Cycling Is Brutal… But We Keep Coming Back
Summary
The Bonk Babes discuss the 2024 World Championships in Montreal, highlighting Esma’s experience and the aggressive racing dynamics. They also cover upcoming events like the UCI Gravel Worlds in Australia and the Bentonville race weekend, where they plan to host a live podcast with guests Charlotte Clarke, Michelle Duffy, and Dominique Powers. The episode features personal updates, including Robert’s recent collarbone injury and Grace’s transition to coaching by Robert as she prepares for a new season focused on road racing.
Topics discussed
Intro: Announcing Big Sugar giveaways and shirts
Robert's injury update: Third collarbone break
Welcome back and reflections on World Championships
Recapping World Championship races and rider performances
The atmosphere in Montreal and fan engagement
Logistics for Australia and Little/Big Sugar
Analyzing the Australia start list and course profile
Training tech: TrainingPeaks and Oura Ring issues
Personal updates: Moving, identity, and social media
Navigating unemployment and health insurance gaps
Red Rocks concert experience and upcoming shows
Preparation for Little Sugar and Bonk Babes poster
Tire tech talk and Bonk Babes collective plans
Event details: Shirts, guests, and schedule
Grace's new coaching arrangement with Robert
Training strategy: Sprinting, threshold, and volume
Riding preferences: Hills vs flats and local terrain
Racing logistics and the idea of neutral mechanics
End-of-season sadness and solo riding struggles
Bike sales, upcoming efforts, and Florida riding
Tipping culture debate and massage experience
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