My Back 40

In 2024, Meaghan Hackinen became the first woman to complete the Grand Départ of the Tour Divide in under 16 days. Two years later, she returned with unfinished business. In this episode of My Back 40, Meaghan and I talk about her record breaking ride from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. She claimed the overall women's victory in a provisional time of 14 days, 10 hours, and 12 minut...

Andy Ward is an accomplished endurance cyclist and bikepacker whose riding spans every season and some of North America’s toughest backcountry routes. He has crossed four provinces on the Great Northern Bikepacking Route, completed both indoor and outdoor Everesting challenges, and is a two-time sub-three-day finisher of the BC Epic 1000 Grand Depart. Andy also holds the current westbound Fastest...

In this episode I connect with a listener to chat about all things Tour Divide. Mat reached out to me wondering if I'd be open to answering some questions about the Divide. I finished the Divide in 2022 and it was one of the most impactful things I have ever done. To say I came back changed would be an understatement. My caveat to Matt was that even though I am considered a TD vet, I certainly was...

In this episode of the podcast I reconnect with Mikey Coulter of Yeti Adventure Films. His latest video, FOOL'S GOLD: 4 Days of Winter Bikepacking the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail, is a recount of a winter adventure along the longest off-road trail in BC, The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail which stretches 463km through BC’s Cariboo, tracing the same route that once carried fortune-seekers north more tha...

Not much to write here. This long overdue episode fills you in in what I have been up to this past summer. A new hip, travel, adventure, bikes and boards, school and major life changing considerations. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I enjoyed making it. It’s been too long. Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the pr...

Today’s guest is Nathalie Baillon, a French ultra-distance cyclist with an inspiring story of passion and perseverance. After spending a few years working as an engineer in Munich, she took a leap—packing up her bike and heading off on a solo cycling trip through New Zealand. That journey sparked something big. Back in Europe, she bought a new bike, strapped on some panniers, and knocked out her f...

Listen in as I speak with Stephan Kesting—martial artist, author, and serious outdoor adventurer. In this episode, we’re diving into highlights from his incredible solo 1,000-mile canoe journey from Missinipe, Saskatchewan to Arviat, Nunavut. He paddled and portaged through some of Canada’s most remote wilderness, following the Churchill, Reindeer, Cochrane, and Thlewiaza Rivers, crossing massive...

In this episode I bring you a conversation with British Columbia's Mike Martin. There Were a number of riders from British Columbia this year and Mike Martin stood out. Although Mike hasn't been in the ultra endurance scene for that long he might just be a rider to watch as he continues to push his limits in the sport. In this episode I get to know Mike a little bit. We talk about Fatherhood, his...

I have been exchanging asynchronous text and voice messages with my coach Sebastien Rolland since October 2021. During that time, he has been a vital support person, mentor, and friend as I work on my own personal growth. As I work toward my own career in coaching and counselling, Sebastien has challenged my thinking in many life aspects allowing me to reframe my experience. To say that I have all...

This is a repost of a conversation I had with Svein Tuft last year after he crushed the BCEPIC 1000 in 2 days and 2 hours. Svein is currently in second place on the 2025 Tour Divide and is in solid contention to setting a new record. My buddy Michael brought it to my attention that many might not know who this unassuming athlete is or his background and this podcast covers that. I hope you enjoy t...

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m so happy to finally be bringing you a conversation with my dad, Darrel O’Shaughnessy. If you want to get to know someone, often meeting the parents is the best way to do that. Let’s just say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You can also listen to a chat I had with my mom back in Episode 14 . Born in Bancroft, Ontario in 1946, Darrel O’Shaughnessy gre...

In this episode, by popular demand, I connect with Alex Burk. This was one of those cold call episodes where we connect and just shoot the shit about... well, about a ton of things! Topics include; Cycling, bikepacking, her journey to becoming a Veterinarian, the "why" of doing hard things, the inclusiveness and safety of bikepacking events, her Lost Elephant experience as well as her recent ride...

In this episode I bring you another great conversation with  Dr. John Ogrodniczuk. This is the third time he’s been on the podcast and it’s always an honour to speak with him. John is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the UBC Psychotherapy Program, one of North America’s largest medically based psychotherapy training programs.  His research program focuses on a variety of psychot...

Just a short solo podcast to express my gratitude to the My Back 40 community for their support as I wait for some chassis repairs. I often encourage people to reach out and open up when things are difficult. We all go through difficult times and it’s okay to share those struggles. Being temporarily disabled has been difficult for me and when I reached out to share, you all stepped up to give me h...

In this episode I chat (finally) with Mikey Coulter, ultra endurance athlete and the filmmaker behind Yeti Adventure Films. Mike started bikepack racing only a couple of years ago but is known for his grit and tenacity as a competitive cyclist. At the same time, he is able to film his adventures, demonstrating the rollercoaster that accompanies this type of racing. Mike and I cover a ton of topics...

In this episode, I speak with Drew Raney - Educator, bikepack racer, and supporter of All Kids Bike, a not for profit organizations whose mission is to get kids on bikes setting them up for confidence and leading athletic lives. We chat about his Stagecoach 400 race , his rig, and stories from the trail. We also talk about his life as an educator and the value I think he brings to kids lives in su...

On February 20th, I lost my mom, Betty O’Shaughnessy, to cancer. She fought hard but in the end, cancer won the battle. I was encouraged to write while I was in Ontario with my family to support my mom during her final days, as a way to remain grounded. It was cathartic and despite writing being considered a distraction, it actually helped me to remain even more present and observant to all the ti...

In this episode, I converse with, 83 year old, Bob Fletcher who holds the World Record for longest e-bike ride. Bob Started in Alaska and pedaled himself all the way to Panama Covering 13,500km in 5 Months and 5 Days. We chat about his young life, his career in the educational system, and his first foray bike touring in Europe. We discuss how he built is record breaking team and the logistics of t...

I love Trish. We always have great chats and this one is no exception. We connected a few weeks ago as I wanted to hear about her Baja trip as part of my own recon to want to tackle the route with my adventure buddy in the future. How much water do you need to haul? How much food? What are the people like? The wildlife? What tire volume? Trish shares all and adds a few stories in as well. This is...

Just catching up… Lots to share about life and politics. We live in crazy times right now and I’d be lying if I said that it wasn’t affecting me. Life changes aside, the world seems to be slipping into an abyss of Oligarchy. It’s as if these politicians are taking queues from apocalyptical sci-fi movies. These scripts of billionaires taking over the world, oppression of it’s citizens, dictatorship...

These are pretty fucked up times, so what better way to break the tension than with a conversation with Scott Losse. Uncle, Comedian, Biker, Snowboarder, IT guy - After seeing a string of laughable Reels about gravel bikes, anodized parts making you a better rider, and the joys of chihuahua ownership, I had to reach out to connect for a chat to get to know him better. Scott started doing stand-up...

Andy Ward is a ferocious beast with the energy and fervour of a Scottish Red Squirrel. His speed and race results may be the first thing that catch attention, but it is his boundless positivity and joy that everyone remembers. Andy is the first to offer encouragement. He loves nothing more than discussing gear choices and ride strategy, and he is right there to celebrate everyone's victories with...

In this episode I chat about winter riding, politics, motivation and mental health. This can be a hard time for many folks dealing with S.A.D.D. Thanks to the earth's tilt, we're seeing colder temperatures and less light. Just keep in mind that as if December 21st days are going to start to get longer again, so hang in there. Another significant date that is coming up is Blue Monday which happen o...

In this episode I speak with Nathan Siemens and Dean Dahl about their winter ultra ride called Cold Ride  happening February 1st, 2025 with two options. FREEZIE 55km. 870m . Roll through beautiful single-track trails and quiet backroads for a fun adventure with amazing people. You got this! THE BIG CHILL 130km. 1700m . Take winter adventure to the next level riding epic backroads and trails s...

Well, it's been a summer of adventure and change. I haven't been around much taking a much needed sabbatical as I evaluate the next chapter of my life. There were many balls in the air the last few months; Unemployment, kid's being off for the summer, parenting schedule, coparenting challenges, potential re-education, travel and adventure. For those of you continuing to support me here on Patreon,...