Listen now by clicking here: [audio:http://traffic.libsyn.com/spokesmen/The_Spokesmen_110.mp3]
Topics Included:
- Daylight Saving Time and Cycling
- Hour Record
- Velo Magazine Cyclist of the Year – Jens Voigt
- Hincapie Fondo
- Lance Prevented from Participating in Hincapie Fondo (news story)
- Electric Mountain Bikes vs. Land Access
- Jimmy “Mac” McIlvain Leaves MBA (BRAIN Story)
- IMBA Position Paper on Motorized/Nonmotorized Recreation
- Description of Session at World MTB Summit on this topic
- eMTBs and Their Effect on Strava
- Drivers Who Kill Cyclists Map
- Trend shows that pickup trucks are more dangerous to cyclists
- Freakonomics Podcast: The Perfect Crime
- People for Bikes’ Travel with Care Campaign
- Did You See the Moonwalking Bear?
- Licence plate helmet from Oz
- New York Proposing that Cyclists be Prohibited from Phoning and Texting
- Video of Woman Texting and Falling into Fountain
- Tips
Fantastic podcast. Loved the electric MTB debate. The reward of achieving the summit, seeing the view and appreciating the outdoors is intensified with the effort it takes to get there. Hopefully, how and where these bikes are used will be monitored so that the trails can be enjoyed safely by everyone.
Thanks for the e-mtb discussion, especially to Jim (who has actually ridden one) for his common sense to offset Carlton’s paranoia and David’s lack of e-bike knowledge.
I will be getting one and because of the controversy have done some research on the subject. Here are my thoughts on the topic if you care to read it.
Thanks! https://www.facebook.com/notes/craig-smith/electricpedal-assist-mountain-biking-education-is-needed/743334785705153
I think the eMTB in my garage would be surprised to hear that I have a lack of eBike knowledge. I’ve owned and ridden an eBike for at least 4 or 5 years.
David, I re-listened to the show and it was Jim that mentioned horsepower numbers that were not realistic, not you. I apologize.
David, what do you have in your garage? since bike companies are just now releasing “legal” (less than 1 horsepower, pedal assist) e-mtb, I ordered a Felt LEBOWSKe fat bike and I’m still waiting for it.
Your only objection was based on bad behavior (upsetting hikers and equestrians), which regular mountain bikers can also do.
Again, I apologize.
I have no problem with e-assist bikes on trails as long as the machines adhere to the federal definition and the riders are respectful to other trail users. The federal definition is sufficiently limiting that enhanced impact to the trail should be imperceivable. Overpowered machines will be evident by kicking up as much dirt going uphill as people currently do locking up their rear wheel going downhill.
I enjoyed this episode greatly and have to say I found three contributors much easier on the ear than four or five – less talking over, apologising, pausing to see if the other will speak, both talking again at the same time.
Having made conference calls with up to eight people on the call together, I recognise the skill in hosting four others, which David does well, but as a listener I have to say I enjoyed the experience of just three much more.
Richard,
Thanks for your comment, and I am glad that you enjoyed this episode. Your perspective on this is interesting and valuable. As the host and producer, I want to provide a wide variety of opinions and perspectives on each show, so I always try to bring on as many hosts as are available. I also have the responsibility of ensuring that the show is interesting, entertaining, and isn’t difficult to listen to. I will definitely keep your comments in mind for future shows!
Thanks for listening, and for your comments!
Best,
David
Hi guys,
Regarding the daylight-savings-time conversation: Although I agree with your thoughts on eliminating the changeover, we must be careful as to which time we adopt. Even though it would be great to have more daylight in the evenings, there are other people who need consideration. Our kids can currently ride to and from school in the daylight; barely… We live in North East Scotland, and during December, the sun doesn’t come up until 8:40 (it goes down at 3:25). School starts at 8:45 so there is just enough time for the kids to undertake the 5-7 minute ride to school in the light; even on the shortest day of the year. If we ‘kept’ daylight savings time and shifted the daylight to the end of the day, there would be a THREE MONTH PERIOD between mid-November and mid-February where the kids would be going to school in the dark! I know that we live ridiculously far north (especially by North American standards) but the reproductions of adjusting the daylight hours in this direction would be very unwelcome for these kids; especially since those currently walking or cycling may be put into cars.
Thanks guys, keep up the good work with the show!
Cory
Enjoyed the podcast – as always!
With apologies to Jim; I don’t think ebikes belong on the trails. Sorry. If someone can’t make it to the top under their own power, then shoulder the bike and hike it. Maybe that’s a purist mentality, but (IMHO) there is a beauty in being 100% under your own power and the thrill of accomplishment when you can clear a climb without dismounting and earn the descent.
Then again, I think turning anything less than a 53/39 up front on a road bike amounts to shameful failure as a man…. so….
— Kevin from Colorado
Kevin, purist mentality is not what I could call that type of thinking. For me the ebike is a gift from the cycling gods of technology. A few years ago a degenerate muscle disease started to kill my muscles, thanks to my Felt LEBOWSKe my last years of being able to ride a bike will once again be done WITH my friends.
To you I’m a shameful failure as a man.
But you are something I’d rather not say on David’s website.
Craig Smith – My comment was written partially in jest and most certainly not intended to include those with physical disabilities. My apologies for any offense I cause to you. Ride well!
– Kevin