✨ Support the Podcast ✨

In this episode, Kara Woolgar shares an inside look at her journey from first-time bikepacker to finishing the Arizona Trail 800. We dive into how she trained with limited time, overcame self-doubt, and committed to one of the toughest bikepacking races in the U.S. Kara breaks down her approach to nutrition with celiac disease and multiple food allergies, lessons learned about fueling and gear, managing fear and safety in the backcountry, and why community and mentorship matter—especially for women getting into bikepacking.

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Bikepacking 101 Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3zjgoUB3/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.youtube.com/@PintSizedAdventurer

https://www.instagram.com/karawoolgar/

https://www.nukesunrise.com/#/

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(00:00:00) Bikepacking 101: Introduction and upcoming overnighter clinic details

(00:02:37) Advice on borrowing and using simple gear for beginners

(00:06:07) Overcoming fears of solo wilderness travel through group dynamics

(00:07:23) Hard-learned lessons about always carrying a rain jacket

(00:09:57) Reflections on completing the Queen’s Ransom as a first major ride

(00:12:12) Committing to and preparing for the 800-mile Arizona Trail

(00:15:45) Managing health, nutrition, and Celiac disease during long-distance racing

(00:24:53) Meaningful encounters with through-hikers and solitude on the trail

(00:31:47) Pushing through severe blisters and a low point at Picketpost

(00:48:53) Strategic charging and water resupply logistics at Hijinks Camp

(00:51:36) Troubleshooting mechanical failures and keeping a positive mindset

(00:53:06) Balancing professional life as a nurse with endurance goals

(01:09:36) Navigating the Grand Canyon with specific water management strategies

(01:53:07) Looking ahead to the Colorado Trail and European bikepacking dreams

(02:18:22) Final community resources and event links for interested riders

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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio

In this episode, endurance cyclist and SAUER Co-Race Director Dexter Kopas joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on modern gravel and ultra-distance bikepacking. We dive deep into why wider tires are reshaping gravel racing, how real-world rolling resistance and comfort matter more than drum tests, and what actually makes riders faster over multi-day efforts. Dexter shares his personal evolution into ultra racing, lessons from events like Race Across Arizona, Unbound XL, Vermont Super 8, Doom, and the realities of sponsorships—from winning races to building pitch decks and navigating the bike industry.

The conversation expands beyond gear into the future of bikepacking itself: why the sport hasn’t grown like ultrarunning, the balance between solitude and community, and how supported elements might help bikepacking reach a wider audience. We also cover bike fit, injury prevention, ideal ultra-race bike setups, and the challenges of designing responsible race routes.

Finally, Dexter breaks down his role as Co-Race Director of the SAUER Ultra Endurance Bikepacking Race, including course design, terrain, bike recommendations, lessons learned from year one, and how SAUER aims to blend competition, accessibility, and community in a Tucson-based ultra event.

Whether you’re a gravel racer, bikepacker, or endurance athlete curious about where the sport is headed, this episode offers honest insight, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at racing and building ultra-distance events.

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https://www.instagram.com/kopeus/

https://thesauer.weebly.com/

https://www.instagram.com/otsocycles/

https://www.instagram.com/wolf_tooth_comp/

https://www.instagram.com/redshiftsports/

https://www.instagram.com/oldmanmountainracks/

https://www.instagram.com/silca_velo/

https://www.instagram.com/kanberra_usa/

https://www.instagram.com/carbsfuel/

https://www.instagram.com/wild_arizona_/

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(00:00:00) Introduction and 2025 Year in Review

(00:03:43) The Gravel Tire Revolution

(00:04:01) Transitioning to Ultra-Endurance

(00:12:31) The Business of Sponsorship

(00:19:34) The Professional Athlete Lifestyle

(00:21:05) Legitimizing Bikepack Racing

(00:53:52) The Role of Professional Coaching

(01:09:53) Mental Focus and Endurance

(01:18:52) Nutrition and Fueling Strategies

(01:26:56) Route Development in Arizona

(01:40:44) The Philosophy of Course Design

(01:42:00) Race Directing and Community

(01:44:43) Race Tracking Technology

(02:11:22) Closing Thoughts and 2026 Outlook

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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

✨ Support the Podcast ✨

In this episode, ultra-endurance bikepack racer Alex Schultz joins me in the studio for a deep dive into his journey through the Triple Crown of Bikepacking — the Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race, and Arizona Trail Race 800. We talk about growing up outdoors in Michigan, the evolution of his racing career, and the mental and physical toll of multi-day racing. Alex shares stories from freezing nights, blown spokes, mud disasters, canyon portages, resupply chaos, and what it really takes to train, problem-solve, and push through thousands of miles of self-supported racing. If you love bikepacking, gear nerdery, adventure suffering, or just a good story, this one’s stacked.

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https://www.instagram.com/schultzy954

https://www.kindbikesandskis.com

https://www.instagram.com/morrow_packs

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This episode is brought to you by:

Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!

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(00:00:00) – Early Life, Outdoors Background & The Chevy Tracker Build

(00:03:05) – Normalizing Hard Efforts & Race-Day Mindset

(00:17:03) – Trail Magic, Race Fairness & Training Structure

(00:18:25) – Tour Divide Resupply Story & The “Training My Whole Life” Quote

(00:21:19) – Handling Cold, Arizona vs Colorado Conditions

(00:23:40) – This Year’s Modified Grand Canyon Route

(00:35:58) – Fueling Philosophy: “I Don’t Count Calories — I Visualize It”

(00:41:50) – Executive Function Collapse at Resupplies

(00:46:49) – Getting Sick on Tour Divide & Calling It

(01:18:06) – Gear Durability & The Marji Gesick Race

(01:31:53) – Sleep Deprivation & The Psychology of Pushing Through

(01:54:41) – Race Rules, Schilling, and the AZT FKT Debate

(01:59:50) – Mechanical Problems: AXS Batteries & Drivetrain Failures

(02:09:22) – Grocery Store Resupplies & Final Advice to New Athletes

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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing