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.

In our current reality of social distancing, it’s important to find ways to maintain our social connections, something we normally get a good dose of by simply riding our bike with friends. As Covid-19 begins to have a greater impact on Australia, this is the position Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani, Black Sheep WMN Ambassadors, find themselves in right now.

They caught up for a wine, from a distance, to share how Face'wining' and Zwifting is keeping them connected and healthy both in body and mind. You too can meet up and stay connected with Bridget and Faz along with the rest of our community every Friday on Zwift as we host the Black Friday Bunchie 6.30am AEST.

Coffee Ride is a new Love Women's Cycling Podcast mini series brought to you by Black Sheep. It’s our way of staying connected with you on a more regular basis with bite size chunks, perfect for your mid-morning brew break.

We're kicking off this new series with an interview with Gemma Sampson, an Advanced Sports Dietician to elite and amateur endurance athletes. In a climate where immunity and disease are a hot topic, Gemma gives us her hot tips on how to fuel for better health and performance.

Fourteen Paralympic Golds, 38 world titles and 76 new world records. And now, at 42, Tokyo will be her first Paralympics as a mother of two. Dame Sarah Storey is the most successful female British Paralympian of all time and more importantly, mother to two gorgeous little people – Louisa and Charlie Storey.

Sarah credits her biggest achievement in sport to being able to come back after two pregnancies, securing two titles at the UCI 2018 Para-Cycling Road World Championships just 10 months after giving birth to her second child Charlie. Proving it is possible to juggle motherhood with a comeback to elite level cycling. 

Sarah is also a strong advocate for women in sport. She is currently working with SKODA Cycling Academy on their This Is Our Time campaign to try to highlight gender inequalities. She believes in leading by example and hopes her experience as an athlete and mother can help pave the way for the next generation of women.

Specialized and Black Sheep will once again join forces in support of Specialized Women's Racing for 2020. As the team moves into its eighth year of racing, their vision, winning spirit and companionship remain stronger than ever. During the team launch in December, we spoke with the riders to get a sense of how sport has made them the athlete and individual they are today.