Welcome to the 25th episode of the New England Endurance Podcast! To mark this milestone, and the coming winter season, we explore one of our favorite endurance activities: cross-country skiing! We chat with two leaders from the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA): Isabel Caldwell, Community Development Director, and Ben Theyerl, Competitive Program Director. Together, they explore NENSA's mission to make Nordic skiing accessible and enjoyable for skiers of all ages and abilities...
In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we’re spotlighting Connecticut’s cycling scene and introducing you to two standout leaders shaping its future—brothers Ben and Brian Wolfe! Join us as we dive into their work with the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program (CCAP), a dynamic organization founded to make youth cycling accessible across the state. Brian Wolfe, CCAP’s Executive Director, shares his vision for building one of the nation’s premier youth cycling programs, foster...
In this episode, we chat about the vibrant New England running culture with Matt Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Tracksmith, a brand that’s reshaping how we celebrate endurance sports. Matt shares the story behind Tracksmith’s foundation in 2014, how it captures the Amateur Spirit, and its strong connection to the region’s rich running history. More than just an apparel company, Tracksmith has become a movement within the endurance community, fostering local grassroots running culture and ...
In this special episode, we host an exclusive interview with Ted Benford, Executive Director of Community Rowing Inc. (CRI). Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned rower, this episode will give you an inside look at how rowing has grown into a vibrant community sport in New England and how CRI is a big part of it! Fun fact: Over 2 million people row daily in the U.S.Ted shares his fascinating journey as an athlete and coach, his extensive experience leading elite crews at ma...
In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we are joined by Karen Smyers, a triathlon legend and an inspiring figure in endurance sports. Karen's accolades include winning the 1995 Hawaiian Ironman World Championship, claiming three ITU World Champion titles, and earning her place in both the World Triathlon and USA Triathlon Halls of Fame. For 26 years, she competed at the top level of professional triathlon, and today, she’s making an impact by coaching athletes and organizing lo...
In this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with a true legend in the New England cycling community—Richard Fries. Richard is the Co-Founder of Domestique Events, which organizes two incredible gravel events: the Lime Rock Epic and the Natchaug Epic. He also serves as the Director of Cycling Experience at Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.In this episode, Richard ...
In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we dive deep into the world of open water swimming with Craig Lewin, President and Head Coach of Endurance Swimming. Craig, a Boston College and Northeastern graduate, is not only a seasoned athlete and coach but also the founder of Beyond The Breakers, a groundbreaking conference aimed at uniting the open water swim community in New England.Craig shares his journey in open water swimming, highlighting his incredible achievement of complet...
In this episode we’re excited to have a chat with Mitchell "Skip" Foley from Conte’s Bike Shop in Lexington, MA. This is a 2-for-1 episode as we get to not only learn about Conte's incredible cycling group rides but also about Mitchell's extraordinary journey as an athlete. In case you haven't heard, Conte’s (with the help of B2C2) is running a very successful and very inclusive Sunday shop ride that is really adding to the local cycling scene. The shop ride offers something...
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nicole Freedman, Olympian, and Executive Director of the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). In this episode, Nicole shares her journey from the Olympic stage to becoming a pivotal leader in mountain biking advocacy and community building.We dive into NEMBA's mission of "guiding the future of mountain biking in New England" and explore how the organization supports riders of all levels through beginner clinics and weekly rides for experien...
In this episode we had the pleasure of sitting down with Mat Rousseu and Alex Land, the passionate co-founders of Gravel Boston. This dynamic duo has been instrumental in promoting gravel rides in the Boston area, aiming to create an inclusive cycling community that caters to both seasoned riders and beginners.Mat and Alex shared their journey of founding Gravel Boston, highlighting their mission to make gravel riding accessible and enjoyable for everyone. They discussed the unique appeal of ...
In this episode we had the pleasure of interviewing Pat Caron from the Trail Animals Running Club (based in Massachusetts) and the founder of Move Free. Pat, a professional mountain ultra trail athlete, shared insights and stories from his impressive career and involvement in the trail running community.Key Highlights from the episode include:TARC Stone Cat Trail Festival: Pat reminisces about the Stonecat race and how TARC saved this iconic event held in Willowdale State Forest in MA, ...
In this inspiring episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Scarlet Batchelor, the Chief Growth Officer of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Scarlet shares her passion for getting more people into the great outdoors and discusses AMC's mission and cool initiates for the endurance community of New England and beyond. Through partnerships with organizations like the Outdoor Industry Association, LL Bean, and the Gravel Adventure Field Guide, AMC is making significa...
In this enlightening episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Peter Conway, the passionate head instructor and founder of the Bike Education Institute for Pirates, situated in the North Shore area of Massachusetts. Students of all ages and skill can learn how to ride bikes safely and confidently through BEIP. We also delve into the profound impact this organization is making within the special needs community, focusing on individuals with autism, ADHD, and mo...
In this episode we are joined by special guest Patria Vandermark, the visionary founder of New England Expedition Riders (NEER). Get ready for an adventure-packed conversation as Patria shares insights into NEER's exciting club activities and events, including the aptly named Brutiful Cape Ride, a challenging 100-mile fat bike adventure, and their enchanting Full Moon rides under the New England evening sky.Discover how Patria combines her passion for cycling with entrepreneurship, creating u...
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Dionne, co-founder of the legendary Ragnar Road Reach The Beach Relay. This iconic New England event is celebrating it's 25th year on Sept 13-14, 2024. Based in the breathtaking landscapes of New Hampshire, the Ragnar Road Reach The Beach Relay is not just a race—it's an odyssey. From mountain vistas to coastal shores, this epic relay takes athletes on a journey unlike any other, fostering camaraderie and pushing personal limits along the way. And t...
In this episode of The New England Endurance Podcast, we talk with the organizers of The Ranger, a unique gravel cycling event and community fundraiser nestled in Tunbridge, VT. We sit down with the dynamic duo behind The Ranger: Vermont's Gravel Enduro, Rachel and Tyler Cohen, to explore the origins, impact, and future of this remarkable event.The Ranger isn't just your average cycling event, it's a celebration of camaraderie, family, stewardship, and community spirit. It o...
In this episode, we chat with Ben Spaulding, President, and Jess Petersen, Vice President of the Somerville Road Runners (SRR). Join us as we dive into the details of this remarkable club located in the greater Boston area. SRR embodies the essence of community-driven running at its finest: from fostering inclusivity to championing charitable causes while embracing the thrill of competition.Ben and Jess share insights into SRR's commitment to making a difference through runn...
Join us in this enlightening episode as we venture into the world of backcountry skiing with Granite Backcountry Alliance (GBA), an organization that aims to advance the sport of backcountry skiing in New Hampshire and Western Maine through the creation, improvement and maintenance of ski glades. In this episode, we chat with Sam Trombley, Marketing Manager for GBA, and delve into the community of uphill skinning and skimo, and the innovative glade ranching movement.Listeners are introdu...
Welcome to an episode brimming with exhilarating endurance content as we immerse ourselves into the world of Six03 Endurance, a dynamic team hailing from the heart of New Hampshire. Founded with a mission to promote camaraderie, encourage fitness, enhance training, and increase knowledge, Six03 Endurance has become a staple in the New England endurance community. In this interview, we have the privilege to chat with Tom Hooper, one of the founders of Six03 Endurance. Tom shares th...
In this episode we unravel the inspiring tale of the Heartbreak Hill Running Store, its evolution into a vibrant running club known as the Heartbreakers, and its groundbreaking support of the "Love Squad" to aid college athletes post-NIL era.Founded by Massachusetts entrepreneur and endurance athlete, Dan Fitzgerald, the Heartbreak Hill Running Store initially served as a haven for runners seeking quality gear and expert advice. However, fueled by Fitzgerald's passion and vision, it soon burg...