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In this episode of the Rad to Repsair Podcast, host Nick interviews ultra-distance cyclist Zoe McIntosh, who shares her journey into the world of ultra-distance cycling. Zoe discusses her experiences in races, the mental and physical challenges she faces, and the importance of community in the cycling world. She also provides insights into her training techniques, nutrition strategies, and advice for those looking to enter the ultra-distance racing scene. The conversation highlights the beauty of cycling as a means of escapism and personal growth.

In this episode of the Road to Respair podcast, host Nick interviews Alain Rumpf, a cycling enthusiast and expert based in Switzerland. Alain shares his journey in cycling, from racing to ultra-distance events, and discusses the unique allure of cycling in Switzerland, including its stunning landscapes and excellent infrastructure. The conversation delves into the rise of ultra cycling and bikepacking, the importance of community in cycling, and the impact of e-bikes on the sport. Alain also provides insights into the Swiss cycling culture, hidden gems for cyclists, and the future of cycling bikes. The episode wraps up with Alain encouraging listeners to explore Switzerland for their next cycling adventure.

Alain has been involved in cycling since he was 12.

00:00 Introduction to Alain Rumpf and Cycling in Switzerland

Today’s guest is Maddy Nutt, one of the standout privateer racers in the gravel scene right now.

Maddy’s journey into gravel racing didn’t follow a traditional pathway through junior development teams or the road racing system. Instead, her story reflects what makes gravel unique, a sport that, at least initially, was built on curiosity, self-belief, and figuring things out as you go.

Over the last few years, she’s turned that curiosity into a professional career, racing at the sharp end of some of the toughest gravel events in Europe and beyond, while navigating the realities of being a privateer in a sport that’s evolving at incredible speed.

Gravel racing today looks very different from how it did even a few seasons ago. The bikes are faster, the fields are deeper, the courses more refined  and the arrival of the UCI Gravel World Series has added a new layer of structure, opportunity, and debate about where the sport is heading.

In this conversation, we’ll talk about Maddy’s life before cycling, how she found her way into gravel racing, and what it really means to “turn pro” in a discipline that still resists easy definitions. We’ll also dive into how gravel racing is changing, from technology and course design to the contrast between UCI events and iconic independent races like The Gralloch, The Traka, and The Rift.

This is a conversation about performance, identity, and the future of a sport that’s still deciding what it wants to be.

In this episode, I’m joined by Miles Baker Clarke — Director of Growth & Strategy at Fusion Media and founder of Cycling Culture Club, a community built on storytelling, inclusivity, and the joy of riding together.

We dive into the current state of the cycling industry — what’s changing, what’s exciting, and where the real challenges lie. Miles shares his perspective on where the industry is heading, from community-driven growth to the future of participation, tech, and cycling culture.

We also explore what community really means — not as a buzzword, but as a lived experience — and how cycling can be a genuine tool for belonging, growth, and wellbeing.

And importantly, we talk openly about diversity and inclusivity in cycling: what progress has been made, where the gaps still exist, and what needs to change for the sport and culture to truly reflect the world around it.

It’s an honest, human, and hopeful conversation about bikes, people, and building something better together.

In this episode of the Road to Respair podcast, host Nick Frendo engages with Max from Standert Bicycles, exploring his journey from product design to establishing a successful bike brand. The conversation delves into the evolution of Standert Bicycles, the importance of community and culture in cycling, material choices in bike design, and the current trends in the cycling industry, particularly around endurance bikes. Max shares insights on navigating challenges in the business and reflects on the changing face of cycling culture, emphasising inclusivity and the aesthetic appeal of cycling.

Takeaways

Max's journey began with a diverse background in product design and business administration.

Camille McMillan is a multifaceted artist and photographer.

In this conversation, Nick and Camille McMillan explore the evolution of cycling photography, the beauty of the Pyrenees, and the community surrounding cycling events. Camille shares his journey as a photographer and artist, discussing how his experiences in the mountains have shaped his work. They delve into the aesthetics of cycling gear, the joy of personal connections in cycling, and the role of e-bikes in modern cycling adventures. The discussion highlights the importance of finding beauty in the journey and the experiences that cycling offers, making it more than just a sport.

In this episode, I chat with my good friend and Chain Gang Cyclists member Jacob Crossley, whose story shows just how powerful friendship and connection can be during life’s toughest moments. Jacob opens up about navigating OCD, anxiety, and the loss of his father, and how leaning into therapy — and into the people around him — helped him slowly unfold again.

He shares how cycling became a bridge back to himself, offering laughter on group rides, unexpected conversations, and the kind of support you only find when a community truly shows up for you. Jacob talks about the friends who pushed him up hills, waited for him on hard days, and reminded him he doesn’t have to carry everything alone. This episode is a gentle, uplifting look at how friendship, movement, and honest conversations can help us heal in ways we never expect.

You can also read Jacobs post on the ASCND Journal HERE

This week on The Road to Respair, I sit down with my good friend Jordan Addison — the founder of G!RO Cycles in Esher, a café and cycling community built around good coffee, good rides, and good people.

We chat about:

How G!RO started as a passion project and became a local institution

The challenges of surviving in the café and cycling industry

What it really means to build and nurture community

Why independent spaces like G!RO matter now more than ever

It’s an honest, relaxed chat about resilience, belonging, and why a simple idea — bikes and coffee — can create something powerful.

🎧 Subscribe to The Road to Respair for more conversations about the stories and people who keep us moving forward.

Nick Frendo is a lifelong cyclist, storyteller, and founder of ASCND, a platform created to document his journey from despair to contentment and connection. Listen to the introduction here.