Guitar Ted Productions Podcast Episode #2 (114) "Storm Clouds A Brewin'"

Featuring N.Y. Roll and Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame member, Guitar Ted

Show Notes:

in this episode N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted discuss the immediate future of the cycling business sector and how it all may affect you- the riders. Guitar Ted gives us a bit of context on what led us to this point and then the guys get into specifics concerning this impending situation. How will riders cope with higher prices, a used bike market flush with bikes purchased during COVID times that are no longer wanted? Will your local bike shop survive all this.

That leads into a bit of discussion on how we all could get along better as riders and retailers in cycling.  Some past experiences illustrate where we need to see changes on both sides of that relationship. Then the guys get into how all that affects, retail,  marketing, and sponsorships. 

Links:

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch podcast "Big Bad Specialized"

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch: "An Interview With The Gravel Ideas Man" (LeLan Dains/Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame)

Gravel Amplifier:

Keuka Lake Gravel Classic, Sunday June 4th: Site Link

Pancake 50, April 22nd: Facebook Link

Gents Race, April 1st:  Bike Iowa Link

What's New On Riding Gravel:

John Ingahm's Riding Gravel Article "Primal Endurance On Gravel: A View From Anthropology"

The Guitar Ted Productions Podcast: The Iowa Gravel Series And Chris McQueen; Episode #113

Two things first on this one: First, we changed up the name of the podcast but other than that, you should notice no big changes to content here. Secondly: There are two instances where N.Y. Roll's phone rings and it is LOUD! This happens early on in the episode. So, you've been warned!

The guys cover the UNBOUND comments and offer a little more insight into what the event was and what it has become which has resulted in a different perspective on the event. 

Next, Chris McQueen calls in and shares his journey to being a director of a gravel racing series. he shares why his desire to be accepted by the local cycling community motivated him to put on his first gravel event. Then that evolved to a five event series. Then the guys get off on a rabbit trail concerning their favorite training programs. After that nonsense, (Guitar Ted here) we get back to talking gravel and end the episode with a look at what is to come in 2023 for the Iowa Gravel Series. 

Show Notes:

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

The Iowa Gravel Series: https://iowagravelseries.com/

The "Gotta Keep 'em Separated" episode concerning changes with UNBOUND: https://open.spotify.com/episode/38kKlhFHdWV0MdmumUfcX0?si=baaa432619aa4ec9

Contact: [email protected]

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #112: "Gotta Keep 'em Separated!"

 Sponsored by Bike Rags Apparel: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the news which was announced the first week of 2023 that UNBOUND was going to make format changes to their event. No longer would Pro/Elites start with the amateur riders. The guys ask "How will "Pro" and "Elite" riders be vetted by Life Time?", and other pertinent questions regarding rules and how the time gaps will work out in their opinion.  A brief history of how we got here is given by Guitar Ted and then the discussion starts out. 

Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the role of money making, both from a promoter's viewpoint and a rider's, make decisions look different than they would be from a "grassroots gravel" perspective. Rider philosophy is discussed in terms of how trying to make a living at racing makes you race differently. Rules and how to enforce them are discussed. How UNBOUND's new format will work is walked through and there are a lot of questions that the guys ponder. 

This episode concludes with the guys sharing notes on Christmas gifts. And as always- THANKS FOR LISTENING!

Show Notes:

Guitar Ted's article on the basis for the changes in UNBOUND from a post last year on his blog: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/06/state-of-gravel-scene-mid-term-2022-is.html

'Velo News' article on changes to format at UNBOUND: https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/unbound-gravel-rolls-out-major-changes-for-2023-edition/

Episode #111 with LeLan Dains: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WEar5XE2lwb

"Velo News" article detailing Lea Davison's dropping out of the Life Time Grand Prix and her assertions on why racing at UNBOUND was unsafe, not fun, and unfair: https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/lea-davison-is-dropping-out-of-the-life-time-grand-prix-series-heres-why/

Contact: Guitar Ted: [email protected]

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch is a production of Guitar Ted Productions Podcasts.

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #111: "An Interview With The Gravel Ideas Man, LeLan Dains". 

Sponsored By Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this last episode for 2022, your hosts Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll are listening to all the gravelly ideas of one LeLan Dains. LeLan was a participant in the early gravel scene, riding in early DK200's and then, after volunteering for that prestigious event, he became a part owner and director for the event. Eventually LeLan, along with Jim Cummings and Kristi Mohn, sold the event to Life Time Fitness. LeLan stayed on for a time at Life Time, but then he switched careers to become the Director of Tourism and Events for Visit Emporia where he still is employed. LeLan also stays in touch with the gravel scene through his various ideas and by creating new ways to celebrate riding gravel and those who do it. He was instrumental in the creation of "Gravel Kansas", the "Great Plains Gravel Route" and the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame.

Find out exactly how LeLan came up with all these ideas, what they mean to him, and more in the wide ranging discussion. 

But before the guys ever get to talking to LeLan, they get off on a rabbit trail concerning TIME gravel pedals

Show Notes:

Riding Gravel site: https://www.ridinggravel.com 

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Contact: [email protected]

TIME Gravel pedal review (Note: Due to the circumstances mentioned in the episode, this review never was completed at TIME's request) https://www.ridinggravel.com/components/time-cyclo-6-pedals-getting-rolling/

Halls Bicycle, Cedar Falls, Iowa: https://www.hallbicycle.com/

Trans Iowa History: https://guitarted1961.wordpress.com/

Robert Fry, Randonnuer Award Winner: https://rusa.org/newsletter/11-01-05.html

CORE4 Multi-surface Event: https://www.core4.bike/

Chinkapin Hollow Gravel: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/AR/Fayetteville/ChinkapinHollowGravelGrinder

Visit Emporia: https://www.visitemporia.com

Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame: https://www.gravelcyclinghof.com/

Gravel City and Adventure and Supply Co: https://gravelcityadventure.com/

Thanks for checking out the podcast! 

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode 110: The Top Ten Stories In Gravel For 2022 - Sponsored by Bike Rags Apparel.

Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss what Guitar Ted thought were the top ten most important stories in gravel cycling for 2021. Here is the list as it was discussed in the podcast:

To close out another year, Guitar Ted, N.Y. Roll, Grannygear, and MG would all like to thank you for supporting Riding Gravel. Whether you read our social media, read the website, or whether you listened to the podcast, we all appreciate each and every one of you very much. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Links: 

Riding Gravel website: https://www.ridinggravel.com 

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #109 Sponsored by Bike Rags

Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted talk about the recent actions taken by Specialized and several other companies to slash marketing and support for "adventure based" riding. But first, N.Y. roll gives us a correction from the last podcast and some additional cold weather riding tips. Then the guys dive into the story as seen on Bikepacking.com (see link below) Also, N.Y. Roll references the population of Shanghai, China. He thought it was 12 million. It is in fact 26.3 million.  Next Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll look at how things like these reported cuts are seen in terms of business and how that affects people. People on both sides of the issue, by the way. The guys also take a look at reasons why these companies like Specialized may have chosen to cut where they did. 

The scale of the bike business is then compared to some other industries and what sponsored athletes might actually be getting and how they have to work at it versus what perceptions are about that amongst bike riders. 

Next the guys get into what is going on with supply and demand in the bicycle business world. They discuss how the bicycle business will focus on eBikes and gravel cycling in the near term, and how consolidation will factor into the future of brands. How this will affect riders and sponsored athletes is discussed. 

Guitar Ted's Take On The Specialized Announcement: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/12/adventure-marketing-gets-axed.html

Bikepacking.com's article referenced in the podcast: https://bikepacking.com/news/specialized-terminates-adventure-ambassador-program/

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #108: "Put The Deodorant On Your Soul, Man"

Sponsored By Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll sit down and share their cold weather riding tips and hacks. Different types of "cold" call for different strategies and the guys try to cover as many possibilities as they can think of. You'll learn what your #1 enemy to staying warm is. You'll find out why you want to be cold to start a ride. You'll also find out what those pesky plastic shopping bags are good for. The guys also cover gear made for cold weather riding from pogies for the hands to winter footwear suggestions. You'll learn why metal is bad-carbon is good! It's a good hour of tips and fun, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Fyxation Mesa MP pedals: https://www.fyxation.com/collections/pedals/products/mesa-mp-platform-pedal

Bike Iowa's Pogie Lite Pogies: https://bikeiowa.store/products/pogielites?variant=8136388804709 NOTE: Currently not in production.

