A podcast about the great… and sometimes not-so-great…. outdoors.

Tony Desnick is on a mission to transform cities, bridge generations, and showcase the life-changing power of bicycles. We talk about healing power of two wheels (Tony experienced this first hand healing Crohn’s disease by riding a bicycle) and lots of tips for winter cycling. Whether it’s been awhile since your last bike ride or you’re a seasoned cyclist, you’ll find inspiration in this episode for your next ride.

Are you a cyclist looking for meaningful ways to give back? Tony’s organization, Cycling Without Age, offers an amazing opportunity to share the joy of cycling with those who can no longer pedal themselves. Volunteers are always needed! Check out the inspiring trailer and connect with Tony if you’re in the Twin Cities, or reach out to a chapter near you. Make a profound difference while doing what you love.

Insta: @cyclingwithoutage

Tony’s TedX Talk

This episode will show you that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves.

Mari Ruddy has survived breast cancer three times and has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than 43 years.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that requires constant monitoring of blood sugar and insulin levels—a complex balancing act. This condition has posed challenges for athletes, from managing energy during intense activity to facing misconceptions about their abilities. Mari reminds us that determination can redefine what’s possible in her latest book, Extreme Healing.

Mari weaves her personal narrative into an inspiring guide to help readers discover their inner athlete, regardless of age, health, or weight challenges. If you’ve been putting off taking on your next challenge, this episode is for you. 

November is Diabetes Awareness Month—making it a perfect time to share Mari’s message. Claim the identity you desire regardless of your circumstances. In the words of Buddha, “What you think, you become.” 

Mari is proof of this truth.

Check out Mari’s website to learn and follow.

Rachel Banken has forged a path that allows her to “play in the woods and call it work”. Fueled by her values and passion for tea, she crafts tea blends with organic, regenerative ingredients, foraged and harvested with love and care in Minnesota.

Tea is important. It ritualizes slowing down. Well Rooted Teas, in particular, draw upon your senses- gorgeous, colorful ingredients, aromas, flavors like maple, peppermint, white pine and lemongrass served hot or cold depending on your mood. Create indulgence and bring nature into your everyday life with these restoring and healthful infusions.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for that perfect gift, Well Rooted Teas might just be the answer. Encourage the moms in your life to slow down and take a moment for themselves, better yet, sit down with your mom and share a cup of tea. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to bond in a moment of tranquility amidst life's demands. Cheers to celebrating the remarkable moms in our lives.

Find Rachel and Well Rooted Teas

Follow Well Rooted Teas: @wellrootedteas

Meet Andrew Hughes, a very cool guy. Andrew is an explorer and seasoned mountaineer, renowned not only for expeditions, but for his charm. How many people propose from Mount Everest (the internet says he was only the second)?

His resume reads like a true adventurer. He’s completed the Seven Summits (highest mountains on each continent), six of the Seven Volcanic Summits (highest volcanoes on each continent) and the Antarctica Trifecta consecutively Skiing the Last Degree to the South Pole and reaching the summits of Mount Vinson (the highest mountain) and Mount Sidley (the highest volcano) in Antarctica.

Andrew doesn't stop at personal milestones, he holds multiple world records. He orchestrated the 'World’s Highest Tea Party' atop Mount Everest (again, charming). And most recently, he paddle boarded on the highest flatwater lake, located at Tres Cruces Norte in Chile.

Beyond the records and feats of strength, Andrew infuses purpose into his adventures. Each expedition serves as a platform to raise awareness about pressing issues like climate change. In fact, his latest endeavor nearly faced cancellation due to dwindling water levels—a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face.

As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, let Andrew be your inspiration to forge a deeper connection with the natural world. He not only inspires awe but also underscores the importance of cherishing and safeguarding our planet.

@andrew_i_hughes

Photo: mf.terra

A discussion with Anastasia Allison, the Founder of Kula Cloth, might initially seem centered around the practicalities of outdoor bodily functions (ie. peeing and pooping in the woods), yet it swiftly transcends into profound contemplations on life philosophy, spirituality, and embracing joy and abundance. Prepare to be captivated as Anastasia effortlessly guides the conversation towards deep insights and invaluable guidance to enrich not only your connection with the natural world but also your inner self.

Have you ever asked or thought:

• As a woman, how do I pee and poop in the woods?

• What are some tips to feel clean and fresh to boost my personal outdoor hygiene?

• How does time in nature lead to the discovery of clarity in life and its abundance?

• How and where can you find joy? (Think, the unexpected)

Anastasia is not only the founder of an outdoor gear company, she’s the violist in the heart opening, tear inducing Musical Mountaineers, shares her wisdom in the Kula Diaries, and is the Founder of the life changing, “Dance Experiment”. In her spare time (!) she coaches, hikes, backpacks and is that bad-ass woman that passes you on the the road, waving as she rides her motorcycle into the sunset.

@anastasia.allison

@kulacloth

While winter has basically been a no show in Minnesota this year, there are places where hearty Minnesotans are currently braving the elements. We Do This For Fun holds one of those people dear to our hearts- Leah Gruhn.

For the second year in a row Leah’s racing the ITI1000 Iditarod Trail Invitational, a grueling 1000 mile race. While we didn’t get a chance to chat with her before she began, we’ve been following her little dot on Trackleaders.

From the race organizers:

“Only the most experienced, rugged and intrepid competitors dare to attempt the ITI 1000, the world's longest and toughest winter race.”

As we think about Leah we wanted to revisit a podcast recorded last year with Leah and her husband Jere. 

Visit wedothisforfun.com to follow Leah’s progress in real time as she nears the end of this demanding race.

@leahgruhn, @itialaska -1000 miles by bike during the unforgiving Alaskan winter.

Who would've thought we'd crave snow this much? These snowless, gloomy days have us yearning for a snowy wonderland.

Well, fear not! Claire Wilson, the powerhouse leading the Loppet Foundation, is here to wipe away those tears and tell you to put on your snow pants. Her team has transformed Theodore Wirth Park into a winter paradise. You heard that right—snow in Minnesota, right now!

They've meticulously covered the trails, so grab those cross-country skis and glide through the winter wonderland. Or maybe indulge in some adrenaline with your family—zooming down snowy slopes.

The Loppet isn't just about snow; they're bringing us the World Cup (the skiing one, not the soccer showdown), the enchanting Luminary Loppet (it's practically pure magic), plus a mix of artsy and nature-centric programs that'll keep your winter calendar jam-packed.

Finally, a request from We Do This For Fun. Unseasonably warm weather has thrown a curveball at the Loppet Foundation, especially in preparing for this year's World Cup. If your family is thinking about end-of-year charitable contributions, I urge you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Loppet Foundation. Your support will directly help them tackle the hurdles posed by the weather and ensure both a successful World Cup and a fantastic 2024 season.

Your generosity won't just impact The Loppet; it'll ripple through our community. These humans support youth development programs in Mountain Biking, Nordic sports, and Running.

To chip in or discover more about The Loppet Foundation, hop over to https://www.loppet.org and hit "Make a Donation."

Now, go summon your snow angels, and dive into winter at Theodore Wirth Park, courtesy of the Loppet Foundation.

Luminary Loppet, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024 (Tickets are available at https://www.loppet.org/events/luminary).

COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup Minneapolis (Loppet Cup), Saturday, February 17- Monday, February 19, 2024 (Check out: https://loppetcup.com for the details)

For all things Loppet visit: https://www.loppet.org/

Facebook: @loppet

Insta: @loppetfoundation