A weekly (hopefully) conversations about bikepacking, training, nutrition and mental health. Subscribe and share to be inspired by conversations with weekend warriors and elite athletes alike.
Nic Darwin (Darwin on the Trail) returns to My Back 40 for an honest conversation about about adventure filmmaking, backpacking, bikepacking, and what happened during his 2026 Tour Divide attempt. We unpack the lessons that come from scratching one of the world's toughest ultra-endurance races, the role failure plays in growth, and how creativity shapes both adventure and storytelling. Nic also…
In 2024, Meaghan Hackinen became the first woman to complete the Grand Départ of the Tour Divide in under 16 days. Two years later, she returned with unfinished business. In this episode of My Back 40, Meaghan and I talk about her record breaking ride from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. She claimed the overall women's victory in a provisional time of 14 days, 10 hours, and 12…
Andy Ward is an accomplished endurance cyclist and bikepacker whose riding spans every season and some of North America’s toughest backcountry routes. He has crossed four provinces on the Great Northern Bikepacking Route, completed both indoor and outdoor Everesting challenges, and is a two-time sub-three-day finisher of the BC Epic 1000 Grand Depart. Andy also holds the current westbound Fastest…
In this episode I connect with a listener to chat about all things Tour Divide. Mat reached out to me wondering if I'd be open to answering some questions about the Divide. I finished the Divide in 2022 and it was one of the most impactful things I have ever done. To say I came back changed would be an understatement. My caveat to Matt was that even though I am considered a TD vet, I certainly…
In this episode of the podcast I reconnect with Mikey Coulter of Yeti Adventure Films. His latest video, FOOL'S GOLD: 4 Days of Winter Bikepacking the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail, is a recount of a winter adventure along the longest off-road trail in BC, The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail which stretches 463km through BC’s Cariboo, tracing the same route that once carried fortune-seekers north more…
Not much to write here. This long overdue episode fills you in in what I have been up to this past summer. A new hip, travel, adventure, bikes and boards, school and major life changing considerations. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I enjoyed making it. It’s been too long. Huge thanks to Mannmade Cycles for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the…
Listen in as I speak with Stephan Kesting—martial artist, author, and serious outdoor adventurer. In this episode, we’re diving into highlights from his incredible solo 1,000-mile canoe journey from Missinipe, Saskatchewan to Arviat, Nunavut. He paddled and portaged through some of Canada’s most remote wilderness, following the Churchill, Reindeer, Cochrane, and Thlewiaza Rivers, crossing massive…
Today’s guest is Nathalie Baillon, a French ultra-distance cyclist with an inspiring story of passion and perseverance. After spending a few years working as an engineer in Munich, she took a leap—packing up her bike and heading off on a solo cycling trip through New Zealand. That journey sparked something big. Back in Europe, she bought a new bike, strapped on some panniers, and knocked out her…
In this episode I bring you a conversation with British Columbia's Mike Martin. There Were a number of riders from British Columbia this year and Mike Martin stood out. Although Mike hasn't been in the ultra endurance scene for that long he might just be a rider to watch as he continues to push his limits in the sport. In this episode I get to know Mike a little bit. We talk about Fatherhood, his…
I have been exchanging asynchronous text and voice messages with my coach Sebastien Rolland since October 2021. During that time, he has been a vital support person, mentor, and friend as I work on my own personal growth. As I work toward my own career in coaching and counselling, Sebastien has challenged my thinking in many life aspects allowing me to reframe my experience. To say that I have all…