Leigh Bowe: Veteran, Mom, Enduro Racer Turned Bikepacker, 2024 Arizona Trail Race 800 Finisher #28

✨ ⁠Support the Podcast⁠ ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioToday’s returning guest just completed an epic single speed journey on the Arizona Trail 800 Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Race. She completed the 837 mile trail with over 100,000’ of elevation gain in 11 days, 12 hours and 19 minutes. She is a veteran, mom, wife, nurse practitioner, bike shop mechanic, and enduro racer turned bikepacker. At the time of this recording, its been only 5 days since her finish and I’m sure she has a lot of things to catch up on and a calorie deficit to correct so I’m super grateful she’s taken the time to sit down with me today. ----------------https://www.instagram.com/elbowrides/Leigh’s Coach: https://www.instagram.com/elizasampey/----------------This episode is brought to you by:Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE15 Use code "Endurance15" for 15% off!Embark Maple Energy - https://www.embarkmaple.com Use code “EMBARK20” for 20% off!----------------https://www.instagram.com/theendurancestudio/Interested in sponsoring or advertising on the podcast? Contact me at: [email protected](00:00:00) - Podcast Introduction and Guest Overview(00:04:58) - Starting the Interview and Day of the Dead Greetings(00:07:15) - Training, Preparation, and Grand Canyon Portage Strategy(00:09:32) - Rim to Rim to Rim Ride and Race Dynamics(00:13:45) - Resupply Challenges, Strategies, and Race Conditions(00:20:05) - GPS Device Issues, Battery Management, and Workarounds(00:26:46) - Bike Frame Durability, Single Speed Discussion, and Mechanics Advantage(00:35:45) - Sleep Challenges, Gear Choices, and Trail Hazards(00:43:12) - Training for the Grand Canyon Portage and Water Management(00:55:12) - Trail Conditions, Fat Biking, and Community Dynamics(01:00:15) - North Rim Arrival and Bike Portage Techniques(01:06:50) - Ultra Endurance Challenges and Escape LA Preview(01:11:47) - Race Conditions, Stagecoach 100, and Post-Race Reflections(01:16:27) - Homelessness, Van Life, and Community Observations(01:24:08) - Leadville Community and Homelessness in Payson(01:29:02) - Sanitation, Van Life Usage, and Neighborhood Dynamics(01:40:33) - Misroutes, Weather Challenges, and Gear Choices(01:48:15) - Bike Components, Pedal Setup, and Gear Lessons Learned(02:03:27) - Footwear, Socks, and Favorite Resupply Spots(02:10:08) - Race Finish, Duration, and Emotional Reflections(02:19:08) - Balancing Family, Motivation, and Military Parallels(02:28:25) - Psychological Effects, Recovery, and Life After Racing(02:38:22) - Medical Issues and Favorite/Least Favorite Trail Sections(02:49:22) - Comparing Arizona Trail 800 to Childbirth and Closing Remarks----------------#endurance #bikepacking