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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!

 

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Show #345 – April 29, 2017

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Guests: Rob Gusky; Michael Haddad; Leslee Schenck Trzcinski

What a show – what a show!

This week we usher in May with Rob Gusky and the 2017 National Bicycle Challenge. With a lofty goal of 60,000 riders, Rob talks about some of the prizes – like a year’s supply of toilet paper! – the categories – such as corporate teams, schools, and clubs – and how Strava is integrated into the Challenge this year.

Then, Michael Haddad, a member of the Brooklyn Velodrome Vintage Wheelmen, tells us about the exhibit he has curated that will be opening on May 11th at the Italian American Museum in Little Italy, NY.

The exhibit, “Italy’s Golden Age of Bicycles“, includes 12 brands, a collection of great wool jerseys, a lecture by Aili McConnon about her book, Road to Valor – Gino Bartali: Tour de France Legend and World War Two Hero” , and runs through July 2nd.

Then, we speak with retired pro cyclist, yoga instructor, and coach Leslee Schenck Trzcinski. Leslee, who now lives in Rochester, NY with her husband and daughter, tells us about her career, the crash that pretty much ended it, and the work she is doing with aging athletes, especially women.

PS – Remember, May is National Bike Month! Go for a Ride!

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Show #344 – April 22, 2017

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Guests: Kimberly Moszyk Coats and Jock Boyer; Joe Bell

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

This week, we welcome Kimberly Moszyk Coats and Jock Boyer BACK to the U.S. and BACK to the Outspoken Cyclist, as they readjust to life in Wyoming after almost a decade in Rwanda, Africa as the force behind Team Africa Rising!

Speaking from the Boyer Family Ranch, Jock and Kim tell us about their “re-entry into American life, what we can expect from Team Africa Rising going forward, and about their plans to stay connected to the team as well as begin to look at new opportunities here at home.

Then, we meet the man to whom many of the finest frame builders turn to for the finishing touches on their masterpieces – Joe Bell. Perfectionist that he is, Joe tells us about how he became the most sought after bike painter in the U.S. and gives us some of his thoughts about color, why a bike is so difficult to paint well. and how he handles those clients who may not want to hear what he has to say! (He’s a REAL diplomat!) He is recovering from a broken shoulder and tells us that story too!

Sit back and enjoy another great hour of The Outspoken Cyclist

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Show #343 – April 15, 2017

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Guests: Kath Sonnhalter; Curt Goodrich; Chris Carmichael

This week, I speak with Kath Sonnhalter, the force behind a new event here in NE Ohio – BikeBike! It takes place next Sunday, April 23rd at the iconic Beachland Ballroom and it’s all about commuting and self-supported touring.

You can find out more about it at their web site; Kath fills us in on the basics. I’ll be there moderating a series of panels and hope to see you there too!

Then, it’s off to Minneapolis to chat with frame builder Curt Goodrich. He builds his bikes in steel while lending a hand at HED Cycling part time to build one of Cervelo’s carbon frames. He still believes that steel is the ride that, once you experienced it, you will never forget and will probably come back to again and again.

He started out filing and sanding, he ended up as one of the première builders in our handmade bicycle world.

Curt is a one-man-shop, building and painting all his bikes in-house.

Then, I talk with Carmichael Training Systems‘ coach Chris Carmichael about his newest book, The Time-Crunched Bicyclist – Race Winning Fitness in 6 Hours A Week.

We chat about his background (he is an Olympian, a Hall of Fame inductee, was US Olympic Committee Coach of the Year, and more…), then on to his explanation of training high and training low.

I do ask him to speculate on the Giro and the Tour – he has some great insight into that too.

His favorite food? You’ll be surprised.

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Show #342 – April 8, 2017

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Guests: Julie Walcoff; Tim French; Abbie Durkee

The show this week begins with the mention of yet another untimely and tragic loss to the cycling community. Steve Tilford, 4-time National Cyclocross Champion and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee (and that’s barely scratching the surface of who he was and what he did) was struck and killed on the Utah-Colorado border in the midst of a nasty truck/car crash on the Interstate Wednesday night.

His popular blog, SteveTilford.com has more information on Steve, his legacy, and offers you a glimpse into this special man. His loss will be felt for a long time to come.

After a short break, I talk with ODOT‘s Julie Walcoff about the opening of USBR50 through Ohio. A ribbon cutting took place this morning (April 8th) in London, Ohio to officially open the east-to-west designated bike route that will eventually be part of the cross-country USBR50 from California to Washington, DC.

Julie fills us in on how the route developed, the communities which all got on board with the plan, and some of the other projects that are in process at Ohio’s Department of Transportation.

Then, I check in with Tim French who is the 2017 ride director for the Cherohala Challenge. I’ve been hearing about this ride for many years and, this being a special year – 17 – on the 17th of June – in 2017, it was time to find out more.

There are 4 routes including the “Challenge”, a 115 mile ride that includes the famous “Dragon Tail” 318 turns in 11 miles, and over 10,350′ of climbing for the day. Fastest man and woman are the “designated Black Knights”. Your reward? The “dragon slayer” medal for finishing!

Then, I introduce you to Abbie Durkee, a true entrepreneur who is about to launch a brand new concept in bicycle retail – mainly for women. But, wait there’s way more – she’s a yoga (like me), she’s a mountain biker, a mom, and an artist. And, her story is very interesting! Oh, and her My Alibi Clothing company is famous for its bloomers!

Grab a beer – it’s a good one!