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Show #355 – July 8, 2017

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Guests: Dan Wuori; Brent Schroetenboer; Bob Mionske; Gernot Sauter

Should Peter Sagan, the reigning world champion, have been summarily ejected from the Tour de France after Stage 4? Controversy surround the “hasty” decision by the officials and it’s too late! Sagan was on a plane home the same night.

Velo News columnist Dan Wuori joins me to talk about the incident. He also reminds us that “Tour de Pharmacy” airs on HBO tonight, July 8th, at 10pm eastern

Then, USA Today journalist Brent Schroetenboer, wh has been following the Lance Armstrong case, gives us some background on the latest iteration of the saga as the November trial date looms ahead. Do the Feds have enough to convict Armstrong on the charges they are bringing or will we see an end to the controversy?

After Nako Nakatsuka was hit from behind by a car, she received a “pay up” letter from the driver’s insurance. She was suddenly liable for “backing in to the car and causing damage”. What ensued was evidently a comedy of errors adding insult to her injuries and the damage to her bike. Bike lawyer Bob Mionske and I discuss this case, what to do when you are involved in a crash, and how to prevent future litigation.

Finally, we hear from our National Bike Challenge Stories riders with our second audio. Gernot Sauter lives in Dusseldorf, Germany and as an employee of NBC sponsor 3M, gives us his impressions of the Tour de France, which started practically outside his doorstep.

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Show #354 – July 1, 2017

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Guests: Odessa Gunn; Lloyd Joyce; Cait Dooley

This week Diane talks with retired pro racer Odessa Gunn. She and Levi Leipheimer (her ex-husband) run the Levi’s Gran Fondo from which funds are distributed to several at-risk youth organizations.

In addition, Odessa, who loves animals, has recently returned from China in a effort to both stop and rescue dogs from the horrific and sickening Yulin Dog Festival held each June. Please listen to this show knowing that it is a disturbing topic; and, a story that needs telling.

You can help Odessa rescue and treat these dogs at her crowdfunding site.

Then, retired Marine Lloyd Joyce fills us in on his trip from Pittsburgh to D.C. as he and 99 other veterans ride the 335 miles for the Veteran’s Leadership Program of Western Pa. The organization helps veterans with housing, medical services, employment services and more.

Finally, we speak with Cait Dooley. Cait is currently a product manager for GT bicycles; but, her journey to that position has been bumpy. Her story is documented in an article this week in Pelotonmagazine.com titled Human Race: Cait Dooley by journalist Peter Flax.

Great show!

 

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Show #353 – June 24, 2017

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Guests: Simon Marshall & Lesley Paterson; Zac Monnier

While climate change was our topic last week, this week we take a totally different road and look at how we often are our own worst enemies when it comes to success or failure – especially in sport.

I have a lengthy conversation with the husband and wife coaching team of Braveheart Coaching, Simon Marshall and Leslie Paterson.

I’m not sure it gets more qualified than these two when it comes to credentials and success. Their new book, The Brave Athlete – with the sub-title “calm the f**k down and rise to the occasion“, may sound a bit cheeky, but it conveys 320+ pages of solid information and advice in how to calm your “chimp brain”, balance your “professor” brain, and otherwise stop sabotaging your own successes.

If you tell yourself things such as “I feel fat”, “I keep screwing up”, or “I don’t handle pressure well”, you will find some spot on advice and a way to solve those nagging issues that keep you from success.

After my conversation with Simon and Lesley, we’ll take a short break and come back with some news stories – two of which relate to how athletes in fact do sabotage their successes, a possible big move in the industry by Rodale Press, and a study about how attached we are to our bikes.

Finally, we air the first of our National Bicycle Challenge stories today! Zac Monnier from Harrisburg, PA recorded his story for us and I believe it will inspire you to not only join the Challenge if you haven’t already, but to perhaps looks at advocacy in your City.

Remember that we are still taking 2-4 minute audio clips about why you joined the Challenge and what your goals are.  Email an mp3 to [email protected]

Enjoy the show!

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Show #352 – June 17, 2017

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Guest: Dr. David Goodrich

Is climate change real? I think you will find that the answer is not at all ambiguous.

This week, we take an in-depth view of climate, as seen from the seat of a bicycle, when I speak with Dr. David Goodrich.

