Fin MaddenTouring on a Brompton + Tips for Cycling in Switzerland

Fin MaddenTouring on a Brompton + Tips for Cycling in Switzerland

In Episode 002 of the podcast, Fin shares his experiences cycling across Europe on a Brompton and tells us about some amazing cyclosportive events he's taken part in.

I first met Finn in 2015 when I took a teaching job in southern Sweden. Somebody heard I liked cycling and said “you should meet Finn, he’s also a crazy cyclist”. Needless to say, we got on really well, and although we lived 100km away from each other, we did manage to get together a few times throughout the year for some pretty epic road and mountain biking fun. Having done a bit of touring myself prior to this, Finn and I started sharing stories about our experiences travelling by bike.

I Googled, “can you ride 100km a day on a Brompton?”and the answer was yes.

When Finn told me he used a Brompton, a bike designed as a compact folding commuter bike, something that is traditionally tucked under a seat on a train, or thrown in the trunk of a car, and rode it through 11 European countries and 5400km over two months. The next year he did a bike and sailing trip from Sweden to Spain and back. And just like that, my world changed and I started looking at folding bikes as a possible method of touring. As an expat teacher, I wanted to find a way to tour during holidays, while not paying a small fortune for my bike each time I wanted to travel by plane. Three years later I ended up buying a Bike Friday New World Tourist. Had I not met Finn and had a chance to hear his stories, it definitely never would have happened.

I ended up doing four countries in one day… I did Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Germany. And had lunch in Germany.

While many people opt to use bicycles as a means of travel that is faster than walking, but slower than a car, for guys like Finn and I, cycling is a part of our lives, and, by extension, they become a central aspect of our travel experience. From the long epic adventure cycling and camping across thousands of kilometres, short getaways with a loved one, cycling can be adapted to fit into any tour. More importantly, a bicycle tour doesn’t have to start and end on the bike, but can adapted as necessary. Such was the case when Finn and his wife Elaine planned their cross-Sweden tour, but decided to change their plans when the hot (Swedish) weather became too much.

It was crazy, bailing on a bike tour in Sweden because of the heat.

Unlike most cyclists, Finn has challenged himself repeatedly by entering big cycling events in Sweden and Norway, and also doing the Everest Challenge two years in a row. From doing cycling events for the simple reason that that is what people do, riding in Norway in memory of a friend that passed away, to doing the Everest Challenge twice in order to raise money for people in need, Finn has shown to have the kind of grit and determination that many people only dream of. He even kind of knows when enough is enough and is not afraid to throw in the towel once the objective is achieved.

It started in the 50s. I was there for its 50th anniversary and there was like, 20 guys who had done every year. And these are guys, in their 80s, and, it’s incredible, but I didn’t really want to just keep doing the same race.

Dreaming about future tours is something that cyclists/bike tourists always have on their minds. Finn dreams to tour somewhere less travelled, a place that would challenge every aspect of his cycling skill, and to experience a remote adventure of nature and wilderness. However, this epic adventure will have to wait a few years, as he is about to have his first child and will be relegated to safer touring options with a Thule baby carriage attached to the back of his bike.

Cheers Finn. Keep on pedalling.

To support the Bike...

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From downhill racing to bikepacking | The story of Dominick Menard

From downhill racing to bikepacking | The story of Dominick Menard

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Dominick Menard stopped over on the way to a gravel race in the region. We spent a couple hours talking about his journey towards Bikepacking. Having grown up as a competitive mountain biker and working his way up to riding on the pro circuit, Dominick has a ton of biking experience. Not too long after diving headfirst into the nomadic lifestyle of van-life, Dominick got the crazy idea to start a YouTube series called Bon Velo, geared at sharing the amazing MTBing of Quebec with everyone online. After two seasons of doing this his call to adventure was getting louder and, on a whim, he decided he would cycle to Patagonia. Throughout our conversation, we went deep into his journey south, talking extensively on gear, bikes, mindset, and much, much more.Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: @dominickmenardFacebook: Dominick MenardYouTube: Dominick MenardFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. <a...

16 Loka 20242h 14min

Unpacking Bikepacking 6 | E-bikes, Basket-packing, Bike Bags and More

Unpacking Bikepacking 6 | E-bikes, Basket-packing, Bike Bags and More

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventure Podcast, Carl Presseault dropped by to talk bikes with me. We talked about our successes and failures with regards to bikepacking throughout the summer, the joy of commuting by e-bikes and the challenges associated with that. Carl spoke on the growing subculture of basket-packing and what are the advantages of using a basket for adventuring. We talked about various bike bags we are using, and so much more I can't remember off the top of my head. The cover photo is a throwback to our first bikepacking adventure in the spring of 2021.To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Carl Presseault (@fork_sauce)Find me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code...

11 Loka 20241h 58min

Oscar Donovan | Cargo Bikepacking Around the World

Oscar Donovan | Cargo Bikepacking Around the World

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I had the opportunity to chat with Oscar Donovan before he takes on a cargo-bike adventure around Pakistan. Having already bikepacked in over 30 countries, Oscar is pretty experienced when it comes to bicycle adventures in other countries. As with so many others, Oscar's initial goal of cycling around the world was thwarted by COVID. In the time since, Oscar has cycled large parts of Africa and is now planning on cycling around the world with his cargo bike, aiming to be the first person to complete do so. Lastly, I thought it was very cool that he sometimes creates his own music for his videos, which I am sure is no small feat. We had a great chat about all things bikes.Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Oscar EJ Donovan (@oscarejdonovan)YouTube: Oscar EJ Donovan - YouTubeFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box...

26 Syys 20242h 15min

Episode 200: Past Guests | Updates

Episode 200: Past Guests | Updates

In episode 200 of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I decided to do something a little bit different so as to celebrate this milestone episode. I reached out to all the past guests on the podcast to ask them for updates on what adventures they have been on in the time since they came on the podcast, as well as any major new adventures they have planned for the future. I'm so stoked to see so many past guests respond with voice memos letting me know how things have been going since they were on the podcast. I wish I had the time to record follow-up podcasts with each and every one of them as I'm sure they have amazing stories to share, but alas, this isn't possible. Ultimately, I really enjoyed hearing from them and hope that you also enjoy this episode, particularly as it took an unbelievable amount of time to put together.Thank you to all the listeners that have helped support the podcast over the years. It certainly wouldn't have been possible to keep this project going for so long without the constant support that has come my way. Here's to 200 more episodes, more awesome interviews, more new friends, and of course, more adventures.Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin...

17 Syys 20242h 28min

Pihoqahiak | Kari & Jonathan

Pihoqahiak | Kari & Jonathan

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I have the chance to sit back and talk adventuring with Kari Toftesund and Jonathan Labarre. As a trained psychotherapist with a passion for travel and learning about different cultures, it was a logical progression for Kari to combine adventure with mental and physical performance. Jonathan has been fortunate to develop many of the skills necessary for adventure success throughout his career in the army, sport shop management, firefighting and fire and first aid instruction.Together, their mission as outdoor enthusiasts is to protect and preserve our planet as best they can. The climate and landscapes are changing quickly, and they feel it is their duty to take action by raising awareness about environmental issues, promoting and values of outdoor adventures, and by fostering the desire in others to spend more time outdoors.Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Jonathan Labarre & Kari Toftesund Facebook: PihoqahiakYouTube: Kari Toftesund & Jonathan LabarreWebsite: Adventurers - Speakers | PihoqahiakFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on...

8 Syys 20241h 32min

Ridecast | Canadian Shield XL

Ridecast | Canadian Shield XL

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I take listeners through my outing on the Canadian Shield XL, a nearly 1200km bikepacking route in Quebec, Canada, which takes riders on an adventure across the Laurentian Mountains, crossing through a mix of ski resorts, provincial parks, national parks, fauna reserves. Mixing in as much single-track mountain biking as possible, this route contains about 14000 metres of elevation gain according to RideWithGPS, but in reality, it is probably closer to 18000 metres. Throughout this episode I dive into my packing and bike set up, my daily distances while riding, challenges I came across along the way, and also talked about planned and unplanned changes I made to the route along the way.Want to watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4bILRHpCOww Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to...

27 Elo 20241h 23min

Barry Lachapelle | Bike Gear Database

Barry Lachapelle | Bike Gear Database

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm joined by Barry Lachapelle as we sit back and talk bikes for a couple hours. We dive into his journey of bike travel, his years living abroad all over the world and how the original vision of Bike Gear Database morphed into what it is today. Throughout the episode, Barry talks about what keeps him motivated to ride bikes as often as possible, the struggles of running this passion project, while still making time for family, work and riding bikes. This conversation really ran the gamut, and time flew by so fast I was hardly aware of it. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Barry and Bike Gear Database.Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Bike Gear Database (@bikegeardatabase) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: Bike Gear DatabaseWebsite: Bike Gear Database | Bikepacking, Off Road Bikes, Gear & StoriesFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. <a href="https://www.tailfin.cc/" rel="noopener...

23 Elo 20242h 7min

Henry Do | Ultra-Cyclist and Ultra-Storyteller

Henry Do | Ultra-Cyclist and Ultra-Storyteller

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I have the chance to go deep with Henry Do about his journey into bikepack racing. I first met Henry this past winter at the Wendigo Fatbike Ultra, a 200km rail-trail bike race. Needless to say, he beat me by about 6 hours. The morning after, we got to talking and I realized that I really need to get Henry on the podcast to share his journey. Of course, it's difficult to go deep into all the various accomplishments in just one podcast episode, and we only just briefly covered the fact that Henry was the only participant at the Grand Depart of the inaugural Trans-Canada Bike Race in 2022, completing the event in 62 days. Only one other person has completed the event and that was Chris Bennett, who I had on the podcast way back in episode 35 in 2019, which goes to show just how tough it must have been. From triathlon to ironman, bike racing, bike touring and endurance racing, this conversation runs the gamut. Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Henri DoStrava: Henri DoFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. <a...

11 Heinä 20241h 51min

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