Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike

"The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t a race; it’s an invitation. An opportunity for anyone curious about bikepacking to show up, ride at their own pace, and share the experience. It brings people together—whether you’re pushing yourself against the clock or taking time to enjoy the landscape and small communities along the way.” That’s how Jen Adams and Eric Betteridge describe the Log Driver’s Waltz—a stunning 800-kilometer bikepacking loop weaving through Ontario’s Ottawa Valley and into Quebec. For them, it’s all about community, shared experience, and adventure at your own pace. In this episode, Jen and Eric share how decades of adventure together—17-day canoe trips, countless rides through their home region, and racing the Tour Divide—led them to create this unique route. The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t just about the terrain (though with 75% unpaved roads, forested trails, and rugged paths, it’s no joke). It’s about inviting riders to show up, ride how they want, and share the experience. We also dive into what it’s like to ride as a couple, how they balance different rhythms on and off the bike, and why building an inclusive bikepacking community matters. Plus, Jen and Eric explain how the Log Driver's Waltz became part of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and how they’ve intentionally created stepping stones—from accessible rallies to the full 800k loop—to help more people get into bikepacking. If you’ve ever been curious about lining up for a Grand Depart, wondered how to build confidence for your first bikepacking trip, or thought about what it takes to ride (and create) a route like this, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we talk about: * The story behind the Log Driver’s Waltz and its ties to Canadian culture * How decades of adventure—from canoe trips to the Tour Divide—shaped Jen and Eric’s approach to route building * Riding as a couple: balancing different strengths, rhythms, and goals on the bike * The creation of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and fostering connections across the region * Why community-building, safety, and accessibility are at the heart of the Log Driver’s Waltz * How the route offers something for everyone—from those chasing FKTs to riders seeking a leisurely multi-day adventure * Tips for tackling the route, including bike setups, resupply points, and managing its surprisingly punchy climbs Details & Links for the Log Driver's Waltz * 2025 Grand Depart: August 23rd,8 AM, Almonte Hills, Ontario, Canada * Spring Rally: For those who want to experience the route in more digestible chunks * Log Driver’s Waltz Official Website [https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/] * Log Driver’s Waltz Tips & Planning Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/631261405014463/?ref=share_group_link] * Follow Jen & Eric’s updates and rally details on social media @thelogdriverswaltz [https://www.instagram.com/thelogdriverswaltz/] As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year. Follow along: * Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling [https://www.instagram.com/detourscycling] * Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb [https://www.instagram.com/melwwebb/] * Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling [https://www.instagram.com/albion.cycling/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

"I want to finish with a big smile on my face." That’s Mascha Wahlig’s goal for the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race. Last year, Mascha lined up at Atlas Mountain Race, her second-ever ultra-endurance bikepacking event. She was fast, pushing herself to the limit, but she was also overwhelmed. The intensity of the race, the sheer number of riders, and the pressure she put on herself—it all built up, culminating in a moment of panic and paralysis in the middle of the desert when her cleat broke. She eventually got it fixed (with a bit of super glue and grit), but mentally? The race left her drained. Even months later, she found herself experiencing panic on training rides in the dark, reliving the helplessness of that night in Morocco. Instead of pushing it down, she did the work. She sought help, developed strategies to manage fear and build mental strength, and slowly rebuilt her confidence. And it worked. Since Atlas, Mascha has gone on to win both the Hellenic Mountain Race and Sneak Peeks, proving to herself that mental performance is just as crucial as physical fitness in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Now, she’s coming back to Atlas Mountain Race 2025, but this time, with a totally different mindset. She’s racing for herself—not for a number, not for a podium—but to ride with confidence, be present, and take in the experience. In this episode we talk about: * The mental battles of ultra-cycling and bikepacking—panic, fear, and self-doubt. * How Mascha built mental resilience and confidence after last year’s Atlas Mountain Race. * What it takes to win ultra-endurance bikepacking races like Hellenic and Sneak Peeks. * Strategies for handling stress and mental fatigue in long-distance racing. * The power of self-compassion, managing expectations, and racing with a freer mind. * How to prepare mentally and physically for events like Atlas Mountain Race. If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled with confidence in endurance sports, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer challenge of a long-distance race, this episode is for you. As always, thank you to Albion Cycling [https://www.albioncycling.com/] for supporting Detours this year. Links * Follow Mascha [https://www.instagram.com/maschawahlig/] on Instagram * Follow Mel [https://www.instagram.com/melwwebb/] on Instagram * Follow Detours on Instagram * Dotwatch Atlas Mountain Race [https://amr25.maprogress.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In this episode, I chat with Marei Moldenhauer—a rising star in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Marei balances a demanding career as a doctor while excelling in the world of endurance racing. Her recent accomplishments include winning the women’s race at Bright Midnight in Norway (where she also finished fourth overall!!!) and finishing second just two and a half hours behind the women’s winner at the Transcontinental Race (TCR) 2023. We discuss Marei’s entry pathway into ultra-cycling, from receiving her first steel bike as a gift from her brother to becoming a competitive bikepacker. She shares her training approach, how she’s preparing for the Atlas Mountain Race, and her love of climbing. Marei also opens up about the challenges she faces as a celiac athlete, her strategies for fueling during ultra-endurance events, and her unexpected preference for Katjes over Haribo gummy bears! Marei will be one of the many women racing this year's Atlas Mountain Race and I can't wait to see how she gets on. Thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast and my adventures this year! Follow Marei on Instagram: @marei.mol [https://www.instagram.com/marei.mol/] Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb [https://www.instagram.com/melwwebb/] Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/detourspodcast] Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling [https://www.instagram.com/albion.cycling] Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? We’d love to feature your story on the podcast! Write us a short piece of 200–300 words describing a memorable adventure or experience related to bikepacking, ultra-cycling, or outdoor exploration. Whether it’s your first ultra-endurance race, an unforgettable moment with locals on the trail, a tough lesson learned in the wild, or a surprising detour that changed your journey, we want to hear about it. Stories don’t have to be epic—it could be something simple but meaningful, like discovering a hidden gem on your favourite route, overcoming a fear on the bike, or connecting with fellow riders in an unexpected way. Send your write-up to thedetourspodcast@gmail.com, and we’ll feature selected stories on future episodes! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

