Show #292 – April 2, 2016

Guests: Chef Biju Thomas; Journalist Dan Wuori

Sorry this is late everyone!  I was on vacation in Ridgeland, Mississippi for the OBO Tandem Rally.  A really well put-together event, 41 teams began the day on Saturday.  This was my first “extended” ride since my stem cell therapy last July, so I was delighted to have finished the 41 mile route.

Rode another 24 on Sunday and then left Mississippi headed for New Orleans.  We stayed at the Fleur de Lis Mansion in the Garden District and walked EVERYWHERE.  We did not move the car or take any other form of transportation until we left on Wednesday.  New Orleans is without a doubt one of the most interesting places I’ve ever visited.  The culture(s), food, architecture, and rich history were a bit overwhelming and difficult to digest in just a few days.

And, wait for it, as long as we’re talking food AND digestion… my show for April 2nd starts out with our favorite cycling chef, Biju Thomas.  His Feed Zone Cookbook series have been wildly popular – as is his Little Curry Shop in Denver, Colorado.

The new book in the series, The Feed Zone Table is not just a book of recipes however – rather, it is a short treatise written by both Biju and his partner at Skratch Labs, Dr. Allen Lim, about the effects food, companionship, friendship, and culture have on pro athletes as they struggle with what is mostly a solitary life.

The hardbound book is beautifully written and illustrated with some great candid shots of many riders you might know as you page through the concepts and recipes.

After a short break and some news, I head to South Carolina to welcome back Velo News journalist Dan Wuori.  Dan and I discuss the loss of two pro cyclists in the peloton in late March as well as how incidents between cyclists and the motorbikes that seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time might be better regulated in the upcoming race season and beyond.  We also talk about the Spring Classics, who is looking good for the Tour, and more.

Hope you enjoy this week’s show!

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!