Show #144 – May 25, 2013

GUESTS: STEWART KOHL; BRUCE BARCOTT

 

Inspired by the fund-raising success of the Pan-Mass Challenge, local cyclist and philanthropist Stewart Kohl is organizing a similar ride in Ohio. This new ride, called VeloSano, will launch in July 2014 from the Cleveland Clinic campus in mid-town Cleveland. You’ll be hearing more about VeloSano in the coming months, but you can get all the details today on The Outspoken Cyclist.

After the news and a break, Diane settles in with author Bruce Barcott, who has just written an article about helmets for Bicycling magazine that has cyclists everywhere wondering, “is this foam hat really protecting me?” Bruce gives us a history lesson on helmet standards, and a peek at new technologies entering the market. Warning geek-out ahead!

Show #143 – May 18, 2013

GUESTS: GRANT PETERSEN, HEATHER ANDERSEN

 

He eschews clipless pedals, he thinks handlebars should be level with the saddle, and he’s convinced that steel is the “realest” material you could use in building a bike frame. Some would call him a retro-grouch, but he’s actually Grant Petersen, the very friendly owner of Rivendell Bicycle Works. On this week’s Outspoken Cyclist, we’re treated to a conversation between Grant and Diane on a wide range of topics, including bicycles!

She served in the Peace Corps in Africa, and didn’t want to return to the U.S. right away after her assignment was complete. So she decided to tour southern Africa by bicycle, and ended up writing a book about her experience. She is Heather Andersen, veteran cycle-tourist and author of the book I Never Intended to Be Brave: A Woman’s Bicycle Journey through Southern Africa. Heather is our guest in the second half of this week’s show.

Show #142 – May 11, 2013

GUESTS: PETE JORDAN, ROB GUSKY, SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION RAY LAHOOD

 

Mother’s Day, CycloFemme and TOSRV are all happening this weekend, so you have no excuse for moping about the house. Also, no excuse for moping: this week’s fully loaded edition of The Outspoken Cyclist.

The well-worn meme in cycling is that Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-centric cities in the world. And while that’s true, it goes much deeper than that. Pete Jordan went to Amsterdam to visit and was so impressed that he took up residence and wrote a book about the place. In the City of Bikes: The Story of the Amsterdam Cyclist is a deeply-researched work about Amsterdam’s long history with the bicycle, and the unique way people there relate to riding. Diane caught up with Pete during his book tour in the U.S.

Last year about this time, we told you about the National Bike Challenge, sponsored by Kimberly-Clark and Endomondo. The 2012 NBC was a huge success, and it’s back again this year, with even bigger goals and prizes. Rob Gusky, Kimberly-Clark’s cycling ambassador is on the show today to give us all the details. The 2013 Challenge started May 1st, now is the time to sign up and start logging your miles.

Finally, we welcome back someone who has really put his pedals where his mouth is, in terms of cycling advocacy in the U.S. government. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has championed cycling throughout his career in public service, especially during the past four years in the Obama administration. Mr. LaHood will be stepping down from that post in the near future, and we take this opportunity to say thanks, and get his take on what’s been accomplished, and what may be coming for bicycling infrastructure and programs.

Show #141 – May 4, 2013

GUESTS: JENN DICE, LARRY PIZZI

 

My itchy eyes and constant sneezing tell me that spring has finally arrived in NE Ohio. But here’s the crazy thing: I only have symptoms indoors at home or work. I was totally fine on a 6-hour ride today. I think nature is trying to send me a message.

Besides my spring allergy update, you might want to know who’s on The Outspoken Cyclist this week. Well I’ll tell you…

First up, we have Jenn Dice , Vice President of Government Relations at Bikes Belong. Jenn directs Bikes Belong’s Bohm Strategy Center and leads Bikes Belong’s lobbying team and government relations program. She’s also a bonafide adventurer, having completed the Leadville Trail 100 on several occasions, and climbed up and biked down Mt. Kilimanjaro!

The second half of today’s show is dedicated to electric-assist, or E-Bikes. In the automotive world, we have the Toyota Prius as the best known example of the hybrid car, and now the “hybrid bike” is beginning to get attention in the United States. Larry Pizzi of Currie Technologies is on hand to give us a thorough and insightful explanation of what E-Bikes are, and why they may fill a gap between fully-motorized and fully-human-powered transportation. A device that provides a constant tailwind? Yes, please!