This episode is a celebration of the women racing the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race.

The Tour Divide is a ride so many dream about—and this year, Jake finally said yes. In this episode, he and Mel unpack what it meant to chase that dream and everything that he experienced over his 16 days on the Tour Divide.

Rachel Wills has lined up for Unbound XL five times—drawn back each year by the challenge, the landscape, and the chance to learn something new about herself. In this episode, she reflects on the ritual of returning to Emporia, Kansas year aver year.

The pathway into bikepacking isn’t always straightforward—and even with endless routes and resources online, it can still be hard to know where to begin or how to find your people. That’s where Bikepacking Roots comes in: a nonprofit working to make bikepacking more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven.

The summer racing season in the world of ultra and bikepacking is in full swing! In this episode, I’m catching you up on what’s been happening and what's ahead. From surprising Jake at the finish of the Tour Divide (yes, I cried... so much crying!) to managing media at Hellenic, it’s been a full few weeks. I share women's racing highlights from this season so far, including Tour Divide, Highland Trail 550, Hellenic Mountain Race, Kromvojoj, El Piri, and the Trans Balkans Race. I also look ahead to what’s coming next: Bright Midnight, Transcontinental Race where nearly 100 women(!!!) will be lining up this year. and of course, the Silk Road Mountain Race. Even though I won’t be racing this year, I’m excited to return to Kyrgyzstan for a third time and be back in the ultra bubble with the media crew. And inevitably, I’ve missed some races—so if there’s a standout story you think should be featured, I’m all ears.Plus, I want to hear from you. If you’ve been on an overnighter, a big summer ride, or a bikepacking trip you’re proud of, send me a voice note to thedetourspodcast@gmail.com I’d love to feature your stories on the show and celebrate adventures big and small.Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingIf you love this show please consider pledging your support to sustain producing this show: https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma 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 ride, from chasing records to losing her multi-tool in a creek and navigating Scotland’s notorious river crossings. We talk about fuelling mistakes (pro tip: never skip a resupply), what happened when her chafing hit code red, and how close competition can unlock your best performance, even if your rival’s rain jacket is way too easy to spot.We also get into her journey into bikepacking, how ultra racing compares to enduro and XC racing, and why she thinks crying is a superpower. Emma’s energy is contagious, and this conversation is full of laughs, honest reflections, and the kind of type-two stories that make you want to grab your bike and go.Topics include:Emma’s 2024 Highland Trail 550 win (and the chaos along the way)Racing head-to-head with Kerry MacPheeRiver crossings, hail storms, and a tragic lost multi-toolHer first ultra at Tour Te Waipounamu and what she’s learned sinceThe trade-offs of ambition, joy, and full-time racingCoaching kids, racing XC, and what’s nextFollow Emma's adventures on Instagram: @em_b8upFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 deep dive on her mindset as a racer. She has quite an impressive resume, including joint first woman at Silk Road Mountain Race in August 2023, the fastest woman to ride across Europe, second woman at Atlas Mountain Race 2024 and more. I hope you'll join me in cheering her (and the rest of the Tour Divide racers) on. Watch the dots hereFollow Nathalie's on Instagram: @nathalie_baillonFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each 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.In an effort to celebrate the women of this year’s Tour Divide, and to inspire more to line up in the future, I collected voice notes from riders across the globe—sharing who they are, why they’re racing, and what brought them to this start line. Inevitably, I wasn't able to capture everyone's voices despite my best efforts and internet sleuthing.You’ll hear from first-timers, returning riders, dot-watching converts, and those chasing the Tour Divide women’s record. Their stories speak to why representation matters, why adventure is worth the risk, and why more women belong at the start line.I hope you'll join me in cheering them on and watching their dots as they make their way from Banff to Antelope Wells.Follow the dots here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'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/privacy for more information.

Most 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 first experiences with bikepack racing at the Transcontinental Race and how that event inspired the Silk Road Mountain Race, what it actually takes to build a good race route, and the power of experiences where the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Nelson shares stories from the early editions of SRMR—including a bull trampling a rider’s bike—and offers a sneak peek at the newest addition to the series: Taurus Mountain Race, coming in 2026.Mentioned in this episode:Silk Road Mountain RaceAtlas Mountain RaceHellenic Mountain RaceTaurus Mountain Race (coming 2026)Transcontinental RaceHighland Trail 550Mike Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’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, Treehouse Cyclery, is a community-first space, redefining what it means to be a bike shop. She also leads the Colorado chapter of Radical Adventure Riders, organizing events, rides, and camps that help women, trans, and non-binary folks find belonging in adventure cycling.In this conversation, Alyssa shares how she got into the outdoors later in life, what happened when she signed up for a 600-mile bikepacking race after just one year of riding, and how she’s learned to tune out the pressure to perform and lean into joy. Whether she’s leading a group ride, fixing bikes, or talking to new riders about their first gear purchase, Alyssa is helping reshape cycling culture, and always bringing the vibes. Check out Alyssa's bikeshop Treehouse Cyclery in Boulder, ColoradoFollow Alyssa's adventures on Instagram: @__alyssagonzalezFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we talk about barriers to entry and bike packing, so many things come to mind. For many, it's gear. For others, it's about confidence. For many folks, especially women and marginalized genders, it can be about not knowing where to start, not seeing people like you doing the thing and feeling like maybe this world wasn't built with you and mine.On Detours we talk a lot about getting more women into bike packing, but how do we actually do that? What does it take? What does it really take to make someone feel like they belong? Roll Models is one answer.It's a mentorship program started by Athlyn and her co-creator, Cordelia in Bristol UK that pairs women in marginalized genders with more experienced riders. The idea is simple: a mentor and mentee relationship. So folks have someone to ride with, ask questions to, and learn from someone in your corner, which can make all the difference when you're finding your footing in the world of bike packing. In this episode we talk about: How Athlyn’s own road into bikepacking: starting on a single-speed bike with a yoga mat strapped to the back rackThe inspiration she found in a mentorship program in British ColumbiaHow Roll Models was built and how it worksThe surprising barriers mentors face, not just menteesHow we can truly create a welcoming environment in the world of bikepackingAnd her big goal for the year: taking on the Highland Trail 550, her first bikepacking raceAs always, thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast this year.Follow Athlyn on Instagram: @athlynckFollow Roll Models on Instagram: @__rollmodelsFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcastFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's just me, Mel, on the mic, and I'm finally sharing a long overdue catchup. Today I share some behind-the-scenes moments from Morocco and the Atlas Mountain Race, and how a lot of recent experiences have had me rethinking my relationship to bikes, racing, and movement in general.As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year.Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you take a bike built for two and bring it to some of the most rugged, remote and challenging bikepacking in the world? You get tandemonium, and honestly, Shona and Rich Oldfield wouldn’t have it any other way. Shona and Rich live in Manchester, UK, where they run Keep Pedalling, a small but mighty bike shop dedicated to supplying help, advice, and bikes for adventures. Over the past decade, they’ve quietly become legends in the bikepack racing world — not for winning races, but for how they show up: almost always together, and usually on a tandem. It’s long, it’s heavy, and by most standards absolutely the “wrong” bike for these races — which, of course, makes it perfect for them. In this episode, we talk about what it’s actually like to race a tandem off-road: how they divide roles on the bike, what happens when one of them wants to sleep (and the other doesn’t), and why Rich refuses to use the brakes. They also share some wild hallucination stories, dog packing with their pup Olive, and how the tandem has become a symbol of their approach to life: good-humoured, stubborn, and quietly joyful. Shona and Rich remind us that these events are supposed to be fun, and that there’s no “right” way to do these things, just the way that works for you. As always, thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast this year.Follow Shona and Rich on Instagram: @keep_pedallingFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcastFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 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 racingRacing in the Transcontinental Race in a pair with her husband: the challenges, teamwork, and life lessonsHow 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 terrainSurviving on honey, omelets, and Moroccan teaHow music (and a little bit of Taylor Swift) helped her get through hard momentsHer 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.cyclingWatch her Atlas Mountain Race videoSubscribe to her podcast Buzzalong CyclingAs 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.

"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 cultureHow decades of adventure—from canoe trips to the Tour Divide—shaped Jen and Eric’s approach to route buildingRiding as a couple: balancing different strengths, rhythms, and goals on the bikeThe creation of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and fostering connections across the regionWhy community-building, safety, and accessibility are at the heart of the Log Driver’s WaltzHow the route offers something for everyone—from those chasing FKTs to riders seeking a leisurely multi-day adventureTips for tackling the route, including bike setups, resupply points, and managing its surprisingly punchy climbsDetails & Links for the Log Driver's Waltz2025 Grand Depart: August 23rd,8 AM, Almonte Hills, Ontario, CanadaSpring Rally: For those who want to experience the route in more digestible chunksLog Driver’s Waltz Official WebsiteLog Driver’s Waltz Tips & Planning Facebook GroupFollow Jen & Eric’s updates and rally details on social media @thelogdriverswaltzAs always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year. Follow along:Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscyclingFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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 InstagramFollow Mel on Instagram Follow Detours on Instagram Dotwatch Atlas Mountain Race Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.molFollow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebbFollow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcastFollow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cyclingDo 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.