In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I sit down once again with ultra-endurance athlete and writer Meaghan Hackinen, fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race. Over 1,954 kilometers and 28,000 meters of climbing through the rugged terrain of Kyrgyzstan, …In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, I sit down once again with ultra-endurance athlete and writer Meaghan Hackinen, fresh off her incredible performance at the 2025 Silk Road Mountain Race. Over 1,954 kilometers and 28,000 meters of climbing through the rugged terrain of Kyrgyzstan, Meaghan not only finished the race, but she also crushed it, claiming 1st place in the women’s category and 10th overall, with a time of 9 days, 4 hours, and 6 minutes.
This conversation dives deep into the final chapter of her year-long quest to complete the Mountain Race Series, which included the Atlas Mountain Race, the Hellenic Mountain Race, and now, the Silk Road Mountain Race. We explore the grit, gear, and mindset it takes to thrive in some of the world’s harshest conditions, from her bike setup and tire choices to sleep strategies and mental resilience.
Whether you're a seasoned racer, a curious adventurer, or someone who just loves a good story of perseverance, this episode is a must listen. So, grab a drink, saddle up, and let's roll into Meaghan's journey across the mountains.
To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:
Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.
Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.
Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable.
Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".
BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?
The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.
Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.more
What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted?
Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conve…What if chasing happiness meant giving up everything you thought you wanted?
Will Rickard is the author of The Silk Road to Happiness, a book born from his solo journey through the “Stans" - Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan - on a quest to explore happiness through travel, conversations, and culture. After leaving a prestigious corporate career in Sydney, he hit reset, taking only a backpack and a big question on the road: What is happiness?
In this episode, Will and I unpack the complex relationship between travel and happiness, and what he discovered by going off-grid in some of the world’s least-visited countries.
If you’ve ever felt torn between being grateful for what you have and craving something more, this conversation might hit home. Will doesn’t offer a tidy formula for happiness, but instead, he shares five powerful themes that emerged during his journey - from purpose and minimalism to gratitude and detachment. We talk about how travel can shift your perspective, why sometimes you just have to book the flight, and how embracing discomfort can lead to deeper meaning. Plus, we explore how moving abroad redefined my own ideas about happiness.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself while traveling that changed the way you define happiness? I'd love for you to share your thoughts by sending me an audio message.
*This is a previously released episode from the archives! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, offering valuable insight whenever you listen.
Tune In To Learn:
Why Will walked away from a “dream” corporate job to explore the Silk Road
How a photo on Instagram sparked a life-changing decision
What the “anti-bucket list” is and how it might reshape your goals
Advice to anyone stuck in a career rut and wondering what’s next
Why pursuing “more” isn’t always a bad thing—and when it is
How five schools in Afghanistan changed Will’s view of purpose
Why these little-visited countries offer some of the most generous hospitality
Insights from ancient philosophy (and a scary night on the Pamir Highway)
The difference between enthusiasm and passion when it comes to career
How practicing gratitude—especially while traveling—can shift your mental state
And so much more
Resources:
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Will's book The Silk Road To Happiness
Follow Will on Instagram, LinkedIn
Want More?
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Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Why should you go to Central Asia?
Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know w…Hear about travel to Central Asia or the 'Stans as the Amateur Traveler talks to Megan Cox from Meg the Rolling Egg about her trip to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Why should you go to Central Asia?
Meg says, "Whilst there was , 'Oh my God, this place is amazing. I don't know why people aren't talking about it more. I don't know why people aren't coming here more often.' It has something for everyone. It's really just a beautiful place to go. So I felt like I wanted to promote a little bit."
Day 1-3: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 1: Arrive in Almaty. Explore the city:
Wander the streets and parks.
Visit Ascension Cathedral (a stunning yellow Orthodox church).
Attend a performance at the Abay Opera House.
Try Georgian food, available throughout the city.
...
https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-stans/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesmore
Join me, Palle Bo, on an incredible journey through Central Asia as I explore the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In this diary episode, I recount my adventures from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient walls of Khiva. Discov…Join me, Palle Bo, on an incredible journey through Central Asia as I explore the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. In this diary episode, I recount my adventures from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient walls of Khiva. Discover my experiences in Beirut and Syria, my eye-opening encounters, and the heartwarming connections I've made along the way. Stay tuned for an update on my upcoming travels and personal milestones, including my daughter's graduation and a much-needed eye surgery in Denmark. Don't miss out on the latest chapter of The Radio Vagabond! more
