The Cyclist Pod

Raya and Stephen take cycling podcasts to new heights (sideways ones) with a delve into the world of Extreme Cycling: That is, cycling where, how, and when people don't expect it.

So in an exclusive interview, we return to Podcast Studios (alright, alright, Raya's London flat) where we catch up with war photojournalist Finbarr O'Reilly. Finbarr has been in the frontline of some of the world's most dangerous places, capturing the images that would provide the real shock and awe of world conflicts. And while there, he's been cycling. That's right. When his Strava shows a strange kink, he's just gone round a landmine. (And when it stops abruptly, he's just hit one.)

The art of the bicylce selfie and taking moody mid-ride pictures on a smartphone is revealed (his are SPECTACULAR), and also discussed is how the bicycle is used in world conflicts; as seen by Finbarr, first hand. And on a serious note (we can do one of those, honestly) his path to cycling and how it helped his post-conflict depression is explored. It's a fascinating listen.

And if nothing else he has a beautiful Irish/Canadian accent. Put the pod on for that alone. It's like pouring maple syrup onto porridge.

Plus - of course - the Velominati gets all particular on frame adornments (what?), our presenters immerse in some heftily near-the-knuckle banter and Stephen smugly explains how he has saved his riding tech, with superglue. This probably won't end well.*

it doesn't

The Cyclist Pod (c) Stephen Grant and Raya Hubbell www.cyclistpod.com

Music 'Zazie' c/o Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Raya and Stephen decamp for the first time from Podcast Towers (Stephen's house in Sussex) and head to Podcast Studios (Raya's house in London) for this first-ever city-based podcast.

And like recently arrived Russian Oligarch, we whack out the cash as we peruse the bicycle exotica that is the world's most expensive bicycles. Are they the pinnacle of technology? Are they the bicycles from history that money can't buy (though it can?). Or are they normal bikes that someone has glued some diamonds to? SPOILER: Bit of everything, mate.

To make sure there's some purpose to all this, we discuss how a cyclist could best spend their money, and venture into the world of bespoke bicycles, and our feature-length interview sees us joined by bike building team Ian and Jane from North Road cycles. Though that interview happened in Manchester. We have very much been on the North Road.

And with our city-focused flavour to this pod, we despair at lethal road quality, come up with a training plan based on travelcard zones, ponder the futility of overtaking cyclists in a city centre, and delve into how evolution will change bicycle commuters. We go all Darwin on yo ass.

On top of that, there's a Velominati which switches focus from cycling to coffee (set pompousity levels to max), and a news-meets-kitbag mashup between Apple and Rapha that might require you to remortgage just to enter the shop. Just us well Raya has gone and got herself a 3rd job then.

The Cyclist Pod (c) Stephen Grant and Raya Hubbell www.cyclistpod.com

Music 'Zazie' c/o Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Stephen and Raya are both in podcasting towers, in this show recorded pre-pandemic and before social distancing.

In this feature packed show, our intrepid duo have their naughty hats on - very much certificate 18.

We go into detail in Raya's new cycling related media jobs; and they're on screen too, so with the pod she's just pleased to be broadcasting without makeup for once. The world of e-Racing is delved into - and how Raya faired when taking on her (particularly adept) co-presenter OJ Borg.

Also - Super League Triathlon is explained. Which leads the conversation into the question; what IS the best order to do those three sports in?

Plus the Velominati is taken to task about the position of gear and brake cables. It's a chance for both of our presenters to show just how little they know about bike construction, despite thinking they did. Warning: it's woeful. And in our main topic, we discuss the specifics of cycling at height. Stephen has been to Colombia to do exactly that, just for the benefit of this single podcast. This is NOT a cost efficient way to broadcast.

Plus! A welcome return to the Bike Price is Right. Today's bicycle is a circus bike. Would you like a go? Of course you would. Who wouldn't? And don't forget the super generous dhb discount code (25%!). We think it's in this pod. You'll just have to listen. Also: Mute your Amazon Echo. This podcast is going to send it haywire. This is a genuine warning. The Cyclist Pod (c) Stephen Grant and Raya Hubbell sponsored by dhb www.cyclistpod.com

Voices by Marcella Vincent / Produced by Stephen Grant and Jimmy Ward Music 'Zazie' c/o Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) / Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License / http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3

Stephen and Raya are back in podcasting towers (for most of the pod) with a special feature length show.

Recorded before the global pandemic shut down large elements of, well, the globe, Stephen and Raya talk flippantly about Coronavirus and how it might effect people like Raya who is immunocompromised (erk). Raya's ADHD, potty mouth, dyslexia also come into the fray. It's confessional time, clearly.

Also: cycling in the heat. The benefits, technique, and also - should you? No need to know how to approach this, we've done that for you.

Stephen's had another puncture which he couldn't fix. Cycling fail. What's wrong with the bloke?

And he's changed his system of Strava event naming to use cryptic crossword clues. Which he explains to a bemused and attempting-to-sound-interested Raya

And of course the velominati casts a judgy eye on the world of road cycling.

But our main topic today; we talk to the all-female team behind dhb's MODA range of clothes, who are rewriting the rule book on a very male dominated world. Making a cycling kit from scratch. inception, design, manufacturing, testing and marketing - it's all here.

And don't forget the super generous dhb discount code (25%!) mentioned in this pod. Along with what dhb stands for. We think. To be honest, we've left it too late to ask for sure now so we're just going to pretend we know anyway. The Cyclist Pod (c) Stephen Grant and Raya Hubbell sponsored by dhb www.cyclistpod.com

Music 'Zazie' c/o Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3

Stephen and Raya decide to knuckle down after 47 shows of faffing about and concentrate on making the listener... a better cyclist. It's taken over a year, but yes, that's what they're finally doing.

And they're not doing this by making you stronger, or faster, or lighter, or all that gubbins countless, coaches, articles, trainers or interviews are doing. No. They're making you the most important thing of all: Skilled.

With the help of listeners and social media followers, Stephen and Raya go through the abilities you need to prosper on the bike - and the ones you don't. OK, I know this is sounding all sensible, but it's a sensible as it is a laugh. So take notes.

Oh, and the Velominati rules pitches bicycles versus families (who wins?), and a surprisingly comprehensive review of the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt bike computer.

The pod is bordering on useful. It's all gone a bit weird.

The Cyclist Pod (c) Stephen Grant and Raya Hubbell www.cyclistpod.com

Music 'Zazie' c/o Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3