Shows
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEmma Bateup on Going Full Send at Highland Trail 550 and BeyondEmma Bateup is no stranger to going full send into the deep end. Whether it's tossing her bike across a flooded river or screaming into the Scottish mountains during a low moment, she’s all in. Just a couple of years into ultra racing, Emma already has a resume that includes wins in the women's race at Tour te Waipounamu, a fourth overall at the Great Southern Brevet, and now a breakout performance at the 2024 Highland Trail 550—where she won the women’s race and placed 7th overall.In this episode, Emma shares the story behind that r...2025-06-261h 16Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeGet to Know Nathalie Baillon [ReRelease]I've been getting loads of questions as this year's Tour Divide is underway – who is Nathalie Baillon? After leading for the first 4 days of the race, she suffered a major mechanical just after Fleecer Ridge, forcing her to return to Butte and get a new wheel. Back on the road, she's chasing hard to catch Lael Wilcox. Both women are ahead of Lael's record pace, and gunning to be the first woman to reach Antelope Wells. Originally released in March 2024, in this episode Nathalie shares about her entry into the world of ultra-racing and offers a de...2025-06-1959 min
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeWomen of Tour Divide 2025Each year, on the second Friday in June, hundreds of riders gather outside the YMCA in Banff, Alberta, to begin what’s widely considered bikepacking’s most iconic ultra-endurance race: the Tour Divide. Riders follow the Continental Divide across 4,400 kilometers, tackling rugged dirt roads, remote wilderness, high mountain passes, and variable weather on their way to Antelope Wells, New Mexico.While more women take to the start year after year, they still only make up ~10% of participants. In 2025, 29 of the 238 riders registered on Trackleaders are women. This episode of Detours is dedicated to those women.2025-06-1629 min
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeIn the Field at Hellenic Mountain Race: Listen to the Mountain Races PodcastI'm out in the field reporting from the Hellenic Mountain Race and dropping daily episodes through June 1st! If you're after your bikepacking, ultracycling, and adventure fix, head over to the Mountain Races podcast and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.Detours will be back with regularly scheduled programming the first week of June!Listen to the Mountain Races Podcast on Spotify, Apple and wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @hellenicmountainrace on Instagram for daily visual updates throughout the race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...2025-05-2601 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeNelson Trees on Building The Mountain RacesMost people in the bikepacking world know Nelson Trees as the mind behind the Silk Road Mountain Race—a race that has become legendary for its beauty, difficulty, and unpredictability. But before he was designing some of the most talked-about routes in ultra cycling, Nelson was a mountaineer, a Deliveroo rider, and someone who once rode a homemade carbon tandem from Shanghai to Paris.In this episode, he shares about his path to founding The Mountain Races: a series of fixed-route, unsupported events that now span Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Greece, and soon, Türkiye. He shares about his...2025-05-151h 28
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeFor the Vibes: Alyssa Gonzalez on Building Inclusive Spaces and Joyful Movement in CyclingIt’s wild how something as simple as walking into a bike shop can make you feel like you don’t belong. It's a feeling many folks, especially marginalized identities, have encountered, and one that Alyssa Gonzalez has made her goal to change. She wears so many hats. She is a designer advocate, cyclist runner, community organizer, model, content creator, and she owns a bike shop. And at the heart of everything she does, is the goal of elevating marginalized communities and creating welcoming spaces for folks in the outdoors. Her bike shop, which she co-founded, Tree...2025-05-021h 08
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeBuilding Confidence in Bikepacking Through Mentorship: Athlyn Cathcart-Keays and Roll ModelsWhen 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...2025-04-171h 04Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeDo I Always Need to Race? Mel Catches Up On Life LatelyIt'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: @detourscyclingFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-04-1027 min
The Veritas ProjectGeorge Webb | Ukraine: Everything You Were Never Told and Were Afraid to Ask | Part 1 of 2Tonight on Veritas, our special guest is George Webb.
For decades, the truth about Ukraine has been buried beneath propaganda, political maneuvering, and outright deception. The narrative we've been given is simple - Russia is the aggressor, Ukraine is the victim, and the West is simply defending democracy. But what if that's not the full story? What if this war was provoked, orchestrated, and prolonged by forces that never had Ukraine's best interests in mind?
What if everything you've been told about this war is a lie?
Tonight, we break it all down.
2025-03-2800 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeTandemonium with Shona and Rich Oldfield: Bikepack Racing on a TandemWhat 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 usu...2025-03-271h 16
Buzzalong Cycling Show021: I Took a Honeymoon to the Silk Road Mountain Race ft Mel Webb I Took a Honeymoon to the Silk Road Mountain Race: Bikepacking Kyrgyzstan ft Mel WebbCheck and subscribe to my newsletter to receive the full report of my bikepacking trips and races⤵️ Connect with me on social 📲https://www.instagram.com/sherry.cyclingSome discounts/referrals from my partners: 📸 @insta360 Go 3S use discount code below: INRWIUA ⭐️ Find my favourite Cycling Gear at Alltricks link below ⤵️ Use discount code for 5% off on all items at Alltricks: IRIDEFORCANDIES ⭐️ Albion Cycling use discount Code: BUZZALONG2024 to get 10% off : Suspension Stem...2025-03-2648 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeSherry Cardona’s Off-Road Ultra-Cycling Journey: From the Transcontinental Race to Atlas“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 CardonaAfter struggling through a brutal 70-kilometer...2025-03-161h 09Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeInviting Adventure: Jen Adams & Eric Betteridge on the Log Driver's Waltz"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.2025-02-261h 08Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeRacing Free: Mascha Wahlig on Confidence & Mental Strength"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...2025-01-311h 06Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeRiding in the Moment with Marei MoldenhauerIn 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 h...2025-01-231h 09
The Not Drinking Alcohol Today PodcastAlcohol and Love Addiction With Mel Watkins*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REFERENCES TO SUICIDE. PLEASE SKIP THIS EPISODE IF YOU FIND THIS TOPIC TRIGGERING OR UPSETTING*Mel Watkins, a psychotherapist and founder of Mel Watkins Therapy, shares her deeply personal journey to sobriety, elucidating the powerful links between alcohol, love addiction, and emotional health. Through candid reflections, Mel provides valuable insights on how overcoming dependency reveals deeper issues pertinent to relationships and self-worth. This episode offers an intimate glimpse into her world, from the chaos of her late twenties to the pandemic that eventually became a catalyst for transformative change. M...2025-01-1842 min
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeBIG NEWS! Mel's reflections on 2024 and what's in for 2025We’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 exc...2025-01-1043 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeAlexandera Houchin on racing with heart and 10 years of bikepackingWhen 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...2024-12-121h 31Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeTheo Kelsey-Verdecchia on creating the Golden Horseshoe bikepacking routeIn 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 even...2024-12-051h 23Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeLeanne Bentley: Alps Divide 2024 women's winner and bag maker at Carrie GereIn 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...2024-11-281h 15Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeJustinas Leveika on racing the Triple Crown Challenge: Tour Divide, Colorado Trail & Arizona Trail 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 ch...2024-11-191h 31Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEmma Missale, bike messenger World Champion, on her first year bikepack racingThis 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...2024-10-241h 15Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeJade Simpson-Field on a life of big adventures & the Silk Road Mountain RaceJade 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...2024-10-171h 19
Dynamic Life CyclesCultivating Resilience with Mel WebbWhat does it take to turn a setback into the adventure of a lifetime?I sit down with Mel Webb, ultra-endurance cyclist and bikepacking enthusiast, to dive into her incredible journey from marathon runner to cycling powerhouse. After a severe injury derailed her running dreams, Mel embraced cycling, discovering the mental strength required for ultra-distance rides. As the host of Detours, she shares her story of resilience, passion, and her relentless pursuit of pushing personal and societal boundaries.We explore Mel's transition into bikepacking, inspired by iconic events like the Silk Road Mountain Race. She...2024-10-151h 03Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeStephen Shelesky on photographing the Silk Road Mountain RaceStephen 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...2024-10-031h 39Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeJoe Nation, winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain RaceStoked 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 ho...2024-09-261h 19
Real Takes Over Fake DebatesNFL Week 3 Pretenders or Contenders l Mel Kiper's anti two-safety rant is the Problem RTOFD S2 EP2In this episode of Real Takes Over Fake Debates, SBtalksports and Sean Webb dive into a packed lineup of hot NFL and NBA topics! Mel Kiper Jr. suggests banning two-deep coverage in the NFL as offenses start beating it, sparking a lively debate. We break down which of the 2-0 NFC teams are contenders for January and analyze the NFL's nine winless teams—who still has hope to turn their season around? Plus, Sean discusses NFL Week 3 contenders vs. pretenders and gives his picks of the week alongside SB. Special guest Coach Tony Dungy shares his insights on social me...2024-09-211h 52Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeHannah Simon, women's winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain RaceHannah 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. 2024-09-071h 41Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeMateo Paez on racing the 2024 Tour DivideStoked 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...2024-08-011h 37Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeCatching up with Mel & Quinda: HT550, the art of resupplying and moreIt'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...2024-07-241h 06Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeMeaghan Hackinen, 2024 Women's Winner of the Tour Divide 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. ...2024-07-171h 41Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeJustinas' Leveika on winning the 2024 Tour Divide and breaking the recordAt 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...2024-07-021h 42
The Bone in PodcastEpisode 11: The Beginnings of a Lower Vag (The James Webb Episode)As Americans, it’s hard for us to imagine that there’s anyone outside these blessed borders of freedom capable of downing as much food as we do. Just occasionally, however, an unlikely contender stumbles up from the underworld to show the true meaning of overeating. In our first deep dive into maniacal masticators, we examine the Australian phenom James Webb. A man who's managed to stack up an impressive list of accomplishments in a short amount of time. Whether it’s breaking a world record, or discovering new galaxies, James makes it look easy.
2024-06-2933 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeAustin Killips on her Arizona Trail 800 FKTAt 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...2024-06-191h 47
Aspects of HistoryFilm Club: The Longest Day (1962)Concluding our 80th Anniversary D-Day celebrations, Tim Hewitt joins Ollie to discuss the 1962 classic starring John Wayne, Mel Ferrer, Robert Wagner, Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Henry Fonda, Richard Todd, Kenneth More, Sean Connery, Curd Jurgens and a host of other Hollywood stars.But is it any good? And should Cornelius Ryan have been allowed to write the screenplay? And, what about the CGI?All these questions, and more, are answered in this month's Film Club.LinksThe Longest Day on WikipediaThe Longest Day on IMDB...2024-06-1956 minAspects of HistoryFilm Club: The Longest Day (1962)Concluding our 80th Anniversary D-Day celebrations, Tim Hewitt joins Ollie to discuss the 1962 classic starring John Wayne, Mel Ferrer, Robert Wagner, Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Henry Fonda, Richard Todd, Kenneth More, Sean Connery, Curd Jurgens and a host of other Hollywood stars.But is it any good? And should Cornelius Ryan have been allowed to write the screenplay? And, what about the CGI?All these questions, and more, are answered in this month's Film Club.LinksThe Longest Day on WikipediaThe Longest Day on IMDB...2024-06-1956 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeWeronika Szalas: the fastest woman at the Accursed Race and life by bikeToday 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...2024-06-121h 08Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeCynthia Carson on Unbound XL and preparing for the Trans Continental RaceIt'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...2024-06-0751 min
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeThe Women of the Highland Trail 550 2024Kicking 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...2024-05-2526 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeHannah Simon on the Triple Crown, Atlas Mountain Race and bikes as a tool for goodHannah 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...2024-05-181h 43Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeQuinda Verheul: artist, bikepacker, women's winner of the inaugural Hellenic Mountain RaceQuinda 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...2024-05-071h 36
Aspects of HistoryFilm Club: The Passion of the Christ (2004)The release of The Passion of the Christ in 2004 caused outrage, fury and accusations of antisemitism and sadomasochism. With Easter recently celebrated, we thought it time to re-examine Mel Gibson's passion project (sorry), as director Tim Hewitt joins to talk Jim Caviezel, controversy and even a QAnon.LinksThe Passion of the Christ on WikipediaThe Passion of the Christ on IMDBInterview with Mel GibsonChristopher Hitchens on Mel Gibson's The Passion of the ChristOllie on XTim on X 2024-04-2349 minAspects of HistoryFilm Club: The Passion of the Christ (2004)The release of The Passion of the Christ in 2004 caused outrage, fury and accusations of antisemitism and sadomasochism. With Easter recently celebrated, we thought it time to re-examine Mel Gibson's passion project (sorry), as director Tim Hewitt joins to talk Jim Caviezel, controversy and even a QAnon.LinksThe Passion of the Christ on WikipediaThe Passion of the Christ on IMDBInterview with Mel GibsonChristopher Hitchens on Mel Gibson's The Passion of the ChristOllie on XTim on X 2024-04-2349 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeSarah Sturm on her alternative approach & life as a gravel proThis 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...2024-04-181h 26Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeJenny Tough: making space for women in cycling, pressing pause & returning to racingJenny 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 be...2024-04-091h 38
Canadian Cycling Magazine PodcastMel Webb’s ultra-endurance cycling adventuresMel Webb, who has taken on such challenges as the Atlas Mountain Race and the Alberta Rockies 700, can weave the zany and the serious tougher almost effortlessly. Take her snooze in an outhouse this past summer. It’s kind of gross and funny, but in this episode of the Canadian Cycling Magazine Podcast, it also leads her to discuss ideas of safety and what roles a public amenity should play in a self-supported event. Throughout the interview, she tackles big topics, like the lack of gender parity within cycling and sharing personal struggles online, and more whimsical subjects, such as...2024-03-281h 14Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeMeg Knobel on the Stagecoach 400Show NotesMeg 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 Idyll...2024-03-271h 31Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeNathalie Baillon on AMR, SRMR and all things adventureWhile 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...2024-03-181h 00Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeAtlas Mountain Race 2024 RecapWe'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. 2024-03-061h 24
Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeThe Women of the 2024 Atlas Mountain RaceA 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.mapro...2024-02-0741 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 13 - Atlas Mountain Race Preview with special guest host, Allan ShawIt'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...2024-02-041h 32Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 12 - Luisa Werner, the 2023 women's winner of Atlas Mountain RaceWe'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 @luisasophiewerThere's a few ways you ca...2024-01-301h 29Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 11 - Molly Weaver, leaving the professional peloton and entering the world of ultraWe'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...2024-01-181h 14Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 10 - Mel and Cynthia take the hot seatOur 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...2023-12-191h 18Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 9 - Robin Todd, the bikepacking poetA 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...2023-12-071h 03Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 8 - Allan Shaw: Gay's Okay Cycling, Silk Road Mountain Race finisher... on a cargo bike!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....2023-11-201h 36Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 7 - Nils Laengner, tales from behind the lens of an ultra-photographerIf 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 N...2023-11-071h 17
Aspects of HistoryFilm Club: The Bounty (1984)On the 28th April 1789, the crew of HMS Bounty, under the command of Lt. William Bligh, mutinied. Led by Fletcher Christian, Bligh and some of his crew were placed in a rowing boat, whilst the mutineers took the Bounty to the South Pacific.The film, starring Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson, depicts these events in a film that is eminently quotable.Director Tim Hewitt joins our editor to chat about the film, including the usual categories, and the true story behind it.LinksThe Bounty (1984)Mutiny on the Bounty...2023-10-2444 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 6 - Meaghan HackinenFresh 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 ad...2023-10-241h 27Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 5 - Katya Rakhmatulina, Colorado Trail women's FKT holder 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat2023-10-091h 09Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 4 - Abe Kaufman, self-care & FKTsEverybody 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 Instagram2023-09-2555 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 3 - Whop Wagon has it her way at Badlands 2023In 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 ra...2023-09-111h 05Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 2 - Dr. Marion Dziwnik, women's winner of Badlands 2021With 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...2023-08-301h 00
Aspects of HistoryFilm Club: Gallipoli (1981)This month's Film Club sees Director Tim Hewitt join our editor to discuss the Australian New Wave movie, Gallipoli. Directed by Peter Weir and starring Mark Lee and Mel Gibson.It's the anniversary of the Battle of the Nek which took place in August 1915 and Gallipoli depicts that attack in the Dardanelles, Turkey, when the British Empire attempted to knock the Turks out of the war.GallipoliGallipoli on IMDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices2023-08-2947 min
Grounding with GemGetting out of your history and into your destiny with Mel Webb from Karma BeautyThis week I'm so excited to welcome another friend to the show - Mel from Karma Beauty. She's a yoga teacher, Reiki practitioner, lover of all things mystical and a woman on a mission to empower others. Join us today as we discuss:Simple ways you can get out of your history and into your destinyWhat inspired Mel to transition from working in beauty to working in the wellness industryWhy you deserve to make your soul glowHow you're never too old to start again and follow your dreamsThe power of community and how you can take...2023-08-2551 minDetours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by BikeEp. 1 - Adventure, camaraderie and... pit toilets?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 InstagramSubscribe to Cynthia's YouTube channel - she captures seriously stunning videos of her racing...2023-08-2147 minThe Not Drinking Alcohol Today PodcastMel Moss, VIA Drinks: How Going Alcohol Free Propelled Mel to Find Her Passion & PurposeMel Moss, introduces us to VIA, an alternative to alcohol which delivers on taste and feel-good vibes. Mel also talks about her alcohol-free story. Mel stopped drinking alcohol on Mother’s Day 2019 after reading Annie Grace’s This Naked Mind. She didn’t put it down for two days and laughs that it must have contained “magic spells” that transformed her relationship with alcohol and changed her life for the better. We chat about socialising alcohol-free, being the best role models for our kids that we can be and finding our passion and zest for life. Mel believes that the very a...2023-04-0845 min
The Power of the PivotMel McSherry - Your Uniqueness Is Your StrengthMel McSherry (she/they) is an International Business & Life Guide, Speaker, Author, and Podcast Host. She works with inspired entrepreneurs who are exhausted and overwhelmed by what they think they need to do in order to be successful. She helps them to honor their lives and engineer success through Human Design, spiritual and traditional business development frameworks.
As an entrepreneur since 2010, Mel has launched two successful businesses, published two books, launched a successful podcast, and created a true life by design. We spoke about her numerous career pivots, how she managed change with a young son and her...2023-02-2235 min
The Journey ExpressedEpisode 67 - Happy New Year - 2022 Re-cap - What We're Learning Right NowIn this episode Mel and Jenn recap 2022 with fun stats about The Journey Expressed podcast as well as how their "words of the year" worked out for them. They share about intimate ways God used their words to bring them hope and encouragement throughout 2022.Mel and Jenn also talk about what they are learning now which includes a conversation about obedience, surrender, trusting God, miracles, wisdom and unpacking the word 'becoming' with a nod to the ongoing series called, Becoming Whole. A favorite 1-liner from this episode: "The gifts in us, unlock the gifts in...2023-02-0330 min
The American AgeTop 3s: Films, Cities, and more220 - Steven and Travis talk movies, cities, and more. Their favorite things and why they love them. Get ready for Russian Sci-fi and Mel Brooks.
2022-09-261h 03
Night HowlsEp. 39: Gaslight (1944) w/ Melissa WeynOh, sparrows! Oh, pigeons! Oh, boy do we have a guest for you! This week, Matt and Cody are joined by the incredible Melissa Weyn to talk all things Gaslight. Mel and Cody walk down memory lane to discuss the stage production they worked on together and she brings her keen insights into one of the genre's earliest heroines. The lights may be dimming, but Mel shines bright as she talks about insights into the character, the many layers of symbolism to the story, what makes Ingrid Bergman so iconic, and which Ronald McDonald characters go where i...2022-09-171h 24