He Works to Give Bikepacking Racers More Visibility... And to Keep Them Honest Too

Singletracks Mountain Bike Podcast

Scott Morris is a self-described “lifelong mountain biker, trail mapper and programmer.” He’s the creator of Track Leaders, a live tracking website for bikepacking races, and TopoFusion mapping software.

In this episode we ask:

• How did first make the connection between mountain biking and computer programming?
• Why did you and your brother decide to create TopoFusion?
• Have there been growing pains as bikepacking races like the Arizona Trail Race become more popular?
• Will some of the unofficial races need to become more official and organized as they get larger?
• Are you able to keep the list of ultra endurance records for races like the Tour Divide and Huracan 300 up to date? Do you think there’s a value in keeping official records for races like this, and for FKTs? What are the challenges involved in maintaining an official list like this?
• What led you to create Track Leaders, and how does it work?
• Are SPOT devices still the best way to track outdoor races? Do you see other devices like smartphones becoming viable for this anytime soon?
• As a programmer, how do you account for GPS data accuracy when tracking races? Is it easy for someone to cheat?
• Why is elevation data so notoriously difficult to track accurately with a GPS?
• When did you fully commit to the digital nomad lifestyle? How’d you finally make the jump? Do you have any tips for going full nomad?
• When you go for a ride in a new place, do you rely on GPS entirely or do you also pack a paper map?
• What are you planning for your next adventure?

Find out more at trackleaders.com and topofusion.com.

This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.

Professional mountain biker Adam Craig says it’s one of the top three places in the universe he’s ever ridden. Where is this magical mountain biking nirvana? It’s none other than Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont Recreational Forest. The area boasts over 300 miles of peerless singletrack, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads, creating a near endless array of routes, terrains, and challenges to explore. Four vibrant bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need gear, service, or a top notch rental. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of the best small towns in America in 2021. It all adds up to a premier mountain biking destination you’ll want to experience for yourself. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.

✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available at singletracks.com.

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