The Dialed Cycling Podcast Recap

Cycling, Community, and Cheer

The latest episode of the Dialed Cycling Podcast has everything to make a cyclist smile: laughs, local stories, training insights, and inspiring community moments. Featuring hosts Jake von Duering, Lance Heppler, Matt LeGrand, and Ian Gibson, this holiday-themed podcast captures the essence of cycling life. Whether you’re a hardcore racer, a gravel grinder, or a Zwift warrior, you’ll find gems in this episode. Here’s a full recap to inspire your ride and, perhaps, a listen to the full podcast.

A Festive Welcome: Merry Friggin' Christmas!

The hosts kick things off in true holiday style, sharing their unique greetings and banter. The camaraderie is infectious, setting the tone for a fun, lighthearted conversation. Lance’s gift of homemade chocolates hilariously challenges everyone's holiday weight-loss goals—“a sweet way to screw your New Year’s resolutions,” as Jake quipped. The gifts didn’t stop there. Lance also brought petrified wood from his recent rock-hounding adventure, leading to a humorous interlude dubbed "Rock Talk." Could a geology-inspired spin-off be on the horizon? Maybe not, but the laughs were worth it.

Backpedaling: Weekly Cycling Highlights

Backpedaling is a cornerstone of the Dialed Podcast, where each host shares their cycling exploits. Here are the highlights:

• Matt LeGrand: Fresh from the pool and back on Zwift, Matt encourages listeners to join the team’s online rides. Participation may be low due to holiday busyness, but he’s determined to keep the virtual cycling spirit alive.

• Ian Gibson: Ian shares his ride through Portland, logging 60 miles despite knee pain. A test ride on TrainingPeaks Virtual caught his attention for its seamless integration with the TrainingPeaks app, though he noted some technical quirks with Strava uploads.

• Lance Heppler: Lance’s week featured a mix of home-improvement projects and a charity ride. He recounts an eventful dog-rescue mission during a nighttime ride, adding a dose of adrenaline and heroism to his week.

• Jake von Duering: Recovering from an injury, Jake’s been on doctor’s orders to rest. The good news? He’s cleared to return to the bike in January, ready to make 2025 a stellar racing season.

Cyclocross Nationals Recap

The podcast dives into the recent Cyclocross National Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. The races thrilled with dramatic finishes and standout performances:

• Men’s Elite Race: Andrew Strohmeyer clinched victory by hopping barriers on the final lap, edging out Eric Bruner and Scott Funston by a single second.

• Women’s Elite Race: A 19-year-old rising star, Vida Lopez de San Ramon, shocked the field by skipping the U23 category and taking home the elite title.

• Local Highlights: Portland’s Brenna Rie Simpson secured 14th in the elite women’s race, while other Oregon racers brought pride to the region with top-ten finishes.

Zwift Rides: Where Is Everyone?

The team laments low attendance at recent Zwift rides but brainstorms ways to reinvigorate participation. Could hosting a live podcast during a ride add an engaging twist? The group debates logistics and challenges while Ian jokes about his readiness for even dialed-down Zwift sessions.

Training Insights: The Power of Zone 2

Coach Ian leads a deep dive into Zone 2 training, breaking down why it’s crucial for building aerobic capacity and endurance:

• What is Zone 2? It’s the pace you can sustain for long durations, often conversational but not easy. Think “all-day pace” without sacrificing effort.

• Why It Matters: Zone 2 training enhances oxygen processing, grows capillaries, and builds a strong aerobic base. The key? Consistency and avoiding spikes into higher zones.

• Group Riding Tips: Riding with others can make Zone 2 training more enjoyable, but communication and discipline are essential to keep everyone on track.

Breaking News: Matt Hits 35,000 Subscribers

Amid cycling chatter, Matt LeGrand shares a milestone for his YouTube channel—35,000 subscribers! His latest video on the Apple Watch Series 10 is trending well, proving that tech and cycling are a winning combination. Matt’s content, blending cycling gear reviews and tech tutorials, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Listener Engagement: Chain Mail vs. Who Spoke?

A recurring podcast segment is evolving, and the hosts need your input. Should the segment stick with its name, “Chain Mail,” or adopt the listener-suggested “Who Spoke?” Vote via text, and while you’re at it, share your favorite episode of the year or suggest topics for future shows. This is your chance to shape the conversation.

Looking Ahead: Racing and Resolutions

With the holiday season in full swing, the hosts preview upcoming races and discuss off-season training strategies. The Belgian “Kriest” period promises cyclocross action nearly every day between Christmas and New Year’s, while the team’s winter rides continue to emphasize base building.

Why You Should Listen

This episode exemplifies the Dialed Podcast’s charm—a mix of humor, deep cycling knowledge, and genuine community spirit. Whether you’re in it for the training tips, the racing recaps, or the laugh-out-loud moments, there’s something for everyone. Tune in to catch the full discussion and connect with the cycling community.

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Meta Description: Catch the highlights of the latest Dialed Cycling Podcast! From holiday laughs and Cyclocross Nationals recaps to Zone 2 training tips and Matt’s YouTube milestone, this blog delivers insights and fun for every cyclist.