Ride On! Ramblings

Thanks for tuning into Episode 6. My guest is Tommy Wilkinson, a mountain bike enthusiast who sustained a severed brachial plexus in 2013 paralyzing his right arm. He hasn't let his injury detour him from riding and has since thrived as a creative type creating content, promoting events and environmental awareness. Take a ride with us on this long form conversation as we reminisce, relive the accident, his recovery and how getting back on the bike ignited a creative fury within the sport he loves. 

For more information regarding Tommy's work and his whereabouts please visit: 

https://www.instagram.com/tommyawilkinson/

https://www.naughtynorthumbrian.co.uk/

https://www.dw-agency.co.uk/

https://vimeo.com/dwaco

Online Features:

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-remembering-good-times-in-dreams.html

https://dirtmountainbike.com/news/rider-down-tommy-wilkinson-injury-update.html

https://enduro-mtb.com/en/overcoming-all-obstacles-riding-with-one-arm-by-tommy-wilkinson/

https://dirtmountainbike.com/news/tommys-excellent-new-zealand-adventure-part-4.html#QPyyCG8hrpEHT1Gd.97

"How much time you got?" We'll get to the importance of that phrase early into Episode 5, where I catch up with Chocolate Bunny Productions CEO and all around mountain bike renaissance man Keith Darner. From his early beginnings where he was apart of a budding 80's mtb scene in Durango, to his involvement in The Iron Horse Classic, creating Fort Lewis Cycling, and later the RPM mtb development program, his relationship with Yeti Cycles and working with the factory racing program. This brings us to today where his is currently concocting events as Head Bunny at Chocolate Bunny Productions https://www.chocolatebunnyproductions.com/about-the-bunny 

Keith is a gifted story teller and shares a lot of what happens behind the scenes in the mountain bike world, and also shares his opinion on some of the sports most talked about and controversial topics. Thanks so much for your time Keith, I really enjoyed catching up with you. Sit back and enjoy, this is Ride On Ramblings! 

Whats up listeners! Welcome to episode 2 of Ride On Ramblings. In this episode I interview an OG of the sport of downhill mountain biking, one of the members of The Original Hucksquad, and is quietly one of the most influential individuals in the New Zealand mountain bike scene. Paul Angus joins me and takes us on his journey from competitive squash player for Scotland, to competing at the Fort William world cup in Scotland and others all over the world. How Whistler opened up his eyes to what else is possible on a bike, riding the original Joy Ride course, taking a trip to New Zealand, finding his way to Queenstown and eventually selling everything to make the move there full time. Enjoy Pang's ramblings, his bike geekery as a self proclaimed bike nerd, and some in depth background on the Queenstown bike club and trail building scene. Eventually the story of Vertigo Bike shop is told, how he got involved, its impact locally, and what lead him to being co-owner today. So much storytelling gold inside this episode, wanna know what lead Chris Ball to racing a world cup in his skivvies? Then sit back and relax, this is Ride On Ramblings. 

Howdy listeners! For Episode 3 I thought it would be fun to have a quick chat with a young aspiring gravity racer. Walter Blackman first and foremost is from Iowa, not a region known for its downhill prowess, but Walter is out to change that. With the chips stacked against him he's making the most out of every opportunity he gets to ride and race. I got to know Walter on a trip he took out to Colorado, here on my local trails as a 13 year old he was hitting lines I had never seen before, but what really got my attention was the playful nature he took to the trail. It was a pleasure to catch up with Walter, and talk about his inspirations, who he looks up to, and what goals and aspirations he has. Walter has quite the level head on him for just turning 16. It was fun to talk mountain bike tech as he had some pretty good pre race tips, his thoughts on the future of mountain biking and his dream of one day competing at the world cup level. I hope you all enjoy this interview with Walter Blackman, sit back and relax, this is Ride On Ramblings!     

Whats up listeners! In this episode I had RFMBA Executive Director and friend Mike Pritchard over to the house for my first in "studio" interview. It was great catching up with Mike and learning about his background, coming from humble mountain bike beginnings in New Jersey, to carving out a full time position as Executive Directer of RFMBA. Throughout the interview Mike describes how RFMBA was "formed under fire", the patience you need, and the process it takes to create a mountain bike trail project. Eventually we get around to the recent IMBA Gold designation that the Aspen/Snowmass area was awarded, and what exactly that means to the area and mountain bike community. Mike briefly talks about the future of mountain biking, E Bikes and trail development. So what does the future hold for the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond, tune in and check it out. This is Ride On! Ramblings. 

Discussion topic Time Stamps:

1 min: Mike Pritchard History 

13 min: RFMBA History 

37 min: IMBA history and IMBA Gold 

51 min: Future of Mountain Biking 

56 min: Conclusion Q&A    

Whats up listeners and thank you for tuning into my very first episode! My guest is a dude I've known for a long time, that's because he is my brother. Take a ride with us as we talk about his mountain bike background, how he got into racing, the do's and doh's of world cup racing and his transition into the mountain bike industry as President of Banshee Bikes USA. We could have gone on for hours if you could imagine, however in keeping this entertaining for you, the listener we kept the conversation moving. Big thanks to my bro for taking the time out of his busy day to be on my episode 1. Take notes kids!  

Thanks to anyone who took the time to listen in, my guess isn't many, so thanks Mom for getting me started here. In Episode ZERO, I decided to record a solocast, while driving, using new equipment and letting the road guide me upon my rambling journey. For the most part I attempted to explain why I created a podcast, what I want to talk about and with who. This is one of the ways that I could think of to give back, create content instead of consuming it, to connect with amazing individuals in the mountain bike world, and to hear what they have to say. If you are into it, let me know what you want to hear about, or from who. In the meantime sit back and relax, this is Ride On! Ramblings.