The Road to Respair

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

Episode 11 - Charlie Stewart Albion Cycling

How did three mates build a cycling brand that’s now a decade strong, with products that truly innovate? What does it take to build a cycling brand that lasts and what began as a passion project has grown into one of cycling's most respected names in ultra-distance and gravel riding. In this episode, we dig into how Albion built a loyal community by staying obsessively true to their niche, solving real problems for real riders from British weather to fabric innovation and repairability and working hand-in-hand with textile mills to create gear that actually pushes the sport forward. It's a story about authenticity, craft, and why doing one thing brilliantly will always beat chasing trends.

Episode 10 Zoe Mcintosh Ultra Distance Cyclist

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.

Alain Rumpf Tour Guide, Bike Packer and the go to for all things Cycling in Switzerland

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. Takeaways Alain has been involved in cycling since he was 12. Switzerland offers some of the best cycling infrastructure in the world. Ultra cycling has seen significant growth in recent years. Bikepacking is a way to disconnect and enjoy nature. Switzerland has hidden gems that are often overlooked by cyclists. The Swiss cycling culture is vibrant and welcoming. E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Photography has become an integral part of Alain's cycling journey. Gravel biking is a growing scene in Switzerland. The future of cycling bikes is shifting towards versatility and accessibility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alain Rumpf and Cycling in Switzerland 02:30 The Allure of Cycling in Switzerland 04:54 The Rise of Ultra Cycling and Bikepacking 07:40 Lessons from Ultra-Distance Racing 10:02 The Joy of Bikepacking and Self-Discovery 12:02 Cycling Itineraries in Switzerland 14:34 Swiss Cycling Culture and Community 17:05 The Future of Cycling in Switzerland 21:25 The Rise of E-Bikes in Cycling 22:35 Photography: A New Passion 24:21 Exploring the Gravel Scene 26:15 The Versatility of Modern Bikes 30:56 Performance vs. Accessibility in Cycling 35:04 Why Switzerland is a Cyclist's Paradise

Episode 8 Maddy Nutt - Gravel Privateer

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.