Ride For Unity Podcast - Cycling Chats: Recent Episodes
Kofi
Dedicated to celebrating our unity and wonderful diversity as cyclists. Tune in to hear the stories of a wide range of cyclists and why it is they โค the sport!
Pick up a dictionary and look up "resilience" and you should see a picture of Imogen. This conversation recorded at the end of 2021 is bitter sweet as it came a month before her she was hit by a vehicle in Girona which abruptly halted her season. When we chatted the excitement about moving to Girona, having a positive mindset and the dreams for the year ahead had us buzzing. Sometimes life doesn't go to plan but listening to Imogen you will hear the grit and determination that will power her back to her goals. Win the day and the rest will take care of itself. Please cheer her on her journey to full fitness at @imogencotter.
In this episode Kadeena and I catch up about her journey and the setbacks she's faced on the road to becoming a multi-disciplinary paralympic world champion. Hers is a remarkable story and she's not done yet. During our convo she shares her future plans for her KC Academy and what she hopes to achieve at the elite level in cycling. Follow her journey @kad21 and the academy @k.c_academy on Instagram. Recorded on the 26th Jan 2022. Thanks for tuning in!
In this episode I have a chin wag with my best friend Mark Sarfo-Kantanka.
Mark is a brother to me and someone I admire greatly. We've known each other for 30 years and discovering the joy of cycling together has brought another dimension to our brotherhood. I'm pretty sure it was his idea for us to do the London to Paris bike ride many moons ago!
He's a busy man being a successful entrepreneur, yoga teacher and cyclist.
Check him out at:
www.cellardoorgroup.com (1st class events management) www.nexuscreativehq.com (supporting creative start-ups) www.akwaabayoga.com
(Yoga teaching - dedicated youtube channel and 1:1 / group classes) This episode was recorded on the 23rd April 2021.
In this episode I catch up with Ben Pettit aka DJ Zinc the world renowned DJ and producer. For over 30 years he's been involved in the music industry gathering acclaim and a strong international following. His music features in the soundtrack to my days raving when the night shifted into another gear as the drum and bass dropped! He's unrelenting and continuing to break ground releasing music that moves you across genres. It was great to catch up with him and talk about music and how he's gotten into cycling relatively recently. Check him out @djzinc. This episode was recorded on the 2nd April 2021.
Tune in to hear the conversation with Kelli Sam. We caught up post Tulsa Tough as the LA Sweat team's season was getting into full flow. We covered a ton of stuff not least the perception of women in the sport, building a diverse development squad, Kelli's journey, as well as great advice for life and getting into racing! If you don't already please follow the team @la_sweat and Kelli @kellisam
Recorded on the 26th June 2021.
๐ธ - @cody_chouinard
Tune in to hear the conversation with the supremely talented Angus Sung. He's a man who brings the ๐ฅ to still or moving imagery to make stories come alive.
He's built up an impressive portfolio shooting for dhbsport, JLT Condor, Specialized, Team Sky, The 5th Floor and many more. He's captured images of elite cyclists including Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas over his career.
Beyond his profession his journey of self discovery and understanding is an inspirational one.
If you don't already please do follow him @angusung. He doesn't post much but what he does post is๐๐ฟ!
Recorded on the 26th May 2021.
Tune in to hear how Toks has combined his passion for social enterprise with cycling. We chat about riding from London to Paris, his belief that together we really are boundless and the importance of challenging norms. In a short space of time Toks and the Black Unity Bike Ride team have built a reputation for delivering amazing activations not least the annual Black Unity Bike Ride. The alliance they've built now encompasses over 20 clubs, crews and collectives. If you don't already please follow @toksytoks and @blackunitybikeride to keep up to date with developments and opportunities to get involved.
Recorded on the 29th June 2021.
Tune in to hear how Louise Vardeman turnedย setbacks into a hugely succesful transition from running into cycling. We chat about the emergence of the @InternationElles, her push for equality in the sport as well as love and loss. Lou has gone on to achieve many amazing things on the bike including representing Team GB and her story isn't done yet. At the time we recorded this episode Lou was juggling homeschooling with training.
If you don't already follow @loukew and @InternationElles to keep up to date with her adventures! Recorded on the 15th Jan 2021. ย ๐ธ - @attacuscycling
Tune in to hear Lex Spedding's journey on the bike. A true gent and one of the most down to earth guys I know. We chatted about how the bike has become his way to clear his head and hone his photography skills.
At the time we recorded this episode he was getting ready to participate in the Red Bull timelaps ๐ช๐พ. As a family man with three lovely daughters his weekends are often action packed so he squeezes in rides when he can.
If you don't already please follow @lexsped to see his photos.
Recorded on the 16th October 2020. ย ๐ธ - The man himself
Recorded on the 5th February 2021 we hear Iman Kagumba's journey growing up as an only Muslim child and overcoming obstacles to discover the joys of cycling in Nairobi, Kenya. The energy she conveys and perspectives she shares are truly uplifting. Studying her Bachelor of Arts in Community development Iman shares some of the ways she's given back to communities in Kenya during our conversation. If you don't already please follow Iman at @imanqueeen. Thanks to @emma_osenton for connecting us ๐๐ฟ. ๐ธ - @migrationgravelrace
A trip down memory lane to my conversation with the wonderful human that is Duke Agyapong.
Recorded on the 13th November 2020 we covered advice for anyone wanting to get into cycling, his motto for life and the magic within us!
If you don't already follow Duke at @ekudduke. There is some exciting stuff coming in the near future. Dedicated to our friend Rachel Hillier๐๐ฟ.
๐ธ - @honorelliott
In this episode I caught up with Christopher Stricklen aka Creedub who is based over on the West Coast of the USA. He is someone I draw a lot of inspiration from. His amazing photography captures the essence of cycling culture whilst his podcast @wegotohangout does the same from an audio perspective with a stellar and diverse group of guests. Tune in as we talk through his journey in cycling and more. Check out @creedub, @wegottohangout and @photo.pace
This was recorded on the 14th August 2020. ๐ธ - @libdawggg
In this episode I caught up with Krystal Salvent whose exuberance is truly irrepressible. When you listen to her journey on the bike over the last 3 years you hear the joy and sense of community she has found. We covered her moving from Manhattan to Colorado and heard about her work with the Black Girls Do Bike Denver chapter (@bgdbdenver) and Outride (@outride) PLUS where to get the best donuts on the planet!! Check her out @krystalsalvent. This episode was recorded on the 5th March 2021.
In this episode Yewie and I discussed why 2020 was not a write off, her plans for the future and what inspires her. Since making the switch from rowing to cycling Yewie's goal has been to race and wow has she's done just that! Collecting accolades and inspiring a bunch of folks on the way. A big believer in paying it forward Yewie was instrumental in introducing me to so many of the brilliant guests on this show so their stories could be shared. Give her a follow @yewie_a
Recorded on the 9th October 2020 I caught up with Steph a Yorkshire wonder woman... paramedic, mother of 4 and inspired cyclist on a rare day off. Steph epitomises the word "busy" but also "generosity". Following the birth of her twins fondly dubbed the "Grazbots" she pushed herself and broke boundaries with her cycling. When not busy with her kids, work or her dog you will find her out on the Yorkshire dales climbing hills that would have lesser mortals in tears. Steph we salute you! Check her out @st3phg1
Recorded on the 20th November 2020 Jenni and I talked about her journey from San Diego to Japan. We got into how she began some amazing institutions in the LDN bike kitchen and Women of Colour Cycling Collective. Listening to Jenni you feel a sense of zen. Her tip for dealing with road rage will have tears rolling down your face! Jenni also has a book out "How to build a bike" which is packed with helpful advice to help you maintain or build your own bike. Check out her work with @ldnbikekitchen and @wccc_uk.
Recorded on the 18th September 2020 I caught up with proud Chicagoan Marty in a bustling cafe in Girona. An integral part of @the_blackfoxes he and the team have been breaking major ground and changing narratives for the last year.
The energy Marty brings is ๐๐ฟ. We talked about putting โฌ10m to work, who inspires him, his motto for life and more. Give him a follow @martymartinho and @the_blackfoxes.
Recorded on the 23rd October 2020 Jen and I chatted about her journey from competing in sportives to joining the Brazilian UCI Continental team Memorial Santos. Jen is the kind of lady you wouldn't bet against once she puts her mind to something. She has won the Scottish National Road Race Championships a couple of times and now racing is back more success is bound to follow. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of her journey in the coming seasons! Check her out @jencycling
In this episode recorded on the 4th September 2020 I chatted with the awarding British DJ, producer and broadcaster Johnathan "Spoony" Joseph. His career in music has spanned 3 decades and chatting to him it is evident to see why he has stood the test of time. Hard working and dedicated he has truly embraced cycling after taking it up just a few months before we spoke. Having joined him on his maiden 100km ride weeks after this recording he was unrelenting and could have pressed on for many more kilometers if mine and Cara's legs hadn't been cooked! Tune in as we talk about cycling, music, life and more! Check him out @djspoony ๐ค๐ฟ
Recorded on the 18th December 2020 this chat with Shuhena was a blast. Shu is true advocate for cycling and an enthusiast for life! She balances a demanding career as a lawyer with being @hubvelocc women's champion, @rapha women's 100, @oakley and @cannondaleroad ambassador. Find out more via her Instagram @shuhena6 ๐ค๐ฟ
Recorded on the 7th August 2020 this was an inspirational chat with Alison (@veloqi_cc). An unassuming and hardworking soul who over the last 8 years has pivoted her career towards her passion for cycling. She is the social and TT secretary for her local cycling club @redbridge_cc, an active participant in the Women of Colour Cycling Collective (@wccc_uk) AND after completing a degree in Cycling Performance a qualified Cycling performance coach!!
In 2015 Ali fulfilled a life long ambition to represent Team GB when she competed in the UCI Amateur World Championships in Denmark ๐๐ฟ.
Her story doesn't stop as she has been appointed as British Cycling's (@britishcycling) Eastern Region Diversity & Inclusion Officer. Alison also leads the Friday Ride For Unity rides and has recently joined Stayer Cycles to support the growth of the business! One hardworking lady! Find out more www.veloqi.cc
In this episode recorded on the 19th March 2021 I caught up with Juliet to hear about her future plans, her motto for life and what she would do to help make cycling more accessible. A real inspiration and a great ambassador for the sport we โค! Check her out @julietelliott ๐ค๐ฟ
In this episode recorded on the 31st July 2020 I chat to Sonia Williams (@soniainsouth) a passionate and charismatic cyclist who started her journey 12 years ago when she got frustrated with commuting to work via public transport. It wasn't a smooth transition onto the bike as anxiety about riding initially put a stop to her progress for 3 years! Having overcome her fears Sonia is now a fully fledged "social cyclist", an active member of The Fridays and The Women of Colour Cycling Group (@wccc_uk). The Fridays are a cool collective of cyclists from all over the UK who meet on a monthly basis to do epic night rides usually to the coast. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did! ๐ค๐ฟ
In this episode recorded on the 21st August 2020 I caught up with the legend that is Chris Hall! Literally a week before he embarked on his epic 107TDF endurance ride around the UK to raise money and awareness for the Pace Centre. We covered the advice his Dad gave him, how the Zero Lemon Podcast came to be, his most memorable ride and much more. Chris really is the epitome of sport for good. How he pushes his body to those limits to help others is an inspiration. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did! Find out more via his Instagram @chrishallrides๐ค๐ฟ
In this episode recorded on the 24th July 2020 I talked to Michael Cumming based out of Brooklyn, NY about his journey in cycling and the passion he has for the sport. Inspired in part by his Father who was an avid cyclist Michael has gone on to become and ambassador for the clothing brand dhb as well as a member of the Kissena cycling team. I can't wait to follow his progress through the ranks once racing starts again in earnest. He is also an excellent photographer. Check him out on Instagram @caramel105spins ๐ค๐ฟ
In this episode recorded on the 10th July 2020 I chatted with proud South Londoner Biola Babawale. Biola holds down a pretty demanding role within the Financial Services sector and in her spare time is the Chair of the awesome all Women's cycling club Velociposse whose kit is to die for if you've not seen it! In addition she is an integral part of the brilliantly nurturing Women of Colour Cycling Group who have ambitious plans to promote Women's cycling in the UK and beyond. More recently Biola has been snapped up by Velocio apparel to represent them as an ambassador. In this chat we had a real laugh. We covered waking up at silly o'clock to ride, breaking down barriers, the cool nickname she has for her bike and of course why she โค's cycling! Find out more via her Instagram @biolasarah ๐ค๐ฟ
At the time this was recorded on the 3rd July 2020, Abbie was living in Victoria, Australia rekindling her enjoyment of cycling and figuring out her next steps. She is an ex-Great Britain cyclist with a number of medals to her name. In this episode we find out that bribery really does work when it comes to getting your kids into cycling, we hear who inspires Abbie and why it is she โค's the sport. Abbie is an ambassador for dhb. Find out more via her Instagram @abbiedentus ๐ค๐ฟ
Stephen Adjaidoo lives in London and is a Senior Digital Project Manager for the UK's National Health Service. Outside his day job he is the Founder of the successful Ldn Brunch Club running crew, an 11 time marathoner and triathlete! Recorded on the 11th Dec 2020 in this episode we hear about Stephen's cycling / sporting journey, his mindset, what he โค's about cycling and much more. Stephen is an ambassador for Science in Sport, Specialized, On Running, Wahoo Fitness and SunGod. Find out more via his Instagram @stephenadjaidoo ๐ค๐ฟ
This podcast is about cycling, life and everything in between. Each episode we will hear the inspirational stories of a wide range of cyclists. Like what you hear? Come and join your cycling family on Instagram @ride4unity or the Strava Club Ride For Unity!