Bike Shop Society: Recent Episodes
Joe
Constructing a better bicycle experience. We are Bike Shop Society. Have a question or comment? Tweet it @bikeshopsociety @cyclingreporter @joegaspar Want a shoutout on the pod, do you like to write letters? Email us: mail@bikeshopsociety.com Visit our website, or don't. bikeshopsociety.com
Joe and Danny are back after a month of travel and tune-ups. Danny shares some stories from his recent cyclocross training camp in Massachusetts. Find out if he made any new friends and which old friends he caught up with. Joe thinks e-bikes will play a part in the future of the bike shop; find out why he's becoming a believer and why he thinks you're missing the boat if you don't prepare for the E-Invasion. Finally, Rapha rides are happening all around the country, including Chicago. Danny joined the latest ride and gives us the scoop on his gnarly all-roading adventure. So lather yourself up with a fistful of chamois cream and vamonos!
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On this episode of Bike Shop Society, Danny hears some background noise that Joe's mic is picking up. Find out what it is and which two cycling legends make an appearance on this week's show. Joe lost another employee at the shop—not to death, but to a better-paying job. Hear why Joe is so chipper and encouraging when employees leave for greener pastures, and what his strategy is for getting them back. Finally, Danny is headed to a cyclocross training camp with the folks at Cycle-Smart. It's going to be intense, but Danny is up for the challenge. So hop to it and get on board—this ride is leaving the lot!
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The boys are back with some unfortunate news regarding the death of beloved bike mechanic and friend, Earl Russell. Joe confesses that he didn't realize how much he would miss his old friend, and Danny shares some memories of Earl, the mystery man. Danny is back from a recent trip to Ireland, where the roads are narrow and the Guinness was flowing. Find out why he's rethinking his cross-country trip and where he's off to next. And finally, what are the top cities in the world to ride a bike? Danny has a list, and Joe is ready to take his best guesses. Find a fast wheel and ride the train home—let's go!Got a question or comment?
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Joe and Danny are back, and they are joined by their good friend and frequent contributor, A.J. LaTrace. Danny has returned from Spain and dove straight into the Midwest racing circuit. Hear about his exciting adventure climbing up to Sa Calobra in Mallorca one week, and then jumping into a criterium on the south side of Chicago the next. A.J. is always on the hunt for cool bikes on Marketplace, and this time he scored a sweet Shinola city bike. Sure, it's a dad's bike with fenders, but he's a dad and the fenders come in handy, so why not? And finally, Joe thinks the bike industry is missing the boat on bike touring. There's an undeniable interest in it from customers at the bike shop, but why is the industry so slow to react? The boys discuss the reasons why. Hold on, keep pace, let's get on with the ride!
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How many weekends do we have left? How many bike rides are still ahead of us? Prompted by a recent birthday, the boys find themselves pondering these questions and drawing inspiration from the renowned Irish author, Samuel Beckett.
Danny has an interesting poster displayed in his home. Does it serve as a source of motivation, or is it just a sad reminder that the end of our cycling journey might be approaching? Meanwhile, Joe is smitten by the concept of bicycle touring. As a burgeoning niche within the cycling industry, he believes his shop can encourage people to explore this classic discipline. Stay tuned to hear how he plans to do this.
And finally, a story about bicycle racing recently grabbed headlines on CNN, catching Danny's attention and prompting Joe to reach out to an old friend. What was it about this story that stood out, and why were the boys so intrigued?
So, click out out of the those pedals and relax — it's Stage 57 of Bike Shop Society.
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Joe and Danny begin their 2024 campaign with a relaxed recap of the year thus far. Danny kicks off the show with a short overview of one of his favorite books, "The Rider" by Tim Krabbé. Meanwhile, Joe finds himself dealing with a major mess at the bike shop, prompting customers to check in on his well-being. And finally, Danny shares his experience of undergoing a recent bike fitting during his time in Boulder, CO. Find out what has hime feeling so good, flat butt and all. Well don't just sit there, pack some gels, hit the start button, let's go!
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It's been a comeback season for the boys, including a return to racing for Danny. Listen to how his season progressed, his pre-race meals, and his infamous start-line make-out sessions. Joe had a visitor from the UK at the bike shop; he reminded Danny of a famous Irish television character, and Joe thought he might be the ever-elusive Banksy. Find out why the boys were so taken by this foreigner visitor. And finally, is it possible that a holiday party’s in the works? It could be, it may be, but is it? You'll have to press play to learn the answer. So hit the dropper-post switch, and drop down the podcast hill!
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Joe and Danny are back. Discover how they ended up in matching outfits. It serves as a reminder that Joe misses the days of Grand Bike Shows and rubbing elbows with the stars. Joe recounts an encounter with an angry Eddy Merckx and a sad Johan Museeuw at Interbike. Meanwhile, Danny has found a new joy in life, and he doesn't think he’ll ever go back to life without it. Find out what has him preaching on street corners to anyone who will listen. Lastly, the Saitama Criterium was recently celebrated; the boys find it fun, but it makes you wonder if the locals know what's going on. So lower those elbows and push that butt back: it's all downhill ride from here. Let's go!
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It's only been a week, but the boys are back again, joined by BSS contributor and friend of the show A.J. LaTrace. Danny and A.J. went on a field trip in late fall to explore the wonders of the Heritage Corridor, a promo run by Metra, the commuter rail system serving Chicagoland. The ride was so good A.J. wrote about it for Streetsblog Chicago! Meanwhile, biz at the bike shop is dying down, but the fun’s just getting started for Joe with big renovation plans. Find out how things are going, and why it's all so necessary in today's market. Finally, the Reddit forums are abuzz with a frame builder making custom forks for $100. Find out who he is as we forge ahead on Stage 53 of Bike Shop Society!
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The Boys “R” Back from an impromptu hiatus — and they have lots to chat about. It's been a pretty busy end to the summer for Joe at the bike shop, while Danny’s been getting intimately acquainted with his new bikes. He even tried his hand at his first-ever gravel race, as Joe decided he’d had enough of the grind and jetted off to Spain. The lads also catch up with the goings-on in the pro peloton — including the just-announced 2024 Tour de France route — and offer a few updates on what’s been happening in the post-pandemic bike industry. (FYI: it's business as usual for some, and “let's try to stay afloat” for others.) And finally, ambitious fall goals are discussed, including cyclocross racing, construction projects, and even a little travel. So whip out that rain jacket, slather on that spicy embro, and let’s get rolling with a fresh episode of Bike Shop Society!
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On this episode of Bike Shop Society, Joe gets an unexpected visitor at the bike shop – none other than Hunter. A true wanderer, Hunter embodies the spirit of adventure as he crisscrosses the nation, nestled beneath the thundering rush of freight trains, armed with a tarp and jacket as his shields against the elements. With captivating tales from the road, Hunter paints a vivid picture of his journeys, sharing his methods, his bicycle choices, and the profound reasons that propel him forward on this unconventional path.
Jump on board for a riveting and fast-paced listen. You don't want to miss this train!
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Bike Shop Society is roaring back with full throttle power! Joe and Danny have reclaimed the helm and, guess what, they're not alone! The dynamic trio is complete with the addition of their good friend and biking enthusiast, AJ LaTrace. It's a jubilant moment as they mark their momentous Episode 50, and oh boy, do they have an electrifying show in store for you!
They're taking the party on the road this time, with an exciting on-location broadcast that's jam-packed with thrilling content. Trust me, this one's a mother of a show! After a brief hiatus, the boys are bursting with stories to share. First off, there was a memorable trip to the Waterford Bicycle for a farewell ride that had the adrenaline pumping. And hold onto your handlebars, because there was a captivating bike race that went down in the heart of France.
But wait, there's more! AJ couldn't resist the allure of a vintage steel bike, so he'll be dishing out all the exciting details about his latest prized possession. And, brace yourself, they'll reveal the jaw-dropping cost of constructing a new steel fence, something you won't believe!
So, fasten your helmets and join us for a thrilling 3-hour tour to nowhere as we celebrate 50 incredible episodes, all from the backyard of the vibrant city of Chicago. Don't forget to pack a pannier because this adventure is going to be one for the books! Get ready to ride!
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(This description is courtesy of our friends at Chat GPT)
After a busy month at the bike shop, Joe is flying solo while Danny is on assignment. But not to worry, Joe brought along a couple of friends, Charlie and Ed, to recap the recent World Naked Bike Ride. Charlie and Ed are also former employees at Joe's bike shop. Listen as they discuss how they first met, their experiences of working at the bike shop, and what they're up to these days. You'll also learn what George Clooney and Mexican goats have in common. So saddle up, shift to a comfortable gear, and let's get a move on!
