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Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m stoked to be sitting down with someone who, quite honestly, seems to have a slightly different definition of what constitutes a good time on a bicycle. Félix Laberge has spent the last couple of years making a pretty strong case for the idea that you don’t actually need a lot of gears to ride really, really far, or really, really fast. He rides a custom-built Tulipp Cycles singlespeed, and in 2025 he set the singlespeed FKT on the 800-kilometre Log Driver’s Waltz before going on to set both the overall and singlespeed FKTs on the 1,650-kilometre Golden Horseshoe. And then came 2026. Félix returned to the Tour Divide, this time on that singlespeed Tulipp, and rode the roughly 4,300-kilometre route in just over 14 days, setting a new singlespeed record in the process. What I find most interesting about Félix isn't necessarily the numbers. It's the decision to do all of this on one gear. When you're looking at a route like the Tour Divide, with thousands of kilometres, huge climbs, heat, headwinds, rough terrain, sleep deprivation and pretty much every other challenge you can throw at a bikepacker, most of us would probably look for ways to make things easier. Félix seems to have taken the opposite approach. So today we're going to talk about why. We'll get into his evolution from his first Tour Divide to the 2026 record, the philosophy behind riding singlespeed, his custom Tulipp bike, pacing, sleep, food, FKTs, and what actually happens in your head when you're spending day after day pushing one gear across a continent. Félix, welcome to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @_monsieurfelix Facebook: @felix.laberge Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I have the chance to catch up with Meaghan Hackinen in the aftermath of her dominant Tour Divide Race, in which she set the new women's FKT, with a time of 14 days, 10 hours, 2 minutes. I highly encourage you to check out our past conversations if you want to get to know more about Meaghan. In this episode I want to unpack what might go down as one of the most complete Tour Divide performances we've ever seen. Meaghan beat her 2024 Grand Depart FKT time by approximately 37 hours, and Austin Killips ITT time by more than half a day. With Meaghans 2026 women's FKT, she has joined a pretty small group of riders, both men and women, to have won the Tour Divide Grand Depart on more than one occasion. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaghanhackinen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meaghanhackinen Website: https://meaghanhackinen.com Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. Joining me is Matthew Trinneer; a bikepacker, long-distance rider, and the creator of BikepackPro, an app born out of the realities of actually being out there on route. Not sitting behind a desk imagining what bikepackers need, but from living it firsthand during events like the Tour Divide and countless long days of trying to answer the same questions we all run into out there: Where’s the next water stop? Can I make it before dark? What’s the weather doing? How bad is this next section really going to be? And what I really appreciate about Matthew’s approach is that the goal doesn’t seem to be adding more noise or more screen time to bikepacking, but to simplify decision making so riders can spend more time present in the experience itself. In this episode, we talk about Matthew's journey into bikepacking, the lessons that only come from long hard days on the bike, the creation of BikepackPro App, the role technology plays in modern adventure riding, and, if everything goes according to plan, Matthew is going to take us through the app and show us just how powerful it is. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @bikepackpro Website: www.bikepackpro.com Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast for Episode 7 of the Unpacking Bikepacking Mini-Series. Over the course of this series, Carl and I gone over many of big picture items of bikepacking, such as: What bikepacking actually isRoutesBikes and tiresPacking systems and gear strategy Over the past couple episodes, we’ve started to fine-tune the discussion to cover some of the more nuanced aspects of bikepacking, such as: Food, water and resupplyNavigation, power and on-route decisionsRisk, Safety and the Mental Game And today, we’re zooming out again. Because at some point, bikepacking stops being about gear lists and logistics… and starts becoming something you build over time. In Episode 8, we’re talking about progression, long-term growth, and why bikepacking is something people keep coming back to, year after year. This series wouldn't have be possible without the support of Panorama Cycles. They have be such a massive supporter of all things Bikepack Adventures over the past 4 years, that I am forever grateful that they also supported this project. Be sure to check them out on Instagram, YouTube and of course through their official webpage: www.panoramacycles.com. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find Carl at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Website: Ottawa Suspension Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast for Episode 7 of the Unpacking Bikepacking Mini-Series. Over the course of this series, Carl and I gone over many of big picture items of bikepacking, such as: What bikepacking actually isRoutesBikes and tiresPacking systems and gear strategy Over the past couple episodes, we’ve started to fine-tune the discussion to cover some of the more nuanced aspects of bikepacking, such as: Food, water and resupplyNavigation, power and on-route decisions Today, we’ll be talking about some of the things that typically get glossed over when researching a possible adventure. In Episode 7, we’re talking about risk, safety, self-reliance, and the mental side of bikepacking—because eventually every rider runs into moments where things stop being fun, easy, or straightforward. This series wouldn't have be possible without the support of Panorama Cycles. They have be such a massive supporter of all things Bikepack Adventures over the past 4 years, that I am forever grateful that they also supported this project. Be sure to check them out on Instagram, YouTube and of course through their official webpage: www.panoramacycles.com. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Website: https://ottawasuspension.com/ Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

