The Road to Respair

Episode 10 Zoe Mcintosh Ultra Distance Cyclist

summary 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.

Episode 7 Nol van Loon - Fat Pigeon CC

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.

Episode 6 - Miles Baker Clarke Cycling Culture Club/ Fusion Media

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.