Tag: Adventure Cycling Association

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Show #654 July 22, 2024

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Guests: Leah Goldstein; Jim Sayer

Last time, we began our series on favorite bike trails with the Ohio to Erie Trail and today, we’ll be exploring the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota.

A couple of years ago, Jim Sayer, who was with the Adventure Cycling Association for many years, was riding cross country and stopped in to stay with Brian and me for a night.  We got to talking about the trip he was making.  He told us he would be taking in some of the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota on his way back to Montana. 

When several people mentioned the Mickelson Trail as one of their favorites, Brian remembered that Jim had traveled it and suggested I contact him. He was happy to share his thoughts about it.

Jim sure made the Mickelson Trail sound appetizing!  We have some photos of his time on the trail on our website, outspokencyclist.com as well a link to the Mickelson Trail website.

 

 

My first guest is not new to the show either.  Leah Goldstein is arguably one of the most accomplished ultra-athletes I’ve ever had the honor to speak with. 

She was world kick boxing champion at the age of 17.  She was an undercover police officer in the Israeli army, she is a national cycling champion, and recently, she completed the grueling 4,000+ mile self-supported Trans Am road race .

The last time we spoke with Leah, she had just completed RAAM – winning the event overall.  I thought that was crazy then! But, the Trans Am race is another level all together and today’s conversation covers the gamut from weather and equipment to wildlife and aspirations.

I want to preface the second part of my conversation with Leah with a comment. Back in February, Leah was to have given one of her amazing motivational keynote talks to the Inspire’s International Women’s Day Event. Then, she was suddenly dis-invited.  The reasons given and the behind-the-scenes truths were completely different.  Regardless of how you feel about the war in the Middle East, what Leah experienced was both uncalled for and clearly antisemitic.

You can follow Leah on her website leahgoldstein.com.  We also have a few photos of her during the Trans Am event – since that was all the support she was allowed – someone taking a photo – as well as a link to a short video of Leah on course during the race.  You can find them on our website, outspokencyclist.com.

Before signing off today, I must bow down to this year’s Tour de France.  In addition to it being one of the most interesting and exciting editions of the race, it was truly inspiring to see riders such as Biniam Grimay and Remco Evenepoel become super stars. And I’m beginning to think Tadej Pogocar might just break some long held records many thought would never be broken.  Can you say Eddy Merckx?

As for the Tour,  Joe Lindsey joins me next time to wrap-up this year’s Tour, chat about the remainder of the cycling race season, and we’ll preview the Olympics too.

We’ll also be continuing our series on favorite trail with the Empire State Trail in New York.

Transcript_July 22

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Show #571 – September 4, 2021

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Guests: Jenn Hamelman; Michael Rogers

This week, we explore the USBRS – AKA, the U.S. Bicycle Route System with ACA‘s Jenn Hamelman.

Jen has “touched” every mile of the maps that ACA offers – she was a cartographer for the organization for almost 20 years.

Now, she is tasked with coordinating the US bicycle route system and just this past month, 2,903 new miles were added in 5 states.

We talk about how new routes are added and signed, and what the ultimate goal is for the USBRS.

PS – O-H-I-O… Not only were more miles added to the USBRS in Ohio, but we rank #1 in the sheer number of miles ON the USBRS system. Something for which we can be very proud.

andersbrinckmeyer.com

Then, we speak with ex-pro racer Michael Rogers.

Michael, who comes from a cycling family, turned pro in 2000.

He won the world TT title three times, competed in many grand tours as well as one-day classics, has quite a few stage wins under his helmet, and is now the innovation manager for the UCI.

During his 16 years in pro cycling, he saw a lot of changes in the sport. From the influence of the Italians he watched the impact of a more scientific application when the English started improving the riders’ helmets, apparel, and more.

Now, he sees a third transition as all the marginal gains have been achieved and a whole new generation of cyclists are training and racing with high technology from power meters to 3-D printed handlebars.

Michael’s job as innovation manager is a new role at the UCI – dealing with technical innovations, safety, and a whole lot more.

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Show #570 – August 28, 2021

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Guests: Jim Sayer; Jamie Schanbaum & Dr. Iriny Salib

My first guest is Jim Sayer. Jim was the Executive Director of the Adventure Cycling Association or 15 years, stepping down at the start of 2020.

Now, he’s on a bicycling tour to complete the perimeter ride he’s been working on for many years. One of his stops was right here in NE Ohio and we invited him to stay with us.

On his way into town, Jim wheeled into Brian’s shop about noon and after some mech work, he headed on over to the house for a shower, a beer, and a chat before we all had dinner.

We talked about a lot of things – his time at ACA, his work in non-profit, and the climate advocacy that he’s raising funds for on this trip.

He is diligently recording his thoughts about his trip, accompanied by lots of photos and a few videos, on his FB page.

We sent him on his way the next morning after a hearty breakfast and a morning rain storm. You can see a photo of him and find the links to the organizations we talked about – 350.org, the sunrise movement, and climateride.org . And, by the way, Jim did get his tahinii milkshake from Tommy’s.

Our second conversation is a serious one.

I don’t know if you’ve been watching the paralympics, but these athletes are something else!

And today, we speak with a past gold medal paralympian cyclist by the name of Jamie Schanbaum. Her story is nothing short of amazing, if not terrifying.
Jamie, who is a spokesperson for G-S-K and Dr. Iriny Salib, who is a vaccine researcher and educator at GSK. are both passionate about immunizations and educating people about the disease that can afflict teens and young adults.

Before her first semester of college was barely underway, Jamie found herself in a hospital, fighting for her life with what was quickly diagnosed as meningitis – and just the word strikes terror.

Jamie survived and left the hospital after seven months – but, had to have her fingers and both of her legs amputated to save her life.

A long time bike commuter, she thought she’d never ride a bike again – but, as she tells us – she’s “adaptive” and she went on to not only ride again, but win gold as a paralympian.

Today, Jamie is a spokesperson with GSK and along with Dr. Iriny Saleb, encourages us to not only learn about the disease, but to get your kids vaccinated!

And if you want to know more about the importance of understanding meningitis and how you can protect your children in helping to prevent the disease with vaccines, ask your doctor about the two different meningitis vaccines or go to asktobesure.com.

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Show #518 – September 5, 2020

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Guests: Bill Sepe & Ron Brubaker; Alex Strickland; Craig Calfee

We have three outstanding guests this evening and we cover three very diverse topics.

I am always interested in new trails to explore – especially when they are right in our own backyard!

My first guests live in Hudson, Ohio, are both retired from their respective jobs, and have joined forces to help establish TASCForce – Trail Advocates of Summit County. Bill Sepe and Ron Brubaker have made it their mission to not only help promote trails in the area but are especially interested in developing a 12.5 mile trail from Hudson, Ohio to Akron – an area that is not too far from where we are in Cleveland.

9 times a year, editor-in-chief Alex Strickland from Adventure Cycling Assn. publishes Adventure Cyclist Magazine, one of the preeminent magazines in the bicycle world. From the stories that come in from all over the world to great product reviews, it’s always a great read. But, ACA is also well-known for its maps, guided tours, and events.

However, COVID being what it is – the ultimate in killing all the fun – ACA has had to make some hard decisions – cancelling guided tours, not allowing folks into the Missoula facility, and pretty much keeping the staff at a minimum. BUT, that doesn’t mean good things aren’t happening either.

Craig Calfee, owner and founder of Calfee Design, is arguably the Daddy of Carbon Fiber and always an entertaining and enlightening guest.

What I always find so interesting and endearing about Craig is his unabashed willingness to share what he does – for example, offering his DIY bamboo bicycle kit AND getting ready to upgrade it so more people can make more bikes – for others as well as themselves.

And, Craig always has some really interesting – if not unusual – projects on the drawing board – like his work with electric motorcycles. And, he’s also thinking about how to reach out to us when events such as NAHBS or the Philly Bike Expo have been cancelled for 2020.

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Shoe #392 – March 17, 2018

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Guests: Jim Sayer; Phil Taylor

Today’s show, which airs on St. Patrick’s Day, will be in “podcast format” only! WJCU’s annual 18-hour Irish Marathon will preempt all other programming today. BUT, our podcast shall go on!

This week, Jim Sayer, the executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, joins me for a conversation that includes a wrap-up of the National Bike Summit, what’s new at Adventure Cycling (a whole lotta’ stuff!), and a brief recap of Jim’s cross-country ride with his daughter Lucy last year.

Then, we cross the pond to speak with the founder of Bespoked – The Handmade Show in the UK. Phil Taylor, who is a teacher by trade, needed a bike he couldn’t find – so he built one; and THAT led to the first Bespoked show 8 years ago.

This year, the show kicks off on April 20th in Bristol, England with 100 exhibitors in the iconic Brunel’s Old Station. We talk about some of the the differences between Bespoked and NAHBS and learn about what exhibitors as well as attendees expect from the sh

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Show #336 – February 25, 2016

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Guests: Mike Deme; Mike Sayers

This week we visit with two Mikes – one in Montana; the other in California.

Out in Missoula, Mike Deme, who has been with us on the program in the past, talks with us about the goings on of Adventure Cycling Association. Mike is the head of all publications and gives us good news about the Association’s continued growth on many levels – subscriptions, membership, projects, and more.

When many cycling related organizations are floundering, Mike tells us why the news is so positive with Adventure Cycling and what the future holds.

Then, it’s off to Sacramento where Mike Sayers has come home after a stellar career in the professional side of our sport.  He rode for Team BMC, became the first American Director Sportif of a major team (BMC), ran the men’s road team for USA Cycling, took two teams to the Olympics, and now has come full circle to report on the sport.  As the “Mike” half of the “Inside Line with Mike and Dave“, he and Dave Towle offer up a podcast exploring the racing end of the sport with riders, coaches, and more.

2-Mike’s Up!

 

 

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Show #178 – January 18, 2014

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Guests: Eli Damon and Adventure Cycling’s Jim Sayer

If you got a ticket for riding on a roadway where the law says you’re allowed to ride, what would you do? How many of us would simply pay the fine and find a friendlier place to ride in the future? How many would actually retain a lawyer and fight the charge? Eli Damon of Hadley, Massachusetts found himself in this situation, and decided he would rather “fight than switch”. Because his eyesight prevents him from driving a motor vehicle, bicycling is Eli’s primary means of transportation, so he had plenty of motivation to defend his right to the road. Eli Damon joins us in the first part of today’s show to talk about his experience, and how it led him to become a bicycle advocate.

After the news and a break, we return to have a conversation with Jim Sayer of the Adventure Cycling Association. Even in the off-season, the ACA is busy working out new routes, updating their maps, and strengthening partnerships with other organizations to make touring by bicycle in the United States an even better experience.

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Show #168 – November 9, 2013

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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.

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Show #153 – July 27, 2013

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GUESTS: JANE GEISSE, GINNY SULLIVAN, CLIFF COLE

 

If you read the news at all, it’s easy to see that there’s no shortage of seemingly intractable problems in the world today. Read the news too much, and you might think there are no solutions to these problems. Ride a bike, and the world starts to look a little better, and its problems a little smaller. Listen to The Outspoken Cyclist, and discover how your fellow cyclists are taking on the world.

First up is Jane Geisse, a 60-year-old road and cyclocross racer from right here in NE Ohio. Jane has been racing for only 6 years, but has racked up an amazing set of palmares. She’s competing in the 2013 Senior Games, held in Cleveland this past week, and then it’s on to Nationals in Oregon. Proof that there is no expiration date on a motivated person!

After the news, Diane turns her attention to trains, specifically the ability to take your bike on an Amtrak train without taking it apart and boxing it up. Ginny Sullivan of Adventure Cycling and Cliff Cole of Amtrak both weigh in on the current state of efforts to make it easier to travel by train and bicycle. It turns out, slow but steady progress is being made.

And here’s a bonus tip I simply must share: Road ID has released a free smartphone app that will text up to five friends to let them know you’re headed out for a ride or run. It provides your friends with a live GPS tracking map to show your route and current location. There’s even an option that will alert them if you haven’t moved in five minutes (“dead in a ditch” as my wife likes to half-joke). Road ID calls these tracks “eCrumbs” (like a trail of bread crumbs, get it?). Besides the safety aspect, I can see this being very useful for cyclists trying to meet “on the road”. Check it out.

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Show #70 – December 24, 2011

Guests: Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling; Leslie Bohm, Catalyst Communication

It’s December 24th, the stockings are hung, the menorahs are lighted, and the Festivus poles are standing tall. Diane and the elves were busy this week, creating a special podcast-only edition of The Outspoken Cyclist for your holiday audio feasting.

First we check back in with Jim Sayer of Adventure Cycling. Jim gives us his take on the current climate for cycling advocacy, as well as bringing us up to date on what Adventure Cycling has been up to lately. Here’s a hint: it’s more than just maps and tours.

In the second half of the hour, we welcome Leslie Bohm, Chief of Everything at Catalyst Communications. Catalyst works with makers and sellers of sports gear to improve the quality and impact of their marketing efforts. Beyond that, Leslie is a tireless cycling advocate. If you’ve never considered that the National Rifle Association might have something to teach the cycling community, prepare to have Leslie expand your consciousness.

Two conversations to lift your cycling spirits and give you food for thought on this week’s Outspoken Cyclist.