Local Legends - Episode 34 with Dave and Christina Turner - Mountain Bike Trailblazers

Local Legends - Episode 33 with Doug Pomeranz, Road racing through the years

In this episode of the podcast (Episode 33), I had the pleasure of sitting down with Doug Pomeranz, a seasoned road rider and racer with over 30 years of experience under his belt. Doug's journey into riding began in his twenties, and through his engaging storytelling, he takes us on a ride through his experiences and the people that have shaped him into the rider he is today. We also discuss the popular "Thug Ride" - how it came to be and the riders in San Diego that come and join this ride.

San Diego has become Doug's home due to his deep passion for cycling. With numerous national champion titles to his name, he continues to compete at the elite Cat 1 level, showcasing his dedication and love for the sport. What truly stood out to me in this interview was Doug's unwavering commitment to evolving and pushing his limits, all fueled by his pure love for riding bikes.

Join me as I explore the inspiring story of this local legend, delving into his rich history and the motivations that drive his enduring passion for cycling.

Enjoy my next Local Legend.

Local Legends - Episode 32 with Chris Powell

In Episode 32 of the Local Legends Podcast, I have a captivating conversation with Chris Powell, widely known as Good Flow. Chris's journey into the world of BMX began at a young age, igniting a passion that would lead him to remarkable achievements. From racing at the pinnacle of the sport to transitioning into the 4-Cross (or 4X), Chris's tenacity and enthusiasm are truly inspiring.

In our discussion, Chris delves into the intricacies of his riding and racing journey, recounting his experiences in both BMX and 4X. With a touch of poetic insight, he reflects on the art of skill and flow, highlighting the precision required to compete at the highest level.

But Chris's story doesn't end there. We explore his genuine love for bicycles, including his involvement in assembling bikes for athletes like Olympians Mike Day and Jill Kintner, both of whom are celebrated Redbull athletes.

Balancing his passion for cycling with a demanding family life and a full-time role as the in-house counsel at the local Better Buzz coffee shop, Chris offers how is able to train and managing time and commitments. We also dive into his recent win as the overall winner of the Quick'n'Dirty Summer Series in the men's 16-48 category where he rode the Specialized Diverge STR.

Enjoy my next Local Legend - Chris Powell, aka Good Flow.

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Photo credit: Fred Robinson

MIC CHECK: Local Legends - Episode 30 with Bikepacking with Sammy Crane-Solis, Shelly Peppe-Nani, and Ranger Dave (Ep. 8)

Welcome to Ep. 30 and the third episode of MIC CHECK. I had really fun time with this conversation and first time having three guests. As I hoped, the conversation flowed with stories and insights of packing, eating, strategizing, and training and what they have learned and gained along the way. We talk about bikepacking primarily in SoCal (e.g. Stagecoach 400) but also reference many other bikepacking adventures (e.g. Arizona Trail).

I had my first bikepacking when I did the Stagecoach 400 in 2012. For those not familiar with the SC 400 - it is a big loop (this year we went clockwise) that starts and ends in the mountains of Idyllwild. It is 400 mile ride/race, unsupported, and to be completed in 5 days. It was the hardest physical thing I've ever done and though I have always considered myself an endurance athlete, this game me a new definition of challenging. If you want to learn more about the SC400, I had a great conversation with Brendan Collier in Ep. 7 about just the Stagecoach - it's origins and the route.

Enjoy this conversation about bikepacking :)

For warning: there are a few bad words and we talk about issues with your privates during these kind of long rides.

Local Legends - Episode 29 with Lesley Paterson

When your Local Legend is not only on Movie app, IMDB, but also has their own Wikipedia page, you know that you have a not just a local legend but a legend. I first started hearing about Lesley when I had Tammy Tabeek (Ep. 13) on Local Legends. Tammy spoke so highly of Lesley's athleticism as well as her character and their timeless experiences training. Then it seemed to be cosmic because I would later hear about Lesley in various conversations in various situations.

As a podcast about passionate cyclist in Southern California, let's start with that her riding and racing accomplishments - Lesley Paterson got (back) into triathlon after moving out to San Diego from her homeland, Scotland. Lesley is a three time (2011, 2012, 2018) XTERRA World Champion AND a two time 2012, 2018) World Triathlon Cross Champion.

She won a silver medal in 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2019 in XTERRA and silver medalist in Cross Triathlon World Championship in 2013.

But there's more.. much more. She's an accomplished writer - publishing The Brave Athlete that she wrote with her husband, Simon Marshall, a sports psychology expert. She is a triathlon coach with her business Braveheart Coaching. And most notably with her amazing accomplishment of screenwriting All Quiet on the Western Front which received nine Oscar nominations, including BAFTA and Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screen play. The film won seven BAFTA awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.

I was very excited and star struck to have this conversation with Lesley. This woman is packed with energy and focus. In this conversation, we talked about her recent Oscar nomination and the success of the movie. We also talk about her journey to racing triathlons and what it takes to be the best. It was also fun to talk to her about what she thinks about while she's training and what riding and training looks like now.

Enjoy my next Local Legend.

Local Legends - Episode 27 with Jonas Woodruff

Jonas is a junior racer with a background in mountain biking and gravel and most recently in road racing.  Last year he came in 6th at Unbound 100, 4th in True Grit 100, and 3rd overall in last year's Filthy 50.  He also came in first in his age group at the Sea Otter 80K, BWR San Diego and Leadville Barn Burner.

This was a fun conversation about training and racing -- and we kick it off in the first 10 seconds.  

As a 17 year old, Jonas knows what he wants and is working hard to be the best.  His lifestyle, which includes home schooling, sets himself to train and rest while getting his school work in.   Jonas’ experiences and stories are very relatable - whether you are also a junior racer and also balancing school and training, or a racer yourself working on your race strategy and getting yourself out the door on these cold wet winter days. 

Enjoy my next Local Legend.

Local Legends - Episode 26 with Zach Martinez

This 15-year racer knows what he wants and knows how to work hard.   Zach Martinez has been racing for ten years - yes people.. since he was five. Starting with cross country and over the years moving into gravel and road racing, Zach is focused and determined. 

Zach's accomplishments include (and this isn't age group, this is overall standings!)

- Rock Cobbler 2023(Pebbler) - winner

- Quick'n'Dirty - multiple wins for Dropbar;  Overall winner of E-bike category

- Hardman Classic (60 miler) - 2nd place

- Top 5 in Crits

Zach is a very amazing and cool kid.  I had fun talking with Zach about what it takes to show up and give his best from his daily life (work life balance), mental focus, and the wisdom to positive outlook on his riding and racing.

photo credit: Wayne Taylor

Local Legends - Episode 25 with Sam Ames, Rock Cobbler - Race Organizer

The notorious Rock Cobbler is having it's ten anniversary this year on February 11, 2023.  Last year was my first time there and it was everything it was promised to be - hard, long, beautiful, and very memorable.   I did the race with my husband, Simon, and he felt the exact way.  We are both excited to come back and be part of this event this year.  

As I was preparing for this race which requires stamina, strength, and skills, I had a thought..."Chi, why don't you have Sam on Local Legends" - he is a legend and he is passionate about cycling and he does impact the community.  Then I thought, but it's Bakersfield and well Bakersfield is considered Central California, not SoCal.  I even googled it and essentially Southern California is anything south of San Luis Obispo and Bakersfield.  However, with so many from San Diego, Orange County and LA trekking up to Rock Cobbler, I consider Sam and Rock Cobbler our SoCal cool cousin!

Sam Ames, created Rock Cobbler after being inspired by the Belgian Waffle Ride, his love for adventure and Bakersfield, and his own rich experience with road and Cyclocross racing.  He is born, raised and proud member of the Bakersfield community and values the diverse and immense amount of dirt and grassland available.   I had a blast talking with Sam about his cycling racing history, origins of Rock Cobbler, how it is grown and evolved, and what the Rock Cobbler means to him.

Sam's Achievements include

Enjoy my next local legend.

** Photo credit: PureGravel **