In this episode, I'm giving you all the details about the upcoming 4th Edition of the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work. In the first half of the series, Carl and I talked about the bigger-picture elements of bikepacking: What bikepacking really is RoutesBikes and tiresPacking systems and gear strategies And last episode, we zoomed in on food, water, and resupply. Things that directly impact your energy and day-to-day performance. This week, we’re continuing that shift into the real-world details that can quietly make or break your trip. For Episode 6, we’re talking about navigation, power management, and on-route decision-making. Basically, how you actually move through your route when things don’t go perfectly (because they won’t). This series wouldn't have be possible without the support of Panorama Cycles. They have be such a massive supporter of all things Bikepack Adventures over the past 4 years, that I am forever grateful that they also supported this project. Be sure to check them out on Instagram, YouTube and of course through their official webpage: www.panoramacycles.com. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Website: www.ottawasuspension.com Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the pedals, exploring the grit, gear, and glory of bikepacking and human-powered adventure. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today’s guest is someone who has quietly reshaped how we think about moving through wild places, not just on two wheels, but across water as well. Thor Tingey is the founder of Alpacka Raft, a company that has helped pioneer modern packrafting as we know it today. What started as a personal solution to accessing remote terrain has grown into a global movement, blending biking, hiking, and paddling into a seamless, self-supported style of exploration. From Alaska’s rugged backcountry to expedition routes around the world, Thor’s work has opened up entirely new ways to experience landscapes, where rivers are no longer barriers, but invitations. In this episode, we talk about the origins of Alpacka Raft, the philosophy behind packrafting, gear design, and how integrating water into your adventures fundamentally changes the way you move through the world. So whether you’re a die-hard bikepacker or just curious about adding a paddle to your setup, this one might just expand your definition of adventure. And today, we’re going to explore what happens when you stop seeing rivers as obstacles and start seeing them as part of the route. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @Alpacka_Raft Facebook: alpackaraft YouTube: @AlpackaRaft Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work. In the first half of the series, Carl and I talked about some of the more macro aspects of biked, covering topics such as: What bikepacking really is?Routes: Choosing Where to GoBikes and Tires: What Actually MattersPacking Systems and Gear Strategies Now, we are going to be diving into some of the finer aspects of bikepacking, which can have profound effects on a successful bikepacking adventure, but which are not as immediately noticeable. In episode 5, we will be talking all things food, water and resupply, sharing our own personal journey in bikepacking so you can hopefully avoid some of the mistakes we've made along the way. This series wouldn't have be possible without the support of Panorama Cycles. They have be such a massive supporter of all things Bikepack Adventures over the past 4 years, that I am forever grateful that they also supported this project. Be sure to check them out on Instagram, YouTube and of course through their official webpage: www.panoramacycles.com To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find Carl at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work. In the first three episodes, Carl and I talked about what bikepacking really is and what it isn’t, how to choose the right route to go Bikepacking on and then dove head first into all things bikepacking bikes and tires. This week we’re going to be talking about packing systems and how it plays such a large part in whether or not your bikepacking journey is successful. We'll discuss how the bag layout of your bike and weight distribution can greatly affect the ride quality of your bike, types of bags and strategies to use them as effectively as possible, common mistakes we've made so you hopefully won't have to, and how to adapt your setup for longer trips. Hopefully, this episode with help you as you try to figure out your own optimal packing strategy, and make your bikepacking journey a resounding success. Massive thanks to Panorama Cycles for sponsoring this series. Be sure to check them out on YouTube, Instagram and of course, at their own webpage at www.panoramacycles.com. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find Carl at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work. In the first two episodes, Carl and I talked about what bikepacking really is and what it isn’t, and how to choose the right route to go Bikepacking on. This week we’re going to be talking about one of the most popular topics of discussion in the bikepacking world—bikes and tires. In this episode, we are going to talk about why the bike your already have, might just be good enough, and under what conditions you might want to consider an upgrade. We couldn't have made this series a reality without the support of Panorama Cycles. Panorama Cycles is an independent bicycle company based in Canada and dedicated to backcountry cyclists who prefer gravel, snow and off-road trails. Be sure to check out their website, YouTube and Instagram. Panorama Cycles Website Panorama Cycles Instagram To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find Carl at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Welcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work. In the first episode, Carl and I talked about what bikepacking really is and what it isn’t. We spent some time resetting expectations, because a lot of riders end up frustrated simply because they thought the experience would feel different than it actually does. This week we’re moving into something that probably has an even bigger impact on your trip than your bike or your gear. The route you choose. Because the truth is, most bikepacking trips don’t go sideways because of bad equipment. They go sideways because the route didn’t match the rider, the time available, or the expectations going in. So in this episode we’re talking about how to choose where to go. How terrain, elevation, and remoteness completely change what a day on the bike feels like. When it makes sense to follow established routes, and when building your own route might actually make more sense. Most importantly, we’re going to talk about planning routes that make you want to do this again. Because the best bikepacking trips aren’t the ones that nearly break you, they’re the ones that make you start thinking about the next ride before you’ve even unpacked. We couldn't have made this series a reality without the support of Panorama Cycles. Panorama Cycles is an independent bicycle company based in Canada and dedicated to backcountry cyclists who prefer gravel, snow and off-road trails. Be sure to check out their website, YouTube and Instagram. Panorama Cycles Website Panorama Cycles Instagram To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Find Carl at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

In the first episode of the Bikepacking Essentials series, brought to you by Panorama Cycles, hosts Chris Panasky and Carl Presseault introduce what bikepacking is and isn’t, using their miserable early attempt at a 400 km route that eventually grew into the Canadian Shield 400 to highlight common misconceptions. They discuss how bikepacking overlaps with touring but often differs in mindset, terrain, planning needs, and self-reliance, especially when things go wrong far from easy fixes. The conversation covers misconceptions like expecting a free-flowing experience, assuming lighter gear is always better, and believing you need the perfect bike, emphasizing instead trust, durability, skills, and realistic expectations. They also outline different bikepacking styles, from race-focused ultra-distance to weekend overnighters, expeditions, and credit-card approaches. We couldn't have made this series a reality without the support of Panorama Cycles. Panorama Cycles is an independent bicycle company based in Canada and dedicated to backcountry cyclists who prefer gravel, snow and off-road trails. Be sure to check out their website, YouTube and Instagram. Panorama Cycles Website Panorama Cycles Instagram Join us Live on YouTube for episode 2 on Thursday, March 12 at 8pm EST where we will be discussing "Routes: Choosing Where to Go" To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Please consider using these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find Carl at: Instagram: @fork_sauce Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

So excited to announce a new podcast series. I had been thinking for some time that it would be a good idea to record a series of episodes that address some Bikepacking Essentials. I also wanted to do it with a co-host and am stoked to have Carl Presseault joining me for the entirety. I'm also pleased to have Panorama Cycles sponsoring the series. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. The plan is to record episodes weekly on YouTube Live, giving listeners a chance to participate and engage. See you on Thursday, 8pm EST on YouTube at Bikepack Adventures To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most creative and community‑driven events in the bikepacking scene: Bangers Bikepacking. If you haven’t heard of it yet, imagine a weekend where teams of riders design their own routes, explore the North Okanagan, roll into checkpoints together, and then cap it all off by creating a three‑minute film that captures the spirit of their ride. It’s part adventure, part creativity challenge, and part celebration of the cycling community. Joining me is Dean Dahl, the creator of Bangers and the mind behind Have A Good Ride, the platform that ties together his projects, events, and the ethos that fuels them. Dean has built something truly unique — an event that isn’t about racing or rankings, but about connection, exploration, and telling a story worth sharing. We’re going to talk about how Bangers started, why it’s grown into such a beloved gathering, how the film‑festival twist came to be, and what makes this event so special for riders of all abilities and backgrounds. So settle in, get comfortable, and let’s jump into the world of Bangers Bikepacking. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: Bangers Bikepacking YouTube: Have a Good Ride Website: Have a good ride! Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable. Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,". BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You? The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility. Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.