In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I connect with Nathan Siemans to talk about the Lost Elephant and the Cold Ride. Originally called the Kootenay Gravel Grinder, the name was changed to The Lost Elephant to help people recognize that it was far from being just a gravel ride. As bikepacking was gaining in popularity, more and more people were coming out to ride the event, often without realizing that a gravel bike with 40c tires wasn't going to cut it. Through the involvement of Nathan and a handful of other volunteers, they helped grow a bikepacking event that changes the route each year, creating a new challenge for those that continue to show up time and again.

In the latter part of our discussion, Nathan also shared his passion for fatbiking, and his plan behind creating a challenging winter race that allows people to test themselves in the harshest of conditions. With winter 2025 being the first running of the event, it was great to hear how it came to be and what aspects of creating this event were the most challenging.

I hope you enjoyed the episode and if you are a fan of this podcast, consider supporting it through Patreon.

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Panorama 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 --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers...

In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Joanne Steventon and I dive into this year's Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit. Throughout the summit weekend, Joanne could be seen engaging with participants and doing some short interviews to better help portray the community feel of this bikepacking summit weekend.

The episode highlights the unique format of the summit, including campfire stories, workshops, and networking activities. Key presentations and workshops covered topics such as mindset and failure, bike maintenance, packing techniques, long-distance bike fitting and much, much more. Special thanks are given to the sponsors, including Quick Cranks, Panorama Cycles, MyVeloFit, Redshift Sports, and Calad Bags, among others. The summit concluded with riders participating in the Canadian Shield Grand Depart, with rider Nico sharing his motivations and expectations.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the planning, execution, and community spirit that make the summit a special event for bikepacking enthusiasts. If you weren't able to make it to the summit this year, we hope you enjoyed our discussion. See you next year.

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Show Notes

01:14 Summit Overview and Special Thanks

04:06 Event Highlights and Workshops

09:02 Campfire Stories and Personal Experiences

22:43 Morning Ride and Community Building

25:34 Workshops and Speaker Insights

40:26 Workshop Reflections and Female Forward Discussions

41:55 Mary Pierre's Bike Packing Accomplishments

43:00 Challenges and Fears in Solo Bike Packing

53:37 Brendan's Journey with Khaled Bags

01:03:07 Sponsors and Community Support

01:08:31 Canadian Shield Grand Depart and Bike Packing Routes

01:12:22 Nico's Bike Packing Adventure

01:17:38 Summit Reflections and Future Plans

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In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I connect with Ben Clark, an adventure cyclist who is 18,000 kilometers into his 35,000-kilometer journey around the world.

Ben shares the challenges and highlights of his route, which has taken him through countries such as Turkey, Georgia, Uzbekistan, India, Nepal, and Vietnam. He offers insights into his experiences, from dealing with extreme weather and varied landscapes to navigating cultural norms and overcoming personal challenges like a serious bike crash in India.

Ben also discusses his gear choices, the importance of minimalism, and his strategy for supporting mental health charities like Andy’s Man Club. Tune in to hear about his future plans, including cycling through New Zealand, the US, and eventually reaching Boston, as part of his grand adventure from Wales around the world.

To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:

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Join our

Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures Club

Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.

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Instagram: Ben Clark (@worldbybike_uk)

Website: worldbybike – Ben Clark

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Panorama 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 --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've 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.