Bikepack Adventures Podcast

Chris Panasky

I am a traveler, cyclist, expat and teacher with over 15 years experience living abroad in six different countries. As a passionate cyclist I have seen the world by bike and has toured in some truly amazing places, such as Sweden, Germany, Japan, most of SE Asia and of course Canada. During that time, I have traveled to over 40+ countries and met countless travelers, cyclists, and other expats. While traveling by bike, I decided that I wanted to connect the touring and bikepacking community together and this became the catalyst of the Bike Tour Adventures podcast where I share my guests fascinating stories and helps listeners learn tips, tricks, and techniques to improve their touring and bikepacking experience. As it's not possible to always bike tour, I have recently dove headfirst into the bikepacking world with the intent of getting out into nature and spending as much time on my bike as possible. This has re-ignited my passion around bikes and has opened up the podcast to so many more possibilities with interviews of traditional bike tourers, bikepackers, endurance athletes and more. I hope you enjoy the show. Keep on pedalling!

  1. From the Americas to Antarctica | James Benson-King is Biking Viking Rides

    FEB 11

    From the Americas to Antarctica | James Benson-King is Biking Viking Rides

    Today on the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I’m joined by someone whose appetite for challenge seems to grow with every expedition. James Benson‑King — known to many as Biking Viking Rides — is an adventurer, endurance cyclist, Guinness World Record holder, and a storyteller who uses his experiences to help others build the confidence to start their own journeys. From riding 32,000 kilometres across the Americas, to pushing his limits on some of the toughest terrain on the planet, James has carved out a life defined by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. And now, he’s preparing for what may be his boldest undertaking yet: an expedition to Antarctica that will test every skill, every lesson, and every ounce of determination he’s built over years of adventure. In this conversation, we dive into his background, the evolution of the “Biking Viking,” the mindset behind extreme endurance, the gear and planning that go into a polar expedition, and the stories that shaped him along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of your first overnight trip or planning your own big mission, James brings a mix of honesty, humour, and hard‑earned wisdom that I think you’re really going to enjoy. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @bikingvikingrides YouTube: James Benson-King - YouTube Website: Biking Viking Rides | Motivational Speaker Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. a...

    1h 25m
  2. Inside the Tour Divide with Robert Givens: Riding, Recording, and Storytelling

    JAN 22

    Inside the Tour Divide with Robert Givens: Riding, Recording, and Storytelling

    In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm going LIVE with Robert Givens: Bikepacking Coach, Storyteller & Tour Divide Veteran. Join us for an inspiring YouTube Live conversation with Robert Givens; a rider, mentor, and storyteller who has transformed decades of cycling experience into a mission to help others ride further, smarter, and with more purpose. With 35 years of competitive cycling behind him and five years dedicated to the grit and logistics of bikepacking, Rob brings a rare blend of technical expertise, lived experience, and creative vision to the trail. As a two‑time Tour Divide participant, he knows exactly what it takes to prepare for, survive, and enjoy ultra-distance bikepacking adventures. Today, Rob is the founder of ThruRider.Bike, where he coaches riders of all levels; from first‑time overnighters to athletes eyeing trans‑continental races. His coaching sits at the intersection of technology and adventure, drawing on his background in IT and video production to teach a unique skill: Near Real‑Time Travel Video Storytelling. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @ThruRider25 YouTube: Thru-Rider - YouTube Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding...

    1h 55m
  3. Kara Folkerts | Running Tour Guide, Bikepacker and so much more!

    12/30/2025

    Kara Folkerts | Running Tour Guide, Bikepacker and so much more!

    Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the pedals, exploring the grit, gear, and glory of bikepacking and ultra-endurance cycling. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today’s guest is someone who doesn’t just wander, she thrives in the wild unknown. Kara Folkerts is a trail running guide, bikepacker, yoga teacher, and nomadic adventurer whose passport reads like a love letter to landscapes: Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Baja’s desert roads, Iceland’s windswept coasts, and the rugged trails of Japan, Austria, Italy, and the Balkans. For over eight years, she’s been living a life of curiosity and purpose: pedaling, running, and teaching across continents while weaving mindfulness and sustainability into every journey. But behind the miles is a philosophy: adventure as a way of being, community as a compass, and curiosity as the fuel that keeps her moving forward. In this episode, we talk about her bike and setup, the adventures that shaped her, and the belief systems that keep her grounded while she’s on the move. So, clip in, settle back, and get ready to ride into the world of Kara Folkerts. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: Kara Folkerts Website: KaraFolkerts.com Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create...

    1h 11m
  4. Nathalie Baillon: Tour Divide Winner, Guiness Record Holder and so much more

    11/08/2025

    Nathalie Baillon: Tour Divide Winner, Guiness Record Holder and so much more

    Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind the pedals, exploring the grit, gear, and glory of bikepacking and ultra-endurance cycling. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today’s guest is someone who doesn’t just ride hard, she lives full throttle. Nathalie Baillon is an ultra-distance cyclist whose resume reads like a global adventure map: Silk Road, Badlands, Atlas Mountain Race, and most recently, a record-breaking win at the 2025 Tour Divide. She’s also the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest female crossing of Europe: 6,300 kilometers in just over 18 days. But behind the stats is a story of transformation. From engineer to full-time adventurer, from structured life to skidding sideways into the unknown. In this episode, we talk about the bikes, the battles, and the belief systems that fuel her journey. So, clip in, settle back, and get ready to ride À Fond les Baillon. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: Nathalie_Baillon Facebook: Nathalie.Baillon.Ultracycling Website: WWW.NATHALIEBAILLON.COM Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful...

