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All Bodies on Bikes

Author: Marley Blonsky

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All Bodies on Bikes is a movement to create and foster a size-inclusive bike community.
Join Marley and Ellen as they explore the ideas surrounding “All Bodies On Bikes” and the impact this movement has on communities. We will explore themes such as inclusivity on group rides, the limitations of equipment, finding clothing and cycling tools, group ride dynamics as a larger-bodied person, the impact that “All Bodies On Bikes” has had and can have on the cycling industry as a whole. 
Our podcast will feature stories and interviews with folks within the industry from big names in racing all the way to community members that love biking around town. 
Join us as we explore the complexities of the bike world. Break down barriers and help us create the world we want to see!
94 Episodes
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Marley and Ellen dive into the importance of choosing the right cycling clothing, especially for individuals in larger bodies. They share personal experiences and offer practical tips for various biking needs, from casual commuting to long-distance rides. 03:18 All Bodies on Bikes began with size-inclusive advocacy04:18 Challenges of finding cycling clothing for people in bigger bodies05:56 How to choose the right padded bike shorts12:01 Gravel and road cycling fashion13:32 How to choose cycling bibs vs. bike shorts18:26 Do you need specific clothes for mountain biking?19:33 How to choose clothes for your bike commute20:36 Staying dry while bike-commuting in the rain23:24 How to be safe & visible when riding your bike25:11 How to layer for warmth when cyclingReferencesCheck out the new ABOB Cycling Kit - sizing up to 6X!Marley recommends Cleverhood (and ABOB will get a % if you buy one of these!)We luv Shredly and their inclusive sizing!You can pre-order Marley’s new children’s book, Rag Tag Best Friends Bicycle Club here: https://stronggirlpublishing.com/ragtag/ And we mentioned our episode, cycling with a uterus - listen on Spotify or Apple
What. A. Year. In many ways, we are ready to wave good-bye to 2025, but there were some truly incredible things happening all over the cycling world—and we got to talk to a lot of the people doing them. In this episode Marley & Ellen revisit our favorite podcast moments from 2025, including: Emily Chappell (Spotify | Apple)Gaza Sunbirds (Spotify | Apple) — Donate today - they’re at nearly £1M: https://gazasunbirds.org/ Radical Adventure Riders (Spotify | Apple)Shredly founder Ashley Rankin (Spotify | Apple)Inclusive riding w/ Eli & Jacob (Spotify | Apple)Cycling w/ a uterus (Spotify | Apple)Other things we talked about on this episode:Ilona Maher was on her period during the Sports Illustrated swimsuit fashion show: https://www.reddit.com/r/popculturechat/comments/1l2lbq8/ilona_maher_reveals_she_walked_the_sports/ Brooks Nader’s period started while at Wimbledon: https://www.buzzfeed.com/mychalthompson/brooks-nader-normalizing-period
Ready for your first bike fit? Here’s what to expect! A bike fit is beneficial for all riders, regardless of size or riding experience. A lot can change during a bike fit, like saddle positioning, handlebar adjustments, crank length, and Q factor. Ellen & Marley also provide tips on DIY fits and budget-friendly options. We hope you leave this episode feeling confident and ready to get a bike fit - you deserve it!Don't forget to buy the All Bodies on Bikes cycling kit or become a member! Visit https://www.allbodiesonbikes.com/01:53 The importance of a bike fit05:51 Does every cyclist need a bike fit?09:12 What to expect during a bike fit11:50 What adjustments can be made to a bike saddle?15:57 Handlebars and reach17:07 Crank length and pedal position18:42 How Q factor is especially helpful for bigger bodied riders20:11 Tire pressure and suspension26:29 DIY bike fitting resource: MyVeloFit27:27 You can do it, and you deserve it!
How to shop for a bike

How to shop for a bike

2025-12-1629:35

What should you consider when purchasing a new bike? It depends! In this episode Marley and Ellen go over the questions we hear most often—how do you choose a shop? How do you know what type of bike to choose? What about sizing and weight limits when you’re researching bikes? How can you show up to a test ride prepared? All Bodies on Bikes is working with bike shops across the country to make the experience inclusive of all riders. The main thing you need to know is… you can do it! And that you deserve respect, safety, and options when choosing a bike.01:39 Preparing for your bike purchase02:03 Ask yourself: how will I be riding this bike?03:08 Where do I find bike weight limits for riders or cargo?09:08 How to choose the bike shop that’s right for you14:28 Size matters: how to narrow down frame sizing19:59 How to shop secondhand and online for a bike23:43 Research bikes within your budget, or consider creative financing25:13 You can do it!
Dearest listeners… life has been life-ing! We talked a big game in our last episode, only to be a 🤏little🤏 delayed, and truly back on track as of this episode. Here’s a quick explanation as to where we’ve been (literally!) and what to expect in our next episodes. 00:00 We’re back!01:30 Marley moved across the country05:06 We both got new bikes!07:06 Upcoming episode topics08:17 How to tell us we did a good jobShow links:Gnargo Cargo e-bikes: https://gnargobikeco.com/collections/cargo-bikes Multistory (Ellen's other podcast) episode about Bentonville, AR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnmpFSmzXlg
Hey bike friends! Marley & Ellen are back from our summer breaks. Listen up to hear what's new from All Bodies on Bikes. You can become an All Bodies On Bikes member anytime! Check our website for details. Free & paid levels have benefits for everyone. Join our Discord! Request topics, participate in AMAs with Marley, and even chime in on episodes by sending in audio clips. Use this link for access: https://discord.gg/rbtehzzWV2 Marley had, and we quote, "the best cycling day of her life" climbing Mount Ventoux in FranceEllen is newly in love with front-bucket cargo bikesStay tuned for the All Bodies On Bikes short film sequel! We're planning a release tour later this year.Ellen is starting Bike Buses in KC, contact her for details: ellen @ allbodiesonbikes.comDon't forget you can get an ABOB Cleverhood cape or jacket and 20% of sales go to us! and more :)Learn more at www.allbodiesonbikes.com
Marley had an awesome time at Unbound 2025! She and Ellen sit down to talk about what was different this year—her 5th time riding—plus what she recommends for future rides and what to expect from your body after you've completed a long bike ride. (109 miles of gravel takes its toll, no matter what!)
Friends! Listeners! We're back with updates on some exciting news from All Bodies on Bikes!First be sure to sprint, not toodle, over to our website to be one of the first to get in on the All Bodies on Bikes Membership program! We've launched this new feature with 4 exciting tiers to choose from. There is something literally for everyone so go check it out! All members will get access to our Discord and resources, and each Tier adds more perks to help you to celebrate joyful movement. Marley has been travelling with ABOB co-founder Kailey Kornhauser for some exciting rides, but also to begin filming with Shimano for the second All Bodies on Bikes film, a follow-up from the original. And finally, keep your social media feeds tuned to All Bodies on Bikes this week while we wait for news of our Today Show debut!? (Kailey's mom predicted this—now it's coming true!) Marley and Kailey filmed a segment during the 5 Boro Bike Tour in NYC. We'll post it everywhere once it's broadcast so make sure you're following our Instagram and YouTube pages. And don't forget, you can join local All Bodies on Bikes chapter events nationwide. Visit www.allbodiesonbikes.com/events for dates and details.Say it with us... AHHHH!!
Marley and Ellen sit down with Ashley Rankin, founder of Shredly, to discuss how her brand is redefining women's mountain bike and activewear apparel through inclusive sizing, vibrant designs, and a commitment to sustainability. We explore Shredly's mission, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the impact of creating a welcoming community for all women in cycling. Note! While Marley is sponsored by Shredly, this episode is not! Shredly aligns with our mission of creating and fostering an inclusive bike community—and that is super cool. Highlights:(02:28) Ashley's journey from high-end couture to high-function cycling fashion(05:21) Why Ashley founded Shredly(09:17) Challenges and triumphs when building a business(12:49) Sustainability and size inclusivity (21:12) When Marley met Shredly(24:05) Empowerment through representation(31:34) Building a community and a movement
You may be sitting there asking, "Marley and Ellen, do you really need a whole dang episode devoted to inclusive rides? In the ABOB, we all fam!" But the answer is YES! The more people who understand the work behind the scenes to create, foster, and protect these inclusive spaces should be shared. So we brought on two resident experts, Eli Kosko and Jacob Sheppard-Saidel, to talk through how they've created purposefully inclusive groups. They share their tips, experiences, and spreadsheets to help the next generation of organizers open their spaces to all. Jacob Sheppard-Saidel is our All Bodies on Bikes chapter leader for Western Massachusetts. Follow @abob_westernmass (which also has details to join their Sugar Shack ride on Sunday, March 9!)Eli Kosko is our All Bodies on Bikes chapter leader for Albuquerque. Follow @abob_abq to join up, and for details about their upcoming onramp series. All Bodies on Bikes events, rides, and information for our 15 nationwide chapters can be found on our website, https://www.allbodiesonbikes.com/events
The Gaza Sunbirds started as a para-cycling team but have become a symbol of resilience and mutual aid in Gaza. Co-founder Karim Ali joins us to share the team’s journey—from breaking barriers in para-cycling to delivering life-saving aid by bike in the midst of war. We discuss the power of representation, the challenges of competing at the highest levels, and how cycling has become a tool for survival and solidarity. Tune in to learn how you can support their work.Learn more about the Gaza SunbirdsGaza Sunbirds on Instagram
Emily Chappell somewhat inadvertently created a dialogue on body image within the cycling world. After being the first woman across the finish line at the 2016 Transcontinental race, her cycling journey has inspired others to take up the sport as their authentic selves. In this episode we also talk aboutEmily Chappell's career as a bike messenger, ultra-distance cyclist, and adventurerHer cycling trips through Asia and AlaskaHow her honesty about her body image has added representation in the cycling worldThe importance of queer spaces within cyclingHow 'learning out loud' shows the world that everyone is at different parts of their journeyWhat's next for Emily?Other episodes referenced:Un-Retiring after a health break with Ellen Noble (https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DM79SEFNIEmPnxycIZueV)Jacquelyn Francis rode 600 miles instead of flying to a conference (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PBHUME3iXtCdx3svGAHq1)
"If you haven't ridden a bike, then you don't know how powerful they are. And I welcome anybody and celebrate anybody who you somehow uses bikes as a tool for change." — Zahra Alabanza, Radical Adventure RidersToday we spoke with Zahra Alabanza, organizer at Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) about the organization's beginnings, purposefully creating a space within cycling for FTWNB and BIPOC, leaning into community resources, and so much more. RAR has made itself known within cycling as a resource for group rides to be radically inclusive. Show notes:Zahra's reference to Erykah Badu's phrase, "over-lover" is from the song Out My Mind, Just In Time Radical Adventure Riders maintains a resource list on their websiteYou can pick up your own sweet, sweet Lisa Frank-inspired RAR merch in their online storeGrab your own digital copy of their Group Ride Guide here ($11)And finally keep your eyes peeled for their 2025 updates by following them on Instagram: @radical.adventure.riders
"Anything you can do, I can do bleeding." - MarleyThere are unique challenges to cycling as a person with a uterus, and we're here to talk about it! This episode we cover cycling while pregnant, and cycling while on your period. Marley and Ellen are joined by Ellen's friend and fellow parent-commuter cyclist, Rachel Epler, to discuss the disparate data, anecdotes, and advice—plus your questions related to both topics. Disclaimer: We aren't doctors! Every pregnancy, period, and person is different. Talk to a trusted medical provider if or when it's your turn to make these decisions.Resources:Opening song: Female Body by Farideh (@Farideh on TikTok, Insta, YouTube). Listen on YouTube.We discussed several period underwear brands, but upon closer inspection not all of them as size-inclusive as we remembered. We're sorry for not catching this before recording! We later found Ruby (up to 8x), Tomboyx (up to 6x), and The Period Co (up to 6x). Brands mentioned are Boody (up to 3x), Thinx (up to 4x), and Knix (up to 4x). Marley previously wrote about cycling while on your period for Cascade Bicycle Club New Zealand politician Julie Anne Genter cycles to hospital to give birth.As always, follow @AllBodiesOnBikes to tell us what you think!
Happy Festivus! Today is a day to air grievances, celebrate feats of strength, and declare seemingly small things to be nothing short of a miracle.🤬 AIRING OF GRIEVANCES 🤬We asked the All Bodies on Bikes community to send in some grievances and they did not disappoint! From bee stings on boobs, to e-bike snubbing, to equity in infrastructure, we (Marley and Ellen) got a few things off our chests in this episode. 🏋🏻‍♀️ FEATS OF STRENGTH 🏋🏻‍♀️ We celebrate two cyclists who attempted breaking the world record for around-the-world trips, Lael Wilcox (@laelwilcox) and Vedangi Kulkarni (@thisisvedangi); commend the city of Bentonville, AR, for post-tornado cleanup; send a shout-out to the 2024 Paris Olympics finally having gender parity (we also swoon over Ilona Maher, goddess of body image); and flex 💪 just a bit about All Bodies On Bikes' 2024 statistics.✨ FESTIVUS MIRACLES ✨We wrapped up with Festivus Miracles, like simply getting out for a ride, being excited for new bike lanes, or cheering that women's sports finally getting their due. Share your grievances, feats, and miracles with us on Instagram! Follow @AllBodiesOnBikes and drop a comment.
"We are here to make cyclists for life, good humans for life—and we just do that through mountain biking." – Amanda CareyMarley and Ellen sit down with Amanda Carey, National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) President, to talk about how NICA's programming builds character and community through youth mountain biking. She discusses how they're approaching issues of inclusivity, belonging, equitable access to their sport, and more in today's episode. You can learn more and donate to NICA on their website, https://nationalmtb.org/ 02:55 Coaching and Team Dynamics07:37 Challenges and Inclusivity13:42 Philosophy of Coaching21:23 Community Involvement26:01 How to Support NICA30:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Hey folkx, we're here with a few thoughts after the U.S. election. In case you were concerned—we're not going anywhere! And we're saying it out loud. The election has some immediate impacts, like an administration change, as well as regional transportation funding wins and the first openly transgender member of Congress! Check in with us on Instagram, @AllBodiesOnBikes to let us know how you're doing 💗Links mentioned in the show:People for Bikes' Round up of Transportation wins in the 2024 electionNashville, Tennessee passes $3.1B transit fundingSarah McBride will be the first openly transgender member of congress
Most athletes announce they're coming out of retirement, only to show up ready to roll at the next big race. But not Ellen Noble! As an authentic and inspiring fixture in cyclocross racing, Ellen's announcement to un-retire was actually the start of beginning to train again after two years out of the professional circuit. Listen up to hear why that was important to her, how her studies to become a nutritionist will connect to her passion, and the perspective shift that comes with a concussion. Plus, both Ellens get confused by talking to a fellow millennial Ellen at least twice. Links mentioned in the show:Ellen Noble's podcast, This One's For You on Apple or SpotifyDonate $50 or more to All Bodies On Bikes during our fall fundraiser and get a pair of Goodr x ABOB sunglasses!Simone Biles Rising is on NetflixAll Bodies on Bikes Zwift group ride — link coming soon!Follow Ellen on Instagram @EllenLikesBikesFollow ABOB on Instagram @AllBodiesOnBikes
Jacquelyn Francis is a renowned climate scientist and the founding executive director of the Global Warming Mitigation Project.Earlier this summer, she embarked on an incredible 600 mile e-bike ride from Salt Lake City to Sun Valley, Idaho and back. Her journey aimed to raise awareness for climate action and to promote sustainable travel, demonstrating that long distance biking is not only feasible, but also a powerful statement against carbon intensive travel methods.Along the way she learned about the importance of community, both for climate mitigation... and navigating rural routes with questionable infrastructure. ********We're fundraising! Our fall fundraiser for All Bodies on Bikes is officially live—and we need your help! We're trying to raise $10,000 to keep growing this incredible community, making cycling accessible to everyone, no matter their size, shape, or experience level.Your support today will help us fund more inclusive events, offer more resources, and spread the message that all bodies truly belong on bikes. And as a special thank you, anyone who donates over 50, we'll get our custom All Bodies on Bikes x Goodr sunglasses, which are really fun. (They're named the hottest thing on two wheels. 😎)Head to AllBodiesOnBikes.com to donate and please share with your friends! Let's ride together and make this movement bigger and better than ever.
The All Bodies on Bikes team had a busy summer! Tons of events, live podcasting while living out of a van, big industry moves... and more! Listen up for a recap from fearless leaders Marley Blonsky and Kailey Kornhauser with tagalong co-host Ellen SchwartzeWe also share an update on what's next for All Bodies on Bikes: new chapters (👋 hey there, Portland and DFW!), new resources, and our first big fundraising push. (Psst, did you know you can already donate on our website??)Referenced in the show:Marley's summer road trip podcast series — just skip back a few episodes to find: SBT Gravel Behind the Scenes with Amy Charity & Greer Van DyckLive from Joyride with Lisa Congdon and Kelsey LongQueer + Bikes with B Steele and Lauren Mehl
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