Hosted by ultra endurance and adventure cyclist Mel Webb, Detours brings you stories from inside the world of bikepacking and ultra cycling, featuring racers, community members, race directors and more. This show is about celebrating the journey, and the detours along the way, as much as the destination. We're especially passionate about providing space for folks that identify as women to share their stories and hope to inspire more people to ride bikes.Presented by Albion CyclingHave a topic you'd like us to cover? A guest you think we should interview? We'd love to hear from you! Please shoot us an email at thedetourspodcast@gmail.comIf you love the show and want us to keep making it, consider becoming a supporter at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/detourspodcast
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Washed Away: Kerry MacPhee on HT550 2025 and Finding Joy in Going Fast
Episode 53
Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 01:16:37
What do you do when your bike gets swept down a flooded Scottish river, you're soaked to the bone, and miles from the nearest village? Well... you'll have to listen to find out!
Kerry is a blazing-fast Scottish ultra racer with deep roots in mountain biking. After racing the Highland Trail 550 for the first time in 2024, finishing just under three hours off the women’s record, she came back in 2025 with her eyes set on it. What followed was an absolutely nail-biting race between her and eventual women's winner Emma Bateup (our last guest), with both women pushing the pace through torrential rain, flash floods, and highland bog.
In this conversation, Kerry breaks down what really happened out there: from stormy river crossings to the moment her bike got pulled away by the current, and the long, cold walk that followed. We talk about how she's built an off-road racing life while juggling three jobs, her past as an elite mountain biker and triathlete, and how she's navigating what it means to race fast, chase joy, and tell stories that bring others along for the ride.
Topics include:
Highland Trail 550
Racing with joy vs. racing to win, and why it’s not either/or
Fueling, body image, and strength in endurance sport
Sharing the dots and building community through storytelling
Working three jobs while riding at the top level of bikepacking
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Follow Kerry's adventures on Instagram: @kerrymacphee
Racing Season is Here! Crying in the Desert & Other Summer Highlights
Episode 52
Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 20:44
The summer racing season in the world of ultra and bikepacking is in full swing! In this episode, I’m catching you up on what’s been happening and what's ahead.
From surprising Jake at the finish of the Tour Divide (yes, I cried... so much crying!) to managing media at Hellenic, it’s been a full few weeks. I share women's racing highlights from this season so far, including Tour Divide, Highland Trail 550, Hellenic Mountain Race, Kromvojoj, El Piri, and the Trans Balkans Race.
I also look ahead to what’s coming next: Bright Midnight, Transcontinental Race where nearly 100 women(!!!) will be lining up this year. and of course, the Silk Road Mountain Race. Even though I won’t be racing this year, I’m excited to return to Kyrgyzstan for a third time and be back in the ultra bubble with the media crew.
And inevitably, I’ve missed some races—so if there’s a standout story you think should be featured, I’m all ears.
Plus, I want to hear from you. If you’ve been on an overnighter, a big summer ride, or a bikepacking trip you’re proud of, send me a voice note to thedetourspodcast@gmail.com I’d love to feature your stories on the show and celebrate adventures big and small.
Tandemonium with Shona and Rich Oldfield: Bikepack Racing on a Tandem
Episode 43
Thursday, March 27, 2025 • Duration 01:17:05
What happens when you take a bike built for two and bring it to some of the most rugged, remote and challenging bikepacking in the world? You get tandemonium, and honestly, Shona and Rich Oldfield wouldn’t have it any other way.
Shona and Rich live in Manchester, UK, where they run Keep Pedalling, a small but mighty bike shop dedicated to supplying help, advice, and bikes for adventures. Over the past decade, they’ve quietly become legends in the bikepack racing world — not for winning races, but for how they show up: almost always together, and usually on a tandem. It’s long, it’s heavy, and by most standards absolutely the “wrong” bike for these races — which, of course, makes it perfect for them.
In this episode, we talk about what it’s actually like to race a tandem off-road: how they divide roles on the bike, what happens when one of them wants to sleep (and the other doesn’t), and why Rich refuses to use the brakes. They also share some wild hallucination stories, dog packing with their pup Olive, and how the tandem has become a symbol of their approach to life: good-humoured, stubborn, and quietly joyful.
Shona and Rich remind us that these events are supposed to be fun, and that there’s no “right” way to do these things, just the way that works for you.
As always, thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast this year.
