Dominick Menard shares his unique journey from the competitive mountain biking circuits of Canada to a life on the road, encapsulating his shift from fast-paced races to the exploratory freedom of van life. Through his initiative, Bon Velo, Dominick channels his passion for cycling into adventurous pursuits beyond traditional boundaries. Opting for van life, he not only embraced a simpler way of living but also learned to navigate challenges with resilience. His ambitious bike tour from Victoria to Patagonia was driven by a deep desire to explore, despite facing potential dangers like cartels in Mexico. This journey not only tested his limits but also revealed the unexpected kindness of strangers, enriching his experiences and perspective on life. Listen in as Dominick recounts the details of preparing for such an expedition, the highs and lows along the way, and the lasting impact of his adventures. 🔗 Connect with Dominick: 📷 https://www.instagram.com/dominickmenard/ 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@DominickMenard/videos 🌐 https://campsite.bio/dominickmenard (00:00) Introduction (07:36) Getting Into Mountain Biking and Downhill Racing (12:29) Transitioning to Van Life (15:21) Impact of the Pandemic on Mountain Biking (21:01) Changing Perception of Extreme Sports (25:05) Promoting Mountain Biking and Bon Velo (32:45) The Appeal of Van Life and Freedom (44:28) Embracing Minimalism and Detaching from Possessions (46:25) Taking Chances and Embracing Obstacles (01:06:03) The Transformative Experience of an Epic Bike Tour (01:16:08) Finding Inspiration and Making the Decision (01:19:33) The Evolution of Bike Setup (01:37:27) Encounters with Cartels in Mexico (01:49:07) Taking Precautions for a Safe Trip (01:53:50) Embracing Change and Taking Chances (01:56:09) Pride and Accomplishment (01:59:55) Documenting the Journey (02:21:27) Continuing to Explore 👍 Don't forget to leave a like, drop a comment, and subscribe for more captivating conversations with trailblazers. Your engagement means the world to us! 🔗 Connect with the Trailmark Podcast: 📷 https://www.instagram.com/gotrailmark/ 🐦 https://twitter.com/GoTrailmark 🌐 https://www.gotrailmark.com 🎙️ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/trailmark