Show #285 – February 13, 2016

Guests: Connie Carpenter-Phinney, Don Walker

I love my work!

Connie Carpenter-Phinney has been a champion since she was 14, and today as the wife of Davis Phinney, the mother of BMC’s Taylor Phinney, and the mother of a world class Nordic skiing daughter, she relishes the quirky, fun, and fascinating lifestyle that they have developed over the past decades.

Connie and I talk about a variety of topics including Parkinson’s disease (Davis was diagnosed at the young age of 40) and the Sufferlandria competition that is raising money for the Davis Phinney Foundation.

We get in to a bit of women’s racing history and speculation about how and why it has changed – especially n light of today’s great competitors.

And, of course we discuss Taylor’s bid for gold at the 2016 Olympics.

After a short break to punch up Radiothon, we head on in to some news and then down to Kentucky to talk with “The Don” – Don Walker.

NAHBS 2016 is around the corner and it’s always fun to find out what’s coming up for the artisan show that is now in its 12th year!

SO – back to Radiothon for just a moment… the window of opportunity to pledge your support of our show and all the great programming at WJCU (which streams some of the best college radio anywhere) will close on Tuesday, February 17th at 5pm. PLEASE pledge your support!

Show #268 – October 17, 2015

Guests: Pro Racer Taylor Phinney; CruzBike CEO Maria Parker

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with a young man who is thoughtful, interesting, introspective, and multi-talented.

25 year old pro racer Taylor Phinney rides for Pro Team BMC and is headed for the 2016 Olympics in Rio after qualifying for the time trial at the World Championships in Richmond, Virginia last month.

The son of Connie Carpenter-Phinney and Davis Phinney – both world class athletes and Olympians – Taylor gives us a glimpse into growing up in this athletic and down-to-earth family, how he found his artistic outlet when he was injured and rehabbing after a nasty crash, and how he really likes a great sandwich – among other things!

Then, after a break for some news, we head down to North Carolina to speak with multi-record holder endurance athlete and CEO of CruzBike, Maria Parker.

I met this energetic lady at the Recumbent Cycle-Con in Cincinnati a few weeks ago and wanted to know more about her and the company she runs.

CruzBikes are built differently than other recumbents and a lot of people came down to test ride them and find out how and why. Maria answers all those questions!

At 50, Maria is racing and winning – and raising funds for brain cancer research. Her sister, who died from the disease, became the impetus for redoubling her racing and riding efforts and continues to champion the cause for more funding and research to find a cure.

So, sit back and enjoy my chat with Taylor Phinney!

Show #225 – December 20, 2014

Guests: Pro Cyclist and film producer Kathryn Bertine; Coach, author, and ultra-distance athlete Mark Kleanthous

Happy holidays to all! Happy Solstice too!

With just a few more days to get those last minute gifts, we have two guests whose work might just offer up a suggestion and, regardless – are interesting for who they are and what they do.

My first guest is the producer and director of the cycling documentary “Half the Road: The Passion, Power, & Pitfalls of Women’s Professional Cycling.”

Although Kathryn Bertine started out as a figure skater, she found her way into triathlon and then fell in love with road cycling.

Quickly riding to the top of the standings, she found out just how difficult it is for women – even very talented women – to find a place in pro cycling. So, she fell back on her journalism work (she was a writer for ESPN) and called upon all her connections to produce this 1 hour and 52 minute documentary. It includes some of the great cyclists from the past – Connie Carpenter Phinney and Inga Thompson for example; and some of the great women racing today. The film is narrated by ex-pro cyclist and well-known race announcer Bob Roll. You can find out more about the film and the accompanying book at www.halftheroad.com.

In the second half of the show, we will speak with Mark Kleanthous,  ultra-distance athlete, coach, and author of the new book, The Mental Battle: Triathlon .

Mark also authored the Complete Book of Triathlon Training and has over 1050 triathlons, marathons, and other ultra-endurance events under his belt.

The Mental Battle gives you all the ammunition you need to conquer the demons that plague an athlete mentally when racing or training. From positive imagery to a litany of A-Z of negative words we tend to use that end up sabotaging our goals, Mark gives you the tools you need to train and compete. (And, if you order one of the books from his web site, Mark will sign it for you too!)

Either the film or the book might just be the right “last gift” for you or your cyclist!

Show #91 – May 26, 2012

This week’s Outspoken Cyclist is all about “challenge”. The world of sports in general throws around the word “challenge” a lot. Many iconic events have the word “challenge” in their names. Today’s show features three people who will see your so-called challenge and raise you a life-altering experience.

Leading off is Davis Phinney, one of America’s greatest and most successful bike racers. Davis is married to Connie Carpenter-Phinney, a successful racer in her own right, and their son Taylor is currently racing the Giro d’Italia. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at age 40, and has since formed the Davis Phinney Foundation to raise funds and awareness to help people with Parkinson’s live well today and every day. Davis has some great insights on his own experience with PD, as well as the subject of ‘cure vs. management’.

Bringing it back to the local level here in Cleveland, we welcome back our friend and Alaskan ‘wild rider” Doug Bahniuk. Like Davis Phinney, Doug is also living with Parkinson’s (and living well, by the looks of him), and this summer he’ll be Riding the Rockies with the goal of raising $5,000 for the Davis Phinney Foundation. Check out Doug’s blog for more details.

Last, but certainly not least, our final guest today is Mark Stephan. In 2007, Mark was involved in a cycling crash that broke two vertebrae in his neck and left him a quadriplegic. Two years later, he climbed stairs to the top of the Sears Tower. This summer, he’s riding cross country on a recumbent trike. After you hear his amazing story on The Outspoken Cyclist, you’ll want to learn more at Stephan Challenge.