Nico Francis: Artist, Climber, River Rafter, Dory Builder, New Bikepacker #18

✨ ⁠Support the Podcast⁠ ✨https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudioToday’s episode features Nico Francis (They/Them), a veteran climber, backpacker and outdoors person who is new to the bikepacking world. Nico reached out to me through a mutual friend with a bunch of bikepacking questions. So I thought let’s turn this into a sort of Q&A and capture this on a podcast so everybody can benefit. If you’re a new bikepacker today’s episode is definitely for you.----------------https://www.instagram.com/talweg_art/https://www.instagram.com/niconoamdesign/https://azt300-800.comhttps://lighterpack.com/r/9eny94https://lighterpack.com/r/xa6nd6----------------This episode is brought to you by Squirrel's Nut Butter - https://squirrelsnutbutter.com/discount/ENDURANCE15 Use code "Endurance15" for 15% 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 Sponsorship(00:03:34) - Guest Introduction and Bikepacking Q&A Setup(00:08:34) - Childhood, Off-Grid Living, and Early Adventures(00:15:19) - Arizona Trail Race Experience and Injury(00:20:44) - Mental Challenges and Learning from Failure(00:24:59) - Climbing as a Precision and Art Form(00:30:03) - Crossovers Between Climbing and Bikepacking(00:33:06) - Custom Bikepacking Gear and Problem Solving(00:41:53) - Battery Management and Dynamo Hubs(00:45:32) - Long Day Rides, Food, and Nutrition Strategies(00:52:06) - Touring vs Racing Gear and Food Management(00:57:44) - Tent, Shelter, and Ultralight Sleep Kits(01:06:06) - Sleep Kit Setup for Racing and Weather(01:15:36) - Gear Organization, Packing, and Sewing Custom Bags(01:21:42) - Water Carrying, Hydration, and Resupply Strategies(01:26:54) - Navigation Tools and GPS Devices(01:32:24) - Power Banks and Charging Solutions(01:36:00) - Bike Security and Theft Prevention(01:44:41) - Grand Canyon Portage Rules and Experiences(01:57:15) - Trail Magic and Self-Support Ethos(01:59:00) - Arizona Trail Sections, Terrain, and Riding Experience(02:07:54) - Route Planning and Water Source Management(02:13:26) - Rain Gear, Clothing, and Weather Adaptation(02:18:54) - Pedal, Shoe, and Footwear Fit Choices(02:32:23) - Favorite Foods, Endurance Strengths, and Preferences(02:35:33) - Crashes, Close Calls, and Scarcity Challenges(02:40:39) - Inspiration, Community, and Final Advice----------------#endurance #bikepacking