The Mountain Flyer Podcast

Cycling, in all its forms, has a way of transcending geography and culture. Prime Ability, a bike-based nonprofit in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to empowering BIPOC youth through the transformative power of cycling. Prime Ability Founder Alex Clark is a passionate cyclist and a health and physical education teacher at Dunbar high school, in Washington, DC. Through Prime Ability, Clark established DC's pioneering youth cycling team of color. He sees cycling as a vehicle for education and exploration; a chance to learn about the city’s history and see it in a different light; and an opportunity to cultivate a passion for cycling among the BIPOC community. In this episode, Clark shares what inspired him to start Prime Ability, and how cycling has impacted his teaching—and his life. He speaks to the importance of getting more students of color and students from underserved communities into mountain biking, road racing or any facet of cycling. Learn more about Prime Ability This episode was made possible by YETI CYCLES. Presented by Mountain Flyer Magazine

As the executive director of Vermont’s Kingdom Trail Association, Abby Long carries on a legacy that began 30 years ago. The Kingdom Trails encompass more than 100 miles of trails and pump tracks in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. The region is known for its remote location, rural character and mountainous landscape that lends itself to skiing and mountain biking alike. In this episode, Long reflects on the unique nature of the public-private partnerships that make the Kingdom Trails viable. Whereas in the Western United States there are vast amounts of public land, the opposite is true in Vermont. The Kingdom Trails traverse the land of more than 100 private landowners. Long also speaks to the positive economic impact the trail network has on the region. Riders travel from Canada and throughout the U.S. to experience what the Kingdom Trails have to offer. In thinking about the future, Long says sustainability and community are paramount in maintaining—and expanding— the Kingdom Trails network. This episode was made possible by ABUS Presented by Mountain Flyer Magazine

During the early aughts of mountain biking, men dominated the scene and took most of the credit for the birth and progression of the sport. It’s a fact that early rider and photographer Wende Cragg reflects on with a good-natured laugh, before shrugging off the egos that like to take credit for what has become a global phenomenon. Cragg played a pivotal role as one of the first female mountain bikers. She always carried a camera on her adventures, mainly to capture images of wildflowers and the idyllic California landscape. Along the way she happened to document the birth of mountain biking in and around Fairfax, California, and Crested Butte, Colorado. Cragg’s collection of photography can be viewed at the Marin Museum of Bicycling, on The Radavist and through her frequent posts on social media. In this episode, she recalls her early rides on a 50-plus pound bike and the characters she shared the trail with. She reflects on what it was like to be part of the birth of a sport, and the importance of curating and preserving its history 50 years later. This episode is made possible by Big Agnes Presented by Mountain Flyer Magazine

Silverton is a remote outpost in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The former mining town is known for the steep skiing at Silverton Mountain, and the narrow gauge railroad train that brings throngs of tourists from Durango. Most of the area’s established trails ascend steep, rugged terrain that’s best suited for expert mountain bikers, if they are rideable at all. More recently, the Silverton Singletrack Society has embarked on a mission to add more purpose-built mountain biking trails to the area. Silverton local Klem Branner is president of the Silverton Singletrack Society. Branner, who also owns and operates Venture Snowboards out of Silverton, is a passionate mountain biker who is working to build more accessible trails in his backyard. Thirty miles of trail, to be exact. In this episode, Branner speaks to the partnerships that are making that dream a reality. And he explains why the non-profit decided to work with the local land managers right out of the gate, instead of building pirate trails and asking for forgiveness down the line. This episode is made possible by Big Agnes. Presented by Mountain Flyer Magazine

Filmmaker T.C. Johnstone has been making documentaries for more than 25 years. So far his career in film has taken him to over 60 countries, including a trip to Rwanda with cycling legend Tom Ritchey. Most recently, he filmed In The Dirt, a moving documentary about the Native American cyclists who are growing the sport of mountain biking on the Navajo Nation, where no bike shops exist. It’s a moving film that shows how the bicycle can heal and bring together a community, whether through trail building, racing or giving castaway bikes new life. In this episode, Johnstone explains why you don’t show up at a Navajo residence unannounced, describes the beauty of the Navajo Nation, and emphasizes the energy and passion Navajo riders exude while on their bikes. This episode is made possible by Big Agnes.

For this special edition of the Mountain Flyer podcast, host Trina Ortega welcomes Seattle-area broadcast journalist Paul Andrews in co-hosting a panel discussion about e-MTBs and their place in today’s mountain bike landscape. Industry leaders Ace Bollinger, Leslie Kehmeier, Nat Ross and Yvonne Kraus dive deeper into the impacts e-mountain bikes are having on trail development and access, land management decisions, and advocacy efforts. This episode is possible thanks to the support of Shimano.

Richmond Cycling Corps uses cycling to create positive change in the lives of youth who live in Richmond, Virginia’s public housing projects. It is not like a typical after-school or drop-in program, where kids might attend once and never return. Services include casual and long-distance cycling outings; mountain bike racing in middle school and high school; a bike rental service completely run by the youth; case management that includes tutoring, help with medical needs and other day-to-day life challenges; and a small school, the Legacy Academy, for students who don’t thrive in a typical classroom. In this episode, Richmond Cycling Corps Director Matt Kuhn talks about how the program uses bikes as a way to connect and build relationships with kids and teens. This episode is possible thanks to the support of Shimano. [Photo] Courtesy of Richmond Cycling Corps

Bikepacking Roots is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing bikepacking, growing a diverse bikepacking community, advocating for the conservation of the landscapes and public lands through which we ride and creating professional routes. At the heart of the organization are professional endurance mountain bikers, land stewards and cofounders Kait Boyle and Kurt Refsnider. In this episode, Kait and Kurt talk about the need for their nonprofit, the joys and challenges of creating epic routes, paying homage to both the land and the people who came before, how bikes have changed their lives and their new Backcountry Bike Challenge. This episode is possible thanks to the support of Shimano. [Photos] Cort Muller

From pump tracks to career inroads, Grow Cycling Foundation aims to build pathways into cycling for marginalized demographics. At the heart of this new nonprofit is former World Cup downhill racer Eliot Jackson, who admits he’s always had a “bias for action.” A longtime motocross racer who grew up in Oklahoma and California, Jackson first got into racing mountain bikes at age 18 and immediately set his sights on racing World Cup downhill, which he ended up competing in for 10 years. Today, he is a presenter for Red Bull TV and continues to race the Crankworx series. In this interview, which was recorded in mid-January, Jackson talks about his life growing up with two entrepreneurial parents; how he got into mountain biking, his experience as a Black athlete, Grow Cycling’s aspirations—including the construction of a $1.2 million pump track in Los Angeles—and the best way one person can make a difference. This episode is possible thanks to the support of 10 Barrel Brewing. [Photo] Jeff Clark

Given that Hannah Finchamp has been competing in triathlons since she was 9, she already has amassed a lifetime of racing experience at age 26. The two-time overall amateur Xterra world champion and five-time collegiate cycling national champion now rides for the Orange Seal Off Road Team and has made the 2020 Olympic Long Team, vying for a spot to compete in the Tokyo Games. Among the topics covered in this episode, Finchamp—who is also a USA Cycling certified coach and board certified athletic trainer—talks about how she got into mountain biking, what to look for in a coach, her bout with Covid-19 (which occurred during the European World Cup races of 2020), and her positive outlook that keeps pushing her to excel. This episode is possible thanks to the support of 10 Barrel Brewing. [Photo] J Vargus

On the Myers-Briggs personality test, Lea Davison charts on the extreme extrovert end. In elite mountain bike racing, where many athletes are reserved and restrained, Davison’s spontaneity and playfulness aren’t the norm. But that's exactly what we love so much about her…along with her commitment to empowering girls and young women through her nonprofit Little Bellas. In this episode, Davison talks about what it’s like to be a world-class athlete during a global pandemic and the weight of being one of five women vying for two open spots to represent the U.S. at the Tokyo Olympics (rescheduled for summer 2021). In a nutshell, Lea Davison is doubling down. This episode is possible thanks to the support of 10 Barrel Brewing. [Photo] Manuel Uribe

In the premiere episode of Mountain Flyer’s “Tale Spin,” we get to hear stories straight from our riding friends. Outside magazine editor Gloria Liu reflects on the soulful connection a rider has with the bike. