Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike (Mel Webb)

Yahoo! Episode 1 of Detours is here. We finally sit down to share what this show will be about, why we love ultra cycling/bikepacking, and some tales from the trail. You'll also get a teaser as to who our guest will be for Episode 2 but you'll have to listen to get that piece of info ;)

Throughout the episode, we mentioned a number of links that we think you'll love. First off some shameless self-promo:

• Follow Mel & Cynthia on Instagram
• Subscribe to Cynthia's YouTube channel - she captures seriously stunning videos of her racing and shares a wealth of knowledge on ultra cycling
• Watch Cynthia's Memory Bike YouTube Videos, an ultra-cycling race in Italy!
• Cynthia's hardtail set up for Memory Bike
• Memory Bike part 1
• Memory Bike part 2

Need some entertainment while riding your bike? Listen to Normal Gossip, we promise you'll be giggling as much as we are on the bike.

If you have an idea for a guest or topic you'd love covered on the podcast we'd love to hear from you. You can DM either of us on Instagram or email us at thedetourspodcast@gmail.com

Thanks so much for listening and don't forget to review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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With less than a week to go to the 2023 edition of Badlands, we're joined by 2021 female winner, Marion Dziwnik (@supermajon on Instagram). A full-time scientist and accomplished ultra racer, Marion shares more about her cycling journey and her 2021 Badlands win, as well as how she balances a demanding career and this time-intensive niche of cycling.

If you're racing this year's edition, be sure to check out Cynthia's What Not To Do At Badlands video on Youtube. And if you're not racing, be sure to join in on the action by dotwatching here.

If you loved this episode, please don't forget to give us a follow, rate and review. Thanks for listening and see you next time!

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In this episode Cynthia shares the behind the scenes of her iconic win.

Badlands has made a name for itself as Europe's wildest gravel challenge — an unsupported ultracycling gravel: 800km +16.000m across the only deserts in Europe, the wild coast of Cabo de Gata and the highest Col in the continent, Pico Veleta at 3.396m. After finishing second behind Lael Wilcox in 2022, our very own co-host Cynthia was determined to improve on her performance from last year. And that she did, securing the win in under 48 hours and finishing 8th overall.

Interested in racing Badlands next year? Check out Cynthia's "What Not To Do at Badlands" video on Youtube for valuable insights on how to prepare.

As always, thanks for listening and be sure to follow us to stay in the loop on all future episodes:

• Detours on Instagram
• Cynthia on Instagram
• Mel on Instagram

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Everybody loves Abe! Abe Kaufman is potentially the nicest person we'll ever have on the podcast and has numerous FKTs to boot. In this episode we chat with Abe about his most recent FKT, the Trans Northern Georgia Adventure, in addition to his self-care routine on the bike and recent races.

If you're in the market for a pair of down booties, Abe graciously shared the link to the pair that he raved about in today's episode.

If you'd like to keep up with Abe's adventures, check him out on Instagram

If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review the show as it helps us reach more listeners.

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Katya Rakhmatulina has been on fire this season, finishing second at The Tour Divide and winning the Colorado Trail, setting a new women’s FKT in the process. She’s also wicked smart — an engineer by day, modelling natural disasters. 

We had so many good laughs chatting with Katya, from her humble bike touring routes to rummaging through garbage cans on this years Tour Divide. 

Keep up to date with Katya's happening by following her on Instagram @kat__yea

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Fresh off her win at the Silver State 508, a Race Across America Qualifier, we sat down with Canadian ultra-endurance cyclist and author, Meaghan Hackinen. This episode is a little longer than normal, and for good reason. We went deep with Meaghan on her humble beginnings in the sport, lessons from the road and tips for folks new to the off-road scene.

To support Meaghan consider purchasing one her books Shifting Gears and South Away — we can't wait to read them!

Make sure to follow Meaghan on Instagram to keep up with her latest adventures.

Trigger warning: Meaghan did briefly share a story that touches on suicide from 21:00 to 25:00.

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If you've dotwatched any ultra-races in recent years or kept up with social media, you've likely seen Nils' photos. But the photos of riders and their triumphs only tell one part of the story. In this episode, we sit down with photographer Nils Laengner. We dive behind the scenes of what goes into getting those stunning shots and the nuances of photographing these unsupported bikepacking events. From jumping out of a moving car in Kyrgyzstan to navigating the emotional complexities of races of this magnitude, this episode is full of wild stories. 

Make sure to follow Nils on Instagram to keep up with his work.

As always, don't forget to rate, review and share — it helps us more than you know!

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Be prepared to be hit with a heavy dose of inspiration — Allan Shaw is a breath of fresh air. In a world where we are constantly being marketed the latest and greatest tech to power our adventures, Allan has challenged what many think are possible on a bike, most recently completing the infamous Silk Road Mountain Race on a cargo bike. From early days as a bike messenger, to touring across the United States (three times!!!), to his travels around the globe and navigating different cultures as an openly gay person, there is something for everyone in this episode.

