The Bend Racing Podcast

We'll delve into the state of AR as the 2024 season gets fully underway!

• The truth behind Hollywood's "Arthur the King"
• What's up with Bend Racing's love of ties
• Ranking Challenges at Expedition Ozark
• Just what is a mountain bike defined as, and why is that important
• Tyvek painter suits and looking for loopholes
• Should we expect races to be "safe" or for teams to race "safely"?
• Plus codes for some great brands!

I woke up to see a strange sight on the leaderboard. Highpoint racing was no longer on the map or the list of lead teams. They'd had a commanding 4 hour lead when I'd gone to bed, and less than 16 hours or so of course left. The win was theirs. Or was it. But for a team to drop with that big of a buffer means that it was unlikely a mechanical, nav error or even stomach issues. 4 hours can solve a lot of problems. I went to the source to find out what happened.

Tu: The buddhist word for willful, stupid, but necessary suffering. Join us on a love story of sorts - a glimpse into heartbreak, friendship, risk, failure and introspection. There might be a poem in there too. A true story at the confluence of romantic dramedy, absolute loneliness, and self discovery.

Also known as PRD (post race depression) or PED (Post Expedition) it all amounts to the same thing. Ultra-endurance endeavors are "disruptive", and when you succeed (especially) when you succeed at self-selected disruptive events...well depression is a fairly common outcome. Seldom talked about - but here we go - a personal insight into my recent struggle and some of the tactics I used to get through it.

The MAGNIficent GodZone legacy (see what I did there?), the new IARC vs FISO, the return of the legendary GoldRush, the power of underwear, mental vs physical training, simple supplements for adventure racing and more.

What if you could never put on a pair of padded bike shorts again, or skip a ride because you were worried about cold hands. Better yet, what if you could stop at that coffee shop on the way home from your long training ride without the wobbly awkward tap tap tap of bike cleats and tired post ride legs. Or what if you could save minutes on every transition in a race, increase ride comfort and never lose performance. Impossible you say? You are probably right. Best to just skip this podcast and wait for the next one.

Boom. Lets look at all things AR as we transition from 2023 to 2024. A Hollywood movie looms (and will finally educate the world about this sport, albeit with some questionable realities), ARWS looks at rule changes, and Kiwis come to race in America. We are joined by long time racer and Expedition Oregon 2024 course designer Darren Steinbech!

Fear, drama, effort, and lots of soul-searching. What does it feel like from the inside of a world championships race that asks athletes to fight against physical fatigue, and mental breakdowns for 24 hours non-stop. Pure speed, planning, execution and a little bit of luck as riders try to complete as many loops of a 14km single-track as they can in 24 hours. Join us as we follow 2022 world champion Chelsey Magness as she defends her title in Australia.

The final day of the race was just as exciting as the first finishers - with more heartbreak and celebration. Ozark takes a surprise Lantern Rouge! Bad feet suck (and are they good for the sport?). Post race depression sucks, but you can help your team avoid it. And can expedition racing really lead to HIV? Only one way to find out.

Life after the top 10. Even after the top 20. There are so many inspiring stories and athletes out there racing. There is a new AR world record currently being set (and not by any of the top teams!). The life blood of this sport is the athletes that line up, not knowing if they'll make it to the end - but stand bravely facing a true adventure - unknowns at every new stage. How are they fairing? How do they do it?

Ok, we open up that can of worms. Drugs and racing. What is the potential for "cheating" in these expedition races, and how should we be looking at it as a community. And spoiler alert it 100% does happen if you follow WADA rules, which ARWS says it does. So how do we move forward as a community and a sport. Well talking about it is a good first step. Note - there are 100% no allegations being made about this race or any other race. But lets not kid ourselves thinking that drugs aren't used to help racers. Many racers may not even understand that they are using things that are technically not allowed. I sure didn't.

What a crazy few days. Top teams dropped like flies, there were tears of triumph and of joy. And there were lots of "getting lost" moments. Oh yeah - and we crowned a new AR champion, had a few huge bombshell shells shake up the podium, and a bunch of teenagers looking like teenagers not wanting to get up and go to school. Lets dive in, and they join us for parts 2 and 3 where we do drugs, think about the future of the sport, look at the rest of the top 20 and the Lantern Rouge.

Hope is a fickle thing. Fatigue is one of the great levellers. And competitiveness is a tool to be honed. It's what teams do in those longs spaces between fatigue and hope that makes seems interesting. And then there are the stories - the unexpected things that happen like warming up in a human sized bread oven. I think it was team Hansel and Gretel but that remains to be confirmed. Anyhoo - I'm feeling it - but don't worry, I won't quit if you wont. Only one more day....well at least on more day until another day. and another and another....

Rules Rules Rules - how do you create a competition of something as epic as an expedition across South Africa. Or Patagonia. Or Faroe Islands? It is damn hard. We'll look at a few potential rules and gray areas that may impact the teams in the top 10 and why things can get complicated and emotional. Thanks to the referees - I don't envy your position at all! I'd love it if everyone could win (and in someways that happens).

Darkness looms on night 2. Teams are 30+ hours with no sleep. Racing for a Darkzone that few (if any) will make. And a quick look at the tracking shows that they are now straying further and further from the green line that snakes across the map. It seems so simple and obvious sitting here in my chair, coffee in hand. But is it?

We'll update you on the race, discuss the green line, and how to think about it as a dotwatcher, and talk more about the reality facing these racers as they enter the dreaded "time shift" hours of expedition racing. The next 36 hour will determine so many team's fates.

Racer Darkzones, Media Darkzones, FearYouth DarkZones...so many darkzones. What is it all about? Dive in and hear the scoop of what is happening, the critical next 24 hours and how one of the most promising young teams has a lot of learning ahead of them. The only DarkZone that we won't discuss is the excellent AR podcast. But I'll talk on it soon.

Want to dive deep into the AR world Champs. Come listen to thoughts and analysis from one of the most experienced expedition racers on the planet.

A new Study reveals how to improve map/compass/navigation skills without any training or instruction. Sound too good to be true? Yeah maybe, but with all the awesome races coming up you might owe it to yourself to keep an open mind and give this one a quick listen. I figure that I've been unconsciously doing this for nearly 20 years - since I've never really been taught navigation. Seems to have worked pretty damn well for me.

How does a ground fall on a remote Scottish sea-cliff lead to questions of spirituality, heavy drinking, a broken back, and dancing Irish Jigs? Somehow it is all connected. Follow the folly and adventures as we hear a mostly true legend from before there were cell phones.

Having kids has been a very multi-faceted experience. But one of the best times is seeing adventure through their eyes. Taking them places that my wife and I would rate a 1 out of 10 on our "adventure scale", but rediscovering the magic through their eyes. A mellow class 2- river canyon only 20 minutes from our house is transformed into something akin to the Grand Canyon in our little boys eyes. Staying up late to look at the stars, listening to the swooping swifts eat their morning breakfast of bugs as the sunlight peeks over the walls of the valley, or hiking 2 miles up to the aptly named "chimney rock" (one of literally 1000s of chimney rocks across the west coast!) all become magical and transformative experiences. So take a load off, and join me in this little escape into the wonder of childhood with a few extra stories thrown in. As always, thanks for listening!

Andy Magness/. Risk, Adventure, and being a dad.

"Adventure" and "Risk" are easy bedfellows. But things become more complicated when you add "Parenthood" to the mix. In this episode, we'll hear from host Jason's twin brother as he weaves a story about an ill-fated expedition to seek out a talking bear named Stumpy. And then he will share with us some beautiful thoughts that all adventurous parents will connect with. Worth a listen. Andy is a rare, wonderful person.

Check out an exclusive interview with the team! They already did a proper post race talk with Brian Gatens of the Dark Zone Podcast - so GO LISTEN to that one for a bit more play by play and insight. This one is more of an insiders look into our team culture, and the things that I (Jason) particularly wanted to ask them about. So dive in if you have time - and make sure you come back to listen to some of our adventure Narratives - we've got some great new stories coming from new guests in the next few episodes as we get back to more normal casts!

Final episode, lots of fun and excitement. And sponsor goodies if you listen to the end.

Another Flash Cast about the Expedition Ozark Race. We lay out emergency Weather hold it's implications, as well as a "time bonus" that some teams received and a short course. The full field is down to about 13 out of 35 teams left on the full course!

Day 2 Expedition Ozark.

We love adventure racing. More than we love Kidney stones. And what better way to distract myself from the pain of the latter with talk about the former.

I am sitting out Expedition Ozark due a "little" 8mm stone, but I have lots of insight to offer. Sit back and catch up on the first day of Expedition Ozark! We'll talk through some of the overnight excitement, mapping philosophy, and that dreaded TA3 route kerfluffle. There were a lot of changes overnight!

We love adventure racing. More than we love Kidney stones. And what better way to distract myself from the pain of the latter with talk about the former.

I am sitting out Expedition Ozark due a "little" 8mm stone, but I have lots of insight to offer. Sit back and catch up on the first day of Expedition Ozark!

A tube of exfoliating apricot face wash once saved me from trouble with the law. True story. Suggest that you listen to Episode 7: "First Day Of Work" before this one to get a bit of context, but this story stands on its own too. I bit bitter sweet recording this as I was supposed to be racing across Arkansas with my wife this week but a painful 8mm obstacle made me change my plans! Regardless, enjoy the story, share the podcast, listen to some Midnight Oil music, and visit our sponsors below! Oh - and have a great adventure of your own soon!

Missionfarmscbd.com - Code BendRacing40 for 40% off

AOSskincare.com - code BendRacing for a discount - we love the SkinDoctor products for cuts, blisters, climbing flappers, and mostly for prevention of all of those!

Ellsworthbikes.com - current world champion bike, finally being released to the public. Those who ride, know. Limited bikes available now!

Eighty feet off the ground on the sheer brick side of the tallest building on campus hung a cryptic sign. No one admitted to having hung it, and few would have even had the skill to do so. It was in such a difficult place, that the best efforts of campus maintenance workers, local law enforcement, and even the pseudo-military boys from the ROTC were thwarted. No one ever came forward. Until now. Long live happily single (by choice) members of the NCS!

We all have formative figures from our past - and Aaron and Adam Gibson loom large in my memory as legendary friends.  Looking back it is crystal clear that these two helped create experiences that set the direction for my college and post college years, but more-so, the two were instrumental in showing me the power of positive "shit-talking" support within peer groups. I looked up to these two more than they can likely ever realize, and their kindness formed me into the type of coach, teammate and friend that I am today.  

Going to college at the University of Oklahoma, my twin and I fell into this group of ragtag climbers at a time when climbing was still a real counter-culture expression sport similar to the early years of snowboarding, skateboarding and even surfing way back when.  We climbed at the cliffs when we could, but we spent a lot of time looking for any and all sorts of climbing closer to our dorms.  In all honesty it is amazing that we survived these exploits and were never arrested.  Well actually forget that, we were arrested.  

Our crew's buildering (climbing on buildings) exploits soon became prolific enough that Aaron wrote and published an actual guidebook to climbing buildings on campus.  You are in for a treat.  

For those interested - the "Andy" in story #1 is my twin brother that has been in a few other episodes.  Also Aaron himself was part of Episode #2 : Big Jugs in Hueco Tanks.

For more information on Aaron Gibson, check out www.fusionfortyseven.com. He's a talented storyteller in many media forms and you see some of his work on that site.  

Most of the time when people ask, "What are you a Rocket Scientist?" they are being rhetorical.  But if you find yourself asking that to Mr Magness - he would have a different answer.  "Yeah, actually - once upon a time."  Despite being far more well know as a yoga teacher, acrobat or endurance athlete, Jason once worked at Raytheon Missile Systems on the team that was working on the Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle.  This story isn't about that (since it's all still classified) but it does chronicle his inauspicious shift from being a full time climbing dirtbag to being a (temporary) cog in the government contractor machine.  So lets take a little road trip from San Diego to Tucson shall we?  

Music credits:

Journey’s End by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com/

Bloom by Roa | https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031/

Lonesome Journey by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Inflection points in mathematics are where the direction of a line changes.  It may seem subtle at first, almost nonexistent until we zoom way out and look at things from a much more removed point of view.  Our life is full of these if we look back.  The saying goes - "life can only be understood backwards after it has been lived forwards. But on occasion we might get an inkling of what is going on at the moment and even wonder if we are standing right there at one such point.  This is the story of my first taste of endurance, my first hint at coming loneliness, and 13.1 miles that literally changed my life.  

Visit Missionfarmscbd.com and use "Bendracing20" to get 20% off.  The muscle gel will keep those walls at bay, or at least help with the recovery if yo run through a bunch of invisible hurdles. 

In 2006 an issue of Rock and Ice came out with a feature story on New York City bad boy boulderer Ivan Greene.  The magazine's cover photo (which appears as this episode's cover too) causes a lot of controversy in the climbing community.  The outdoor industry was finally becoming more aware of the systemic objectification of women in sport and climbing was no exception.  But within the "Dispatches" section of that same issue, there was an even more hotly debated story - a story that read more like a young male climber's wet dream than anything based in reality.  Many readers flat out didn't believe it was true.

In 1997, the Magness Twins were true dirtbag climbers.  During spring break they found themselves in the bouldering mecca of Hueco Tanks, Texas - with a broken down car, a broken heart, and only bullion cubes for food.  Like many young male climbers, they fantasized about rare the mountain nymphs (basically any woman that would date a dirtbag rock-jock).  At the time, climbing was a predominantly male sport and finding love (or even enticement) at the crag seemed an impossible myth.  

But is the story of the day that they actually had their hopes renewed.  Oh, and it is all 100% true.

The Yukon 1000 is the world's longest annual paddle race, and the world record of 6 days and 2 hours has stood since 2009.  In 2022, Jason Magness and Daniel Staudigel set out in an attempt to win the race and break the record.  Only problem, they hadn't paddled together in over a year, they were using a rental boat they'd never even seen, and they only brought enough food to sustain them if they actually were on pace to break the record.  And, um, they actually had to get insurance to cover the costs of bringing their remains back to civilization in case they died.  Sound like a good time? Sit back an have a listen to the first episode of Bend Racing's Tales from the Epic Machine.