Pinions and Pines 2026: Three Mountain Lions and 413 Miles of Perspective

In this episode of Stoke, Quinn Travis takes a deep dive back into the experience of Pinyons and Pines 2026, a brutal and unforgettable journey across Northern Arizona. From the highest highs to the darkest moments deep in the pain cave, this episode is a full recap of the course, the mindset, and everything it took to keep moving forward.Quinn shares stories from the trail, including a surreal encounter with three mountain lions in the middle of the night on the Black Canyon Trail, the mental battles that come with pushing past your limits, and the moments that make races like this feel bigger than bikes.This episode isn’t just about finishing a race. It’s about what happens when you strip life down to forward motion, exhaustion, fear, gratitude, and the people you meet along the way. Pinyons and Pines became more than a challenge... it became a reminder of how much we take for granted in everyday life and how hardship can completely reshape perspective.A story about endurance, suffering, connection, gratitude, and conquering one of the hardest experiences Quinn has ever faced.Pinyon and Pines 2026 Endurance Studio