Steed Cycles podcast: Recent Episodes
Steed Cycles
Spoiler: everyone is a winner at the NSMBA Fiver!
May saw us host the first Classic Fiver of the year, an event the whole mountain bike community looks forward to. The Fiver is a friendly evening enduro race putting the emphasis on friendly. While it's timed, there are no podiums or prizes, just bragging rights. Everybody that shows up gets to race their mates, have a good time, and have a good time at the apres.
We host a Fiver apres every year - supporting our community is one of our favourite things to do, so we're stoked to welcome the racers in for some well-earned food and drinks. Ash headed to the race up on Mount Fromme and caught up with racers back at the apres to find out what people were thinking about the course, how they were feeling after the race, and to get people stoked.
Ash caught up with Brian Earle, Fiver founder and organiser to chat about the history and format of the Fivers, and much more. Brian is a legend in the community and has done so much for us - so thanks Brian for all of your hard work!
Thanks to the NSMBA for allowing us to be a part of the Fiver series each year and for everything they do for the local mountain bike scene. If you haven't already, go get an NSMBA membership and help contribute to our trails.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Some of you may notice we took a short break from the podcast, but we're back with a new host - Ash Kelly. Ash brings with her a wealth of experience from the newsroom, as a CBC presenter, and now a bike mechanic, having spent a lifetime around bikes.
As we prepare for a summer of selling and fixing bikes, community events, and riding bikes with our friends, we wanted to spend some time introducing some of our awesome staff to you. Some are new, some are old, some you may know, some you may not. They all have one thing in common though; they all love bikes.
So tune in and find out what's happening at your favourite bike shop this summer!
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
When you think of a power couple, you might imagine two individuals, each influential or successful in their own right, complementing each other. This is precisely what Steve Vanderhoek and Kelsey Toevs have achieved.
While rumours suggest that Kelsey won Steve over in high school, all of that occurred before they entered their professional careers or pursued elite-level hobbies. Now, they have grown into complementing each other's skills, with Steve’s riding and Kelsey’s photography.
What distinguishes them from other filmmaker-athlete combos is that they are a married couple, both holding full-time jobs. Steve continues his role as a full-time firefighter, while Kelsey manages her residential photography business. This unique aspect means they don't rely on content income which reflects the genuine passion they pour into creating their remarkable content.
Check out their latest creation, winning the 2023 Crankworx Dirt Diaries video competition, Ready or Not film.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Have you ever found yourself captivated by the allure of mountain landscapes on the big screen, wondering about the visionary minds behind the lens? Well, we did too.
Join us as we delve into the world of the adventure film festival with the legend himself, Alan Formanek – the driving force behind the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF), set to kick off on February 23 across multiple theatres including Centennial Theatre, Rio Theatre, Cinematheque, Roundhouse Community Centre, and Delbrook Community Centre.
As a pioneer in modern free climbing hailing from Slovakia, Alan's unique perspective as a festival director and outdoor enthusiast adds unparalleled depth to the festival's narrative. Alongside his dedicated team, Alan has propelled VIMFF onto the global stage, showcasing films that have left audiences in awe at various film festivals worldwide, both in person and online.
We’ll be peeking behind the curtains, exploring the films that have graced VIMFF, and gain exclusive insights into what the future holds for Alan and the VIMFF legacy.
If you're as intrigued as we are, feel free to connect with VIMFF through their channels or drop us a message via our social media platforms. Get ready to embark on a cinematic journey like never before, where the mountains meet the silver screen.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Colombia is a bucket list destination for many road cyclists. With its high-altitude, challenging terrain, favorable weather, beautiful landscapes, and a cycling-friendly culture, it’s one of the best places in the world to ride a bike.
Colombia Dreaming is about an idea that was hatched among friends to explore Colombia by road bike. To take on a challenging loop of the country, connecting the best cycling regions and do so in the spirit of adventure.
In nine days of riding, Rich, Steve, Dave, Marty, Zack, Kevin and Daniele rode 1200km, up and down the Cordilleras mountains climbing over 25,000m. Starting out in Bogota, the guys descended to the Magdalena valley and took on the ultimate bucket list climb, Alto el Sifon (the alternative and superior Letras). With over 100km of fresh tarmac rising to 4100m of elevation, this climb will surely become one of the all-time classics. The route continued to Medellin and into the coffee lands before returning back to Bogota.
In this audio diary, recorded by Steed Ride Club Leader, Rich Costello, you’ll follow the journey each day as the guy’s report from the roadside. There’s a recording from a walking tour of Medellin, where the guide shares his perspective of life under the rule of Pablo Escobar aka “Voldemort” (many locals don’t speak his name). You’ll hear the voices of the support crew, Andres and Sylvana as well as all the sounds of the countryside and towns the guys passed through on this epic trip.
A big thank you goes to Atenea, Omar and Julian from Tingua Hidden Journeys who provided their expertise and contacts to bring the idea to life. To learn more about Hidden Journeys: https://www.hiddenjourneys.co/.
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
When you think of Haute Route, where does your mind wander? Does it lead you to envision the toughest amateur cycling event globally, a miniature Tour de France, or perhaps a fully supported cycling tour conquering renowned climbs?
Whether you perceive it as a timed challenge or a journey of exploration, we are excited to have the Marketing Director for the French Cycling Federation, Marius Louvett, live from Paris, and one of our own from the Steed Cycles Ride Club family, Eric Hung, to unveil the unique allure of Haute Route events.
Our expedition takes us through the heart of cycling's haven, traversing from the picturesque Alps to the awe-inspiring Pyrenees, where riders are tested on legendary peaks like Col du Tourmalet and Alpe d'Huez.
Envision timed ascents, intricate team dynamics, and unwavering support, all converging to make Haute Route a cycling spectacle and event like no other. For those who missed our previous podcasts featuring the Steed Cycles team at the race last year, they offer valuable insights into every aspect of this extraordinary event.
For those curious to explore more about the Haute Route events, visit https://hauteroute.fr/. Avoid a simple Google search for Haute Route, as it may direct you to an outdated website. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to them at hello@hauteroute.fr. The adventure awaits!
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Ever wondered what makes a filmmaker's mind tick and how they can envision scenes before they come to life? Well, so did we. That's why Jarrad sat down with Gordie Rogers from The Grove Collective to discover the creative process behind his movies.
Gordie, along with his team, Zac and Casey, has seen many of their films selected at various film festivals worldwide, including our local Vimff here in Vancouver, such as Only A Ride with Anthony Boussetta, one of our first podcast guests. We delve deep into a couple of Gordie's films and get insights into what's on the horizon for him.
If you're curious to learn more about Gordie and The Grove Collective, feel free to reach out to them or drop us a message via our social media channels.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Colombia is a bucket list destination for many road cyclists. With its high-altitude, challenging terrain, favorable weather, beautiful landscapes, and a cycling-friendly culture, it’s one of the best places in the world to ride a bike.
Colombia Dreaming is about an idea that was hatched among friends to explore Colombia by road bike. To take on a challenging loop of the country, connecting the best cycling regions and do so in the spirit of adventure.
In this episode, Steed Ride Club Leader, Rich Costello sets the scene by explaining how the idea came about. We also hear from Atenea and Omar from the tourism agency, Tingua Hidden Journeys, who are providing their expertise and contacts to bring the idea to life.
Part Two will take place on the road as Rich records an audio diary which will go live in a few weeks.
If you’re interested, please follow the guys on Strava and reach out to them directly if you have any suggestions or recommendations.
Steve, Marty, Daniele, Kevin, Zack, Dave, Rich
Learn more about Hidden Journeys: https://www.hiddenjourneys.co/
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
From broken necks to races, trail days to road cycling, 2023 was a big year for us at Steed. As we head toward the end of the year, we're wrapping up the podcast with a special end of year episode featuring Steed mechanic Ash Kelly, media & marketing manager Sam James, and our usual podcast host Jarrad Connolly.
2023 was one of our biggest and best years here at Steed, but it didn't come without its ups and downs, but mostly ups. Ash tells us about recovering from a broken neck earlier in the year, as well as taking part in the RideLab women's MTB festival and winning tire-change competitions. Sam gives us the lowdown on some of the community events we've been holding including Fivers, Trail days, huge gravel rides and a ton more.
This episode is all about good times and reflecting back on our favourite things of 2023 - we had the best time recording this episode, so tune in and reminisce along with us. As always, thanks to all of our customers, brand partners and everybody else that made 2023 such an incredible year. We can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
What more is there to say? Wade Simmons has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to being an athlete and understanding that his primary role is to sell the lifestyle of mountain biking.
From working in bike shops to being featured in just about every mountain bike film and winning the inaugural Red Bull Rampage in 2001, Simmons' impact on the mountain biking community has been profound. Beyond conquering the gnarliest trails, he has delved into guiding high-end MTB trips, authored guidebooks, and co-founded Godfather's Garage in 2022.
Echoing his enduring ethos: "Lube it, send it," Wade Simmons remains a trailblazer, mentor, and the undisputed Godfather of mountain biking, seamlessly blending athleticism with a passion for selling the lifestyle that defines the sport.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Can you get stronger, fitter and faster the older you get in your adult life? If you answered no then we have Eric Hung here as living proof that you certainly can achieve this and more.
Eric may be one of the most unassuming, nicest cyclists you will ever meet but don’t be fooled as you will hear he is also an absolute weapon on a bike, and one of the fastest masters category riders around. He proved this at the Haute Route Alps race earlier this year by finishing on the podium while also forging new friendships with his rivals.
Eric has been a member of the steed cycles family for over 10 years, contributing in many ways from the Steed ride club, to the race team,and the cycling community in general. He is admired for his ability to balance work, life, and family, all seemingly taking priority but without sacrificing the others.
Thanks Eric for taking the time to chat with us today.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
"When you've spent your entire life defining yourself in one way and that identity suddenly disappears, who are you now?" - James Clear, Atomic Habits
The answer to this question varies in its forms and depths but as we journey through life, it becomes essential to navigate these shifts in identity. The key lies in redefining oneself to preserve vital aspects of one's identity, even as specific roles or circumstances change.
I invited Jennifer McIntosh to join me for a discussion on various topics, spanning from anxiety and identity to coping with the approaching winter. I'm stoked that we could arrange in November, a significant month for mental health awareness globally. Our aim is not only to raise awareness but also to start vital conversations and give people tools to support themselves and those around them.
If you or someone you know would like to connect with Jenn, I encourage you to reach out to her.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
When Jessie issued a call to go riding on a Facebook group this past May, she didn't anticipate receiving responses from around 70 people, especially but that's what happened. Since then, Shore Sirens' Discord server has grown to over 200 people.
After a few smaller group rides, the Shore Sirens formed—a biking community for women and their allies, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of off-road cycling. Their mission is to bridge the gap for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a welcoming community.
In a short period, they've accomplished quite a lot, organising remarkable events such as the recent Queer+ Allies MTB Ride, inviting everyone identifying as 2SLGTBQIA+ which was a significant milestone for mountain biking in British Columbia. They've also collaborated with local trail organisations to contribute to the maintenance of the trails they ride, along with the bonus of introducing North Point Brewing's Shore Sirens Lager.
The Shore Sirens are valuable contributors for advancing the sport in the North Shore mountains we all cherish, we can't wait to see where they go from here.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Imagine this: competitors, never more than 100 metres apart, embark on a journey that involves biking, kayaking, climbing, and trekking, challenging every muscle of their bodies. Let's dive into the world of adventure racing with Cole and Yohann.
In this high-stakes arena, there are no predefined routes or GPS devices, just raw navigational skills honed through intense but minimal map preparation. Dropping out is not an option as each member is a vital cog, pushing their limits to the extreme. And here's the catch – no limits on legs or distance! Transitions between activities serve as the sole opportunities for restocking supplies, offering a momentary respite in this relentless odyssey.
Every decision holds weight, some races even offer solo competitions, adding a layer of individual grit to the already intense mix. Picture the solitude of the wild, the unending expanse of nature, and the unyielding spirit of adventure racers, propelling them to conquer the unknown.
In the heart of this adventure, where determination meets the wilderness, the spirit of adventure racing comes alive, weaving a tale of perseverance and triumph.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
If you're not familiar with Johnny before listening to this podcast, you will be afterward. The man exudes the most infectious energy I've ever personally encountered. With his unique Johnnyisms, motorcycle sound effects, and enormous heart, he has constructed a life centered around the cycling industry.
As you'll soon discover, Johnny approaches everything he does with a positive perspective and his distinctive way of describing things. This leads us down various tangents of his life, from the numerous times he's bumped his head to his obsession with Strava, and one of his cherished mottos, "Why spoil a great ride by pinning a number on your back?"
If you'd like to make a donation to the Hayman Classic Future Champions, which we discuss in the podcast, please click the link. Your contribution goes a long way in helping young cycling athletes achieve their dreams.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
They say Haute Route is the toughest amateur cycling event out there. This August, eight members of the Steed Cycles Masters Road Race Team travelled to France to ride the Haute Route Alps (mini Tour de France for amateur cyclists). Starting in Megeve and finishing in Nice, the route covers 750km (20,000m of climbing) over 7 days and passes some of the most iconic climbs in road cycling.
One of the riders, Rich Costello captured recordings from the team throughout the week to compile this audio diary.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take part in an Haute Route event, then this episode is well worth a listen.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Ben Carr, the owner of Innovative Fitness North Vancouver, didn't begin his career with aspirations of becoming a fitness industry leader. In an unexpected turn of events, he found himself engrossed in conversation at the Innovative Fitness booth during a career fair but the idea of being perceived as a mere "glorified pool boy in the gym" left him apprehensive.
However, as conversation unfolded, Ben's perspective shifted as he realized that his impact could extend far beyond demonstrating how to lift weights. His capacity to assist individuals in reaching their goals outside the gym became evident, particularly in the Sea to Sky corridor, where such support is highly valued.
Advancing a few years, a remarkable evolution occurred. Ben, alongside the Innovative Fitness team, plays an instrumental role in nurturing a vibrant and cohesive community. This community not only empowers individuals to achieve their goals but also provides a nurturing environment for mentorship and growth.
If you would like to get in contact with Ben hit him up at ben@innovativefitness.com, and to find out about Bikes 'n' Beers head to www.bikesnbeers.ca/
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Dive into the world of Geoff Livingston, a passionate mountain biker turned content creator. His journey is a fascinating blend of pedal-powered adventures and creative storytelling.
Geoff's path to content creation wasn't planned; it evolved organically. Through collaborations with skilled athletes, he honed his camera skills while enhancing his own riding techniques. Cancer disrupted his trajectory, prompting deep introspection. This setback catalyzed a renewed dedication to capturing the thrill of biking and sharing it with others.
Geoff's narrative conveys resilience and growth, offering insights for emerging creators. His story champions the significance of hands-on experience, camaraderie, and adaptability. With every video.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Dale Stone is creating a name for himself as a content creator on Youtube and doing it his own way. Unlike most he isn’t going down the Vlog, DIY or Scripted route but riding trails we all love and sharing them with the world.
As you will hear he is able to keep a healthy love and relationship with the sport by not stressing on the structured style of most youtubers but allowing his consistent and very technical riding create the adventure for the viewer.
This summer he has taken a break from his engineering career in the bicycle industry to relax and focus on adventures and riding.
If you would like to get in contact with Dale you can reach out to him via his Youtube channel or instagram
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Greasy, rough and long - that was the general consensus of the riders of Fiver #3 sponsored by Steed Cycles and Race Face.
The Fivers are a local race series held by the NSMBA every summer in a mini enduro format that sees racers tackle a course usually comprised of three descents with the occasional climb thrown in for good measure.
Held on alternating Thursday evenings and sponsored by a different local business each time, they're an awesome opportunity for a bit of casual racing but more importantly they're a chance for us to get together and celebrate the amazing mountain biking community we have here on the North Shore.
Jarrad had a wander around our après event after fiver #3 to chat with some of the racers and volunteers about how the race went. Hear it straight from the racer's mouths!
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Jake Johnstone is reshaping the way most riders are looking at coaches with their mental game becoming as much of a priority as the physical game.
He doesn’t come from a high profile racing career like a lot of the coaches that you will find in the sea to sky but comes from letting his bike take him on adventures which led him to Squamish, BC to pursue his coaching career and as you will hear he knows his stuff.
After a few years with Endless Biking he is out on his own creating a new experience for all levels of riders to excel at their riding with his coaching company The Mind Mountain.
Jake has also started his podcast Grit with Wisdom to help share his and others knowledge from their experiences. Once again he is doing it his way with sharing stories that will enhance the listeners riding experiences.
If you would like to get in contact with Jake you can reach out to him via his website or instagram and if you want to listen to more of Jake's stories take a listen to his podcast, Grit with Wisdom.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Ash Kelly is one of the most free and independent women out there, and that seed of freedom and independence was first sowed on the farm she lived on, riding her bike into and around town gave her that first taste that only a bicycle can bring, and she's been in love ever since.
As her freedom grew on the farm and then moving to the city and working for MEC her desire to have an impact in the community also grew. After many years at MEC her desire for community impact led her to journalism which gave her the power to continue to feed that want for greater community. After several years in journalism, Ash felt the need to pursue her love for bicycles and community, which led to her and business partner Adam to open a bicycle service center - Dialed Bike Service.
Now after 2 years of Dialed being in business she has started to branch out to help create and aid in multiple community projects and events refilling her cup and feeding that desire to have a greater impact on the community.
Ash is genuinely one of the most passionate, driven, eclectic and skilled people we know. If you want to get in contact with Ash she is in the workshop at Steed Cycles most weekends and at Dialed Bike Service during the week.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Kevin Calhoun is something of an enigma on the North Shore of Vancouver. A lot of people either know of or know him personally, and many have a story or two about Calhoun, but just like the elusive bigfoot, true facts about the man remain few and far between.
Many of you may not know he grew up in a small town in Ontario, and worked for a shoe company before starting his career in the bike industry. Calhoun's funnest fact, and the most Canadian claim to fame, is that he can drive a Zamboni.
Over the years while living on the North Shore, Kevin has created and holds a reputation as an incredibly skilled bike handler as one of the longest standing Rocky Mountain Bicycles ambassadors.
So if you're ever asked the question “who is Kev Calhoun?” Now you will know what to say; a quiet Canadian that drives a Zamboni and rides a bike damn fast!
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
What is mental health in the mountains? Well, it’s difficult and different for everyone to explain. It may be FOMO, trauma/PTSD, self-compassion, imposter syndrome, or all of the above and more.
Tori shares some of her tips and experiences as a studying clinical psychologist and elite level mountain biker on a range of topics about mental health relating to athletes and the way we function.
Coming from a world of “keep pushing till you succeed” it was a great eye opener to how the balance of mental health is so important in life, to make the right decisions to succeed.
If you want to get in contact with Tori you can get in touch via her instagram and keep an eye out for more of her seminars.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Why do gym work when you could be riding your bike? One of the main questions Jason Bond gets asked with his Dryland Cyclist training program and I even got while training at an elite cycling level.
Honestly there isn’t an easy answer to this as there are many reasons to be in the gym and not on your bike. Winter, injury prevention and recovery, strength, and of course most people have their own reasons as well.
As Jason explains it’s not about being the strongest or the fastest for most people, but having the strength to ride in a safe and enjoyable way. This is something that he has learnt over the past 25 years of being a personal trainer, and creating specific training programs for cyclists and athletes alike.
If you have any questions for Jason about Bond Training or his Dryland Cyclist training feel free to contact him via his website or on instagram.
Words: Jarrad Connolly
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
What does safety in the outdoors look like to you?
A question Jojo Das once asked at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. He got a lot of confused answers, which created some great conversation and education about why people can be scared and anxious to travel into the great outdoors.
Growing up as an Indian boy and moving 14 times before the age of 11 was both a blessing and a curse, as he wasn’t able to have long term relationships with school friends, and found out how quickly people can pull back when they know you are moving. The blessing in disguise was building the social skill of being able to meet and create new relationships over and over. He now shares that skill through his work at Mountain Mentors.
Creating a culture of inclusion and shared knowledge is one of the hardest things you can do in life and as Jojo explains it’s not always deliberate if someone is excluded from an activity; it may be a choice for safety or a skill barrier.
If you want to find out more about Jojo and his story, you can see his film Space For All at VIMFF, and follow him on instagram.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Take a second and imagine lining up for a competition in a country where that sport is one of the major spectator events in the nation! Well, Michael van den Ham and Cody Scott got to experience that earlier this month at the 2023 Cyclocross World Championships **in the Netherlands.
With 50,000 plus spectators surrounding the course, Cody shared his experience of having no choice but to take it all in and get the racing done.
It’s not all racing and travel for Michael. As the Head Mountain Bike Coach for Devo Youth Cycling Club in Vancouver, he fosters the passions and pathways that he has helped create over the years of travelling to Europe.
If you enjoyed listening to our podcast, Michael also has his own podcast about his Canadian Cyclocross that you can find on most podcasting platforms called Canuck Crosscast**.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
“What would we do differently if we had the chance to call the shots?” That’s the question teammates Ramsey and Elliot started asking themselves a year into racing. They wanted to use their voice to steer women’s road bike racing in a new direction.
It was a conversation over dinner and wine that led to them launching Ruckus Racing. The pair chatted about barriers and setbacks women face, such as few resources for beginner riders, a lack of supportive or progressive events.
Ruckus Racing was born to create an inspiring place for women to enter the sport. They wanted to create a community where women were supported in learning, racing and building their experience.
Yes, the name Ruckus Racing is a bit tongue in cheek by causing a disturbance in the racing scene but they are also helping cycling catch up with the times to be more inclusive.
If you want to support and follow the ladies at Ruckus Racing send them your love on Instagram. The team is also proudly supported by SamSara and Velosophy.
Thank you for listening
- Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Niels explains how he moved out of his parents’ home at 14 years old to chase his dreams racing bikes and what that taught him on his path to become a World Champion.
After what most would call a very successful BMX racing career, racing for the Netherlands Cycling Federation and now Niels is focused on Pump Track World Championships and King of CrankWorx.
On his fourth attempt he took the top step of the UCI Pump Track World Championships after finishing just off the podium with two 4ths and a 5th in the prior years. He also finished off the 2022 season with a 5th in the King of Crankworx points standings with many podium finishes throughout the 4 stops proving he isn’t just skilled on a BMX race bike.
Follow Niels’ attempt to be the King of Crankworx and his title defence on the rainbow stripes in 2023 via his instagram and youtube.
Thank you for listening
- Get in contact us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
- Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
- Produced by Sam James
Listen to other episodes here.
Bike packing is fast becoming the chosen activity for a lot of endurance athletes during and after covid but Meaghan has been bike packing before many knew it was a thing with her first major tour in 2009 riding the Pacific Coast (Terrace, BC, to Mulege, Baja California Sur)
Since then she has accomplished many great feats with some of her biggest being her outright win and setting Women’s KFT at the 2021 BC Epic 1000 plus her win and 741km record ride in the 2019 24hr TT World Championships.
Her story goes a lot deeper than just riding her bike as Meaghan is a published writer with her first book being shortlisted for the 2020 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize (Non-Fiction) and the 2020 Alberta Book Publishing Award (Trade Non-Fiction). She is due to release her 2nd book in 2023.
To get in contact with Meaghan, head to her instagram https://www.instagram.com/meaghanhackinen/?hl=en or website https://meaghanhackinen.com/
Supported by F2C Nutrition and JSNT Endurance Coaching.
Claire is a Lynn Valley girl that grew up in and out of bicycle stores with her Dad owning one in North Vancouver before she moved to Whistler to chase the bike life. She originally stumbled into the racing world when she podiumed her first elite nationals qualifying her for the Canadian worlds team.
Her list of cycling achievements are nothing but great, but it’s how she got there that makes her special. Unlike most of her competitors she didn’t take up racing until her late teens where she found success both on the national and international circuits. Her achievements also don’t stop at racing but continue into the world of big mountain riding and freeriding.
- 12 Canadian National Team member and Canadian National Champion 2009
- Top 10 World Cup racer with her first World Cup Podium in South Africa, 2009
- 3rd 2011 World Championships in Champery to Emmeline Ragot and Rachel Atherton
- Winner of Womenzworx and the Gala at Crankworx 2009
- Nominated for International Cyclist of the Year 2009
- Voted one of the "26 Most Influential People in Mountain Biking", Decline Magazine January 2008
Moving forward after her racing career she has found herself giving back to the cycling community with her and her husband Chris Kovarik's coaching business. Together they have been helping the youth of Canadian DH perform at their top level, including supporting the JNR National DH team this year at World Champs in Les Gets, France.
Off the bike Claire finds herself working for Chromag Bikes in Whistler as their graphic designer using her artistic eyes that she sees the world through and playing with her dog down by the river!
You can find Claire on Instagram or Facebook and if you have any coaching questions head over to Kovarik Racing
Welcome to Episode 26 of our podcast! Tony 'Toe Strap' Brisindi has been working at Steed Cycles as a mechanic for over 6 years now and most of our regular customers will know Tony pretty well, having worked on their bikes, given them advice or maybe having been riding with them. Tony is a mainstay at the shop and we're happy to have him and his experience and knowledge in the shop.
Tony has been in and around the bike industry since 1995 - that's 27 years now and in that time the industry has changed a hell of a lot. Tony has seen a lot of different technologies come and go as things improved (or not), and somehow has retained much of that knowledge in that brain of his. Some things Tony knows are probably not worth knowing, however it is interesting picking his brains and going back into the annals of bicycle history trivia. Tony is a total tech nerd and likes to try all the new interesting parts like Shimano Airlines and linkage forks, but he also is a little old school in some regards. Currently Tony only owns steel bikes with only front or zero suspension, though each bike is definitely pretty weird and uniquely his.
In his time in the cycling industry Tony has tried riding all the different types of bikes. Back in the 90s and early 2000s were his downhill riding and racing days and rode some legendary bikes like the Specialized Demo 9. Moving on he spent some time riding fat bikes when they first came out and racing cross country, and he obviously decided to mix the two and was one of the first people to ride a fat bike in the Leadville 100, because why not? Tony wanted to be the first person ever to finish the race on a fat bike, but unfortunately one of his race buddies beat him by about a minute, making him the second guy.
We could listen to Tony's random stories all day, but unfortunately we should probably get back to work. Either way, we hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we enjoyed recording it. Cheers!
For episode 25 of our podcast we've got Dougie Fresh AKA Doug Giles, our outside sales rep for Shimano, amongst other brands. Being rep for Shimano means Doug has a unique view into both the world of retail and the inner workings of the bike industry in terms of manufacture, distribution etc. for Shimano. Credit to Doug he's always as transparent as he can be, and we try to be to. We've all heard about the parts shortages this last couple of years due to COVID and while it's no big secret why, if you haven't heard it explained it's interesting to hear why we're still seeing shortages and delays even now.
More than just a rep, Doug has been in and around the cycling world for a long time. Starting his cycling career as a triathlete, what sounds like a fairly daunting world of pain can actually be a more accessible way into cycling because people are typically more inclusive since they have to be good at several different sports. The cycling world has changed a lot in the two decades plus that these two have been in it, and it's mostly for the best. Tune in to the full podcast to hear some throwbacks and some tasters of what's to come. Enjoy!
**Welcome to podcast episode 24! This week Jarrad has the tables turned on him and has to sit in the guest chair while Steed mechanic and former radio journalist, Ash Kelly, jumps into hosting so you can hear all about Jarrad’s recent overnight epic ride (unofficially dubbed the “XXL Island Loop” by Jarrad). Their conversation touches on a lot more than his impressive ride stats though, as the pair dig into what drives us to do hard stuff, even when we don’t have to. The episode also introduces us to our regular host in a more intimate way as we hear about his childhood and generally positive outlook on life.
Jarrad has been riding bikes of all shapes and sizes from the time he could walk and often tells people he will ride anything he can get his hands on, he doesn’t need anything fancy to be happy on two wheels. He was racing BMX and riding motorcycles before he was six years old, racing motorbikes by eight and a mechanic for national motorbike road races in his teens.
Jarrad’s recent XXL Island Loop clocked in at 460 kilometers and took more than 24 hours and four ferries to complete while he averaged a hefty 25 kilometers per hour. The loop began in North Vancouver, then to Victoria and north to Comox, across to the Sunshine Coast, finishing back in North Vancouver with only a small amount of drama. It was a logistically challenging trip in terms of planning, access to water, food overnight, with the added need to time arrivals at some infamously tricky ferries along the way.**
We are proud to say Jarrad has been a part of the Steed team for over 4 years. He believes anyone can enjoy cycling, no matter what bike they are on, or what path they are on in life. He brings enthusiasm and positivity to the community through his dedication and coaching.
Tune in to hear the full story and more. Enjoy!
Welcome to episode 23 of our podcast! This time around we have Ramsey Glass, also known as Ramsbikes on Instagram. Ramsey is a Vancouver-based road cyclist and has an Instagram account that's exploded in popularity since she started it in October last year as a creative outlet and a way to express who she is in cycling.
Ramsey only picked up cycling in a serious way in 2020, as with many new cyclists that picked it up through the pandemic. Since then she has spent time trying to find her niche within the sport and has discovered how to many people including herself, cycling is not just a hobby, but a lifestyle, and that there are so many different ways to be a cyclist or a part of cycling without being an elite racer.
We're lucky these days for cycling to be as inclusive as it is - free of judgement with bikes, clothing and events available for pretty much everyone, though clearly we still have a way to go. Back in June this year when the Tour De Concord event schedule was published there was no start time and no entries for cat 4/5 women, despite there being a men's race. When Ramsey contacted the race organizer, assuming there had been some mistake, she was told that since the event was organized there was no room to change the schedule. Cue the online backlash and support from a ton of other racers and the men promising not to race if the women couldn't, Cycling BC managed to make room for the women to race.
Ramsey says make room for the women and they will come, and she's totally right. We all want 50/50 women/men in cycling to be a reality, so let's treat it like it already is. We applaud Ramsey for standing up for the cat 4 women, because just because you're not a pro racer doesn't mean your experience is any less important.
Tune in to hear the full story and more, Ramsey has a truly unique and interesting perspective and one that we are excited to share. Enjoy!
Welcome to episode 21 of the Steed Cycles podcast. Today we're chatting with Tristan Olk and Scott Pilecki - Tristan and Scott are some of the original Steed Cycles staff from way back in the day when we were just earning our reputation for what we are today. They saw first-hand the shop change from a small business to one of BC's premier bike shops.
Say what you want about California being the birthplace of mountain biking, but we'd argue that North Shore had a significant hand in the start of 'real' mountain biking. There are few other places in the world with such a high concentration of pro riders, industry professionals, bike companies and amazing trails. It's not uncommon to bump into a pro mountain biker on any given ride out here and Scott and Tristan remember the days when those guys weren't on anyone's radar as the sport was growing.
A lot has changed since those days and it's fun to reminisce about those times. The North Shore has long been a global stage for the world's best riders and bikes, and even those of use that haven't lived here for that long remember the heyday of Cove Bikes, Banshee, Rocky mountain etc. and the ebb and flow of the bike industry. It's fun to hear about the local perspective and there's a lot we can learn about the local bike scene history from the ramblings of these guys, as well as some silly North Shore stories about #Philannel, The Dumpsters and Gaber. If you're a part of the North Shore mountain bike scene there's a ton of laughs in here, and even if you're not it makes for an entertaining listen!
More than anything else, Scott and Tristan paint a picture of the cameraderie that is Steed Cycles. Some things don't change and the people that work in bike shops always have one thing in common, and that's a love for bikes. We're lucky to always attract great people to the team here and one thing that hasn't changed is that we always have great times together. Whether or not you know Scott and Tristan, it's worth taking the time to sit back and listen to some classic North Shore and Steed Cycles stories. Enjoy!
In episode 20 of our podcast we sit down for a chat with Ben Bolliger about his unfortunate run-in with a vehicle while riding his bike in July of 2021 and the resulting battle he had to undergo to receive some form of justice from ICBC.
Ben is an integral part of the Steed Cycles Ride Club as an active ride leader, and has been a part of Ride Club for six years now. Prior to his accident last year Ben was also part of the Steed Cycles Race Team, taking part in frequent local road cycling races - cycling is clearly a huge part of his life.
In July 2021 Ben was hit by a car that ran a stop sign while riding his bike and sustained serious injuries including a severely broken arm which, while it healed, has left him without much of the feeling in his right hand. Obviously this has had a huge impact on his daily life and has left him unable to ride a bike like he once used to, but despite this ISBC does not deem his injury severe and so he has struggled to receive the specialist help he needs.
To add insult to injury, thanks to the new 'No Fault' policy introduced in 2021 and since ICBC view a bicycle as an 'uninsured vehicle', the same as they would an uninsured motor vehicle driver, it was decided that Ben was 50% at fault and that he would have to pay for the damages to the vehicle that struck him - a total of $3700. Ben took to social media and news outlets to spread the word and fight this decision, and ultimately ICBC conceded and changed their policy wherein they will no longer be billing vulnerable road users (ie cyclists and pedestrians) if they are severely injured due to an incident, at which point it was revealed that there were at least 65 other people in the same situation as Ben.
We're glad Ben fought ICBC on this and ultimately brought this positive change, but where does this leave those vulnerable road users that have been involved in an incident with a vehicle through no fault of their own and are not seriously injured? Those people will likely be billed and wind up seriously out of pocket. Furthermore since the introduction of the 'No Fault' policy, injured road users are now unable to seek compensation for their injuries and are often left high and dry without adequate care, something that another Steed Cycles Ride Club and Race Team member Rich Costello has also had the misfortune of learning recently. Ultimately it seems that ICBC have made the decision to save money instead of adequately caring for those that have spent years paying into the system (after all, most Cyclists do also own a car), and those most vulnerable road users are left to pay the price.
Clearly there are many changes that we still need to fight for, and we applaud Ben for doing his part. Tune in to the podcast to hear all about his experience and what he thinks needs to be done.
Welcome to podcast episode 19 and thanks for joining us! We're here today with Nick, Sam and Shim from Shim's ride. A collection of Avid Cyclists, Nick, Sam and Shim lived together in Victoria from 2014-2019 and rode and raced together.
In 2019 Shim was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike and suffered a spinal cord injury, and so Shim's ride is group dedicated to raising money for spinal cord research through Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. Prior to his injury, Shim was an excellent cyclist and a decorated athlete in the sports of both rowing and cycling. Shim continues to show his strength, dedication and resilience in the way he approaches life post-injury and it's inspiring to see.
Welcome to Episode 17 of the Steed Cycles podcast! This time around we're talking with Mischa Partridge, pro BMX and track cyclist turned athletic therapist. Mischa is another one of those guys that's spent a lot of time racing bikes on a pro level, which has set him up well for the rest of his career.
Mischa started riding BMX as a kid and took up racing at the late(ish) age of 11. He progressed quickly and wound up racing for many years on the Canadian National BMX team internationally, which gave him a great understanding of the world of high-performance sport and a unique perspective that many people don't have. BMX racing is an extremely high intensity sport, and having spent his fair share of time injured and working with therapists and learning how to rehabilitate himself, Mischa developed an interest in physical therapy and exericise therapy himself.
These experiences lead Mischa to pursue a career in exercise therapy - he gained a bachelor's degree in sports and exercise therapy and is a certified athletic therapist. Following his passion for racing and competition, Mischa spent a season working with the Candian National BMX team, this time as their travelling therapist and now is working with Volleyball Canada, despite admittedly not being a volleyball buff, the human body still works and responds the same.
Mischa is a super talented and interesting person with a lot of knowledge and passion to share with the rest of us. Tune in and listen to his story!
Welcome to Episode 16 of the Steed Cycles podcast - this week we've got Tammy Brimner of TLB Velo Photography. Tammy is one of Vancouver's best-known cycling photographers - if you've raced a road bike in Vancouver, chances are you've probably heard of Tammy, or TLB Velo. The thing about photographers though is that they're always behind the lens, and not in front of it. This time in an effort to learn more about one of the pillars of our local community we're putting Tammy in front of the lens.
Tammy only took up cycling photography back in 2015 when her husband took up road racing, and was trying to get shots of him and his team racing. Her scope quickly escalated to taking photos of the whole race and her reputation grew with it as well as her skills. Tammy takes amazing photos of both local and international races - many of which of she provides to the riders free of charge. Tammy is one of those selfless members of the Cycling community that gives her all to ensure that people are having a great time and loving bikes, and it's amazing to see.
When Covid hit in 2020, in-person racing took a backseat, which meant that Tammy wasn't able to take race photos any more. Zwift racing started to become something to replace in-person races in 2020, and Tammy started to experiment with taking shots of the Zwift races - first experimenting with taking photos of the screen using her phone, and later creating a Zwift account and taking screenshots this way. Tammy seems to be one of few people doing this, and together with her editing skills means she's had some enviable opportunities as the 'photographer' for some high level Zwift races over the last couple of years. It's this experimentation and dedication that meant she received the BC Cycling award of Innovator of the Year in 2020.
Tune in to hear all about Tammy's photography, her path through the community and some fun stories.
Enjoy!
Welcome to podcast episode 15! This week we have Aaron Dobie on the show. Aaron is a trained physiotherapist that specializes in manual therapy and exercise prescription for injury recovery but also in strength and conditioning coaching to help athletes perform at their peak and to help prevent future injury.
As a long time cyclist, specifically mountain bikers, Aaron has been riding since he was a kid. At age 16 he started racing and at 19 he entered the pro/elite field and has raced as part of a sponsored team. It's fair to say then that Aaron knows the sport of cycling pretty well and knows the demands we put our bodies through and how to keep them in the best shape for the rigours of mountain biking.
Aaron has had a ton of awesome experiences in the field including various pro cycling teams and Canada's Freestyle Skiing Team. Recent highlights include working as the Physiotherapist for the Giant Factory Off-Road Cycling Team in 2020, Norco Factory Racing Team in 2021 and for 2022 he will be working with Ibis Cycles at the Enduro World Series.
Tune in to the podcast to hear all about Aaron's personal riding and racing career, his route to phsyiotherapy and some pro tips that you can use to improve your performance and keep injury free to be at the top of your riding game.
Enjoy!
Welcome to podcast episode 14! In this episode we're thrilled to be chatting with Bianca Hayes. Bianca will be riding across Canada later this year in support of Ovarian Cancer, aiming to raise $1m in funds. Ovarian cancer is a cause close to Bianca's heart, sadly losing her sister to the disease in 2018.
Bianca already rode across Canada in 2020 and holds the fastest female time of 19 days, however this time around she hopes to beat that record and get her time in the Guinness World Records. Bianca has overcome some health struggles herself, and having managed to do this and complete a ride to San Francisco and riding across Canada, her story is immensely inspiring.
We hope you enjoy listening to Bianca's story and take some inspiration for yourself.
If you'd like to find out more or donate, follow the links below!
www.biancahayes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theovariang
Welcome to episode 13 of the Steed Cycles podcast. This is a bit of a special one, in that we have the man himself Kim Steed as a guest, celebrating 25 years of Steed Cycles. Kim is a man that needs no introduction to many, but for those of you that haven't spent as much time around the shop over the years, Kim is the founder and owner of Steed. Kim opened the first store on March 15th 1997 and never looked back. Many say that Kim is the happiest man in the bike industry, and they'd probably be right.
While it's pretty obvious where the name 'Steed Cycles' came from, Kim tells us that he told us the he decided to name the store as such because if you put your name on something, it shows that you put your heart and soul into it. That was true 25 years ago, and it's true now. Kim's passion for bikes and cycling is obvious, and while he might not be as hands-on as he used to be, he's still involved in the daily running of the store and it's obvious that the passion is still there. To have such passion and dedication for so long is admirable, and it really shows in the staff he hires - we all do our best to channel our inner Kimbo, and when your boss is stoked about bikes, it's hard not to be stoked yourself.
Tune in to the full podcast to hear about the store through the years, some of Kim's crazy stories about BMX racing, the Steed Stunt Team and why Green is the official Steed Cycles colour. Enjoy!
In episode 12 Jarrad gets to hang out with legendary freerider Geoff 'Gully' Gulevich. Raised on the North Shore and heavily involved in the freeride movement, Gully is one of those larger than life characters, but is still refreshingly down to earth and does a lot for his local community still, including Geoff Gulevich Garage Sale.
Having grown up here, Gully spent much of his younger years on bikes, giving him the chance to get to the top of the game and earning him a 5th place at Red Bull Rampage amongst other amazing results at massive international competitions. In more recent years, geoff has made the transition to judge and content creator, recently making appearances on the Pinkbike Academy reality show.
However you've heard of Gully, maybe as an athlete, as a rampage competitor or simply out on the trail, he's an absolute gent and we're stoked to have him join us on our podcast. Enjoy!
Welcome to Episode 11 of the Steed Cycles Podcast! In this episode we're joined by Joele Guynup of Santa Cruz/Juliana bicycles. Joele is our rep for Santa Cruz, Juliana and Cervelo, and is quite often the reason we're able to keep Santa Cruz and Cervelo riders riding their bikes when they have a problem - she's a miracle worker sometimes. Having been riding and racing bikes for around 20 years now and been in and around the industry for much of that, Joele is a true professional, and she is also just one of the raddest humans we know.
Tune in to the podcast to find out how Joele made the leap from cyclist, to racer, to industry pro. Much like the rest of us, Joele simply loves bikes, and loves working in the industry. Not only is Joele an industry pro, she gives a whole heap of her time to awesome causes like Ride Like a Girl and numerous other cycling events - it's inspiring to see and we're grateful for all that she does.
We hope you enjoy listening to Joele as much as we enjoyed chatting with her!
In episode 10 of our podcast Jarrad is joined by Nic and Ryan from Northirn Overland - an vehicle rental company with a difference. Northirn Overland's stable of rental vehicles differs from any other rental company in that their vehicles are equipped to be overland-ready. Overlanding vehicles are typically rugged 4x4s that are kitted out to go anywhere and everywhere and be self-sufficient too.
Anyone that's been overlanding before knows how much fun it is, but it can be expensive to get into, particularly if you don't make regular use of the equipment. Northirn Overland provides an easy and fun alternative for those that don't want to spend the money on a whole overlanding setup. Ready to go right away, whether it's an SUV, pickup truck or trailer Northirn Overland make it easy to get out there and explore the thousands of kilometers of forest service roads that BC has available.
Overlanding is one of those pastimes complements cycling well - Nic and Ryan being avid cyclists themselves. Having a vehicle that is capable of exploring the backcountry means you can get even further out there on a bike and pick up where the vehicle leaves off. That makes overlanding a great way to get around, base for a cycling vacation or even as a means for a support vehicle for an epic gravel trip.
Jarrad, Ryan and Nic chat about the ins and outs of overlanding, bike racing and much more. Enjoy!
In episode 9 of the Steed Podcast Sam sits down with Cooper Quinn, President of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA). Cooper last joined us back in April of 2020 and to say things have changed since then would be an understatement.
It's always a pleasure chatting with Cooper, and when it comes to finding out about what's going on with North Shore trails, where better to get the lowdown than straight from the horse's mouth? Some of the biggest news to come from the NSMBA lately is the sanctioning of certain trails on Cypress and the building of a new climb trail. This news to some may have alarm bells ringing, but Cooper is clear that they do not want the character of the trails to change.
More exciting news includes the sanctioning of popular 'secret' trail on Seymour, Cambodia. Sanctioning these trails means that they can be protected without fear of the local governing bodies closing them, as well as making it easier to bring volunteers in to work on them, and is pretty much a win/win situation. The big question is, what next? Tune in to this episode to find out.
Enjoy!
In Episode 8 Jarrad sits down with Noa Deutsch from Performance Training. Because everything is connected and issues are very rarely isolated, Noa uses a holistic approach to ensuring athletes are on the right track to getting the most out of themselves and their bike. Including nutrition, bike fit, training and coaching, Noa looks at the whole package, while also using her network of specialist Physiotherapists, Remedial Massage Therapists and more to help people reach their best performance.
Nutrition is super important, both long term and short term. How you eat, what you eat and when you eat play a vital role in performance. If you've ever wondered how best to fuel your ride, Noa gives some great tips about what to eat and when through a bike ride so you can stay feeling fresh and energised at the right time - something so many people can get wrong.
The last couple of years have shaken things up for the bike fit business, as they have for many businesses. Noa took the opportunity of being closed for a few months in 2020 to refocus and shift her business from 'bike fitting' to 'dynamic cycling analysis'. The aim is roughly the same, but with a much more in depth process of analysing the body using a variety of digital methods and tools, and of course what her eyes and the athlete is telling her to create a much bigger picture. The word "dynamic" implies that the cyclist is dynamic on the bike, but also something that changes over time, because the human body is always changing - maybe becoming leaner, more flexible, fitter. She uses not only the fit on the bike but coaching and training methods as well as external specialists to address issues in the body to improve overall performance on the bike. Tune in to the podcast to hear all about what she does, what you might be doing wrong and the tools you can use to get to the bottom of it.
In Episode 7 of our podcast, Jarrad chats with Ben Chaddock of BC Cycling. Ben is currently the head of Coach Development for Cycling BC, the Provincial Manager for iRide BC, a school-based mountain biking program and runs his own successful coaching business Toque Coaching. Ben is an experienced coach and mentor, and also is an accomplished competitive cyclist with a Canadian Criterium Championship under his belt.
Cycling is something Ben has always been passionate about and helping people achieve their best results is a huge part of what drives him on a daily basis, whether that's simply riding a feature on a mountain bike trail for the first time, achieving a top ten race result or passing some wisdom down to a new coach.
Tune in to this episode to find out what Ben has been doing to get more kids into cycling, learn about some of his coaching methods and experience and hear about his path through the industry to where he is now.
Enjoy!
In this episode Jarrad chats with Jess Daniels - team lead for Ellevate XC, a women's cross-country mountain bike team sponsored by Steed Cycles. New for 2021, Ellevate attended as many races as they could this year given the circumstances and attained some awesome results.
Unfortunately part way through the 2021 season Jess sustained a concussion and had to sit a few races out but thankfully got back on the bike later in the season. Tune in to the podcast to hear Jess talk about concussions and recovery, women's racing, her path from road cycling to mountain bike racing and what 2022 holds for the Ellevate XC team.
In this episode, Jarrad sits down with Anthony Boussetta to talk about Anthony's recent physical and mental challenges.
Anthony recently completed a Triple-Triple crown on the North Shore. For the uninitiated a regular triple crown summits the North Shore's three main riding mountains - Seymour, Fromme/Grouse and Cypress. With around 3000m of climbing and around 100km in distance, the Triple Crown is no mean feat. Anthony completed not one, not two, but three Triple Crowns back to back. Tune in to find out just how he did this, why he did it, and the challenges he had to overcome.
Welcome back to the Steed Cycles Podcast! We apologise for the hiatus over summer as the increase in business got the better of us, however we're back! In episode 4, Sam sits down for a chat with mountain bike legend Micayla Gatto at the start of the summer.
Micayla grew up here on the North Shore, specifically West Vancouver. With the North Shore mountains the ideal training ground, it goes without saying that she was mountain biking from a young age before moving into racing. Micayla competed in the highest levels of downhill racing including the UCI world cup for many years and was a force to be reckoned with on the racing scene as one of Canada's top female riders. After an injury forced her to take some time off racing in 2014 she decided to retire from competitive downhill.
Since then Micayla has branched out into numerous different parts of the cycling world, and has also taken time to focus on her art. She has worked as an announcer for a whole bunch of events such as and including Crankworx, she has produced and appeared in mountain bike movies, produced artwork for cycle brands and just for herself and is a pro freeride athlete riding for Diamondback bikes.
In this podcast episode we talk about her past in downhill racing and what she misses about it. Some of you may remember the viral video she produced with IFHT Ferda Girls a few years back. We chat about how that helped re-launch here career, and we get stuck into her role as an advocate for women in cycling and how it can be a pretty subject to approach effectively. However any of us feel about this, there's no denying that Micayla is a rad human that knows how to throw down on a bike.
Have a listen to what Micayla has to say, we hope you enjoy listening.
In episode 3 of the Steed Cycles podcast we chat to industry veteran Seb Kemp. Seb may still shred just as hard as anyone but he's also got a wealth of experience in all corners of the bike industry. Having travelled to and lived in all corners of the world and worked as a bike coach, a heli-biking guide, a journalist, in marketing/media and a whole bunch of other stuff, his résumé is as long as your arm, and you can bet he has a whole lot of unique perspectives and opinions to go along with it.
Seb is crazy knowledgable and has a ton of insider knowledge within the bike industry. He's seen a ton of different trends and standards come and go - some useful, some not so useful, and some just poorly executed. Take a listen to episode 3 of the Steed podcast to see what Sam and Seb think on the age-old wheel size debate, their favourite and least favourite bike-related innovations, and just wax lyrical about how much they both love bikes of all types. Enjoy!
You can find a link to the Steed Cycles blog below for more content like this:
https://steedcycles.com/blog/
Welcome to the second episode of our new podcast series! In this series, we'll be talking to some interesting folk here on the North Shore and surrounding area that are involved in the cycling industry or the sport generally. Those people may be pro riders, business owners or just riders that are out there doing cool things. We hope you find them as interesting as we do!
Our guest this time around is Canadian XC racing legend and BC Bike Race co-founder Andreas Hestler. Check out the full podcast to hear how Dre got his racing career started, why he's passionate about stage racing and what he loves about the riding scene here in BC. You can get the podcast either in the browser-based player below or on Spotify and iTunes. Simply search for Steed Cycles to find our channel. Thanks for listening!
You can find a link to the Steed Cycles blog below for more content like this:
https://steedcycles.com/blog/
Find out more about BC Bike Race and line up your entry for 2021 at the link below:
https://www.bcbikerace.com/
Welcome to the first episode of our new podcast series! In this series, we'll be talking to some interesting folk here on the North Shore and surrounding area that are involved in the cycling industry or the sport generally. Those people may be pro riders, business owners or just riders that are out there doing cool things. We hope you find them as interesting as we do!
The first of our guests is Cooper Quinn, president of the NSMBA. Obviously Cooper is hugely influential in the area in terms of trail advocacy and maintenance and is a huge part of the reason that we have the trails we do and that they're as well maintained as they are. We get to know a little about Cooper's background and history, chat about the current state of the trails and what people can do to support the NSMBA amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Enjoy!
You can find a link to the Steed Cycles blog below for more content like this:
https://steedcycles.com/blog/
To read more about the awesome work that the NSMBA does and to donate or become a member, follow the link below:
https://nsmba.ca/