Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike

"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
• Why community-building, safety, and accessibility are at the heart of the Log Driver’s Waltz
• How the route offers something for everyone—from those chasing FKTs to riders seeking a leisurely multi-day adventure
• Tips for tackling the route, including bike setups, resupply points, and managing its surprisingly punchy climbs

Details & Links for the Log Driver's Waltz

• 2025 Grand Depart: August 23rd,8 AM, Almonte Hills, Ontario, Canada
• Spring Rally: For those who want to experience the route in more digestible chunks
• Log Driver’s Waltz Official Website
• Log Driver’s Waltz Tips & Planning Facebook Group
• Follow Jen & Eric’s updates and rally details on social media @thelogdriverswaltz

As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year.

Follow along:

• Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling
• Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb
• Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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A small but mighty field of women will be starting the fourth edition of the Atlas Mountain Race. We were fortunate enough to hear from nearly all of them ahead of the start. These incredible individuals share what they’re most excited about and what challenges they are likely to face. Each of them has a unique story, and we hope by shining a spotlight on the women’s field it will encourage more to line up next year or to take on their own challenge.

You can follow our dots on MapProgress - www.amr24.maprogress.com

We’ve put together a list of the women featured in this episode so you can track them on the map by cap number. They are organized here in the same order as they appear in the episode.

Cat Magill - 183

Christiana Tamburini - 173

Cynthia Carson - 172

Hannah Larbalestier - 140

Hannah Simon - 139

Harriet Wingfield - 314A

Marika Latsone - 101

Marion Dziwnik - 99

'Masca Lu Wahlig - 130

Megan Casebow - 309A

Melina Boening - 84

Mel Webb - 85

Molly Weaver - 79

Nathalie Baillon - 78

Quinda Verheul - 56

Sarah Heller - 306A

Shona Oldfield - 305A

Veera Lahde - 6

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Kicking off May 25, 31 women will race the 11th edition of the Highland Trail 550, a self-supported bikepacking race through the Scottish highlands.

We were fortunate enough to hear from over half of the women who will be setting off. Each has their own unique story and shares about their journey to the start line and what they're looking forward to getting out of the experience.

As always we hope this episode inspires more women to take on their own adventures.

Watch the pink dots as they travel around the highlands on Trackleaders.

Support the show by leaving us a 5 star review or buying us a coffee

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Welcome to Detours, the podcast that takes you on extraordinary adventures in the world of ultra-cycling races and bikepacking. Hosted by Mel Webb and Cynthia Frazier, this show is for anyone from the seasoned racer to the curious soul eager to hear tales from the trail.

Episodes will be released on a monthly basis.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!

Follow Marei on Instagram: @marei.mol

Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb

Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourspodcast

Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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.

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 [email protected], and we’ll feature selected stories on future episodes!

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