Andy Ward is a ferocious beast with the energy and fervour of a Scottish Red Squirrel.

His speed and race results may be the first thing that catch attention, but it is his boundless positivity and joy that everyone remembers. Andy is the first to offer encouragement. He loves nothing more than discussing gear choices and ride strategy, and he is right there to celebrate everyone's victories with equal stoke.

Mr Ward single handedly blew the doors off of the Lost Elephant by turning what was once a 2 plus day race into a 35 hour race, many people will never forgive him for this, but we will all respect him for it. The aspect of Andy that may have surprised me the most is his attention to detail and preparedness. He seems to always be tinkering and finding ways to make his setup more efficient. I really admire his grit and determination, his fitness speaks for itself, but most of all I am thankful for his friendship.

This bikepacking world is a funny one filled with even funnier individuals and at the outer edges are the extra unique ones. Andy is leading the parade of that fringe group within the fringe. He is one of our fiercest competitors, our most courageous adventurers and our most eager cheerleaders. Thank you Andy for being you. There is no one that could do it better.

Hugs and kisses.

Nathan Siemens.

Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

In this episode I chat about winter riding, politics, motivation and mental health.

This can be a hard time for many folks dealing with S.A.D.D. Thanks to the earth's tilt, we're seeing colder temperatures and less light. Just keep in mind that as if December 21st days are going to start to get longer again, so hang in there.

Another significant date that is coming up is Blue Monday which happen on January 20th, 2025. Here's a Wiki about it. Deemed the saddest day of the year based on a multitude of factors, it's a time of higher than normal suicide levels. With this in mind, keep an eye on your loved ones.

My advice? Try to find beauty in all things this winter. Layer up and get outside, especially on those blue bird sunny days. I guarantee it will give you a lift.

Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling!

In this episode I speak with Nathan Siemens and Dean Dahl about their winter ultra ride called Cold Ride happening February 1st, 2025 with two options.

FREEZIE 55km. 870m. Roll through beautiful single-track trails and quiet backroads for a fun adventure with amazing people. You got this!

THE BIG CHILL 130km. 1700m. Take winter adventure to the next level riding epic backroads and trails showcasing postcard views of sweeping East Kootenay vistas. This route will challenge your limits in one of your most unique cycling adventures! Race for podium cash, or take your time to savour this unforgettable day out.

We all know Nathan and his crew who develop the lost elephant ultra series so we don't need to go on about him haha. Dean is the founder of Have a Good Ride haveagoodride.com. They build experiences that connect great people, and beautiful places and help you accomplish good things in the world by doing something you love.

All Goodride events support local charities who serve their community. Proceeds from your event registration will contribute to the good work of local volunteers who you will meet at the event!

Huge thanks to Rollingdale Cycle for sponsoring the My Back 40 Podcast

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for keeping me rolling.

Well, it's been a summer of adventure and change. I haven't been around much taking a much needed sabbatical as I evaluate the next chapter of my life.

There were many balls in the air the last few months; Unemployment, kid's being off for the summer, parenting schedule, coparenting challenges, potential re-education, travel and adventure.

For those of you continuing to support me here on Patreon, I appreciate you. My hope is that this podcast is somewhat coherent and enjoyable.

Thanks again

Sponsored by Rollingdale Cycle

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

In this episode, I bring you a conversation with Graham Mann the new man at the helm of RollingDale Cycles.

It all started with a titanium hammer. This purchase led to Graham living his dream of building thoughtfully designed, high performance titanium bicycles for the discerning cyclist.

Founded in 2016, Dale Marchand wanted to bring the world of custom bikes to the people who understood the importance of, not only the fit of the bike, but also the detail with which it is built. Every customer has a hand in the design so that the end product is one of the highest quality and performance possible. Graham's intention is continue this ethos as the new helmsman.

You will hear in the conversation that Graham is passionate about what he does and can't wait to continue the legacy of RollingDale Cycles.

I wanted to thank everyone for their continued support over the summer while I try to figure out life. I'll tell you more in my monologue what has been going on and what my future plans are.

Again, thank you for your continued support. I love you all.

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

In this episode I bring you a conversation with Nick Pollard. @thepeopledispleaser. Nick focuses on setting boundaries, people pleasing, and personal growth.

Nick has been in the coaching space since around 2010. In those days, he was a dating coach helping men build confidence. Now he's about helping men to show up better.

This is a part 1 so if you have any feedback about this podcast and want to send me questions to ask Nick when we connect for a part 2, send them my way.

Nick is very direct and honest with his opinions. He pushes back on a couple of the things I say which always makes for a great conversation.

I hope you enjoy this one and find some takeaways.

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

In this episode I have a chat with Svein Tuft, winner of the BC Epic 1000. Svein shattered the record riding 1,044 km with almost 12,000 m of ascent in a time of 2 days and 2 hours.

Svein is a retired Canadian road cyclist who competed professionally from 2005 to 2019. He rode for several teams, including Symmetrics, Garmin–Transitions, SpiderTech–C10, Mitchelton–Scott, and Rally UHC Cycling. Tuft won the 2006–07 UCI America Tour and claimed thirteen titles at the Canadian Road Cycling Championships: twice in the road race and eleven times in the time trial.

We chat about his childhood, his draw to doing hard things, what is was like riding as a professional cyclist and what drew him to unsupported bikepack racing, which is quite a departure from the pro tour but something that he has fallen in love with.

I hope you are enjoying these early access podcasts. Thanks for your continued support.

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

I'm so proud to bring you a conversation with Meaghan Hackinen, woman's winner of the 2024 Tour Divide. 4,400 km, 60,000m of elevation gain in just 15 days 22 hours. Between the cold temperatures, the rain, the snow, and the peanut butter mud, to say that she crushed this route would be an understatement.

To witness Meaghan’s transformation into a formidable off road bikepack racing athlete from the world or road specific ultra endurance racing has been a joy. Her positive mindset despite the conditions this year is beyond impressive.

In this conversation we talked about how she maintained her positive mindset despite the adversity of this years course and conditions, and some of the challenges she faced along the way. We chat about women’s participation in these events and discuss the supportive nature that exists in the community.

I really enjoyed this chat and I hope you do too.

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

In this episode, I chat with Curtis Litun of Pink Weasel Coffee Company.

Curtis is an entrepreneur and has been part of 4 different small businesses. Most of you may know him from his premium clothing line, Spandex Panda, but recently Curtis has also begun roasting premium coffee.

We recorded this podcast in the roastery that he has set up in his home. Coming from a roasting background myself, I can attest that Curtis pours a lot of love and passion into Pink Weasel - you can taste it.

Not only did we record in his roastery, we chat while he roasts up an order for production. Visit Pink Weasel to learn more.Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

Exclusive content announcement. Starting with "Vibe of the Divide', I am going to start offering exclusive content to supporters starting at the $5 level. Certain episodes will be available to supporters, while truncated versions will will go out to the public. There will still be a ton of public episodes, not to worry.

In this teaser, I chat with TD riders from the day before and the morning of the start. They share their goals and aspirations, their fears and excitement about tackling the route and pushing themselves.

Having been a podcaster for over 5 years, I have spent thousands of hours on administration, conversation, recording, editing, website dev, writing, graphics - the list goes on. There's also the expense of maintaining a website, cloud storage, recording equipment, internet access, gas for the van. This isn't to illicit feelings of sympathy, it's about the realities of operating a Canadian Small Business.

A passion project to be sure, but also a part time job that, thanks to supporters, allows me to maintain an existence in a world of job loss, housing shortages and rising gas, food, and utility prices.

1 coffee a month. A pint, perhaps? Maybe lunch? If you find value in what I do and want to chip in, I'd be grateful. For those who have continued to support me over the years - I can't say thank you enough.

In a sea of podcasts hosted by movie stars, it's a grind, but I love what I do at My Back 40 and I want to continue to bring more valuable and inspirational content. This might include travelling to destinations to meet with a special guest, if the resources exist.

Thanks for being a part of the My Back 40 community and thanks in advance for your support. We've built something truly special here. I look forward to the next chapter.

Keep The Rubber Side Down.

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout.

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!

It has been a while since I put out a solo podcast and what better time than the week leading up to the 2024 Tour Divide. I’m simultaneously feeling excited for all the riders on their way to the start in Banff and at the same time huge FOMO. You folks are embarking on an adventure that is going to change you life.

I’ll see you in Banff on the 14th!

Save 25% at Dynamic Cyclist when you use the promo code MB40 at checkout.

Save 15% at Redshift Sports when you use the code MB40

Save 50% off your first month of coaching at Cycling 101 when you use the code MB40 at checkout

Visit Rollingdale Cycle

Thanks to Ottalaus Inc. for their support.

Thanks to Spandex Panda for their support.

Thanks to Lakeside Bikes in Invermere for supporting me!