45NRTH pogies: https://www.45nrth.com/products/pogies#/

Bar Mitts pogies: https://barmitts.com/products/mountain-commuter-pogies-flat-bars

Revelate Designs pogies: https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/handlebar/ExpeditionPogies

WigWam Glove Liners (Jenson USA link) https://www.jensonusa.com/Wigwam-Thermolite-Glove-Liner

Twin Six Outerwear: https://www.twinsix.com/collections/outwear

Twin Six Knickers & Tights: https://www.twinsix.com/collections/mens-bottoms

45NRTH Ragnorok: https://www.45nrth.com/products/ragnarok-black#/

Ergon BioKork Grip: https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product-details.html?a=griffe&anr=42410006&s=gpmtb

Gaffer Tape: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Gaffer-Power-Non-Reflective-Multipurpose/dp/B00GZE3UJ8

Show Notes: 

Sponsored By: Bike Rags https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode, your hosts,  N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted, discuss all the hot topics currently in the gravel scene by a crackling fire in the Stone Castle Estates. First they tackle another edition of the Gravel Amplifier. This time they feature several rides. (Check below for all the links to the event sites) Then they delve into the claim seen recently that some gravel racers on the Pro level are supposedly pulling down big money doing the gravel event circuit. Then the conversation turns to a quote from the New York Times claiming that most gravel riders are subsidizing the Pro level racers.  They wonder what it is that really puts "more butts on bikes". Then the guys discuss the Great Plains Gravel Route, the cross-country, "Great Divide-like" challenge/route which was revealed recently. This brings up whether the next "big thing" in gravel will be touring/expedition type riding. The episode closes out with a tease for some upcoming review items which should show up on the site soon.  (Note: cover image for this episode taken by Morgan)

Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

The Heywood: https://theheywoodride.com/

The Winston County Gravel Cup: https://winstoncountygc.com/

The Mississippi Gravel Cup Series: https://www.ordinaryepics.com/ms-gravel-cup-old

The Heck Epic (and other Heck of the North events) : https://www.heckofthenorth.com/

The Pedalshift Podcast: https://pedalshift.net/

unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley: https://gropromotions.com/unpaved/

Barry-Roubaix: https://barry-roubaix.com/

Episode #106: Lake McBride Fat Bike Event: Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll host an interview with Nate Kullbom who is a mainstay in the production of the Lake McBride Fat Bike Race.  Nate describes the course, the atmosphere around the event, and a little bit about the course and the kind of weather you can expect for the event. Then we tease out a little bit from Nate regarding the CORE4 event, a multi-surface event which he not only helped produce, but rode in and ended up winning the 100 mile overall race. Finally, we get into a bit about the struggles and the rewards inherent to putting on bicycle events. 

Hey! We know it isn't necessarily a "gravel event", and this is an event in the heartland, not something a lot of folks elsewhere might relate to overall, but there are some good nuggets of wisdom in here, and hey! You've read the description this far, why not check out the podcast? 

Remember, we are still taking submissions for any gravel event you think is not represented well, or that people need to know about with our "Gravel Amplifier". Send us a website for the event you have in mind for us to give a shout out to here at this address: [email protected]. 

Show Notes:

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com 

Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com

Lake McBride Fat Bike Race: https://www.sugarbottombikes.com/lakemacbrideclassic

CORE4: https://www.core4.bike/

This Episode is sponsored by Bike Rags apparel. https://www.bikeragsapparel.com

In this episode, hosts N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted cover their thoughts on what makes a gravel bike a "gravel bike" and when that crosses over to a mountain bike. They also talk about the term "monstercross" and where that fits into modern gravel bike types. Then the guys take on the idea of choosing events based upon distance vs cost in their discussion on the "Dollar Per Mile" theory. Guitar Ted shares how a comment on his blog (link  below) prompted him to come up with the idea for The Gravel Amplifier. The guys follow this up with some thoughts on bigger volume tires for gravel bikes. 

Contact: Guitar Ted: [email protected]

Links:

Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com

Some Gravel Events To Check Out:

Starrucca Crossing: https://www.cliffviewproductions.com/general-1

Dusty Roadrunner Series:  https://dustyroadrunner.weebly.com/

Chinkapin Hollow Gravel Grinder: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/AR/Fayetteville/ChinkapinHollowGravelGrinder

The Grindstone: http://www.grindstonegravel.com/

The Salida 76: https://www.salida76.com/