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Show #492 – February 15, 2020

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Guests: Robin Thurston; Brian Miller

Every once in a while, I have the privilege of speaking with someone who has made a contribution to our sport – and in this case – to many sports, that has literally changed the way people participate.

Robin Thurston, the new CEO of Pocket Outdoor Media, home to Velo News, Velo Press, Triathlete, Women’s Running, and more, started out in finance. Well, he started out as a pro racer back in the 80’s; but, when he ended up in the back of a support vehicle by way of the rear windshield, he came back to the U.S. from Europe and began his professional off-the-bike career.

But, on a cycling trip in Europe, he was asked a question that would change the way we think about traveling by bike. And, I’ll let him tell you the rest.

Then, we’ll head to the big apple to speak with Brian Miller, the importer for iRideUSA.

The classic Italian brand of handbuilt steel bikes will be exhibiting at NAHBS in Dallas next month. Brian tell us about the Giammati’s – the family that started the brand in 1919 and still operates the factory today.

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Show #491 – February 8, 2020

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Guests: Don Walker; Aaron Weiss; Doug Torosian

On March 20th, the 16th annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show opens in Dallas, Texas at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. Tonight, I speak with the founder of the show, Don Walker, to unpack all the details including a brand new event being held in conjunction with the show.

Then, Aaron Weiss joins me from Hanoi, Viet Nam, to talk about his long time idea of a special back pack for the Professional Bicycle Commuter – I love saying that! Aaron, who is retired from the US Marine Corps at the rank of Lt. Colonel, began his career in Washington DC where he found that his uniform after his 5 mile commute to the Pentagon wasn’t up to snuff in the packs he found for his bike.

Since then, he’s been working on the idea, and when his wife was assigned to the US Embassy in Hanoi, Aaron retired and began his R&D in earnest. Yesterday, his Kickstarter campaign was fully funded and his Shellback Bike Pack will become a reality.

Finally, we take a journey to NH where long time cross-country rider and owner of American by Bicycle, Doug Torosian, lives and works. ABB is one of the most respected organizations that has fulfilled thousands of riders’ dreams of making that cross country trip.

Doug will fill us in on how ABB began and why their trips are so compelling.

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Show #490 – February 1, 2020

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Guests: Benita Warns; Jay Kinsinger

Benita Warns (and her husband Mr. Michael – who is a special guy unto himself) own and operate Midway Bicycle Supply – a bike shop and bike supply company TO bike shops, in St Paul, MN.

It all started with a young man who wanted a bike and couldn’t afford one – even a good used one. From there, Mr. Michael Recycles Bicycles – a non-profit organization that refurbed and gave away hundreds of bike – 719 of them in 2019 alone – over 8,000 of them since 2004.

What’s even more impressive? it’s the way they not only got into bike supply but what they do after the sale that is so unusual.

Right in the middle of The Little Miami Scenic Trail system in southern Ohio, one of the best trail systems anywhere, lies the little town of Cedarville. And, right in the town of Cedarville is Sojourn Cyclery – one of the only builders of hand crafted wood bikes. Let me introduce you to Jay Kinsinger – professor, woodworker, bike builder.

Jay’s Dad was a shop teacher; Jay fell in love with bikes AND woodworking as a youngster.

Sojourn Cyclery will be at NAHBS 2020 in Dallas next month. You can also see some of his work in action on You Tube at Sojourn Cyclery Building Process Overview, or follow Sojourn on Instagram and Facebook.

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Show #488 – January 25, 2020

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Guests: Jeff Mauck; Molly Hurford; Jay Clipse

The Outspoken Cyclist Welcomes Bike Law as a valued partner for 2020!

 

As we approach NAHBS 2020 – coming up in March – I wanted to introduce you to some of the newer exhibitors who will be displaying their wares in Dallas this year. This week, my first guest is Jeff Mauck, founder of Juggernaut Cargo Bikes.

Jeff is an interesting guy – who also does NOT come from a bicycling background, other than the fact that he loves mountain biking. He DOES come from an urban planning and architecture background and is quick to point out the Juggernaut Cargo Bikes are being built to address mobility and sustainability.

Second up is our friend Molly Hurford. Out with a new book titled, “The Athlete’s Guide to Sponsorship,” I can hardly keep up with this busy woman. She’s currently in Spain enjoying some of the best riding in the world, as she says; and, is still working on her series Shred Girls – book #2 comes out this summer.

But, she states right up front in our conversation that this new book just wanted to be written and, with a sub-title of An Athlete Entrepreneur’s Guide to Dreaming Big, Racing Smart, and Creating a Reliable Brand for a Long Successful Career – big mouthful! – I think it was a good idea to follow the urge to put this out there for everyone to read, digest, and put into action.

Finally, I talk with Jay Clipse – the co-founder and race director of the Black Fork Gravel Grinder. Lo and Behold – the event takes place right here in Ohio at Mohican State Park, one of the most stunning natural regions in the state.

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Show #487 – January 18, 2020

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Guests: Eve Kofsky & Roger Strauss; Sam Noel; Joy Hancock

Hey – welcome to the show this week. The podcast is running a tad long – BUT, I really was enjoying the interviews and didn’t want to chop them up too much. PLUS, I think the show is interesting and well worth the listen (of course I do!)

First topic is the incredible response that we got from our FB question last week – what material(s) are you riding. There were well over 100 people weighing in and, as expected, lots of carbon and aluminum. A fair amount of steel and, to my surprise, a pretty generous smattering of titanium.

This week’s question – how many bikes do you currently have? This ought to be interesting!

We begin the show this week with Eve Kofsky and Roger Strauss – the long time ride directors of the Georgia Tandem Rally.  The GTR (because isn’t everything an acronym???) is unique in that Eve and Roger have always been the ones to produce the event as opposed to many other tandem rallies that are hosted by different clubs in their respective regions around the U.S.

And, because of their continual involvement and their attention to detail, they see an enormous number of tandem teams return year after year. Eve and Roger will be up momentarily.

Guest #2 this week is about to turn 20 years old. He’s a student at the University of Vermont and was just picked as part of the US U23 World CX team.

What’s truly endearing about Sam Noel is his appreciation for his team, his sponsors, USA Cycling, and the outpouring that came in to help him get to Switzerland at the end of the month to race for the US.

 

 

And, finally, I speak with Joy Hancock, the director of Bike Florida.

For many, many years – in fact for 25 years – I have thought of Bike Florida as a week-long ride around and across the state.

BUT, that’s not the case now. Today, Bike Florida is all about advocacy, tourism, and making Florida a safe, fun, and economically successful place to ride your bike.

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Show #485 – January 4, 2020

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Guests: Dean Yobbi; Kristi Mohn; Brian Jenks (yes… THAT Brian!)

This week, we have three guests for you including an extended conversation with me and my husband Brian about… well all kinds of cycling related stuff.

First up is Dean Yobbi – managing editor of BR&IN . Back on December 19th, Dean published an article titled Park Service disbands e-bike advisory group over secret lobbying concerns” – Secret Lobbying and bike industry didn’t compute for me and so, I wanted to know more.

Then, we head on our to Emporia, Kansas – home of the incredibly popular Dirty Kanza gravel races. Kristi Mohn, who was born and raised in Emporia and returned to work and raise her kids there, is the director of the DK Women’s Bike Camp. The 4-day experience is for any woman who wants to learn, improve, and participate in the wildly popular type of riding now termed GRAVEL.

And, finally, , my husband Brian and I chat about many-things-bike .. from Jan Heine’s component predictions for the coming year to why laterals are no longer being used on tandems. It’s a “discussion as usually occurs in our house” type of chat.

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Show #484 – December 28, 2019

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Guest: Neal Rogers

This week, Cycling Tips.com’s editor-at-large Neal Rogers joins me to talk about the pros year in review, what we might expect in 2020, and tells us about his head-to-head ride with ex-pro Jonathan Vaughters in the Battle of he Mamils – or, as Neal likes to say, “the has been versus the never was.”

Neal has been working in cycling journalism for the past twenty years and has a pretty solid grasp on the sport as well as some interesting thoughts about the future.

I caught up with him just before the Christmas holiday.

You can also follow Neal on Twitter @nealrogers.

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Show #483 – December 21, 2019

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Guests: Patrick Brady; Manuel Tajada; Michelle Duffy; Dennis Markatos-Soriano

This week we have the proverbial smorgasbord of shows! 4 guests whose topics range from California, Spain, to Colorado, and finally to the East Coast!

Usually, when we think about Patrick Brady, we think Red Kite Prayer and road bikes, right?

Well, Patrick is wearing a new cap these days as interim executive director of the California Mountain Bike Coalition. In a state so large with so many different areas in which to ride, there are also a plethora of organizations that manage mountain bike issues. So, now there is CAMBT – And, with a new 501(c) 4 designation, there is a new mission – to improve and increase trail access for mountain biking throughout California by providing a unified statewide voice for organizations and individuals.

And, we’ll find out why Patrick is a great choice to head it up.

Then, we head to Barcelona, Spain to speak with Race Director Manuel Tajada about the Garmin Titan Desert Race. Who knew that upwards of 700 people have been competing through the mountains and dunes of Morocco for a week, followed by an entourage of medical assistance, restaurants, technical support, and a spa-like encampment each night?

About to launch its 15th year, the race will also see 5-time TdF winner Miguel Indurain join the ranks with the hope of finishing!

Then, it’s back to the U.S. to speak with the director of off-road events for Lifetime , Michelle Duffy. In the past year, Lifetime has acquired Crusher in the Tushar, Dirty Kanza, and recently announced the new Big Sugar gravel races as the organization looks to expand its already large offering of other events.

To say that gravel is the thing these days was perfectly illustrated when Big Sugar sold out in 4 minutes of when it was announced.

And, finally – Dennis Markatos-Soriano, executive direction of the East Coast Greenway Alliance brings us up to date on the progress made in 2019 on the 3,000 mile north to south – or, if you prefer, south to north – connectors that make walking and biking safer and more enjoyable.

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Show #482 – December 14, 2019

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Guests: Dan Burden; Caron Whitaker; Tori Fahey

It may not seem as if anything is getting done in Washington besides the impeachment hearings, but in fact, there are Representatives who are doing the work they were elected to do – introduce and pass bills that, hopefully will make our lives better.

HR5231 is one of those bills and this evening, LAB’s Caron Whitaker tells us what it is, why it’s important, and what we can do to push it along in the process. Carol will be with me a bit later in the show.

We’ll take a trip across the pond to chat with Tori Fahey about her company Apidura – Tori left the corporate world, found long distance cycling – I mean LONG distances – and, out of her experiences, she started her company Apidura.

She and her team design ultra light bikepacking equipment and offer up an interactive web site that also helps you find the adventures you want to take.

But first up tonight, we talk with one of the original founders of Adventure Cycling. Dan Burden is 75 now and should be retired, right? Um – no… he has reinvented himself and works with Dan Buettner at Blue Zones as the Director of Innovation and Inspiration. (Which he will translate for us in a minute)

What’s a Blue Zone you ask? A Blue Zone is a non-scientific term given to geographic regions that are home to some of the world’s oldest people – like centenarians – you know, people who live past 100. But, I’ll let him tell you the rest.