Episode 24: Ultra Adventure Cyclist Jesse Blough

On this episode, gravel bike racing in Morocco, saddle sores, Zima, and The Big Lonely. We’re talking with ultra-adventure cyclist Jesse Blough, racer, organizer of The Big Lonely and founder of the NWC Adventure Access Fund.

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Show Notes

• 00:54 – Tapering off caffeine
• 02:23 – The 1,037-mile Arkansas High Country Race
• 04:05 – Bike and gear that he’ll be using (the “mullet” setup)
• 05:32 – The balance between sleeping and riding
• 06:45 – How Jesse got into cycling (it started with a broken back)
• 07:50 – Hosting The Big Lonely (an unsupported bikepacking race)
• 10:43 – Jesse’s training regimen
• 12:55 – Going from racing to organizing races
• 14:14 – Northwest Competitive Adventure
• 16:35 – Advice for someone looking to enter The Big Lonely (or something similar)
• 19:10 – What is the NWC Adventure Access Fund?
• 22:10 – Fatherhood and encouraging a life of adventure
• 23:28 – The process of having a bike custom-made in Germany (hint: start by riding 10,000 miles a year)
• 27:28 – The Atlas Mountain Race in Morocco
• 29:29 – What are the obstacles from preventing racing during the pandemic?
• 34:55 – Making a documentary about The Big Lonely (to premier on bikepacking.com)
• 34:45 – Gravel bike vs mountain bike for races like The Big Lonely
• 37:43 – An ultramarathoner who lives (and trains!) on a yacht
• 42:05 – TASTE TEST: Canned cocktails Part One – Moscow Mules

Mentioned in this Episode

• The Arkansas High Country Race
• The Big Lonely
• Northwest Competitive Adventure
• The NWC Adventure Access Fund
• Atlas Mountain Race
• Follow @thegreatjesse and @northwestcompetitive on Instagram
• Cutwater Spirits’ Whiskey Mule 
• Pabst Blue Ribbon Ginger Whiskey Mule 
• Thanks to Looney Bean Coffee for hosting us in their backyard in Bend

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Our Co-hosts

• Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
• Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen  web: AdventurUsWomen.com
• Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker  web: SoCalHiker.net

Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music. 

The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.