Unpacking Bikepacking is newer segment on the podcast, where a guest and I will share our thoughts and insights into various bikepacking related subjects. In this episode, myself and Mike Lowry, discuss our training for biking, gear that we have been trying out or are keen to test, resources that we have come across that help make the bikepacking experience just a little bit better, as well as share our opinions on trending bikepacking topics, bucket list goals, triumphs and setbacks we have experienced and finally, our upcoming plans for the future.

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

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https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

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Instagram: @mlowry06



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Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994, back when mountain bikes were still rocking 26” wheels. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. Join us today with PL and Kristen as they recount their amazing journey of combining cycling with raising millions for charity through their initiative 'Cycle 5 to Survive'. From the snow and rain of British Columbia to the demanding terrains of the European Divide, they share their inspiring mission to create opportunities through sports, business, and education. With adventures spanning 5 different continents over a span of 5 years, listen in for insights on their cycling preparations, the challenges faced, and their heartwarming experiences with the communities they support. Don't miss this incredible story of resilience, purpose, and global impact!

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

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Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994, back when mountain bikes were still rocking 26” wheels. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".

In this episode of Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I have the chance to sit back and talk with Justinas Leveika. A Lithuanian cyclist living in Norway, Justinas shares about his experience participating in and setting a new fastest known time (FKT) for the Bikepacking Triple Crown. Justinas talks about his background as a nurse who moved to Norway for work and details his journey into cycling, beginning with his childhood in Lithuania.

Justinas discusses the unique challenges and experiences of the three major races that make up the Triple Crown: the Tour Divide, the Colorado Trail Race, and the Arizona Trail Race. He highlights the technical difficulties, varying climates, and the physical and mental endurance required for each race. Justinas also recounts his strategies, including the importance of comfort for speed, his use of full suspension bikes, and the significance of proper gear and training. Throughout the conversation, he touches on the camaraderie within the bikepacking community, the challenges of self-supported races, and his hopes for the future. Despite some setbacks and controversies, Justinas's story is one of resilience and passion for the sport.

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

If you are planning on getting any Redshift Sports or Panorama Cycles gear, please consider using the affiliate links below to help the podcast make ends meet.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

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Instagram: @justin.and.bikes

Facebook: Justinas Leveika

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ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994, back when mountain bikes were still rocking 26” wheels. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".

In this episode of the Bike Pack Adventures Podcast, Brian, also known as 'Fuck Yeah Guy Bri,' shares his exhilarating journey of bikepacking on some of the longest routes in North America. Brian dives into his recent accomplishment of being the first person to complete the 14,000 km Great Northern Bikepacking Route from Victoria, BC to Cape Spear, Newfoundland.

Known for his spontaneity and minimalist lifestyle, Brian discusses his experiences dealing with various challenges like extreme weather, daunting climbs, and relentless insects. Believing in spreading stoke, Brian lives freely, connecting with people and sharing his love for biking, adventure, and life. Join us to hear his inspiring stories, lessons learned, and future plans.

RideWithGPS Holiday Giveback Campaign

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

Find them at:

Instagram: Fuck Yeah Guy Bri

Website: Fuck Yeah Guy Bri

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INSTAGRAM

ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994, back when mountain bikes were still rocking 26” wheels. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Vincent Nadon discusses his journey and experiences in the world of ultra-distance cycling. Vincent shares how he discovered his passion for cycling during his time in Belgium and how it has evolved over the years. He describes his challenges balancing home renovations and cycling and his determination to integrate cycling into his life.

Vincent recounts his significant achievements, including a cross Canada trip to raise funds for Crohn's and colitis research after his diagnosis with Crohn's disease. He talks about racing the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Route, setting an FKT, as well as participating in the Transcontinental Race (TCR), his learnings and insights about route planning, and gear setups. Vincent emphasizes the importance of mindset, especially during challenging moments in races, and also discusses his favorite gear, including his preferred saddles and the benefits of the Redshift suspension stem. Looking forward, Vincent talks about his desire to bike pack in Japan, as well as other ultra distance races, all the while reflecting on his continual motivation derived from exploration and competition.