    1h 26m
  5. Beyond the Passes: Meaghan Hackinen's Journey Through the Silk Road Mountain Race

    11/03/2025

    Beyond the Passes: Meaghan Hackinen's Journey Through the Silk Road Mountain Race

    In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I sit down once again with ultra-endurance athlete and writer Meaghan Hackinen, fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race. Over 1,954 kilometers and 28,000 meters of climbing through the rugged terrain of Kyrgyzstan, Meaghan not only finished the race, but she also crushed it, claiming 1st place in the women’s category and 10th overall, with a time of 9 days, 4 hours, and 6 minutes. This conversation dives deep into the final chapter of her year-long quest to complete the Mountain Race Series, which included the Atlas Mountain Race, the Hellenic Mountain Race, and now, the Silk Road Mountain Race. We explore the grit, gear, and mindset it takes to thrive in some of the world’s harshest conditions, from her bike setup and tire choices to sleep strategies and mental resilience. Whether you're a seasoned racer, a curious adventurer, or someone who just loves a good story of perseverance, this episode is a must listen. So, grab a drink, saddle up, and let's roll into Meaghan's journey across the mountains. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: @meaghanhackinen Facebook: Meaghan Hackinen Website: Meaghan Hackinen – Writer, cyclist & adventure seeker Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift...

    1h 20m
  6. Unpacking Bikepacking #9 with Carl Presseault

    10/10/2025

    Unpacking Bikepacking #9 with Carl Presseault

    Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. I’m your host, Chris Panasky, and today we’re diving into another round of Unpacking Bikepacking, a series where we ditch the polished narratives and get real about gear, grit, and the glorious chaos of bikepacking. Whether it’s the saddle that saved your soul or the mud puddle that swallowed your ego, we’re here to unpack it all. I’m joined once again by Carl Presseault, and trust me, we’ve got stories, hot takes, and maybe even a few questionable opinions to share. In this episode, we talk about gear that works, gear that hurts, and the rides that make you question your life choices—in the best way possible. Carl and I unpack our latest adventures, saddle experiments, folding bike debates, and the eternal search for the perfect route. It’s raw, real, and just the right amount of ridiculous. So, grab your coffee, clip in, and let’s roll into the wild world of bikepacking. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: Fork Sauce Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when...

    2 hr
  7. A Deliberate Detour with Sebastian Brandt

    10/05/2025

    A Deliberate Detour with Sebastian Brandt

    Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian, a marketing exec turned solo bikepacking adventurer, whose journey across the rail trails of America began with a career detour and became a deliberate pursuit of clarity, connection, and challenge. From navigating rainforest mishaps and bear encounters to whitewater wipeouts and tornado warnings, Seb’s ride is anything but ordinary. We talk gear choices, e-bike debates, saddle woes, and the surprising joy of solitude. Whether you’re planning your own escape or just love a good story, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes the best adventures begin when life throws you off course. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: thedeliberatedetour YouTube: The Deliberate Detour Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM ITUNES Show SponsorsPanorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures. Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout. Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting...

    1h 40m
  8. Chasing the Triple Crown with Hannah Otto

    09/29/2025

    Chasing the Triple Crown with Hannah Otto

    Welcome back to the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I'm your host Chris Panasky, and today we’re diving into a story that redefines what it means to push limits. My guest today is Hannah Otto, a professional mountain biker, Olympic Long Team member, and the mastermind behind the Moab Triple Crown, a trilogy of iconic mountain bike routes across some of Utah’s most famous trails. In this episode, we unpack her recent Moab Triple Crown FKT, diving into each of the events, tasting disappointment and smashing records. But this isn’t just about speed, it’s about grit, solitude, and the kind of growth that only comes through suffering. We’ll explore Hannah’s upbringing, her evolution as an athlete, the mindset behind her self-imposed challenges, and what it means to chase something that no one else has done before. So, whether you're tuning in from the saddle or the sofa, get ready for a ride through resilience, strategy, and the raw beauty of pushing past your edge. Check out the videos by  @competitivecyclist : The Whole Enchilada Trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oErEWLGdPlI Kokopelli Strong: https://youtu.be/Sq-kcxMBrVA?si=CI0696HareKv07GK White Rim FKT: https://youtu.be/vohBABimUoU?si=hDv3vEBHFY0DMjmU To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below: https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures or https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures  Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show. Redshift Sports Panorama Cycles Find them at: Instagram: Hannah Rae Otto (@thehannahotto) Facebook: Hannah Otto Website: hannahottotraining.com Find me at… WEBSITE YOUTUBE FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bikepack-adventures-podcast/id1464406852"...

    1h 15m
4.7
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

I am a traveler, cyclist, expat and teacher with over 15 years experience living abroad in six different countries. As a passionate cyclist I have seen the world by bike and has toured in some truly amazing places, such as Sweden, Germany, Japan, most of SE Asia and of course Canada. During that time, I have traveled to over 40+ countries and met countless travelers, cyclists, and other expats. While traveling by bike, I decided that I wanted to connect the touring and bikepacking community together and this became the catalyst of the Bike Tour Adventures podcast where I share my guests fascinating stories and helps listeners learn tips, tricks, and techniques to improve their touring and bikepacking experience. As it's not possible to always bike tour, I have recently dove headfirst into the bikepacking world with the intent of getting out into nature and spending as much time on my bike as possible. This has re-ignited my passion around bikes and has opened up the podcast to so many more possibilities with interviews of traditional bike tourers, bikepackers, endurance athletes and more. I hope you enjoy the show. Keep on pedalling!

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