Ep. 5 - Katya Rakhmatulina, Colorado Trail women's FKT holder

Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike

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Elizabeth MeLampy: Forget the Camel 39:33

för 9 dagar sedan39:33

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39:33

"The basic premise of the event is that hunters hunt rattlesnakes from the surrounding environment all across West Texas, and bring them into the roundup for the weekend. And during the roundup, these snakes are kept in a pit and then, one by one, beheaded and skinned in front of in front of audiences." - Elizabeth MeLampy Elizabeth MeLampy is a lawyer dedicated to animal rights and protection, and her passion for this work shines through in her latest book, Forget the Camel, the Madcap World of Animal Festivals and What They Say About Being Human . To research the book, Elizabeth traveled across the country, immersing herself in a wide range of animal festivals — from the Iditarod dog sled race to the rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Elizabeth examines these festivals as revealing microcosms of our broader relationship with animals. Whether it's rattlesnake hunts, frog-jumping contests, ostrich races, or groundhog celebrations, these events reflect the ways humans use animals to express cultural identity, community pride, and historical traditions. Yet beneath the pageantry and excitement lies a deeper question: Is our fascination with these spectacles worth the toll it takes on the animals involved? With compassion and insight, Elizabeth invites readers to consider whether there’s a more ethical and empathetic way to honor our stories — one that respects both animals and the traditions they inspire. Please listen, share and read, Forget the Camel. It will be released on April 8th, 2025. https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/forget-the-camel/…

för ungefär ett år sedan 1:09:22

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

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

43 episoder

#Sports #Lifestyle #Hobbies #Cycling #UltraCycling And #Bikepacking #Adventure #Outdoor #Mel Webb

Ep. 5 - Katya Rakhmatulina, Colorado Trail women's FKT holder

Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike

published för ungefär ett år sedan

Dela

MP3•Episod hem

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 information.

43 episoder

#Sports #Lifestyle #Hobbies #Cycling #UltraCycling And #Bikepacking #Adventure #Outdoor #Mel Webb

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Sherry Cardona’s Off-Road Ultra-Cycling Journey: From the Transcontinental Race to Atlas 1:09:04

för 5 dagar sedan1:09:04

1:09:04

“I was in the middle of nowhere in Albania on a road bike, and there was no way out—I had to go through the parkour. So I told my husband, ‘I can’t ride it, but I’m going to walk it.’ He rode ahead, and I just kept walking, waking him up every time I passed by. We spent 12 hours like that, but we made it out. And I said to myself, ‘That’s never going to happen again. I’m going to learn how to ride off-road." —Sherry Cardona After struggling through a brutal 70-kilometer off-road section in her first Transcontinental Race (TCR), Sherry Cardona made a promise to herself: she would learn to ride off-road. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s now taken on off-road bikepacking races like the Bohemian Border Bash, Badlands, and recently completed the Atlas Mountain Race, her first mountain bike ultra—a completely different challenge that tested her technical skills, race mindset, and ability to adapt. Sherry has quickly become a recognizable name in distance racing, not only for her impressive results—including winning TCR in a pair, twice—but for her ability to tell compelling stories about the highs, lows and realities of pushing limits on the bike through her YouTube channel, Buzzalong Cycling. In this episode, we dive into Sherry's ultra-cycling journey, from picking up a road bike for the first time at age 27, to racing TCR, Badlands, and now the Atlas Mountain Race. We talk about racing in a pair vs. solo, how she built confidence on technical terrain, and what it takes to push through when things aren’t going to plan. In this episode we talk about: Her transition from road ultras to gravel and mountain bike racing Racing in the Transcontinental Race in a pair with her husband: the challenges, teamwork, and life lessons How she built confidence on technical terrain (including a mountain bike instructor who thought she had "no hope") Atlas Mountain Race: expectations vs. reality, adapting when things got tough, and learning to ride mountain bike terrain Surviving on honey, omelets, and Moroccan tea How music (and a little bit of Taylor Swift) helped her get through hard moments Her approach to training, gear choices, and what she’d do differently for if she were to race AMR again Follow Sherry's adventures: Follow Sherry on Instagram @sherry.cycling Watch her Atlas Mountain Race video Subscribe to her podcast Buzzalong Cycling As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year. Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Inviting Adventure: Jen Adams & Eric Betteridge on the Log Driver's Waltz 1:08:08

för 23 dagar sedan1:08:08

1:08:08

"The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t a race; it’s an invitation. An opportunity for anyone curious about bikepacking to show up, ride at their own pace, and share the experience. It brings people together—whether you’re pushing yourself against the clock or taking time to enjoy the landscape and small communities along the way.” That’s how Jen Adams and Eric Betteridge describe the Log Driver’s Waltz—a stunning 800-kilometer bikepacking loop weaving through Ontario’s Ottawa Valley and into Quebec. For them, it’s all about community, shared experience, and adventure at your own pace. In this episode, Jen and Eric share how decades of adventure together—17-day canoe trips, countless rides through their home region, and racing the Tour Divide—led them to create this unique route. The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t just about the terrain (though with 75% unpaved roads, forested trails, and rugged paths, it’s no joke). It’s about inviting riders to show up, ride how they want, and share the experience. We also dive into what it’s like to ride as a couple, how they balance different rhythms on and off the bike, and why building an inclusive bikepacking community matters. Plus, Jen and Eric explain how the Log Driver's Waltz became part of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and how they’ve intentionally created stepping stones—from accessible rallies to the full 800k loop—to help more people get into bikepacking. If you’ve ever been curious about lining up for a Grand Depart, wondered how to build confidence for your first bikepacking trip, or thought about what it takes to ride (and create) a route like this, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk about: The story behind the Log Driver’s Waltz and its ties to Canadian culture How decades of adventure—from canoe trips to the Tour Divide—shaped Jen and Eric’s approach to route building Riding as a couple: balancing different strengths, rhythms, and goals on the bike The creation of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and fostering connections across the region Why community-building, safety, and accessibility are at the heart of the Log Driver’s Waltz How the route offers something for everyone—from those chasing FKTs to riders seeking a leisurely multi-day adventure Tips for tackling the route, including bike setups, resupply points, and managing its surprisingly punchy climbs Details & Links for the Log Driver's Waltz 2025 Grand Depart: August 23rd,8 AM, Almonte Hills, Ontario, Canada Spring Rally: For those who want to experience the route in more digestible chunks Log Driver’s Waltz Official Website Log Driver’s Waltz Tips & Planning Facebook Group Follow Jen & Eric’s updates and rally details on social media @thelogdriverswaltz As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year. Follow along: Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Racing Free: Mascha Wahlig on Confidence & Mental Strength 1:06:30

för 7 weeks sedan1:06:30

1:06:30

"I want to finish with a big smile on my face." That’s Mascha Wahlig’s goal for the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race. Last year, Mascha lined up at Atlas Mountain Race, her second-ever ultra-endurance bikepacking event. She was fast, pushing herself to the limit, but she was also overwhelmed. The intensity of the race, the sheer number of riders, and the pressure she put on herself—it all built up, culminating in a moment of panic and paralysis in the middle of the desert when her cleat broke. She eventually got it fixed (with a bit of super glue and grit), but mentally? The race left her drained. Even months later, she found herself experiencing panic on training rides in the dark, reliving the helplessness of that night in Morocco. Instead of pushing it down, she did the work. She sought help, developed strategies to manage fear and build mental strength, and slowly rebuilt her confidence. And it worked. Since Atlas, Mascha has gone on to win both the Hellenic Mountain Race and Sneak Peeks, proving to herself that mental performance is just as crucial as physical fitness in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Now, she’s coming back to Atlas Mountain Race 2025, but this time, with a totally different mindset. She’s racing for herself—not for a number, not for a podium—but to ride with confidence, be present, and take in the experience. In this episode we talk about: The mental battles of ultra-cycling and bikepacking—panic, fear, and self-doubt. How Mascha built mental resilience and confidence after last year’s Atlas Mountain Race. What it takes to win ultra-endurance bikepacking races like Hellenic and Sneak Peeks. Strategies for handling stress and mental fatigue in long-distance racing. The power of self-compassion, managing expectations, and racing with a freer mind. How to prepare mentally and physically for events like Atlas Mountain Race. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled with confidence in endurance sports, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer challenge of a long-distance race, this episode is for you. As always, thank you to Albion Cycling for supporting Detours this year. Links Follow Mascha on Instagram Follow Mel on Instagram Follow Detours on Instagram Dotwatch Atlas Mountain Race Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Riding in the Moment with Marei Moldenhauer 1:09:00

