The Guitar Ted Podcast

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch is Sponsored by Bike Rags: Episode #102 - Guitar Ted and New York Roll discuss the UCI gravel World Championship series. Comments and thoughts about an article Yuri Hauswald wrote recently about the UCI's entrance into gravel racing are shared. (Link to that article is below) The guys discuss whether or not big events and series of gravel events bring in more riders, putting "more butts on bikes" and what exactly does that mean anyway? The discussion then moves on to what influences promoters of events and how the decisions based upon those motivations moves an event to go one way or the other.  The episode ends with a few updates on review items for the Riding Gravel site.  Links: Riding Gravel : https://www.ridinggravel.com Bike Rags: https:bikeragsapparel.com Yuri Hauswald's article for Cycling Weekly: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/opinion-the-uci-doesnt-have-anything-to-offer-the-gravel-community-that-it-doesnt-already-have Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-ted.productions@gmail.com N.Y.Roll's Blog: https://beyondtheride.blogspot.com/ Contact: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #112: "Gotta Keep 'em Separated!"  Sponsored by Bike Rags Apparel: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the news which was announced the first week of 2023 that UNBOUND was going to make format changes to their event. No longer would Pro/Elites start with the amateur riders. The guys ask "How will "Pro" and "Elite" riders be vetted by Life Time?", and other pertinent questions regarding rules and how the time gaps will work out in their opinion.  A brief history of how we got here is given by Guitar Ted and then the discussion starts out.  Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the role of money making, both from a promoter's viewpoint and a rider's, make decisions look different than they would be from a "grassroots gravel" perspective. Rider philosophy is discussed in terms of how trying to make a living at racing makes you race differently. Rules and how to enforce them are discussed. How UNBOUND's new format will work is walked through and there are a lot of questions that the guys ponder.  This episode concludes with the guys sharing notes on Christmas gifts. And as always- THANKS FOR LISTENING! Show Notes: Guitar Ted's article on the basis for the changes in UNBOUND from a post last year on his blog: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/06/state-of-gravel-scene-mid-term-2022-is.html 'Velo News' article on changes to format at UNBOUND: https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/unbound-gravel-rolls-out-major-changes-for-2023-edition/ Episode #111 with LeLan Dains: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WEar5XE2lwb "Velo News" article detailing Lea Davison's dropping out of the Life Time Grand Prix and her assertions on why racing at UNBOUND was unsafe, not fun, and unfair: https://www.velonews.com/news/gravel/lea-davison-is-dropping-out-of-the-life-time-grand-prix-series-heres-why/ Contact: Guitar Ted: g.ted.productions@gmail.com The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch is a production of Guitar Ted Productions Podcasts.

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #111: "An Interview With The Gravel Ideas Man, LeLan Dains".  Sponsored By Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this last episode for 2022, your hosts Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll are listening to all the gravelly ideas of one LeLan Dains. LeLan was a participant in the early gravel scene, riding in early DK200's and then, after volunteering for that prestigious event, he became a part owner and director for the event. Eventually LeLan, along with Jim Cummings and Kristi Mohn, sold the event to Life Time Fitness. LeLan stayed on for a time at Life Time, but then he switched careers to become the Director of Tourism and Events for Visit Emporia where he still is employed. LeLan also stays in touch with the gravel scene through his various ideas and by creating new ways to celebrate riding gravel and those who do it. He was instrumental in the creation of "Gravel Kansas", the "Great Plains Gravel Route" and the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. Find out exactly how LeLan came up with all these ideas, what they mean to him, and more in the wide ranging discussion.  But before the guys ever get to talking to LeLan, they get off on a rabbit trail concerning TIME gravel pedals Show Notes: Riding Gravel site: https://www.ridinggravel.com  Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com Contact: g.ted.productions@gmail.com TIME Gravel pedal review (Note: Due to the circumstances mentioned in the episode, this review never was completed at TIME's request) https://www.ridinggravel.com/components/time-cyclo-6-pedals-getting-rolling/ Halls Bicycle, Cedar Falls, Iowa: https://www.hallbicycle.com/ Trans Iowa History: https://guitarted1961.wordpress.com/ Robert Fry, Randonnuer Award Winner: https://rusa.org/newsletter/11-01-05.html CORE4 Multi-surface Event: https://www.core4.bike/ Chinkapin Hollow Gravel: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/AR/Fayetteville/ChinkapinHollowGravelGrinder Visit Emporia: https://www.visitemporia.com Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame: https://www.gravelcyclinghof.com/ Gravel City and Adventure and Supply Co: https://gravelcityadventure.com/ Thanks for checking out the podcast! 

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode 110: The Top Ten Stories In Gravel For 2022 - Sponsored by Bike Rags Apparel. Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss what Guitar Ted thought were the top ten most important stories in gravel cycling for 2021. Here is the list as it was discussed in the podcast: UCI Gravel Worlds (Poor course, short distance, quality of competition poor) "Gravel Beef": Complaints by Pro gravel riders that competitors are not doing things right. Announcement of a Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame in January 2022 Suspension for Gravel Bikes The "1000 Women of Gravel" initiative by Gravel Worlds for the 2022 event First Life Time Grand Prix with 60 athletes and six events takes place. A "return to normal" for events in 2022 post-pandemic. Supply Chain "whiplash" effect- No supply to oversupply. How this affects cycling/gravel. Riding Gravel Radio Ranch gets new distribution and production Guitar Ted elected to the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame To close out another year, Guitar Ted, N.Y. Roll, Grannygear, and MG would all like to thank you for supporting Riding Gravel. Whether you read our social media, read the website, or whether you listened to the podcast, we all appreciate each and every one of you very much. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Links:  Riding Gravel website: https://www.ridinggravel.com  Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #109 Sponsored by Bike Rags Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this episode N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted talk about the recent actions taken by Specialized and several other companies to slash marketing and support for "adventure based" riding. But first, N.Y. roll gives us a correction from the last podcast and some additional cold weather riding tips. Then the guys dive into the story as seen on Bikepacking.com (see link below) Also, N.Y. Roll references the population of Shanghai, China. He thought it was 12 million. It is in fact 26.3 million.  Next Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll look at how things like these reported cuts are seen in terms of business and how that affects people. People on both sides of the issue, by the way. The guys also take a look at reasons why these companies like Specialized may have chosen to cut where they did.  The scale of the bike business is then compared to some other industries and what sponsored athletes might actually be getting and how they have to work at it versus what perceptions are about that amongst bike riders.  Next the guys get into what is going on with supply and demand in the bicycle business world. They discuss how the bicycle business will focus on eBikes and gravel cycling in the near term, and how consolidation will factor into the future of brands. How this will affect riders and sponsored athletes is discussed.  Guitar Ted's Take On The Specialized Announcement: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/12/adventure-marketing-gets-axed.html Bikepacking.com's article referenced in the podcast: https://bikepacking.com/news/specialized-terminates-adventure-ambassador-program/

Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #108: "Put The Deodorant On Your Soul, Man" Sponsored By Bike Rags: https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll sit down and share their cold weather riding tips and hacks. Different types of "cold" call for different strategies and the guys try to cover as many possibilities as they can think of. You'll learn what your #1 enemy to staying warm is. You'll find out why you want to be cold to start a ride. You'll also find out what those pesky plastic shopping bags are good for. The guys also cover gear made for cold weather riding from pogies for the hands to winter footwear suggestions. You'll learn why metal is bad-carbon is good! It's a good hour of tips and fun, so sit back and enjoy the ride! Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com Fyxation Mesa MP pedals: https://www.fyxation.com/collections/pedals/products/mesa-mp-platform-pedal Bike Iowa's Pogie Lite Pogies: https://bikeiowa.store/products/pogielites?variant=8136388804709 NOTE: Currently not in production. 45NRTH pogies: https://www.45nrth.com/products/pogies#/ Bar Mitts pogies: https://barmitts.com/products/mountain-commuter-pogies-flat-bars Revelate Designs pogies: https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm/store.catalog/handlebar/ExpeditionPogies WigWam Glove Liners (Jenson USA link) https://www.jensonusa.com/Wigwam-Thermolite-Glove-Liner Twin Six Outerwear: https://www.twinsix.com/collections/outwear Twin Six Knickers & Tights: https://www.twinsix.com/collections/mens-bottoms 45NRTH Ragnorok: https://www.45nrth.com/products/ragnarok-black#/ Ergon BioKork Grip: https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product-details.html?a=griffe&anr=42410006&s=gpmtb Gaffer Tape: https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Gaffer-Power-Non-Reflective-Multipurpose/dp/B00GZE3UJ8

Show Notes:  Sponsored By: Bike Rags https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this episode, your hosts,  N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted, discuss all the hot topics currently in the gravel scene by a crackling fire in the Stone Castle Estates. First they tackle another edition of the Gravel Amplifier. This time they feature several rides. (Check below for all the links to the event sites) Then they delve into the claim seen recently that some gravel racers on the Pro level are supposedly pulling down big money doing the gravel event circuit. Then the conversation turns to a quote from the New York Times claiming that most gravel riders are subsidizing the Pro level racers.  They wonder what it is that really puts "more butts on bikes". Then the guys discuss the Great Plains Gravel Route, the cross-country, "Great Divide-like" challenge/route which was revealed recently. This brings up whether the next "big thing" in gravel will be touring/expedition type riding. The episode closes out with a tease for some upcoming review items which should show up on the site soon.  (Note: cover image for this episode taken by Morgan) Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com The Heywood: https://theheywoodride.com/ The Winston County Gravel Cup: https://winstoncountygc.com/ The Mississippi Gravel Cup Series: https://www.ordinaryepics.com/ms-gravel-cup-old The Heck Epic (and other Heck of the North events) : https://www.heckofthenorth.com/ The Pedalshift Podcast: https://pedalshift.net/ unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley: https://gropromotions.com/unpaved/ Barry-Roubaix: https://barry-roubaix.com/

Episode #106: Lake McBride Fat Bike Event: Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll host an interview with Nate Kullbom who is a mainstay in the production of the Lake McBride Fat Bike Race.  Nate describes the course, the atmosphere around the event, and a little bit about the course and the kind of weather you can expect for the event. Then we tease out a little bit from Nate regarding the CORE4 event, a multi-surface event which he not only helped produce, but rode in and ended up winning the 100 mile overall race. Finally, we get into a bit about the struggles and the rewards inherent to putting on bicycle events.  Hey! We know it isn't necessarily a "gravel event", and this is an event in the heartland, not something a lot of folks elsewhere might relate to overall, but there are some good nuggets of wisdom in here, and hey! You've read the description this far, why not check out the podcast?  Remember, we are still taking submissions for any gravel event you think is not represented well, or that people need to know about with our "Gravel Amplifier". Send us a website for the event you have in mind for us to give a shout out to here at this address: g.ted.productions@gmail.com.  Show Notes: Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com  Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com Lake McBride Fat Bike Race: https://www.sugarbottombikes.com/lakemacbrideclassic CORE4: https://www.core4.bike/

This Episode is sponsored by Bike Rags apparel. https://www.bikeragsapparel.com In this episode, hosts N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted cover their thoughts on what makes a gravel bike a "gravel bike" and when that crosses over to a mountain bike. They also talk about the term "monstercross" and where that fits into modern gravel bike types. Then the guys take on the idea of choosing events based upon distance vs cost in their discussion on the "Dollar Per Mile" theory. Guitar Ted shares how a comment on his blog (link  below) prompted him to come up with the idea for The Gravel Amplifier. The guys follow this up with some thoughts on bigger volume tires for gravel bikes.  Contact: Guitar Ted: g.ted.productions@gmail.com Links: Guitar Ted's Blog: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com Riding Gravel: https://www.ridinggravel.com Some Gravel Events To Check Out: Starrucca Crossing: https://www.cliffviewproductions.com/general-1 Dusty Roadrunner Series:  https://dustyroadrunner.weebly.com/ Chinkapin Hollow Gravel Grinder: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/AR/Fayetteville/ChinkapinHollowGravelGrinder The Grindstone: http://www.grindstonegravel.com/ The Salida 76: https://www.salida76.com/

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #104 Sponsored by Bike Rags: bikeragsapparel.com In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss the ways that people see the gravel scene. A news article from the Arizona Republic sets up the early discussion here. The discussion starts out with how many people's perspective is more recent in terms of the gravel scene. We discover N.Y. Roll has a degree in history (!!) The term "Modern Gravel Era" is explained and where Guitar Ted came up with that.  Back to the Arizona thing, the guys talk about how "new folks to gravel" have a different perspective.  Guitar Ted tells a story about nomination to the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. Then we move on to why historical accounts of the gravel scene are the main mission of the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame. Then the guys give their opinions on Specialized's new Diverge STR bike and Guitar Ted talks about a very expensive option for gravel bikes and why that is the wrong direction for the gravel market to move towards. The guys then discuss why they believe the early gravel events had it right when they set things up to "stretch people" a bit and how that differs from today's event styles. To close out this episode, Guitar Ted shares his thoughts on the Topeak items he reviewed recently and N.Y. Roll chimes in on one of the items as well. The PRO Smart Cage System. Then the guys discuss some of the things going on with the collective GT works at in the Cedar Valley. Guitar Ted ends the episode with a challenge to all gravel riders.  Show Notes: Article by Sarah Lapidus from the Arizona Republic: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/10/23/gravel-cycling-growing-across-rural-southern-arizona/10564469002/ Blog Post Concerning The Above Mentioned Article and The Gravel Cycling Hall Of Fame: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/10/another-case-for-existence-of-gchof.html Blog Post Discussing The Specialized STR Bike (And a bit about gravel as well) https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/10/two-things-for-today.html Blog Post Concerning The Gravel Cycling Hall Of Fame Nominations: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/10/nominations-open.html Topeak Products Review; https://www.ridinggravel.com/accessories/a-box-full-of-topeak-at-the-finish/ The PRO Smart Cage System: https://www.ridinggravel.com/accessories/pro-smart-cage-system-getting-rolling/ Guitar Ted can be reached at g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Riding Gravel Radio Ranch Episode #103: Canadian Gravel Report Guitar Ted and N.Y.Roll have the breakdown of the recently held UCI "Gravel Worlds". Was it a "world championship level" event? Does the UCI event even matter? The UCI event versus how North American gravel events evolved is examined. Parallels to how early mountain bike events evolved are brought up. The guys discuss it all here on this episode. Then Guitar Ted has a brain fart. Afterward the guys reveal a reason or two why you don't read or see anything about grassroots gravel in the endemic cycling media. (Hint: It has to do with $$$'s) Then the guys get into some of the current review items including N.Y. Roll's girlfriend's Christmas gift. The Topeak Backloader bags are discussed. Shimano GRX Carbon wheels on test are discussed. then N.Y. Roll gives his report on his trip to Quebec, Canada including having a butter tart. The episode wraps up with the news about Shimano's new RX8R and RX801 gravel shoes. (How about some RX Gravel Sandals, Shimano?)  Thanks to Bike Rags for sponsoring the Riding Gravel Radio Ranch!  Show Notes: Bike Rags: https://bikeragsapparel.com/ RidingGravel.com Guitar Ted Productions: https://www.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com All-City Bikes: https://allcitycycles.com/ Snaggy Ridge 105: https://snaggyridge105.com/ unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley: https://www.bikereg.com/54054 Gravel Worlds (The Lincoln Nebraska Original) https://www.gravel-worlds.com/ A Report On The Arkansas High Country Race (Includes the bit about Jeff Kerkove's 180 mile win) :https://www.arkansasoutside.com/the-arkansas-high-country-race-new-options-new-records/ Sigma ROX 4.0 GPS Computer: https://sigmasport.com/product/rox-4-0/ Guitar Ted's Karoo 2 Experience: https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/2022/08/karoo-2-take-2-part-3.html Topeak Backloader Bags: https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/969-BACKLOADER Shimano GRX Carbon Wheels: https://bike.shimano.com/en-US/information/news/new-shimano-grx-carbon-gravel-wheels.html NOTE: As of the posting of this episode, the Riding Gravel site was experiencing some issues and cannot be accessed. We are hoping this issue gets rectified soon. 

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #96 "E-Bikes & The Law"In this episode GT and N.Y. Roll discuss the proposed laws concerning the use of e-Bikes and what solutions might be applied. Then they get into talking about the new 32" Vittoria Peyote tire, and Pro roadies crossing over to gravel events. ____________________________________________________________Links:Guitar Ted ProductionsMTBR.com Thread on 32"ers____________________________________________________________CONTACT: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #95 "The 2026 GCHoF Class"N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted discuss the new 2026 class of inductees to the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame (GCHoF)Get hot takes from N.Y. Roll and Guitar Ted's recommendation for the best aluminum framed gravel bike, plus more!___________________________________________________________Guitar Ted's Blog : https://g-tedproductions.blogspot.com/Contact: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #94 "Trouble In Waterloo"In this episode Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll discuss sponge candy, the full-suspension bike from Salsa Cycles called the Wanderosa, and troubles at Trek Bicycles. Be warned! N.Y. Roll tells a filthy military related story at the end of the episode. Cover yer ears!_________________________________________________________Links:The Escape Collective (Paywalled, subscription based journalism)Guitar Ted Productions________________________________________________________CONTACT: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #93 "The 32" Wheel Is Coming! N.Y. Roll and Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame member Guitar Ted discuss Life Time banning drop bars at Leadville. Plus they dive into all things 32 inches with regard to what this may mean for cyclists going forward. ______________________________________________________Contact: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #92 "Wishful Thinking"N.Y. Roll and Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame member Guitar Ted sit down and talk about some things they wish for in the cycling industry and cycling in general.___________________________________________________________Links:Guitar Ted's Make-A-Wish list #1Guitar Ted's Make-A-Wish list #2___________________________________________________________Gravel Amplifier:CIRREMStraight Up Gravel

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #91 "Tuba Trail Talk" with Kevin Lee of The Spinistry.Show Notes: Kevin Lee joins Gravel Cycling Hall of Famer, Guitar Ted and his co-host N.Y. Roll as they talk about the new cross-country off-pavement route Kevin is developing called the TUBA Trail. We learn about all the details of the route, the backstory concerning its birth, and how logistics plays a part in route development. _________________________________________________________LINKS:www.tubatrail.orgwww.spinistry.netwww.g-tedproductions.blogspot.com_________________________________________________________CONTACT: g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #90 "Year In Review"N.Y. Roll and Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame member Guitar Ted talk about what they liked in gravel gear and bicycles from the 2025 year and take a brief look ahead at what they are excited about for 2026. The podcast will be taking the annual Holiday break now after this episode. The Guitar Ted Podcast will return for Season #4 and new episodes in January______________________________________________________LinksGuitar Ted Productions site______________________________________________________Contact: Email - g.ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #90 "32" Wheels On Gravel" A Discussion For & Against: Guitar Ted & N.Y. Roll discuss the background on 32" wheels for XC MTB, new rumors and developments, and how 32" wheels might work for gravel riding. This and a whole lot more on the show. ___________________________________________________________Links:Vague Idea Racing blog (Rich Dillen)Guitar Ted's article on gravel racing series.Guitar Ted's article on 32" wheels. (Includes link to You Tube video mentioned in this episode about 32" wheels)Turkey Burn Challenge Info. ___________________________________________________________Contact: g,ted.productions@gmail.com

The Guitar Ted Podcast Episode #89 "Virtual Turkey Burn Ride Challenge"Guitar Ted and N.Y. Roll detail the VTBRC and then get into their cold weather riding tips. This and a whole lot more! _____________________________________________________________Links:Turkey Burn Ride Challenge____________________________________________________________Contact: g.ted.productions@gmail.com