Dirty Chain Podcast Episode 85: Arrowhead 135 with Jill Martindale

Overview:

In Episode 85, Trevor talks with endurance cyclist and winter ultra specialist Jill Martindale about her latest achievement at the Arrowhead 135, where she won the women's unsupported category. Jill shares her extensive experience, gear strategies, mental preparation, and the extreme conditions that make this race one of the toughest winter endurance events.

Jill Martindale’s story of perseverance and preparation in extreme conditions is both humbling and inspiring. Her ability to balance calculated risk with personal grit highlights the demands of winter ultra-racing. The Arrowhead 135, with its subzero temperatures and unsupported challenges, requires physical toughness, precise gear choices, and mental resilience—qualities Jill has honed over years of winter bikepacking and adventure.

Though she declared “never again” after finishing unsupported, Jill’s tone suggests she may be back for more. For now, she’s turning her sights to new challenges, including the Polar Roll Ultra and a return to the Iditarod Trail.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[00:09:15] Jill’s lead-up to Polar Roll and back-to-back winter events

[00:12:30] History with Arrowhead 135 and setting the 2017 course record

[00:17:10] The rigors and requirements of the unsupported category

[00:19:30] Sub-zero conditions: frozen gear, and frostbite threats

[00:21:15] Insulated mittens, essential gear, and hydration strategies

[00:26:45] Riding solo for 100 miles, regrouping with Evan and Jake

[00:28:50] Wildlife and terrain—wolf tracks and snowmobile trail grooming

[00:32:00] Eating, drinking, and managing cold nutrition on the move

[00:34:00] Mental game—training with survival scenarios

[00:36:40] Post-race reflection and longing for Mel George’s grilled cheese

[00:38:30] Future goals—Iditarod, Tuscobia, UP200 trail