, X Labs GT8, XDS bikes, 32-inch wheels, adventure motorcycles, acoustic vs e-bikes, Idaho Stop law, Texas cycling infrastructure, Spinistry, ShiftLess podcast, endurance mountain biking, FKT.Shifless Ep. 149: Tour Divide Tracking, 32-Inch Wheels, and X Labs Disrupting Bike PricesIn episode 149 of “Shifless,” the hosts chat about Father's Day, summer paranoia when life is going well, and wildlife in the yard before shifting to bikes. They discuss Tour Divide leader Victor Bossoni's pace versus the 13d 2h 16m record and how reroutes and shifting courses complicate FKT comparisons, contrasting that with changing routes at events like Unbound. They revisit 32-inch wheel debates, suggesting bigger, more powerful riders may benefit and speculating Specialized could drive adoption (even imagining a future 32-inch Roubaix) while emphasizing the need for affordable, durable bikes. They highlight XDS/X Labs' aggressively priced GRX Di2 carbon gravel bike with a power meter and the market disruption affecting dealers. The conversation also covers upcoming Eurobike, proposed May cycling-hostel HQ in Gainesville, a September bike swap/clinics weekend possibly paired with Midnight Massacre, bar/food collaboration ideas, and a North Shore endurance ride. They note knee issues, road paving impacting gravel, cycling-car hostility, and travel plans.00:00 Windy Welcome Back00:10 Episode 149 Check In00:41 Paranoia and Burnout Talk01:39 Father's Day Recap03:07 Yard Wildlife Break03:34 Tour Divide Leaderboard06:32 FKT Records and Reroutes09:55 32 Inch Wheels Debate13:02 Specialized Market Predictions17:30 XDS X Labs Price Disruption18:16 Motorcycles Versus Bike Prices28:14 Eurobike and Event Planning29:04 Bike Hostel in Gainesville30:56 Bike Swap and Midnight Massacre36:44 Cocktails and Kitchen Collab38:06 Commissary Kitchen Talk38:43 Pop-Up Dinner Praise39:19 Sagamore Spirits Pairing40:23 Travel Plans Nebraska43:50 Cycling Laws and Safety45:44 Road Rage Bike Hate47:47 Oil Politics and Bikes52:09 Trail Construction Update54:18 Knee Pain and Recovery57:46 Checking In on Rich01:01:22 Gravel Roads Changing01:03:36 Sanger Bridge Reopens01:07:06 Road Trip Music Chat01:08:27 Upcoming Events Northshore01:11:11 Endurance MTB Loop Plans01:13:44 Wrapping Up and Roll Out

TEAMCPNZ QUICK CONNECT – ‘STAY INFORMED AND STAY CONNECTED'Today we're joined by someone who truly embodies the spirit of adventure - Joe Nation.Joe is an incredible athlete who is helping push the boundaries of the rapidly growing world of ultra bikepacking racing. Recently named a Giant Bikes Ambassador, Joe has spent the last few years taking on some of the toughest self-supported endurance races on the planet, where athletes ride thousands of kilometres solo, managing their own navigation, food, sleep and every challenge that comes their way, all in a race against the clock.In this episode we chat about Joe's journey from racing the Enduro World Series through to his outstanding third-place finish in the 4,500km Tour Divide from Alberta, Canada to the US-Mexico border. We also dive into his incredible victory at the legendary 2,000km Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan, featuring an astonishing 30,000 metres of climbing through some of the world's most spectacular alpine terrain.Closer to home, Joe has also been creating his own adventures, including setting a Fastest Known Time on the Kahurangi 500 - an epic loop taking in the Heaphy Track, Old Ghost Road, Tākaka and Murchison.Be sure to check Joe out on social media, and especially subscribe to his YouTube channel where he documents these incredible adventures with some fantastic storytelling and cinematography. At the end of this episode we also chat about his latest mission - an adventurous crossing to the West Coast via Browning Pass, south of Arthur's Pass. You can watch how it all unfolded in his latest film, "No Country for Bikes."So, settle in and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Joe Nation. If you've ever dreamed of your next big adventure, this episode might just be the motivation you've been looking for.CPNZ MEDIARichard Greer – @ric.greerhttps://www.teamcp.co.nz@teamcpnzhttps://www.facebook.com/teamcpnz

Welcome to Episode 148 of ShiftLess! Coming at you straight from the mobile van studio, Kevin and Chef Brad dive deep into the gear trends dominating this year's Tour Divide. From the undeniable takeover of rear racks (shoutout Tailfin) over traditional saddlebags to the absolute dominance of Vittoria Mezcals, we are breaking down what the ultra-endurance crowd is actually running.We also get into the weeds on Scott's flat-bar Scale RC—is a 20lb rigid mountain bike really a "gravel" bike?—the disruptive arrival of X-Labs and XDS in the carbon market, and why we are still waiting for that 32-inch wheel revolution to finally hit the dirt.Then, things get real as we tackle the elephant in the peloton: performance-enhancing drugs. Are massive "carbs per hour" claims and extreme ketone use just a convenient mask for a new era of undetectable PEDs? We compare modern cycling's explosive power numbers to the Lance Armstrong and Mark McGwire eras of sports.Plus, an exciting USA Trail update as the Florida segment is officially done and dusted, some pop-culture nostalgia, and Chef Brad walks us through his insane 9-course summer pop-up dinner menu.Tour Divide Gear Check: The massive shift from saddlebags to rear racks, Garmin vs. Coros Dura, and the missing 32-inch test bikes.Industry Shakeups: Scott's Scale Gravel RC blurring the MTB lines and how XDS might completely disrupt carbon bike pricing.The PED Conspiracy: A candid discussion on TRT, ketones, and whether the pro peloton is quietly slipping back into its old ways.USA Trail Update: Florida scouting is completely verified and finished.Off The Bars: Hawk attacks in the yard, 25 years of The Fast and the Furious, and Chef Brad's 95-degree friendly 9-course culinary masterclass.Tags/Keywords:Tour Divide 2024, Bikepacking Gear, Tailfin Rack, Gravel Cycling, Scott Scale Gravel RC, XDS Bikes, PEDs in Cycling, Pro Peloton Doping, USA Trail Route, Basepacking, ShiftLess PodcastIn This Episode:Shiftless Ep. 148: Tour Divide Preview, Gear Trends, 32-inch Wheels, and Doping TalkIn Shiftless episode 148, the hosts preview the Tour Divide and discuss last year's fastest time by Robin (11 days, 19 hours, 14 minutes) being ineligible due to reroutes, then review Bikepacking.com's rig data: no 32-inch bikes in the field, rear racks now dominate (about 77%) led by Tailfin, flat bars slightly outnumber drop bars, Salsa remains the biggest brand (mostly Cutthroats) though with reduced share, Mezcal tires are most common, and electronic drivetrains and Coros Dura computers are more prevalent. They debate Scott's marketing around 32-inch prototypes and a rigid flat-bar “Scott Scale Gravel RC” listed as a gravel bike, and reflect on generational gaps and monoculture. 00:00 Tour Divide Preview Kickoff00:28 Record Pace Reality Check01:20 Gear Teasers And Hot Takes03:39 Reroutes And Last Year Recap04:52 Surprise Visitor Interruption06:47 Back To Divide Gear Trends09:04 Racks Droppers And Old School12:43 Brands Tires And Bike Computers19:16 No 32s And Scott Marketing23:08 Scott Scale Gravel Confusion24:33 Generational Gap And Monoculture31:08 Cycling's Missing Youth32:21 Marketing to New Riders33:53 Scott Bike Lineup Hunt34:58 Steroids and Spectacle37:49 Is That Really Gravel40:59 Doping Returns Debate51:52 Fast and Furious Detour54:15 Better Call Saul Talk58:50 Backyard Hawks and Snakes01:00:35 USA Trail and Industry News01:04:46 Will Prices Backtrack01:05:21 China Subsidy Advantage01:06:05 Carbon Rims and Rebrands01:08:07 China vs Taiwan Fact Check01:09:39 XDS Scale and Market Reality01:11:14 E-Bike Market Direction01:13:58 Tour de France and Side Tangents01:16:47 Wildlife Yard Interlude01:19:15 Pop-Up Dinner Menu Breakdown01:23:15 Rides Weather and Moto Luggage01:26:02 Tour Hype and Doping Debate01:34:45 Where Supplements Become Doping01:38:25 Lance Era Doubt and Wrap-Up

¿Qué se necesita para sobrevivir a las tres carreras de tierra más largas y brutales de Estados Unidos en un solo año? En este episodio, nos sentamos con Felipe Borja y Mily Mortensen para coversar sobre el bikepacking en el Ecuador y del reto que Xavier "The Farmer" Chiriboga está enfrentádose actualmente, completar la Triple Corona del Bikepacking 2026 (Tour Divide, CTR y AZTR). Conversamos sobre su capacidad mental y física para soportar estos retos, la magnitud de lo que significa correr las tres grandes del bikepacking y la predicción de cómo el Chiri vivirá este reto sin precedentes para un ciclista Latinoamericano.

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Racing and riding season is in full swing! This week we hear from some of the women racing Tour Divide 2026, along with Hannah Glatter who is currently riding 5,600KM along the Great Plains Gravel Route.      Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingUse code DETOURS15 to get 15% off your next order from AlbionIf you love this show please consider pledging your support to sustain producing this show: https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast

Welcome to Episode 147 of the ShiftLess Podcast! This week, we're serving up a heavy dose of mental gymnastics, cycling industry conspiracy theories, and... dry-cured meats?Bradford gives us an update from the "cure room," but the real meat of the episode is Kevin's massive hot take on the sudden explosion of the 32-inch gravel bike hype. After the absolute dominance of the Specialized Crux at Unbound Gravel (taking 4 of the top 6 spots), are competitors like Scott and Trek pushing 32-inch prototypes as vaporware just to freeze Specialized's sales momentum? We break down the timeline, compare the 32" hype machine to the slow burn of the original 29er mountain bikes, and discuss whether the industry is actually innovating or just scrambling for survival.Plus, we talk Keegan Swenson's Unbound tactics, the upcoming Tour Divide, and why flat-bar drops might be the next frankenbike trend at Leadville.Disclaimer: We aren't industry insiders. This is just our opinion, our observations, and a lot of unapologetic bike nerdery.Join the Pack: Check out upcoming grassroots gravel & ultra-endurance events at Spinistry.netListen on the Go: Find ShiftLess on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your audio.#GravelCycling #32InchBike #SpecializedCrux #UnboundGravel #ShiftLessPodcast #CyclingIndustry #BikeTech #GravelRacing #MountainBiking #TourDivide #ScottBikes #KeeganSwenson #Bikepacking #CyclingPodcast #SpinistryShiftless Ep. 147: Salami in the Cure Room, Unbound Debrief, and the 32-Inch Gravel ConspiracyIn Episode 147 of Shiftless, the hosts open by disclaiming they're sharing opinions, then detour into Bradford's “cure room” and his salami projects (beef, Calabrian pork tenderloin, and ventricina-style), explaining drying to ~40% loss and vacuum-sealing to equalize moisture. They pivot to bicycles with an Unbound debrief and a debate over 32-inch wheel hype, noting only one appeared in the pro race while Robin won XL on a Scott 32-inch prototype. They argue the new Specialized Crux dominated results and discuss team dynamics, marketing, and concerns about Specialized dealer pricing. Kevin proposes a conspiracy that 32-inch hype was amplified to slow Crux momentum among early adopters, while Bradford contends big brands are quietly developing 32s and hype moves faster now. They also preview a delayed Tour Divide episode, discuss parts availability for 32s in ultra events, note tracking tools, and touch on Leadville's drop-bar ban.00:00 Rolling in HD00:23 Opinions Disclaimer01:22 Cure Room Salami02:26 Salami Tasting Notes04:52 Back to Bicycles05:57 Unbound 32 Inch Recap07:02 Team Orders Talk09:23 Specialized Dealer Drama10:50 Crux Dominates Unbound11:40 Tour Divide Plans12:46 Marketing and Tire Clearance16:24 32 Inch Hype Timing22:23 Vaporware Argument23:21 Boutique vs Big Brands26:50 Fads and Fueling Trends28:52 Who Drives the Hype30:11 Sea Otter Reality Check30:55 Will Big Brands Debut 32s34:30 Hype Cycle vs Reality38:25 Development Cycles Explained39:03 MTB Platform Confusion39:41 Scott 32 Prototype Strategy44:19 Hype Cycle vs Reality48:36 Tour Divide Practicalities53:25 Salsa Size Debate55:23 Bikepacking Bags and Fit57:03 AC Troubles and Costs01:02:00 Industry Survival and 32 Adoption01:09:01 Leadville Bars and Specialized01:12:48 Unbound Results and Rider Stories01:19:42 Tour Divide Lists and Tracking01:21:52 Wrap Up and Sign Off

Laurens en Stefan gaan verder. Vanuit de Bajes. Geen Giro, Dauphine of andere koersactualiteit. Want vanaf nu: all eyes on the Tour Divide. Et voila - de Grote Tour Divide voorbeschouwing is daar! Over de route, de fiets, over het niet hebben van verwachtingen en over de nieuwe strategie om zo goed mogelijk te eindigen!En hoe zit het ook alweer die hoogtetent?Je hoort het allemaal in weer een nieuwe aflevering van de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast.

Laurens en Stefan gaan verder. Vanuit de Bajes. Geen Giro, Dauphine of andere koersactualiteit. Want vanaf nu: all eyes on the Tour Divide. Et voila - de Grote Tour Divide voorbeschouwing is daar! Over de route, de fiets, over het niet hebben van verwachtingen en over de nieuwe strategie om zo goed mogelijk te eindigen!En hoe zit het ook alweer die hoogtetent?Je hoort het allemaal in weer een nieuwe aflevering van de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast.

Dirty Dan is an ultra-endurance cyclist, bikepacker, and adventurer who has completed a Triple Everest, raced the Tour Divide multiple times, ridden across Africa, and recently set a fastest-known-time riding from Canada to Mexico.In this conversation we explore the mindset behind pushing limits, embracing curiosity, dealing with suffering, and finding joy in difficult challenges.Some of my favorite takeaways from this episode:- It always gets better.- Your limits are personal.- Curiosity is more powerful than pressure.- Adventure doesn't have to be extreme to be meaningful.- The best challenges teach you who you are.This was one of my favorite conversations about endurance, growth, and living intentionally.

Will Unbound Gravel be the proving ground for 32-inch wheels? In episode 145 of the ShiftLess podcast, we dive into the latest industry rumors, including the highly anticipated debut of 32-inch gravel bikes by top-tier pros. We also break down major cycling news, from the unfortunate closure of Niner Bikes to the triumphant return of Paragon Machine Works and SRAM's groundbreaking legal victory over the UCI.Beyond the bikes, we preview the Traka gravel race's push to become Europe's premier event, discuss optimal sous vide steak techniques, and outline a detailed business plan for bringing authentic New Orleans-style po'boys to Texas.Unbound Gravel Preview & Rumors: Speculating on course conditions, wildcard contenders, and the potential debut of 32-inch wheels from major brands like Scott and Specialized.Industry Shakeups: Discussing the end of Niner Bikes, the legacy of 29ers, and the rescue of Paragon Machine Works by Firsthand Framebuilding.SRAM vs. The UCI: Breaking down SRAM's successful appeal against the UCI's restrictive gearing rules.The Global Gravel Scene: Analyzing the Gravel Earth Series and whether the Traka will rival Unbound as the premier international gravel event.Culinary Ventures: Debating the ideal sous vide times for dry-aged Wagyu and brainstorming the logistics of opening a dedicated, nostalgic po'boy shop.Unbound Gravel 2024, 32 inch wheels gravel bike, Niner Bikes closing, Paragon Machine Works, SRAM UCI gearing rule, Traka gravel race, ShiftLess Podcast, gravel cycling news, custom frame building, sous vide steak, cycling industry updates.Unbound Gravel Rumors, 32-Inch Wheels, and Bike Industry UpdatesTwo hosts record at Casa Verde on Memorial Day and preview Unbound Gravel, focusing on a rumor that a top-tier pro—possibly Cam Jones on a Scott—will race a 32-inch wheel bike, debating sponsor-driven exposure vs performance, estimating how many 32s might appear, and noting muddy conditions could change equipment choices. They discuss elite start list curiosities, wild-card threats, course changes, weather forecasts, and Lauren potentially being the oldest Lifetime Grand Prix athlete with podium chances. Industry news includes Niner ceasing production to focus on Huffy, Paragon Machine Works being revived via acquisition of stock, machinery, and IP by a Portland custom builder, and SRAM winning an appeal against the UCI's proposed 54x11 gearing limit. They touch on DT Swiss dynamo hub internals, Tour Divide timing, Traka's push to become a premier European gravel series, and end with personal updates plus extended talk about sous vide, dry aging, and a potential po'boy shop concept.00:00 Wisdom and Casa Verde01:32 Unbound Rumor Mill02:42 Scott 32-Inch Bombshell07:03 Start List Mysteries09:29 Course and Weather Watch13:54 Over Under on 32s19:09 Wheel Size Talk19:52 Niner Shuts Down24:09 EBB vs Sliding Dropouts26:23 Paragon Returns30:59 Tire Trends Then Now36:20 Dynamo Hub Deep Dive38:42 Tour Divide Preview40:49 Family Updates and Natchez Eats44:27 Pidcock and Pro Chatter46:10 Traka Versus Unbound47:58 Series Drama And Cheating49:43 Routes Dates And Pit Stops51:40 Indoor Camping Hub Idea54:29 Texas Gravel Arrow Wins55:28 SRAM Beats UCI Rule57:43 32 Inch Wheel Speculation01:02:34 Bike Shop Visit And Becky01:04:12 Memorial Day Food Plans01:05:33 Sous Vide And Swordfish01:09:53 Po Boy Shop Blueprint01:16:32 Location POS And Delivery01:26:37 Food Peddler And Minden01:29:05 Wrap Up Ride Your Bike

