Cruz Blue: From Broken Leg to Teenage Bikepacking Beast #36

✨ Support the Podcast ✨Today's guest is a young and passionate endurance athlete with a love for bikepacking, skiing, and the outdoors. He placed 2nd in the Arizona Cycling Association state championships in the high school freshman cross country mountain bike category and has competed in various Arizona races like the Cactus Cup, Whiskey 50, Bear Jaw, AES Aspen Asphyxiation, and AES Sedona BFL. Despite facing a major recent setback—a catastrophic broken leg that required surgery—he's made an incredible recovery and continues to push his limits. From competing in bikepacking races like Pinyons and Pines and the Arizona Trail Race to balancing life as a high school teenager, his story is just beginning.----------------This episode is brought to you by:Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE20 Use code "ENDURANCE20" for 20% off!Embark Maple Energy - https://www.embarkmaple.com Use code “EMBARK20” for 20% off!----------------(00:00:00) - Podcast Introduction, Sponsorships, and Guest Overview(00:02:20) - Climbing, Outdoor Activities, and Backcountry Safety(00:08:00) - Wildlife Encounters: Mountain Lions and Mental Preparedness(00:12:30) - Endurance Sports Community, Age, Injury, and Recovery(00:19:00) - Influential Athletes, Personal Stories, and Mental Challenges(00:24:00) - Wildlife Safety and Endurance Sports Longevity(00:28:00) - Injury Details, Surgery, and Rehabilitation(00:33:00) - Post-Injury Rides, Racing Experiences, and Support(00:37:30) - Bikepacking Race Experiences, Community, and Highlights(00:45:00) - Race Sleep, Recovery, Tactics, and Night Riding(00:52:00) - UFOs, Aliens, Race Reflections, and Sleep Importance(00:57:30) - Influence of Friends, Role Models, and Video Game Memories(01:06:00) - Growing Up in Flagstaff, Language, and Family Influence(01:11:30) - Spanish Language, Cultural Insights, and Podcast Break(01:14:30) - Trips to Mexico, Volunteering, and Construction Skills(01:20:00) - Life Lessons, Jack of All Trades Philosophy, and Endurance Challenges(01:24:30) - Arizona Trail Race Overview, Injury Reveal, and Early Trail Experiences(01:29:30) - Trail Names, Social Encounters, and Water Management(01:32:30) - Nutrition, Resupply, and Race Strategy(01:35:00) - Technical Riding, Race Performance, and Mental Preparation(01:40:00) - Trail Encounters, Support, and Mental Challenges(01:44:00) - Cold Weather Gear, Camping Setup, and Night Riding Experiences(01:48:00) - Trail Navigation, Landmarks, and Food Strategies(01:53:00) - Town Stops, Local Culture, and Evening Experiences(01:58:00) - Challenging Climbs, Trail Conditions, and Physical Challenges(02:02:30) - Bike Setup, Road Safety, and Mental Preparation(02:09:00) - Trail Navigation, Emotional Moments, and Snow Conditions(02:14:00) - Comfort, Recovery, Resupply Tips, and Costs(02:18:00) - Downhill Riding, Trail Shelters, and Bike Maintenance(02:23:00) - Riding Techniques, Family Connections, and Mental Struggles(02:27:00) - Race Withdrawal, Mindset, and Lessons Learned(02:31:00) - Navigation Challenges, Gear Adjustments, and Innovations(02:39:00) - Gear Preferences, Community Support, and Final Thoughts----------------#endurance #bikepacking