Show #623 – March 7, 2023

Guests: Carolyne Whelan; Daniela Gomez & Dilshod Kohlmatov

Since this is women’s history month, I had the honor of being interviewed by Traci Berry, the coordinator of Northwoods Trails in Arkansas for the Natural State Bikes Podcast. We chatted for over an hour, and I really appreciated her thoughtful inquiry.

You can hear that episode as well as others highlighting some of the bike world’s most interesting female voices on Spotify  or you can find it on Spotify at Natural State Bikes – women of biking.

As a journalist, I’ve been watching with both sadness and trepidation as editors, writers, photographers, and the very publications that have supported cycling – in all its forms – are being dismantled.

Recently it was Velo News and Cycling Tips; this week it was Road Bike Action and E-bike Action, and I think a lot of journalists in the industry are holding their collective breaths to see what shoe drops next.

But, there are some bright spots in cycling publications and, Adventure Cyclist Magazine stands about as close to the top as any.  Now, with a total makeover and some clear-headed thinking, AC Magazine has just launched its new look and some new features.

This episode of our podcast features Carolyne Whelan, the editor in chief of Adventure Cyclist Magazine. Carolyne is a poet, a journalist, a cyclist, and has a super interesting background that led her to the position she occupies today.

And, Adventure Cyclist Magazine, unlike many other cycling publications, is not only still standing, but is OUTstanding as it launches a new look for 2023.

 

 

After a break, we’ll meet two young people whose passion for safe roads for young people shows up in some very meaningful ways. Daniela Gomez, who lives and works in Bogota, Columbia, and Dilshod Kholmatov, who is in Tajikistan, both represent the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, a program that was launched by YOURS – Youth For Road Safety – a global organization that acts to make the world’s road safe for youth.

Seems that the problems of road safety are no different in Colombia, Tajikistan, or the U.S. Too many young people are being injured or killed on the roads and there is an international initiative that is fervently working on the problems.

From the “claimingourspace.org” website that invites young people to get involved to the YOURS academy, which is offering free modules to get you started on the path to road safety advocacy, Daniela Gomez and Dilshod Kholmatov are two of the spokespeople who are making a difference in their respective countries. 

In separate but very impactful ways, both Daniela and Dilshod bring their amazing backgrounds to the table to effect meaningful change in their countries.

Show #518 – September 5, 2020

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.

Show #297 – May 14, 2016

Guests: Dr. Gabe Mirkin; Historian David Herlihy

Two guests this week!

My first guest is one of the most knowledgeable and forward thinking people I know. Dr. Gabe Mirkin, who at 81 remembers more than most of us will ever know, discusses diet (and dieting), metabolism, fads, and what we need to do to maintain our health long into our 80’s, 90’s, and beyond.  (If you don’t subscribe to his weekly eZine… maybe you should!)

After the break, I talk with one of if not the most renowned historian in the field of bicycles. David Herlihy, who has been on the show several other times, is always full of facts, anecdotes, and historical stories no one else seems to be able to uncover.

His 2006 book, Bicycle: The History was named the #1 book on bicycles by Outside Magazine; and, The Lost Cyclist, which we explored on the show back in 2010 uncovered an old cold case with the probable conclusion of that happened to Frank Lenz.

Now, David’s new article in the June issue of Adventure Cyclist Magazine,Eastman & Overman” details the relationship of George Eastman (think Kodak!) and Albert Overman (who?). The story is rich in history and gives us a glimpse into the world of cycling from a perspective heretofore untold.

It’s a fabulous hour!

Show #277 – December 19, 2015

Guests: Velo News editor Caley Fretz; “Mad Dog Media’s” Patrick O’Grady

Happy holidays from The Outspoken Cyclist!

We have two great guests for our final show of 2015.

First up is popular Velo News associate editor Caley Fretz. Caley has written so much about our sport and this past week had two articles published – both of which grabbed my attention.

There were actually two separate entries about the first subject, transgender cyclocross racer Molly Cameron. The first, on December 11th said she wouldn’t be permitted to race in the master’s men’s events; and the second, published just a few days later, said she would. And, while this isn’t what Caley and I talked about for this on air conversation, both are fitting for this time in history and in our sport.

The second article, titled: “Uniquely vulnerable: The Tour and terrorism” raised the hair on the back of my neck. In light of all the issues in Paris (and elsewhere around the world), the question of whether the peloton is defenseless against predators seems like an important one to ask. Then, there are the spectators and support crew – how can we protect cycling?

In our conversation Caley and I discuss what the authorities did at the 2015 TdF and what we might expect to see in the future.

We also chat a bit about all the crashes that seem to be coming from course obstacles – both moving and stationary – as well as what Caley is working on for 2016. (Hint: women + para-olympics!)

After our news and a break, we head on out to Albuquerque to catch up with long time journalist, cartoonist, and satirist, Patrick “Mad Dog Media” O’Grady.

Patrick’s reviews of bikes this past year for Adventure Cyclist Magazine give us great insight into what is truly available as well as desirable in a sturdy, functional, reasonably priced, and fun touring machine. Who knew there were so many available when one rarely sees them in the local bike shops. But, out there they are and after talking with Patrick, you might just want to add one to your stable!

Show #205 – August 2, 2014

Guests: Attorney & Writer Seth Davidson; Adventure Cyclist Magazine’s editor Mike Deme; 2014 RAAM solo finisher Dennis Johnson

So, last week we reported on one Laura Weintraub, the now ex-cop from Santa Paula, California, who decided to make a little video that happened to go viral.  As she filmed herself while her husband was driving, she not only made fun of cyclists – so sticks and stones, etc. – but she also decided it might be a good idea to talk about running a cyclist over.  Well… that went over like a lead balloon and within the nanosecond that the interwebz can broadcast something, she was suspended and then resigned.

The silver lining in this story is lovely and attorney, cycling advocate, and writer Seth Davidson, called Police Chief Steve McLean to see if law enforcement might meet up and have a face-to-face.  To Seth’s surprise, the Police Chief not only WELCOMED the conversation but took full responsibility for his errant officer.  It’s a story with a very happy ending – except for Ms. Weintraub of course!

We’ll check in with Adventure Cyclist Magazine’s editor, Mike Deme about a new collaboration between AC and EuroVelo.com.  For the past couple of years, AC has been working on the U.S.B.R.S. map. To date, the national network of bicycle routes, which will link urban, suburban, and rural areas using a variety of appropriate cycling facilities, has established 6,790 miles in 15 states and more than 40 states are working to create more US Bicycle Routes for the mapping project.

But, when a U.S. cyclist wants to go to Europe to ride, the map system is a bit different and Mike, along with AC’s Ginny Sullivan, came up with a way to join forces to offer more routes on both continents.

Lastly, we’ll speak with Dennis Johnson.  Dennis is a stay-at-home Dad for his young adopted daughter.  Dennis is also is a long-distance, endurance cyclist.  At RAAM 2014, riding a recumbent bike, Dennis placed 7th overall out of 48 soloists, the largest starting field ever. It was the first time a 60+ rider has ever finished in the top ten. Also, it was the first time a 60+ rider was the first American to finish.  But, wait, there’s more… Dennis set other records too.

Show #162 – September 28, 2013

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: