From downhill racing to bikepacking | The story of Dominick Menard

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 Okt 20241h 58min

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 Sep 20242h 15min

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 Sep 20242h 28min

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 Sep 20241h 32min

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 Aug 20241h 23min

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 Aug 20242h 7min

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 Jul 20241h 51min