Charlie's Website
Ed's Tik Tok
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On this episode of Bike Shop Society, Joe and Danny are joined by Tony Policiccio, a bicycle tourist and aspiring world traveler. Tony is about to embark on an incredible journey—a bicycle trip around the world. Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland, his adventure will take him through various countries, culminating in Africa, all within a span of approximately four years. Tune in to discover what inspired him to take on this extraordinary expedition, the countries he intends to explore, and his feelings just days before the journey commences.
We recorded this episode at the bike shop while Tony's bike is being fine-tuned and prepared for his epic voyage. Joining us is mechanic Tom Hall, offering his expertise. So grab a tall glass of electrolytes and prepare yourself for an exhilarating ride. This episode promises to be an unforgettable one!
You can keep track of Tony's journey here:
- Ghostly Calm Website
- Ghostly Calm Instagram
- Donate
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Joe and Danny are back in action, ready to conquer the podcasting world once more! Danny, the dedicated host that he is, willingly sacrifices the thrilling Denver Nuggets NBA finals game just to ensure that their podcast recording goes smoothly. Talk about commitment!
Meanwhile, Joe finds himself caught in a whirlwind of activity at the bike shop. It's like a cycling frenzy in there! People can't seem to get enough of the bikes, flying off the shelves faster than lightning. And the repairs? Oh boy, they're piling up like a mountain of challenges. But amidst the chaos, the entire bike shop is alive with the rhythm of pedals spinning and wheels turning. It's a symphony of mechanical mastery!
In the latest episode of their podcast, Danny takes the helm with his news roundup that's as exciting as a wild ride in the Giro d'Italia. From the thrilling race to the charming corners of Netflix, he covers it all. There's a gripping series about the Tour de France that has everyone glued to their screens, and the legendary tale of Greg LeMond's triumphant 1989 Tour win is finally hitting the big screen. It's a lively romp through the past month's events, filled with laughter, insights, and the boys' undeniable joy of being back in the podcasting realm.
So, dear listeners, grab your favorite beverage, indulge in a refreshing sip from your bidon, and prepare to embark on this exhilarating journey. But remember, safety first! Before we hit the road of lively discussions and captivating stories, don't forget to check that blind spot one more time, just to be sure. And with that, my friends, let the adventure begin! Vamonos into the world of two cycling enthusiasts ready to entertain and enlighten you with their banter and knowledge.
(Thanks to ChatGPT)
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Danny and Joe dive into their latest escapade - a night of overindulgence in food and wine. Despite it being a great time, they paid the price with a rough week ahead and a much-needed break from the booze. This leads the duo into discussing the ever-growing non-alcoholic beverage movement. Are you on board with the N/A trend?
The Giro has Danny revved up and ready to roll, while the Vuelta Femenina was an absolute blast to follow. Joe admits he's been drawn to women's cycling lately, citing the "cute girls" as his motivation. Hey, no judgment here!
But the real excitement lies in Danny's upcoming date with Lachlan Morton. Will sparks fly or will it be a total flop? Tune in to find out! And as always, remember to start your blinky lights, watch out for traffic, and let's hit the road!
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Joe and Danny are back with a fast and furious edition of Bike Shop Society. Danny recently slipped away for a little Michigan getaway, in which he found himself doing his first FTP test in a few years. Find out if he’s WorldTour-ready or if he'll be hanging at the back with the Freds. Joe’s been busy at the shop, where the repairs are piling up and the new staffers seem to be finding their footing. And finally, a Phil Burt article in Cycling Weekly caught Danny's attention. Who new bike fit was so controversial? Grab your Garmin off the charger, and let's go!
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The Spring classics season is in full effect and the boys find themselves geeking out about all things bike racing, The show kicks off with talk of the recent E3 Saxo Bank Classic in Belgium. This reminds Joe of the time he met a lovely family from Belgium at his bike shop, find out why they were there and what they were doing in Chicago. And finally, it was gifting season in Ghent, listen as Danny tells us why the cycling establishment is up in arms about Wout Van Aert's decision to hit the brakes and gift away a race to a teammate. Racing isn't for everyone, but we're sure you'll dig this sprint edition of Bike Shop Society. Hide your car keys, let's go!
