Dialed Cycling Podcast #364 - Recap

Introduction: Back on the Bike and Off the Rails (In a Good Way)

The latest episode of the Dialed Podcast kicks off with the crew — Jake von Duering, Lance Heppler, Sir Ian Gibson, and Matt LeGrand — in rare form. If you’re looking for a polished, smooth start... you came to the wrong place. But if you’re into honest laughs, good friends, and a little chaos, you’re exactly where you need to be.

Right out of the gate, Ian educates us (against our will) about the realities of British accents. Lance attempts to find a greeting that doesn’t make him sound like a malfunctioning AI. Meanwhile, Matt accuses the group of overdosing on caffeine. And Jake? He's just trying to keep the train on the tracks — unsuccessfully, but admirably.

In short: it’s good to be back.

Team Ride Updates: Training, Racing, and Big Efforts

(Matt’s Backpedal)
Matt admits he’s been more of a runner and swimmer lately, with biking taking a backseat. But with the weather turning, he’s itching to get back on two wheels — assuming he can wedge it in between parenting duties and school events.

(Ian’s Backpedal)
Ian, on the other hand, has been putting in the miles. Between a 70-mile group ride out to Barton Park and the legendary "Shootout" ride on Sauvie Island, he’s been stacking up the fitness. Plus, Monday night racing at PIR is back — and Ian crushed it, finishing 12th overall in a field of nearly 70 riders. Not bad for a self-proclaimed old guy.

(Lance’s Backpedal)
Lance has been riding, but feeling a little off. A recent recon of the Gorge Gravel Race course showed some good moments early on, but as the miles piled up, he noticed a dip in energy. He’s chalking it up to a mid-season lull — not a crisis, but a reminder that even seasoned riders hit rough patches.

Despite not feeling 100%, Lance joined Ian for a gorgeous day of gravel recon. The only downside? Sunday’s forecast for the actual race includes 20 mph winds and 40 mph gusts. Should be... fun.

(Jake’s Backpedal)
Jake dusted off the gravel bike for the first time in months and hit the dirt. Easter Sunday’s ride included a mechanical mishap — a dead Di2 battery — but that didn’t stop him from muscling his way home with a 46x10 gear combo (basically a leg press machine at that point).

He also returned to the Tuesday night gravel rides and the Thursday flogging rides, feeling stronger than expected. Big pulls, group splits, and aggressive finishes — Jake’s back in the groove, and the numbers prove it: 300+ watts of normalized power for two-hour rides. Not bad for a guy who had to change a battery mid-ride.

Leadout News: Spring Classics Drama and Big Wins

(Amstel Gold Race Recap)
In a surprise twist, Tadej Pogačar — the man who usually rides away from everyone without looking back — got caught. Remco Evenepoel and Mattias Skjelmose teamed up to reel him in, leading to a sprint finish. Skjelmose shocked everyone by taking the win.

(Flèche Wallonne Recap)
At Flèche Wallonne, Pogačar returned to form. After a massive team effort from UAE, he unleashed on the Mur de Huy and sealed the win in classic fashion. Remco finished strong again, with Tom Pidcock rounding out the podium.

(Women’s Flèche Wallonne)
Puck Pieterse pulled off a big win over Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini. The women’s field was just as exciting, aggressive, and thrilling to watch.

(Liège–Bastogne–Liège Preview)
The next big race is just around the corner, and with Pogačar and Remco on form, it's shaping up to be another epic showdown.

EPO Chain Mail: Best and Worst Ride Stories

A listener from San Francisco asked for our best and worst day on the bike.

(Lance’s Worst Day)
Hypothermia at the Gorge Gravel Grinder — a ride so cold and wet that he couldn't see afterward.

(Ian’s Worst Day)
Frozen solid at Kings Valley Road Race, requiring Jake’s intervention to get his jersey off.

(Matt’s Worst Day)
Surviving sleet and hypothermia at Ironman Whistler, where half the field dropped out.

Best days were shared too — rides like Tenerife’s Masca loop (Lance & Ian), a century ride during a training camp (Matt), and Jake’s first massive training camp experience that built real fitness and confidence.

Best Days on the Bike

(Tenerife’s Masca Loop)
Lance and Ian had a perfect ride in Tenerife, complete with stunning views, good legs, and perfect team chemistry.

(California Training Camp)
Matt shared memories of a queen stage at training camp that left him feeling strong and fulfilled.

(Jake’s Breakthrough Camp)
Jake’s reflection on surviving and thriving through a 500-mile training camp solidified his belief in hard work and big goals.

One Last Thing: Quick Hits Before We Roll Out

- Lance: Even when you’re suffering, good company makes a difference.
- Ian: Big goals are worth it — the pain pays off.
- Matt: Consistency is key.
- Jake: Riding is fun again — and he's ready for more.