Podcast
Bikepack Adventures Podcast
Hosted by Chris Panasky · EN
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!
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Bikepacking Essentials #2 | Routes: Choosing Where To Go
Mar 2401:11:58Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Bikepacking Essentials Mini-Series. This series is all about the things that actually determine whether a bikepacking trip feels empowering… or miserable. Not the gear hype, not the highlight reels, just the fundamentals that make trips work.In the first episode, Carl and I talked about what bikepacking really is and what it isn’t. We spent some time resetting expectations, because a lot of riders end up frustrated simply because they thought the experience would feel different than it actually does.This week we’re moving into something that probably has an even bigger impact on your trip than your bike or your gear. The route you choose. Because the truth is, most bikepacking trips don’t go sideways because of bad equipment. They go sideways because the route didn’t match the rider, the time available, or the expectations going in. So in this episode we’re talking about how to choose where to go. How terrain, elevation, and remoteness completely change what a day on the bike feels like. When it makes sense to follow established routes, and when building your own route might actually make more sense. Most importantly, we’re going to talk about planning routes that make you want to do this again. Because the best bikepacking trips aren’t the ones that nearly break you, they’re the ones that make you start thinking about the next ride before you’ve even unpacked.We couldn't have made this series a reality without the support of Panorama Cycles. Panorama Cycles is an independent bicycle company based in Canada and dedicated to backcountry cyclists who prefer gravel, snow and off-road trails. Be sure to check out their website, YouTube and Instagram.Panorama Cycles WebsitePanorama Cycles InstagramTo support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsFind Carl at:Instagram: @fork_sauceFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 products that have been tested in every way imaginable.Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.
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Bikepacking Essentials #1 | What Bikepacking Really Is (And Isn't)
Mar 1001:05:08Tap to summarizeIn the first episode of the Bikepacking Essentials series, brought to you by Panorama Cycles, hosts Chris Panasky and Carl Presseault introduce what bikepacking is and isn’t, using their miserable early attempt at a 400 km route that eventually grew into the Canadian Shield 400 to highlight common misconceptions.They discuss how bikepacking overlaps with touring but often differs in mindset, terrain, planning needs, and self-reliance, especially when things go wrong far from easy fixes. The conversation covers misconceptions like expecting a free-flowing experience, assuming lighter gear is always better, and believing you need the perfect bike, emphasizing instead trust, durability, skills, and realistic expectations.They also outline different bikepacking styles, from race-focused ultra-distance to weekend overnighters, expeditions, and credit-card approaches.We couldn't have made this series a reality without the support of Panorama Cycles. Panorama Cycles is an independent bicycle company based in Canada and dedicated to backcountry cyclists who prefer gravel, snow and off-road trails. Be sure to check out their website, YouTube and Instagram.Panorama Cycles WebsitePanorama Cycles InstagramJoin us Live on YouTube for episode 2 on Thursday, March 12 at 8pm EST where we will be discussing "Routes: Choosing Where to Go"To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubPlease consider using these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind Carl at:Instagram: @fork_sauceFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 products that have been tested in every way imaginable.Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.
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Bangers Bikepacking Rally with Dean Dahl
Mar 101:14:25Tap to summarizeToday, we’re diving into one of the most creative and community‑driven events in the bikepacking scene: Bangers Bikepacking. If you haven’t heard of it yet, imagine a weekend where teams of riders design their own routes, explore the North Okanagan, roll into checkpoints together, and then cap it all off by creating a three‑minute film that captures the spirit of their ride. It’s part adventure, part creativity challenge, and part celebration of the cycling community.Joining me is Dean Dahl, the creator of Bangers and the mind behind Have A Good Ride, the platform that ties together his projects, events, and the ethos that fuels them. Dean has built something truly unique — an event that isn’t about racing or rankings, but about connection, exploration, and telling a story worth sharing.We’re going to talk about how Bangers started, why it’s grown into such a beloved gathering, how the film‑festival twist came to be, and what makes this event so special for riders of all abilities and backgrounds. So settle in, get comfortable, and let’s jump into the world of Bangers Bikepacking.To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: Bangers BikepackingYouTube: Have a Good RideWebsite: Have a good ride!Find me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 products that have been tested in every way imaginable.Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.
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Bikepacking Essentials Series Intro
Mar 100:03:35Tap to summarizeSo excited to announce a new podcast series. I had been thinking for some time that it would be a good idea to record a series of episodes that address some Bikepacking Essentials. I also wanted to do it with a co-host and am stoked to have Carl Presseault joining me for the entirety.I'm also pleased to have Panorama Cycles sponsoring the series. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.The plan is to record episodes weekly on YouTube Live, giving listeners a chance to participate and engage. See you on Thursday, 8pm EST on YouTube at Bikepack AdventuresTo support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 products that have been tested in every way imaginable.Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.
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From the Americas to Antarctica | James Benson-King is Biking Viking Rides
Feb 1101:25:13Tap to summarizeToday 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 orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: @bikingvikingridesYouTube: James Benson-King - YouTubeWebsite: Biking Viking Rides | Motivational SpeakerFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 products that have been tested in every way imaginable.Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.
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Inside the Tour Divide with Robert Givens: Riding, Recording, and Storytelling
Jan 2201:54:40Tap to summarizeIn 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 orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubUse these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.Redshift SportsPanorama CyclesFind them at:Instagram: @ThruRider25YouTube: Thru-Rider - YouTubeFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 products that have been tested in every way imaginable.Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.
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Ridecast | Wendigo Fatbike Ultra 200km
Mar 7, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I record a Ridecast on my recent participation in the 200km Wendigo Fatbike Ultra, which took place on February 24th, 2024. Throughout the episode I talk my bike, setup, preparation and of course, the event itself. Finishing with a time of 18h 39m, this event pushed my limits for a variety of reasons. Enjoying the podcast? Consider joining Patreon to help keep it sustainable.https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the Bikepack Adventures RideWithGPS club to have offline access to many of the regions bikepacking routes.Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubFind me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow 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 --> 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. Use the affiliate link and they will give Bikepack Adventures a little something in return.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 products that have been testing in every way imaginable.Brockton Cyclery --> Brockton Cyclery is a full-service shop in Toronto's west end. We cater to cyclists of every stripe. Whether you're commuting to work or prepping for the Tour Divide, we've got you covered. We strive to ensure that Brockton Cyclery is a safe and inclusive environment. RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible. Use the promo code Monton10 to save 10% at checkout.
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Ridecast | Wendigo Ultra Fatbike Race
Mar 22, 2023Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Bikepack Adventures podcast, I take some time to reflect on my recent 3rd place finish at the Wendigo Fatbike Ultra. The Wendigo Fatbike Ultra is a fatbike race that takes palce in the Ottawa Valley, providing riders an option of 200, 100 or 50km. To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:https://www.patreon.com/bikepackadventures orhttps://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bikepackadventures Join the RideWithGPS Bikepack Adventures ClubFind them at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendigo_ultra/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083628097612Website: https://wendigoultra.blogspot.com/ Find me at…WEBSITEYOUTUBEFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMITUNESShow SponsorsRedshift Sports --> Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkoutRestrap --> Use code BTAPOD10 to save 10% at checkoutBrockton CycleryPanorama Cycles RaceDay Fuel --> Use code BTA10 to save 10% at checkout
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