Check out Allan's company, Gay's Okay and be sure to follow him on Instagram to keep up with his adventures.

If you loved this episode, please consider leaving us a five star review — it helps more than you know.

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A retired English and Creative Writing teacher, Robin Todd started bikepacking in the 80s and has since ridden across Canada and the United States. At 58 years old she has a wealth of experience. She shares stories of her origins on the bike, and how her relationship with it has changed over the years, and her hopes for a more inclusive cycling community.

To read more about Robin's adventures visit her website, where she shares beautiful recounts at the end of each day when she's on the road.

If you loved this episode, be sure to leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen and consider becoming a supporter.

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Our last episode for 2023 and thought it was about time the two of us took to the hot seat and answered some of your questions. We share how we found ultra, navigating sponsorship deals, dream races, goals for ourselves and the podcast and more.

We're so grateful for everyone who has tuned in and helped us get the show off the ground. It's been a blast and we can't wait to see where 2024 takes us.

If you love the show, please take a moment to share this episode with a friend and leave us a review. It helps more than you know. You can support us even further and buy us a coffee to help offset our overhead.

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We're officially back for 2024! January and February will mainly be occupied with Atlas Mountain Race content so buckle up.

In this episode we are joined by Molly Weaver, former professional road cyclist turned ultra rider. Not only is Molly a talented rider, she is a community builder and determined to get more women into the ultra cycling and bikepacking scene. She shares loads about her transition away from the world tour peloton, the races she's tackled so far and much more.

If you're interested in Molly's ultra camps you can check them out here and be sure to give her a follow on Instagram to stay up to date with her latest adventures.

If you loved this episode please leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening and consider buying us a coffee!

Thanks as always for listening!

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We're officially into racing season over here at Detours. Cynthia and Mel will be toeing the line of the Atlas Mountain Race kicking off on February 9 and what better way to get ready than to host last year's women's winner, Luisa Werner. She shares about her winning ride — from the crash that resulted in a major mechanical, to injury, and doing things your own way, this episode will surely get you in the dotwatching or racing mood.

Follow Luisa on Instagram to keep follow her 2024 cycling plans @luisasophiewer

There's a few ways you can follow Mel and Cynthia on their journey through the Atlas Mountains

• Follow along on Instagram @melwwebb and @watt_wagon
• Watch our dots https://amr24.maprogress.com/

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It's officially the week of Atlas Mountain Race! We're joined by special guest host, Allan Shaw, who interviews us on our preparations for the race, expectations, and much more. Expect a lot of giggles, hot tips on navigating the race from Allan (who raced in 2023), and a not-so secret announcement!

The not so secret announcement? We'll be producing a daily podcast in partnership with Atlas Mountain race, that will be hosted on their feed. Search for "The Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race Podcast" wherever you listen, or click the links below for Spotify and Apple.

Listen to the AMR podcast on Spotify

Listen to the AMR podcast on Apple Podcasts

Racing kicks off at 6PM local time and there's plenty of places to catch the action.

• Dotwatch here
• Follow Mel on Instagram for live updates
• Follow Cynthia on Instagram

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A small but mighty field of women will be starting the fourth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race. We were fortunate enough to hear from nearly all of them ahead of the start. These incredible individuals share what they’re most excited about and what challenges they are likely to face. Each of them has a unique story, and we hope by shining a spotlight on the women’s field it will encourage more to line up next year or to take on their own challenge. 

You can follow our dots on MapProgress - www.amr24.maprogress.com

We’ve put together a list of the women featured in this episode so you can track them on the map by cap number. They are organized here in the same order as they appear in the episode. 

Cat Magill - 183

Christiana Tamburini - 173

Cynthia Carson - 172

Hannah Larbalestier - 140

Hannah Simon - 139

Harriet Wingfield - 314A

Marika Latsone - 101

Marion Dziwnik - 99

'Masca Lu Wahlig - 130

Megan Casebow - 309A

Melina Boening - 84

Mel Webb - 85

Molly Weaver - 79

Nathalie Baillon - 78

Quinda Verheul - 56

Sarah Heller - 306A

Shona Oldfield - 305A

Veera Lahde - 6

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We're baaack! Today on the show we share more about our time in Morocco for the Atlas Mountain Race, as well as answer your questions about the race. Let us know what you think of this episode and if there's anything we missed - it's always a challenge post event to synthesize our thoughts and cover it all.

As always thanks for being here! If you loved today's episode please consider leaving us a five star review, or buying us a coffee. Every little bit helps us continue to produce the show.

