Dialed Cycling Podcast #365 - Recap

Riding Through Life’s Hills and Valleys

Think of a podcast like a birthday cake, layers of stories and experiences packed with flavorful insights. We reminisce over past races and share updates from recent rides, punctuated by moments of self-deprecating humor. Lance may feel the aches of 55 years (55 physically, 14 emotionally, he says with a laugh), yet every birthday spent in the saddle is a testament to the long, winding road he's traveled.

Meeting  Camryn

Joining Lance and Matt are Ian, Jake, and the deal guest of the day, Camryn Berglin — a force of nature who walked into a bike shop demanding a job, and now couldn’t imagine life without two wheel. Their anecdotes swirl through tales of camaraderie, endurance, and the resilient spirit of their community. Matt shares an all-too-familiar feeling of neglect for his bike, but he’s forgiven, given the weather’s notorious betrayal.

The crew further discusses past races, which includes the no-frills grit of Gorge Gravel Grinder. Amidst tales of triumphs and near-misses at races, everyone laughs at the battle with the literal and figurative headwinds and the quests to outpace the years.

Rolling Out the Welcome Mat for New Riders

How do you transition a novice cyclist into a race-ready competitor? The group contemplates breaking the intimidation factor of starting out—from equipment concerns to racing parallel with seasoned riders. Camryn recounts her bike journey that took her from being a neighborhood rider to a formidable mountain bike competitor. It's all about engaging in confidence-building rides and sharing knowledge, a strategy they agree works wonders.

Women in Cycling: A Work in Progress

Camryn carries not just the torch, but a burning curiosity and passion for cycling—especially getting more women into the sport. There’s a quiet revolution happening on two wheels, and Camryn is at the forefront. She shares her insights on breaking barriers, one pedal stroke at a time, by encouraging clinics, rides, and community support to invite more women into cycling. Women riders echo camaraderie, eagerly cheering each other on beyond the tête-à-tête of competition. There’s no hint of toxic competitiveness here—only shared victories and collective growth.

The Dilemma: Women’s Participation and Racing Dynamics

Despite growing interest, a recurring theme is the lower participation numbers among women, especially at local events. Camryn shares her desire to change this by growing the field size, which she believes could reshape the landscape of women in cycling for the better. Larger fields offer women the opportunity to strategize like never before, allowing them to participate fully and find their place in the intricate weaves of team dynamics.

Breaking Down the Roadblocks in Cycling

At The Dialed podcast, the goal is to eliminate the barriers standing between the start line and someone’s desire to participate in cycling. From her unique vantage point as both mechanic and competitor, Camryn sheds light on what needs to change—from defusing the male-dominated stereotype in bike mechanics to simply getting more women excited about pinning on a race number.

Aiding the Journey, Acknowledging the Strain

The conversation flows toward the acceptance of shared experiences with equipment, the humor in mechanical mishaps, and recognizing etiquette on the trail—where offering help is more about respect than gallantry. Camryn’s influence extends beyond fixing bikes; it reshapes how cyclists approach assistance on the road.

Dreams on Wheels

Every cyclist has their dream two-wheeled beauty, and Camryn is no exception. Her wish list includes a titanium gravel bike, reinforced with wishful specs like carbon galore and a penchant for SRAM Red components. As for racing ambitions? Hopes of attending the Cyclo Cross Nationals loom large in her mind, fueled by past successes and supported by sheer will.

One last thing...

Wrapping up the podcast, everyone shares their ‘one last thing’. From musings on tech reviews to gentle (ahem) reminder about signing up early for races to beat the fee hike, these shared closing thoughts come packed with good-natured nudges. And Camryn, dear Camryn, reminds us of the simplest of joys — just ride your bike. Whatever you do, just keep pedaling.

In a community where racers bank on each other’s energy and narrative threads weave a tapestry of tales, the crew encapsulates the essence of the cycling spirit. Amidst laughter, anecdotes, and occasional ribbing, a shared passion keeps life’s wheels continually turning.