för 8 weeks sedan1:09:00

1:09:00

In this episode, I chat with Marei Moldenhauer—a rising star in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Marei balances a demanding career as a doctor while excelling in the world of endurance racing. Her recent accomplishments include winning the women’s race at Bright Midnight in Norway (where she also finished fourth overall!!!) and finishing second just two and a half hours behind the women’s winner at the Transcontinental Race (TCR) 2023. We discuss Marei’s entry pathway into ultra-cycling, from receiving her first steel bike as a gift from her brother to becoming a competitive bikepacker. She shares her training approach, how she’s preparing for the Atlas Mountain Race , and her love of climbing. Marei also opens up about the challenges she faces as a celiac athlete, her strategies for fueling during ultra-endurance events, and her unexpected preference for Katjes over Haribo gummy bears! Marei will be one of the many women racing this year's Atlas Mountain Race and I can't wait to see how she gets on. Thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast and my adventures this year! Follow Marei on Instagram: @marei.mol Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? We’d love to feature your story on the podcast! Write us a short piece of 200–300 words describing a memorable adventure or experience related to bikepacking, ultra-cycling, or outdoor exploration. Whether it’s your first ultra-endurance race, an unforgettable moment with locals on the trail, a tough lesson learned in the wild, or a surprising detour that changed your journey, we want to hear about it. Stories don’t have to be epic—it could be something simple but meaningful, like discovering a hidden gem on your favourite route, overcoming a fear on the bike, or connecting with fellow riders in an unexpected way. Send your write-up to thedetourspodcast@gmail.com , and we’ll feature selected stories on future episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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BIG NEWS! Mel's reflections on 2024 and what's in for 2025 43:52

för 10 weeks sedan43:52

43:52

We’ve got some big news! I am so so stoked to share that Detours is now presented by Albion Cycling. They’ve been fans of the show since day one and to have their support feels pretty darn cool. In this solo episode, I reflect on a transformative 2024—a year defined by big goals, unexpected detours and a ton of personal grown. Through listener questions, I share more about the ups and downs of racing, how I balance work, life, and ultra-endurance training and everything in between. I also share what I’m most excited about for the year ahead. I’d love your feedback on today’s episode — what did you think? What do you want to hear more of on solo episodes in the future? Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? Submit it to be featured in an upcoming episode! Email us at thedetourspodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you by Albion , the very best cycling kit, designed to help you stay outside longer. Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwwebb Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Alexandera Houchin on racing with heart and 10 years of bikepacking 1:31:09

för 14 weeks sedan1:31:09

1:31:09

When I think of women in bikepacking, Alexandera Houchin is one of the first people that comes to mind. She’s raced the Tour Divide countless time and been a steadfast figure in encouraging more women to take on these big challenges. As an Indigenous woman and member of the Fond du Lac tribe, becoming a sponsored athlete, heck an athlete at all, was not necessarily a pathway she saw for herself growing up. She joins me on the podcast to share about her journey to the bike, and how she’s made a career of this niche sport. We discuss what keeps her returning to these races year after year, her experiences navigating body image as someone with a bigger body, and how she’s redefining what success looks like in this next chapter of her career. Alexandera shares incredible insights on community, representation, and how showing up with her full heart have shaped her path in bikepacking. Trigger Warning: We discuss topics related to body image and disordered eating between the 19:00 and 25:00 marks. If these are sensitive topics for you please feel free to skip this portion of the episode. To keep up with Alexandera’s adventures follow her on Instagram @alexanderahouchin and read her writing on her Substack In an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey and share your honest feedback on the show — your support is so appreciated ❤️ As always, if you loved this episode, please leave us a review, follow wherever you listen and share it with a friend. Even better you can make a one time pledge of your support and any funds raised go back into creating this show. A big thank you to Ben Crannell for mixing the audio for this episode. You can find us on Instagram @detourscycling and Mel @melwwebb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Theo Kelsey-Verdecchia on creating the Golden Horseshoe bikepacking route 1:23:40

