Cycling in Alignment with Colby Pearce

The Two Fulcrum Problem of Cycling - Ep149

In this walking pod, I talk about the Two Fulcrum Problem of Cycling, which is a term I made up during the walk to encapsulate the challenges many riders face in their relationship to this relentlessly symmetrical machine. 

I also offer a few short rants on various topics related to modern life. Hopefully these don’t distract too much from the bigger points I am trying to convey. 

Pedal consciously, think critically, act intuitively. 

Reflections on the 2004 Olympics - Ep148

In this walking soliloquy, I share some reflections on the 20 year anniversary of the Olympics in Athens, Greece, which I attended as a member of the US team. I competed in the 40KM points race, finishing 14th out of 24 competitors. 

Being on the Olympic team is something I can be proud of, but at the same time something I don’t feel compelled to talk about often. While it is certainly a significant landmark in my cycling history, it is also simply another experience that has shaped my perspective on sport and life. In both senses, I am grateful to be an Olympian [as they say, there is no such thing a “former Olympian”, you earn the title for life]. 

“You are looking at the world without time, Neo.”

Why Bike Fitting is Stupid - Ep147

On this episode I thought I would just dive in and stab a sacred cow in the face. 

I share my thoughts on why bike fitting is “stupid” and by that, I really mean what a few of the challenges are in bike fitting. 

Perhaps you agree or perhaps you do not. Either is OK but if the latter, I hope it is with good critical reasoning instead of someone else’s regurgitated opinion. 

I look forward to your comments and thoughts, and as always, thank you for listening. 

Michael Holt: Always the Middle Path - Ep146

This discussion is with Micheal Holt, whom I regard as a friend, teacher, and colleague. I first met Michael at a course at the Chek Institute about five years ago, where I learned he had been teaching meditation for many years. I ended up studying with him online and in person, and I have learned a tremendous amount from his curriculum. 

Links:

Michael's Savage And Saint Website ►► https://savageandsaint.com/

Micheal's YouTube Course ►► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIeRtRkxvQ8&t=1357s

Thoughts on Sounds - Ep145

In this episode I discuss the relationship between music, health, and athletic performance. Some of my ideas and experiences are pretty orbital so fasten your cosmic seatbelt, or whatever, and then enjoy some tunes. 

I made a playlist on Spotify of my of my most recent played tracks. These probably all fall in the category of Conscious Hip Hop. I am not really sure what that means but I vibe with it. 

Links:

My Spotify Playlist ►► https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6go2ZDpt8KlFh5n3EwILnO?si=53b250a1b2f14856

Follow-up on Steamboat GRVL ►► https://youtu.be/4Pbaxrlo7G8?si=o-yDwvmihoGUuA8t

** THIS IS PART 2 OF THIS EPISODE **

More with Dr. Courtney Conley. We Continue our discussion about all things feet including toe spacers, cycling shoes, and how to help me with my hallux limitus. Isn’t Latin great?

Dr Courtney is endlessly passionate about the human foot and I am grateful she took the time to come and nerd out with me on this topic. I am sure you will find our conversation interesting, in particular if you have ever been challenged by your own feet during riding or off the bike. Which is pretty much every human on earth. 

Links:

Courtney's Website ►► https://gaithappens.com

The Fractal of the Feet with Dr Courtney Conley - Part 1 - Ep143

This conversation with Dr Courtney takes place in my fit studio. We speak about all things feet including toe spacers, cycling shoes, and how to help me with my hallux limitus. Isn’t Latin great?

Dr Courtney is endlessly passionate about the human foot and I am grateful she took the time to come and nerd out with me on this topic. I am sure you will find our conversation interesting, in particular if you have ever been challenged by your own feet during riding or off the bike. Which is pretty much every human on earth. 

Links:

Courtney's Website ►► https://gaithappens.com

SBT RDX - Ep142

In this walking pod I offer some lessons I learned during the 2024 SBT GRVL race. I competed on the Black course and suffered epic cramps with about 35KM to go in the race, something I have never experienced in over 35 years of bike racing. 

I discuss some hypothetical explanations for this outcome and also share thoughts on the race load for someone such as myself who trains a reasonable amount by normal person standards,  but arguably not enough to race a 200KM gravel race. 

In the end, I conclude that I simply overcooked myself heading into this event. Being fresh is critical for any race that will eventually bring you to your knees. Somehow after all this time showing up for bike races, I managed to miss the mark on this one. Hopefully my experience illustrates how easy it is to do this, even for someone as experienced as I am at playing stretchy bike time. 

Michael O'Brien We Are Kintsugi -  Part 2 - Ep141 

This is Part 2.

This episode is a discussion with cyclist Michael Obrien, who had a transformational life experience in 2001 when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike. 

I am sure you will enjoy our discussion which centers more on philosophy, meditation and tribal relations than cycling performance, directly. However, as you know, health is the foundation of optimal athletic performance. 

Links:

Michael's Website ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Michael's Podcast ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/kintsugi-podcast/

Michael O'brien We Are Kintsugi - Part 1 - Ep140

This episode is a discussion with cyclist Michael Obrien, who had a transformational life experience in 2001 when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bike. 

I am sure you will enjoy our discussion which centers more on philosophy, meditation and tribal relations than cycling performance, directly. However, as you know, health is the foundation of optimal athletic performance. 

Links:

Michael's Website ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/

Michael's Podcast ►► https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/kintsugi-podcast/