Spin Cycle

This final installment of the Orogenesis Dispatches series, which features host Josh Weinberg interviewing ultra endurance cyclist Kurt Refsnider, who has just completed the first full ride of the Orogenesis route – a massive backcountry mountain bike trail traversing the western U.S. from Canada to Mexico. The episode reflects on the full journey, covering logistics, experiences, highs and lows, and what’s next.After riding for 72 of the past 82 days, Refsnider had just completed his ride and was enjoying some downtime before heading out again, this time to tackle Mexico’s Baja Divide Trail. He detailed how, during his time following the Orogenesis route, he rode 3,130 miles (~5,000 km) and climbed nearly 413,000 ft (~126,000 m) of elevation across three states and a mix of singletrack (40%), pavement (10%), and a remainder or dirt tracks and Jeep roads.Looking back on the past three months, Refsnider talks of how the adventure was both a personal and collective effort. He experienced Orogenesis firsthand and tested what a purpose-built, bike-specific, transcontinental singletrack route feels like, while also demonstrating that the route “goes,” hopefully inspiring others to attempt it and validate the years of planning by the Orogenesis team. He also offers key highlights from the experience, lessons learned, and a deep dive into the gear he selected for the journey.

Today on the show: ASO rejects Ralph Denk’s sausage mountain feifdom, Israel-Premier Tech goes dark, and we were very e-xcited by the e-cycling e-world e-championships!

Today on the show: A budget cap? But not for us! Mads Pedersen speaks out against the horrors of the Saitama Criterium, and the Olympic velodrome was farting. 

Today on the show: Premier Tech departs IPT, sport director musical chairs, the very real bicycle race in Japan last weekend, and somebody stole a giant inflatable beer. Maybe. 

Today on the show: Victory Lafay is a Rocket, Pogacar’s knee really hurt at the Tour, and EF signed some youths. 

Today on the show: Oier Lazkano says he’s innocent, Tadej Pogačar’s golden statue, and Tom Pidcock’s gravel awakening.

Today on the show: What’s going on at Jayco? Matt White is the new trident master at Movistar. And the Isaac Del Toro Giro mystery has been partially solved.

Today on the show: The Vuelta is headed to Pogačar’s door, Evenepoel may not be headed to the Tour, and Del Toro is the Mexican champ. 

Today on the show: Jonny and Dane join Caley (who is still feeling the effects of getting absolutely pasted by The Intern during their mountain bike race last weekend) to discuss double Alpe d’Huez at the Tour, the Rockets signing Poels, and how Vingegaard might race the Giro.

It was a big week for Pauls, as Jonny Long, Kit Nicholson, and Dane Cash discuss on this week's podcast. Also covered on the show: Uno-X Mobility's impressive late-season run, the Andorra Cycling Masters, and the next Bernard Hinault.