His new book, A Hole in the Wind, published by Pegasus Books on June 6th, is a detailed account of his journeys across the U.S. on his trusty Trek 520.
Along the way, Dave talks to us and relays his conversations and observations about history, climate, and how we do or do not account for the variations that seem to be heading in a direction that could eventually lead to no return.

Dave worked at NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) where he served as director of the UN Global Climate Observing System in Geneva, Switzerland. He retired as head of NOAA’s Climate Observations and Monitoring Program.

From the moment he dipped his front wheel into the Atlantic to the time his rear wheel hit the Pacific, David has eloquently told the story of our country and what is happening to the land, the air, and the seas.

You can read more about David and his excursions on his blog.

I hope you enjoy our conversation.

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Show #351 – June 10, 2017

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Guests: Professor Casey Raymond; Jonny Brown; Matt Holden

What happens when you add beer, whiskey, cheese, and bikes? You get to spend some time with Professor Casey Raymond in Europe. Dr. Raymond is a college chemistry professor and his fermentation and food science course is not just for science students.

His short trips abroad program introduces college attendees to the culture, history, social norms, and transportation alternatives as they travel to learn about the “consumables” of the country.

Professor Raymond was just awarded the SUNY Oswego President’s Award for Teaching Excellence and you are about to meet him!

Then, it’s off to Austin, Texas to speak with Aexon Hagens Berman’s Jonny Brown. The 20 year old has already garnered two National Championships as an amateur; now, in his professional career he’s starting to rack up some impressive results.

We talk about what it takes to be a professional cyclist and what he plans to do when his racing career is over.

Then, it’s off to the UK to talk with Matt Holden about Haute Route. The organization offers 7-day timed events that include a lot of perks along with the riding – mostly up hill!

This year, Haute Route introduces its first American edition in the Colorado Rockies.

So, let’s learn a bit about chemistry!

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Show #350 – June 3, 2017

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This week it’s FOUR conversations.

We begin on a somber note as we remember the Aexon Hagens Berman press officer, Sean Weide, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49 at his home in Omaha, Nebraska this week.

Sean was only 49 and one of those 24/7 people who worked behind the scenes as the conduit between the riders and their teams and the press.

Caley wrote a great tribute to him on the VeloNews.com site this week; and, the stories about Sean keep rolling in.

Then, we head over to France where Peter Cossins, who lives within a few miles of the 2017 Stage 13 TdF event will be ridden this year, has written a new book titled “The First Tour de France. In 1903 , 60 riders lined up to race 19 stages in what has become the most famous cycling event in the world. The book is a treasure trove of historical information.

Then, it’s off to the Big Apple to chat with event director for BikeNY, Jena McLaughlina bout the “Discover the Hudson Valley” ride coming up June 25th.

Finally, Hans Rey joins me to talk about his Tutti Fruitti course in Livigno, Italy and invites us to come along and ride with him this summer!

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Show #349 – May 27, 2017

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Guests: Tyler Evans; Mark Beaumont; Jeff Horowitz

This week we have a frame builder, an ultra-endurance cyclist, and a coach-trainer to entertain, inform, and motivate you.

Tyler Evans is one of the triad of partners at Firefly Bicycles in Boston. Along with Jamie Mederios and Kevin Wolfson (as well as newbie Daniel Leader) the company produces some of the most exquisite titanium bikes on the market.

Tyler explains how they create the finishes that you won’t see anywhere else and how each frame is documented from start to finish.

If you think all titanium is the same, this will change your thinking!

Guest #2 is ultra-endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont. Speaking from his home in the Scottish Highlands in between training sessions, Mark gives us a tutorial on what “endurance” really means.

Riding 16 hours a day, 4 hours at a time, Mark will be going “Around the World” covering 8,000 miles in 80 days to break a world record for time and distance. He will be riding his full carbon Koga with Shimano Di2 saying that it is extremely comfortable for the kind of time he needs to spend in the saddle each day.

When he isn’t performing these amazing feats, Mark helps his network of corporate sponsors as an advisor and ambassador.

Then, my third guest this week is certified coach and trainer, Jeff Horowitz. His new book, Ageless Strength – Strong and Fit for a Lifetime offers a simple, straightforward, and intelligent way to become balanced, strong, and functional – especially as we age.

So much fun in such a short one hour!

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Show #348 – May 20, 2017

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Guests: Jim & Maria Parker; Jamie Swan

This week Diane talks with Jim and Maria Parker from Cruz Bike. In addition to launching the T50, a new model, through a successful “Kickstarter” campaign, the discussion goes to their continued disappointment that USAT (U.S.A. Triathlon) won’t allow recumbent style bikes in sanctioned events.

Then, there’s the wonderful chat with Jamie Swan. A frame builder’s frame builder, a mechanic’s mechanic, and much more, Jamie is known for his dogged commitment to an exquisite result in everything he does. It’s a delightful conversation. We also talk about the Webb Institute and what Jamie does there.

Finally, a reminder to join the National Bike Challenge and record your miles. You can also record your voice for our NBC Stories. Just record a 3-4 minute piece, use the Voice Record Pro app or something similar telling us why you are riding the Challenge and what cycling means to you. We’ll choose twelve of them and air them over the next three months.

You can find out more on the NBC Facebook page.

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Show #347 – May 13, 2017

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Guests: Mike Varley; Peter Flax; Brian Jenks

This week we have three interesting and diverse conversations.

First, let me introduce you to Mike Varley. He’s the proprietor of Black Mountain Cycles in Point Reyes Station, California and has a most interesting story to tell. He hails from a solid background in working with such groundbreaking companies as Haro where he designed all sorts of great bike models.

His shop is a one-man operation and his offerings are his own. The Black Mountain Cycles “brand” is a direct reflection of Mike’s ideas and ideals.
Oh, did I mention Mike has two radio shows too?

Then, I catch up with journalist Peter Flax. Peter was editor-in-chief of Bicycling and is now the features editor for the Hollywood Reporter.

Peter has been following the story of the tragic and untimely death of Thomas Palermo by the reckless and careless driving of the now de-frocked Episcopal Bishop of Baltimore, Heather Cook.

Ms. Cook was driving at three times the alcohol legal limit AND texting when she drove into the bike lane in broad daylight and ran Tom over, killing him. She fled the scene, only to come back – not once, but twice – before being arrested and jailed.

The bishop had been in the same position in the past; only, she hadn’t killed anyone previously.

Last week, after serving 18 months of her 7 year sentence, Ms. Cook petitioned the parole board for early release. Prudent minds that saw a lack of remorse and a woman who seems to be very much in denial of her illness, said no.

Peter, who has been following the story since it happened in 2014, released an article on cyclingtips.com May 5th titled “Eligible for parole after 18 months in prison: The builder, the bishop, and a most violent crime” .

In it, Peter goes back to the beginning of the incident and takes us through the parole hearing. We talk about whether this high-profile case will make a difference and what happens to these cases in the court of law.

Lastly, my Brian gives us some insight into a comment Mike Varley makes at the beginning of the show on a solution Brian needed to come up with for a client that has had long-lived reception all over the world – it’s the Shimergo Solution and it’s a fascinating story; if I do say so myself!

Be prepared to have fun!

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Show #346 – May 6, 2017

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Guests: Rev. Laura Everett, Katelynn Alexoff & Chris Vorwald; Phil Gaimon

My first guest this week is Reverend Laura Everett. Her new book, Holy Spokes – The Search for Urban Spirituality on Two Wheels. takes her background as a pastor, combines it with an abiding love for year-round cycling, and adds the spiritual teachings of Brother Lawrence to offer up an insightful and beautifully written book that combines her religious background with a secular perspective.

Dissecting the bike into its concrete parts, Reverend Laura equates each part with a down-to-earth look at life that I found enlightening.

Then, we check in with the Katelynn and Chris, two of the owners of Vari-Wall in Columbiana, Ohio. Founded in 1985, the company specializes in resolving tubular design problem and is upping its game in the bicycle tubing arena. Offering air hardened steel tubes, Vari-Wall is looking to expand its market to frame builders – just as True Temper steps away.

Lastly, I have a delightful conversation with recently retired pro racer Phil Gaimon. Always brutally honest and usually hilarious, we talk about how and why he retired, the reasons bicycle racing isn’t so “all that”, and about his new book, Ask A Pro: Deep Thought and Unreliable Advice from America’s Foremost Cycling Sage. We talk about cookies too!