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Show #285 – February 13, 2016

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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!

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Show #284 – February 6, 2016

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Guests: VeloVoices; Carlos Perea; Matt McNees

It’s Radiothon week! Won’t you consider making a pledge to help support The Outspoken Cyclist AND WCJU? We ask only once a year and the money is used strictly for the radio station – everything from new equipment to upkeep and programming. It’s the only time we EVER ask for your help and we hope that it is worth your time and a few bucks to help us keep great college station programming on the air.

That said, we have another hour of interesting, fun, and thought-provoking cycling topics this week.

First up we welcome the “voices” behind VeloVoices.com. The wildly popular fan-based site provides up-to-the-minute information through social media, their web site, and twice-monthly podcasts on pro cycling. From coverage of the Tour down Under to the Tour de France, VeloVoices looks at cycling from your perspective. Kathy Hall AKA KittyFondue and Chris Carlson AKA Kiss_my_Panache, the voice of the podcasts, talk with me this evening to tell us more.

Then, we talk with Carlos Perea. From a hand-me-down bike as a kid, Carlos has come full circle to giving back to cycling in conjunction with his company, Yahoo – sending $55,000 in grant money to World Bicycle Relief in 2015 to help with their African Buffalo Bike program. His story is inspiring and heartfelt.

After a break, we head for North Carolina where we talk with professor Matt McNees about his new book, Sport Philosophy Now: The Culture of Sports After The Lance Armstrong Scandal.

Matt’s interest in how sport is perceived in the U.S. and why we have such a reverence for coaches, pro athletes, and the teams that we come to support began at an early age and culminates in the questions he asks and tries to answer in this new study.

Chapters such as: Childhood in Sport, Is Sport Fiction More Real than Sport Fact, and Did Anyone Win” will make you think deeply about whether we are going down the right road as a new era is ushered in with the appointment of Derek Bouchard-Hall at the head of USA Cycling.

So, remember to whip put that wallet, log on to www.wjcu.org, and pledge your support as you listen to your favorite cycling show!

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Show #283 – January 31, 2016

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Guests: Gold medal Cyclist and industry maven Hugh Walton; 4-time successful Kickstarter inventor Brian Davis

Canadian born Hugh Walton holds 12 gold medals, qualified for 2 Olympics, won over 100 professional bicycle races, and made Pearl Izumi a household name. **

We get to explore his history as a pro cyclist as well as his long and successful career in the bicycle industry – working with Raleigh, Pearl Izumi, Hind, and Mavic.

Hugh suffered a stroke 4 years ago and after recuperating and getting back on a bike, he’s about to come back with a new on-line apparel concept. Waltoncustom.com will launch on February 15th and offer the customer a one-off jersey – digitally printed – in three weeks!

The conversation is lively, fun, and truly fascinating.

** Note: There are not many articles or much history about Hugh on line.

After a break and our weekly news round-up, we talk with a 4-time Kickstarter winner Brian Davis. He finds his inspiration from the things that annoy him while riding his bike and, from his first project, The FixItStiks to his latest product The Weatherneck, Brian understands what makes a great product AND a successful crowd-funding campaign.

He also offers anyone who is thinking of starting a crowd-funding project his 49 Tips to a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign – sharing his successful ideas because he can!

Learned a lot from this one!

 

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Show #282 – January 23, 2016

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Guests: Industry expert Jay Townley; Author, Coach, Sports Nutritionist Matt Fitzgerald

If you grew up riding a Schwinn, it very well might have been purchased from a Schwinn Total Concept Store; and, I doubt there is ANYONE who knows more about the original Schwinn Total Store concept than one of its originators, Jay Townley. In fact, you probably didn’t even realize the “totality” of that neighborhood Schwinn store – how it looked, what it had on the pegboard walls, and how the mechanics performed their tasks.

We talk about how that Total Concept idea developed, when and where the Park Tool Company began, and take a peek into what retail looks like today.

Today, Jay offers the bike industry insight, statistics, and guidance as part of the Gluskin-Townley Group and he’s my first guest this evening.

After our break and the rest of the week’s news, we once again talk with author, coach, sports nutritionist and journalist Matt Fitzgerald. Matt, who has written more than 20 book, including his bestselling book Racing Weight which gave us insight into brain hunger and what we need to do to become a leaner, meaner athlete, has released his newest book, “How Bad Do You Want It.”

In it, he discusses the psychology of mind over muscle. Relating the stories of real athletes’ like cyclist Greg LeMond, triathlete Paula-Newby Fraser, and of course the world-class Kenyan runners, the Matt unravels the reasons some of us succeed, some of us don’t, and how we can recognize who and what we are and perhaps change the way we behave.

Let’s begin tonight’s journey with long-time bicycle industry expert, Jay Townley.

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Show #281 – January 16, 2016

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Guest: Race Announcer Extraordinaire Dave Towle

Who is Dave Towle? (That’s TOW-le now tow-EL)

He’s an extraordinary race announcer, a super cool guy, and knows more about modern day cycling than many of us have forgotten.

What is so cool about Dave is his love of the work that he does.  And, he’s got “Towle-isms” such as: “Yes folks he looks skinny but in an hour when the race gets going, this guy will be like a cocktail napkin with an outboard motor attached!”

My conversation with Dave covers the gamut from his early days in Colorado to his… current days in Colorado!

He is not much of a self-aggrandizer (that’s my new $.25 word!) so I had to dig deep to find a good article about him; this one should suffice!

I don’t want to give too much away here because the conversation is fun, interesting, and informative – and it has some pretty nice continuity!

You can follow Dave on Twitter – @davedtowle

This is the time we also start to remind you that WJCU’s annual “Radiothon” will take place next month.  Get your checkbook or credit card ready! We’ll have more soon.

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Show #280 – January 9, 2016

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Guests:
Journalist Chris Solomon
Author Dr. Alex Hutchinson
Sports Physiologist Dr. Bob Murray
#ItsAllAboutSupplements

If you take vitamins, weight loss remedies, or even Viagra, do you know what’s really IN them? Are you SURE?

Back in December, my first guest, Chris Solomon wrote an article for OutsideOnline.com titled, “Deadly Substances Are Lurking in Your Supplements“. In it, he details the horrific story of young athletic people who suddenly began showing up at the Queen’s Liver Center in Honolulu, Hawaii where transplant surgeon Dr. Linda Wong found them in acute liver failure. Two had to be placed on the liver transplant list with only a few days to live.

After much sleuthing, the culprit turned out to be a popular weight loss product called OxyElite Pro sold by USPLabs. The story goes on to relate what it took to get this product off the shelves, hunt down the people who decided to sell off as much as they could even though they knew it was deadly, and finally indict them.

This is just one example; and, as my conversation with Chris unfolds, we get into more detail about the what, why, and how supplements are – or more accurately – are NOT regulated in the U.S.

Then we talk with PhD physicist, journalist, elite runner, and author Alex Hutchinson. Alex is the author of Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? Fitness Myths, Training Truths, and Other Surprising Discoveries from the Science of Exercise. and currently writes the monthly Fast Lane column and the Sweat Science blog for Runner’s World.

After we talk a bit about strength and endurance as it relates to training and racing, Alex weighs in on the supplement theme from a different angle, including a fascinating study that involves the results of multi-vitamins and how those who take them might behave differently from those who don’t.

We also talk about the biological passport developed to help stem the tide of doping.

My third guest this week is Dr. Bob Murray. Bob is head of sports science for Flex Pharma, a biotechnology company that is developing innovative and proprietary treatments for exercise associated muscle cramps, nocturnal leg cramps, and spasms associated with severe neuromuscular conditions.

Developed by Their new “spicy drink “It’s The Nerve“” might just be a way to stem the onset of painful and sometimes debilitating cramps.

Turns out that, while we still don’t know EXACTLY what causes cramping, we are getting a handle on how to alleviate and even prevent it from happening and the Flex Pharma hashtag #ItsTheNerve gives you a clue.

Three guests – three approaches to your well being – both on the bike and off.
Enjoy!

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Show #279 – January 2, 2016 – Happy New Year!

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Guests: It’s Tim and I discussing “stuff”; Jacquie Phelan

Welcome to 2016 and the first show of the year!

Tim and I decided that, because there was so much more interesting news this past week, we would spend the first 1/2 of our show discussing stuff (very technical term) the we found interest.

For example, StreetsblogUSA has a contest running for the “best street transformation of 2015” and there are 6 finalists, including one in Columbus, Ohio. Here is where you can find out more about the “Streetsie Awards” and cast your vote.

Then there are the “Karma Kits” in Napa, California that are placed in strategic places along a variety of trails to aid a cyclist who might need a patch kit, tube, pump, or even an energy bar and emergency poncho. Andre Garcia, who is a tech at Bicycle Works in NAPA and the originator of the Karma Kits, is also vice president of NAPAbike.org. Good karma for sure!

After a break, we head on out to California to speak with Ms. “Alice B. Toeclips” herself – Jacquie Phelan. Our conversation starts with an update about her husband Charlie Cunningham, who was critically injured in a bike crash back in August. Jacquie tells us how this tragic turn of events has changed their lives and what they are doing to cope as Charlie slowly works toward health. (You can help Jacquie and Charlie by making a small donation to their GoFundMe page)

We also chat about many aspects of her life – her interests, her cycling, the WOMBATS club, and her goal for 2016 to get to the World Single Speed Championships in Australia AND take Charlie with her.

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Show #278 – December 26, 2015

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Guests: Richard Schwinn, Maynard Hershon, Ross Shafer (this is an encore presentation of three of my favorite interviews from the past two seasons)

Encore! Encore! They shouted… and, so while we take the holiday off this week, we bring you three of my favorite interviews!

A name known to anyone who has ridden a bike for more than a few minutes – my interview with Richard Schwinn from December of 2013 is, as every conversation with Richard always seems to be, delightful.

Then we hear one of my favorite stories from my favorite bicycle story-teller, Maynard Hershon. If you haven’t heard him tell the tale of the “Nice Wheels” – (and even if you’ve heard it on another show), it is a beautiful story and told in a beautiful way.

Finally, I go back to August of 2014 to my great interview with Ross Shafer – the force behind Salsa Cycles. Only today, Ross is only involved in cycling on the periphery. His interests and his talents go far and wide.

I hope you enjoy this “encore” presentation of the Outspoken Cyclist.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

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Show #277 – December 19, 2015

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Guests: Velo News editor Caley Fretz; “Mad Dog Media’s” Patrick O’Grady

Happy holidays from The Outspoken Cyclist!

We have two great guests for our final show of 2015.

First up is popular Velo News associate editor Caley Fretz. Caley has written so much about our sport and this past week had two articles published – both of which grabbed my attention.

There were actually two separate entries about the first subject, transgender cyclocross racer Molly Cameron. The first, on December 11th said she wouldn’t be permitted to race in the master’s men’s events; and the second, published just a few days later, said she would. And, while this isn’t what Caley and I talked about for this on air conversation, both are fitting for this time in history and in our sport.

The second article, titled: “Uniquely vulnerable: The Tour and terrorism” raised the hair on the back of my neck. In light of all the issues in Paris (and elsewhere around the world), the question of whether the peloton is defenseless against predators seems like an important one to ask. Then, there are the spectators and support crew – how can we protect cycling?

In our conversation Caley and I discuss what the authorities did at the 2015 TdF and what we might expect to see in the future.

We also chat a bit about all the crashes that seem to be coming from course obstacles – both moving and stationary – as well as what Caley is working on for 2016. (Hint: women + para-olympics!)

After our news and a break, we head on out to Albuquerque to catch up with long time journalist, cartoonist, and satirist, Patrick “Mad Dog Media” O’Grady.

Patrick’s reviews of bikes this past year for Adventure Cyclist Magazine give us great insight into what is truly available as well as desirable in a sturdy, functional, reasonably priced, and fun touring machine. Who knew there were so many available when one rarely sees them in the local bike shops. But, out there they are and after talking with Patrick, you might just want to add one to your stable!

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Show #276 – December 12, 2015

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Guests: PBP American Record Holder Paul Bacho; Brett Horton from the Horton Collection

After a quick update about Charlie Cunningham’s rehab progress (you can help his cause at GoFundMe.com) we are pleased to welcome endurance athlete, athletic trainer and therapist, and PBP record holder Paul Bacho to our show this evening.

Paul has successfully completed 8 Paris-Brest-Paris events, spanning 32 years, is a successful Hawaii Ironman, and as the only American, has ridden the 5-month-long Paris to Beijing ride to celebrate the 2008 Olympics.

Paul, who has a masters in athletic training, is also a Neural Integration Structural Therapist – a modality that is both gentle and effective and will explain what it is and what it accomplishes.

After a break and some news, we head on out to the west coast to reconnect with Brett Horton, owner and curator of the Horton Collection. His new book, “Shoulder to Shoulder: Bike Racing in the Age of Anquetil”, has just been released for the holiday season with a beautiful collection of photographs depicting our sport during the 50’s and 50’s.

So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with endurance athlete and athletic trainer Paul Bacho.