Local Legends Podcast
A conversation with passionate cyclists who influence riding in Southern California
AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY & APPLE PODCASTS
EP. 40 MIC CHECK Women Ride Cycles
Welcome to "Mic Check," a special episode of Local Legends where we delve deep into the lives and stories of extraordinary individuals. In this edition, I'm stoked to welcome back three phenomenal women who graced our podcast before: Makenna Kellerman, Joy McCulloch, and Tammy Tabeek.
Join us for a fu discussion touching on life's various stages, training, and performance. Each of these women boasts an impressive racing and performance background, and they'll share their personal journeys navigating womanhood, education, careers, relationships, and the evolution of their cycling pursuits.
As we explore their experiences and insights, I'll also pose some questions for you, the listener, to ponder: What do you do to keep yourself healthy? How have you seen things shift over the last five years, ten years, or even twenty years (if you're over 40)? What excites you about your future, and what are you curious about?
After the episode, I will offer coaching tips on staying young, fit and fierce at any age.
(Gentlemen - there will be an episode dedicated to you all. We will earmark Ep. 50 for a discussion with men through different stages of life. )
EP. 39 - DR. JASON RICHARDSON
UNLEASHING PERFORMANCE
I'd like to introduce Dr. Jason Richardson - a former professional BMX rider now sharing his love for riding and performance as a Sports Psychologist and Mental Skills and Executive Coach. Jason got into a racing as the little brother tagging along as his brother excelled at the sport. Jason got his own chance to race and that is when things changed and his trajectory in riding and life transformed.
In Episode 39, we dive into the journey of Dr. Jason Richardson, tracing his path from the world of BMX racing becoming a Pro BMX World Champion and a PanAm Games Gold Medalist. We go through his journey riding to bike parks, 'practicing', getting chances and losing them and learning about himself and what he is made of.
It was also fun to get some of his insights as a Sports Psychologist discussing breath work, confidence and the power of being free. We also discuss More. Better. Happier which is also the name of his published book.
Jason lives in Carlsbad with his wife and two sons. You can learn more about Jason here and follow him on Instagram @realdrjrich
Enjoy my next Local Legend - LISTEN HERE
EP. 38 - DAVE MALWITZ
GRAVELSTOKE
Discover the heart and soul of Gravelstoke in this podcast episode featuring Dave Malwitz. As the mind behind Gravelstoke, Dave delves into the origins and unexpected evolution of this renowned gravel riding community over the last six years.
Gravelstoke isn't just about challenging rides; it's a culture that sets the standard for inclusivity. This conversation highlights the transformative power of group rides, emphasizing the joy of meeting new people, exploring fresh trails, and improving riding skills. Whether you're a seasoned gravel rider or a newcomer, Dave's insights into the unique blend of challenge, fun, and adventure at Gravelstoke will leave you inspired.
Join us for a chat with a local legend and immerse yourself in the world of Gravelstoke.
EP. 37 - VICTOR SHELDON
THE VICTOR
Victor Sheldon is back to share his stories of racing and competing and his most recent experience at Gravel Worlds.
Victor and his wife and family live in Vista in North County San Diego where he is busy running Quick’n’Dirty Mountain Bike Races.
RACING HIGLIGHTS
- Gravel / World Nationals - 3rd place (Oct 2023) & National Championship, Men 55-59 (Sept 2023)
- 24-hours Old Pueblo / 4 person team winner, 3x's - course record in 2023
- Mountain Bike / National Champion - 6x's
- Cyclocross / National Championship, Masters 50-54 (2016, 2018)
- Jet Ski/ National and World Champion - 8x's
Photo credit: Craig Huffman Photography
Enjoy this conversation with Victor Sheldon - LISTEN
EP. 36 - BRIAN McCULLOCH
SPIRIT OF A CHAMPION
2 X MOUNTAIN BIKE NATIONALS - BWR & WHISKEY 50 CHAMPION
Brian is a professional domestic road racer, who also competes in mountain and gravel bike races. He was the 2023 Champion for Mountain Bike Nationals.
What sets Brian aside is the drive and passion to be his absolute best and he understands what it takes to be a champion. Brian’s race mindset, his training and mental outlook on life all translate to the bike.
Brian lives in Yucaipa - the jewel of the Inland Empire and framed by the San Bernardino Mountains, minutes from Big Bear Lake.
Learn more about Brian McCulloch and Big Wheel Coaching.
EP. 35 - BRIAN LOPES
MULTI-TIME WORLD CUP CHAMPION
BMX - DOWNHILL - 4X - ENDURO - DUAL SLALOM
Brian is a name synonymous with excellence in cycling, boasting a multi-time World Champion title and a well-deserved spot in the BMX and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. In this exclusive interview, I had the privilege of delving into the life and experiences of this legendary rider.
Currently residing in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA, Brian continues to inspire riders and enthusiasts alike.
PIC CREDIT: Andre Magarao
EP. 34 - THE TURNERS
Dave & Christina Turner - Mountain Bike Trailblazers
This dynamic duo brings a powerhouse of passion for extreme outdoor adventures, spanning from skiing to downhill racing to creating Turner Bikes - the first downhill bike. In our conversation, we delved into their roots in the "dirty" world, their journey into mountain biking alongside pioneers, racing cross-country, downhill, cyclocross and gravel, and the rich experiences they've gathered at the forefront of mountain biking and the making of Turner Bikes. The Turners not only push their limits as athletes but also share an infectious enthusiasm for the great outdoors and the joy of riding bikes.
EP. 33 - DOUG POMERANZ
Road Racing National Champ
In Episode 33, I sat down with Doug Pomeranz, a road riding and racing veteran with over 30 years of experience. Doug's captivating storytelling takes us on his journey from picking up cycling in his twenties to becoming the rider he is today. His passion for biking led him to San Diego, and he holds numerous national champion titles while still racing at the elite Cat 1 level. What stands out in this interview is Doug's enduring commitment to growth and self-improvement, all fueled by his pure love for cycling.
EP. 32 - CHRIS POWELL
PRO BMX & 4-CROSS RACER
Chris’, aka Good Flow, journey into the world of BMX began at a young age, igniting a passion that would lead him to remarkable achievements.
In our discussion, Chris delves into the intricacies of his riding and racing journey. With a touch of poetic insight, he reflects on the art of skill and flow, highlighting the precision required to compete at the highest level.
(photo credit: Fred Robinson)
EP. 31 - JOY MUCULLOCH
PRO RACER * BIG WHEEL COACHING
Joy McCulloch is a racer, rider, coach, business owner, wife and a mom - phew!
In this conversation, we dive into Joy's extraordinary journey of a racer, cycling coach, business owner and being the hub of the family.
EP.30 MIC CHECK Bikepacking
Bikepacking with Sammy Crane-Solis, Shelly Peppe-Nani, and Ranger Dave (Ep. 8)
I had really fun time with this conversation and first time having three guests. As I hoped, the conversation flowed with stories and insights of packing, eating, strategizing, and training and what they have learned and gained along the way. We talk about bikepacking primarily in SoCal (e.g. Stagecoach 400) but also reference many other bikepacking adventures (e.g. Arizona Trail).
For warning: there are a few bad words and we talk about issues with your privates during these kind of long rides.
EP. 29 - LESLEY PATERSON
Lesley Paterson got (back) into triathlon after moving out to San Diego from her homeland, Scotland. Lesley is a three time (2011, 2012, 2018) XTERRA World Champion AND a two time 2012, 2018) World Triathlon Cross Champion.
In this conversation, we talked about her recent Oscar nomination OF screenwriting All Quiet on the Western Front and the success of the movie. We also talk about her journey to racing triathlons and what it takes to be the best. It was also fun to talk to her about what she thinks about while she's training and what riding and training looks like now.
(photo credit: Jeff Clark Photography)
EP. 28 - IZZY KING
I was very grateful to have this time with Izzy and talk more about what she makes of all this gravel racing and training. Her goal to find a balance with training and life and how she has evolved as a racer learning about training, racing, and nutrition. I also enjoyed talking more about her soccer experience because being a D1 athlete is no joke and to play at that level requires practice and dedication.
EP. 27 - JONAS WOODRUFF
Focused & determined - LISTEN
Jonas is a junior racer with a background in mountain biking and gravel and most recently in road racing. Last year he came in 6th at Unbound 100, 4th in True Grit 100, and 3rd overall in last year's Filthy 50. He also came in first in his age group at the Sea Otter 80K, BWR San Diego and Leadville Barn Burner.
EP. 26 - ZACH MARTINEZ
This was an inspiring conversation with a Zach and his life and willingness to do what it takes to be the best - from his ‘work life balance’, to mental focus to having an positive outlook on his riding and racing.
photo credit: Wayne Taylor
EP. 25 - SAM AMES
Sam Ames, created Rock Cobbler after being inspired by the Belgian Waffle Ride and his own rich experience with road and Cyclocross racing. He is born, raised and proud member of the Bakersfield community and values the diverse and immense amount of dirt and grassland available. I had a blast talking with Sam about his cycling racing history, origins of Rock Cobbler, how it is grown and evolved, and what the Rock Cobbler means to him.
photo credit: PureGravel
EP. 24 - NIKKI PETERSON
Nikki’s resume is impressive as a PRO Racer and NICA League Director.
What makes Nikki shine is her sincere personality without any presumptions. We had a great conversation about life, training and some big decisions in her life namely her most recent decision to move from SoCal to Reno to follow her heart by joining her favorite passions - biking, mountain lifestyle, education, and working with kids.
EP. 23 - NATE MILLER
Nate grew the TASCO business from his garage and selling t-shirts at local races to now being an online business and found in major retail stores including REI.
In this conversation:
* we talk about the TASCO brand
* the TASCO race team and its impact
* we talk a little business - how it grew organically and continues to grow and evolve.
EP. 22 - YEAR IN REVIEW
2022 Year in Review (LISTEN)
As 2022 comes to a close, this special episode looks back at the last year of the Local Legends podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by my husband, Simon to discuss the evolution of the podcast, what I’ve learned, as well as what is to come. And then you will here a sample from ALL the Local Legends from Ep 1 with Victor Sheldon to the last interview Ep. 21 with Sprockids.
What you will notice through each of these conversations, is how tightly woven the stories, the people and the places. We ALL influence each other and our passion for riding grows in our community one rider at a time.
Thank you for listening to Local Legends.
EP. 21 - SPROCKIDS
Sean Bascom and Sarah Domurat at Sprockids - LISTEN
Sprockids’ mission is to engage kids in mountain biking. But they also build confidence and community in a supportive way. As you will hear from our next Local Legends guests - riding a bike is a tool to independence but also helps with mindset and that feeling that comes from riding two wheels outside - pure joy.
To learn more about Sprockids, support this effort, and to join their programs, visit https://www.sprockidssd.com/
EP. 20 - MIC CHECK: Riding with my husband
Lifestyle of a couple who rides with special guest host, Jim Miller. LISTEN
In this conversation, Simon & I go deeper into riding together, training, managing a home, and time with family. We also talk about being a women to ride in a male dominated sport, what it took to launch my business - Outdoor Fitness Coach, and what we have learned from being a couple and riding and how this has impacted our own personal lives.
This is the second installment of Local Legends MIC CHECK - where I get to share more about training, lifestyle, and learnings from leading a life as an athlete, parent/wife, and someone who loves adventure.
EP. 19 - SUSIE MURPHY
Advocating for mountain bike trails in San Diego - LISTEN
Susie Murphy has a huge impact on the trails we ride in San Diego. Her role as the Executive Director (since 2015) at San Diego Mountain Bike Association, a non profit advocacy group aiming to improve trails in San Diego for mountain biking since 1994, puts her on the ground, in meetings, and planning to advocate for trails. Her role is multifaceted from creating relationships with partner organizations and land managers, to coordinating volunteer work and projects to get new trails in the ground or improve current trails. It’s because of Susie, her team, and the volunteers at SDMBA that mountain bikers can enjoy some epic singletrack from Chula Vista to Carlsbad to Laguna Mountains.
SDMBA Website- https://www.sdmba.com/
EP. 18 - JAKE ORNESS
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - LISTEN
Jake Orness, better known as JPOV, is responsible for many of the photos and drone-recorded footage that you may have seen in recent gravel races, like the Belgian Waffle Ride, San Diego. Jake is an interesting and talented person on the bike as a rider and off the bike behind the lens as a photographer and videographer.
Follow his work on his Instagram page at @jpovphoto. You can also find Jake riding his bike at the local Thursday night gravel rides at Rouleur Brewing in Carlsbad.
EP. 17 - MICHAEL MACARE
DOING THE POSSIBLE - LISTEN
Michael Macare - your ‘normal guy’ making the impossible..possible. This year, he successfully completed Unbound - a 200 mile gravel race in Emporia, Kansas.
In this conversation, we talk about how he got into endurance riding, how it has impacted his life, the process to get to unbound, what drives him to do the impossible and what gives him the confidence to get to the start line, and the strength to get to the finish line.
EP. 16 - JIM BRADFORD
Jim operators Del Sur Dirt - a local San Diego coach that works with kids to adults on dirt skills. As a BICP coach, he works one-on-one and in small groups on mountain skills ranging from cornering to gap jumping.
LISTEN to this conversation with Jim
EP. 15 - BRIAN SCARBROUGH
It was a delight to get a chance to talk to Brian about his racing, his bmx racing history, and how that influences his racing today. We discuss his current training, balancing his work, and also the success of his most recent BWR Dubbel, .
EP. 14 - KEVIN LENTZ
I sit with Lauren Lentz, Kevin’s widow, to share his story. Whether you knew him personally or perhaps only heard about him, this conversation highlights who he was as husband, a friend, a father and a rider.
EP. 13 - TAMMY TABEEK
If there's a force to be reckoned with, it's with this fine lady. Tammy is an accomplished cyclists a mountain biker, road rider, downhiller, and triathlete (and not to mention racketball player).
EP. 12 - CHRIS HORNER
"100% commitment, 24 hours a day"
Chris trophy shelf as a professional cyclist of 25 years is stacked including Tour de France 7-time racer, winner of Tour de California, 2012 Olympics, with his greatest achievement - 2013 Vuelta a Espana win at the age of 41 becoming the oldest and only American to ever win the Grand Tour.
This interview is full of colorful stories of how Chris got into riding, influences on his career, the level of fitness & training of a pro racer, his view on nutrition and love for candy bars.
EP. 11 - PHIL TINSTMAN
Phil is an highly accomplished and decorated cyclist with an X-games gold medal and the RAAM world record to his name (((mic drop!!)))
Phil is also a fellow San Marcos neighbor who is raising 2 children, works, and continues to ride his bike 10-20 hours a week!! Riding bikes all his life including BMX, Motocross, Downhilling, Road and Gravel, he continues his journey and his passion for riding thrives.
This interview is jam packed with stories from professional downhilling in the 90s, burning out and then finding the love again, dappling in triathlons, integrating riding and raising a family and his experiences with RAAM.
EP. 10 - MIC CHECK: Conversation with my children about training
Welcome to the first installment of Mic Check - a different kind of interview where turn the mic on myself and share part of the lifestyle, training, and lessons of leading a life of riding and outdoor adventure.
I share my athletic journey pre kids, during their adolescents and now and how integrated training with and without my children. And they get a chance to share their voice and stories. As a parent, I have try to imagine what lessons and values they are learning but they have their own story to tell.
EP. 9 - LEEANN FOLSE
Honored to interview Leeann. She has a rich history, experience and knowledge of bikes and racing. Leeann raced as a professional downhill racer in the mid 1990s at national and world level representing USA in 1994.
LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW WITH LEEANN
EP. 8 - RANGER DAVE
If you ride Hodges, raced in the QnD Filthy 50, or participated annual Archipelago or the BWR, you have been on the trails he oversees and directly affects these trails.
I had so much fun talking with Dave about his role at SDRP and how he became a ranger, also talked about how he got into cycling and his passion for riding, and learned so much about his direct affect on the trails. It was also fun to talk more about his Scottish heritage.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE WITH RANGER DAVE
EP. 7 - BRENDAN COLLIER
I met Brendan almost ten year ago when I was mountain biking with friends in Idyllwild.
Fast forward to 2022, Brendan recently relaunched The Hub Cyclery in NE Los Angeles, has his own business with carpentry and airstream renovations. He splits his time in LA and Idyllwild and continues to ride including a new gravel bike. Although he no longer is the 'not race director' of the Stagecoach 400, as the creator of this bike packing annual ride, we talk about how it originated, the rules of the race, and some highlights of this unique type of cycling event.
EP. 6 - PAUL DUNLAP
I’m stoked to have Paul as my next Local Legends guest. I’ve worked with him when I was still in corporate fitness . Little did I know that the bike community was so small and we would continue to cross paths - literally.
Paul is practically at EVERY bike event from San Diego to North Carolina to Leadville. With his new business The Wrench House - he is not just a mobile mechanic but also has a new homebase in Vista. Paul is more than a mechanic, he’s a father, hiker, and enjoys the outdoors.
Ep. 5 - MAKENA KELLERMAN
Excited to welcome Junior Cross Country Racer, Makena Kellerman as my guest.
If you have ever met Makena, you know her smile and passion for riding is infectious. But she also has one thing on her mind - go big!
We will talk about representing the USA girls at the World Championship in Val Di Sole, Italy last year, her racing experience from the TASCO-MTB team to NICA, and her love for cookies. And discuss what is next on her horizon.
EP. 4 - PETE THOLL
Pete was born and raised in San Diego growing up Encinitas and graduating from San Dieguito High School. Pete got into riding by some friends and later started road racing in 1988 with the Swamis Race Team. In 1993, he took a hiatus from racing and riding when he started a family. Later when his kids were in high school he picked up the bike again and has been riding and racing ever since.
I learn about his road racing history and how he went from a Cat 4 to Cat 1/2/pro in ONE SEASON, He shares what he has learned about training and race tactics, We discuss his 2021 Belgian Waffle Ride - Wafer overall win. Listen to Episode 2 with Michael Marckx
For me, I always leaned into what Pete had to say because he shares lot of wisdom as a racer and athlete with no nonsense, no ego, no bullshit.
EP. 3 - JIM MILLER
Jim has been named Voice of Gravel as his role as emcee and race announcer at some of the largest gravel events in the nation including Belgian Waffle Ride (San Diego, N. Carolina, Cedar City and Lawrence, Kansas), Steamboat Gravel. He is also fondly known in the SD mountain bike world as the emcee Quick’n’Dirty races and race series.
Jim has a unique blend of experience, education and passion that is the perfect formula for the role he plays in getting people off the start line and welcoming them back after the grueling endurance event. His top attributes include his experience racing road bikes, his education as a communication major, and his business skills in Sky optics. But honestly, when you meet Jim, you quickly learn he is sincere, kind and passionate about living to your fullest and inline with your passions.
LISTEN TO EP. 3 WITH JIM MILLER
** This episode was originally recorded in November 9, 2021 in my home and was broadcast live through IG TV. WATCH FULL VIDEO. **
EP. 2 - MMX
Promoter and visionary for the Belgian Waffle Ride
I'm very happy to have Michael in my home, share some tequila, and have his time to get to know more about Michael and his passion for cycling and community. We also talk about how his own training, how he manages his time and energy with all his projects, and about his drumming mentors.
** This episode was originally recorded in October 14, 2021 in my home and was broadcast live through IG TV. WATCH ON IGTV **
EP. 1 - VICTOR SHELDON
Professional Stand up Jet Skiier, Mountain Bike Racer, Quick’n’Dirty
We kick off the first Local Legends with key mountain bike race coordinator and accomplished mountain biker himself, Victor Sheldon. Also known as Slasher for his accomplishments as a stand up jet skier, Victor Sheldon runs a year around mountain bike race format with the Summer Series, Filthy 50, Dirty 30 and Sagebrush Safari.
** This episode was originally recorded in Sept 15, 2021 in my home and was broadcast live through IG TV. WATCH ON IGTV **