The Unconventional Justin Cary Returns for an Unbound XL Deep Dive!In this episode of ShiftLess, Kevin and Brad sit down with our favorite ultra-endurance rule-breaker, Justin Cary. With Unbound XL right around the corner, we are milking this preview for all it's worth. Justin is gunning to shave three hours off his time from last year, and to do it, he's taking some massive swings with his gravel bike setup that fly in the face of conventional cycling wisdom.We dive deep into the logistics, gear choices, and mental tactics required to survive and thrive at the pointy end of ultra-endurance gravel racing and bikepacking events. Whether you are gearing up for a 300-mile race, fine-tuning your bikepacking rig, or just love nerding out over tire rolling resistance, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways.Topics Covered in this Episode:Unbound XL Preview: Goal setting, race tactics, pacing, and drafting in a 350-mile race.The Unconventional Setup: Why Justin is ditching aerobars in favor of a high stack height, and how he's running "Fast on Flats" pedals for ultra-distance events.Gravel Tire Tech: Testing the puncture resistance and rolling speed of the Michelin Power Adventure 48s on a 2025 Specialized Crux.Ultra-Endurance Nutrition: Fueling massive efforts with no solid food using Simple Cycling Nutrition, plus extreme hydration and caffeine strategies for riding through the night.Bikepacking Gear & Battery Management: Navigating the logistics of cache batteries, Exposure lights, SRAM RED shifting, and action cameras over multiple days.Industry Talk: The Rule of Three course changes, the ongoing debate around suspension forks on gravel bikes, and why 32-inch wheels might be the "Blackberry" of the cycling industry.Bonus: Kevin's sous vide beef tenderloin revelation.Keywords:Gravel riding, gravel racing, Unbound XL, bikepacking, ultra-endurance cycling, specialized crux, gravel bike setup, bikepacking gear, fast on flats pedals, Michelin power adventure, cycling nutrition, Rule of Three gravel, Tour Divide, 32-inch mountain bike wheels, ShiftLess podcast.Justin's pedals (use coupon code SHIFTLESS for 10% off): https://www.simplecyclingnutrition.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.comJustin's bike overview on his channel: https://youtu.be/aDOl5X0O5s0?si=Cq0Q8pu4c-ZNhFCg

For the first time ever, the Highland Trail 550 has a 50-50 gender split on the startline. For the 14th edition in 2026, 32 women will be racing. Since 2022, Alan has worked hard to build a 50-50 start list, encouraging women that they belong on the startline. This year's event is longer than previous editions, with 913km around the Scottish highlands. Created by Alan Goldsmith, it was inspired by events in the US like the Tour Divide and the Colorado Trail Race. As Alan describes it on the HT550 website: initially put together as a training ride, it became apparent that the great trails, beautiful scenery, remote wilderness, and fickle Scottish weather offered a world-class route for a self-supported challenge right here in the UK. The route follows stunning trails, includes some boggy and technical sections, and hike-a-bike to boot. Watch our dots HERE as we make our way around the highlands. Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingUse code DETOURS15 to get 15% off your next order from AlbionIf you love this show please consider pledging your support to sustain producing this show: https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast

Something new came to Sea Otter this year, and I went to get the scoop. Sea Otter is widely regarded as the largest bike expo in the world, but calling it a "bike expo" doesn't quite cover it. With over 70,000 attendees, 1,000+ brands and exhibitors, and 10,000+ athletes competing across a huge variety of races, it's… a lot. And with all of that, it's hard to imagine anything was missing. Enter Old Man Mountain. Five years ago, Erik Fenner, OMM's Marketing Manager, attended Sea Otter for the first time. That night, he organically invited a few folks to join his campsite hangout. Nearly 30 people showed up. An idea was born. This year, that idea became reality with the inaugural OMM Bikepacking Campout and After Party at Sea Otter. OMM and their partners staked out a beautiful campsite about a mile from the main expo, tucked into a serene setting that felt worlds away from the chaos. People came from far and wide. Some rode their bikes. Some drove. Some flew. Some may have crawled. However they got there, everyone seemed to find what bikepackers tend to gravitate toward: a little dirt, a little community, and some grassroots vibes. It turns out, in the sea of Sea Otter, something was missing. Bikepacking is still a small but mighty corner of cycling, but it's clearly on the rise. You could see it in the growing number of adventure cycling booths, the people stopping by to ask questions, and the strong turnout for the first-ever OMM Bikepacking Campout. In today's episode, I take you into Sea Otter as a first-time attendee. But I wasn't there to see how many grams I could save if I sold a kidney. I was there to see what my friends at OMM were cooking up. Spoiler alert: it was really damn good. This episode is made up of five conversations with sponsors, vendors, and attendees of the OMM Bikepacking Campout. You'll hear from: Chris Kratsch — Co-Owner of Old Man Mountain Carley Boyce — Campout attendee who attempted the Great Divide with her dog Rowdy, then went back the next year to attempt the Tour Divide Noelle Battle — Executive Director of Bikepacking Roots Wade Green — Managing Partner for Tout Terrain in the U.S. Erik Fenner — Marketing Manager at Old Man Mountain I had an incredible time at this inaugural event. It was so good to be far from home, but still feel like I had a built-in community of "my people." Big thanks to everyone who took a little time to chat with me about their experience at Sea Otter. Let's do it again next year! SHOW NOTES As heard on today's episode, Carley is racing the Tour Divide for a cause. She is raising money to support the Autism Society of Oregon. Find out more at Racing for Awareness EPISODE SPONSORS Old Man Mountain would like to thank their supporting partners and sponsors that made this event possible: Priority Bikes Tout Terrain Ortlieb Swift Industries Outershell Sklar Feedback Sports Revelate Salsa ABUS Fayetteville Ultra Circuit: on today's episode Alex Kowalski, FUC race director, comes on the share a little more about the route. Take a deeper dive, and register, here. For being a loyal listener you can take $15 off reg when you use the code: FUCBOD NEW PATRONS Oregoniangal Join them won't you at www.Patreon.com/BikesorDeath  

In this episode I connect with a listener to chat about all things Tour Divide. Mat reached out to me wondering if I'd be open to answering some questions about the Divide. I finished the Divide in 2022 and it was one of the most impactful things I have ever done. To say I came back changed would be an understatement.My caveat to Matt was that even though I am considered a TD vet, I certainly wasn't the fastest and could only speak subjectively about my experience; gear, planning (or lack thereof), favourite sections, etc.Matt is a math tutor and you can learn more about that at his website. merschmathtutoring.comI enjoyed meeting and chatting all things Divide with Matt and I hope you dig it.Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 PodcastSave 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

This week the Velo team is at Sea Otter covering the latest tech and Mike Levy is holding down the fort. In this episode, Levy sits down with New Zealander Joe Nation, a rider who possesses one of the most uniquely varied racing resumes in the sport. Nation spent years following the mountain bike World Cup circuit as a privateer and racing in the Enduro World Series. Today, he's trading three-minute downhill runs for events that span thousands of kilometers. He placed third overall at the 2023 Tour Divide and won the grueling 1,939-kilometer Silk Road Mountain Race across Kyrgyzstan in 2024. Levy and Nation dig deep into the mindset required to survive these massive efforts, but they also look at the technology, the preferences, and the background that help Nation find success. In this episode, we cover: The Ultimate Dirtbag Origins: How Nation funded his European downhill racing by participating in clinical drug trials (earning the nickname "the white rat") and lived in a tent in the Morzine woods for two and a half months. The 100mm BB Drop Aero Hack: For the Tour Divide, Nation's friend built him a highly specialized bike through his company, Sufur Cycles. It features a massive 100mm bottom bracket drop designed purely for aerodynamics so he can get his head out of the wind. Why Flat Bars Win: Nation pushes back on the trend of adding drop bars to everything, explaining how flat bars provide better leverage on steep climbs and save his hands from nerve damage. The "Everyone is Dying" Superpower: Nation credits the realization that "when you are hurting, so is everyone else" as a major contributor to his ability to push through dark moments. Psychological Warfare at 3,800 Meters: How hiding your exhaustion can break your competitors, which is exactly what Nation did when he attacked the leader at the top of a massive pass during the Silk Road Mountain Race. Hunting for UFOs: It wouldn't be a Levy interview without discussing the unexplainable things you might see while exhausted and isolated in the wilderness. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Downhill Racing Background 06:37 - The Dirtbag Days and Drug Trials 12:22 - The Tour Divide & Ultra-Racing Mindset 29:44 - The "Everyone is Dying" Superpower 41:29 - Psychological Warfare on the Silk Road 46:08 - The Custom Sufur Cycles Bike & Flat Bars 48:44 - The 100mm BB Drop Aero Hack 59:41 - Hunting for UFOs on the Trail

Lael Wilcox, ultra cycling endurance athlete, is on the Just Go Bike podcast today! Lael chats with Murph about her latest quest, to pedal around the world and not only break the women's record, but break the men's record as well. That's over 18,000 miles!! She rode her bike around the world in 2024 and holds the women's record, averaging 170 miles of pedaling each day. This time she is shooting for over 230 miles of pedaling per day, for 78 days! She has been endurance cycling for awhile, she won the Trans Am Bike Race back in 2016, biking across the US in just 18 days, and has done a bunch of other epic adventures too like Tour Divide, Baja Divide and a bike packing race in Switzerland. In addition to racing, she dedicates time organizing kids mentorship programs and encouraging more women to ride, with scholarships and bike packing rallies. Lael hopes to ride RAGBRAI with all of us some year. Lael is sponsored by Quad Lock, who is also a RAGBRAI sponsor this year! Learn more about Quad Lock: https://www.quadlockcase.com/ Lael Wilcox website: https://www.laelwilcox.net/ You can tune into Lael's daily podcasts as she attempts the world record: https://www.laelwilcox.net/podcast Just Go Bike: ragbrai.com/justgobike/ Registration for RAGBRAI LIII is open! www.ragbrai.com Watch, or listen on our Just Go Bike YouTube channel. www.youtube.com/@JustGoBikePodcast Have a topic for a future episode? Message us at justgobikepodcast@gmail.com.

Can you imagine packing up everything you own on a bicycle, riding away from your home with plans to cycle the world over the next four years? Now imagine it's your first bike tour. That's exactly what Jacob Ashton did in 2016 when he rolled away from his home in Idaho. Over the next four years, he would cover roughly 77,000 miles, visit 100 countries, and ride across six continents. His travels were not without challenges. He was confronted by machete-wielding villagers in Mozambique, lost a finger to frostbite while climbing Ojos del Salado in Chile, and experienced a bowel obstruction in Khorog, Tajikistan that required major surgery and temporarily paused his tour. To date, he's accumulated over 120,000 miles, visited 108 countries, and ridden on six continents—and he's not done. Recently, Jacob has been trading touring miles for racing miles, testing his skills in events like the Tour Divide, the AZT, and most recently, DOOM and the East Texas Showdown. Jacob and I both competed at this year's DOOM, which is where we first met. He rode the long course and came in a respectable 7th place, following up a 2nd place finish the previous year. After a 32-hour "nap," he loaded up his full-suspension Starling Murmur and rode 400 miles to Point Blank, Texas, to compete in the 400-mile East Texas Showdown. ETS is a solidly a gravel ultra, and he was the only rider on a full-suspension bike—but he rode that thing like it was on fire, averaging 15 mph moving speed and finishing in an impressive 6th place. Coincidentally, after ETS he had plans to ride over to my hometown to visit an old friend, so I took the opportunity to meet up with him and dive deeper into his story. You can learn more and follow along with Jacob here: Instagram - @occasional_bikepacker Tour Reports - Read it here His book, "Until the Road Ends" - Buy it here EPISODE SPONSORS  OMM x Sea Otter Campout – Going to Sea Otter? Make sure to swing by the OMM Bikepacking Campout & After Party. Find all the deets here. I'll be there too, come find me :) RYDB Fest Community Overnighter - May 22nd - 24th in Fayettville, AR. Use code bikesordeath_rydb_26 for 20% off reg. New Patrons  David Lieble Tomas Perez Andrew Humes Robert Keller Join us won't you at www.Patreon.com/BikesorDeath  

Legendary Canadian racer Svein Tuft joins Mike Levy to chat about stories from his book, We Will Never Be Here Again. The two cover wild stories ranging from epic bike-packing trips while pulling Tuft's 60-lb dog named Bear in a homemade trailer, to winning stages at the Tour de France and Giro. Tuft has had an unconventional career and lived an unconventional life. Tuft is likely also the only professional cyclist, active or retired, who has spent time train hopping. He gives Levy his best tips for traveling via railcar—like finding priority trains to cross the country quickly and hiding in the nooks of grain carts to avoid the authorities. The two also dive into how being an introvert was a superpower for Tuft during his European road career before getting into a discussion of ultra-endurance racing. Tuft has advice for racing the Tour Divide, including getting heavier, and talks about how a severe sickness forced him to pull the pin once he reached Colorado during his own attempt. Finally, the duo discusses Tuft's unexplainable sighting while camping deep in the Canadian forest. Was it a UFO or something else? Whether it was an otherworldly encounter or just extreme exhaustion, it adds another incredible layer to Tuft's backlog of outdoor stories. Listen to the full episode, grab his book, We Will Never Be Here Again, for the rest of the wild stories, and check out Tuft Camps if you're brave enough to try holding his wheel. Show Notes & Chapter Markers: [00:00:11] - Intro: Mike Levy welcomes 13-time national champion Svein Tuft. [00:04:06] - Early bike-packing trips to Alaska with his dog, Bear. [00:15:57] - The lost art of train hopping and finding "priority trains." [00:21:47] - How being an introvert was a superpower in the European peloton. [00:30:08] - Reflecting on the Tour de France and old-school cycling nutrition. [00:42:37] - Svein's Tour Divide attempt and knowing when to pull the pin. [00:52:22] - Unconventional ultra-endurance advice: why you shouldn't show up too lean. [01:11:01] - An unexplainable UFO sighting near Mount Rexford. [01:14:51] - Tuft Camps: Riding gravel, road, and MTB in British Columbia.

My guest today is someone who is no stranger to the front of the field. A perennial podium finisher as a professional mountain biker, and over the past decade-plus one of the most accomplished ultra-endurance cyclists on the planet, he has first-place finishes at the Tour Divide, AZT, CTR, and many many more. The truth is, I'd need to create an entirely new podcast series to fully unpack the range, depth, and longevity of his career as a lifelong cyclist. For that reason, he's a man who truly needs no introduction: Kurt Refsnider. Most recently, Kurt became the first person to ride the 5,000-plus-mile Orogenesis Route -- a project more than a decade in the making, shaped by many contributors over the years. Like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Orogenesis Route traverses North America from the Canadian border to the Mexican border, but it instead features as much singletrack as they can pack in - 50% of the route is singletrack. And when it reaches the border, the route doesn't stop. It intercepts and continues down the Baja Divide, one of the most iconic bikepacking routes in the world. This was no small undertaking. Not only was this Kurt's biggest bikepacking trip to date, but he was also the first person to put bike tires on large portions of the route—sections that had only been scouted digitally and pieced together through community knowledge. Inevitably, that meant running into real roadblocks. This wasn't just a bikepacking trip; it was a true bike adventure. I can think of no one more qualified to take on a project of this scale, both physically and mentally, than Kurt. It was an absolute pleasure to have him back on the podcast. He's a true OG and a legend in the sport for very good reason. And beyond all the accolades, he's simply a genuinely kind and thoughtful human being. The Bikes or Death Podcast is Presented by Old Man Mountain To support this work: www.Patreon.com/bikesordeath Kurt's website: https://www.ultramtb.net/ Orogenesis Collective: https://orogenesiscollective.org/    

I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday season! This week we're throwing it back to an episode recorded right around this time last year with the incredible Alexandera Houchin. It's one I've found myself listening to as I ramp up training for HT550 in May and every time I listen there is a new pearl of wisdom. I hope you enjoy and see you in 2026! *** When I think of women in bikepacking, Alexandera Houchin is one of the first people that comes to mind. She's raced the Tour Divide countless time and been a steadfast figure in encouraging more women to take on these big challenges. As an Indigenous woman and member of the Fond du Lac tribe, becoming a sponsored athlete, heck an athlete at all, was not necessarily a pathway she saw for herself growing up.She joins me on the podcast to share about her journey to the bike, and how she's made a career of this niche sport. We discuss what keeps her returning to these races year after year, her experiences navigating body image as someone with a bigger body, and how she's redefining what success looks like in this next chapter of her career. Alexandera shares incredible insights on community, representation, and how showing up with her full heart have shaped her path in bikepacking.Trigger Warning: We discuss topics related to body image and disordered eating between the 19:00 and 25:00 marks. If these are sensitive topics for you please feel free to skip this portion of the episode.To keep up with Alexandera's adventures follow her on Instagram @alexanderahouchin and read her writing on her SubstackAs always, if you loved this episode, please leave us a review, follow wherever you listen and share it with a friend. Even better you can make a one time pledge of your support and any funds raised go back into creating this show. Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingUse code DETOURS15 to get 15% off your next order from AlbionIf you love this show please consider pledging your support to sustain producing this show: https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast

Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.comTUBA Trail Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1768323947209749Exploring the Tour Divide with Rick Ashton: A Veteran's JourneyIn episode 126 of Shiftless, host Kevin is solo in Florida and joined by an esteemed guest, Rick Ashton, a veteran of the Tour Divide. Rick shares his extensive experiences of completing the challenging bike race multiple times since 2009, discussing the evolution of the event, the physical and mental demands, his training regimen, and the equipment he has used over the years. The conversation delves into memorable encounters with wildlife, race logistics, advances in biking technology, and the camaraderie within the biking community. The episode also touches on Rick's interest in the new Trans-U.S. Bike and Adventure (TUBA) route, highlighting his enthusiasm for off-pavement adventures and potential future rides.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:45 Meet Rick Ashton: Tour Divide Veteran01:39 Rick's Tour Divide Experiences04:33 Challenges and Adventures on the Tour Divide09:15 Technological Evolution in Bike Touring17:29 Rick's Background and Other Adventures20:09 Future Plans and the Tuba Route24:50 Hubs and Hops and Local Bike Culture28:59 Starting a Business in Thomasville29:49 Training for the Tour Divide30:30 Camping Gear and Preferences31:09 Racing in Costa Rica32:03 Challenges of Organizing Events32:52 Personal Luxuries on the Tour Divide34:45 Surviving on Gas Station Food36:03 Transition from Triathlons to Tour Divide36:14 Memorable Tour Divide Routes41:46 Riding in Cold Weather43:45 Training Routine and E-Bikes46:06 Planning for the Tuba Ride46:38 Spiritual Connection with Nature52:26 Packing for Long-Distance Rides54:01 Light Setup for Night Rides57:14 Logistics and Mentoring New Riders01:00:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

After winning the 2024 Tour Divide, Salsa Cycles' Meaghan Hackinen set her sights on the three-part Mountain Race Series that spans Africa, Europe, and Asia. Meaghan not only became the first female finisher of the wildest race series on the planet, but she also won both the Hellenic in Greece and arguably the most remote and challenging event of all, the Silk Road Mountain Race that travels through the isolated mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Today's episode sees Meaghan explain the challenges of tackling the most difficult ultra series out there, from logistical concerns to trouble at armed border crossings, from sleeping at elevation to wading through dangerous rivers, and how her bike setup evolved from being rigid with a drop handlebar to using a suspension fork and taking a more mountain bike-esqe approach. See the latest from Meaghan Hackinen: https://meaghanhackinen.com/ See the latest from Velo: velo.outsideonline.com/featured See prior episodes of the Velo Podcast: velo.outsideonline.com/tag/velo-podcast

Laurens en Stefan gaan verder. Plaats van handeling: Oss! Het is weer de hoogste tijd voor Dossier Cross met een gast. Joris Nieuwenhuis!Over de overstap naar weg, en die naar de cross. Over motivatie, liefde voor de cross, trainen in je eentje en trainen met anderen. Over Unbound en bikepacken, over Tour Divide en genieten op de fiets.En hoe zat het ook alweer met dat blowen?! Je hoort het allemaal, in weer een nieuwe aflevering van de Live Slow Ride Fast podcast.

