Justinas Leveika on Bikepacking and Racing the Bikepacking Triple Crown

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm sharing the conversation I had with Aaron Prasad a little while ago. Unfortunately, it took a bit of time to get it put out as things got crazy for a short while. Now that things are a bit more normal, I happy to release this conversation and share Aaron's journey as a plant-based athlete, lover of Colombia and all things bikepacking. What initially began as a small cycling adventure has grown into a desire to learn more about the country, continued exploration and the desire to challenge not only the mind, but also the body. In January of 2024, Aaron decided that he would embark on an adventure dubbed the 25x25 project. 2500km with 25,000m of elevation gain riding a huge loop through Colombia. As things got going it slowly morphed into what is now closer to 40x40. Tune in to hear Aaron's story.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 them at:Instagram: @aarononpurposeFacebook: Aaron PrasadFind 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...

18 Mars 20242h 11min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I record a Ridecast on my recent participation in the 200km Wendigo Fatbike Ultra, which took place on February 24th, 2024. Throughout the episode I talk my bike, setup, preparation and of course, the event itself. Finishing with a time of 18h 39m, this event pushed my limits for a variety of reasons. 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...

7 Mars 202446min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm excited to share with you a different type of adventurer. Namely, because she is so young, yet has accomplished some pretty epic adventures. When I first reached out to Scarlet and her dad Flint, they were immediately interested in sharing their journey on the podcast. Between Flint's job as a travelling musician and getting out on bike tours, Scarlet has been travelling and sleeping rough since she was a little baby. After graduating from tow-behind bikes, Scarlett started putting more and more miles into each adventure, having ridden the C&O canal, done a multi-week tour in the UK, and culminated the epicness of her adventures by riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route at the age of 13, beginning in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and ending in New Mexico, USA. Since the early days of Scarlett's bike adventures, this passion for two wheels continues to grow. I hope you enjoy this conversation as I go back and forth between father and daughter to try and catch the essence of their journey.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 them at:Instagram: Meadow to MountainFind 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...

21 Feb 20241h 56min

I this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I super excited to have had the opportunity to sit down with Kurt Refsnider, a professional ultra-endurance/backcountry mountain bike legend, record holder, route developer, advocate, cycling coach, geologist and also the co-founder and route director of Bikepacking Roots. If it's something bike related, there is a good chance Kurt has done it or is planning to do it. Some of Kurt's many cycling career highlights include but are not limited to: Winning the ITI, 8 wins and/or records on the AZT 300, 2 wins/records on the AZT 750, winning the Colorado Trail Race, winning the Tour Divide and finishing it 3 times, setting the FKT on the Kokopelli Trail 2 times, and setting the yet to be beaten FKT on the Grand Loop. With countless other adventures and races to his name, Kurt also became the first person to complete the Continental Divide Trail south bound. Kurt has recently finished writing a guidebook with all the important information you might want to know if you decide to take on the daunting Iditarod Trail. In today's episode, Kurt and I take a deep dive into touring this legendary route, going beyond just the gear that might be important to have, but also the preparation, logistics and mindset that you might need to account for. I hope you enjoy the episode.backcountry-mtb.comhttps://backcountry-mtb.com/routes/iditarod/ultraMTB.netEnjoying 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 them at:Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Website: UltraMTBFind 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...

18 Feb 20241h 38min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, we go Bikepacking Beyond Borders. Journeying into the unknown can be a daunting experience. Through this series, we will try to share tips, tricks and travel hacks to make travel in these countries as trouble free as possible, while also laying the foundation for an unforgettable adventure.In this episode of Bikepacking Beyond Borders, I am joined by Charlotte Plouvier, as she shares the ins and outs of travel in France, providing insight into the region and culture.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...

14 Feb 20241h 12min

Unpacking Bikepacking is going to be a regular segment on the podcast, where I will share my thoughts and insights into various bikepacking related subjects. I will share a bit about my personal journey through planning and training, talk about gear I've been experimenting with, discuss resources or kit I've come across, talk about my bikepacking setup and any changed I've made, review gear I've been using, share my 2 cents on current interest topics or opinions and of course, talk about my triumphs and failures. I hope you enjoy this segment, and if you have any comments, questions or ideas, please reach out and let me know.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. <a href="https://www.racedayfuel.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

28 Jan 20241h 41min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures podcast, I record a second episode with Ty Domin as we take a deep dive into bag making. I'm not exactly sure if Ty likes making bags more or riding bikes, but he is pretty passionate about the 2 of them. When Covid locked down the state he was living in in Australia, he, on a whim decided to pull out an old sewing machine and upcycle some old outdoor gear and make himself a bag. As it just so happens, he did a pretty good job, and had a blast. Over the next several years, Ty got more and more into bag making, bought bigger and better machines, and started selling bags to support his addiction, uhhhh, I mean hobby. I'm very stoked to have had a chance to speak with Ty again to learn the ins and outs of bag making, and for putting me on the right track to try something new. I hope you enjoy the episode and if you decide to go out and make a bag after this, feel free to shoot me a picture or send a message. Cheers.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 them at:Instagram: Yeah Nah Thread Works; Ty DominFacebook: FacebookFind 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.<a href="https://www.tailfin.cc/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

17 Jan 20241h 42min

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures podcast, I catch up with David and Didi mid-tour, while they break for Christmas in Cusco, Peru. I first learned about them quite a while before their adventure started, when they were still in the preparation stages and wanted some advice. Two months ago, David and Didi landed in Colombia to begin what they have dubbed Project Aire Libre, which roughly translates as the Free Air Project. Over the past two months, they have made their way south through Colombia, Ecuador and are now in Peru. Amazingly, David and Didi haven't been following the traditional bicycle touring route through South America, but have been stitching together their route using a variety of roads and trails. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed 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 ClubFind them at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectairelibre/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087603392647Find 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...

5 Jan 20242h 18min