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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Meaghan Hackinen | 2024 Tour Divide 1st Woman Overall

Meaghan Hackinen | 2024 Tour Divide 1st Woman Overall

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I catch up with Meaghan Hackinen, the first woman across the line in the 2024 Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race (7th overall), becoming the first woman to complete the Tour Divide Grand Depart event under 16 days, with a finishing time of 15d 23h 00m.Meaghan Hackinen is a British Columbia-based ultra-cyclist, bikepacker, and writer whose two-wheeled adventures have taken her from Haida Gwaii to Mexico’s high plateaus, across Canada and the United States, and from North Cape to Tarifa along some of Europe’s highest paved roads. She is a multi-faceted rider with a dozen women’s wins, several FKTs, as well as the course record at the World 24-Hour Time Trial Championships. Meaghan has an MFA in Creative Writing and is the author of South Away: The Pacific Coast on Two Wheels, a Kobo Emerging Writing Prize nominee, and Shifting Gears: Coast to Coast on the Trans Am Bike Race. She was the overall winner of the 2021 BC Epic 1000, 2023 Buckshot and Lost Elephant. In 2024, Meaghan was the first woman across the line in the Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race, Ozark Gravel Doom (3rd overall) and Buckshot (8th overall).I first got to know Meaghan when she was on the podcast in episode 120, was back in 2021. Meaghan was also the keynote speaker at the inaugural Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit in 2023 and I was fortunate to host her for the month she spent in the region while getting out on some bikepacking adventures. It was awesome to follow her on this journey along the Tour Divide, not just as a dot watcher, but also through her captivating social media posts that allowed us a glimpse into her days on the bike.Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Huge thank you to Marcus Walter for recently joining as a Patreon supporter.Thank you to Marcos Axelsson for supporting through Paypal.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 Meaghan at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaghanhackinen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meaghanhackinen Website: https://meaghanhackinen.com/Author Page/Books: <a href="https://newestpress.com/authors/meaghan-marie-hackinen" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

11 Heinä 20241h 11min

Indiana Schulz | Cycling Kindness

Indiana Schulz | Cycling Kindness

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I catch up with Indiana Schulz, while he is taking a few days off in Anchorage, Alaska after starting his 7 years around the world Cycling Kindness Adventure on May 15th. Indiana's journey into bikepacking began in the mid-2010s and in that time he has competed in and completed some of the toughest bikepacking races in the United States, including the Bikepacking Triple Crown, which refers to the completion of all three classic dirt bikepacking routes in the USA: the Arizona Trail Race, Great Divide Mountain Bike Race, and the Colorado Trail Race. On the tail end of these adventures, Indiana decided to follow his passion and to go on a multi-year bikepacking trip around the world so as to share his most valuable resource with the people he meets along the way: kindness. I hope you enjoy this episode, and if you happen to live in the general area of where Indiana will be cycling, don't hesitate to reach out and take some time to ride bikes with him.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: Indiana Schulz ‘Indy’Trackleaders: 7 years around the world live tracking 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...

1 Heinä 20241h 35min

Fred Chagnon | Randonneuring for Bikepackers

Fred Chagnon | Randonneuring for Bikepackers

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I chat with Fred Chagnon about a cycling specific sport that is fairly new to me: randonneuring. Fred got started in Randonneuring during the pandemic 4 years ago and is now wholly invested and wants to promote the growth of the sport, for a variety of reasons which we will discuss today. In many ways Randonneuring isn't so different from bikepacking, and in today's discussion, Fred and I share our insights into our respective worlds. Not surprisingly, the two sports have a lot in common and can actually work together quite well as a means of training.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: Fred ChagnonFacebook: Fred ChagnonFind 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.<a...

17 Kesä 20241h 43min

Unpacking Bikepacking | Gear, Bike Setup and More with Salty Beard Adventures

Unpacking Bikepacking | Gear, Bike Setup and More with Salty Beard Adventures

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm joined by Rob Biron, better known as Salty Beard Adventures as we record the latest episode of Unpacking Bikepacking. In this series, we go over some of the gear we are using, discuss our biking plans, training wins and fails, things we are doing without setups and more. Hope you enjoy.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: Salty Beard AdventuresFacebook: Salty Bear AdventuresYouTube: Salty Beard Adventures - 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 when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.Brockton...

9 Kesä 20241h 35min

Boban Chaldovich | Bikepacking Mexico and Another 100,000km

Boban Chaldovich | Bikepacking Mexico and Another 100,000km

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm thrilled to be recording an in-person podcast episode while sitting in the podcast studio I build in my garage. Sometimes things just work out and this happened to be the case with Boban Chaldovich, a Montreal based bikepacker with nearly 30 years' experience of bike travel. It just so happened that Boban was cycling home from Toronto, after a 6500km bikepacking trip in the Balkans, Colombia and Mexico. Having cycled over 100,000km since the mid-90's it was really exciting to have a chance to sit back, hear about some of his early travels, talk bikes and even pause the episode mid-way through just so I could go look at his setup once again. I hope you all enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did recording it.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: Facebook: YouTube: 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.<a href="https://www.brocktoncyclery.com/" rel="noopener...

16 Touko 20241h 51min

Mat & Ali | Trip Longer

Mat & Ali | Trip Longer

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I talk with Mat and Ali about their upcoming plan to cycle across Canada following the Great Northern Bikepacking Route. Mat and Ali both found themselves living in British Columbia, enjoying the outdoors in every which way. Ali was a seasoned mountain biker when she met Mat and learned about his passion for bike travel. It wasn't long before she caught the proverbial bug and joined him on a cross-Canada adventure. Last year while taking on the Eastern Divide Trail, they joked about riding the Great Northern Bikepacking Route, the longest point to point bikepacking route in the world, coming in at just under 15000km. Less than a year later, here they are, preparing to take on their longest and grandest adventure yet. I should warn you that there was some clicking sounds coming through in the recording and that we had to re-record the second half of the interview in order to get it done right. Thanks again for your time.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: M A T & A L I || Canadian Adventure CyclistsFacebook: Trip LongerYouTube: Trip LongerWebsite: Trip LongerFind 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...

8 Touko 20241h 43min

2024 Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit

2024 Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I go into depth about the upcoming Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit. This is the only Canadian based bikepacking summit, giving participants a whole weekend of group rides, presentations, activities and prizes. Hope to see you all there.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 Club 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. Use the affiliate link and they will give Bikepack Adventures a little something in return.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.Brockton Cyclery --> Brockton Cyclery is a full-service shop in Toronto's west end. We cater to cyclists of every stripe. Whether you're commuting to work or prepping for the Tour Divide, we've got you covered. We strive to ensure that Brockton Cyclery is a safe and inclusive environment. 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 BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.<a...

29 Huhti 202424min

Unpacking Bikepacking #4 | Making Your Gravel Bike into the Perfect Gravel Bikepacking Rig

Unpacking Bikepacking #4 | Making Your Gravel Bike into the Perfect Gravel Bikepacking Rig

In the 4th episode of Unpacking Bikepacking I dive into the some of the common issues that gravel bike riders have while taking on various bikepacking adventures, and how to make that gravel bike into the perfect rig for bikepacking. Throughout the episode I look into various things, such as suspension, handlebars, fenders, tire setup, and 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 ClubFind 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. Use the affiliate link and they will give Bikepack Adventures a little something in return.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.Brockton Cyclery --> Brockton Cyclery is a full-service shop in Toronto's west end. We cater to cyclists of every stripe. Whether you're commuting to work or prepping for the Tour Divide, we've got you covered. We strive to ensure that Brockton Cyclery is a safe and inclusive environment. 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 BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.<a...

6 Huhti 202452min

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