Steed Cycles podcast

From broken necks to races, trail days to road cycling, 2023 was a big year for us at Steed. As we head toward the end of the year, we're wrapping up the podcast with a special end of year episode featuring Steed mechanic Ash Kelly, media & marketing manager Sam James, and our usual podcast host Jarrad Connolly.

2023 was one of our biggest and best years here at Steed, but it didn't come without its ups and downs, but mostly ups. Ash tells us about recovering from a broken neck earlier in the year, as well as taking part in the RideLab women's MTB festival and winning tire-change competitions. Sam gives us the lowdown on some of the community events we've been holding including Fivers, Trail days, huge gravel rides and a ton more. 

This episode is all about good times and reflecting back on our favourite things of 2023 - we had the best time recording this episode, so tune in and reminisce along with us. As always, thanks to all of our customers, brand partners and everybody else that made 2023 such an incredible year. We can't wait to see what 2024 brings!

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

What more is there to say? Wade Simmons has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to being an athlete and understanding that his primary role is to sell the lifestyle of mountain biking.

From working in bike shops to being featured in just about every mountain bike film and winning the inaugural Red Bull Rampage in 2001, Simmons' impact on the mountain biking community has been profound. Beyond conquering the gnarliest trails, he has delved into guiding high-end MTB trips, authored guidebooks, and co-founded Godfather's Garage in 2022.

Echoing his enduring ethos: "Lube it, send it," Wade Simmons remains a trailblazer, mentor, and the undisputed Godfather of mountain biking, seamlessly blending athleticism with a passion for selling the lifestyle that defines the sport.

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

Can you get stronger, fitter and faster the older you get in your adult life? If you answered no then we have Eric Hung here as living proof that you certainly can achieve this and more.

Eric may be one of the most unassuming, nicest cyclists you will ever meet but don’t be fooled as you will hear he is also an absolute weapon on a bike, and one of the fastest masters category riders around. He proved this at the Haute Route Alps race earlier this year by finishing on the podium while also forging new friendships with his rivals.

Eric has been a member of the steed cycles family for over 10 years, contributing in many ways from the Steed ride club, to the race team,and the cycling community in general. He is admired for his ability to balance work, life, and family, all seemingly taking priority but without sacrificing the others. 

Thanks Eric for taking the time to chat with us today.

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

Can you get stronger, fitter and faster the older you get in your adult life? If you answered no then we have Eric Hung here as living proof that you certainly can achieve this and more.

Eric may be one of the most unassuming, nicest cyclists you will ever meet but don’t be fooled as you will hear he is also an absolute weapon on a bike, and one of the fastest masters category riders around. He proved this at the Haute Route Alps race earlier this year by finishing on the podium while also forging new friendships with his rivals.

Eric has been a member of the steed cycles family for over 10 years, contributing in many ways from the Steed ride club, to the race team,and the cycling community in general. He is admired for his ability to balance work, life, and family, all seemingly taking priority but without sacrificing the others. 

Thanks Eric for taking the time to chat with us today.

Thank you for listening

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Jarrad Connolly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here.

"When you've spent your entire life defining yourself in one way and that identity suddenly disappears, who are you now?" - James Clear, Atomic Habits

The answer to this question varies in its forms and depths but as we journey through life, it becomes essential to navigate these shifts in identity. The key lies in redefining oneself to preserve vital aspects of one's identity, even as specific roles or circumstances change.

I invited Jennifer McIntosh to join me for a discussion on various topics, spanning from anxiety and identity to coping with the approaching winter. I'm stoked that we could arrange in November, a significant month for mental health awareness globally. Our aim is not only to raise awareness but also to start vital conversations and give people tools to support themselves and those around them.

If you or someone you know would like to connect with Jenn, I encourage you to reach out to her. 

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

When Jessie issued a call to go riding on a Facebook group this past May, she didn't anticipate receiving responses from around 70 people, especially but that's what happened. Since then, Shore Sirens' Discord server has grown to over 200 people.

After a few smaller group rides, the Shore Sirens formed—a biking community for women and their allies, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of off-road cycling. Their mission is to bridge the gap for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a welcoming community.

In a short period, they've accomplished quite a lot, organising remarkable events such as the recent Queer+ Allies MTB Ride, inviting everyone identifying as 2SLGTBQIA+ which was a significant milestone for mountain biking in British Columbia. They've also collaborated with local trail organisations to contribute to the maintenance of the trails they ride, along with the bonus of introducing North Point Brewing's Shore Sirens Lager.

The Shore Sirens are valuable contributors for advancing the sport in the North Shore mountains we all cherish, we can't wait to see where they go from here.

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

Imagine this: competitors, never more than 100 metres apart, embark on a journey that involves biking, kayaking, climbing, and trekking, challenging every muscle of their bodies. Let's dive into the world of adventure racing with Cole and Yohann.

In this high-stakes arena, there are no predefined routes or GPS devices, just raw navigational skills honed through intense but minimal map preparation. Dropping out is not an option as each member is a vital cog, pushing their limits to the extreme. And here's the catch – no limits on legs or distance! Transitions between activities serve as the sole opportunities for restocking supplies, offering a momentary respite in this relentless odyssey.

Every decision holds weight, some races even offer solo competitions, adding a layer of individual grit to the already intense mix. Picture the solitude of the wild, the unending expanse of nature, and the unyielding spirit of adventure racers, propelling them to conquer the unknown.

In the heart of this adventure, where determination meets the wilderness, the spirit of adventure racing comes alive, weaving a tale of perseverance and triumph.

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

If you're not familiar with Johnny before listening to this podcast, you will be afterward. The man exudes the most infectious energy I've ever personally encountered. With his unique Johnnyisms, motorcycle sound effects, and enormous heart, he has constructed a life centered around the cycling industry.

As you'll soon discover, Johnny approaches everything he does with a positive perspective and his distinctive way of describing things. This leads us down various tangents of his life, from the numerous times he's bumped his head to his obsession with Strava, and one of his cherished mottos, "Why spoil a great ride by pinning a number on your back?"

If you'd like to make a donation to the Hayman Classic Future Champions, which we discuss in the podcast, please click the link. Your contribution goes a long way in helping young cycling athletes achieve their dreams.

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

They say Haute Route is the toughest amateur cycling event out there. This August, eight members of the Steed Cycles Masters Road Race Team travelled to France to ride the Haute Route Alps (mini Tour de France for amateur cyclists). Starting in Megeve and finishing in Nice, the route covers 750km (20,000m of climbing) over 7 days and passes some of the most iconic climbs in road cycling.

One of the riders, Rich Costello captured recordings from the team throughout the week to compile this audio diary. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to take part in an Haute Route event, then this episode is well worth a listen. 

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here. 

Ben Carr, the owner of Innovative Fitness North Vancouver, didn't begin his career with aspirations of becoming a fitness industry leader. In an unexpected turn of events, he found himself engrossed in conversation at the Innovative Fitness booth during a career fair but the idea of being perceived as a mere "glorified pool boy in the gym" left him apprehensive.

However, as conversation unfolded, Ben's perspective shifted as he realized that his impact could extend far beyond demonstrating how to lift weights. His capacity to assist individuals in reaching their goals outside the gym became evident, particularly in the Sea to Sky corridor, where such support is highly valued.

Advancing a few years, a remarkable evolution occurred. Ben, alongside the Innovative Fitness team, plays an instrumental role in nurturing a vibrant and cohesive community. This community not only empowers individuals to achieve their goals but also provides a nurturing environment for mentorship and growth.

If you would like to  get in contact with Ben hit him up at [email protected], and to find out about Bikes 'n' Beers head to www.bikesnbeers.ca/

Thank you for listening 

• Get in touch with us via Steed Cycles or via our Instagram
• Hosted by Ash Kelly
• Produced by Sam James

Listen to other episodes here.