New England Endurance Podcast

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In this episode we are joined by special guest Patria Vandermark, the visionary founder of New England Expedition Riders (NEER). Get ready for an adventure-packed conversation as Patria shares insights into NEER's exciting club activities and events, including the aptly named Brutiful Cape Ride, a challenging 100-mile fat bike adventure, and their enchanting Full Moon rides under the New England evening sky.
Discover how Patria combines her passion for cycling with entrepreneurship, creating unique experiences for riders across the region. We dig into her current venture with the super-interesting Mobile Bike Business for Seven Cycles and also talk about the world of titanium custom bike craftsmanship. In the show we even chat about this video on bike packing for S&S coupled travel bikes. Check it out!
Looking for inspiration to conquer the chilly November days? Look no further as Patria introduces us to the fun and engaging Bike Bingo, a surefire way to stay motivated and connected with fellow cyclists during the toughest month of the year.
And if you're on the hunt for hidden gems in New England, you're in for a treat! Join us as we uncover treasures like D2R2, the Muddy Onion, VT Monster, and the Natchaug Epic – gravel cycling events that promise unforgettable adventures for cyclists of all levels.
Whether you're a seasoned rider or just dipping your toes into the world of endurance cycling, this episode is your ticket to discovering the heart and soul of New England's vibrant cycling community. So grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to be inspired to embark on your next two-wheeled adventure!

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode we’re excited to have a chat with Mitchell "Skip" Foley from Conte’s Bike Shop in Lexington, MA. This is a 2-for-1 episode as we get to not only learn about Conte's incredible cycling group rides but also about Mitchell's extraordinary journey as an athlete.
In case you haven't heard, Conte’s (with the help of B2C2) is running a very successful and very inclusive Sunday shop ride that is really adding to the local cycling scene. The shop ride offers something for everyone with 4 different groups, ranging from 16mph to 24+mph, and distances of approximately 35-50 miles in length. And who better to tell us about these rides than Mitchell Foley, head of Conte's Outreach and Business Development?
Conte’s may be relatively new to New England, but their impact on local cycling communities is anything but new . Since 1957, Conte’s has been a cornerstone for cyclists, with 21 locations across the country, including Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and now Massachusetts. And out of all their shops, the Lexington location has quickly risen to the top after just two years!

Mitchell is a local cycling legend in the New England community. He's a former D1 football player and NFL prospect, turned endurance athlete. He has an impressive resume as a 5-time national cycling champion and the #1 ranked Cat 1 criterium rider in 2002-2003. Beyond his athletic achievements, Mitchell has worn many hats—real estate, coaching, personal training, and entrepreneurship with his company Gemini Performance . His journey includes overcoming significant challenges, including recovering from severe accidents and embracing sobriety since 2014. Now, as the head of Outreach and Business Development at Conte’s, he’s channeling his discipline, resilience, and self-mastery into growing and supporting the cycling community here in New England.
As Mitchell said: "Roll Strong, Be Kind!"

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about cycling, personal growth, and the power of community.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this special episode, we host an exclusive interview with Ted Benford, Executive Director of Community Rowing Inc. (CRI). Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned rower, this episode will give you an inside look at how rowing has grown into a vibrant community sport in New England and how CRI is a big part of it!
Fun fact: Over 2 million people row daily in the U.S.

Ted shares his fascinating journey as an athlete and coach, his extensive experience leading elite crews at major competitions like the Royal Henley Regatta and World Rowing Championships, and his work with Fortune 500 companies and Olympic rowers. Ted has coached at several DI and DIII programs in the area including Tufts, BC, MIT, and Northeastern. Now h'es devoting his time and energy into the wonderful community at CRI. Learn how CRI, located on Boston's iconic Charles River, has become a beacon for inclusivity, offering free programs for veterans, youth rowing programs for Boston and Cambridge public schools, corporate team-building rowing programs, and much more.

From hidden gem rowing locations in Neponset, Hingham, and Duxbury to CRI’s role as one of the US National Team training centers for the Paris 2024 and LA 2028 Olympics, this episode is packed with insights. Ted also discusses the mission of CRI, their involvement in Cambridge and Boston’s unique rowing-in-schools program, and how CRI is building community through rowing.

Whether you’re curious about rowing in general, learning about CRI's youth development program, corporate rowing program, or hearing about future initiatives in New England’s rowing scene, Ted’s expertise will inspire and inform. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the sport of rowing in the greatest endurance region in the world—New England!

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Dionne, co-founder of the legendary Ragnar Road Reach The Beach Relay. This iconic New England event is celebrating it's 25th year on Sept 13-14, 2024.

Based in the breathtaking landscapes of New Hampshire, the Ragnar Road Reach The Beach Relay is not just a race—it's an odyssey. From mountain vistas to coastal shores, this epic relay takes athletes on a journey unlike any other, fostering camaraderie and pushing personal limits along the way. And the best part? It's open to athletes of all levels, from seasoned pros to weekend warriors.
But the adventure doesn't stop there. Mike shares insights into other exhilarating events hosted by Ragnar in New England, including the Vermont Trails and Road New England Relay, as well as the Reach the Beach Sprint Relay, each offering its own unique challenge and scenic route.
Beyond the races, we delve into the hidden gems of New England endurance culture. From the rugged trails of the Pemi-Loop in the White Mountains to the iconic AMC Hut-to-Hut hike, and the lesser-known but equally stunning Midstate Trail and the Midstate Massive, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring adventures waiting to be discovered
And amidst all the adrenaline-fueled excitement, we uncover the simple yet profound importance of a friendly wave to your fellow runners and cyclists—a gesture that embodies the spirit of community and support that defines the New England endurance experience.
Tune in as we dive deep into the world of endurance sports in New England, uncovering the beauty, the challenges, and the camaraderie that make it unlike anywhere else on earth. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a curious novice, this podcast is your gateway to New England Endurance sports!

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Megan Faulkner, the Executive Director of Falmouth Road Race, Inc and the Asics Falmouth Road Race. Megan has been an integral part of this iconic event for over a decade, and today, she gives us an inside look at what makes this race so unique and beloved. From its humble beginnings in 1973, when it was started by a group of runners in search of a few beers, to today’s world-class event attracting top-tier athletes, the Falmouth Road Race has grown into one of the most anticipated road races in the region. And its charity runner division has raised an astonishing $72M over the last decade for various charitable causes!
One of the things that sets Falmouth apart is its festival atmosphere—despite being a 7-mile race, it has the energy and excitement of a full marathon. Megan talks about how the event has evolved over the years, with a range of community-centered activities like the mascot race and the track festival that offer fun for all ages.

Plus, Falmouth Road Race Inc is non-profit entity that offers scholarships for high school students who volunteer, helping to build a future generation of athletes and volunteers.
Another standout feature of the race is long-standing wheelchair division, allowing athletes with disabilities to participate and shine. And their Athlete Hosting Program ensures that elite athletes feel welcomed and supported throughout their race weekend.
With its rich history and focus on community, the Asics Falmouth Road Race is more than just a race—it’s an event that brings everyone together to celebrate endurance, camaraderie, and giving back. Megan gives us the full rundown on how to get involved, whether you’re running for fun, competing for a cause, or just enjoying the festive atmosphere as a spectator.
Tune in to hear about the heart of this incredible event and the impact it continues to have on both athletes and the local community.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.