The Dialed Cycling Podcast 352 Recap

Festive 500 Triumphs, Cycling Goals, and Vanderpoel Dominance: Dialed Cycling Podcast Wrap-Up

The latest episode of the Dialed Cycling Podcast has us wrapping up 2024 with laughter, camaraderie, and spirited discussions. From Festive 500 challenges to Cyclocross legends and goal setting for 2025, this episode is brimming with inspiration for every cycling enthusiast. Here’s your recap of what went down (but be sure to listen in full for all the banter and insights!).

Reflecting on the Festive 500

The Festive 500 is a seasonal rite of passage for cyclists, and Lance’s experience this year was nothing short of epic. With a goal of completing 500 kilometers between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Lance recounted his mix of outdoor and indoor rides, totaling 488 kilometers by podcast time.

• Outdoor Adventures: Lance’s outdoor rides included a night jaunt with Christmas lights and a solo 74-mile effort at an 18.3 mph average. Zone two cruising at its finest.

• Indoor Efficiencies: Using Zwift, Lance noted a 24.5 mph average speed, leveraging pacer bots and flat routes like Tempus Fugit to knock out miles efficiently. The podcast crew playfully debated Zwift’s mileage-to-effort ratio, with Lance defending its merits for mental toughness.

The Festive 500 isn’t about the badge but the challenge—and the camaraderie, as evidenced by Lance’s recount of coffee stops and pack dynamics.

Vanderpoel’s Cyclocross Reign

As cyclocross season peaks, Matthew Vanderpoel is reminding us why he’s a legend. Lance shared vivid play-by-play accounts of recent races, including his extraordinary performances at Zonhoven and Zilvermeer Cross.

• Technical Mastery: From flying through sand pits to navigating mud with ease, Vanderpoel’s bike-handling skills left the competition scrambling.

• Physical Dominance: Whether it’s raw watts or strategic pacing, Vanderpoel showcased why he’s nearly unbeatable, even casually pulling away with 30-second gaps.

• Equipment Insights: Ever the professional, Vanderpoel’s gear game is intriguing. A notable highlight? His Whoop strap drama, where it popped off mid-race, and he carried it in his mouth until the next pit stop.

The crew also touched on where to stream cyclocross races, making it easier for fans to keep up with the action.

Celebrating 2024 Milestones

Family moments took center stage as the crew reflected on Christmas highlights. From scavenger hunts to heated vests gifted by thoughtful kids, the podcast’s charm lies in its blend of cycling talk and personal anecdotes. This segment reminded us how cycling intersects beautifully with everyday life, whether it’s holiday rides or memorable family traditions.

Structured Training: Love It or Hate It?

A listener’s question sparked a deep dive into structured training. Lance shared his shift from TrainerRoad to FastCat’s AI-based system, appreciating its adaptability for high-volume racing schedules. The team discussed the pros and cons:

• Indoor Training: Harder efforts, death spirals, and the mental grind of erg mode were debated.

• Outdoor Adjustments: Structured plans that adapt to outdoor riding or Zwift integration made training practical for varied conditions.

• Cost vs. Value: The merits of live coaching versus AI-driven plans rounded out the discussion.

Setting Goals for 2025

With the new year approaching, goal-setting was a hot topic. Ian highlighted the importance of SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-constrained) and shared his focus on staying competitive despite age-related challenges. For Lance, balancing high mileage with meaningful races and fun remains key. Matt, ever the triathlete, hinted at future creative YouTube projects and training for upcoming triathlons.

• Realistic Aspirations: From watt-per-kilogram targets to podium hopes, the crew emphasized aligning goals with personal motivation and life balance.

• Training Advice: Structured programs, tailored plans, and the occasional guilt-free indulgence of “just riding” for fun featured prominently in their insights.

Community Q&A and Podcast Fun

The audience played a role in shaping this episode, with thoughtful questions about zone two rides, group dynamics, and TrainerRoad’s Zwift integration. The “EPO Chainmail” segment (a clever rebrand of their listener mail) brought laughs and community spirit.

The podcast wrapped with musings on life’s balance, the joys of the cycling community, and a renewed focus for 2025. Whether it’s racing, casual riding, or engaging with family, the Dialed Cycling crew reminds us to keep it fun and stay inspired.