My mission is to bring you inspiring conversations about bikepacking, ultra endurance racing, training, nutrition and mental health.
About:
Steve O’Shaughnessy is an ultra-distance cyclist and the host of the MyBack40 Podcast, a weekly show focused on bikepacking, ultra-endurance cycling, and adventure riding. Through in-depth conversations and firsthand experience, he shares stories from long-distance cycling expeditions, along with practical insights on training, nutrition, and preparation for multi-day rides. The podcast also explores men’s mental health, highlighting the connection between endurance, resilience, and personal growth within the bikepacking and cycling community
“As I navigate my own path to better mental health, sharing my experience and learning from others has been a huge part of the process for me.”
The mission of MyBack40 is to explore the connection between physical challenge and mental resilience through bikepacking, ultra-endurance cycling, and real-world adventure. The podcast creates space for honest conversations about the emotional and psychological hurdles endurance athletes face—both on and off the bike—while offering insight, perspective, and support for those seeking balance and well-being.
“The conversations shared here are a reminder that we’re all carrying something. In that, I feel less alone. The community that has grown around MyBack40 is built on support, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of it.”
Whether you’re a seasoned rider, an aspiring bikepacker, or someone looking to strengthen both physical and mental health, you’re in the right place. Tune in and follow along as Steve explores long-distance cycling, endurance training, and the deeper connection between adventure and mental health on the MyBack40 Podcast.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2017 AR 700 - first and only scratched race.
2018 BC Epic 1000 (1060km, 11,000m) 4 days, 4 hours
2018 Cross River Ripper Fatbike Race, 11th overall
2019 The Lost Elephant Ultra Race ITT (530km, 11,000) 2 days, 15 hours
2019 Cross River Ripper Fat Bike Race, 6th overall
2020 Lost Elephant Ultra Race finishing in 2nd. Singlespeed
2021 BC Epic 1000 yoyo. 2,200km with 19,500m of ascent in 10.5 days during which I raised $2,100 for the Masaka Cycling Club in Uganda
2021 AR 700 finishing in 5th
Cited as one of the top 6 adventure podcasts in Canada in Explore Magazine
2022 I finished the 4,400km Tour Divide Mountain Bike Race in just over 27 days
2023 Buckshot. 381km, 6800m Gain, 36h9m
2022 Tour Divide:
All of the accomplishments above led to the ultimate test for Steve as he completed the 2022 Tour Divide.
“For me, the 2022 Tour Divide was the ultimate test for the lessons learned in the other events I participated in. It’s hard to put into words what finishing an adventure such as this means. It was not only a journey of a lifetime, it was a time to reconcile the past and to think deeply about how I want to show up in the future, not only for others, but for myself.”
Audiobook
I am pretty excited about this. I got Michael's permission to record this as an audiobook!
Join my Patreon at the $10 level and follow along with this fun project! I am getting chapters out as fast as I can!
