Sarah Diekmeyer & Maddy Nutt

Bikepacking the Canary Islands & Racing in South Africa

Sarah Diekmeyer and Maddy Nutt join the Wander podcast to reflect on seasons spent chasing long days, big terrain, and gravel races that blur the line between competition and adventure. In this episode, they recap bikepacking across the Canary Islands, racing Gravelburn in South Africa, and what continues to draw them back to demanding multi-day efforts. The conversation traces how they first met during a The Traka recon, why stage races create such deep bonds, and what it’s really like to spend seven days racing, camping, washing kit in sinks, and enduring unpredictable weather together. Sarah and Maddy also dive into the technical and mental realities of long-distance gravel racing—from rough terrain and suspension choices to pacing, comfort, recovery, and the nonverbal moments that define shared suffering. Beyond racing, they discuss offseason skiing, creative routines like morning pages, and the importance of protecting joy, balance, and long-term sustainability in endurance sport.