Sherry Cardona’s Off-Road Ultra-Cycling Journey: From the Transcontinental Race to Atlas
Episode 42
Sunday, March 16, 2025 • Duration 01:09:10
“I was in the middle of nowhere in Albania on a road bike, and there was no way out—I had to go through the parkour. So I told my husband, ‘I can’t ride it, but I’m going to walk it.’ He rode ahead, and I just kept walking, waking him up every time I passed by. We spent 12 hours like that, but we made it out. And I said to myself, ‘That’s never going to happen again. I’m going to learn how to ride off-road."—Sherry Cardona
After struggling through a brutal 70-kilometer off-road section in her first Transcontinental Race (TCR), Sherry Cardona made a promise to herself: she would learn to ride off-road. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s now taken on off-road bikepacking races like the Bohemian Border Bash, Badlands, and recently completed the Atlas Mountain Race, her first mountain bike ultra—a completely different challenge that tested her technical skills, race mindset, and ability to adapt.
Sherry has quickly become a recognizable name in distance racing, not only for her impressive results—including winning TCR in a pair, twice—but for her ability to tell compelling stories about the highs, lows and realities of pushing limits on the bike through her YouTube channel, Buzzalong Cycling.
In this episode, we dive into Sherry's ultra-cycling journey, from picking up a road bike for the first time at age 27, to racing TCR, Badlands, and now the Atlas Mountain Race. We talk about racing in a pair vs. solo, how she built confidence on technical terrain, and what it takes to push through when things aren’t going to plan.
In this episode we talk about:
Her transition from road ultras to gravel and mountain bike racing
Racing in the Transcontinental Race in a pair with her husband: the challenges, teamwork, and life lessons
How she built confidence on technical terrain (including a mountain bike instructor who thought she had "no hope")
Atlas Mountain Race: expectations vs. reality, adapting when things got tough, and learning to ride mountain bike terrain
Surviving on honey, omelets, and Moroccan tea
How music (and a little bit of Taylor Swift) helped her get through hard moments
Inviting Adventure: Jen Adams & Eric Betteridge on the Log Driver's Waltz
Episode 41
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 • Duration 01:08:15
"The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t a race; it’s an invitation. An opportunity for anyone curious about bikepacking to show up, ride at their own pace, and share the experience. It brings people together—whether you’re pushing yourself against the clock or taking time to enjoy the landscape and small communities along the way.”
That’s how Jen Adams and Eric Betteridge describe the Log Driver’s Waltz—a stunning 800-kilometer bikepacking loop weaving through Ontario’s Ottawa Valley and into Quebec. For them, it’s all about community, shared experience, and adventure at your own pace.
In this episode, Jen and Eric share how decades of adventure together—17-day canoe trips, countless rides through their home region, and racing the Tour Divide—led them to create this unique route. The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t just about the terrain (though with 75% unpaved roads, forested trails, and rugged paths, it’s no joke). It’s about inviting riders to show up, ride how they want, and share the experience.
We also dive into what it’s like to ride as a couple, how they balance different rhythms on and off the bike, and why building an inclusive bikepacking community matters. Plus, Jen and Eric explain how the Log Driver's Waltz became part of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and how they’ve intentionally created stepping stones—from accessible rallies to the full 800k loop—to help more people get into bikepacking.
If you’ve ever been curious about lining up for a Grand Depart, wondered how to build confidence for your first bikepacking trip, or thought about what it takes to ride (and create) a route like this, this conversation is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
The story behind the Log Driver’s Waltz and its ties to Canadian culture
How decades of adventure—from canoe trips to the Tour Divide—shaped Jen and Eric’s approach to route building
Riding as a couple: balancing different strengths, rhythms, and goals on the bike
The creation of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and fostering connections across the region
Racing Free: Mascha Wahlig on Confidence & Mental Strength
Episode 40
Friday, January 31, 2025 • Duration 01:06:36
"I want to finish with a big smile on my face."
That’s Mascha Wahlig’s goal for the 2025 Atlas Mountain Race.Last year, Mascha lined up at Atlas Mountain Race, her second-ever ultra-endurance bikepacking event. She was fast, pushing herself to the limit, but she was also overwhelmed. The intensity of the race, the sheer number of riders, and the pressure she put on herself—it all built up, culminating in a moment of panic and paralysis in the middle of the desert when her cleat broke.
