Tag: Eric Weis

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Show #415 August 25, 2019

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Guests: Jan Heine; Eric Weis

As promised, it’s a brand new conversation with Jan Heine!

From his Bicycle Quarterly Magazine, which turned 15 this year, to his comprehensive blog, Off The Beaten Path, and his store – Compass Cycles – where many of the components he offers comes from his extensive research, development, and testing, Jan and I talk about upgrades, riding on gravel, some of his recent travels, and more

It’s a delightful in-depth interview!

Then, Eric Weis, founder and director of the New England Builder’s Ball, joins me to fill us in on this year’s September 22nd event at the Boston Innovation & Design Building.

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Show #365 – September 16, 2017

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Guests: Eric Weis; Dave Dean; Len Gee: Matthew Crompton

Late last month, Brian and I received a message on FaceBook from Matthew Crompton, an Ohioan now living in Australia. He just completed a 5000km ride across Central Asia and, since he’s home visiting his folks, and having his trusty steed serviced, I thought I’d snag him and have a chat about living, working, and riding down under. Matt will be with me later in the show.

With The New England Builder’s Ball only one week away, I thought we could take a few minutes to catch up with show director Eric Weis – so he could slow down, take a breath, and give us any last minute updates before we all head out to Boston next weekend for the 7th annual NE Builder’s Ball.

We stay right there is Mass. to talk with one of the exhibitors who will be at the Builder’s Ball this year. Dave Dean is the inventor and maker of Sinewave products. When I first met Dave at NAHBS a few years ago, Sinewave was just making its debut; today, the company offers its original products – USB chargers that run from the generator power aboard your bike – to other add-ons including dynamos and hubs.

We’ll talk with Dave about his products, how he came to invent them, and what’s new since the last time I saw him.

Then it’s off to San Diego to talk with Len Gee, fundraising specialist with the EOD Warrior Foundation. If you don’t know what EOD stands for – as I didn’t until I delved in to the information about it – it’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal; and, just saying the words gave me chills There is an upside to this story however, including a series of cycling events to help those who tackle this dangerous and often deadly work.

After our break, I’ll introduce you to Matthew Crompton – who will be right here in studio with me.

Let’s get over to Boston and get this episode of the show rolling.

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Show #359 – August 5, 2017

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Guests: Eric Weis; Jacques DeVore

The New England Builder’s Ball! Coming up next month – September 23rd to be exact – and, not only am I going to be there (booth 33 – stop by and visit!); but, today’s show gives you the highlights of the other exhibitors, the space – The Innovation & Design Center in Boston – and the sponsors.

Show manager Eric Weis, a fellow East Coast Greenway Alliance Board member, talks with me about the show and how to find out more.

Then, it’s an in-depth interview with coach and trainer Jacques DeVore. His new book, Maximum Overload for Cyclists, is just out from Rodale Press and his ideas about strength, weight training, diet, sleep, and more are the topics for today’s second interview.

Listen in – there’s a lot of learn!

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Show #313 – September 15, 2016

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Guests: Richard Fries, Eric Weis, Kelly Hodgson

Middle of September already and we are deep in cross season.

This week, Diane talks with KMC Crossfest’s consummate announcer – and promoter – Richard Fries. While we do discuss Crossfest, we delve into a lot more of the issues and successes that Richard is addressing as the head honcho at Mass Bike.

After two fatal crashes in one day, Richard dropped into high(er) gear than he usually uses to pursue his passions and the results of what might be coming next are quite thought provoking.

Then, we catch up with Eric Weis, who is in full-tilt boogie mode as the New England Builder’s Ball nears the launch date.

Last year when we spoke with Eric, he was wrapping up his long tenure as the head of the East Coast Greenway Director of Development. He’s passed that baton and after a couple of months off to pursue some of his long-held dreams of bike touring and more – which of course did not turn out exactly as planned – he is hard at work putting the finishing touches on the New England Builder’s Ball and KMC Vendor Expo.

The Ball and the KMC Crossfest move to a new venue this year – Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park in Thompson, CT (I know you can hear that announcer yelling “Sunday-Sunday”).

The NE Builder’s Ball is a one-of-a-kind event, taking place from 7-11pm on Friday, September 30th. The new venue, which is a huge storage barn for vintage cars, is going to see some interesting action as the cross races ride right on through the middle. Oh, and did we mention there will be free beer?

Let’s let Eric tell you the rest.

Finally, we hear a heartwarming story about United Cycle and Sport Central in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. United Cycle’s Kelly Hodgson fills us in on the details of the $500,000 in sports equipment and supplies his organization promised after a devastating fire forced more than 80,000 people our of their homes in Ft. McMurray last year.

Sport Central’s commitment doesn’t stop with the 53’ semi that delivered the equipment; rather, it has set up a permanent office to continue to help the community rebuild.

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Show #261 – August 29, 2015

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Guests: East Coast Greenway’s Eric Weis; Journalist and author Ian Dille

Last show of August also means the upcoming anniversary of The Outspoken Cyclist. Next week, we begin year #6 and it’s been quite a ride! (sorry for the bad pun) It’s difficult to even begin to thank all of you for your support. So, I’ll just say thank you and please continue to listen, offer suggestions for topics you’d like to hear, and like our Face Book page!

Let’s move on to this week’s show. My first guest is the trail program coordinator for the East Coast Greenway AND the force behind both the New England Bike-Walk Summit as well as the New England Builder’s Ball.

Eric Weis seems to wear all the hats at once and well! He fills us in on this year’s September 24th one-day Bike-Walk Summit, which will be held in Worcester, Mass. The Summit offers the 6 New England States a forum to move pedestrian and cycling issues forward with a full program including collecting data, design and engineering projects, a poster session, and off-season projects. Eric’s hope is that the Bike-Walk Summit breaks even and that some of the projects from the summit come to fruition.

We also talk about the Providence Cyclocross Festival which begins with the New England Builder’s Ball – a party celebrating the hand builders of New England including Richard Sachs, Firefly, JP Weigle, Zancanato, Bilenky, and more.

The Builder’s Ball, which takes place on Friday, October 2nd from 7-11pm at the Roger Williams Park Casino, offers a portion of its proceeds to the East Coast Greenway! There is music, food, and beer! What could be better?

After a break and our news, we head on down to Austin, Texas to talk with journalist and author Ian Dille. Ian, who is one of my favorite writers, has a new book, The Cyclist’s Bucket List – A Celebration of 75 Quintessential Cycling Experiences.

What is most interesting about this, the first of the “coffee table – gift” books of the 2015 fall season, is that it encourages you to develop your own bucket list of unusual, interesting, and fun places that are connected to cycling.

Each entry has a “Get There” side bar that helps you find your way. Great photos, great writing, and some venues you just might not have expected!