✨ 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, and the lessons learned from long days in the saddle.

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https://trackleaders.com/pinyonspines26

https://trackleaders.com/tourdivide26

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(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

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#endurance #bikepacking

✨ 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 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.

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https://www.instagram.com/jeffkerkove

https://www.instagram.com/ergonbike

https://www.instagram.com/topeak

https://www.instagram.com/rideshimano

https://www.instagram.com/ridefoxbike

https://www.instagram.com/dtswiss

https://www.instagram.com/maxxisbike

https://www.instagram.com/guenergylabs

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(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

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#endurance #bikepacking

✨ 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 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.

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https://www.instagram.com/karin_pocock

https://www.Instagram.com/oldmanmountainracks

https://www.Instagram.com/silca_velo

https://www.Instagram.com/noblwheels

https://www.Instagram.com/dispersed.bikepacking

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(00:00:00) Introduction, Zoom Fatigue & Training Reflections

(00:03:15) HIIT, FTP Hesitation & AI Training Platforms

(00:09:23) TrainerRoad Transition & Performance Gains

(00:11:04) Welcome Karen & Sour Race Debrief

(00:15:40) Pacing, Motivation, Injuries & Humor

(00:18:32) Tour Divide Challenges: Smoke, Weather & Sleep Kit

(00:26:16) Mud, Health Issues & Race Motivation

(00:32:36) Power Meters, Equipment & Race Planning

(00:36:31) Arizona Trail Logistics & Fire Exposure

(00:43:47) Toxic Exposure, Illness vs Fatigue & Lung Health

(00:48:57) Fire Season Shifts & Gear Logistics

(00:55:50) Battery Management, Electrolytes & Iron Testing

(01:08:42) Goals, Sponsorship & Training Balance

(01:16:03) Work Flexibility, Relocation & Uranium Mining

(01:31:39) Pinyons Victory, Community & Canadian Roots

(01:45:49) Rapid Fire: Components, Salt, Lighting & Fit

(01:59:46) Charging, Water Sources & Resupply Stories

(02:10:20) Wrap-Up, Sponsors & Closing Remarks

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#endurance #bikepacking