We’ve got some big news! I am so so stoked to share that Detours is now presented by Albion Cycling. They’ve been fans of the show since day one and to have their support feels pretty darn cool. In this solo episode, I reflect on a transformative 2024—a year defined by big goals, unexpected detours and a ton of personal grown. Through listener questions, I share more about the ups and downs of racing, how I balance work, life, and ultra-endurance training and everything in between. I also share what I’m most excited about for the year ahead. I’d love your feedback on today’s episode — what did you think? What do you want to hear more of on solo episodes in the future? Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? Submit it to be featured in an upcoming episode! Email us at thedetourspodcast@gmail.com [thedetourspodcast@gmail.com] This episode was brought to you by Albion [https://www.albioncycling.com/], the very best cycling kit, designed to help you stay outside longer. Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwwebb [https://www.instagram.com/melwwwebb] Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast [https://www.instagram.com/detourspodcast] Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling [We’ve got some big news! I am so so stoked to share that Detours is now presented by Albion Cycling. They’ve been fans of the show since day one and to have their support feels pretty darn cool. In this solo episode, I reflect on a transformative 2024—a year defined by big goals, unexpected detours and a ton of personal grown. Through listener questions, I share more about the ups and downs of racing, how I balance work, life, and ultra-endurance training and everything in between. I also share what I’m most excited about for the year ahead. I’d love your feedback on today’s episode — what did you think? What do you want to hear more of on solo episodes in the future? Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? Submit it to be featured in an upcoming episode! Email us at thedetourspodcast@gmail.com This episode was brought to you by [Albion](https://www.albioncycling.com/), kit designed to help you stay outside longer. **Follow Mel on Instagram:** [@melwwwebb](https://www.instagram.com/melwwwebb) **Follow *Detours* on Instagram:** [@detourspodcast](https://www.instagram.com/detourspodcast) **Follow Albion on Instagram: [**@albion.cycling](https://www.instagram.com/albion.cycling/)] Don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode! ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

When I think of women in bikepacking, Alexandera Houchin is one of the first people that comes to mind. She’s raced the Tour Divide countless time and been a steadfast figure in encouraging more women to take on these big challenges. As an Indigenous woman and member of the Fond du Lac tribe, becoming a sponsored athlete, heck an athlete at all, was not necessarily a pathway she saw for herself growing up. She joins me on the podcast to share about her journey to the bike, and how she’s made a career of this niche sport. We discuss what keeps her returning to these races year after year, her experiences navigating body image as someone with a bigger body, and how she’s redefining what success looks like in this next chapter of her career. Alexandera shares incredible insights on community, representation, and how showing up with her full heart have shaped her path in bikepacking. Trigger Warning: We discuss topics related to body image and disordered eating between the 19:00 and 25:00 marks. If these are sensitive topics for you please feel free to skip this portion of the episode. To keep up with Alexandera’s adventures follow her on Instagram @alexanderahouchin [https://www.instagram.com/alexanderahouchin/] and read her writing on her Substack [https://substack.com/@alexanderahouchin] In an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejQkVatF90RrbExLsu7BXMnXQo30bHIt_-PeB3zvY4k_G7kw/viewform] and share your honest feedback on the show — your support is so appreciated ❤️ As always, if you loved this episode, please leave us a review, follow wherever you listen and share it with a friend. Even better you can make a one time pledge of your support [https://buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast] and any funds raised go back into creating this show. A big thank you to Ben Crannell for mixing the audio for this episode. You can find us on Instagram @detourscycling [https://www.instagram.com/detourscycling] and Mel @melwwebb [https://www.instagram.com/melwwebb/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.