för 15 weeks sedan1:23:40

1:23:40

In this episode, Mel chats with Theo Kelsey-Verdecchia, ultra-endurance cyclist and creator of the Golden Horseshoe bikepacking route in Ontario. Theo shares how he designed this epic 1,600 km route to showcase Ontario’s hidden gems—from rugged singletrack to remote backcountry trails. He talks about racing vs. touring mindsets, balancing challenge with accessibility, and the joys of discovering unexpected resupply stops. Tune in for a conversation about route creation, adventure, and pushing personal limits. If you want to keep up with Theo's adventures and stayed up to date on his plans for the inaugural Golden Horseshoe event, follow him on Instagram In an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey and share your honest feedback on the show. Thank you in advance for the time and help to grow this show ❤️ As always, if you loved this episode please leave us a five star review, follow the show and share it with a friend. Even better, you can make a one time pledge of your support and any funds go back into creating this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Leanne Bentley: Alps Divide 2024 women's winner and bag maker at Carrie Gere 1:15:55

för 16 weeks sedan1:15:55

1:15:55

In this episode, we chat with Leanne Bentley, an ultra-distance cyclist and creative living in the Netherlands. She is also the maker behind the bikepacking bags of Carrie Gere . Originally from the UK, Leanne shares her path from childhood cycling clubs to taking on the world of ultra-racing. She gives us a peek into her early cycling days with fun stories from car parks and grass track racing, and explains how the pandemic led her to discover bikepacking. Leanne opens up about the lessons from her first races, gear mishaps, and how she balances her cycling with running a creative business and designing custom bikepacking bags. To keep up with Leanne's adventures follow her on Instagram, as well as her latest bag developments at Carrie Gere . If you loved this episode please leave us a five star review and don't forget to share this episode with a friend. You can even go one step further and pledge your support on our Buy Me a Coffee . Thanks as always for listening and we'll see you next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Justinas Leveika on racing the Triple Crown Challenge: Tour Divide, Colorado Trail & Arizona Trail 1:31:29

för 17 weeks sedan1:31:29

1:31:29

Justinas is back on Detours sharing all about his wild 2024 season where he set a new record on the Triple Crown of bikepacking: The Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race and Arizona Trail Race. Justinas completed all three of these races in a cumulative time of 25 days, 5 hours, and 30 minutes (2d:13h:3m ahead of Jay Petervary’s record from 2015). We caught up while he was recovering in Arizona just a few days after winning the Arizona Trail Race. We shared so many good laughs about his season and everything it took to complete these races. From eating a double cheese burger at the bottom of the grand canyon, to sourcing a ground sheet from construction sites to managing disappointment from route closures, this conversation covers it all. To keep up to date with Justinas' adventures be sure to give him a follow on Instagram . If you loved today's episode, please leave us a five star review and share the episode with a friend. It truly does help this show get in the ears of more listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Emma Missale, bike messenger World Champion, on her first year bikepack racing 1:15:45

för 21 weeks sedan1:15:45

1:15:45

This past year Emma Missale has burst onto the bikepack racing scene, landing herself second on the podium at both the Hellenic and Silk Road Mountain Races. By day, Emma is a bike messenger in Copenhagen and is a three time bike messenger world champion! In this episode she shares all about life as a bike messenger, how she found bikepacking and everything she's learned in her first year racing ultras. Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram to keep up with her adventures @shotti_e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Jade Simpson-Field on a life of big adventures & the Silk Road Mountain Race 1:19:25

för 22 weeks sedan1:19:25

1:19:25

Jade Simpson-Field is an adventurer and bikepacker from Leeds who’s made a habit of squeezing in massive adventures around her "normal boring life." Jade’s love for riding her bike is infectious and she’s no stranger to tackling some of the toughest endurance races out there (all while wearing sandals!)—even when imposter syndrome tries to creep in. We talk about her journey into bikepacking, from her early days riding in Vietnam to racing the Highland Trail 550 (twice!) and her goal of becoming the first person to complete the Lakeland 200 in all four seasons. She also talks about placing third at this year’s Silk Road Mountain Race and what motivates her to push on, even in the hardest moments. Jade’s story is packed with relatable moments, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration. Thank you Jade and we can't wait to see what you get up to next! You can keep up with Jade's adventures on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Stephen Shelesky on photographing the Silk Road Mountain Race 1:39:07

för 24 weeks sedan1:39:07

1:39:07

Stephen Shelesky is commercial outdoors photographer who has shot for some of the biggest brands in the space and some of the world's best skiiers. He's also an ultra racer. Just one week before he was meant to race the Silk Road Mountain Race for the second time, he was asked to join the media team and photograph the race instead. This would be his first time shooting a bikepacking event. In this conversation Stephen shares all about diving into these uncharted waters, giving us a sneak peak into life in the media car and ultimately a new perspective on how impactful these events can be on our lives. Equal parts inspiring and entertaining, Stephen was an absolute delight to talk to. You can check out more of his work on Instagram or on his website . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Joe Nation, winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race 1:19:07

för 25 weeks sedan1:19:07

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Stoked to bring you this conversation with the winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race, Joe Nation. Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, Joe went on to win this year's 1939km edition of the race in 6 days 18 hours and 10 minutes. The race was exceptionally tight until the final 48 hours, where Joe made a tactical move in the Arabel Valley and a strong push over the infamous Shamsi pass to solidify his lead. In this episode Joe shares the ins and outs of his ride — from his reccy mission before the race, to his rocky first day and how he had to readjust his plans and stay patient in order to make it through. A massive thanks to Joe for taking the time to chat and hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Be sure to give Joe a follow on Instagram as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Hannah Simon, women's winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race 1:41:57

för 28 weeks sedan1:41:57

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Hannah Simon took the women's win at this year's Silk Road Mountain Race, in a time of 8 days 20 hours and 16 minutes. She navigated the 1939km and 30,000m+ with determination, resilience and grace. Not only was she the first woman home, but also landed 9th overall in an exceptionally deep field. In this episode we talk all about her preparation and the race itself. She shares so many great nuggets about her own personal hygiene, her kit and so much more. It was an absolute joy to get to record this episode in person together and to celebrate her achievement. Stay up to date on Hannah's adventures by following her on Instagram . If you loved today's episode please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Mateo Paez on racing the 2024 Tour Divide 1:37:26

för 33 weeks sedan1:37:26

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Stoked to catch up with my good friend Mateo Paez. 2022 was Mateo's first attempt at any ultra endurance bikepacking race and that experience quickly changed his life. Over the past two years he's gone head first into the world of ultracycling, writing his own story and tackling these rides with his unique approach, fondly referring to this niche sport as "Competitive Exploration". He raced this year's Tour Divide and finished the route from Banff to Antelope Wells in 17 days 22 hours 17 minutes. Today we chat through his experience as a rookie on the Tour Divide and more on his approach to racing. He shares many fantastic tails from the trail, as well as some particularly vulnerable person reflections that happened along the way and just how much these rides have the power to transform your life. To keep up with Mateo's adventures check him out on Instagram @whatswrongwithpaez_ He also does a fantastic job of sharing post race write ups on his website https://ultrapaez.com/ , where he also shared his Tour Divide Kit List If you loved this episode subscribe to the show wherever you listen and leave us a five star review. It goes a long way in supporting what we do! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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