Ride and Thrive

In this episode, I talk about using the GROW model to help plan your post-Festive weight loss campaign. GROW stands for; Goals - Process and Outcome based, What and why? Reality - Where you are right now Obstacles/Opportunities - What barriers are in your way Way forward - How are you going to move the needle I suggest writing down a couple of sentences to answer the questions posed for each element. In the coming weeks I will suggest some strategies/tactics that will help you to kickstart your campaign. In the meantime head over to Dave Shields Fitness for lots of info around health and fitness.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

Ride Back in 2014, the Tour de France rolled through Yorkshire—and something clicked. In this beginner-friendly Ride & Thrive episode, David shares how watching the world’s greatest cycling race right on his doorstep ignited a passion that’s shaped his life ever since.You’ll get a down-to-earth preview of this year’s race, learn why it’s more than just Lycra and mountains, and discover how the Tour might just inspire your own two-wheeled adventure.If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss is about, this one’s for you. If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

In this delightfully stretchy episode, we squeeze into the world of Lycra — that shiny, form-fitting fabric beloved by cyclists and feared by café-goers everywhere.I chat about what it means to wrap yourself in something that leaves very little to the imagination, and why people do it anyway (hint: it's not always about speed). I share the awkward glory of public spandex moments, the psychology of dressing like a Tour de France hopeful, and how Lycra somehow turns a casual ride into a full-blown identity. It's part fashion, part function, part midlife crisis — and all fun. Come for the Lycra, stay for the laughs — and maybe leave with a little more empathy for the guy ordering a flat white in cleatsIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

I made lots of mistakes, some worse than others in my first 6 months of road bike ownership. Here I list 5 of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. Stay tuned to the end for a bonus tip!Contact me: david@rideandthrive.co.uk How to perform a pre-ride check HERE If you you are wanting to get fit and fancy using kettlebells but don't know where to start, try my 30 days to kettlebell mastery Email course...Its FREE! Click the link below;30 Days to Kettlebell mastery Email courseIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

If your just starting out on your cycling journey, buying a bike can be daunting...so many choices! I sift through the mud and try to offer a clear path for you to make an informed choice.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

From the pro peloton to the auction house, this week’s Ride & Thrive cycling news podcast dives into three big stories. We explore what’s next for Chris Froome as his career enters a pivotal stage, the sale of Kraftwerk musician Florian Schneiders' legendary bike at auction, and Trek’s release of the Checkout—asking who it’s really designed for.Tune in for insights, culture, and gear talk that connect cycling’s past, present, and future.#CyclingNews #ChrisFroome #TrekCheckout #CyclingCulture #ProCycling #RideAndThrive  #CyclingPodcast  #BikeLife #cyclingcommunityIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

This week on Ride & Thrive Cycling News, we dive into the latest shake-ups in the pro peloton and cycling policy.Israel Premier Tech undergoes a major name change after losing a key sponsor, while Pinarello makes headlines by joining Team Q36.5.We look ahead to Jonas Vingegaard’s ambitious Giro d’Italia 2026 plans, and break down the UK government’s controversial decision to cap the Bike to Work scheme in the latest budget.Tune in for insider analysis, industry updates, and what these moves mean for riders, teams, and everyday cyclists.#CyclingNews #ProCycling #IsraelPremierTech #Pinarello #TeamQ365 #JonasVingegaard #Giro2026 #BikeToWork #CyclingPodcast #RideAndThrive #cyclingcommunityIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

What if your bike could be your best tool for living longer, stronger, and more connected? In this episode of Ride & Thrive, recorded live on the road, Dave explores the science and soul of longevity — from mitochondrial health to mindset shifts — all while pedaling through the Yorkshire countryside.Discover how movement, breath,  and nature fuel resilience, and why cycling isn’t just a sport — it’s a lifestyle for thriving individuals. Whether you're chasing performance or presence, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.Contact me directly for Personal Coaching#CyclingLongevity #RideAndThrive #CyclingForHealth #RideForLife #CyclingMotivation #TrainingForLongevity #CyclingMindset #CyclingOver40If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

A Cycling News round-up from the last week, including...An update on the ongoing battle of Garmin vs Strava App, plus.... Rapha parts ways with Pro Cycling, and Lidl's Bold plans to become the Number 1 Cycling team in the world.#cyclingnews #cyclingupdates #cyclingcommunity #rideandthriveIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

The route for the 2026 Edition of the Tour de France has just been released. In this episode, Dave discusses the facts and opinions about the route choice.Facts & totalsDates: 4 July to 26 July 2026.Grand Départ: Barcelona, Spain. 21 stages. Total distance: ~3,333 km.Total climbing (vertical gain): ~54,000 m.Stage-type mix (from published summary):One Team Time Trial (TTT) to open.One (or minimal) Individual Time Trial (ITT).8 mountain stages with ~5 summit finishes.4 hilly stages (medium mountains/undulating)7 flat stages (sprinters’ domain).The decision to start with a team time trial is a bold one — the first such by the Tour since 1971 in that format. The route promises a “crescendo” built in: easier stages early in Spain, then progressively tougher terrain across the Pyrenees, Massif Central, Voges, Alps, then Alpe d’Huez double finish.The highest point of the race will be the climb of the Galibier (via Télégraphe etc) in the Alps.Sprinters will still get their chances, but the mid-to-late mountains may render some flat stages less predictable.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

This episode hits the road — literally!Recorded on two wheels through North Yorkshire’s beautiful lanes, I talk about cycling clothing, training tips, and what keeps me pushing the pedals when motivation dips.Along the way, I meet wildlife, a train, and have coffee from a coffee bike!It’s a chatty ride-along full of energy, inspiration, and countryside vibes.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

As the temperature drops and the nights draw in, motivation can also drop — unless your gear works with the season, not against it.In this episode, David breaks down a practical guide to dressing for colder rides and outdoor workouts.From base layers to windproof shells, gloves to thermal socks, you’ll learn how to stay warm, dry, and mobile without overheating or overcomplicating.Whether you're commuting, training, or just trying to stay consistent, this is your blueprint for cold-weather resilience.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

We all hit the wall. That moment when the bike gathers dust, the gear feels heavy, and motivation slips through your fingers. In this episode, I get real about the slump — why it happens, what it means, and how to climb out of it with intention. From mindset shifts to micro-habits, you'll learn how to reconnect with your purpose, rebuild momentum, and ride with renewed energy.Whether you're stuck in a rut or just need a spark, this one's for you.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

In a surprising twist for the fitness tech world, Strava has filed a lawsuit against Garmin, accusing the GPS titan of infringing on key patents and violating a long-standing partnership agreement. At the heart of the dispute? Two core features: segments and heatmaps — staples of Strava’s platform that let users compete on route sections and visualize popular training paths. Strava is now seeking a permanent injunction to block Garmin from selling fitness devices that use these contested features, including popular models like the Forerunner, Fenix, and Edge seriesIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

I recently went on a ride with a friend who brought his gravel bike. I showed up with my mountain bike—and honestly, I had a blast.It got me thinking: do we really need a gravel bike, or is it just another shiny object in the cycling world? In this episode, I unpack that question. We’ll explore the differences between gravel and mountain bikes, what the marketing gets right (and wrong), and how to make gear decisions that align with your goals—not just the trends.If you’ve ever wondered whether your current setup is enough, or felt the pull of the next big upgrade, this one’s for you. Have you recently gotten into cycling? Then get my Beginner Cyclist Toolkit hereIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

The Tour may be over, but the thrills linger.In this episode of Ride & Thrive, Dave counts down 10 unforgettable moments from this year’s Tour de France—from Quinn Simmons channeling Captain America to Lenny Martinez’s cheeky sticky bottle maneuver on Stage 18 🚴‍♂️💥.Get ready for a fast-paced recap with behind-the-scenes drama, insider insights, and the kind of cycling storytelling that fuels your ride. Buckle up, it’s time to relive the magic—starting with #10 and climbing all the way to #1. Get your free copy of the Beginner Cyclists ToolkitIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

🎙️ Tour de France 2025: Highs, Heartbreaks & HeroicsThree weeks. Twenty-one stages. Endless storylines. From Pogačar’s clinical dominance to the cobbled chaos of Montmartre, this year’s Tour blended tradition with unpredictability.In this special wrap-up episode, we break down the biggest winners, the unexpected losers, and the moments that made this Tour unforgettable.Who cemented their legacy? Who cracked under pressure? And who deserves more love than the headlines gave?We talk climbs, crashes, comebacks, and controversies—with fresh insights for fans and first-timers alike.Whether you followed every stage or just dipped in for the final showdown, Ride & Thrive has you covered. Grab your free Beginner Cyclist Toolkit HERIf you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

Originally planned as a 129.9 km Alpine queen stage from Albertville to La Plagne, including the Col des Saisies, Col du Pré, Cormet de Roselend, and final summit finish.Due to a last‑minute outbreak of nodular dermatitis in local cattle, organisers shortened the stage to approximately 93–95 km, cutting out two climbs. The start was delayed to about 14:30 BST.🚵 Early action: Breaks and AttacksShortly after the revised neutral start in Albertville, Primož Roglič attempted an early attack, bridging with Valentin Paret‑Peintre and Lenny Martínez—an aggressive move that ultimately fizzled as the GC group reeled them in.I🧗 Mid-stage: Climbs and ConditionsRiders faced two key climbs: the HC Col du Pré (~12.6 km at ~7.7%) and the 2nd‑category Cormet de Roselend, before descending towards La Plagne. The shortened course and cool, rainy Alpine weather added extra drama.⚡ Final climb & winning moveWith ~12–13 km to go on the final ascent to La Plagne, Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) launched a decisive attack, escaping the GC group including Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, and built a small gap.In the final meters, Vingegaard and Pogacar were closing fast, but Arensman held on to win by just 2 seconds—earning his second Tour stage victory.Emotion poured out from Arensman at the finish, calling the win a dream after taking on cycling’s biggest names.🏆 GC and classification wrap‑upTadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey, with a slightly reduced lead of approximately 4 minutes 24 seconds over Vingegaard with two stages to go.Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull‑BORA) held third overall, just ahead of Oscar Onley, who continues to impress as a young GC hopeful.Pogacar also kept the King of the Mountains (KOM) and polka-dot jersey, showcasing his all-round dominance and smart, measured riding.🧠 Strategic Takeaways & Talking PointsArensman’s savvy timing and courage to attack on the final climb, even with the GC men looming.Pogacar’s calculated control: he didn’t challenge for the stage win, but maintained pace to protect his lead.The impact of the diseased cattle outbreak forcing a dramatic last‑minute route change—and how riders and teams adapted.GC context: Lipowitz vs Onley battle for third; Vingegaard’s attempt to chip away at Pogacar; and Roglič’s fading gambit.Weather and terrain factors: shorter course, rain, cooler temps—how that influenced tactics and rider performance.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

Stage 17 delivered chaos and courage in equal measure. In torrential rain and greasy conditions, sprinters battled for supremacy on the road to Valence.A late crash inside the final kilometre shattered the sprint train, but Jonathan Milan stayed upright and surged to his second stage win, tightening his grip on the green jersey. Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard avoided the carnage, preserving their GC positions as the peloton edged closer to the Alps.Stage 18 was the Queen Stage—and it lived up to the billing. With over 5,400 metres of climbing across three brutal ascents, including the infamous Col de la Loze, it was a day for the mountain goats. Ben O’Connor launched a daring solo attack and conquered the summit through hail and heartbreak to claim a career-defining win.Behind him, Pogačar once again distanced Vingegaard in the final kilometre, extending his overall lead to 4 minutes and 26 seconds.Meanwhile, young Scot Oscar Onley matched the GC giants pedal for pedal, closing in on a podium spot with just days to go.If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.

Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2025 was all about the Giant of Provence—and it didn’t disappoint.French climber Valentin Paret-Peintre stunned the favourites with a late surge to win atop Mont Ventoux, claiming his first Tour stage and sending the home crowd into raptures.With 140 km of flat terrain before the final climb, the peloton stayed calm until chaos erupted on the slopes. 🚴‍♂️ Pogačar marked attacks but didn’t strike.🔥 Vingegaard tried to shake things up.🇫🇷 Paret-Peintre timed it perfectly. We break down the tactics, the pacing, and the pain of one of cycling’s most iconic ascents. Plus: GC updates, team strategies, and what this means heading into the Alps.#TDF2025 #RideAndThrive #Stage16Recap #MontVentoux If you have just started your cycling journey, you can get your Beginner Cyclist Toolkit Here.It's packed full of information and advice to get you started safely on your journey.