✨ ⁠Support the Podcast⁠ ✨

Today’s podcast features my good friend and man I consider the big brother I never had, Dana Ernst. We’re both attempting the Verde Valley Randonneé, a 250 mile/400 km mixed terrain ramble through the Verde Valley and Northern Arizona. In today’s episode, we’re going to take a deep dive into the VVR, looking at what we’ve learned from our past finishes, general strategy, and answer some questions we’ve received from fans.

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https://www.instagram.com/dcernst/

https://www.instagram.com/verdevalleyrandonnee/

http://danaernst.com/VerdeValleyRandonnee/

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Amazing Products/Companies I Use

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE15 Use code "Endurance15" for 15% off!

Kahtoola - https://kahtoola.com

Dispersed Bikepacking Gear - https://Dispersed.bike

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https://www.instagram.com/theendurancestudio/

Interested in sponsoring or advertising on the podcast? Contact me at: [email protected]

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(00:00:00) Intro

(00:00:58) Amazing Company & Product: Squirrel's Nut Butter

(00:01:41) Amazing Company & Product: Kahtoola

(00:02:04) Amazing Company & Product: Dispersed Bikepacking Gear

(00:02:40) Different Ways You Can Support This Podcast

(00:04:04) Podcast Intro

(00:04:37) Verde Valley Randonneé Naming and Origins; Brevet Events

(00:11:31) RUSA Permanents; VVR Attempts; Designated Photo Stops

(00:14:52) Route Overview; Website; Instagram

(00:17:44) Dylan's Last Attempt Getting Derailed

(00:24:47) The Climb Into Jerome; Death Mud Potential; Least Favorite Part of Route

(00:29:21) Mingus Mountain Ascent and Descent Into Cherry Road

(00:32:07) Sleep Depravation and Forgetting Parts of The Route; More Mingus

(00:34:47) How Does VVR Compare to Other Randonneuring Events? Descending Through Cherry To Camp Verde

(00:38:46) Camp Verde Services and Resupply; McDonalds and Food Shame; Filibertos

(00:43:07) Dana's Intention For Creating the Route; Hotel Availability; Jerome

(00:47:13) Ascending from Camp Verde To Stoneman Lake; Logging Trucks; Magical Moments At Stoneman Lake

(00:54:41) Dana's Last VVR Experience; Fastest Time and Wasting Time

(00:59:17) Cool Stops in Jerome - Flat Iron Cafe and Haunted Hamburger

(01:00:37) What's Dana's Biggest Change in Body, Strategy or Bike; Climbing and Descending; Grouping Up

(01:05:58) Goal Time and Recalibrating Expectations Because of Injuries; Controlling Oneself and Not Overdoing; Being Disciplined in Training; Purpose

(01:10:43) Getting Overwhelmed By Longer Events; Sleep Depravation; Hallucinations

(01:18:27) Navigation and Tech on Bike; Watching Heart Rates and Power Meters; Radar and Safety with Cars

(01:28:33) Listening To Music or Podcasts; Using Music as a Boost; Trainer Riding; To Do Lists; Hiking The Grand Canyon

(01:36:50) Fan Questions: Whats the Best Tire Selection?

(01:40:25) Fan Questions: Any Hike A Bike Sections?

(01:41:24) Fan Questions: Any Washboard Roads and Suspension Required?

(01:42:22) Fan Questions: Is 5 Liters of Water Enough?

(01:46:28) Fan Questions: How Much Food To Carry and Are Town Stops Enough?

(01:51:38) Fan Questions: Any Nighttime Riding and Sketchy Sections?

(01:53:58) Fan Questions: What is the Best Time of Year to Ride?

(01:56:38) Closing

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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #randonnee #brevet