Scott Morris: The Origins of Modern Bikepacking Racing, Trackleaders, & Dot Watching #54

<p>✨ <a href="https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Support the Podcast</a> ✨<a href="https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://linktr.ee/theendurancestudio</a></p><p>In this episode, I sit down with Scott Morris to explore the origins of some of the sport’s most influential ideas and technologies. Scott shares the story behind creating the Arizona Trail Race, including the now-legendary decision to carry bikes across the Grand Canyon to preserve a fully self-supported route. He also explains how early GPS technology, long-distance adventure riding, and a DIY ethos helped shape the foundations of modern bikepacking events. The conversation also dives into Scott’s role in building the tools that power the sport today, including Trackleaders and TopoFusion, and how satellite trackers sparked the phenomenon of “dot watching.” Along the way, we discuss the evolution of endurance racing, the challenges of running a small tech company in the outdoor space, tracking massive ultrarunning events, and how new technologies like Starlink are changing the way people live and work in the backcountry. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the history of self-supported racing, the technology behind modern endurance events, and the mindset that helped shape bikepacking into what it is today.</p><p>----------------</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/trackingscott/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/trackingscott/</a></p><p><a href="https://trackleaders.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://trackleaders.com</a></p><p>----------------</p><p>(00:00:00) Side-by-Side Use, Regulation, and Night Riding Issues</p><p>(00:04:17) Skiing vs Snowboarding Culture</p><p>(00:06:44) Intro, Arizona Trail Race &amp; First Grand Canyon Bike Crossing Planning</p><p>(00:12:07) Self-Reliance Philosophy and Ultra-Run Comparisons</p><p>(00:14:51) Arizona Trail Expedition, Early Mapping Software &amp; GPS Signal Issues</p><p>(00:19:39) Starlink, Satellite Redundancy, and the Mobile Remote Work Lifestyle</p><p>(00:24:11) Challenges of Running Your Own Business</p><p>(00:26:29) Event Tracking Technology, Competition, and Market</p><p>(00:30:09) Post-COVID Expansion and Multisport Tracking</p><p>(00:32:57) Major Events and Race Coverage Overview</p><p>(00:33:08) Spot Trackers and Event Logistics</p><p>(00:34:05) Track Leaders Or