RideWithGPS Holiday Giveback Campaign

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

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Instagram: Vincent Nadon

Facebook: The Velocity Nerd

Website: The Velocity Nerd

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ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Eric Sommerhauser, an experienced thru-hiker, shares his recent transition into the world of bikepacking. Eric discusses how his girlfriend inspired the shift, leading to his participation in the Western Wildlands Route, a rugged 2,700-mile journey from Canada to Mexico.

The discussion explores the differences between thru-hiking and bikepacking, including equipment, physical challenges, and interactions with people along the way. Eric offers storytelling moments, including a nerve-wracking encounter with a grizzly bear, campfire hospitality experiences, and the unexpected friendships formed from spontaneous acts of kindness. Despite initial reservations, Eric finds the adventure fulfilling and reflects on how embracing different outdoor activities has enriched his life.

The narrative intricately weaves through his challenges, including the grueling elevation changes, harsh weather conditions, and the relentless determination to complete his journey, concluding with motivational insights for those contemplating transitions within their adventure-seeking lifestyles.

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

Find them at:

Instagram: HikingCoyote

Find me at…

WEBSITE

YOUTUBE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Tristan reflects on his nearly eight-year bikepacking journey, evolving from long-distance travel to immersive cultural exploration and sustainable practices. He shares insights on the impact of COVID-19, his experiences in South America, adjustments in travel plans, and reconnection with family.

Tristan discusses his continual pursuit of the perfect bike setup, experimenting with various gear, including different gearboxes, suspension systems, and custom bags. He elaborates on his travels, highlighting routes from Alaska to Vancouver, the Great Divide, and plans for Baja.

Balancing remote work and a nomadic lifestyle, Tristan remains committed to sharing his experiences and supporting aspiring bikepackers through content creation and coaching. He reflects on the personal growth achieved through his adventures, the challenges of managing a YouTube channel, and future aspirations. Ultimately, Tristan desires a balance between the freedom of nomadism and the stability of settling down, expressing gratitude for his current path and future possibilities.

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

Find them at:

Instagram: @tristanrid

Website: Tristan Ridley

YouTube: Tristan Ridley - YouTube

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ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Dominick Menard stopped over on the way to a gravel race in the region. We spent a couple hours talking about his journey towards Bikepacking. Having grown up as a competitive mountain biker and working his way up to riding on the pro circuit, Dominick has a ton of biking experience. Not too long after diving headfirst into the nomadic lifestyle of van-life, Dominick got the crazy idea to start a YouTube series called Bon Velo, geared at sharing the amazing MTBing of Quebec with everyone online. After two seasons of doing this his call to adventure was getting louder and, on a whim, he decided he would cycle to Patagonia. Throughout our conversation, we went deep into his journey south, talking extensively on gear, bikes, mindset, and much, much more.

Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

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Instagram: @dominickmenard

Facebook: Dominick Menard

YouTube: Dominick Menard

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ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventure Podcast, Carl Presseault dropped by to talk bikes with me. We talked about our successes and failures with regards to bikepacking throughout the summer, the joy of commuting by e-bikes and the challenges associated with that. Carl spoke on the growing subculture of basket-packing and what are the advantages of using a basket for adventuring. We talked about various bike bags we are using, and so much more I can't remember off the top of my head. The cover photo is a throwback to our first bikepacking adventure in the spring of 2021.

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

Instagram: Carl Presseault (@fork_sauce)

Find me at…

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ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Oscar Donovan before he takes on a cargo-bike adventure around Pakistan. Having already bikepacked in over 30 countries, Oscar is pretty experienced when it comes to bicycle adventures in other countries. As with so many others, Oscar's initial goal of cycling around the world was thwarted by COVID. In the time since, Oscar has cycled large parts of Africa and is now planning on cycling around the world with his cargo bike, aiming to be the first person to complete do so. Lastly, I thought it was very cool that he sometimes creates his own music for his videos, which I am sure is no small feat. We had a great chat about all things bikes.

Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.

https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures 

Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

Redshift Sports

Panorama Cycles

Find them at:

Instagram: Oscar EJ Donovan (@oscarejdonovan)

YouTube: Oscar EJ Donovan - YouTube

Find me at…

WEBSITE

YOUTUBE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

ITUNES

Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.

Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.

Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.

RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.

Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.