The Road to Respair

Episode 7 Nol van Loon - Fat Pigeon CC

39 min · 11. jan. 2026
episode Episode 7 Nol van Loon - Fat Pigeon CC cover

Beskrivelse

In this conversation, Nol from Fat Pigeon shares his journey from an engineer to a ultra distance cyclist and content creator. He discusses his adventures, including the challenging Mont Ventoux ride, the Festive 500 challenge, and his plans for future charity events. The conversation also delves into the evolution of gravel riding and the importance of creating memorable experiences through cycling. Nol emphasises the joy of adventure and the community aspect of cycling, encouraging others to embrace the challenges and have fun.   Takeaways * Nol started cycling as a way to honor his mother's memory. * Fat Pigeon represents the idea of going all out in cycling adventures. * Gravel riding has evolved significantly over the years. * The Mont Ventoux ride was a mix of adventure and scouting for an event. * Festive 500 was a personal challenge to ride 500 kilometers in one go. * Noel's future plans include charity events and gravel racing. * Content creation has become a natural part of Nol's cycling journey. * Gravel racing should focus on adventure rather than just speed. * The cycling community is shifting towards longer, more exploratory rides. * Memorable experiences often come from unexpected challenges.

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Alle episoder

14 episoder

episode Episode 13 - Bash: Japan, Istanbul to Belgium, and 10 Months on the Road cover

Episode 13 - Bash: Japan, Istanbul to Belgium, and 10 Months on the Road

At 19 years old, Bash has spent the better part of a year riding his bike across two continents. What started as a solo bike packing trip through Japan 66 days, roughly 4,500km, top to bottom became something much bigger when, instead of flying home, he bought a ticket to Istanbul and started riding northwest. By the time Nick caught up with him (recording from the road while riding from Marseille to London while Bash wound down his final days in Antwerp), he'd passed through Turkey, Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Belgium. He got home the following morning. In this episode they talk about what Japan actually felt like to ride, why not planning a route is the best plan, the art of listening to your body over long days, kit that got ruthlessly edited down over thousands of kilometres, and why the finish line in Japan sitting at the end of the world with sushi and an Asahi is a feeling he'll never forget. Bash also shares his three tips for anyone thinking about doing something like this (spoiler: it doesn't have to be epic to be worth doing), and looks ahead to GB Jura in August — a 2,000km off-road ultra from Land's End to John O'Groats which would make him the youngest finisher if he completes it. A genuinely joyful conversation about riding bikes, going places, and trusting your gut.

19. juni 202634 min
episode Episode 12 - Lucy ChoulesJust Fucking Around and Finding Out — Lucy Choules on Audax, Tax, and 1,000km in Scotland, cover

Episode 12 - Lucy ChoulesJust Fucking Around and Finding Out — Lucy Choules on Audax, Tax, and 1,000km in Scotland,

Lucy Choules didn't grow up dreaming of riding a thousand kilometres through the Scottish Highlands. She only learned to ride a road bike in 2020. But somewhere between qualifying as a tax accountant, watching her eight-year-old sister discover cycling, and turning down crit racing in favour of stamping a card in a school hall at 2am, she found her people — the quietly brilliant, slightly unhinged world of Audax. In this episode, Nick sits down with Lucy to unpack her rapid journey from cycling convert to completing LEL and a 1,000km Scottish Audax in under two years, all while studying for her final accountancy exams. They talk about why Audax suits her life in a way that road racing doesn't, the joy of riding with a group of women who just get it, and the liberating logic of going in underprepared. They also get into kit — bibs, merino jerseys, dynamo hubs — and the Van Rysel endurance bike that Lucy put to the test over 1,000km of Scottish terrain, ferry crossings and all. Lucy is funny, honest, and completely without ego about what she can and can't do on a bike. If you've ever talked yourself out of attempting something big, this one's for you. Topics covered: Audax vs ultra racing · London Edinburgh London · 1,000km Scotland event · Dynamo hubs and charging on the road · Merino jerseys for long-distance · Bibs, kit and what actually matters · Content creation without the performance · Teaching her sister to ride · Why cycling is a leveller

11. juni 202649 min