Bikepack Adventures Podcast

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 ultra-endurance cycling. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today’s guest is someone who doesn’t just ride hard, she lives full throttle.Nathalie Baillon is an ultra-distance cyclist whose resume reads like a global adventure map: Silk Road, Badlands, Atlas Mountain Race, and most recently, a record-breaking win at the 2025 Tour Divide. She’s also the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest female crossing of Europe: 6,300 kilometers in just over 18 days.But behind the stats is a story of transformation. From engineer to full-time adventurer, from structured life to skidding sideways into the unknown. In this episode, we talk about the bikes, the battles, and the belief systems that fuel her journey. So, clip in, settle back, and get ready to ride À Fond les Baillon.To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Nathalie_BaillonFacebook: Nathalie.Baillon.UltracyclingWebsite: WWW.NATHALIEBAILLON.COMFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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...

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I sit down once again with ultra-endurance athlete and writer Meaghan Hackinen, fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race. Over 1,954 kilometers and 28,000 meters of climbing through the rugged terrain of Kyrgyzstan, Meaghan not only finished the race, but she also crushed it, claiming 1st place in the women’s category and 10th overall, with a time of 9 days, 4 hours, and 6 minutes.This conversation dives deep into the final chapter of her year-long quest to complete the Mountain Race Series, which included the Atlas Mountain Race, the Hellenic Mountain Race, and now, the Silk Road Mountain Race. We explore the grit, gear, and mindset it takes to thrive in some of the world’s harshest conditions, from her bike setup and tire choices to sleep strategies and mental resilience.Whether you're a seasoned racer, a curious adventurer, or someone who just loves a good story of perseverance, this episode is a must listen. So, grab a drink, saddle up, and let's roll into Meaghan's journey across the mountains.To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: @meaghanhackinenFacebook: Meaghan HackinenWebsite: Meaghan Hackinen – Writer, cyclist & adventure seekerFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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...

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today we’re diving into another round of Unpacking Bikepacking, a series where we ditch the polished narratives and get real about gear, grit, and the glorious chaos of bikepacking.Whether it’s the saddle that saved your soul or the mud puddle that swallowed your ego, we’re here to unpack it all. I’m joined once again by Carl Presseault, and trust me, we’ve got stories, hot takes, and maybe even a few questionable opinions to share.In this episode, we talk about gear that works, gear that hurts, and the rides that make you question your life choices—in the best way possible. Carl and I unpack our latest adventures, saddle experiments, folding bike debates, and the eternal search for the perfect route. It’s raw, real, and just the right amount of ridiculous. So, grab your coffee, clip in, and let’s roll into the wild world of bikepacking.To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Fork SauceFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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...

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian, a marketing exec turned solo bikepacking adventurer, whose journey across the rail trails of America began with a career detour and became a deliberate pursuit of clarity, connection, and challenge. From navigating rainforest mishaps and bear encounters to whitewater wipeouts and tornado warnings, Seb’s ride is anything but ordinary. We talk gear choices, e-bike debates, saddle woes, and the surprising joy of solitude. Whether you’re planning your own escape or just love a good story, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin when life throws you off course.To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: thedeliberatedetourYouTube: The Deliberate DetourFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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...

Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm your host Chris Panasky, and today we’re diving into a story that redefines what it means to push limits. My guest today is Hannah Otto, a professional mountain biker, Olympic Long Team member, and the mastermind behind the Moab Triple Crown, a trilogy of iconic mountain bike routes across some of Utah’s most famous trails. In this episode, we unpack her recent Moab Triple Crown FKT, diving into each of the events, tasting disappointment and smashing records.But this isn’t just about speed, it’s about grit, solitude, and the kind of growth that only comes through suffering. We’ll explore Hannah’s upbringing, her evolution as an athlete, the mindset behind her self-imposed challenges, and what it means to chase something that no one else has done before. So, whether you're tuning in from the saddle or the sofa, get ready for a ride through resilience, strategy, and the raw beauty of pushing past your edge.Check out the videos by @competitivecyclist :The Whole Enchilada Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oErEWLGdPlIKokopelli Strong: https://youtu.be/Sq-kcxMBrVA?si=CI0696HareKv07GKWhite Rim FKT: https://youtu.be/vohBABimUoU?si=hDv3vEBHFY0DMjmUTo support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Hannah Rae Otto (@thehannahotto)Facebook: Hannah OttoWebsite: hannahottotraining.comFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAM