Ep. 44 – Pepper Cook, Your Pal Behind the Puns

Pepper Cook

Pepper Cook is a legend in the bikepacking and touring community. She’s known for her witty puns, quirky humour, and almost a decade of epic solo bike trips. I got to meet her at last years Bikepacking Summit where she was a presenter. I’ve been a fan of her for a long time and listening to her masterfully tell stories around a campfire goes down as a highlight of my life. She is as engaging and funny in person as you may imagine.

Ep. 43 – Jerod Foster, Adventurous Husband and Father

Jerod Foster

As I got to know Jerod better I started to admire him for another reason, his ability to have an adventurous life and career, while still playing an active role in his family. As a father I know the challenges of taking young kids outside and immersing them in nature, I also know the benefit.

Ep. 42 – Mark McGraw, GranGravel 500 (unofficial) Winner

Mark Mcgraw

On March 19th at 5:00am Mark McGraw lined up at the start line of the “unofficial” GranGravel 500 Race along with two others. The official race was cancelled due to COVID-19, but that didn’t stop these guys from lining up to take on the course, the elements, and potential resupply closures at keep points.

Ep. 41 – Emma Flukes, A Scenic Trip to Hell

Emma Flukes

Emma Flukes doesn’t shy away from a challenge. In fact, she seeks them out and seems to thrive there. She is the brainchild behind the twisted, grueling, unsanctioned, unsupported, route described as “a scenic trip to Hell”, and known as Tassie Gift.

Ep. 40 – Jenny Schmidt, bikepacking along the Border

Jenny Schmidt

In this episode I meet up with Jenny Schmidt at Rocky Hill Ranch to ride bikes and record a podcast. She had just completed a solo bikepacking trip along the US/Mexico border from California to Texas. For her this trip was about grappling with her own mental health and an opportunity to learn first hand about the issues surrounding the border and the wall.

Ep. 39 – Drew Echelberger, I Rode Here From Kentucky

Drew Echelberger

Drew Echelberger is a 29 year old adventure cyclist, writer, glassblower & rapper from Louisville Kentucky. The eccentric aspiring novelist, & travel show host has been making & hiding marbles all across the country throughout the course of the 37,000+ Miles (over 1.5 x around the planet earth) 30 states & 3 countries he has pedaled though solo & self supported over the past 5 years.

Ep. 38 – Kerry Staite is kLite

Kerry Staite

I’m excited to release my second interview with Kerry Staite, Chief “Mad Scientist” at kLite. Kerry is a forward thinking guy with perspectives that will make you go mmmmmhhhhh. If we are starved of anything in today’s world its authenticity, but not today, not this episode, and especially not Kerry Staite. Hold onto your headphones, this one’s coming in hot.

Ep. 37 – Katie & Henley Phillips, Alone Across Australia

Katie and Henley Phillips

Katie Visco is fresh off a 2,200 mile, 119 day run across the Australian outback, but she didn’t do it alone. Her support vehicle was a Surly Troll loaded down with all the food, water, and provisions they would need to make the traverse. This “Monster Bike” was powered by her husband, Henley Philips, making this the first anyone has ever ran across Australia complete supported by 100% human power.

Ep. 36 – Scotti & Ernie Lechuga, ARHCR FKT Holders

Scotti and Ernie Lechuga

I had the pleasure of interviewing Scotti and Ernie Lechuga in Little Rock, AR on my way to ride a portion of the AR High Country Route. Brannon Pack who works for Fayetteville recommended them as a great interview to get a feel for what I had to look forward to.