The Endurance Studio

✨ Support the Podcast ✨
In this episode, I sit down with Cruz Blue to recap his experience at Pinyons and Pines, discuss becoming the youngest solo finisher of the Arizona Trail Race, and look ahead to his upcoming Tour Divide debut. We talk about gear failures, race strategy, sleep systems, the mental challenge of loneliness during ultra-endurance events, trail friendships, wildlife encounters, and the lessons learned from long days in the saddle.
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https://trackleaders.com/pinyonspines26
https://trackleaders.com/tourdivide26
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(00:00:00) Support Reminder, Bikepacking Trip & Tour Divide Preparation
(00:04:36) Pinyons & Pines Recap, Gear Failures & Early Race Challenges
(00:13:36) Flats, Resupplies, Night Riding & Race Dynamics
(00:23:21) Sleep Strategy, Recovery & Learning Through Fatigue
(00:30:20) Crown King, Prescott Trails, Wildlife & Mountain Lion Stories
(00:44:57) Trail Friendships, Water Management & Bikepacking Ethics
(00:56:00) Future Race Ideas, Course Design & Adventure Planning
(00:59:32) Loneliness, Family Support & Mental Challenges in Endurance Racing
(01:10:30) AI, Social Media, Sponsorships & Communication
(01:18:56) Welding, Bike Building, 3D Printing & Career Exploration
(01:28:45) College Plans, Motivation & Personal Growth
(01:40:09) Tour Divide Fears, Inspiration & Future Dreams
(01:51:44) Community Support, Local Connections & Closing Remarks
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#endurance #bikepacking

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In this episode of The Endurance Studio, I sit down with ultra-endurance mountain biker Jeff Kerkove to talk about nearly two decades of bikepacking racing, from the Colorado Trail Race to international events like Silk Road Mountain Race and Atlas Mountain Race. We dive into race strategy, sleep deprivation, resupply tactics, gear choices, pacing mistakes, and the mental side of pushing through massive distances. Jeff also shares stories from races like Stagecoach 400, Doom, Vapor Trail 125, Pinyons and Pines, and more — along with lessons learned from years of DNFs, big wins, and hard-earned experience in the ultra-endurance world.
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https://www.instagram.com/jeffkerkove
https://www.instagram.com/ergonbike
https://www.instagram.com/topeak
https://www.instagram.com/rideshimano
https://www.instagram.com/ridefoxbike
https://www.instagram.com/dtswiss
https://www.instagram.com/maxxisbike
https://www.instagram.com/guenergylabs
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(00:00:00) Episode Introduction and Pinyons & Pines Race Context
(00:02:02) Race Strategy: Heat, Pacing, Nutrition, and Competition
(00:04:16) Breck Epic and the Evolution of Supported Bikepacking
(00:11:32) Preparing for Long-Distance Racing and Bike Choice
(00:14:52) Sleep Deprivation, Minimal Gear, and Recovery Tactics
(00:17:19) Gear Philosophy, Packing Strategy, and Cold Weather Prep
(00:26:53) Reflections on the Sour Race and Favorite Route Segments
(00:29:31) Early Racing Background and Discovering Ultra Endurance
(00:33:48) Colorado Trail Race DNFs and Lessons Learned
(00:40:28) The Addictive Nature of Ultra Racing and Competitiveness
(00:42:00) Resupply Efficiency, Nutrition, and Time Management
(00:45:07) Vapor Trail, Stagecoach, and Other Memorable Races
(00:49:05) Bones to Blue and Doom: Extreme Bikepacking Challenges
(00:54:35) International Racing: Silk Road, Atlas, and Global Logistics
(00:59:54) Sea Otter, Bike Industry Trends, and Gear Innovation
(01:06:06) Bikepacking Bags, Rack Systems, and Industry Drama
(01:13:31) Ergon Product Development and Triple Crown Reflections
(01:16:40) Life Lessons, Longevity, and the Mental Side of Racing
(01:27:31) Rapid-Fire Questions: Gear, Components, and Preferences
(01:35:52) Advice for New Endurance Athletes and Closing Remarks
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#endurance #bikepacking

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In this episode, I sit down with Karin Pocock just days before Pinyons and Pines to unpack last year’s Triple Crown season—the podium at Tour Divide, the heartbreak of scratching at the Colorado Trail Race due to smoke inhalation, and the emotional toll of watching a season-defining goal unravel.
We talk about what it means to come back: rebuilding fitness, shifting to high-intensity training, rethinking race strategy, and lining up again with unfinished business. From holding position at the front of the field to learning when to pull the plug, this is a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and returning stronger.
If you’ve ever had a big goal fall apart—and chose to try again anyway—this one’s for you.
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https://www.instagram.com/karin_pocock
https://www.Instagram.com/oldmanmountainracks
https://www.Instagram.com/silca_velo
https://www.Instagram.com/noblwheels 
https://www.Instagram.com/dispersed.bikepacking
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(00:00:00) Introduction, Zoom Fatigue & Training Reflections
(00:03:15) HIIT, FTP Hesitation & AI Training Platforms
(00:09:23) TrainerRoad Transition & Performance Gains
(00:11:04) Welcome Karen & Sour Race Debrief
(00:15:40) Pacing, Motivation, Injuries & Humor
(00:18:32) Tour Divide Challenges: Smoke, Weather & Sleep Kit
(00:26:16) Mud, Health Issues & Race Motivation
(00:32:36) Power Meters, Equipment & Race Planning
(00:36:31) Arizona Trail Logistics & Fire Exposure
(00:43:47) Toxic Exposure, Illness vs Fatigue & Lung Health
(00:48:57) Fire Season Shifts & Gear Logistics
(00:55:50) Battery Management, Electrolytes & Iron Testing
(01:08:42) Goals, Sponsorship & Training Balance
(01:16:03) Work Flexibility, Relocation & Uranium Mining
(01:31:39) Pinyons Victory, Community & Canadian Roots
(01:45:49) Rapid Fire: Components, Salt, Lighting & Fit
(01:59:46) Charging, Water Sources & Resupply Stories
(02:10:20) Wrap-Up, Sponsors & Closing Remarks
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#endurance #bikepacking

