Trailmark

Dominick Menard shares his unique journey from the competitive mountain biking circuits of Canada to a life on the road, encapsulating his shift from fast-paced races to the exploratory freedom of van life. Through his initiative, Bon Velo, Dominick channels his passion for cycling into adventurous pursuits beyond traditional boundaries. Opting for van life, he not only embraced a simpler way of living but also learned to navigate challenges with resilience. His ambitious bike tour from Victoria to Patagonia was driven by a deep desire to explore, despite facing potential dangers like cartels in Mexico. This journey not only tested his limits but also revealed the unexpected kindness of strangers, enriching his experiences and perspective on life. Listen in as Dominick recounts the details of preparing for such an expedition, the highs and lows along the way, and the lasting impact of his adventures.

(00:00) Introduction

(07:36) Getting Into Mountain Biking and Downhill Racing

(12:29) Transitioning to Van Life

(15:21) Impact of the Pandemic on Mountain Biking

(21:01) Changing Perception of Extreme Sports

(25:05) Promoting Mountain Biking and Bon Velo

(32:45) The Appeal of Van Life and Freedom

(44:28) Embracing Minimalism and Detaching from Possessions

(46:25) Taking Chances and Embracing Obstacles

(01:06:03) The Transformative Experience of an Epic Bike Tour

(01:16:08) Finding Inspiration and Making the Decision

(01:19:33) The Evolution of Bike Setup

(01:37:27) Encounters with Cartels in Mexico

(01:49:07) Taking Precautions for a Safe Trip

(01:53:50) Embracing Change and Taking Chances

(01:56:09) Pride and Accomplishment

(01:59:55) Documenting the Journey

(02:21:27) Continuing to Explore

Krysta Norwick, a physical therapist and avid long-distance hiker, shares her adventures on trails such as the Great Divide, Croatian Long Distance, and the Pacific Crest Trail. She combines her professional expertise with her hiking experiences, offering advice on self-treatment and adapting to challenging hikes. Krysta discusses the differences between solo and partner hiking, the diverse landscapes she encounters, and the challenges of reintegrating into city life post-adventure. She reveals the behind-the-scenes of documenting her hikes, including planning and overcoming the hesitation of filming herself, and talks about essential hiking gear and future hiking and documentary projects. Follow Krysta on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and her website for more on her journeys.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:27) Long Distance Hiking and Physical Therapy

(06:19) Balancing Work and Hiking

(10:16) Learning from Mistakes

(13:34) The Great Divide Trail

(18:23) Hiking Alone and with a Partner

(22:11) Duration and Difficulty of the Trails

(25:31) Technicality and Danger of the Great Divide Trail

(29:13) Landscape and Variety on the Trails

(33:00) Challenges of Heat and Water on the Croatian Trail

(37:24) Planning and Decision-Making on the Trail

(42:08) The Thrill of the Unknown

(49:45) Maintaining Mental Well-being

(01:13:00) The Importance of Supportive People

(01:20:21) Logistics of Planning and Filming

(01:32:13) Hiking Gear and Equipment

(01:39:28) Future Hiking Plans and Documentaries

Eco Trail Builders' founders, Hap and Andrea, discuss their dedication to sustainable trail construction and eco-lodge management in the wilderness. They emphasize environmental stewardship, the integration of eco-friendly practices in their work and personal projects, and the balance of nature with professional life. As pioneers in eco-conscious development, they highlight their collaborative efforts with conservation groups, offer advice to aspiring trail builders, and share their future goals for sustainable adventure.

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(03:00) Importance of Environmental Considerations in Trail Building

(06:18) Different Roles within the Company

(12:29) Incorporating the Landscape into Building and Maintenance

(20:12) Pride in Accomplishments

(26:28) Impact of Weather on Maintenance

(31:40) Team and Volunteers

(33:05) Personal Work as an Artist and Author

(38:48) Spirituality in nature and hosting guests

(44:06) Contributing to the preservation of natural spaces

(51:12) Collaborations with conservation organizations and indigenous communities

(56:00) Entering the field of eco-conscious trail building

(57:29) Importance of experience and learning in the field

(01:03:16) Goals for 2024

In this week's episode, we explore Jeff McMurtrie's journey into mapmaking, focusing on Ontario's Algonquin Park. Jeff shares his early experiences in the park that sparked his passion for creating custom maps, highlighting their tailored features for outdoor enthusiasts compared to standard Google Maps. He explains his map-making process, from data collection to adding intricate details, and covers various parks and regions his maps include. The discussion touches on the evolution of map design, blending personal adventures with meticulous data gathering for accuracy. Jeff offers safety tips for paddling and navigation, emphasizes the significance of Algonquin Park in his work, and describes the tools and inspiration behind his maps. He also discusses community feedback and his ambitions to chart new territories and enhance existing maps with innovative features to inspire outdoor adventurers.

(00:00) Introduction and Discovery of Map Making

(10:46) The Difference Between Custom Maps and Google Maps

(25:47) Evolution of Map Design and Features

(30:12) Personal Adventures and Data Collection

(35:03) Safety Tips and Advice for Paddling and Navigation

(40:15) The Importance of Accuracy in Maps

(45:26) Density of Lakes and Trails in Different Parks

(50:14) Tools and Software Used in Map Creation

(56:00) Creating Intuitive and Readable Maps

(01:05:10) Future Plans for Maps by Jeff

This weeks episode of the Trailmark Podcast covers topics such as representation in the outdoors, the importance of mental health and nature, paddleboarding adventures, camping and van life, exploring historical sites, and emphasizing African-American history. James shares personal experiences and motivations for starting his YouTube channel, as well as his passion for documenting and sharing historical explorations. The conversation highlights the significance of promoting diversity and educating others about underrepresented histories. He also shares insights into his van life journey, including the minimalistic setup of his van and the challenges and benefits of living in a small space. James talks about the DIY projects he has undertaken and the confidence he has gained from tackling difficult van life build challenges. He also discusses his favorite meals to cook in the van and strategies for efficient cooking. James shares his future travel plans, including a desire to visit British Columbia and the Arctic Ocean. Finally, he expresses his long-term goals of building a positive community that inspires people to explore the outdoors and reconnect with nature.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:19) Representation in the Outdoors

(06:29) Transition from Sports to Outdoor Exploration

(10:16) Favorite Outdoor Locations

(12:33) The Ethnic Explorer YouTube Channel

(20:55) Camping and Van Life

(23:16) Exploring Historical Sites

(40:08) Significance of Historical Exploration

(51:35) Van Life and Minimalistic Living

(59:00) DIY Projects and Building Confidence

(01:09:01) Cooking and Nutrition in the Van

(01:15:28) Future Travel Plans and Aspirations

(01:30:31) Long-Term Goals for the Ethnic Explorer Brand