The Endurance Studio

Dylan Turner
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A mobile podcast studio chasing down endurance athletes. Stories, podcasts, and endurance content straight from rides and races. Hosted by ultra endurance cyclist, bikepacker, and runner Dylan Turner.

  1. Dana Ernst: Why Doing Hard Things Matters - Bikepacking, Mindset & Dylan’s SAUER Recap #55

    27 MAR

    Dana Ernst: Why Doing Hard Things Matters - Bikepacking, Mindset & Dylan’s SAUER Recap #55

    ✨ 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 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.com Full Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/ehl9y7 https://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 #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    3h 3m
  2. Scott Morris: The Origins of Modern Bikepacking Racing, Trackleaders, & Dot Watching #54

    13 MAR

    Scott Morris: The Origins of Modern Bikepacking Racing, Trackleaders, & Dot Watching #54

    ✨ 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 adventure riding, and a DIY ethos helped shape the foundations of modern bikepacking events. The conversation also dives into Scott’s role in building the tools that power the sport today, including Trackleaders and TopoFusion, and how satellite trackers sparked the phenomenon of “dot watching.” Along the way, we discuss the evolution of endurance racing, the challenges of running a small tech company in the outdoor space, tracking massive ultrarunning events, and how new technologies like Starlink are changing the way people live and work in the backcountry. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the history of self-supported racing, the technology behind modern endurance events, and the mindset that helped shape bikepacking into what it is today. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/trackingscott/ https://trackleaders.com ---------------- (00:00:00) Side-by-Side Use, Regulation, and Night Riding Issues (00:04:17) Skiing vs Snowboarding Culture (00:06:44) Intro, Arizona Trail Race & First Grand Canyon Bike Crossing Planning (00:12:07) Self-Reliance Philosophy and Ultra-Run Comparisons (00:14:51) Arizona Trail Expedition, Early Mapping Software & GPS Signal Issues (00:19:39) Starlink, Satellite Redundancy, and the Mobile Remote Work Lifestyle (00:24:11) Challenges of Running Your Own Business (00:26:29) Event Tracking Technology, Competition, and Market (00:30:09) Post-COVID Expansion and Multisport Tracking (00:32:57) Major Events and Race Coverage Overview (00:33:08) Spot Trackers and Event Logistics (00:34:05) Track Leaders Origin and Tour Divide History (00:38:05) Growth, Community Adoption, and System Maintenance (00:40:24) Track Leaders Features, Complexity, and Development Challenges (00:43:09) Historical Data and Race Planning Insights (00:44:52) Biometrics, Metrics, and Athlete Performance Data (00:47:40) Cellular and Satellite Connectivity for Tracking (00:49:41) Professional Event Tracking and Ping App Development (00:54:37) GPS Adoption in Ultra-Running and Watches (00:56:19) Early Bikepacking GPS Navigation Stories (00:57:30) Technology Integration and GPS-Defined Courses (00:59:00) Advanced Route Building for the Arizona Trail (01:04:40) Grand Loop Planning and Bikepacking Philosophy (01:05:44) Race Leadership, Controversies, and COVID Impacts (01:10:14) Permits, Sheriff Threats, and Rescue Incidents (01:14:56) Grand Canyon Crossing Logistics and Water Planning (01:18:18) Cheating Cases and Community Policing in Bikepacking (01:22:10) Sponsorship, Commercialization, and Event Limits (01:30:29) Accessible Gravel Events and The Strange Series (01:33:25) Planning Personal Ultra Bike Races and Safety Concerns (01:36:03) Sleep Deprivation Stories and Race Regulations (01:44:45) Extreme Endurance Sports: Motor Racing, Motorcycles, and Iditarod (01:51:49) Bikepacking Heritage, Gear, and Media Evolution (01:57:27) Arizona Endurance Series and Mingus Trail Adventures (02:05:17) Community Reflections on Self-Supported Bikepacking (02:09:01) AI in Race Tracking: Ideas, Concerns, and Productivity (02:16:11) Nuclear Fusion and Future Energy Discussion (02:23:35) Viral Content, Algorithms, and Podcast Philosophy (02:32:49) Rapid Fire Q&A (02:34:04) SOS Rescues, Emergency Protocol, and Safety Lessons (02:45:26) Bike Gear Debates, Tires, and Camping Stories (02:49:59) Contact Information and Show Wrap-Up ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 51m
  3. Nick Smolinske: Panda-in-Chief at Rogue Panda Designs #53

    13 FEB

    Nick Smolinske: Panda-in-Chief at Rogue Panda Designs #53

    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 building a premium bikepacking brand from the ground up, detailing how he transition from self-taught sewing to advanced industrial manufacturing and the development of digital tools like the Pandavision photo-template system to streamline custom frame bag production. The conversation offers a masterclass in bike ergonomics, specifically focusing on the science of handlebar sweep to eliminate hand pain, while also providing behind-the-scenes insights into the challenges of domestic manufacturing, such as managing rising production costs and navigating the complexities of global supply chains. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/roguepandadesigns/ https://roguepanda.com ---------------- (00:00:00) - Bikepacking Documentary Announcement (00:01:13) - TV Habits, News Consumption & Media Skepticism (00:04:52) - Sonic Weapons, Havana Syndrome & Global Tech Concerns (00:07:57) - Elon Musk, SpaceX & Handlebar Design Tangent (00:13:34) - Handlebar Sweep, Bar Ends & Fit Considerations (00:19:47) - Flat vs Drop Bars, Packability & Bike Preferences (00:21:24) - Peru & Mexico Bike Travel Adventures (00:28:17) - Injuries, Equipment Adjustments & Trip Logistics (00:34:30) - Mountain Bike Marketing & Visual Appeal (00:38:06) - Ultra-distance Racing & Training Perspective (00:41:20) - Rogue Panda Origins & Weight Challenges (00:46:55) - DIY Gear Making, Sewing & Engineering Roots (00:52:07) - AI-Assisted Coding, Design & Language Learning (01:00:34) - Blue Ridge Cradle Introduction & Design Vision (01:03:22) - Hiring, Team Dynamics & Early Business Scaling (01:07:59) - Ripsey Seat Bag Development & Material Exploration (01:14:02) - Cost Analysis, Tariffs & Manufacturing Constraints (01:28:01) - Printing Challenges & In-House Production Shift (01:36:24) - Pandavision Workflow, QC & Customer Success (01:49:22) - Website Development, Programming & Scaling Challenges (01:53:54) - Redesign Philosophy, Testing & Failure Analysis (02:03:07) - Customer Communication, Materials & Prototypes (02:10:36) - Future Carry Systems: Vests, Hip Packs & Racks (02:19:00) - Seat Bag History, Travel & Component Compatibility (02:22:16) - Electronic vs Mechanical Drivetrains (02:28:30) - Olympics, Culture & Community Discussion (02:33:06) - Favorite Products, Tattoos & Rider Comfort (02:37:30) - Production Lead Times & Safety Reflections (02:47:34) - Product Roadmap, 2026 Goals & Closing Remarks ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 53m
  4. Kara Woolgar: From first-time bikepacker to AZT800 finisher, one pedal stroke at a time #52

    23 JAN

    Kara Woolgar: From first-time bikepacker to AZT800 finisher, one pedal stroke at a time #52

    ✨ 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 about fueling and gear, managing fear and safety in the backcountry, and why community and mentorship matter—especially for women getting into bikepacking. ---------------- Bikepacking 101 Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C3zjgoUB3/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.youtube.com/@PintSizedAdventurer https://www.instagram.com/karawoolgar/ https://www.nukesunrise.com/#/ ---------------- (00:00:00) Bikepacking 101: Introduction and upcoming overnighter clinic details  (00:02:37) Advice on borrowing and using simple gear for beginners  (00:06:07) Overcoming fears of solo wilderness travel through group dynamics  (00:07:23) Hard-learned lessons about always carrying a rain jacket  (00:09:57) Reflections on completing the Queen’s Ransom as a first major ride  (00:12:12) Committing to and preparing for the 800-mile Arizona Trail  (00:15:45) Managing health, nutrition, and Celiac disease during long-distance racing  (00:24:53) Meaningful encounters with through-hikers and solitude on the trail  (00:31:47) Pushing through severe blisters and a low point at Picketpost  (00:48:53) Strategic charging and water resupply logistics at Hijinks Camp (00:51:36) Troubleshooting mechanical failures and keeping a positive mindset  (00:53:06) Balancing professional life as a nurse with endurance goals  (01:09:36) Navigating the Grand Canyon with specific water management strategies  (01:53:07) Looking ahead to the Colorado Trail and European bikepacking dreams  (02:18:22) Final community resources and event links for interested riders ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 17m
  5. Dexter Kopas: SAUER Co-Race Director on Building Races, Racing Smart, & Going Faster #51

    2 JAN

    Dexter Kopas: SAUER Co-Race Director on Building Races, Racing Smart, & Going Faster #51

    ✨ Support the Podcast ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio 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. Dexter shares his personal evolution into ultra racing, lessons from events like Race Across Arizona, Unbound XL, Vermont Super 8, Doom, and the realities of sponsorships—from winning races to building pitch decks and navigating the bike industry. The conversation expands beyond gear into the future of bikepacking itself: why the sport hasn’t grown like ultrarunning, the balance between solitude and community, and how supported elements might help bikepacking reach a wider audience. We also cover bike fit, injury prevention, ideal ultra-race bike setups, and the challenges of designing responsible race routes. Finally, Dexter breaks down his role as Co-Race Director of the SAUER Ultra Endurance Bikepacking Race, including course design, terrain, bike recommendations, lessons learned from year one, and how SAUER aims to blend competition, accessibility, and community in a Tucson-based ultra event. Whether you’re a gravel racer, bikepacker, or endurance athlete curious about where the sport is headed, this episode offers honest insight, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at racing and building ultra-distance events. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/kopeus/ https://thesauer.weebly.com/ https://www.instagram.com/otsocycles/ https://www.instagram.com/wolf_tooth_comp/ https://www.instagram.com/redshiftsports/ https://www.instagram.com/oldmanmountainracks/ https://www.instagram.com/silca_velo/ https://www.instagram.com/kanberra_usa/ https://www.instagram.com/carbsfuel/ https://www.instagram.com/wild_arizona_/ ---------------- (00:00:00) Introduction and 2025 Year in Review  (00:03:43) The Gravel Tire Revolution  (00:04:01) Transitioning to Ultra-Endurance  (00:12:31) The Business of Sponsorship  (00:19:34) The Professional Athlete Lifestyle  (00:21:05) Legitimizing Bikepack Racing  (00:53:52) The Role of Professional Coaching  (01:09:53) Mental Focus and Endurance  (01:18:52) Nutrition and Fueling Strategies  (01:26:56) Route Development in Arizona  (01:40:44) The Philosophy of Course Design  (01:42:00) Race Directing and Community  (01:44:43) Race Tracking Technology  (02:11:22) Closing Thoughts and 2026 Outlook  ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 12m
  6. Alex Schultz: Conquering the Bikepacking Triple Crown #50

    12/12/2025

    Alex Schultz: Conquering the Bikepacking Triple Crown #50

    ✨ 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 stories from freezing nights, blown spokes, mud disasters, canyon portages, resupply chaos, and what it really takes to train, problem-solve, and push through thousands of miles of self-supported racing. If you love bikepacking, gear nerdery, adventure suffering, or just a good story, this one’s stacked. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/schultzy954 https://www.kindbikesandskis.com https://www.instagram.com/morrow_packs ---------------- This episode is brought to you by: Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off! ---------------- (00:00:00) – Early Life, Outdoors Background & The Chevy Tracker Build (00:03:05) – Normalizing Hard Efforts & Race-Day Mindset (00:17:03) – Trail Magic, Race Fairness & Training Structure (00:18:25) – Tour Divide Resupply Story & The “Training My Whole Life” Quote (00:21:19) – Handling Cold, Arizona vs Colorado Conditions (00:23:40) – This Year’s Modified Grand Canyon Route (00:35:58) – Fueling Philosophy: “I Don’t Count Calories — I Visualize It” (00:41:50) – Executive Function Collapse at Resupplies (00:46:49) – Getting Sick on Tour Divide & Calling It (01:18:06) – Gear Durability & The Marji Gesick Race (01:31:53) – Sleep Deprivation & The Psychology of Pushing Through (01:54:41) – Race Rules, Schilling, and the AZT FKT Debate (01:59:50) – Mechanical Problems: AXS Batteries & Drivetrain Failures (02:09:22) – Grocery Store Resupplies & Final Advice to New Athletes ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 17m
  7. Miron Golfman: Winning the AZT300, Enduring for Meaning, and Redefining Ultra Cycling #49

    14/11/2025

    Miron Golfman: Winning the AZT300, Enduring for Meaning, and Redefining Ultra Cycling #49

    ✨ 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 shares what it really takes—physically and mentally—to race self-supported across continents. Listeners will learn how Miron balances passion with purpose through his Ride to Endure project for ALS awareness, what he’s discovered about fueling, recovery, and resilience, and how the global bikepacking scene is evolving. We also dive deep into community, personal growth, and finding fulfillment through endurance and giving back. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/miron_golfman/ https://www.instagram.com/revelbikes/ https://www.instagram.com/albion.cycling/ https://www.instagram.com/tailfincycling/ https://www.instagram.com/firstendurance/ ---------------- This episode is brought to you by: Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off! ---------------- (00:00:00) Eating habits and race fueling (00:01:56) Racing abroad, moving to Europe, and expedition highlights (00:10:49) Ride to Endure, caregiving and starting a new path (00:17:13) Purpose, giving back, and community in endurance sports (00:22:16) Growth of bikepacking and ultra culture — US vs Europe (01:05:26) Race experiences and terrain (Atlas, Hellenic, Silk Road, Highland Trail) (01:18:31) Hydration, sodium loss, and race nutrition strategies (01:40:11) Heat, resupply logistics, gear, rules and final advice ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 14m
  8. Tyler Arnett: Setting the Ride Across Arizona Fastest Known Time #48

    07/11/2025

    Tyler Arnett: Setting the Ride Across Arizona Fastest Known Time #48

    ✨ 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 strategy to the mental highs and lows of ultra-endurance racing — and what it really takes to ride across an entire state on your own. ---------------- https://www.instagram.com/dadventurecyclist State Bicycle Company: https://www.statebicycle.com Bicycle Haus: https://www.bicyclehaus.com Ride Across Arizona: https://azgravelrides.com ---------------- This episode is brought to you by: Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off! ---------------- (00:00:00) Death mud and first attempt (00:03:52) Racing background and early attempts (00:06:19) Weather, mud, and subsequent attempts (00:09:28) Heat, hydration, and dropping in Baghdad (00:15:29) Preparation between attempts and sponsorship ad (00:17:29) Bike setup, tires, and power strategy (00:20:56) Pacing, headwinds, and low points (00:23:21) Aero bars, lights, and electronics failures (00:37:26) Psychological state, towns, and food resupplies (00:42:33) Stops detail and sleep strategy (01:01:34) Cold, clothing, and hand/feet issues (01:08:08) Navigational disorientation and hallucinations (01:13:40) Finish, trail angel, and immediate aftermath (01:29:22) Training, recovery, and riding schedule (01:36:36) Running background and multisport experience (01:47:07) Road vs gravel, events, and future plans (01:51:27) Closing shoutouts and final thoughts ---------------- #endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing

    2h 10m
See All (55)

About

A mobile podcast studio chasing down endurance athletes. Stories, podcasts, and endurance content straight from rides and races. Hosted by ultra endurance cyclist, bikepacker, and runner Dylan Turner.

Information

  • Creator
    Dylan Turner
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dylan Turner
  • Show Website
    The Endurance Studio

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