Today's guest is Tyler Arnett, who just set the Fastest Known Time on the Ride Across Arizona — a 600ish-mile self-supported ultra-gravel ride from the Colorado River to New Mexico. After two failed attempts battling “death mud” and desert heat, Tyler came back stronger for a third try and crushed the route in record time. We talk about everything from gear and strategy to the mental highs and lows of ultra-endurance racing — and what it really takes to ride across an entire state on your own.
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https://www.instagram.com/dadventurecyclist
State Bicycle Company: https://www.statebicycle.com
Bicycle Haus: https://www.bicyclehaus.com
Ride Across Arizona: https://azgravelrides.com
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This episode is brought to you by:
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(00:00:00) Death mud and first attempt
(00:03:52) Racing background and early attempts
(00:06:19) Weather, mud, and subsequent attempts
(00:09:28) Heat, hydration, and dropping in Baghdad
(00:15:29) Preparation between attempts and sponsorship ad
(00:17:29) Bike setup, tires, and power strategy
(00:20:56) Pacing, headwinds, and low points
(00:23:21) Aero bars, lights, and electronics failures
(00:37:26) Psychological state, towns, and food resupplies
(00:42:33) Stops detail and sleep strategy
(01:01:34) Cold, clothing, and hand/feet issues
(01:08:08) Navigational disorientation and hallucinations
(01:13:40) Finish, trail angel, and immediate aftermath
(01:29:22) Training, recovery, and riding schedule
(01:36:36) Running background and multisport experience
(01:47:07) Road vs gravel, events, and future plans
(01:51:27) Closing shoutouts and final thoughts
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#endurance #enduranceracing #enduranceathlete #endurancesports #adventure #bikepacking #bikepackracing