Girls Gone Gravel podcast

This week we get the chance to hear from off-road cycling legend Rebecca Rusch. A lifelong athlete, Rebecca started her professional athletic career in adventure racing, running and rock climbing, and didn’t start racing bikes until she was 38. She describes the events that lead her to pursue professional mountain biking (even though she wasn’t the best rider at the time), and why it is so important to her to bring other women into the sport. Rebecca won Unbound Gravel in 2012. She describes how that event opened up the world of gravel cycling to her and inspired her to start her own gravel event. Rebecca’s Private Idaho takes place on Labour Day weekend in her home town of Ketchum, Idaho. You can register for the event at https://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com/  and use the code Girl$GGravel for 20% off your entry.Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

This week Kathryn and Kristi are catching up with Life Time Grand Prix athlete Caroline Tory from Aspen, Colorado. Caroline grew up in downtown Toronto but was always drawn to the mountains, and after attending college in Maine she moved to Colorado and dove head first into the outdoor lifestyle spending her time skiing and mountain biking. A collegiate runner, Caroline was no stranger to competition, so as she got more confident on her mountain bike competing in races was a natural progression. Caroline discovered that she was drawn to longer mountain and gravel cycling events, and her success in races gave her the confidence to apply for the Life Time Grand Prix in 2023, and she is taking on the series again in 2024. Off the bike Caroline runs the Literary Arts Program at the Aspen Institute, she gives her insights on balancing a demanding full time job and racing the Grand Prix, and answers the hard hitting questions; like if audiobooks count as reading.Follow Caroline on Instagram @ctory1 Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

The Life Time Grand Prix has officially kicked off for the 2024 season, and this week we are bringing you the show live from The Sea Otter Classic Fuego XL. Tune in to get all of the pre- and post race highlights live from the Laguna Seca Raceway in the heart of the action, including Janelle Spilker’s perspective of watching the women’s race unfold from the helicopter and interviews with Hannah Otto, Michelle Duffy, Alexis Skarda, and Sofia Gomez Villafane - and more!Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

We are just days away from the start of the third season of the Lift Time Grand Prix, which kicks off at the Sea Otter Fuego XL in Monterey California. On today’s show Kathryn and Kristi welcome former pro cyclist, and current Life Time Grand Prix commentator Janel Spilker. The three discuss how this season could play out, and talk about some of the racers to watch this year on the women’s field. Janel also answers some hard hitting questions, like how awesome it was to ride in a helicopter, and gives a quick preview for the Fuego XL at Sea Otter this weekend. Kristi caps off the interview with some fun fact athlete trivia!Follow Janel on Strava, and on social media @janelspilker If you are going to be at Sea Otter this week, don’t forget to come by the Uplift Industry Meetup that Kathryn and Kristi will be co-hosting at the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden. The event will be Friday April 19th from 4-6pm.Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

Rachael Burnside didn’t grow up as a cyclist, but she has found her passion working in the cycling industry as the head of marketing at Shift Active Media. After a few years in the role, Rachael saw the need for women in the industry to have other women to guide them along in their careers. To fill this need Rachael started Uplift, a mentoring program that matches female leaders in the cycling industry with the next generation of talented business women coming into the scene. Rachael’s previous work in other fields had shown her the importance of mentoring programs for women, and she has made it her mission to provide opportunities to help women grow within the sport from all angles.At Sea Otter this month Rachael will be part of the Women’s Panel on Wednesday, and she will be hosting the discussion panel at our Uplift Industry Meetup on Friday April 19th from 4-6pm at the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden.Learn more about Uplift at www.shiftactivemedia.com/uplift and follow them on Instagram @uplift.mentoring.programme Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

This week we welcome Hannah Otto and Kristen Legan for the first episode in a special series on the Life Time Grand Prix. Throughout the series we will be hearing from athletes in the Grand Prix to get the inside scoop on their preparation for the events, how they train, and what we can learn from their expertise to put towards our own training and racing. Kristen and Hannah are both cycling coaches, as well as being accomplished racers and veterans of the Life Time Grand Prix. They are passionate about educating athletes to perform at their best, and today they cover 3 areas that we can focus on to level up our training; creating a structured training plan, the principles of nutrition, and how to recover like a pro. Follow Hannah on Instagram @hannah_finchampFollow Kristen on Instagram @kplegan Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

We all love a great comeback story, and that is what our guest this week brings us. Cecily Decker was an alpine ski racer from the age of six, and spent a stint on the US National team in her teenage years, before a horrific crash and knee injury altered her path. A fierce competitor, Cecily recovered from her injury and returned to ski racing getting a scholarship at Montana State University. But shortly after her collegiate ski racing career started, it was brought to an end by the long-term impacts of her knee injury. Cecily had been introduced to cycling as a teenager by her mom, and after being forced to retire from ski racing she turned to the bike as an outlet. She quickly became the president of the Montana State Cycling club, and her trajectory from bike-commuter to professional off-road cyclist began. Last year Cecily joined the Pinarello Scuderia team, and this year is part of the Life Time Grand Prix. Her season has already kicked off with a bang as she finished 5th at Mid South Gravel last weekend. Cecily gives us her inside scoop on the race, and what she is most looking forward to for her upcoming season.Follow Cecily on Instagram @cecily_decker Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

Helena Gilbert-Snyder is here to remind us not to underestimate the impact that you can have on the world. As a high school mountain bike coach, Helena noticed that the girls that she coaches lacked the confidence in themselves to get out and try new things outside of their comfort zone so she decided to take matters into her own hands and start a program to help them. Joining with the Low Gap Grasshopper gravel race, she created a mentorship program that pairs U19 racers with elite riders to ride the race with them. The program started with 7 riders last year, and has already grown to 20 mentees in just its second year. Helena’s goal with the program is to expose young riders to the gravel racing community and show them that they are welcome.Follow Helena on Instagram @hel.racer Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

This week on the show we are chatting with two members of team Four the Record, Dani Overbaugh and Vicki Anstey. The pair make up half of a team of four women who are attempting to break the women’s team record at the Race Across America (RAAM). Starting in Oceanside, California, the race covers over 3000 miles and 11 states across the US and finishes in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Together with their teammates Caz Buckland and Katie Aguilar, Dani and Vicki hope to cover the distance in just over 6 days. But their mission isn’t just about speed; they are hoping to inspire other women and girls to take on their own athletic endeavors, and help foster a culture of fearless dynamic feminism in the world of sport.  Follow their journey on Instagram @fourtherecord_ Visit the Four the Record website at www.fourtherecord.co.uk Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

If you’ve ever seen Kate Courtney ride a bike, you know that she sends it. Growing up in Marin County, Kate rode a mountain bike from a young age, and rose through the ranks of US mountain biking to race on the UCI Elite World Cup circuit. She talks about the changes and growth that she has seen in US mountain biking, and where she sees the future of the sport heading. Kate’s success in cross-country mountain biking has also given her a platform that she is using to propel her mission to get more girls on bikes. Through her non-profit organization the She Sends Foundation, Kate is helping to build a community of women and girls across the US who are passionate about riding bikes.   Follow Kate on Instagram @kateplusfate and check out her foundation @shesendsmtb. Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

After a career as a professional racer in the women's road peloton, Abby Mickey was ready to walk away form the sport entirely; she was burnt out and frustrated by the treatment that she and her colleagues received as professional athletes trying to make a living racing bikes. But, Abby also knew that the women that she had raced alongside had incredible stories that weren't being told. So she and a fellow racer decided to change that by starting a podcast that focusses on covering the women's pro peloton. This week on the show, Abby gives us her insider insight on the state of women's professional road racing, and why she is excited about gravel. Here more from Abby on The Wheel Talk PodcastFollow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

This week on the show, Kathryn chats with our producer, and triathlete-turned off-road racer Lindsay Glassford to get the scoop on gravel riding in the Canadian Rockies. Lindsay finished third in the elite women’s field at the inaugural TransRockies Gravel Royale in 2022, and the two chat about Lindsay’s experience at the race, and why you should be excited to take part in this event in 2024. Along with racing gravel and mountain bikes, Lindsay is also a Certified Pedorthist and she answers a few of your burning questions about foot pain, shoe fitting, and finding the right shoes for you. Follow Lindsay on Instagram @golindsgo Register for the TransRockies Gravel Royale at  www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com and use the code LGTR$100 to save $100 off your entry fee.To learn more about the FREE 10-week training plan by Karsten Madsen of MAD Endurance Coaching go to www.transrockiesgravelroyale.com/training

As a 4-time world champion in 4 different distances in triathlon, including winning the both Ironman and 70.3 World Championships in 2012 it would be reasonable to assume that Leanda Cave is riding off into the sunset of a successful career as a professional triathlete. But that’s just not her style. Leanda has recently found her way into mountain biking and gravel, and has embraced the challenge of learning new skills and racing new disciplines. The Tucson-based coach is also co-founder of the Innovative Alternative Clinic, a high performance recovery clinic for athletes of all levels. Leanda shares how proper recovery has played an integral role in allowing her to stay healthy throughout her triathlon career, and why it is important for athletes who not only want to get faster, but also want to have longevity in their endurance sport pursuits. Follow Leanda on Instagram @leandacaveFollow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

If you’ve ever thought about taking on a long gravel adventure but don’t know where to start or even if you are familiar with longer gravel events but want to sharpen up your training, this episode is for you! Kathryn and Kristi are joined this week by professional cyclist and cycling coach Scotti Moody. Scotti has taken on (and won) many ultra-endurance cycling events, which gives her the unique insight as a coach into exactly what it takes to not just finish but thrive during these events. She gives us her coach’s perspective on how to prepare for longer, and multi-day events, and breaks down an ideal training week. Scotti also highlights some essential training equipment for all cyclists, and highlights why it is important to accept recovery.Scotti is also planning her own multi-day gravel festival in NW Arkansas this summer. It is called the Arkansas Graveler, and will take place from June 23-28. It is a fully supported event that will cover 340 miles over 6 days. Check out the event on social media @arkansas_gravelerFollow Scotti on Instagram @scotti_moody Follow us on Instagram:@girlsgonegravel @feisty_media Girls Gone Gravel Website:https://www.girlsgonegravel.com/ Feisty Media Website:https://livefeisty.com/ Support our Partners:TransRockies Gravel Royale: Ante up and use code GGG24GR$100 to save $100 off race entry Buycycle: save up to $100 on your purchase by entering code GIRLSGONEGRAVEL at buycycle.com Precision Fuel & Hydration: Use this link to get 15% off your first order https://visit.pfandh.com/girlsgonegravel Tifosi: Use the code FM20 to get 20% off your order at tifosioptics.com

This week we get the chance to hear from off-road cycling legend Rebecca Rusch. A lifelong athlete, Rebecca started her professional athletic career in adventure racing, running and rock climbing, and didn’t start racing bikes until she was 38. She describes the events that lead her to pursue professional mountain biking (even though she wasn’t the best rider at the time), and why it is so important to her to bring other women into the sport. Rebecca won Unbound Gravel in 2012. She explains how that event opened up the world of gravel cycling to her and inspired her to start her own gravel event. Rebecca’s Private Idaho takes place on Labor Day weekend in her home town of Ketchum, Idaho. You can register for the event at https://www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com/  and use the code Girl$GGravel for 20% off your entry.Follow Rebecca and her projects:@rebeccarusch@rebeccasprivateidaho@begoodfoundation