She eventually got it fixed (with a bit of super glue and grit), but mentally? The race left her drained. Even months later, she found herself experiencing panic on training rides in the dark, reliving the helplessness of that night in Morocco. Instead of pushing it down, she did the work. She sought help, developed strategies to manage fear and build mental strength, and slowly rebuilt her confidence. And it worked.
Since Atlas, Mascha has gone on to win both the Hellenic Mountain Race and Sneak Peeks, proving to herself that mental performance is just as crucial as physical fitness in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Now, she’s coming back to Atlas Mountain Race 2025, but this time, with a totally different mindset.
She’s racing for herself—not for a number, not for a podium—but to ride with confidence, be present, and take in the experience.
In this episode we talk about:
The mental battles of ultra-cycling and bikepacking—panic, fear, and self-doubt.
How Mascha built mental resilience and confidence after last year’s Atlas Mountain Race.
What it takes to win ultra-endurance bikepacking races like Hellenic and Sneak Peeks.
Strategies for handling stress and mental fatigue in long-distance racing.
The power of self-compassion, managing expectations, and racing with a freer mind.
How to prepare mentally and physically for events like Atlas Mountain Race.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled with confidence in endurance sports, or felt overwhelmed by the sheer challenge of a long-distance race, this episode is for you.
Riding in the Moment with Marei Moldenhauer
Episode 39
Thursday, January 23, 2025 • Duration 01:09:00
In this episode, I chat with Marei Moldenhauer—a rising star in ultra-cycling and bikepacking. Marei balances a demanding career as a doctor while excelling in the world of endurance racing. Her recent accomplishments include winning the women’s race at Bright Midnight in Norway (where she also finished fourth overall!!!) and finishing second just two and a half hours behind the women’s winner at the Transcontinental Race (TCR) 2023.
We discuss Marei’s entry pathway into ultra-cycling, from receiving her first steel bike as a gift from her brother to becoming a competitive bikepacker. She shares her training approach, how she’s preparing for the Atlas Mountain Race, and her love of climbing. Marei also opens up about the challenges she faces as a celiac athlete, her strategies for fueling during ultra-endurance events, and her unexpected preference for Katjes over Haribo gummy bears!
Marei will be one of the many women racing this year's Atlas Mountain Race and I can't wait to see how she gets on.
Thanks to Albion Cycling for supporting the podcast and my adventures this year!
Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us?
We’d love to feature your story on the podcast! Write us a short piece of 200–300 words describing a memorable adventure or experience related to bikepacking, ultra-cycling, or outdoor exploration. Whether it’s your first ultra-endurance race, an unforgettable moment with locals on the trail, a tough lesson learned in the wild, or a surprising detour that changed your journey, we want to hear about it.
BIG NEWS! Mel's reflections on 2024 and what's in for 2025
Episode 38
Friday, January 10, 2025 • Duration 43:52
We’ve got some big news! I am so so stoked to share that Detours is now presented by Albion Cycling. They’ve been fans of the show since day one and to have their support feels pretty darn cool.
In this solo episode, I reflect on a transformative 2024—a year defined by big goals, unexpected detours and a ton of personal grown.
Through listener questions, I share more about the ups and downs of racing, how I balance work, life, and ultra-endurance training and everything in between. I also share what I’m most excited about for the year ahead.
I’d love your feedback on today’s episode — what did you think? What do you want to hear more of on solo episodes in the future?
Do you have a story from your own adventures you want to share with us? Submit it to be featured in an upcoming episode! Email us at thedetourspodcast@gmail.com
This episode was brought to you by Albion, the very best cycling kit, designed to help you stay outside longer.
Alexandera Houchin on racing with heart and 10 years of bikepacking
Episode 37
Thursday, December 12, 2024 • Duration 01:31:09
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 Substack
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 — 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.
Theo Kelsey-Verdecchia on creating the Golden Horseshoe bikepacking route
Episode 36
Thursday, December 5, 2024 • Duration 01:23:40
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.
Use code DETOURS15 to get 15% off your next order from Albion
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Discover shows related to Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Stories don’t have to be epic—it could be something simple but meaningful, like discovering a hidden gem on your favourite route, overcoming a fear on the bike, or connecting with fellow riders in an unexpected way. Send your write-up to thedetourspodcast@gmail.com, and we’ll feature selected stories on future episodes!
