Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling & Adventures by Bike

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 and read her writing on her SubstackIn an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey 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 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 and Mel @melwwebb

In this episode, Mel chats with Theo Kelsey-Verdecchia, ultra-endurance cyclist and creator of the Golden Horseshoe bikepacking route in Ontario. Theo shares how he designed this epic 1,600 km route to showcase Ontario’s hidden gems—from rugged singletrack to remote backcountry trails. He talks about racing vs. touring mindsets, balancing challenge with accessibility, and the joys of discovering unexpected resupply stops. Tune in for a conversation about route creation, adventure, and pushing personal limits.If you want to keep up with Theo's adventures and stayed up to date on his plans for the inaugural Golden Horseshoe event, follow him on Instagram In an effort to bring you even better episodes in 2025 please fill out our audience survey and share your honest feedback on the show. Thank you in advance for the time and help to grow this show ❤️As always, if you loved this episode please leave us a five star review, follow the show and share it with a friend. Even better, you can make a one time pledge of your support and any funds go back into creating this show.

In this episode, we chat with Leanne Bentley, an ultra-distance cyclist and creative living in the Netherlands. She is also the maker behind the bikepacking bags of Carrie Gere. Originally from the UK, Leanne shares her path from childhood cycling clubs to taking on the world of ultra-racing. She gives us a peek into her early cycling days with fun stories from car parks and grass track racing, and explains how the pandemic led her to discover bikepacking.Leanne opens up about the lessons from her first races, gear mishaps, and how she balances her cycling with running a creative business and designing custom bikepacking bags. To keep up with Leanne's adventures follow her on Instagram, as well as her latest bag developments at Carrie Gere. If you loved this episode please leave us a five star review and don't forget to share this episode with a friend. You can even go one step further and pledge your support on our Buy Me a Coffee.Thanks as always for listening and we'll see you next week.

Justinas is back on Detours sharing all about his wild 2024 season where he set a new record on the Triple Crown of bikepacking: The Tour Divide, Colorado Trail Race and Arizona Trail Race. Justinas completed all three of these races in a cumulative time of 25 days, 5 hours, and 30 minutes (2d:13h:3m ahead of Jay Petervary’s record from 2015). We caught up while he was recovering in Arizona just a few days after winning the Arizona Trail Race. We shared so many good laughs about his season and everything it took to complete these races. From eating a double cheese burger at the bottom of the grand canyon, to sourcing a ground sheet from construction sites to managing disappointment from route closures, this conversation covers it all. To keep up to date with Justinas' adventures be sure to give him a follow on Instagram. If you loved today's episode, please leave us a five star review and share the episode with a friend. It truly does help this show get in the ears of more listeners.

This past year Emma Missale has burst onto the bikepack racing scene, landing herself second on the podium at both the Hellenic and Silk Road Mountain Races. By day, Emma is a bike messenger in Copenhagen and is a three time bike messenger world champion! In this episode she shares all about life as a bike messenger, how she found bikepacking and everything she's learned in her first year racing ultras. Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram to keep up with her adventures @shotti_e

Jade Simpson-Field is an adventurer and bikepacker from Leeds who’s made a habit of squeezing in massive adventures around her "normal boring life." Jade’s love for riding her bike is infectious and she’s no stranger to tackling some of the toughest endurance races out there (all while wearing sandals!)—even when imposter syndrome tries to creep in.We talk about her journey into bikepacking, from her early days riding in Vietnam to racing the Highland Trail 550 (twice!) and her goal of becoming the first person to complete the Lakeland 200 in all four seasons. She also talks about placing third at this year’s Silk Road Mountain Race and what motivates her to push on, even in the hardest moments. Jade’s story is packed with relatable moments, practical tips, and plenty of inspiration. Thank you Jade and we can't wait to see what you get up to next! You can keep up with Jade's adventures on Instagram

Stephen Shelesky is commercial outdoors photographer who has shot for some of the biggest brands in the space and some of the world's best skiiers. He's also an ultra racer. Just one week before he was meant to race the Silk Road Mountain Race for the second time, he was asked to join the media team and photograph the race instead. This would be his first time shooting a bikepacking event. In this conversation Stephen shares all about diving into these uncharted waters, giving us a sneak peak into life in the media car and ultimately a new perspective on how impactful these events can be on our lives.Equal parts inspiring and entertaining, Stephen was an absolute delight to talk to.You can check out more of his work on Instagram or on his website.

Stoked to bring you this conversation with the winner of the 2024 Silk Road Mountain Race, Joe Nation. Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, Joe went on to win this year's 1939km edition of the race in 6 days 18 hours and 10 minutes. The race was exceptionally tight until the final 48 hours, where Joe made a tactical move in the Arabel Valley and a strong push over the infamous Shamsi pass to solidify his lead. In this episode Joe shares the ins and outs of his ride — from his reccy mission before the race, to his rocky first day and how he had to readjust his plans and stay patient in order to make it through. A massive thanks to Joe for taking the time to chat and hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as we did.Be sure to give Joe a follow on Instagram as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel.

Hannah Simon took the women's win at this year's Silk Road Mountain Race, in a time of 8 days 20 hours and 16 minutes. She navigated the 1939km and 30,000m+ with determination, resilience and grace. Not only was she the first woman home, but also landed 9th overall in an exceptionally deep field. In this episode we talk all about her preparation and the race itself. She shares so many great nuggets about her own personal hygiene, her kit and so much more. It was an absolute joy to get to record this episode in person together and to celebrate her achievement. Stay up to date on Hannah's adventures by following her on Instagram. If you loved today's episode please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen.