Love Women's Cycling Podcast

In Episode 21 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with three Melbourne based Endurance Cyclists about their experience with mental health on the saddle, and both the short, and long-term impacts that come with the sport. They also discuss how this type of cycling provides a safe mental-haven and an escape from the rush of everyday life.

In Episode 20 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with Black Sheep founder John Polson and ex Sigma Social Media Manager, Lucy Mannal, on the current state of play in women’s cycling products. They discuss the lack of development within the women's sector, but also the positive steps some brands are making internally to provide a product that addresses the issues that are specific to women cyclists.

In todays episode we speak with Dr Tara Neyland, Osteopath and founder of Bloody Great Cycles. Not only do we love her for that double pun. But for her commitment to making information on the female menstrual cycle accessible to all. And for educating women on how to become empowered by their cycle both in training and life.

Tara said “It’s 2021! Bleeding isn’t disgusting! And periods aren’t just a sign that we’re not pregnant. Menstruation can tell us so much about a persons overall health, and should be considered in every aspect of a person’s wellbeing.”

Thanks Tara for making this unnecessarily taboo topic an easy listen. A must for anyone, at any period of their life. Have we out-punned you yet Tara? We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we enjoyed recording it.

The contents of this podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, and information provided is for educational purposes only. Listeners are advised to see their medical professional or healthcare provider if they're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Florence Broadhurst stood for strength in character. With a staunch business focus and flamboyant lifestyle in a very young Australia, at a time of male dominance and working-class values, Florence Said - ‘I’d always been told that I was born before my time. Oh, surely to God, the times can just catch up.’

In this episode of WMN Podcast, we discuss what New Age Feminism is and what it means to different women of different ages and demographics. Honestly told by a cross section of women, we also discuss how cycling has helped empower these women to do the things they love, supported by both the women and men around them.

If you’ve ever been a part of a women’s cycling group, I bet you were drawn in by the sense of community. I’m talking about the living life together, turning up to a group ride without worrying about how high your socks are, or sitting beside a girlfriend on a ride knowing that each others company is just what you needed, helping another friend learn how to use cleats or change a tyre for the first time , knowing it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you ride because this is the kind of community that just doesn’t care. We’re all wired to desire it. And we can all offer it. In this episode we threw the mic to two regulars on the podcast, WMN Ambassadors Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani and asked them, and their women’s cycling community in Melbourne about the importance of women supporting women.

We asked husband and wife duo and friends of Black Sheep, Luke McKew and Hayley Wilson, to discuss what cycling means to them and why as a family, even with Hayley as non-cyclist, they've embraced the bike. Putting aside the obvious physiological benefits of exercise, the release of endorphins, vitamin D and general health benefits of being active, Luke talks profoundly about a more significant side of cycling. How riding with your mates can lead to more important conversations; break down barriers. On a bike, the fear of offending someone can be replaced with the opportunity to lighten the burden by simply sharing. And maybe even help change what it is they are searching for.

As women in our community who have been involved with and are passionate about the Man Ride, we asked friends of the family Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani to have an open discussion about digital detoxing. In a day and age where social media and communication has increasingly become an overburdening distraction, and, as recreational athletes, we put our physical health above all else, the women ask: ’Is it time to prioritise our mental wellbeing with the same level of investment we lend to social media and staying fit?’.

In this month's episode, we talk all things off-road with Briony Mattocks and Ella Bloor from our Specialized Women’s Racing team. This podcast is definitely pro tree-hugger friendly. Briony even talks about being at one with nature (no, not that kind). But the wallaby dodging, native-bird spotting, mud-splattering kind. In fact, both women eulogise about the freedom of off-road. "As soon as you are off-road all those nagging, unwritten cycling rules just disappear and you feel so free. Cycling becomes a relaxing pursuit," remarks Ella. Just as long as you wear black socks that is. We have all learned that lesson the hard way. As well as sock tips, Ella also coerces Briony into sharing her favourite off-road adventures – local and overseas. Make sure you have your pen and paper ready, there are some must does in there.

In the latest episode of the WMN Podcast, we sat down with Australian professional cyclist, Jessica Allan. It’s still a novelty to be able to have a coffee together, face to face, now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased here in Spain, the country Jess now calls home. Jess has moved through life with determination. Making her way to the pinnacle of professional female cycling has had its challenges. And once she got there, settling into a new life, in a new county, making new friends and learning a new language (her third to be exact) continues to challenge. But the Mitchelton-SCOTT rider believes this has helped her become the resilient, positive and proactive woman she is today. Making every decision based on what will make her happy, including staying in Spain during COVID-19 instead of heading back to Australia with her Aussie teammates. Because as Jess says “if you make decision-based on your happiness, you will achieve”. If you would like to get in touch with Jess and find out more about her coaching and her methods, contact her via instagram - @jessallen1993

In today's podcast we listen in as two Specialized Women’s Racing teammates Ella Bloor from Canberra and Matilda Raynolds of Melbourne have a chat over the phone about life as they know it right now. Less racing and more home time has allowed both these women to find other passions, as well as reinvent themselves (and their avatars) in the virtual peloton. 

We even go behind the scenes as Matilda gives drops some live commentary while competing in the first virtual race of the National Road Series – a 35km Crit. If you know 'Tils', you’ll know we worked hard to keep this part of the podcast PG-rated! Fingers crossed we succeeded.