The Outspoken Cyclist

Author Bill “Bike Guy” Humphreys (The Jersey Project); Cyclist, woodworker, and musician John “Campocat” Campo.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:53 — 27.4MB)

U.S. National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis; Author Monique Ryan; Calvin’s Challenge Race Directors Larry & Christine Graham

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:11 — 27.1MB)

Andy Clarke of the League of American Bicyclists; Photographer Nick Czerula; Collegiate Cycling Coach Tony Eberhardt

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:05 — 27.0MB)

Well, we’ve survived our St. Patrick’s Day hiatus, and Diane spent the week in DC at the Bike Summit. This week, Cleveland saw 4 consecutive days with temperatures of at least 80 degrees, which brought many cyclists out for early season “shorts” rides. With all those reasons to smile, let’s add two more: this week’s guests on The Outspoken Cyclist.

First up this week is Rich Olken, whose roots in cycling go back to his late father Ben Olken, who was a pioneering bicycle dealer and importer of fine bicycles. To say that Rich has held leadership positions with the National Bicycle Dealers Association, Bikes Belong, and Hosteling International doesn’t really convey how deeply he and his family are woven into the fabric and history of cycling in America. To understand that, you’ll have to listen for yourself.

Featured in the second half of the hour is a guy who’s been ‘actually making his own [stuff]‘ since about 1974. Bruce Gordon is the founder, owner, and resident curmudgeon of Bruce Gordon Cycles, where he makes (and sometimes even sells) extremely durable, gorgeous frames, racks, and other components. He’s also the Benevolent Co-Dictator for Life of SOPWAMTOS, whose website contributed to the 90 minutes I vaporized writing this post. Perfect browsing material while you’re listening to Bruce and Rich!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:23 — 27.2MB)

…is going on an Irish holiday on Saturday, March 17th in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Diane has the week off, and I’ll be in the studio with Uncle Fred Dolan from 6:00 am until midnight, as we co-host WJCU’s annual Irish Music Marathon. Tune us in at 88.7 FM in the Cleveland area, or on the web at wjcu.org for as much great Irish music as you can handle!

And if Irish music isn’t your thing, never fear, Diane will be back on March 24th with a fresh edition of The Outspoken Cyclist.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 0:45 — 355.0KB)

Diane’s back from NAHBS this week, and fired up with a show that runs the full spectrum.

First up is Tim Blumenthal, President of People for Bikes. Tim is here talk about the recent bombshell announcement that the three major bicycling organizations in the U.S.: The Alliance for Biking and Walking, The League of American Bicyclists, and People for Bikes intend to unite to form a single, consolidated entity to promote and encourage cycling. There is still a lot for the leaders of the three groups to discuss and decide, but it appears that cyclists will have a unified umbrella after more than 30 years of wishing and hoping. I’m sure we’ll hear more about this, especially after the Bike Summit toward the end of March.

After a refreshing dip in the pool of cycling news, and a much needed rest stop, Diane welcomes Mark Johnson, the author of a new book about Team Garmin-Cervelo. Mark was lucky enough to be invited to embed with the team during the 2011 racing season, and talented enough to write and photograph a book about it. The book, entitled Argyle Armada, is available now, online and at local retailers.

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