Show #509 – July 4, 2020

Guests: Dieter Drake; Doug Haney; Liz Canning

I know many of you had long-planned trips and events that have had to either be put on hold or cancelled all together.

Back in December, we spoke with Dieter Drake, who was just taking over the helm of RAGBRAI, the iconic week-long party-on-wheels across Iowa that took place every year at the end of July. As with most events that would host hundreds if not thousands of riders, RAGBRAI was cancelled for 2020.

But, Dieter is also the original founder of the Tour of the Battenkill in upstate NY and last week posted that Battenkill WILL take place this year – not in its usual May time slot obviously, but in September. And, since so few events will actually happen on the ground this year, I wanted to know how the organizers were going to stage it.

Then, Doug Haney, who is the owner and founder of Bike Adirondacks, introduces us to the unique model he’s developed that showcases the beauty of Adirondack Park in Upstate NY.

Reinventing his big events, all of which support local causes, Doug also has found a way to give small groups – family or friends – the unique experience of riding in the High Peaks with his boutique tours – each crafted especially for you.

Lastly, we visit with Liz Canning, director and editor of Motherload Movie. Focused on the beauty of cargo bikes, which Liz discovered when she had twins back in 2008, the 86 minute feature highlights the practicality and progressive ways that a cargo bike can transform your every day life – especially for women.

Show #241 – April 11, 2015

Guests: Cycle Adirondack’s Event Manager Matt VanSlyke; Weaverville25 Ride Director Vic Armijo

What do you know about the Adirondacks and the 6.1 million acre Historic Landmark that is the Adirondack Park in Upstate New York?

Well, now there’s a great way to learn all about it – or at least a lot about it.

Tonight we speak with event manager Matt VanSlyke who tells us all about “Cycle Adirondacks”, the week-long event coming up this August.

The event, which begins and ends at beautiful Saranac Lake, includes gourmet food, a full-blown concierge service for your lodging and equipment transport, plenty of on-the-road support, and 6 full days of great riding. There is nightly entertainment and the kind of interesting places along the road that will create wonderful stories to tell.

There are provisions for non-riders to come along and find a vacation experience that is either leisurely or active and then meet back up with the riders each night.

And, one of the best features of this event? It’s a benefit for the Wildlife Conservation Society.

After the news – some good, some bad, and some ugly – we head on out to Weaverville, California. Once a booming mining town, this tiny place of almost 4,000 will burgeon with cyclists, gear, media, and excitement when it hosts the WEMBO  “24 Hours of Weaverville“, the World 24-hour Solo Mountain Bike Championships this coming October.

Race director Vic Armijo tells us how Weaverville is preparing for this first-time US event and who will be competing.

Think about it! Two possibilities for your cycling fun and pleasure this summer.