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Danny starts the show with a near death experience, fortunately it turns out to be a false alarm. Someone on the show has acquired the services of a cycling coach, can you guess who it is? Heres a hint: He's the one who rides a bike. Joe is involved in a BIG bicycle project, find out where it stands and why it's taking so long. And finally, the Amish are loving electric bikes. Where will all the horses go? Take a sip, chew a GU, let's go!
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This week's show starts off with a birthday proclamation. Find out who was celebrating and if there was a mariachi involved. Danny's time in Boulder is winding down, but not before he enjoys one more Supertraining session with his new friends. Who did he rub elbows with, and how far did they ride? You'll have to download the show to learn the answer. Joe sold some nice bikes over the weekend and talked a few customers into upgrading their component choices. Could this be an indication that the economy is headed in the right direction? The boys discuss this and whole lot more. So load your map, grab an extra tube, and let’s go!
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This week's show kicks off with some stories from last week's Cabda Expo Midwest. Who is Taco Ed is and why he was so sad? What was USA Cycling doing there? And who was the guy hanging out with Joe? Tune in and to find out. Danny is still in Boulder and he's planning to test -ride a Specialized bike. Is a return to the peloton in his future? With all the talk about a new bike for Danny, Joe reveals that he's been checking out the Lab71 project from Cannondale. Will he risk his Cannondale dealership for the good of the podcast? Download to get the download. Grab your Garmin — it's time to go!
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Joe is joined by a special guest for a behind-the-scenes tour of the CABDA Midwest Bicycle Expo, the show for bike shops. Listen as Joe and his guest walk the floor and visit with BIKE LIST, Embark Maple Energy, Marin Bicycles, Midway Bicycle Supply, Muc-Off, K&G Bike Center, KOM CYCLING, Velocity Wheels, and Suntour. Don't miss this romp through a classic bicycle show. Buckle up those toe straps, pack some maple energy, and let’s go!
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Episode 39 gets off to an alarming start when Joe’s notified that Danny is headed to New York City. Danny has big plans for his trip to New York, including a stop at the world-famous Katz's Deli, a ride on a Citi Bike, and a trip to Brooklyn to check out the latest in Hipster culture. This week’s cycling report is dominated by the news that Peter Sagan has decided to retire from road racing at the end of the 2023 season. Danny shares a great story about meeting Peter at a bar during the Tour de France. And finally, Joe is off to the Cabda Bike Show next week. It sounds like he's looking forward to seeing some old friends. Connect to bluetooth, turn up the volume, and start cranking away!
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On this episode Danny continues to dazzle us with stories from the Centennial State. He did a big ride, the Biscochito Supertraining, where he reunited with some old friends. He also visited a local business, the Pro's Closet. And of course he saw some real-life cowboys at a rodeo down in Denver. While Danny’s hanging in Boulder, Joe’s in Chicago, and ever closer to signing a prized mechanic, all while preparing for a bicycle trade show called CABDA. That's it, there's no time to lose, the ride is taking off without you. Listen now!
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Joe starts the show with a clip from a television classic that’s guided him throughout his life in a bike shop. If you're a bike-shop employee, you need to hear this. Meanwhile, Danny’s enjoying his Chicago Winter Escape to Boulder, Colorado. Find out about the new friends he's making — and whether there are any group rides in his future. And finally, Kim Kardashian has a new line of cycling apparel. Danny thinks he and Joe should order from the collection for the women in their lives, BUTT Joe doesn't think it's a good idea. Do the boys make the right choice? You'll have to listen for the answer. So zip up and let's go!
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The boys are back from their holiday hiatus, and Danny starts the show with some big news: he's in Colorado. What's he doing there, what's the riding like, and has he seen Davis Phinney? You'll have to click play to find out. Bentonville, Arkansas, has become a go-to destination for cyclists: is it on your radar? Joe and Danny think it should be. Joe’s holding down the fort at the bike shop, where inflation is a real thing and the cost of a tune-up will be going up. And finally, a listener has a problem with Danny's news segment. Is it a real problem or just more fake news? Fill up a bidon and let's get riding!
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A big fried-chicken dinner leads Joe and Danny to a low-energy start. But it doesn't take long for the boys to start rolling and find their rhythm. Are there vampires in the bike business? Is it wise to sell $12K bicycles online? Would Peter Sagan make a good used-car salesman? Joe and Danny answer these questions and more on this episode of Bike Shop Society. So pack your musette and let's go!
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On this episode of Bike Shop Society, Joe and Danny are joined by storyteller, comms pro, and content machine Dan Cavallari. Dan is the founder of Brown Tie Media. He is a former technical editor for VeloNews. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Podium Runner, Women’s Running, CyclingTips, Cycling Weekly, Rouleur, Road Bike Action Magazine, Mountain Bike Action Magazine, Tom’s Guide, Bikerumor.com, and more. He is currently the host of the Roleur Tech Podcast and recently launched Slow Guy on the Fast Ride, which features a YouTube channel, podcast, and newsletter. Join the guys for some spirited conversation about the future of cycling media, what it means to be a cycling journalist these days, and what it's like to launch your own multimedia empire. So pack your gels, and let's go!
Links:
Brown Tie Media
Slow Guy on the Fast Ride
The Practical Still
Dawn Patrol MTB
Go Fund Me - Reshape Cycling Media
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Joe and Danny are joined by friend of the show AJ LaTrace for this IRL edition of Bike Shop Society. Danny and AJ recount their recent on-bike adventures and what they like to eat on the bike. Speaking of adventures, Joe shares his story about moving to Spain to race bicycles. AJ thinks it would make a good Netflix series. And finally, there is the one thing that none of the guys have tried in their cycling life. Find out if there is "steel" time for them to cross that thing off their list. Twist that BOA, pull up your bibs, and let's go!
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The boys start the show with with a ride through the Metaverse. Are Zwift goggles in our future? Find out. The Festive 500 is quickly approaching: will it prove festive or fatal for the boys? Danny unlocks the newsroom and treats us to the latest happenings in the world of cycling. And finally, hot pants are gaining traction among the cycling public. Will the marginal gains outweigh the ridicule you receive from your friends and family? Fill up your bottles, pack your rice cakes, and let's go!
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The boys are joined by a fan of the show (!!) and their first West Coast correspondent, Corry Potts. Cory is the owner and operator of the Center for Bicycle Repair, in the Little Saigon neighborhood of Seattle. He shares stories about working as a bike messenger in Paris, managing a bike shop in Brussels, and what it's like to run his own shop now in Seattle. Find out why he calls himself "Cyclegator.” Pour yourself a fresh cup of Bike Shop Society!
Links:
Instagram
Website
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Joe starts the show with a bike-shop update: the era of Big Bike is upon us. Will “bike stores” triumph over “bike shops”? Find out. A social-media shoutout reminds Danny of his old pal at the Radavist. From Brooklyn and fixies to Santa Fe and sand, it sounds like the Radavist does it all. And finally, will eating fast animals make you faster on the bike? Learn who said so, and why. Whip out the chamois cream and let’s go!
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The show kicks off with a discussion about VIPs: find out what the boys think about them, and whether it's worth the effort and $$ to try to get under the white tents. Meanwhile, the world’s top cycling team is switching from Shimano to SRAM: should we be excited? Someone on the show says “yes!” Also, Joe's wife has returned from the imaginary BSS HQ in sunny Spain. Are the midday meal and the siesta still things? And finally, a note from our friend “Cyclegator” in Seattle leads to a discussion about where our listeners are from. It's easy to get a shout-out. Pump up your tires, grab a PowerBar, and let's go!
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Danny is back from a mini vacation to Asheville. Find out why he was there, and about his encounter with a cyclist on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Joe's wife has been away in Europe for the last month — hear how he's preparing for her arrival. The era of "Big Bike" is upon us: will “small bike” make it out alive? And finally, the boys announce their verdict on pro team kits. You won't want to miss it.
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Double your pleasure, double your fun with two episodes of Bike Shop Society rolled into one. The nostalgia train rolls on as the boys talk about the upcoming (or rather last) weekend's Cycle Smithy reunion, wrap party, and farewell. And a message arrives in a tweet (find out what a listener in Seattle has to say about the show). And finally, our friend AJ LaTrace visits the pod to reminisce about his time working at Cycle Smithy — and when he sold a bike to Robin Williams. It's too much to cover here, which is why the boys do a podcast. Saddle up and have a listen!
