Special ep: Orogenesis Dispatches, part four – the end of the trail

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.