The Bikepack Racing Podcast

The episode title really says it all! Ezra and Andrew sit down for a very informal recap of the 2023 season, while also looking forward to 2024. Highs and lows are discussed, future plans are divulged, and incredible accomplishments are recognized. We know it's a longer one...but the end does get a bit spicy as some strong remarks are made about the cycling industry relating to its lack of relationship with bikepacking and bikepack racing. We've also got a bit of a call for action: Got any questions or topics you'd like to hear discussed? People you really want us to talk to? Send us whatever you've got via instagram to @thebikepackracingpodcast - Thanks and happy listening!

"The current best American bikepack racer." That's the title Ezra gave Abe Kaufman after he smashed the FKT at the Arkansas High Country Race this October. Add in a 4th place finish at the 2022 Tour Divide plus FKTs at Trans North Georgia and Trans Virginia, and it's safe to say Abe is certainly a dangerous man when it comes to bikepack racing. In this episode we dive into Abe's relatively recent introduction to the sport, his calculated and comprehensive approach to racing, and how he keeps a smile on his face deep into these massive efforts. If this conversation doesn't get you stoked on setting big goals for 2024...we don't know what will...enjoy!

To start...sorry! We know it's been a minute...or 8 months...but we are trying to get this thing rolling again. In this "catch-up" episode Andrew and Ezra sit down and have a meandering conversation about a whole lot of bikepacking, bikepack racing, bike racing, and general life things. It was oh so good to sit down and catch up. We hope you enjoy listening to this unedited conversation.

In this final episode of 2022, Ezra and Andrew sit down for a rather informal and rambling wrap up of the past year. They discuss their own personal highs and lows from the past racing season. Talk about the current state and future of The Bikepack Racing Podcast. And go on more than a few tangents into other bikepacking related topics.  Hopefully this episode finds you either on the couch recovering from a hangover or on the bike chasing new 2023 resolutions...either way...enjoy and thanks for listening in 2022!    

For episode 24, we have our first recurring guest of the podcast. Back in May, Lauren Brownlee sat down in Ezra's van to chat after a victory at Ride/Race Across Arizona and then a podium finish at Pinyons and Pines Bikepacking Race. You can listen to that conversation in episode 9. This conversation picks up where we left off as we discuss Lauren's second half of the 2022 season. Which included taking on the Boise Trail Challenge in a way only a seasoned bikepack racer would find fun, turning on "touring mode" after mechanical issues at the Colorado Trail Race, and then a return to winning ways at Idaho Smoke and Fire 400.       

...and we are back! This episode was recorded live from the finish of the 2022 Arkansas High Country Race in beautiful Hot Springs, AR where Ezra and Andrew sat down for an in person conversation with 3rd place finisher Daniel Connell. The conversation begins with a much too short exploration of Dan's extensive touring excursions in Central America, across the entirety of Africa (@locociclos on IG) , and on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route . We discuss the challenges and benefits of "winging it" while on an adventure, trip saving encounters with members of the Sudanese national cycling team, and much much more. We eventually transition to all things AHCR, where Dan and Ezra give a day by day recap of their battle for the final podium spot in the mountains of Arkansas...Spoiler alert: Dan wins!