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How’s it feel to close a bike shop after a half century? Find out on this very special edition of Bike Shop Society. Mark Mattei, owner and operator of the legendary Chicago bike shop Cycle Smithy, joins the show with long-time employees Earl Russell, Tom Hall, and yours truly, Joe Gaspar. It's a rare peek behind the scenes. You don't want to miss this one.
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Danny kicks us off by sharing his recent experience into multimodal cycling. He was surrounded by baseball hooligans on the ride home —find out if he made it back in one piece. Joe is preparing for mountain-bike season, but, more important, he's been occupied with the goodbye festivities revolving around his former employer, Cycle Smithy. And finally, there is a grand tour taking place. The boys check in on the haps at the Vuelta. Squeeze into your bibs and let's go!
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The boys are proud to welcome cycling journalist, architecture critic, creator of the blog McMansion Hell, and all around bad-ass, Kate Wagner to the show. Kate has written about architecture, design, and culture for numerous publications including The Baffler, The Atlantic, CityLab, The Nation and Curbed. Her cycling credits include @rouleur, @BicyclingMag , @cyclingnewsfeed , @velonews and derailleur.net. Cycling is only the tip of the iceberg when Kate is around. Join us!
Kate can be found at:
derailleur.substack.com
Kate's Instagram
Kate's Twitter
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Joe and Danny make it back to the bunch after a nature break and a stop at the team car. Danny updates us on his recent trip to the Great White North and Joe fills us in on all the happenings at the bike shop. A new listener writes a lovely letter to the show, which leads to a discussion about upcoming rides and future shows. Join the boys on another podtastic adventure.
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In this very special edition of the Bike Shop Society Podcast, Joe sits down with his friend Earl Russel. Earl has spent the last 50 years of his life working as a bicycle mechanic at the legendary Cycle Smithy bike shop in Chicago, Illinois. It's an unexpected romp through a lifetime in a bike shop. Enjoy!
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The show gets off to a slimy start as Joe and Danny recall their first encounters with the grandaddy of all tire sealants. In bike-shop news, the new Ultegra Di2 has arrived. Find out why it has Joe contemplating his future in the bicycle business, and running to Costco for some Zen time. In cycling news, there was some old-school racing at the Tour de France this week. Listen to what has the boys so excited, and find out which former world champion Danny is rooting for. It's another ride through paradise in this week’s edition of the Bike Shop Society podcast.
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After a week off because of a summer cold, Danny is back with Joe to thrill and amaze you. Joe takes takes a spin and encounters a fellow rider stranded on the side of the path. Does he stop to help? Next: Twitter can be a fun place to be when the Tour de France is on TV. Learn how you can get in on the fun. And finally, after dipping his toes in the tubeless lifestyle, Danny has experienced his fling and returned to his tried-and-true relationship with tubes. Don't forget the chamois creme — let's go!
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Danny starts the show by telling Joe how he acquired the handle CyclingReporter. And what kind of reporter would Danny be if he didn't mention the Big Race kicking off July 1. (Hint: It's somewhere in France — and Denmark.) Joe remembers seeing Francesco Moser at a World Championships in the ‘90s: he was one cool-looking dude, gray hair and all. Lastly, it looks as if the boys will finally get a ride in together. "Butt" what kind of ride? Tune in to find out!
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Can cyclists benefit from running? Danny thinks so, and lets us know why. Can former bicycle racers find joy in long, slow rides? The boys spend some time talking about their new cycling reality, and the possibility of recapturing some of their peak form. And of course prep for the Tour de France is in full force, so much so that Joe doesn't know which race has ended and which is getting underway. Good thing the cycling reporter is here to set him straight. Grab your musette — let's go!
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The boys ease back into the pod after a short break. We learn that riding season’s in full swing at the shop, where new bikes are arriving — some with serious surprises. Danny picked up a new bike during our hiatus, a ride that would make Crockett and Tubbs proud. Danny’s also been spending some time in his local shops (tune in to find out what all the noise is about). All this and more as the boys settle in for a season of Summer Fun.
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Danny joins Joe at the bike shop to catch up on life and find out what's been happening now that bicycle season is upon us. The boys are joined by a new voice to pod, Ed, a mechanic at the shop. Listen as Danny and Joe impart some wisdom on young Ed (at least that's what they think). What’s more, the shop was the scene of a crime recently — find out what happened, and if there’s something that can be done to prevent another crime. We're probably forgetting a thing or two; that's why you’ll want to hit play right now.
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Bike Shop Society welcomes the one and only Ronnie Romance. Join Joe and Danny for the final episode of this two-part series.
"Most of us lead a life that revolves around work. The average US worker clocks 47 hours a week, and when you add the time we spend commuting — up to 10 hours — it pushes our work-related hours over 55. There's also work-related stress, which damages our health.
“Then there are those who refuse to buy into that and choose to live on the fringe, like Ultra Romance, a 35-year-old from the Connecticut River valley who works as little as possible — usually for six months a year — and then goes adventuring around the world with his bike and modest camping gear."
—excerpt from a 2015 Business Insider feature by our very own Daniel McMahon.
Links to the Ronnie Romance Empire:
ULTRADYNAMICO
https://www.instagram.com/ultradynamico/
https://ultradynamico.com/
Ron's Bikes
https://www.instagram.com/ronsbikes/
https://ronsbikes.com/
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Bike Shop Society welcomes the one and only Ronnie Romance. Join Joe and Danny for part one of this two-part series.
"Most of us lead a life that revolves around work. The average US worker clocks 47 hours a week, and when you add the time we spend commuting — up to 10 hours — it pushes our work-related hours over 55. There's also work-related stress, which damages our health.
“Then there are those who refuse to buy into that and choose to live on the fringe, like Ultra Romance, a 35-year-old from the Connecticut River valley who works as little as possible — usually for six months a year — and then goes adventuring around the world with his bike and modest camping gear."
—excerpt from a 2015 Business Insider feature by our very own Daniel McMahon.
Links to the Ronnie Romance Empire:
ULTRADYNAMICO
https://www.instagram.com/ultradynamico/
https://ultradynamico.com/
Ron's Bikes
https://www.instagram.com/ronsbikes/
https://ronsbikes.com/
Got a question or comment? Tweet it @bikeshopsociety @cyclingreporter @joegaspar
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The show gets off to a rocky start because of some technical issues. Danny drops a news bomb regarding an e-bike purchase and a plans ride Ireland from top to bottom! If this isn't enough, Joe shares news about the state of the bicycle business in the Midwest. And lastly, the boys put a bow on the recent Tour of Flanders. So give your BOA a twist and let's go!
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Joe and Danny kick off the show with a preview of the upcoming Tour of Flanders . It's the heart of the classics season and Danny lets us in on how he keeps up with all the races (it's not easy). Then the boys take a trip to the bike shop and visit the bicycle-mechanic shortage that's causing huge headaches across the US. And, finally, Danny wants to know the proper way to thank his favorite wrench. Is it money or food, or will a hug suffice? All this and much, much more on this stage of the Bike Shop Society podcast.
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Joe and Danny kick off Stage 11 with a review of Milano-San Remo, the first Monument of the season. Will it be remembered for the race that ushered the dropper post into road racing? Next, the pizza guy tells Danny about this movie he watched about a kid in Indiana who wanted to race his bike against the Italians. Danny responds by giving his pizza guy a list of movies to watch. Can you guess which ones? And finally, Danny has started riding his new bike around town, which leads to a discussion about multimodal cycling. It turns out Danny wrote an article about that a few years ago. Clip in and try to keep up!
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Stage 10 leads Joe and Danny on a journey through Alaska where they follow ultra-distance cyclist Petr Ineman on his quest for a second Iditarod crown. Next, a shortcut from Milano to San Remo leads to the question: “What is a cycling monument?" And lastly, the show receives its first email message. Listen as Joe and Danny beg for listener interaction.
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After a one week absence the pod is back! Danny fills us in on his new bicycle purchase. We cover the research, the decision, the shopping process, his riding plans and much, much more. New bike talk would not be complete without mentioning the importance of a bike fitting, the boys agree, it's probably a good idea to get one. Also in this week's pod, we hear the first whispers of a trip to Spain, that involves late night dinners, drinking red wine and a once in a lifetime experience of building your own bicycle frame. Enough with reading, just hit play!
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Joe and Danny continue to flesh out their vision for the show by recording from the actual bike shop. Listen as unsuspecting customers stumble in and find themselves face to face with your hosts, who turn the mics on them. One of those customers turns us on to a YouTube influencer named Blippi. Then the show takes a serious turn when the issue of recycling in the bike industry comes up, but fortunately another customer walks in just in time and funnies the waters with a story about his off-season activities. Don't miss this little tour de force!
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Joe and Danny contemplate asphalt and gravel, bemoaning the pain and unfairness of both but acknowledging that the alternative might be worse. They pay a short visit to New York City and reminisce about some of the friends that Danny left behind. Joe finds an old photo that features a current TV play-by-play man and a former World Champion mountain biker. They also pay a visit to French chateau - fancy! There's too much to write about. You're going to have to listen for yourself.
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The boys survive this fast and furious stage through the state of the bicycle industry. What's it like running a bike shop through a pandemic? Is a "gravel bike" the new "touring bike"? What do you do when you've ingested too many "edibles" at the bike shop? Why is granny on an aero-road bike? All these questions and more are answered on this episode of the Bike Shop Society Podcast.
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Go behind the scenes with Joe and Danny as they fire up the podcast hotline for the first time. The possibility of bringing in a guest is discussed live on the show. But before they do anything, they need to run a test of the equipment to make sure everything works. Danny gives us an impromptu report about what he witnessed at the Cyclocross World Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He also gives us a review of the the "SmartLess" podcast, which he listened to during his road trip. The pod features Jason Bateman, or as Joe refers to him, "Justine's little brother". We also learn that Danny thinks of "Three's Company" anytime he sees a tandem bicycle. Listen as Joe and Danny turn a simple phone call into a bonus episode of the "Bike Shop Society Podcast".
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Joe and Danny debut the new show open that they spoke about on Stage 3. Two strangers appear at the bike shop, which leads the boys to talk about some of the people they have met through cycling. Joe shares some stories about the times he was pulled from the bike shop floor to a Hollywood set to perform stunts in a Mel Gibson movie and ride his bike in a Kiefer Sutherland and Julia Roberts pic. It doesn't stop there; apparently, he also sold a bike to Robin Williams. Danny stays on pace and tells us about his experience writing a feature article about serial entrepreneur and cofounder of PayPal Max Levchin. We also hear a little more about his days at the Tour de France filing reports from the the EF Team bus. Come along for this meandering ride through Joe and Danny's past.
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On Stage 3 we spend all of our time learning about our hosts. We learn that Danny spent some time in the Peace Corps, got to party with Massive Attack, and learned how to breakdance on the mean streets of Oak Lawn, Illinois. Joe shares some stories about his involvement in the early hip-hop scene in Chicago, tagging buses and trains and avoiding the law in his early teens. We learn that cycling has a way of changing lives, and that the boys share a love for the movie "Beat Street." All this and more on Stage 3 of the Bike Shop Society Podcast.
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Joe and Danny are concerned about the health and well-being of Phil Collins. Grandmothers are throwing down watts, which led Joe and Danny to discuss power meters and their love-hate relationship with Big (Cycling) Data. The boys are reconnecting with the sport they love, but they aren't sure what kind of riders they will be at this stage of their lives. Riding in a team car is not as much fun as you'd think, especially when Stephen Roche is tailgating you down the side of a mountain. Joe and Danny want to bring back the Peace Race and discuss former communist bike racers. All this and more as Joe and Danny begin to ride their way into the podcast life.
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Joe and Danny crack the mics for the first time. Danny tells us that one of his first podcast memories is listening to Bill Simmons. He also shares some stories about the time he spent racing bikes in France. Danny frequented a pub in Nice popular with the the local pros, including one Lance Armstrong. Who knew that a mysterious bartender from Nice would make a surprise appearance 20 years later in Chicago? Joe shares a few of his own stories about the time he spent living and racing in Spain, and spending the last 30 years in and around bicycle shops. The nerves of the first stage are palpable: It's all about avoiding the crashes and making it to Stage 2 safe and sound. Join Joe and Danny as they begin their journey into podcasting and beyond. Bike Shop Society is up and running.
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A prologue is kind of a stage but not really. Tour de France prologues are generally between 5 and 9km in length. Historically the Tour has used prologues most years since (arguably) 1967. At first a prologue-esque time trial was considered stage 1a, and when that wrapped up the peloton would go back to the start line for a mass-start stage, called 1b. Riders don't like doing two stages in a day, so in 1971 the Tour started running the prologue on its own, and by 1974 the word "prologue" began appearing in place of a stage number. If the prologue was Saturday, then stage 1 was Sunday.
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