Bikepack Adventures Podcast

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm going LIVE with Robert Givens: Bikepacking Coach, Storyteller & Tour Divide Veteran.
Join us for an inspiring YouTube Live conversation with Robert Givens; a rider, mentor, and storyteller who has transformed decades of cycling experience into a mission to help others ride further, smarter, and with more purpose.
With 35 years of competitive cycling behind him and five years dedicated to the grit and logistics of bikepacking, Rob brings a rare blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and creative vision to the trail. As a two‑time Tour Divide participant, he knows exactly what it takes to prepare for, survive, and enjoy ultra-distance bikepacking adventures.
Today, Rob is the founder of ThruRider.Bike, where he coaches riders of all levels; from first‑time overnighters to athletes eyeing trans‑continental races. His coaching sits at the intersection of technology and adventure, drawing on his background in IT and video production to teach a unique skill: Near Real‑Time Travel Video Storytelling.
To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:
https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles

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Instagram: @ThruRider25
YouTube: Thru-Rider - YouTube

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Panorama 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...

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 wander, she thrives in the wild unknown.
Kara Folkerts is a trail running guide, bikepacker, yoga teacher, and nomadic adventurer whose passport reads like a love letter to landscapes: Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Baja’s desert roads, Iceland’s windswept coasts, and the rugged trails of Japan, Austria, Italy, and the Balkans. For over eight years, she’s been living a life of curiosity and purpose: pedaling, running, and teaching across continents while weaving mindfulness and sustainability into every journey.
But behind the miles is a philosophy: adventure as a way of being, community as a compass, and curiosity as the fuel that keeps her moving forward. In this episode, we talk about her bike and setup, the adventures that shaped her, and the belief systems that keep her grounded while she’s on the move. So, clip in, settle back, and get ready to ride into the world of Kara Folkerts.
To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:
https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures
Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles

Find them at:
Instagram: Kara Folkerts
Website: KaraFolkerts.com

Find me at…
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
ITUNES
Show Sponsors
Panorama 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...

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 or
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures
Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club
Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles

Find them at:
Instagram: Nathalie_Baillon
Facebook: Nathalie.Baillon.Ultracycling
Website: WWW.NATHALIEBAILLON.COM

Find me at…
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
ITUNES
Show Sponsors
Panorama 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 or
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures
Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club
Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles

Find them at:
Instagram: @meaghanhackinen
Facebook: Meaghan Hackinen
Website: Meaghan Hackinen – Writer, cyclist & adventure seeker

Find me at…
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YOUTUBE
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INSTAGRAM
ITUNES
Show Sponsors
Panorama 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 or
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures
Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club
Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles

Find them at:
Instagram: Fork Sauce

Find me at…
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
ITUNES
Show Sponsors
Panorama 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...