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While she's a relative new comer to the world of off-road ultra racing, Nathalie Baillon hardly needs any introduction. She has a laundry list of accolades, including a joint first at Silk Road Mountain Race in August 2023, the fastest woman to ride across Europe, and more. It was such a treat to get to chat with her and learn more about how she found her footing in the sport and where she's hoping to go from here.

To keep up with Nathalie's adventures, follow her on Instagram.

Thanks for all your love and support as always. If you loved today's episode please leave us a five star review wherever you tune in and consider pledging $5 to support the show.

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Show Notes

Meg Knobel is the organizer (or as you’ll come to learn, “disorganizer”) of the wildly popular bikepacking event in Southern California, Stagecoach 400. From her first experiences tackling the route, to taking the reins from Brendan Collier in 2019, Meg was an absolute joy to chat with. She talks about hosting the first Grand Depart and how her confidence grew over time, and gives us a behind the scenes look at just how much effort goes into putting on these Grand Departs. This year’s edition of Stagecoach 400 kicks off March 29th at 8AM PDT in Idyllwild California. 

Follow Stagecoach400 on Instagram

Dotwatch this year’s Stagecoach

The Stagecoach 400 route

00:00 Quick catchup w/ Mel & Cynthia

09:10 Interview with Meg

13:20 Meg's Background and Stagecoach 400

33:55 Hosting the First Grand Depart vs. Now

42:39 Advice for Folks Touring the Route

57:16 Planning and Organizing the Event

01:01:58 The “Perfect” Bike for Stagecoach 400

01:05:04 Why Keep the Event Unsanctioned

01:19:37 Fun Banter you don’t want to miss out on 

01:29:26 Giving Stagecoach Tattoos

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Jenny Tough is a woman who hardly needs an introduction. A quick Google search will pull up a laundry list of accomplishments in the outdoors — from winning the Silk Road Mountain Race (twice!), to running across a mountain range on six continents, to publishing two books. While each of these accomplishments is exceptional in its own right, Jenny remains humble, honest and dedicated to making space for other women in the outdoors.

Our conversation is wide reaching; from her first bike trip to the Yukon where she carried handwritten notes to help her fix mechanicals, to becoming one of the most prolific women in bikepack racing, to putting her career on pause for two years to heal her eating disorder. While we do spend some time on serious topics, we had so much fun in this conversation and are grateful for Jenny's humour and sharing so candidly.

Warning: We discuss disordered eating and exercise dependency from approximately 1:00:00 to 1:18:00, so please skip this section if you need.

You can stay up to date on Jenny’s adventure on Instagram and read more of her writing on her Substack.

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This week we step just outside the world of ultra, and into the world of long distance gravel racing. For folks who follow the gravel scene, you may already be familiar with Sarah Sturm. Sarah Sturm is one of the top gravel racers in the world, with podium finishes at events like Unbound 200 and Traka 360. While these events aren't ultras in their own right, they can often be gateway events for many folks, and there is so much we can learn from Sarah. Known for her bubbly personality, she shared insights into her transition away from cyclocross and mountain bike racing, to longer events, how she has built a career out of racing her bike and created a program to help pave the way for other women to become professionals in the sport.

This year Sarah will be racing both the Gravel Earth and Life Time Grand Prix series. You can follow along with her season over on Instagram.

If you loved this episode please leave us a five star review and consider making a pledge to help us keep producing episodes.

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Quinda is an artist, photographer and ultra-distance cyclist from the Netherlands. She's taken on some of the hardest bikepacking races in the world, including the Atlas Mountain Race, Silk Road Mountain Race and taking the women's win at the inaugural Hellenic Mountain Race in 2023. While on first meeting Quinda has a gentle demeanour, below the surface she is tenacious and one of the hardier ultra cyclists out there. This conversation is wide reaching, from her entry into ultra cycling, the relationship between her art practice and riding, to traumatic brain injuries and her dreams for the future. It flew by, and while we could have talked forever, we think it's a wonderful introduction to the magnificent woman that is Quinda Verheul.

To keep up with her adventures follow her on Instagram @avoidtheavoid

If you loved this episode please leave us a five star review wherever you listen.

If you have the means please consider supporting the show so we can keep bringing you episodes like this one.

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Hannah Simon is one of those people that make you feel like anything is possible. She has a can do attitude and is a downright joy to be around. Since toeing the line of her first ultra in 2021, and snagging a joint first place to boot, she’s tackled some of the most iconic events on the bikepacking calendar. In February 2024 she rounded out the podium at the Atlas Mountain Race as the third woman to cross the finish line. Not six months prior she completed the bikepacking Triple Crown — The Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race and Arizona Trail Race. And while each of these accomplishments is impressive in it’s own right, Hannah is known for using the bicycle as a tool for good, riding to raise funds for causes that truly make the world a better place.

Hannah shares the highs and lows of her past season, her unexpected beginnings into bikes, life working at Chumba and so much more.

To keep up with Hannah’s adventures, give her a follow on Instagram @hannahmsimon_

If you loved this episode please leave us a five star review wherever you listen and consider supporting the show through our Buy Me a Coffee.

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Kicking off May 25, 31 women will race the 11th edition of the Highland Trail 550, a self-supported bikepacking race through the Scottish highlands.

We were fortunate enough to hear from over half of the women who will be setting off. Each has their own unique story and shares about their journey to the start line and what they're looking forward to getting out of the experience.

As always we hope this episode inspires more women to take on their own adventures.

Watch the pink dots as they travel around the highlands on Trackleaders.

Support the show by leaving us a 5 star review or buying us a coffee

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It's a bittersweet day over here at Detours as we're airing our last episode hosted by both Mel and Cynthia. As you'll hear in today's episode, Cynthia is stepping away from the podcast to focus on her budding career as a full time professional ultra racer. She shares more about what's next, bouncing back from setbacks this spring and preparing for the big target of the year, the Transcontinental Race.

We couldn't be more grateful to Cynthia for everything she's contributed to the show and can't wait to see her shine in this next chapter! The show will continue to go on hosted by Mel, with the same mission of getting more folks who identify as women on bikes.

Thank you for continuing to support the show, it truly means the world.

Keep up with Cynthia's adventures on Youtube and Instagram

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Today on the show we have Weronika Szalas. For the last 5 years she's been living life by bike, touring solo as a woman around Europe. While Weronika is no stranger to riding her bike long distances, she rarely races, and was recently the fastest woman to complete the inaugural edition of the Accursed Race. The Accursed Race is a 1600km off-road bikepacking race in the Balkans, created by the team behind the infamous Transcontinental Race.

Weronika shares about her experience racing through the Balkans, how much of what she's learned from touring translates well into racing and more about her life on the bike. This was such a chill lovely chat and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

She's well worth a follow on instagram as she posts stunning photos of her travels and has definitely inspired me to travel solo more by bike. You can follow her at https://www.instagram.com/weronika.szalas/

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At the end of May 2024, Austin Killips set a blisteringly rapid overall fastest known time on the Arizona Trail. She bested the previous record held by Alex Schulz of 9 days 5 hours and 43 minutes, reaching the Arizona/Utah border in a time of 8 days 23 hours 27 minutes. And while completing the route in the first place is an incredible feat, this was Austin's first ever bikepacking race. Today on the show she shares more about her foray into the world of ultra endurance bikepack racing from navigating all of the gear, to planning her effort and where she hopes to go in the sport.

If you want to support her endeavours, please consider subscribing to her Patreon and you can keep up with her adventures on Instagram.

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The Tour Divide is currently in full swing and Detours alum Meaghan Hackinen is currently leading the women's race and hovering at record pace. Be sure to check out her episode on Detours wherever you get your podcasts.

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At 9:25AM on June 27th, Justinas' Leveika arrived at the USA/Mexico border in Antelope Wells after 13 days 2 hours and 16 minutes, winning this years edition of the Tour Divide and setting a new record in the process. In this episode we dive into his historic record breaking ride, and how he managed to "fix his mistakes from last year" and just what this ride means to him. He's fondly known as the nicest guy in bikepacking, and I think you'll understand why after listening to this episode. We had so many great laughs and there's no shortage of inspiration served up in this conversation.

Follow Justinas' on Instagram @justin.and.bikes to keep up with his racing and see what he gets up to next.

If you loved today's episode, please leave us a five star review and consider buying me a coffee to help keep the show going.

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Thrilled to bring you this conversation with your 2024 women's winner of the Tour Divide, Meaghan Hackinen. Meg won this year's women's race in a time of 15 days 23 hours, setting the fastest women's time on a grand depart and the second fastest women's time in history. If you were following this year's race you'll know that the conditions were gnarly, with snow storms in the early stages and electrical storms further south. In this episode Meg gives us the full run down on her ride and what it took to reach Antelope Wells as the first woman.

Meaghan is also the author of two books, South Away and Shifting Gears, which just came out as an audiobook. Be sure to check them out and consider purchasing as that's a great way to support Meaghan's adventures.

Follow Meaghan on Instagram

If you loved this episode please subscribe wherever you're listening, leave a rating and consider buying me a coffee to help keep producing the show.

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It's so much fun to have two people in an interview, so I'm stoked to share that you'll be hearing more of Quinda's voice on the show, as she'll be joining as a guest co-host on some upcoming episodes. There will still be plenty of episodes where I'm (Mel) the host, but it's such a joy to have another conversation partner and to collaborate with another woman in the space.

Today we catch up on Highland Trail 550, prepping for Silk Road and all the things in between since it's been a while the two of us chatted. Quinda puts on the hat of interviewer and asked me some questions which was super fun. Tune in for some good banter, and Quinda's hot tips on mastering the art of the resupply.

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Stoked to catch up with my good friend Mateo Paez. 2022 was Mateo's first attempt at any ultra endurance bikepacking race and that experience quickly changed his life. Over the past two years he's gone head first into the world of ultracycling, writing his own story and tackling these rides with his unique approach, fondly referring to this niche sport as "Competitive Exploration". He raced this year's Tour Divide and finished the route from Banff to Antelope Wells in 17 days 22 hours 17 minutes.

Today we chat through his experience as a rookie on the Tour Divide and more on his approach to racing. He shares many fantastic tails from the trail, as well as some particularly vulnerable person reflections that happened along the way and just how much these rides have the power to transform your life.

To keep up with Mateo's adventures check him out on Instagram @whatswrongwithpaez_

He also does a fantastic job of sharing post race write ups on his website https://ultrapaez.com/, where he also shared his Tour Divide Kit List

If you loved this episode subscribe to the show wherever you listen and leave us a five star review. It goes a long way in supporting what we do!

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Hannah Simon took the women's win at this year's Silk Road Mountain Race, in a time of 8 days 20 hours and 16 minutes. She navigated the 1939km and 30,000m+ with determination, resilience and grace. Not only was she the first woman home, but also landed 9th overall in an exceptionally deep field. In this episode we talk all about her preparation and the race itself. She shares so many great nuggets about her own personal hygiene, her kit and so much more. It was an absolute joy to get to record this episode in person together and to celebrate her achievement.

Stay up to date on Hannah's adventures by following her on Instagram.

If you loved today's episode please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen.

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Stoked to bring you this conversation with the winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race, Joe Nation. Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, Joe went on to win this year's 1939km edition of the race in 6 days 18 hours and 10 minutes. The race was exceptionally tight until the final 48 hours, where Joe made a tactical move in the Arabel Valley and a strong push over the infamous Shamsi pass to solidify his lead.

In this episode Joe shares the ins and outs of his ride — from his reccy mission before the race, to his rocky first day and how he had to readjust his plans and stay patient in order to make it through.

A massive thanks to Joe for taking the time to chat and hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Be sure to give Joe a follow on Instagram as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel.

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Stephen Shelesky is commercial outdoors photographer who has shot for some of the biggest brands in the space and some of the world's best skiiers. He's also an ultra racer. Just one week before he was meant to race the Silk Road Mountain Race for the second time, he was asked to join the media team and photograph the race instead. This would be his first time shooting a bikepacking event.

In this conversation Stephen shares all about diving into these uncharted waters, giving us a sneak peak into life in the media car and ultimately a new perspective on how impactful these events can be on our lives.

Equal parts inspiring and entertaining, Stephen was an absolute delight to talk to.

You can check out more of his work on Instagram or on his website.

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Jade Simpson-Field is an adventurer and bikepacker from Leeds who’s made a habit of squeezing in massive adventures around her "normal boring life." Jade’s love for riding her bike is infectious and she’s no stranger to tackling some of the toughest endurance races out there (all while wearing sandals!)—even when imposter syndrome tries to creep in.

We talk about her journey into bikepacking, from her early days riding in Vietnam to racing the Highland Trail 550 (twice!) and her goal of becoming the first person to complete the Lakeland 200 in all four seasons. She also talks about placing third at this year’s Silk Road Mountain Race and what motivates her to push on, even in the hardest moments.

Jade’s story is packed with relatable moments, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration. Thank you Jade and we can't wait to see what you get up to next!

You can keep up with Jade's adventures on Instagram

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This past year Emma Missale has burst onto the bikepack racing scene, landing herself second on the podium at both the Hellenic and Silk Road Mountain Races. By day, Emma is a bike messenger in Copenhagen and is a three time bike messenger world champion! In this episode she shares all about life as a bike messenger, how she found bikepacking and everything she's learned in her first year racing ultras.

Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram to keep up with her adventures @shotti_e

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Justinas is back on Detours sharing all about his wild 2024 season where he set a new record on the Triple Crown of bikepacking: The Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race and Arizona Trail Race. Justinas completed all three of these races in a cumulative time of 25 days, 5 hours, and 30 minutes (2d:13h:3m ahead of Jay Petervary’s record from 2015). We caught up while he was recovering in Arizona just a few days after winning the Arizona Trail Race. We shared so many good laughs about his season and everything it took to complete these races. From eating a double cheese burger at the bottom of the grand canyon, to sourcing a ground sheet from construction sites to managing disappointment from route closures, this conversation covers it all.

To keep up to date with Justinas' adventures be sure to give him a follow on Instagram.

If you loved today's episode, please leave us a five star review and share the episode with a friend. It truly does help this show get in the ears of more listeners.

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In this episode, we chat with Leanne Bentley, an ultra-distance cyclist and creative living in the Netherlands. She is also the maker behind the bikepacking bags of Carrie Gere. Originally from the UK, Leanne shares her path from childhood cycling clubs to taking on the world of ultra-racing. She gives us a peek into her early cycling days with fun stories from car parks and grass track racing, and explains how the pandemic led her to discover bikepacking.

Leanne opens up about the lessons from her first races, gear mishaps, and how she balances her cycling with running a creative business and designing custom bikepacking bags.

To keep up with Leanne's adventures follow her on Instagram, as well as her latest bag developments at Carrie Gere.

If you loved this episode please leave us a five star review and don't forget to share this episode with a friend. You can even go one step further and pledge your support on our Buy Me a Coffee.

Thanks as always for listening and we'll see you next week.

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In this episode, Mel chats with Theo Kelsey-Verdecchia, ultra-endurance cyclist and creator of the Golden Horseshoe bikepacking route in Ontario. Theo shares how he designed this epic 1,600 km route to showcase Ontario’s hidden gems—from rugged singletrack to remote backcountry trails. He talks about racing vs. touring mindsets, balancing challenge with accessibility, and the joys of discovering unexpected resupply stops. Tune in for a conversation about route creation, adventure, and pushing personal limits.

If you want to keep up with Theo's adventures and stayed up to date on his plans for the inaugural Golden Horseshoe event, follow him on Instagram

In an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey and share your honest feedback on the show. Thank you in advance for the time and help to grow this show ❤️

As always, if you loved this episode please leave us a five star review, follow the show and share it with a friend. Even better, you can make a one time pledge of your support and any funds go back into creating this show.

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When I think of women in bikepacking, Alexandera Houchin is one of the first people that comes to mind. She’s raced the Tour Divide countless time and been a steadfast figure in encouraging more women to take on these big challenges. As an Indigenous woman and member of the Fond du Lac tribe, becoming a sponsored athlete, heck an athlete at all, was not necessarily a pathway she saw for herself growing up.

She joins me on the podcast to share about her journey to the bike, and how she’s made a career of this niche sport. We discuss what keeps her returning to these races year after year, her experiences navigating body image as someone with a bigger body, and how she’s redefining what success looks like in this next chapter of her career. Alexandera shares incredible insights on community, representation, and how showing up with her full heart have shaped her path in bikepacking.

Trigger Warning: We discuss topics related to body image and disordered eating between the 19:00 and 25:00 marks. If these are sensitive topics for you please feel free to skip this portion of the episode.

To keep up with Alexandera’s adventures follow her on Instagram @alexanderahouchin and read her writing on her Substack

In an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey and share your honest feedback on the show — your support is so appreciated ❤️

As always, if you loved this episode, please leave us a review, follow wherever you listen and share it with a friend. Even better you can make a one time pledge of your support and any funds raised go back into creating this show.

A big thank you to Ben Crannell for mixing the audio for this episode.

You can find us on Instagram @detourscycling and Mel @melwwebb

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We’ve got some big news! I am so so stoked to share that Detours is now presented by Albion Cycling. They’ve been fans of the show since day one and to have their support feels pretty darn cool.

In this solo episode, I reflect on a transformative 2024—a year defined by big goals, unexpected detours and a ton of personal grown.

Through listener questions, I share more about the ups and downs of racing, how I balance work, life, and ultra-endurance training and everything in between. I also share what I’m most excited about for the year ahead.

I’d love your feedback on today’s episode — what did you think? What do you want to hear more of on solo episodes in the future?

Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? Submit it to be featured in an upcoming episode! Email us at thedetourspodcast@gmail.com

This episode was brought to you by Albion, the very best cycling kit, designed to help you stay outside longer.

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwwebb

Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast

Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

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In this episode, I chat with Marei Moldenhauer—a rising star in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Marei balances a demanding career as a doctor while excelling in the world of endurance racing. Her recent accomplishments include winning the women’s race at Bright Midnight in Norway (where she also finished fourth overall!!!) and finishing second just two and a half hours behind the women’s winner at the Transcontinental Race (TCR) 2023.

We discuss Marei’s entry pathway into ultra-cycling, from receiving her first steel bike as a gift from her brother to becoming a competitive bikepacker. She shares her training approach, how she’s preparing for the Atlas Mountain Race, and her love of climbing. Marei also opens up about the challenges she faces as a celiac athlete, her strategies for fueling during ultra-endurance events, and her unexpected preference for Katjes over Haribo gummy bears!

Marei will be one of the many women racing this year's Atlas Mountain Race and I can't wait to see how she gets on.

Thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast and my adventures this year!

Follow Marei on Instagram: @marei.mol

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb

Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast

Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us?

We’d love to feature your story on the podcast! Write us a short piece of 200–300 words describing a memorable adventure or experience related to bikepacking, ultra-cycling, or outdoor exploration. Whether it’s your first ultra-endurance race, an unforgettable moment with locals on the trail, a tough lesson learned in the wild, or a surprising detour that changed your journey, we want to hear about it.

Stories don’t have to be epic—it could be something simple but meaningful, like discovering a hidden gem on your favourite route, overcoming a fear on the bike, or connecting with fellow riders in an unexpected way. Send your write-up to thedetourspodcast@gmail.com, and we’ll feature selected stories on future episodes!

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"I want to finish with a big smile on my face."

That’s Mascha Wahlig’s goal for the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race. Last year, Mascha lined up at Atlas Mountain Race, her second-ever ultra-endurance bikepacking event. She was fast, pushing herself to the limit, but she was also overwhelmed. The intensity of the race, the sheer number of riders, and the pressure she put on herself—it all built up, culminating in a moment of panic and paralysis in the middle of the desert when her cleat broke.

She eventually got it fixed (with a bit of super glue and grit), but mentally? The race left her drained. Even months later, she found herself experiencing panic on training rides in the dark, reliving the helplessness of that night in Morocco. Instead of pushing it down, she did the work. She sought help, developed strategies to manage fear and build mental strength, and slowly rebuilt her confidence. And it worked.

Since Atlas, Mascha has gone on to win both the Hellenic Mountain Race and Sneak Peeks, proving to herself that mental performance is just as crucial as physical fitness in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Now, she’s coming back to Atlas Mountain Race 2025, but this time, with a totally different mindset.

She’s racing for herself—not for a number, not for a podium—but to ride with confidence, be present, and take in the experience.

In this episode we talk about:

• The mental battles of ultra-cycling and bikepacking—panic, fear, and self-doubt.
• How Mascha built mental resilience and confidence after last year’s Atlas Mountain Race.
• What it takes to win ultra-endurance bikepacking races like Hellenic and Sneak Peeks.
• Strategies for handling stress and mental fatigue in long-distance racing.
• The power of self-compassion, managing expectations, and racing with a freer mind.
• How to prepare mentally and physically for events like Atlas Mountain Race.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled with confidence in endurance sports, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer challenge of a long-distance race, this episode is for you.

As always, thank you to Albion Cycling for supporting Detours this year.

Links

• Follow Mascha on Instagram
• Follow Mel on Instagram
• Follow Detours on Instagram
• Dotwatch Atlas Mountain Race

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"The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t a race; it’s an invitation. An opportunity for anyone curious about bikepacking to show up, ride at their own pace, and share the experience. It brings people together—whether you’re pushing yourself against the clock or taking time to enjoy the landscape and small communities along the way.”

That’s how Jen Adams and Eric Betteridge describe the Log Driver’s Waltz—a stunning 800-kilometer bikepacking loop weaving through Ontario’s Ottawa Valley and into Quebec. For them, it’s all about community, shared experience, and adventure at your own pace.

In this episode, Jen and Eric share how decades of adventure together—17-day canoe trips, countless rides through their home region, and racing the Tour Divide—led them to create this unique route. The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t just about the terrain (though with 75% unpaved roads, forested trails, and rugged paths, it’s no joke). It’s about inviting riders to show up, ride how they want, and share the experience.

We also dive into what it’s like to ride as a couple, how they balance different rhythms on and off the bike, and why building an inclusive bikepacking community matters. Plus, Jen and Eric explain how the Log Driver's Waltz became part of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and how they’ve intentionally created stepping stones—from accessible rallies to the full 800k loop—to help more people get into bikepacking.

If you’ve ever been curious about lining up for a Grand Depart, wondered how to build confidence for your first bikepacking trip, or thought about what it takes to ride (and create) a route like this, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The story behind the Log Driver’s Waltz and its ties to Canadian culture
• How decades of adventure—from canoe trips to the Tour Divide—shaped Jen and Eric’s approach to route building
• Riding as a couple: balancing different strengths, rhythms, and goals on the bike
• The creation of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and fostering connections across the region
• Why community-building, safety, and accessibility are at the heart of the Log Driver’s Waltz
• How the route offers something for everyone—from those chasing FKTs to riders seeking a leisurely multi-day adventure
• Tips for tackling the route, including bike setups, resupply points, and managing its surprisingly punchy climbs

Details & Links for the Log Driver's Waltz

• 2025 Grand Depart: August 23rd,8 AM, Almonte Hills, Ontario, Canada
• Spring Rally: For those who want to experience the route in more digestible chunks
• Log Driver’s Waltz Official Website
• Log Driver’s Waltz Tips & Planning Facebook Group
• Follow Jen & Eric’s updates and rally details on social media @thelogdriverswaltz

As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year.

Follow along:

• Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling
• Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb
• Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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“I was in the middle of nowhere in Albania on a road bike, and there was no way out—I had to go through the parkour. So I told my husband, ‘I can’t ride it, but I’m going to walk it.’ He rode ahead, and I just kept walking, waking him up every time I passed by. We spent 12 hours like that, but we made it out. And I said to myself, ‘That’s never going to happen again. I’m going to learn how to ride off-road." —Sherry Cardona

After struggling through a brutal 70-kilometer off-road section in her first Transcontinental Race (TCR), Sherry Cardona made a promise to herself: she would learn to ride off-road. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s now taken on off-road bikepacking races like the Bohemian Border Bash, Badlands, and recently completed the Atlas Mountain Race, her first mountain bike ultra—a completely different challenge that tested her technical skills, race mindset, and ability to adapt.

Sherry has quickly become a recognizable name in distance racing, not only for her impressive results—including winning TCR in a pair, twice—but for her ability to tell compelling stories about the highs, lows and realities of pushing limits on the bike through her YouTube channel, Buzzalong Cycling.

In this episode, we dive into Sherry's ultra-cycling journey, from picking up a road bike for the first time at age 27, to racing TCR, Badlands, and now the Atlas Mountain Race. We talk about racing in a pair vs. solo, how she built confidence on technical terrain, and what it takes to push through when things aren’t going to plan.

In this episode we talk about:

• Her transition from road ultras to gravel and mountain bike racing
• Racing in the Transcontinental Race in a pair with her husband: the challenges, teamwork, and life lessons
• How she built confidence on technical terrain (including a mountain bike instructor who thought she had "no hope")
• Atlas Mountain Race: expectations vs. reality, adapting when things got tough, and learning to ride mountain bike terrain
• Surviving on honey, omelets, and Moroccan tea
• How music (and a little bit of Taylor Swift) helped her get through hard moments
• Her approach to training, gear choices, and what she’d do differently for if she were to race AMR again

Follow Sherry's adventures:

• Follow Sherry on Instagram @sherry.cycling
• Watch her Atlas Mountain Race video
• Subscribe to her podcast Buzzalong Cycling

As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year.

• Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling
• Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb
• Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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What happens when you take a bike built for two and bring it to some of the most rugged, remote and challenging bikepacking in the world? You get tandemonium, and honestly, Shona and Rich Oldfield wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Shona and Rich live in Manchester, UK, where they run Keep Pedalling, a small but mighty bike shop dedicated to supplying help, advice, and bikes for adventures. Over the past decade, they’ve quietly become legends in the bikepack racing world — not for winning races, but for how they show up: almost always together, and usually on a tandem. It’s long, it’s heavy, and by most standards absolutely the “wrong” bike for these races — which, of course, makes it perfect for them. 

In this episode, we talk about what it’s actually like to race a tandem off-road: how they divide roles on the bike, what happens when one of them wants to sleep (and the other doesn’t), and why Rich refuses to use the brakes. They also share some wild hallucination stories, dog packing with their pup Olive, and how the tandem has become a symbol of their approach to life: good-humoured, stubborn, and quietly joyful. 

Shona and Rich remind us that these events are supposed to be fun, and that there’s no “right” way to do these things, just the way that works for you. 

As always, thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast this year.

Follow Shona and Rich on Instagram: @keep_pedalling

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb

Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast

Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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It's just me, Mel, on the mic, and I'm finally sharing a long overdue catchup. Today I share some behind-the-scenes moments from Morocco and the Atlas Mountain Race, and how a lot of recent experiences have had me rethinking my relationship to bikes, racing, and movement in general.

As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year.

• Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling
• Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb
• Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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When we talk about barriers to entry and bike packing, so many things come to mind. For many, it's gear. For others, it's about confidence. For many folks, especially women and marginalized genders, it can be about not knowing where to start, not seeing people like you doing the thing and feeling like maybe this world wasn't built with you and mine.

On Detours we talk a lot about getting more women into bike packing, but how do we actually do that? What does it take? What does it really take to make someone feel like they belong? Roll Models is one answer.

It's a mentorship program started by Athlyn and her co-creator, Cordelia in Bristol UK that pairs women in marginalized genders with more experienced riders. The idea is simple: a mentor and mentee relationship. So folks have someone to ride with, ask questions to, and learn from someone in your corner, which can make all the difference when you're finding your footing in the world of bike packing.

In this episode we talk about:

• How Athlyn’s own road into bikepacking: starting on a single-speed bike with a yoga mat strapped to the back rack
• The inspiration she found in a mentorship program in British Columbia
• How Roll Models was built and how it works
• The surprising barriers mentors face, not just mentees
• How we can truly create a welcoming environment in the world of bikepacking
• And her big goal for the year: taking on the Highland Trail 550, her first bikepacking race

As always, thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast this year.

Follow Athlyn on Instagram: @athlynck

Follow Roll Models on Instagram: @__rollmodels

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb

Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast

Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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