✨ ⁠Support the Podcast⁠ ✨

Today’s guests have come all the way from Morpeth England to participate in and finish the Arizona Trail 800 mountain bike race. They are a father and son team that persisted against the physical and environmental adversity dished out by this daunting trail. Together, they experienced extreme heat, cold, thirst, hunger, pain and joy throughout their journey that ended up being over 900 miles and 100,000’ of elevation gain. I’m honored to have the opportunity to sit down with them in person.

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https://www.instagram.com/richrothwellcycling/

https://www.instagram.com/jamesrothwell_mtb/

https://www.instagram.com/advance_cycle_coaching/

https://www.instagram.com/azt300_800

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This episode is brought to you by:

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

Embark Maple Energy - https://www.embarkmaple.com Use code “EMBARK20” for 20% off!

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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) - Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Messages

(00:03:12) - Guest Introductions and Background

(00:05:27) - Previous Bikepacking Experiences and Lakeland 200 Attempt

(00:09:30) - Race Records, Route Difficulty, and Gear Preparation

(00:13:24) - Decision to Attempt the Arizona Trail 800

(00:16:42) - Early Race Days, Weather, and Shelter Challenges

(00:20:38) - Magic Gate, Kentucky Camp, and Food Shortages

(00:24:28) - Climbing and Heat on Mount Lemmon

(00:28:39) - Resupply Challenges and Oracle Ridge Terrain

(00:31:13) - Bike and Equipment Choices

(00:34:40) - Wildlife Encounters and Mountain Lion Stories

(00:45:21) - Highline Trail, Mogollon Rim, and Historical Context

(00:47:39) - Reaching 300 Miles at Picket Post and Terrain to Payson

(00:52:57) - Equipment Failures and Jake's Corner Reset

(01:00:47) - Gear Adjustments and Severe Weather at Mormon Lake

(01:08:24) - Flagstaff Resupply and Cold Night Survival

(01:19:22) - Arrival at Toussian and Grand Canyon Descent

(01:25:24) - Physical and Mental Challenges in the Canyon

(01:30:10) - Final Miles, Steep Climb, and North Rim Conditions

(01:37:24) - Reflection on Completing the Arizona Trail 800

(01:40:33) - Finish Line Experience and Post-Race Reflections

(01:46:04) - Parenting, Motivation, and Future Outlook

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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing