The Endurance Studio

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioIn this episode of The Endurance Studio, I'm joined by Brandon Bettes, better known in the bikepacking world as Gnar Nasty. Brandon has had one hell of a year, taking on an ambitious lineup of endurance events, including the Stagecoach 400, Pinyons and Pines, Colorado Trail Race, AZT 800, and AZT 300.We get into the highs and lows of an unforgettable racing season, including a devastating crash on the Colorado Trail Race, a serious medical situation during his first AZT 800 attempt, and his return to the Arizona Trail for a redemption ride on the AZT 300.Brandon shares his experience with hyponatremia, the importance of understanding your individual sodium needs, and what he changed between his AZT 800 and AZT 300 attempts. We also discuss the physical toll of ultra-endurance racing, avoiding burnout, and finding a sustainable balance between chasing big adventures and staying healthy enough to keep doing them.We also get into the details that make bikepacking conversations fun: single-speed setups, broken spokes, custom high handlebars, water carries, emergency bivy experiences, lightning storms, bear encounters, navigation mistakes, and the gear that makes a difference out on the trail.And, of course, we finish with some rapid-fire questions and a few stories you won't want to miss.----------------https://www.instagram.com/gnar_nasty/----------------(00:00:00) - Podcast Introduction and Back Pain(00:03:16) - Pars Defect, Surgery, and Peptide Options(00:11:19) - Gnar Nasty: Origin Story and Race Background(00:16:45) - Colorado Trail Race Crash and Recovery(00:22:23) - Balancing Training, Work, and Family(00:27:58) - AZT 800 and Hospital Treatment(00:34:50) - Hyponatremia, Sodium, and Electrolyte Strategies(00:38:28) - Bike Mechanics, Frame Damage, and Custom Components(00:42:43) - Grand Loop: Fatigue, Motivation, and Sleep Deprivation(00:48:11) - Navigation Mistakes and Unexpected Situations(00:50:36) - Camping, Weather, and Emergency Bivy Experiences(01:06:34) - Water Management and Hydration Logistics(01:09:59) - Sodium Preloading and Endurance Performance(01:16:04) - AZT 300 Mechanical Issues and Spoke Repairs(01:25:51) - Bike Components, Geometry, and Hand Health(01:28:48) - Advice to His Younger Self: Avoiding Burnout(01:31:02) - From Motorcycles to Bikepacking(01:42:19) - AZT 300: Expectations, Challenges, and Lessons(01:45:26) - Lighting Systems and Headlamp Options(01:48:47) - Bear Encounters, Motivation, and Future Races(01:53:59) - Dogs, Inspiration, and Future Race Concepts(01:59:23) - Coros Dura and Garmin InReach Review(02:15:48) - Hospital Visits, Support, and Bikepacking Camaraderie(02:20:23) - Essential Gear and Rapid-Fire Questions(02:24:08) - Camper Encounters, Resupply, and Wildlife(02:31:52) - Closing Remarks ----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioWhat does it take to bring one of bikepacking’s original routes back to life? And what makes the rugged, remote West End of Colorado such a special place to ride?In this episode of The Endurance Studio Podcast, I sit down with Tim Tait, Grand Loop race director and West End cycling advocate, after taking on the Grand Loop myself. We talk about the history of this legendary bikepacking route, the challenges of organizing a race on public lands, and what the future of bikepacking looks like as the sport continues to grow.Tim shares how the Grand Loop went dormant, why he decided to bring it back, and what goes into organizing one of the most demanding bikepacking events in the country. We get into permitting, land stewardship, route design, and the delicate balance between creating challenging adventures and protecting the places that make them possible.We also dive into Tim’s own racing career, including his recent Tour Divide finish, the lessons he's learned from years of endurance racing, and the now-legendary story behind his Tour Divide tradition of smoking a cigarette at every state line.Plus, we discuss the Grand Loop's coin-flip start direction, the realities of riding through the brutal desert terrain of Western Colorado, and why the West End deserves a place on every bikepacker's radar.----------------https://www.thewestendgravelrush.comhttps://www.instagram.com/westendcycling/https://www.instagram.com/tim.tait/----------------(00:00:00) Choosing the Grand Loop and Early Challenges(00:03:22) Water Sources, Red Canyon, and Technical Terrain(00:10:29) Bike Failures, Resupply, and Route Logistics(00:16:13) Grand Loop History and Route Evolution(00:18:46) Fruita Resupply, Hotel Nightmares, and Gear Failures(00:28:40) Geography, Hunting Season, and the Uncompahgre Region(00:32:03) Route Changes, Scenic Highlights, and Night Riding(00:42:21) Kokopelli Section, Trail Conditions, and Returning to Town(00:48:43) Accommodation Challenges and Vestal House(00:54:02) Pacing, Race Types, and Tour Divide Reflections(00:57:53) The State-Line Cigarette Tradition(01:02:54) Personal Background, Soccer, and Competitive Sports(01:12:44) European Influence and Different Racing Perspectives(01:19:07) Weather, Race Directing, and Mental Challenges(01:24:46) Racing Mistakes, Personal Struggles, and Life Balance(01:33:28) Future Races and the Origins of Utah Mixed Epic(01:39:57) Reviving the Grand Loop: Community, Permits, and Planning(01:45:02) Permitting, Funding, and Participant Limits(01:48:57) Land Managers, Community Involvement, and Race Growth(01:53:27) Nucla History, Mining, and Regional Development(02:05:19) Land Use, Conservation, and Community Perspectives(02:09:31) Trail Magic Debate and Community Reactions(02:20:54) Grand Loop Logistics, Trail Magic, and Reflections(02:25:40) Quick Q&A: Lessons, Gear, and Problem Solving(02:32:54) Recommended Routes and Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioAndrew and Katie Strempke have built a life around bikepacking—from racing some of the toughest routes in the world to running Dispersed Bikepacking, a handmade gear company born out of a simple need: making bags for their own bikes.In this episode of The Endurance Studio, we sit down with Andrew and Katie to talk about the unexpected journey from van life to building a business, the evolution of their gear, and what it takes to push the limits of ultra-endurance racing.We get into Andrew’s 2022 Bikepacking Triple Crown, completed entirely on a singlespeed, and the physical and mental toll that followed. They share why they’ve started rethinking sleep deprivation, training, and the pressure to keep chasing the next race—and how they’re rediscovering the joy of bikepacking without a finish line.We also dig into the details that make Dispersed gear different, including the years of prototyping behind Andrew’s innovative seat bag, their approach to staying small and independent, and the lessons learned from thousands of miles on the trail. Along the way, we get into mountain lion encounters, lightning on exposed ridgelines, winter bikepacking, bike rafting, and their plans to take on the Tour Divide on a tandem in 2027.This is a conversation about more than racing or making gear. It’s about building a life around what you love, knowing when to push harder, and recognizing when it’s time to take a different path.----------------https://dispersed.bikehttps://www.instagram.com/dispersed.bikepacking/https://www.instagram.com/strempke/https://www.instagram.com/katie.strempke/----------------(00:00:00) - Quitting Jobs, Van Life, and Building Dispersed Bikepacking(00:09:25) - Developing Dispersed Bags: From Idea to Business(00:18:13) - E-Bike Growth, Business Scaling, and Trail Access(00:29:20) - E-Bike Regulations, Lightning Risks, and Trail Use(00:38:04) - Colorado Trail Yo-Yo Race and Single-Speed Adventures(01:00:45) - Ultra-Endurance Racing: Fatigue, Sleep, and Recovery(01:11:43) - Grand Loop Racing: Weather, Heat, and Health Challenges(01:22:16) - Bikepacking in Bad Weather and Packrafting Adventures(01:36:24) - Dispersed Seat Bag Engineering and Winter Bikepacking Gear(01:50:23) - Lightning Round: Overrated Gear, Lighting, and Current Obsessions(02:25:44) - Future Plans: Tandem Tour Divide and Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioAt just 17 years old, McKenna “MJ” Marino became the youngest female finisher of the Colorado Trail Race under race rules, completing more than 500 miles of rugged Colorado singletrack in 12 days, 8 hours, and 11 minutes.In this episode of The Endurance Studio, McKenna shares how she went from her first overnight bikepacking trip to taking on one of the most demanding bikepacking routes in the country.We talk about growing up in an endurance-focused family, discovering bikepacking, racing Pinyons and Pines, and what eventually convinced her to attempt the Colorado Trail. McKenna also opens up about one of her biggest fears going into the ride: being alone in the wilderness at night—and how nearly two weeks on the trail changed her relationship with that fear.Along the way, we get into the realities of the CTR: high-elevation passes, hike-a-bike, exhaustion, resupply strategy, Cathedral Cabins, gear choices, sleep, unexpected trail closures, and the moments when she wondered whether something might actually force her to stop.But this conversation goes well beyond bikepacking. McKenna talks about why she intentionally stays away from social media, the value she finds in disconnecting and being present in nature, how experiences like the Colorado Trail have built her confidence, and why she describes the CTR not as “life-changing,” but as life-defining.We also talk about what her friends think of her adventures, her interest in sustainability and restoration ecology, college plans, and the much bigger adventures she might pursue in the future.At 17, McKenna is just getting started.----------------https://trackleaders.com/ctr26----------------(00:00:00) - Episode Introduction and Support Reminder(00:00:48) - Introducing McKenna and the Colorado Trail Race(00:01:32) - McKenna's Early Bikepacking Journey(00:06:59) - Family Influence and Training Support(00:09:28) - European Volunteer Work and Language Experience(00:11:57) - Pre-Race Fears and Overcoming Fear(00:16:39) - Cathedral Cabins and Family Support(00:22:20) - Moments of Doubt and Managing Fatigue(00:25:18) - High Passes, Wind, and Night Riding(00:30:33) - Gear Setup, Packing, and Sleep(00:35:10) - Future Races and Bikepacking at a Young Age(00:39:36) - Community and Solo vs. Group Experiences(00:44:23) - Maverick Stop and Sponsor Spotlight(00:50:55) - Post-Race Reflections and Confidence(00:57:34) - College Plans and Restoration Ecology(01:04:02) - Closing Remarks and Appreciation----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioPhotographer, filmmaker, and ultra-endurance athlete Matt Shapiro joins The Endurance Studio for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a creative career in endurance sports.Matt has worked with some of the biggest brands and athletes in ultra-endurance sports, documenting iconic races and some of the world's best trail and ultra runners. But this episode goes far beyond photography. We dive into storytelling, creativity, addiction and recovery, social media, AI, endurance culture, and the realities of making a living as a creator.----------------https://www.instagram.com/shapirothehero/https://matthew-shapiro.com/company----------------(00:00:00) Podcast Intro, New Branding & Meeting Matt Shapiro(00:02:29) Filmmaking, Editing & Building an Endurance Media Career(00:08:36) Photography Career & The Ultra-Running Industry(00:17:23) Technical vs Creative: Learning Photography(00:22:29) Composition, Storytelling & Building Relationships(00:27:31) In-Person Podcasting, Brand Collaborations & Business(00:34:15) Family Background, Climbing & Finding Endurance Sports(00:45:28) The Evolution of Action Sports Media(00:52:47) The Future of Short-Form Content, AI & Creativity(01:04:16) Transitioning from Photography to Video(01:11:09) Ultra-Endurance Experiences & Mountain Racing(01:19:02) Race Organization, Lotteries & Community(01:23:18) Alcohol Recovery & Personal Transformation(01:30:03) Race Ethics, Support Crews & Rules(01:33:55) Gatekeeping, Preparedness & Personal Philosophy(01:37:58) Balancing Work, Passion & Content Creation(01:42:02) Frog Hollow & Lessons from Podcasting(01:50:48) Recovery, Sobriety & Moving Forward(01:56:07) Early Drinking History & Rediscovering Identity(02:00:12) Addiction, Balance & Personality(02:05:45) Perfectionism, Productivity & Mental Health(02:08:47) Risk, Mortality & Perspective(02:15:32) Finding Moderation in High Performance(02:19:04) Performance Pressure & Mental Health(02:24:48) Losing an Entire Shoot: The Lost Footage Story(02:29:38) Running Fashion, Brand Economics & Satisfy(02:38:29) Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Matt----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioIn this episode, I sit down with Cruz Blue to recap his experience at Pinyons and Pines, discuss becoming the youngest solo finisher of the Arizona Trail Race, and look ahead to his upcoming Tour Divide debut. We talk about gear failures, race strategy, sleep systems, the mental challenge of loneliness during ultra-endurance events, trail friendships, wildlife encounters, and the lessons learned from long days in the saddle.----------------https://trackleaders.com/pinyonspines26https://trackleaders.com/tourdivide26----------------(00:00:00) Support Reminder, Bikepacking Trip & Tour Divide Preparation(00:04:36) Pinyons & Pines Recap, Gear Failures & Early Race Challenges(00:13:36) Flats, Resupplies, Night Riding & Race Dynamics(00:23:21) Sleep Strategy, Recovery & Learning Through Fatigue(00:30:20) Crown King, Prescott Trails, Wildlife & Mountain Lion Stories(00:44:57) Trail Friendships, Water Management & Bikepacking Ethics(00:56:00) Future Race Ideas, Course Design & Adventure Planning(00:59:32) Loneliness, Family Support & Mental Challenges in Endurance Racing(01:10:30) AI, Social Media, Sponsorships & Communication(01:18:56) Welding, Bike Building, 3D Printing & Career Exploration(01:28:45) College Plans, Motivation & Personal Growth(01:40:09) Tour Divide Fears, Inspiration & Future Dreams(01:51:44) Community Support, Local Connections & Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioIn this episode of The Endurance Studio, I sit down with ultra-endurance mountain biker Jeff Kerkove to talk about nearly two decades of bikepacking racing, from the Colorado Trail Race to international events like Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race. We dive into race strategy, sleep deprivation, resupply tactics, gear choices, pacing mistakes, and the mental side of pushing through massive distances. Jeff also shares stories from races like Stagecoach 400, Doom, Vapor Trail 125, Pinyons and Pines, and more — along with lessons learned from years of DNFs, big wins, and hard-earned experience in the ultra-endurance world.----------------https://www.instagram.com/jeffkerkovehttps://www.instagram.com/ergonbikehttps://www.instagram.com/topeakhttps://www.instagram.com/rideshimanohttps://www.instagram.com/ridefoxbikehttps://www.instagram.com/dtswisshttps://www.instagram.com/maxxisbikehttps://www.instagram.com/guenergylabs----------------(00:00:00) Episode Introduction and Pinyons & Pines Race Context(00:02:02) Race Strategy: Heat, Pacing, Nutrition, and Competition(00:04:16) Breck Epic and the Evolution of Supported Bikepacking(00:11:32) Preparing for Long-Distance Racing and Bike Choice(00:14:52) Sleep Deprivation, Minimal Gear, and Recovery Tactics(00:17:19) Gear Philosophy, Packing Strategy, and Cold Weather Prep(00:26:53) Reflections on the Sour Race and Favorite Route Segments(00:29:31) Early Racing Background and Discovering Ultra Endurance(00:33:48) Colorado Trail Race DNFs and Lessons Learned(00:40:28) The Addictive Nature of Ultra Racing and Competitiveness(00:42:00) Resupply Efficiency, Nutrition, and Time Management(00:45:07) Vapor Trail, Stagecoach, and Other Memorable Races(00:49:05) Bones to Blue and Doom: Extreme Bikepacking Challenges(00:54:35) International Racing: Silk Road, Atlas, and Global Logistics(00:59:54) Sea Otter, Bike Industry Trends, and Gear Innovation(01:06:06) Bikepacking Bags, Rack Systems, and Industry Drama(01:13:31) Ergon Product Development and Triple Crown Reflections(01:16:40) Life Lessons, Longevity, and the Mental Side of Racing(01:27:31) Rapid-Fire Questions: Gear, Components, and Preferences(01:35:52) Advice for New Endurance Athletes and Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioIn this episode, I sit down with Karin Pocock just days before Pinyons and Pines to unpack last year’s Triple Crown season—the podium at Tour Divide, the heartbreak of scratching at the Colorado Trail Race due to smoke inhalation, and the emotional toll of watching a season-defining goal unravel.We talk about what it means to come back: rebuilding fitness, shifting to high-intensity training, rethinking race strategy, and lining up again with unfinished business. From holding position at the front of the field to learning when to pull the plug, this is a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and returning stronger.If you’ve ever had a big goal fall apart—and chose to try again anyway—this one’s for you.----------------https://www.instagram.com/karin_pocockhttps://www.Instagram.com/oldmanmountainrackshttps://www.Instagram.com/silca_velohttps://www.Instagram.com/noblwheels https://www.Instagram.com/dispersed.bikepacking----------------(00:00:00) High-Intensity Trainer Workouts, AI Training & Time Management(00:08:02) SAUER Race Debrief, Sleep Kit & Training Reflections(00:14:58) Tour Divide Lessons, Pacing & Racing Mindset(00:21:30) Recovery, Smoke Exposure, Heart Rate & Power-Based Training(00:29:03) Heat Training, Nutrition & Colorado Trail Race Preparation(00:36:15) Colorado Trail Race, Health Effects & Recovery(00:47:18) Nutrition, Iron Deficiency & Performance Optimization(00:56:19) Heat & Cold Exposure, Electrolytes & Supplement Strategies(01:08:57) Racing Goals, Work-Life Balance & Future Plans(01:16:12) Uranium Country, Route History & Community Impact(01:35:33) Big Cats, Personal Background & Rapid-Fire Q&A(01:53:34) Emergency Communication, Tires & Water Strategies(02:06:45) Resupply, Food Management & Gear Optimization(02:17:29) Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioIn this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Pinyons and Pines “race-not-race” in Northern Arizona.We cover key logistics including grand depart info, parking, pre-race gathering, required permits and last-minute route updates (including potential mud reroutes). We also dive into sponsorship support, water reliability, resupply strategy, and how to prepare for Arizona’s unpredictable weather—from freezing temps to desert heat.The second half is a detailed course preview of this year’s 413-mile, 39,000-foot route. We explain why this edition is one of the toughest yet, what makes it unique, major changes from past years, critical resupply points (especially the Cottonwood Maverik), water carries, and what to expect from key sections like Mingus, Crown King, the Bradshaws, and the Prescott Circle Trail.If you’re registered, on the waitlist, or just curious about ultra bikepacking in Arizona, this episode will help you prepare mentally and strategically for what’s shaping up to be a big, demanding year on course.----------------Event Website: https://danaernst.com/PinyonsPines/Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1382713Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinyonspinesbikepackingrace/ Arizona State Trust Land Permit: https://azland.my.salesforce-sites.com/recreationalpermit/----------------(00:00:00) - Podcast Support & Welcome(00:02:37) - Event Disclaimer, Safety & Self-Supported Rules(00:05:30) - Eighth Edition Overview & Course Stats(00:07:14) - Benchmark Ride & Course Difficulty(00:08:12) - Registration, Waitlist & Sponsors(00:15:19) - GPS Files, Route Updates & Mud Bypass(00:20:03) - Parking, Pre-Race Gathering & Permits(00:24:38) - Why This Year’s Route (Crown King & Additions)(00:25:43) - Full Course Overview & Bike Choice(00:28:53) - Opening Section: Woody Mountain to Sedona(00:30:45) - Cottonwood Resupply Strategy(00:34:10) - Spring Valley to Crown King Climb(00:38:21) - Senator Highway to Prescott Loop(00:41:33) - Prescott Resupply & 24-Hour Options(00:44:30) - Mount Union & Major Descents(00:47:55) - Camp Verde Resupply & Final 100 Miles(00:51:06) - Stoneman Lake Climb & Road Conditions(00:53:47) - Mormon Lake Resupply & Final Summit(00:55:49) - Final Stretch to Finish(00:57:13) - Final Notes, Contact Info & Campfire Policy----------------#endurance #bikepacking

✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioIn this episode, Dana Ernst joins me to dive deep into the mindset behind endurance sports, self-reliance, and why doing hard things still matters in a world built for convenience.The conversation explores how modern culture—shaped by instant gratification, easy access to credit, and curated experiences—has shifted our relationship with effort, risk, and failure.You’ll hear reflections on competition, personal growth, and why bikepacking and ultra-endurance events offer something many people feel is missing: real challenge and earned experience. We also unpack themes like financial philosophy (“die with zero”), balancing spending vs. saving, and how pursuing experiences over possessions can shape a more meaningful life.Toward the back half of the episode, I share a recap of my recent effort at SAUER—the Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride—including key takeaways, lessons learned, and how the experience is shaping the rest of my season.----------------https://www.instagram.com/dcernst/https://www.instagram.com/pinyonspinesbikepackingride/https://www.instagram.com/verdevalleyrandonnee/SAUER: https://thesauer.weebly.comFull Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/ehl9y7https://www.chaparralcycles.com----------------(00:00:00) Intro, Sponsor Acknowledgments, and Pre-show Banter(00:02:28) Dog Burger Race Overview & Competitive Background(00:06:07) Sports, Teamwork, and Personal Development(00:11:35) Self-Reliance, Generational Perspectives, and Consumer Behavior(00:24:30) Money, Risk, and Life Philosophy(00:33:08) Minimalism, Possessions, and Personal Mindset(00:36:46) Travel, Iceland, and Outdoor Exploration(00:42:29) Risk, Failure, and Inspirational Stories(00:55:08) Documentary Discussion and Storytelling(00:58:22) Stagecoach 100: Logistics, Safety, and Risk Management(01:07:41) Media, Storytelling, and Documentary Production Challenges(01:14:40) Branding, Growth, and Event Evolution(01:21:38) Route Planning, Course Design, and Scouting(01:27:22) Race Mindset and Early Experiences(01:36:11) Race Dynamics, Equipment, and Terrain Challenges(01:43:47) Route Logistics, Safety, and Resupply(01:50:34) Gear, Nutrition, and Performance Strategy(01:55:54) Training, Coaching, and AI Insights(02:13:49) Equipment Optimization and Race Execution(02:22:31) Fatigue, Competition, and Final Race Push(02:26:08) Safety, Inclusivity, and Race Concepts(02:29:43) Route Comparisons and Course Difficulty(02:36:34) Finish Rates and Race Analysis(02:37:13) Bike Tech: Batteries, Shifting, and Lighting(02:43:52) Gear Setup, Packing, and Preferences(02:49:22) Tires, Gear, and Race Overview(02:54:30) Race Logistics, Rules, and Closing Thoughts----------------#endurance #bikepacking