Cory Mortensen | The Buddha and the Bee: Biking through America’s forgotten roadways on an accidental journey of discovery

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I sit down once again with ultra-endurance athlete and writer Meaghan Hackinen, fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race. Over 1,954 kilometers and 28,000 meters of climbing through the rugged terrain of Kyrgyzstan, Meaghan not only finished the race, but she also crushed it, claiming 1st place in the women’s category and 10th overall, with a time of 9 days, 4 hours, and 6 minutes.This conversation dives deep into the final chapter of her year-long quest to complete the Mountain Race Series, which included the Atlas Mountain Race, the Hellenic Mountain Race, and now, the Silk Road Mountain Race. We explore the grit, gear, and mindset it takes to thrive in some of the world’s harshest conditions, from her bike setup and tire choices to sleep strategies and mental resilience.Whether you're a seasoned racer, a curious adventurer, or someone who just loves a good story of perseverance, this episode is a must listen. So, grab a drink, saddle up, and let's roll into Meaghan's journey across the mountains.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: @meaghanhackinenFacebook: Meaghan HackinenWebsite: Meaghan Hackinen – Writer, cyclist & adventure seekerFind 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 --> Redshift...

3 Nov 1h 20min

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today we’re diving into another round of Unpacking Bikepacking, a series where we ditch the polished narratives and get real about gear, grit, and the glorious chaos of bikepacking.Whether it’s the saddle that saved your soul or the mud puddle that swallowed your ego, we’re here to unpack it all. I’m joined once again by Carl Presseault, and trust me, we’ve got stories, hot takes, and maybe even a few questionable opinions to share.In this episode, we talk about gear that works, gear that hurts, and the rides that make you question your life choices—in the best way possible. Carl and I unpack our latest adventures, saddle experiments, folding bike debates, and the eternal search for the perfect route. It’s raw, real, and just the right amount of ridiculous. So, grab your coffee, clip in, and let’s roll into the wild world of bikepacking.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: Fork SauceFind 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 --> Redshift have 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...

10 Okt 2h

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian, a marketing exec turned solo bikepacking adventurer, whose journey across the rail trails of America began with a career detour and became a deliberate pursuit of clarity, connection, and challenge. From navigating rainforest mishaps and bear encounters to whitewater wipeouts and tornado warnings, Seb’s ride is anything but ordinary. We talk gear choices, e-bike debates, saddle woes, and the surprising joy of solitude. Whether you’re planning your own escape or just love a good story, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin when life throws you off course.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: thedeliberatedetourYouTube: The Deliberate DetourFind 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 --> Redshift have 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...

5 Okt 1h 39min

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm your host Chris Panasky, and today we’re diving into a story that redefines what it means to push limits. My guest today is Hannah Otto, a professional mountain biker, Olympic Long Team member, and the mastermind behind the Moab Triple Crown, a trilogy of iconic mountain bike routes across some of Utah’s most famous trails. In this episode, we unpack her recent Moab Triple Crown FKT, diving into each of the events, tasting disappointment and smashing records.But this isn’t just about speed, it’s about grit, solitude, and the kind of growth that only comes through suffering. We’ll explore Hannah’s upbringing, her evolution as an athlete, the mindset behind her self-imposed challenges, and what it means to chase something that no one else has done before. So, whether you're tuning in from the saddle or the sofa, get ready for a ride through resilience, strategy, and the raw beauty of pushing past your edge.Check out the videos by @competitivecyclist :The Whole Enchilada Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oErEWLGdPlIKokopelli Strong: https://youtu.be/Sq-kcxMBrVA?si=CI0696HareKv07GKWhite Rim FKT: https://youtu.be/vohBABimUoU?si=hDv3vEBHFY0DMjmUTo 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: Hannah Rae Otto (@thehannahotto)Facebook: Hannah OttoWebsite: hannahottotraining.comFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAM<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bikepack-adventures-podcast/id1464406852"...

29 Sep 1h 14min

🎙️ In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, we are sharing the story of a very personal journey—a 2-week family bike trip through Northern France, Belgium and Netherlands. Joined by my wife, who was taking on her first loaded bike tour, and our young daughter, we set out to explore the coastal charm, rich culture, and world-class cycling infrastructure of northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.Over the course of this episode, we'll walk you through the planning, gear choices, and daily rhythms of traveling as a family by bike. We'll reflect on what it was like to parent on the move, how we kept our child engaged, and how we adjusted our pace to match the needs of the whole crew.Along the way, we discovered vibrant cities like Bruges, The Hague, Breda, Antwerp and Ghent, stumbled into memorable meals, and met locals who reminded us why bike touring is such a powerful way to connect with the world. Whether you’re planning your first family tour or just curious about what it’s like to ride with a toddler in tow, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and a few laughs from the road.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 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 --> Redshift have 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

20 Sep 1h 34min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I sit down with Skyler Bolks to talk about his recent Jokes and Spokes Tour, a 1000-mile bikepacking journey that took him from comedy venue to comedy venue across the American Midwest. Skyler shares the inspiration behind this unconventional fusion of stand-up comedy and long-distance cycling, and how he used the tour not only to test his endurance but to explore new ways of connecting with audiences.We dive into the mental and physical preparation that went into the ride, the gear choices that helped him balance performance and practicality, and the challenges of performing after long days in the saddle. Skyler also opens up about life on the road—where he slept, how he recovered, and the unexpected encounters that shaped the experience.From his background as a college athlete and his evolution as a comic, to the emotional highs and lows of solo touring, Skyler offers a unique perspective on what it means to chase your creative passions by bike. Whether you're a cyclist, a performer, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode is packed with humor, insight, and inspiration.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: https://www.instagram.com/skylerbolksFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylerBolks YouTube: Comedian Skyler Bolks - YouTubeWebsite: Skyler BolksFind 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 -->...

28 Aug 1h 25min

In this podcast episode, Meaghan Hackinen discusses her recent participation in the Hellenic Mountain Race, and her preparation for the upcoming Silk Road Mountain Race. She shares personal anecdotes and insights from these experiences, such as why she chose flat bars over drop bars for this particular event, the challenges she faced with weather conditions and gear malfunctions, and her strategies for handling sleep and fatigue during multi-day races. Meaghan also delves into the emotional and mental aspects of endurance racing, explaining how her background in sports like rugby, roller derby, and long-distance touring has helped shape her resilience and approach to ultra-endurance cycling.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: Meaghan HackinenFacebook: Meaghan HackinenWebsite: Meaghan Hackinen – Writer, cyclist & adventure seekerFind 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 noreferrer"...

29 Jul 1h 36min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I connect with Nathan Siemans to talk about the Lost Elephant and the Cold Ride. Originally called the Kootenay Gravel Grinder, the name was changed to The Lost Elephant to help people recognize that it was far from being just a gravel ride. As bikepacking was gaining in popularity, more and more people were coming out to ride the event, often without realizing that a gravel bike with 40c tires wasn't going to cut it. Through the involvement of Nathan and a handful of other volunteers, they helped grow a bikepacking event that changes the route each year, creating a new challenge for those that continue to show up time and again.In the latter part of our discussion, Nathan also shared his passion for fatbiking, and his plan behind creating a challenging winter race that allows people to test themselves in the harshest of conditions. With winter 2025 being the first running of the event, it was great to hear how it came to be and what aspects of creating this event were the most challenging.I hope you enjoyed the episode and if you are a fan of this podcast, consider supporting it through Patreon.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: @yepyepnotnopeWebsite: Lost ElephantFind 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...

9 Jul 1h 32min