In this first dispatch from the field, Josh Weinberg talks to Kurt Refsnider, who is attempting to ride the entire Orogenesis Trail from the Canadian border through Washington, Oregon, and California to Mexico via the Baja Divide.On day 12 of his journey, Kurt shares his progress, which entails riding over 500 miles into Washington with nearly 85,000 feet of climbing, much of it on challenging single-track and moto trails.Kurt also discusses the physical and mental demands of this particular trail thus far. He compares the experience to other long-distance trails, such as the Colorado Trail and the Tour Divide, with an emphasis on how rugged and demanding Orogenesis is. Reflecting on the balance between effort and reward, Kurt also touches on the performance of his equipment, camping conditions, and the encouragement he receives from local riders and towns.

Robin Gemperle defied all previous Tour Divide records earlier this year when he finished the notorious 2,700-mile race in less than 12 days, more than 300 miles ahead of second place. Formerly a junior member of the Scott-SRAM cross country team, he felt that there was untapped potential in maximising how fast the route could be ridden, not just how efficiently riders could sleep and refuel. Bringing all of his racing skills to the table, he set a blistering new standard that got people debating the future of the race. Robin sat down with Payson last week to detail his preparation for the Divide, how he eked out as much speed as possible on the bike, and the one thing he thinks he and future riders should focus on to go faster. He also reflects on his two years racing for Scott-SRAM and deciding to get an architecture degree afterward.Instagram: @withpacepodYouTube: Payson McElveen Email: howdy@withpace.cc

How does 370 km (230 miles) a day, every day, for eleven days sound to you? That's what it took for Robin Gemperle not just to win this year's Tour Divide but to arrive at the Antelope Wells finish line, otherwise known as the Mexican border, quicker than any other rider in the history of the race. The latest episode of the Velo Podcast sees Mike Levy question Robin about his self-imposed sleep rules, tricks to deal with saddle sores, and the very first thing he does when he gets to a hotel. Robin also explains how he briefly considered using a full-suspension bike, his relatively simple Divide race plan, and why his laid-back approach on the bike could be his superpower. Whether you're into ultra-distance racing, enjoy the odd bike packing weekend, or just love an all-day ride, this is a conversation that you'll likely learn a thing or three from that you might be able to apply to your adventures, Tour Divide or otherwise.  Don't forget to see the latest from Velo!

This year's Tour Divide was one for the books - and the record books. With good weather and a very competitive field we saw dots moving so faster than anything we'd seen before, putting all the previous FKT's in potential jeopardy. Among those dots was Andrew Onermaa who was taking on the Tour Divide for the first time, and on a singlespeed! For much of the race Andrew's dot was ahead of the 2016 FKT set by Chris Plesko. It looked as though we were witnessing history as Andrew dug deep to stay ahead of the record. Towards the very end of the race reality would sink in as Andrew was forced to take the new CDT section (added since 2016) while Chris's dot took the highway to Antelope Wells. In the end Andrew would finish with a time of 15d 11h 15m, less than 3 hours behind Pleskos' FKT of 15d 8h 4m. Any way you look at it, this was a historic and impress run by Andrew, but we did take this opportunity to have a discussion about the differences in the routes and about FKT's in general on today's episode. A record would have been nice, but nothing can detract from Andrew's performance on his first Tour Divide attempt. He said on the podcast that the Tour Divide should feel like something you "have to do". Andrew rode like a man possessed by a feeling of need, not want. During his race he did not open Instagram or social media one time. He only took 4 selfies to send to his girlfriend Taylor, no other photos the entire race! He was locked in. But he did check Trackleader's often, especially Chris Plesko's dot. To say he was focused would be a significant understatement and the results speak for themselves. It was an easy decision for me to rent a car and drive 14 hours so I could have this conversation with Andrew in person and I'm glad I did. You can watch or listen to my chat with Andrew with the links below. Instead of Sponsors this week, we'd like to highlight ways you can help with the Texas Hill Country flood recovery and rebuilding efforts. TxORA Hill Country Relief Fund - The Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance is accepting contributions that will bring critical, near-term relief and support restoration for the Central Texas Floods.  The small businesses, venues, parks, and fixtures of our recreation community along impacted areas of the Guadelupe River will be the recipients of these funds to align with our status as the Texas outdoor business alliance.   Kerr County Flood Relief Fund - Grants from the Fund will support nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts. While we are unable to award grants directly to individuals or families - or to fund repairs to private property or replace personal belongings - we are committed to channeling resources to the trusted organizations working tirelessly to help our neighbors in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference during this challenging time. Central Texas Showdown - The CTS route/s go directly through the areas of Texas that were most impacted by these floods. Many of the families and businesses along the route are hurting right now. We will be doing everything we can to support the communities along the route through our event. For starters a percentage of all registration will go to the TxORA relief fund. We will also be highlighting businesses along the route that could use your support. We always have an opportunity to leave a positive impact in the communities we ride through. This year that opportunity is even greater, please consider joining us as a way to lift of and support these communities.

Dario interviews Robin Gemperle, who rode from Canada to Mexico in under 12 days. We also chat about Eurobike highlights, Dario's vintage Kona Stab, and dig into some reader questions.