The Endurance Studio

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In 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,...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In 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...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In 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 hi...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In 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...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In 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...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In this episode, I sit down with Scott Morris to explore the origins of some of the sport’s most influential ideas and technologies. Scott shares the story behind creating the Arizona Trail Race, including the now-legendary decision to carry bikes across the Grand Canyon to preserve a fully self-supported route. He also explains how early GPS technology, long-distance adv...

Help support completing the Stagecoach 400 Project: https://seedandspark.com/fund/stagecoach-400#story ✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In this episode, Nick Smolinske, the founder of Flagstaff-based Rogue Panda Designs, joins the podcast for an in-depth exploration of the intersection between technical innovation and small-business resilience in the outdoor gear industry. Nick shares his journey of buil...

✨ 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...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ 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. De...

✨ 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...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ 👉🏻 RIDE TO ENDURE: The Baja Divide FKT for ALS In this episode, endurance athlete Miron Golfman—fresh off his first-place finish at the Arizona Trail 300—dives into the mindset, motivation, and meaning behind ultra-distance bike racing. From completing the Baja Divide FKT to living abroad and recently racing the Atlas, Hellenic, and Silk Road Mountain Races, Miron share...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today's guest is Tyler Arnett, who just set the Fastest Known Time on the Ride Across Arizona — a 600ish-mile self-supported ultra-gravel ride from the Colorado River to New Mexico. After two failed attempts battling “death mud” and desert heat, Tyler came back stronger for a third try and crushed the route in record time. We talk about everything from gear and strate...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Shoutout to @ladennis2009 for the Super Thanks! ---------------- In this episode, I sit down with Forrest Radarian—science teacher, bikepacker, and race director of the inaugural A Fierce Green Ride . We talk about his journey from wilderness first responder training to close encounters with bats and rabies scares, his passion for bikepacking and healthy backcountry eatin...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Accomplished ultra-endurance racer and Colorado Trail Race director Jefe Branham shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from decades in bikepacking. From wild hallucinations on the Colorado Trail, to the balance between personal life and racing, to his philosophy on rules, community, and why joy matters more than speed—this conversation dives deep into the heart of e...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Shoutout to our new channel member Wendall Brown! Today’s guest is a seasoned vanlifer, through hiker, and bikepacker who shares her journey from van life and sailing dreams to conquering some of the toughest endurance events. We dive into life on the road, how Starlink enables remote work and race coverage, and the evolution of ultra-distance running events like Cocodona...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In this solo episode, I share key lessons learned from recent endurance events including the Maricopa Trail Race, Race Across Arizona, and my Pinyons and Pines ITT. Topics covered include sodium and electrolyte management to prevent cramping, optimizing sleep setups for ultra-distance races, gear and tech comparisons like the Garmin Edge vs. Coros Dura, lighting strategie...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today’s guest is Chase Kaufman, an ultra-endurance athlete who’s quickly making waves in the ultra endurance and bikepacking scene. In this episode, Chase shares how he transitioned from long-distance running and downhill mountain biking to self-supported endurance racing — and how he crushed the Maricopa Trail Race FKT on his first try. We dive into his race strategies,...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today's guest is an endurance bikepacker, a trailblazer in the cycling world and the founder of Rodeo Adventure Labs, a company known for its creative, purpose-driven approach to bike design and entrepreneurial spirit. With a deep love for long, challenging rides and a commitment to building bikes that are meant to last, he brings both passion and pragmatism to everyt...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today's returning guest is a filmmaker, music producer, and bikepack racer whose journey has taken him from the suburbs of Texas to the heart of California’s creative scene. He’s a lifelong artist who started out in music production before shifting into storytelling through documentary filmmaking. His latest project, Hidden in Plain Sight , is available now on YouTube...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today’s returning guest is a gritty ultra-endurance bikepack racer who just wrapped up an impressive ride at the 2025 Stagecoach 400, finishing 5th overall with a time of 54 hours and 52 minutes. In this conversation, we debrief from the race, discussing race strategy, fueling, sleep management, and mental performance hurdles. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/fr...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today's guest is a dedicated adventure filmmaker, photographer, and storyteller who has spent decades capturing powerful narratives from around the world. He began his journey in photography after an ankle injury shifted his career path, eventually leading him to work with brands like Patagonia and develop a passion for documentary filmmaking. His latest project, Desi...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today's guest is a passionate endurance cyclist, ultra runner, advocate for bikepacking, and the host of The Art of Type 2 Fun podcast. She has raced at an elite level in road cycling and serves on the board of Bikepacking Roots. After a life-altering accident involving a car while training, she transitioned away from road racing and found a new love for running, grav...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dana Ernst and we dive into an in-depth preview of the 2025 Pinyons and Pines bikepacking race. Get insights into the route, race logistics, key challenges, and essential planning tips. Whether you're a seasoned racer or considering your first ultra-endurance event, this episode is packed with valuable info to help you prepare. ------...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today's guest is a young and passionate endurance athlete with a love for bikepacking, skiing, and the outdoors. He placed 2nd in the Arizona Cycling Association state championships in the high school freshman cross country mountain bike category and has competed in various Arizona races like the Cactus Cup, Whiskey 50, Bear Jaw, AES Aspen Asphyxiation, and AES Sedona...

✨ Support the Podcast ✨ Today’s guest is an entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and the visionary behind multiple restaurant ventures in Northern Arizona. In this episode, we discuss his journey from a career in geology to founding Pizzicletta, an iconic Flagstaff pizza spot known for its simplicity and quality. His latest venture Sosta, is designed to bring people together over tasty food while al...