✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio

In this episode, endurance cyclist and SAUER Co-Race Director Dexter Kopas joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on modern gravel and ultra-distance bikepacking. We dive deep into why wider tires are reshaping gravel racing, how real-world rolling resistance and comfort matter more than drum tests, and what actually makes riders faster over multi-day efforts. Dexter shares his personal evolution into ultra racing, lessons from events like Race Across Arizona, Unbound XL, Vermont Super 8, Doom, and the realities of sponsorships—from winning races to building pitch decks and navigating the bike industry.

The conversation expands beyond gear into the future of bikepacking itself: why the sport hasn’t grown like ultrarunning, the balance between solitude and community, and how supported elements might help bikepacking reach a wider audience. We also cover bike fit, injury prevention, ideal ultra-race bike setups, and the challenges of designing responsible race routes.

Finally, Dexter breaks down his role as Co-Race Director of the SAUER Ultra Endurance Bikepacking Race, including course design, terrain, bike recommendations, lessons learned from year one, and how SAUER aims to blend competition, accessibility, and community in a Tucson-based ultra event.

Whether you’re a gravel racer, bikepacker, or endurance athlete curious about where the sport is headed, this episode offers honest insight, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at racing and building ultra-distance events.

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https://www.instagram.com/kopeus/

https://thesauer.weebly.com/

https://www.instagram.com/otsocycles/

https://www.instagram.com/wolf_tooth_comp/

https://www.instagram.com/redshiftsports/

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanmountainracks/

https://www.instagram.com/silca_velo/

https://www.instagram.com/kanberra_usa/

https://www.instagram.com/carbsfuel/

https://www.instagram.com/wild_arizona_/

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(00:00:00) Introduction and 2025 Year in Review 

(00:03:43) The Gravel Tire Revolution 

(00:04:01) Transitioning to Ultra-Endurance 

(00:12:31) The Business of Sponsorship 

(00:19:34) The Professional Athlete Lifestyle 

(00:21:05) Legitimizing Bikepack Racing 

(00:53:52) The Role of Professional Coaching 

(01:09:53) Mental Focus and Endurance 

(01:18:52) Nutrition and Fueling Strategies 

(01:26:56) Route Development in Arizona 

(01:40:44) The Philosophy of Course Design 

(01:42:00) Race Directing and Community 

(01:44:43) Race Tracking Technology 

(02:11:22) Closing Thoughts and 2026 Outlook 

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

In this episode, ultra-endurance bikepack racer Alex Schultz joins me in the studio for a deep dive into his journey through the Triple Crown of Bikepacking — the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and Arizona Trail Race 800. We talk about growing up outdoors in Michigan, the evolution of his racing career, and the mental and physical toll of multi-day racing. Alex shares stories from freezing nights, blown spokes, mud disasters, canyon portages, resupply chaos, and what it really takes to train, problem-solve, and push through thousands of miles of self-supported racing. If you love bikepacking, gear nerdery, adventure suffering, or just a good story, this one’s stacked.

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https://www.instagram.com/schultzy954

https://www.kindbikesandskis.com

https://www.instagram.com/morrow_packs

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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(00:00:00) – Early Life, Outdoors Background & The Chevy Tracker Build

(00:03:05) – Normalizing Hard Efforts & Race-Day Mindset

(00:17:03) – Trail Magic, Race Fairness & Training Structure

(00:18:25) – Tour Divide Resupply Story & The “Training My Whole Life” Quote

(00:21:19) – Handling Cold, Arizona vs Colorado Conditions

(00:23:40) – This Year’s Modified Grand Canyon Route

(00:35:58) – Fueling Philosophy: “I Don’t Count Calories — I Visualize It”

(00:41:50) – Executive Function Collapse at Resupplies

(00:46:49) – Getting Sick on Tour Divide & Calling It

(01:18:06) – Gear Durability & The Marji Gesick Race

(01:31:53) – Sleep Deprivation & The Psychology of Pushing Through

(01:54:41) – Race Rules, Schilling, and the AZT FKT Debate

(01:59:50) – Mechanical Problems: AXS Batteries & Drivetrain Failures

(02:09:22) – Grocery Store Resupplies & Final Advice to New Athletes

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

👉🏻RIDE TO ENDURE: The Baja Divide FKT for ALS

In this episode, endurance athlete Miron Golfman—fresh off his first-place finish at the Arizona Trail 300—dives into the mindset, motivation, and meaning behind ultra-distance bike racing. From completing the Baja Divide FKT to living abroad and recently racing the Atlas, Hellenic, and Silk Road Mountain Races, Miron shares what it really takes—physically and mentally—to race self-supported across continents.

Listeners will learn how Miron balances passion with purpose through his Ride to Endure project for ALS awareness, what he’s discovered about fueling, recovery, and resilience, and how the global bikepacking scene is evolving. We also dive deep into community, personal growth, and finding fulfillment through endurance and giving back.

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https://www.instagram.com/miron_golfman/

https://www.instagram.com/revelbikes/

https://www.instagram.com/albion.cycling/

https://www.instagram.com/tailfincycling/

https://www.instagram.com/firstendurance/

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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(00:00:00) Eating habits and race fueling

(00:01:56) Racing abroad, moving to Europe, and expedition highlights

(00:10:49) Ride to Endure, caregiving and starting a new path

(00:17:13) Purpose, giving back, and community in endurance sports

(00:22:16) Growth of bikepacking and ultra culture — US vs Europe

(01:05:26) Race experiences and terrain (Atlas, Hellenic, Silk Road, Highland Trail)

(01:18:31) Hydration, sodium loss, and race nutrition strategies

(01:40:11) Heat, resupply logistics, gear, rules and final advice

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

Today's guest is Tyler Arnett, who just set the Fastest Known Time on the Ride Across Arizona — a 600ish-mile self-supported ultra-gravel ride from the Colorado River to New Mexico. After two failed attempts battling “death mud” and desert heat, Tyler came back stronger for a third try and crushed the route in record time. We talk about everything from gear and strategy to the mental highs and lows of ultra-endurance racing — and what it really takes to ride across an entire state on your own.

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https://www.instagram.com/dadventurecyclist

State Bicycle Company: https://www.statebicycle.com

Bicycle Haus: https://www.bicyclehaus.com

Ride Across Arizona: https://azgravelrides.com

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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(00:00:00) Death mud and first attempt

(00:03:52) Racing background and early attempts

(00:06:19) Weather, mud, and subsequent attempts

(00:09:28) Heat, hydration, and dropping in Baghdad

(00:15:29) Preparation between attempts and sponsorship ad

(00:17:29) Bike setup, tires, and power strategy

(00:20:56) Pacing, headwinds, and low points

(00:23:21) Aero bars, lights, and electronics failures

(00:37:26) Psychological state, towns, and food resupplies

(00:42:33) Stops detail and sleep strategy

(01:01:34) Cold, clothing, and hand/feet issues

(01:08:08) Navigational disorientation and hallucinations

(01:13:40) Finish, trail angel, and immediate aftermath

(01:29:22) Training, recovery, and riding schedule

(01:36:36) Running background and multisport experience

(01:47:07) Road vs gravel, events, and future plans

(01:51:27) Closing shoutouts and final thoughts

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

Shoutout to @ladennis2009 for the Super Thanks!

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In this episode, I sit down with Forrest Radarian—science teacher, bikepacker, and race director of the inaugural A Fierce Green Ride. We talk about his journey from wilderness first responder training to close encounters with bats and rabies scares, his passion for bikepacking and healthy backcountry eating, and the inspiration behind creating a new race in Arizona’s White Mountains. Forrest also shares insights on wolf reintroduction, the importance of community respect in rural towns, and what riders can expect from this challenging 400+ mile route.

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https://www.theforrestbiome.com

https://www.instagram.com/theforrestbiome/

https://www.theforrestbiome.com/a-fierce-green-ride

https://www.instagram.com/el.lobo.lupus/

https://www.instagram.com/capesofthecanyon/

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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

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(00:00:00) Introduction and Initial Interview Challenges

(00:02:08) Wilderness First Responder and Personal Background

(00:06:56) Rabies Exposure and Outdoor Risks

(00:11:22) Movies, Storytelling, and Filmmaking

(00:23:19) Bikepacking Culture and Fierce Screen Ride Race

(00:28:35) Wildlife, Route Conditions, and Weather Concerns

(00:36:26) Sleep, Gear, and Food Strategy for the Race

(00:40:09) Connection to the White Mountains and Acts of Kindness

(00:44:09) Sponsorship, Race Rules, and Community Respect

(00:49:54) Wildlife Encounters and Cultural Context of Arizona

(00:54:59) Wolves, Ranchers, and Coywolf Sightings

(01:00:15) Racing Experiences: Fierce Screen Ride & Sonoran Ultra

(01:03:52) Weird Arizona Towns and Social Contrasts

(01:07:26) Growth of Bike Culture and Capes of the Canyon Route

(01:10:20) Moving to Grand Canyon and Life in Arizona

(01:13:35) AI, Education, and the Future of Creativity

(01:17:06) Sports, Social Media, and Authenticity

(01:21:10) Value of In-Person Interaction and Podcasting

(01:22:30) AI in Media, Content Creation, and Human Touch

(01:30:22) Balancing AI Tools and Future Outlook

(01:32:26) Paranormal Stories and Inspirations

(01:33:48) Bikepacking Influences and Community

(01:35:38) Water Sources, Treatment, and Survival Stories

(01:41:06) Resupply Challenges and Race Recovery

(01:49:08) Final Advice and Closing Remarks

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

Accomplished ultra-endurance racer and Colorado Trail Race director Jefe Branham shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from decades in bikepacking. From wild hallucinations on the Colorado Trail, to the balance between personal life and racing, to his philosophy on rules, community, and why joy matters more than speed—this conversation dives deep into the heart of endurance riding. Expect stories from the trail, reflections on resilience, and insights into what truly drives Jefe to keep showing up.

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http://jwookieone.com

https://www.instagram.com/jwookstar/

https://revelbikes.com/product/el-jefe/

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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

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(00:00:00) Reflecting on the CTR Race and FKT

(00:02:34) Experience Riding the Gunny Loopy Loop

(00:06:31) Cold and Wet Conditions on the Course

(00:09:25) Dropping Out and Race Route Details

(00:11:16) High and Low Points of the Race

(00:14:14) Weirdest Disorientation and Hallucinations During Ultra Races

(00:19:03) Changing Perspective on Racing and Suffering

(00:21:45) Bodhi's Personality and Race Preparation

(00:24:03) Origins and Evolution of Endurance Riding

(00:32:57) Balancing Racing and Lifestyle Changes

(00:35:32) Equipment and Pressure in Racing

(00:38:47) Thoughts on FKT Culture and Race Rules

(00:44:50) Personality Differences and Rule Awareness in Racing

(00:48:51) Generational Changes and the Future of Bikepacking

(00:51:22) Preferred Directions and Race Start Times

(00:54:09) Origin of the 'Wookie' Nickname

(00:56:00) Single Speed Riding and Equipment Modifications

(00:59:53) Flat Pedals vs Clipless Pedals in Ultra Endurance

(01:04:34) Challenges and Benefits of Riding Flats

(01:10:32) Interactions with Other Trail Users and Environmental Impact

(01:16:49) Sleep Kit Regrets and Improvised Solutions

(01:24:11) Cultural Pressures on Men and Mental Health

(01:30:23) Rapid Fire: Paranormal Experiences and Bikepacking Heroes

(01:33:38) Worst Water Source and Advice for New Endurance Athletes

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

Shoutout to our new channel member Wendall Brown!

Today’s guest is a seasoned vanlifer, through hiker, and bikepacker who shares her journey from van life and sailing dreams to conquering some of the toughest endurance events. We dive into life on the road, how Starlink enables remote work and race coverage, and the evolution of ultra-distance running events like Cocodona and the Arizona Monster 300. Lindsay opens up about the realities of gender identity in the endurance community and how that intersects with racing, community, and representation.

We also reflect on the Stagecoach Line 200 Duathlon — a rugged self-supported challenge from Flagstaff to Tusayan by bike, then back again on foot — and how it reshaped both our views on goal-setting, recovery, and what makes these adventures meaningful. Expect insights on resilience, problem-solving, gear choices, logistics, and the personal evolution that comes with pushing long distances. I'd like to welcome to the podcast Lindsay Shepard.

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https://www.instagram.com/carefreewanderings/

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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

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(00:00:00) - Van Life Beginnings, Travel Preferences, and Remote Camping Technology

(00:02:40) - Starlink’s Role in Ultra Endurance and New Racing Challenges

(00:08:44) - Issues, Controversies, and Lessons from Race Organization

(00:12:26) - Early Cycling Experiences and Transition to Long-Distance Bikepacking

(00:18:28) - American Trail Race, Problem Solving, and Self-Sufficiency in Endurance Sports

(00:23:01) - Resupply, Gear Planning, and Motivation for Stagecoach Line Event

(00:27:55) - Post-Event Reflections, Group Dynamics, and Balancing Recovery with Work

(00:40:01) - Sponsor Messages, Journey to Van Life, and Sailing Dreams

(00:42:27) - Submersible Safety, Risks, and Deep Sea Exploration Perspectives

(00:49:23) - Childhood Outdoor Adventures, Sailing Aspirations, and Cost of Boat Ownership

(00:53:25) - Balancing Work, Racing, Podcasting, and Prioritizing Health with Age

(00:55:21) - Wildfire Impacts on Arizona Trail Plans and Environmental Considerations

(01:01:40) - Sleep, Footwear Choices, and Personalized Nutrition Strategies in Endurance Events

(01:13:03) - Favorite Foods, Energy Gel Strategies, and Hydration/Salt Supplementation

(01:26:53) - Effects of Dehydration, Sleep Approaches, and Enjoyment of Different Disciplines

(01:31:29) - Camping Setups, Flow State Experiences, and Community in Endurance Events

(01:36:14) - Colorado Trail Race Perspectives, Future Event Planning, and Stagecoach’s Place in the Sport

(01:40:55) - Transgender Athletes, Identity vs. Fairness, and Open Dialogue in Sports

(01:54:05) - Testosterone Metrics, Sponsorship Concerns, and Public Perception Challenges

(02:02:28) - Discussing Sensitive Topics, Miscommunication, and Gender Complexity

(02:14:16) - Historical Sex Verification, Civil Conversations, and Closing Remarks

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

In this solo episode, I share key lessons learned from recent endurance events including the Maricopa Trail Race, Race Across Arizona, and my Pinyons and Pines ITT. Topics covered include sodium and electrolyte management to prevent cramping, optimizing sleep setups for ultra-distance races, gear and tech comparisons like the Garmin Edge vs. Coros Dura, lighting strategies for multi-day rides, and small but crucial items like sunscreen and water filters. Plus, reflections on mental strategies to resist the pull of comfort during difficult race sections.

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Stagecoach Line 200 Duathlon - https://ridewithgps.com/events/391201-stagecoach-line-200-duathlon

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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

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(00:00:00) Intro and Shout Outs

(00:04:23) My Solution for Cramping and Soreness

(00:17:17) Replacing My Garmin 1040 Edge with a Coros Dura

(00:26:01) Sleep Kit Considerations

(00:32:01) Which Tires and Would I Use Again?

(00:33:46) Lighting and Active Management

(00:35:54) New Water Filter

(00:36:52) Using Mineral Sunscreen

(00:39:47) Was This Year's Version of Pinyons and Pines the Hardest?

(00:43:34) Race Recap

(00:45:53) Smashing my Derailleur Hanger

(00:51:36) Throwing Up Pickle Juice

(00:54:50) Switchback Hike a Bike Strategy

(00:57:54) First Night, Very Cold, Widowmakers

(01:00:21) Using Visualization For Success

(01:03:28) O'leary Mandatory Summit

(01:06:11) Deterioration & Paranoia

(01:08:15) The Ghost of The German Pioneer

(01:11:29) Post Race Blues

(01:12:53) Upcoming Duathlon

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

Today’s guest is Chase Kaufman, an ultra-endurance athlete who’s quickly making waves in the ultra endurance and bikepacking scene. In this episode, Chase shares how he transitioned from long-distance running and downhill mountain biking to self-supported endurance racing — and how he crushed the Maricopa Trail Race FKT on his first try. We dive into his race strategies, fueling experiments, mental resilience, and what drives him to keep pushing deeper into the world of ultra-distance riding.

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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

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(00:00:00) - Intro & Arizona Endurance Series

(00:01:15) - Training & Favorite Trails

(00:04:31) - Bikepacking & Maricopa Race

(00:10:59) - Technical Trails & Challenges

(00:14:36) - Phone Loss & Riding Conditions

(00:16:10) - Sleep & Safety in Ultra Endurance

(00:20:48) - Nutrition & Hydration Strategies

(00:34:04) - Flagstaff Enduro & AES Community

(00:40:22) - Injuries & Recovery

(00:44:17) - Health & Support

(00:49:16) - Fitness & Consistency

(00:53:53) - Bikepacking Styles & Gear

(00:58:08) - Maricopa Trail Navigation

(01:05:49) - Cramping & Recovery

(01:10:44) - Trail Risks & Night Riding

(01:15:29) - Skills & Strengths

(01:19:11) - Training & Running Background

(01:27:07) - AES Race Highlights

(01:31:32) - Community & Inspiration

(01:39:08) - Building the Bikepacking Community

(01:44:00) - Closing Remarks

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

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

Today's guest is an endurance bikepacker, a trailblazer in the cycling world and the founder of Rodeo Adventure Labs, a company known for its creative, purpose-driven approach to bike design and entrepreneurial spirit. With a deep love for long, challenging rides and a commitment to building bikes that are meant to last, he brings both passion and pragmatism to everything he does. From testing prototypes in races to navigating the challenges of running a small business through COVID, tariffs, and shifting trends, he’s someone who truly lives and breathes bikes.

A quick note this episode was filmed just before the 2025 Pinyons and pines bikepacking race where Stephen took first place on his Rodeo Adventure Labs prototype Show Pony bike with a total time of 1 day, 19 hours and 56 minutes. Congratulations Stephen on your amazing effort.

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https://rodeo-labs.com

https://www.instagram.com/stevetheintern/

https://www.instagram.com/rodeolabs/

https://www.rodeo-labs.com/podcast/

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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

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(00:00:00) - Intro, Guest, and Pre-Race Prep

(00:04:16) - Bike Setup, Gear, and Aero Bar Choices

(00:06:15) - Tech Reliability, Weather, and Sleep Strategies

(00:11:23) - Show Pony Project & Rodeo Labs Origins

(00:17:45) - Passion for Bikes and Running a Bike Business

(00:23:35) - Social Media’s Impact on the Bike Industry

(00:34:47) - Bike Design Ethos, Sustainability & Right to Repair

(00:50:55) - US Manufacturing Challenges & Opportunities

(01:08:00) - Design Decisions, Team Roles & Product Evolution

(01:14:18) - Brand Personality, Custom Paint & Wrap-Up

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