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In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Pinyons and Pines “race-not-race” in Northern Arizona.
We cover key logistics including grand depart info, parking, pre-race gathering, required permits and last-minute route updates (including potential mud reroutes). We also dive into sponsorship support, water reliability, resupply strategy, and how to prepare for Arizona’s unpredictable weather—from freezing temps to desert heat.
The second half is a detailed course preview of this year’s 413-mile, 39,000-foot route. We explain why this edition is one of the toughest yet, what makes it unique, major changes from past years, critical resupply points (especially the Cottonwood Maverik), water carries, and what to expect from key sections like Mingus, Crown King, the Bradshaws, and the Prescott Circle Trail.
If you’re registered, on the waitlist, or just curious about ultra bikepacking in Arizona, this episode will help you prepare mentally and strategically for what’s shaping up to be a big, demanding year on course.
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Event Website: https://danaernst.com/PinyonsPines/
Strava Group: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1382713
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinyonspinesbikepackingrace/ 
Arizona State Trust Land Permit: https://azland.my.salesforce-sites.com/recreationalpermit/
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(00:00:00) - Podcast Support & Welcome
(00:02:37) - Event Disclaimer, Safety & Self-Supported Rules
(00:05:30) - Eighth Edition Overview & Course Stats
(00:07:14) - Benchmark Ride & Course Difficulty
(00:08:12) - Registration, Waitlist & Sponsors
(00:15:19) - GPS Files, Route Updates & Mud Bypass
(00:20:03) - Parking, Pre-Race Gathering & Permits
(00:24:38) - Why This Year’s Route (Crown King & Additions)
(00:25:43) - Full Course Overview & Bike Choice
(00:28:53) - Opening Section: Woody Mountain to Sedona
(00:30:45) - Cottonwood Resupply Strategy
(00:34:10) - Spring Valley to Crown King Climb
(00:38:21) - Senator Highway to Prescott Loop
(00:41:33) - Prescott Resupply & 24-Hour Options
(00:44:30) - Mount Union & Major Descents
(00:47:55) - Camp Verde Resupply & Final 100 Miles
(00:51:06) - Stoneman Lake Climb & Road Conditions
(00:53:47) - Mormon Lake Resupply & Final Summit
(00:55:49) - Final Stretch to Finish
(00:57:13) - Final Notes, Contact Info & Campfire Policy
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#endurance #bikepacking

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In this episode, Dana Ernst joins me to dive deep into the mindset behind endurance sports, self-reliance, and why doing hard things still matters in a world built for convenience.
The conversation explores how modern culture—shaped by instant gratification, easy access to credit, and curated experiences—has shifted our relationship with effort, risk, and failure.
You’ll hear reflections on competition, personal growth, and why bikepacking and ultra-endurance events offer something many people feel is missing: real challenge and earned experience. We also unpack themes like financial philosophy (“die with zero”), balancing spending vs. saving, and how pursuing experiences over possessions can shape a more meaningful life.
Toward the back half of the episode, I share a recap of my recent effort at SAUER—the Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride—including key takeaways, lessons learned, and how the experience is shaping the rest of my season.
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https://www.instagram.com/dcernst/
https://www.instagram.com/pinyonspinesbikepackingride/
https://www.instagram.com/verdevalleyrandonnee/
SAUER: https://thesauer.weebly.com
Full Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/ehl9y7
https://www.chaparralcycles.com
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(00:00:00) Intro, Sponsor Acknowledgments, and Pre-show Banter
(00:02:28) Dog Burger Race Overview & Competitive Background
(00:06:07) Sports, Teamwork, and Personal Development
(00:11:35) Self-Reliance, Generational Perspectives, and Consumer Behavior
(00:24:30) Money, Risk, and Life Philosophy
(00:33:08) Minimalism, Possessions, and Personal Mindset
(00:36:46) Travel, Iceland, and Outdoor Exploration
(00:42:29) Risk, Failure, and Inspirational Stories
(00:55:08) Documentary Discussion and Storytelling
(00:58:22) Stagecoach 100: Logistics, Safety, and Risk Management
(01:07:41) Media, Storytelling, and Documentary Production Challenges
(01:14:40) Branding, Growth, and Event Evolution
(01:21:38) Route Planning, Course Design, and Scouting
(01:27:22) Race Mindset and Early Experiences
(01:36:11) Race Dynamics, Equipment, and Terrain Challenges
(01:43:47) Route Logistics, Safety, and Resupply
(01:50:34) Gear, Nutrition, and Performance Strategy
(01:55:54) Training, Coaching, and AI Insights
(02:13:49) Equipment Optimization and Race Execution
(02:22:31) Fatigue, Competition, and Final Race Push
(02:26:08) Safety, Inclusivity, and Race Concepts
(02:29:43) Route Comparisons and Course Difficulty
(02:36:34) Finish Rates and Race Analysis
(02:37:13) Bike Tech: Batteries, Shifting, and Lighting
(02:43:52) Gear Setup, Packing, and Preferences
(02:49:22) Tires, Gear, and Race Overview
(02:54:30) Race Logistics, Rules, and Closing Thoughts
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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing