The 'On Your Mic.' Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ben Phillips & Guests
m2M Cycling is the ultimate hub for all newbie MAMILs (middle-aged men in lycra). Think of it as your road bike wingman from unwanted moobs to cycling up mountains.In this podcast you'll hear everyday, down to earth guys talking about road bike cycling and sharing their hints, tips and helpful advice for road bike beginners.Tune to hear about their lessons, the laughs and, amongst other things, tales of outlandish lycra so any budding weekend road warrior can get up to speed quickly, comfortably and without making the same silly mistakes.
A fitness coach for over 10 years, Ash has fantastic road cycling experience and fitness expertise to learn from.
This incredibly helpful episode covers a variety of topics including the best way to start out in cycling (including great advice on how to set your start-up training plan), the ongoing issues between the number of men and women in the sport, and the difference between discipline and motivation - with superb advice on how to maintain both.
This is a real treasure chest of tips for anyone starting out in road cycling.
A big motivation behind m2M Cycling is to help guys out there living with mental health issues.
Whether you struggle with clinical depression and /or anxiety, and whether you're open about it or suffering in silence (which is probably worse), then we hope you find Tim's openness about his own mental challenges helpful and, if necessary, a catalyst for you to do something about yours if you're not already.
At 6ft 6" Tim has trained himself to be a bit of the beast in the saddle (he’s too humble to admit it but I’ve heard from people he rides with!)
To meet him you wouldn't think that he went through intense bouts of depression and anxiety. And that's a big thing about these conditions. They don't discriminate between big and small. Introvert or extrovert. Loud or quiet. They can impact anyone - anywhere - at any time. Often for no obvious reason to the person going through what can sometimes be debilitating emotions.
We hope someone out there hears this podcast and it either gives them a proverbial kick up the backside to get the help they might be putting off or, it gives those on a path of support a pat on the back to continue what you're doing, knowing that you're not alone and there's absolutely no shame in what you're going through… Even if, on the outside at least, you look like a man-mountain who could give Desperate Dan a run for his money in an arm wrestle.
There’s more, too. From tips about buying your first bike, to sportives that are perfect for beginners; and how to make time to ride (even if you’re an Executive Director of a national hospitality business!) – there’s something here that most new riders will find incredibly helpful
With what seems like a lifetime in one type of saddle or another, Nick (aka 'Foxy') shares why he switched from mountain biking to the road bike , and shares some great insights about both types of disciplines.
0:00:42 - Why the change from mountain biking to road cycling.
0:02:45 - The enjoyment of riding in groups and the social benefits he gets from it.
0:04:30 - Foxy's first bike. How much you should think about investing, good brands to consider when starting out, and what to look out for.
0:08:50 - How long it might take before you start really enjoying your road bike and why you need to persevere
0:12:00 - Suggestions for maintaining your fitness levels and motivation - for both mental and physical fitness. And why you need to have an open mind to ensure you continually keep learning new things about your bike and cycling.
0:17:00 - Clothing lessons and how to ensure you're dressed correctly for the different conditions.
0:19:30 - Nutrition - and how to avoid any awkward and embarrassing situations when trying new foods (NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED! 😳)
0:20:30 - Quick fire questions from best bike brands, to how best to clear the old air waves, and everything in between.
Join the m2M Cycling community over at www.m2mcycling.com
In this week's road bike cycling podcast we speak with Ash, who is based over in the good ol' U S of A.
Ash has a fascinating road bike story to tell - including starting out 16 years ago with a baptism of fire. Then taking a break from the sport only to return 6 years ago and hasn't looked back since.
Amazing experience you can benefit from? Ash has shed-loads. Mistakes you can learn from. Ash has had a couple whoppers!
In this episode we talk about how cycling has helped both of us and our mental health; what NOT do to when it comes to nutrition and hydration, and a whole lot more.
0:33 - Why Ash got into cycling and his baptism of fire. His hiatus from the sport and what made him jump back in the saddle.
6:00 - Challenges with mental health issues and how cycling has been a huge help to both of us.
7:30 - The best advice Ash got when he started out with road cycling and what he highly recommends new beginners think about when starting out.
10:00 - Worst advice Ash has had so you can learn from it to ensure you enjoy your road cycling more.
11:50 - First bikes and tips for when buying yours including fantastic advice about the second-hand road bike market.
14:50 - Things every beginner should look to invest in to enjoy their cycling more.
17:15 - nutrition and hydration products Ash would recommend and other hints and tips to ensure you don't 'Bonk' (we explain what this means, too) on your rides.
22:17 - Ash's recommendations for top places to ride.
24:30 - Fantastic tips on how to stay motivated and love your cycling even more.
27:00 - Ash shares the one thing he wishes he knew back when he started out in cycling, which he knows now.
Join the m2M Cycling community over at www.m2mcycling.com
The hits just keep on coming over here at m2M towers!
Introducing the audiobook edition of our recently launched book - 'Road Bike Cycling: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide. - Your Road Bike Wingman from Unwanted Moobs to Cycling up Mountains"
Here's a little sample so that you can check the quality before making a purchase. If you like what you hear you can download your full version above or HERE
If you're someone who prefers to read your books than grab your eBook edition on Amazon HERE
Whatever your preference, we hope your find our beginner's guide helpful and entertaining.
As always, ride safe.
In this episode I catch up with Peter, who shares some excellent advice and experiences that all newbie road cyclists will benefit from.
From upgrading your bike, to getting used to clipping in with cleats - all the way through to gagging on bananas (yep, your read that correctly, folks) - and everything in between. There's some real gold for all newbies to learn from in this one.
We're so excited to announce the launch of our podcast series, 'On Your Mic.' (see what we did there? Clever, huh? ☺️)
In episode #1 we speak with Christian (aka 'Colesy').
In his mid-thirties, Colesy was the wrong side of 20 stones (280 lbs / 127kg) and needed to make some serious life choices.
Watch our conversation to hear us chat about topics you might find incredibly helpful, such as: how and why he started road cycling; advice for newbies buying their first bike; best things to eat and drink, and exercises you can /should do to improve your cycling and avoid injury. (to name a few).
You can also wade in on our malt loaf debate - Should it ever be eaten without butter and jam?! They jury's out so share your answers in the comments below. (Hey, we never said this was going to be highbrow stuff!)
Have a watch and /or listen and we hope it helps you get the most out of your road cycling.