Posted on

Show #168 – November 9, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: NICK STEVOVICH, DR. KEN SPARKS, PHILIPP SEGURA, MICHAEL “MAC” MCCOY

Admit it, as cyclists we’re always on the lookout for that magic device that will coax a few more watts out of our hearts, lungs, and legs. Ken Sparks, Ph.D. and Nick Stevovich from right here in Cleveland are developing and testing a new pedal system that might do just that. Inspired by the sideways leg motion of inline skating, Pedal Resolution takes advantage of some leg muscles not used in the traditional cycling motion. Ken and Nick are here with us today to talk about the details, and when you might be able to get a pair for your bike.

The sixth annual San Francisco Bike Expo is coming up next Saturday, November 16th at the Cow Palace. Admission is free, and the doors open at 11:00 am. Phillip Segura, the director of the expo chatted with Diane about all the cool things to see and do next weekend for bike aficionados on the west coast.

Michael “Mac” McCoy was one of the original cross-country bicycle tourists back in the 1970’s, and now works with Adventure Cycling and BikeOvernights.org. The second edition of his book, Cycling the Great Divide: from Canada to Mexico on America’s Premier Long-Distance Mountain Bike Route has just been published. Mac rounds out the second half of the show to talk about the origins of bicycle touring, and what to expect when mountain biking the off-road Great Divide.

Posted on

Show #167 – November 2, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: DR. KRISTEN DIEFFENBACH, BINA BILENKY TRAHAN, HECTOR PICKARD

As amateur or recreational athletes, most of us feel the need to continually go faster, farther, or finish feeling stronger. A little friendly competition, whether it’s with our own past performance, or against other amateurs, is a good motivating tool. But where is the line between motivation and obsession? Exercise scientist Kristen Dieffenbach, Ph.D. of West Virginia University is here to talk about this and more on today’s Outspoken Cyclist.

Meanwhile, the Philly Bike Expo has a new date and a new location this year. It’s not only moved to the second weekend in November, and to the PA Convention Center, the Expo has also grown in size and variety for 2013. Expo director Bina Bilenky-Trahan stops by during the second half of today’s show to tell us all about it.

And wrapping up today’s show is an interview with triathlete Hector Pickard, who lost all of his right arm, and part of his left arm in an industrial accident. That might seem like a major impediment, at least to swimming and biking, but Hector disproved that assumption by completing three Ironman Triathlons, among other accomplishments. Hector talks with Diane about his journey and his future exploits, and you can learn more at dontstopliving.org.

Posted on

Show #166 – October 26, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: REED ALBERGOTTI, THOMAS BOWDEN

Now that Lance Armstrong has confessed to most of his misdeeds, the other people who were either participants or victims are free to tell their stories. Hence, the current crop of movies and books about Pharmstrong, Inc. One such book is the recently released Wheelmen by Wall Street Journal reporters Reed Albergotti and Vanessa O’Connell. Albergotti joins Diane on today’s show to talk about the book, and his views on cycling as an amateur racer.

After a break and a condensed wrap-up of the news, we welcome back Thomas Bowden of Bike Virginia. Thomas was recently a participant in a test run of Amtrak’s experimental Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) program, where cyclists can take their bikes on the train without disassembling or boxing them as is the current policy. The RORO service is currently available on the Capitol Limited between Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Thomas also weighs in on the recent NY Times blog entry about the relative safety of cycling (and the relative dangers of not cycling).

Posted on

Show #165 – October 19, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: MARLA STREB, CHARLES PEKLEY, RICHARD FRIES

We’ve probably all said at one time or another, “I love my job, but it gets in the way of my biking.” I said that a few times just this week. Our first guest on today’s Outspoken Cyclist acted on that sentiment by leaving a scientific research career to become a downhill mountain bike racer. Marla Streb has worn many hats over the years, and currently she’s a wife and mother, coach, and writer, as well as the proprietor of Streb Trail Systems, a mountain bike park design company in Costa Rica. Clearly, Marla is a woman who loves all of her jobs.

Filming started yesterday on the new movie Seven Deadly Sins, based on Irish journalist David Walsh’s book about Lance Armstrong. Chris O’Dowd has signed on to play David Walsh, and Ben Foster will portray the “seven deadly sinner”. Friend of the show Charles Pelkey figures into this story as he was part of the entourage that included Walsh, Rupert Guiness, and John Wilcoksen during the 1999 Tour. Pelkey will be played by Nathan Wiley, and he’s on this week’s show to talk about that and much more.

Lastly, Diane catches up with Providence Cyclocross Festival director Richard Fries to talk about how “holy week” went, and the festival’s unique tribute to the late Amy Dombrowski.

Posted on

Show #164 – October 12, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: JIM GOURLEY, THOMAS PREHN

Happy International Observe the Moon Night! Here in Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association will have telescopes set up at Edgewater Park from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. There is still time to hop on your bike and do a little gazing!

Being an Astronautical Engineer, our first guest could probably tell us a few things about the moon, but Jim Gourley is here today to dispel some myths about the science of human-powered speed. His new book Faster: Demystifying the Science of Triathlon Speed is an in-depth look at what will (and won’t) make you faster as a swimmer, cyclist, and/or runner. We’ve each got a finite amount of watts; Jim can help us use all of them to go faster.

In the second half of the show, we have news of the pro peloton, rail-line litigation, a bike licensing attempt in Georgia, and bike banning in India.

After the news, Thomas Prehn of Cateye returns to talk about almost everything except Cateye. Thomas is helping organize a fundraiser to help rebuild the town of Jamestown, Colorado, which was a favorite destination of Boulder-area cyclists until last month’s devastating flooding and mountain slides. There is information about how you can help at c4jtown.org and rebuildjamestown.org. Thomas is also heading to India this month to help nurture the budding professional road racing scene there, and he’ll fill us in on that as well.

Posted on

Show #163 – October 5, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: SUE KNAUP, JANET BUCKWALTER, BRYAN KEYS (AKA “PAT MCQUAID MUST GO”

 

As the seasons continue to transition, <em>The Outspoken Cyclist</em> brings you a trio of guests to help put the season, and cycling in general, in perspective. From low-tech, DIY componentry, to a look at eclectic, human-powered ways to cross the U.S., to the culmination of one man’s desire to see leadership change at the UCI, we’ve got you covered this week.
First up is <strong>Sue Knaup</strong> of <a title=”One Street” href=”http://onestreet.org/” target=”_blank”>One Street</a>, an international bicycle advocacy organization. Sue is a former bike messenger, former bike shop owner, bike mechanic, and lifelong advocate. A recent outgrowth of One Street’s mission is a new, durable, easy to manufacture shift lever with only six commonly available parts. See more about this Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody <a title=”Bike Shift Lever for Anybody, by Anybody” href=”http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/604592896/bike-shift-lever-for-anybody-by-anybody” target=”_blank”>here</a>.

After a break, Diane welcomes <strong>Janet Buckwalter</strong>, who has compiled a new book of stories (including her own story) of people who crossed America in unusual ways, or under harsh conditions. The book is entitled <a title=”One More Mountain: Road Warriors Explore America” href=”http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JanetBuckwalter” target=”_blank”><em>One More Mountain: Road Warriors Explore America</em></a>. I wouldn’t skateboard from coast to coast, but I’m certainly interested in getting inside the mind of someone who did.

Lastly, in the wake of the recent UCI presidential election which saw the defeat of Pat McQuaid and the victory of Brian Cookson, we un-mask the man behind a Facebook page called <a title=”Pat McQuaid Must Go” href=”https://www.facebook.com/mcquaidmustgo” target=”_blank”>Pat McQuaid Must Go</a>. The mysterious moderator is Irishman <strong>Bryan Keys</strong>, and we’ll find out why he started the page, and what he thinks might change in pro cycling during the Cookson era.

Posted on

Show #162 – September 28, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: MIKE DEME, PATRICK O’GRADY, SHAWN OLIN, PATRICK BRADY, FRED CLEMENTS

 

Summer may be gone for 2013 in the northern hemisphere, but we’re postponing its funeral by holding an extended wake for summer on our bikes. Calling hours are held outside on every sunny day between now and Halloween!

The other way you can tell that summer is officially over is the annual occurrence of Interbike. On this week’s Outspoken Cyclist, Diane brings us her Interbike wrap-up with four interviews captured on the show floor:

 

Posted on

When The Media Gets It Wrong

When Joy Covey, former Amazon.com CFO, was killed while riding her bike in California last week, the media once again began to admonish cyclists and remind us of how “dangerous” it is to ride a bike out on the road. Covey leaves an 8 year old son.

Several years ago, a friend was killed cycling coming down a hill toward her gym in North Carolina when a car backed out of a driveway and my friend hit the car – a situation very similar to that of Covey’s this past week.  My friend left a grieving husband and family.

In both instances, the driver was at fault; yet, there is no mention of the illegalities of an ill-timed left turn or the backing out instead of backing in-pulling out of the driveway as is the law in many states. No – it is always the cyclist who is somehow blamed – whether implicitly or explicitly – for the driver’s misdeeds.

An automobile is AT LEAST as lethal as a gun when in a “shoot-out” with a cyclist.  Yet, 99% of the time, the perpetrator gets a slap on the wrist or the minimum possible sentence.

It is time that the media follow the facts of the story and report it as it truly happened.  Admonish the driver(s), remind people that bicycles are legal vehicles, and especially, make the penalties for hitting and killing a cyclist harsh and automatic.

 

Posted on

Show #161 – September 21, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: ENCORE PRESENTATION OF MY FIRST INTERVIEW ON WJCU WITH BEN SEROTTA & A QUICK INTERBIKE COMMENTARY

 

This week, Diane was away at Interbike, and the John Carroll football Blue Streaks are playing under the lights (which means we’re podcast-only today). So we thought this would be a good time to take a breath and reflect.

Just over three years ago, The Outspoken Cyclist began with Diane’s interview of Ben Serotta, who was at that time the CEO of Serotta Cycles. Ben was recently ousted by new ownership at Serotta, and he’s getting on with the next chapters in his life. This week we present an encore of that conversation, and get Diane’s brief first impression of this year’s Interbike.

Next week, we return with an all-new show, in on-air, web-stream, and podcast formats, featuring interviews captured at Interbike.

Posted on

Show #160 – September 14, 2013

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

GUESTS: ADAM SOKOL, CHRISTIAN POLANCO, DEAN MASELLO, MAX BOYAJIAN, KRISTINA PINTO

I’ve always known that most cyclists are funny people. Some are actually humorous, while most are funny in the eccentric sense. But how many comedians are cyclists? As it turns out, at least four of them, and we lured them into the WJCU studios this week for an interview. Laugh Strong: Tour de Comedy is Adam Sokol, Christian Polanco, Dean Masello, and Max Boyajian, and they have biked 500 miles from Cincinnati to Cleveland, performing standup comedy in several cities along the way. They perform their final show on this tour at 8:00 p.m. tonight at SB Eighty One in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake, Ohio. 440-835-3559 for more information.

From the humorous to the more serious, Kristina Pinto joins us in the second half to talk about the book Fit & Healthy Pregnancy, which she co-authored with Rachel Kramer, MD. As you might gather by the title, the book is a resource for pregnant women on what to do (and not do) as far as fitness and exercise throughout pregnancy and immediately after childbirth. Rule #1 is no core exercises while lying on your back (such as situps). Now I ask you: even if you’re not pregnant (or not even a woman) why take chances? 😉