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Show #398 – April 28, 2018

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Guests: Marianne Martin; Brandale Randolph

Marianne Martin – photographer, athlete, AND the first woman to win the Tour Cycliste Feminin (Tour de France – women’s!) back in 1984. Marianne and I chat about her top-of-the-podium finish, sharing her trophy with her 5 other teammates and standing next to the TdF men’s winner that year, Laurent Fignon.

We talk about her training, her thoughts on women in cycling, and her current work as a professional photographer.

Then, author and newly-minted entrepreneur, Brandale Randolph talks about his new cycling business 1854 Cycling Company.

In his 2014 TedX Talk at Texas Tech University, Brandale, who was then the founder of the Project Poverty in Lubbock, Texas, talks about his understanding of how poverty REALLY works and what we are doing wrong.

Taking that knowledge and moving to Framingham, MA., Brandale will be employing women in an effort to elevate them from poverty to a living wage while making a full line of eBikes. It’s a great story.

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Show #397 – April 21, 2018

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Guests: Rich Thompson; Kim Perry; Molly Hurford

This week, I am sorry to report some heartbreaking news.

Many of you might remember my conversation with Jackie Crowell back in July of 2014. At the time, she had just given an amazing speech at the Amgen Tour of California and was in treatment for brain cancer. We spoke with her again in May of 2015 and I’ve been following her progress since.

She and her now husband Daniel had postponed their wedding until she was given an all-clear by her doctors and she was doing some great things coaching young riders.

Now, the doctors have discovered that her brain cancer is back – with a vengeance.

As of this week, the tumor that was discovered a short time ago has increased drastically in size and is heading for the middle of her brain where there are limited treatment options.

She is home and, while she isn’t up for visitors, would love to receive any support you might offer. You can find her FaceBook page, Jacquelyn Crowell or send her well wishes at:

162 Warren St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30317

Please keep Jackie, her husband Daniel, and Jackie’s sister Elizabeth who is there with her, in your thoughts and prayers.

Here is the show description for the week:

Our first destination is Virginia – Williamsburg to be exact.

We finally catch up with Rich Thompson from The College of William and Mary. Rich wears more hats than the average guy including one of the associate directors for the two student centers on campus as well as the professional advisor to the on campus Bike Alliance.

Rich and I talk about the Bike Alliance and its activities, the course work related to transportation and wellness, and more.

After a break, we talk with Kim Perry who is the ride director of Bike Virginia. Celebrating her 10th anniversary in the role as director, Kim explains the breadth and depth of this mammoth undertaking.

It’s the 31st year for Bike Virginia and there is something for everyone who rides a bike and wants a vacation. Bike Virginia is a 501C3 non-profit. The event promotes awareness of cycling, encourages communities to embrace biking, and promotes bicycle tourism. There are share the road campaigns, educational programs, and planning with local organizations on infrastructure and educational projects.

The Ride has options for how many days you might want to ride, up to 6, how many miles you might want to ride, up to 400, and how much fun you might want to have. Lots and lots!

We’ll take another break and then it’s off to somewhere north of Toronto. to speak with Bicycling Magazine and theoutdooredit‘s Molly Hurford. Last time we spoke, it was about a lot of the work that Molly does with women and young girls in the sport.

This week, I’ve asked Molly to share some of the items she’s found in apparel and accessories as we head on into the cycling season. We talk about her favorite three items – sun sleeves, the hiplok, and buffs – a cooling and warming bandana.

 

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Show #396 – April 14, 2018

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Guests: Josh Hartman; J. Allard

This week, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with one of our Olympic track hopefuls (if not shoe-in!) Josh Hartman.

He’s only 19 – but, his career is on a trajectory that will add to the gold and silver medals he already has as a national sprint champion.

Not all was this rosy though when, in 2013, he had a horrific crash at the Red Hook Criterium. It landed him in a medically induced coma for several weeks followed by a lengthy hospital stay. You can see and hear about this chapter of life at FloBikes.com. Watch the short documentary Scar.

After some serious convincing, his parents relented to letting Josh get back on a bike and follow his dream.

After a break, we talk with J. Allard from Project 529. In our conversation, J. goes into detail about what happens when your bike goes missing and how, with the help of his free app 529Garage, you can add your bike to the registry and get help from the vast community of law enforcement as well as other riders if your bike is stolen.

 

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Show #395 – April 7, 2018

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Guests: Russ Rader; Wren Nealy; Dr. Albert Rizzo

We begin this week with a conversation about statistics with Russ Rader, VP of Communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. What we learn is that there is a lot of research going on to help stakeholders such as insurance companies, automobile manufacturers, and government learn about what things do and don’t work to make drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists safer. And, there is a LOT of useful information available on the site!

Russ and I talk about the increase in cyclists’ fatalities, what might have happened with the autonomous vehicle that struck and killed the pedestrian walking her bike across the street, and what recommendations are being made to change the behavior of distracted drivers.

Then, it’s off to Texas to talk with Officer (Lt.) Wren Nealy. Wren is the president of IPMBA – The International Police Mountain Bike Association. He’s also an EMT with the Cypress Creek EMS, and a retired Police Lieutenant. Once again, the conversation goes to safety, how bicycle patrols work, and what cyclists should remember while on the road. And, we talk about the bike medic response team!

Lastly, Dr. Albert Rizzo, Senior Medical Advisor, American Lung Association and Section Chief, Pulmonary Medicine, Christiana Care Health System, Newark DE, explains what IPF – Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is and how it is often misdiagnosed. It’s another disease that affects mostly men – and in the prime of their lives.

Enjoy the show!

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Show #394 – March 31, 2018

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Guests: Colin O’Brien; Dr. Eric Heiden (encore presentation)

This week, it’s off to Dublin, Ireland to speak with author Colin O’Brien about his brand new book, The Beautiful Race – The Story of the Giro D’Italia. With the monumental change that the event is about to make – leaving the Continent for its first 3 stages after over 100 years – the book is both timely and relevant.

The book covers the history that lays the backdrop for the race when such greats as Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi – two of the finest cyclists ever to ride – spent much of their careers either helping people or caged up in a POW camp.

Colin’s attention to detail is written in a riveting and interesting way.

The book will be in stores April 3rd here in the States and is available in Europe already.

My second supposed guest came down with the flu, so at the last minute I reached back into the archives for a conversation with one of my heroes – in fact, there aren’t too many who would disagree about his place in U.S. Sport’s history.

Dr. Eric Heiden even today is sa gracious and honest as he was when he won gold at Lake Placid and became a US National Pro Cycling Champion.

Happy holidays to all!

 

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Show #393 – March 24, 2018

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Guests: Richard Schwinn; Joe Nocella

Richard Schwinn in the house this week!  Yes, Richard came to visit dealers in the Midwest, and he stopped in NE Ohio to visit Brian as well as chat with me.

We talk about the state-of-the-custom-bike-business, how Waterford Precision stays on top of technology, and of course we talk a little bit of politics (as it relates to the tariffs in particular).

Always a good conversation!

Then, it’s off to Brooklyn, NY for an interview with Joe Nocella from 718 Cycles.

Joe – architect, teacher, LaCrosse coach, and shop owner – had to make some choices and picked LaCrosse and the shop.

718 Cycles isn’t your usual suspect when it comes to bike shops and Joe isn’t afraid to try something different to keep the business relevant and profitable.

Oh… and did I mention Van Halen? Yeah – that too.

So, settle in for a great hour of the Outspoken Cyclist podcast!

 

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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 #391 – March 10, 2018

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Guests: Mark Norstad; Colleen Kelly Alexander

Mark Norstad might just be the most important frame builder’s supplier anywhere and I have a lengthy conversation with him this week.

Mark started Paragon Machine Works in 1983 – since then, it moved from his parents’ basement with just Mark as the only employee, to a small 1,000 square foot shop, then up to 2,000 and now it’s 8,000 square feet and 10 full time people.

Manufacturing everything from bottom brackets and lugs to custom dropouts and cable stops, Mark believes it is important to serve both the hobbyist as well as the established builder.

We also talk about his induction in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and his broad and deep commitment to bicycle advocacy.

My second guest is Colleen Kelly Alexander. Her new book, “Gratitude in Motion: A True Story of Hope, Determination, and the Everyday Heroes Around Us” takes us into Colleen’s life – from the early days of her Dad’s bicycle shop to the horrific crash that crushed her from sternum to thighs when a freight truck ran a stop sign and rolled over her – with both sets of wheels.

She spent 5 weeks in a coma and endured at least 29 surgeries. Yet, today, Colleen runs, rides, and speaks about what keeps her indomitable spirit buoyant and forward looking.

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Show #390 – March 3, 2018

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Guests: Katie Compton; Lennard Zinn

Radiothon 2018 is officially over and we are awaiting the final tally… thanks to all who pledged support for the station AND our show.

My first guest this week is the incomparable Katie Compton. With too many wins to list here, suffice it to say that she IS the winning-est cyclocross racer EVER!

Our fun and lively conversation covers a bit of her history, her training, her philosophy on the sport, and how she manages her health to stay competitive as she approaches 40.

We also touch upon the racing she and blind cyclist Klarissa Whitsell did in the paralympics.

Guest #2 is Lennard Zinn. His new book – the 6th Edition of Zinn & the Art Of Mountain Bike Maintenance was just published by Velo Press last month. An enormous tome, it contains “everything you always wanted and needed to know” about the care and upkeep of mountain, hybrid, and fat bikes.

We talk about tubeless tires, SRAM’s 1X system, and the care and feeding of disc brakes – especially hydraulics.

After a short break, Lennard and I also talk about the current situation with the heart issue he has been very frank and open about both in his articles for Velo News and in the book he co-wrote The Haywire Heart.

Sit back and enjoy show #390…

 

 

 

 

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Show #389 – February 24, 2018

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Guests: Sarah Morkos; Bob Howells

Design architect Sarah Morkos from Walker Consultants in Boston talks with me about the options that many of her clients are looking to for bicycle parking – whether it be in a closed parking structure, outside on a surface lot, at a campus, or when there needs to be facilities for thousands of card and bicycles! Sarah also wrote a great article about the challenges of bike parking!

Then, I speak with author, journalist, and the co-founder of themastersathlete.com web site, Bob Howells.

With accomplishments too many to list here, Bob talks about just a few – his work with Space-X, his love of an passion for our National Parks, and the work he is doing with those of us past the age of 40.

Last week, Bob’s working partner, Andrew Tilin, was hit and killed as he changed a flat tire by the side of the road on a group ride in Austin.

The outpouring of love, respect, and support for Andrew and his family was instantaneous and overwhelming. Just about every journalist working in the bicycle and outdoor industry today had glowing words and deep sadness at his death.

You can help Andrew Tilin’s family by contributing to the gofundme campaign set up by one of his friends.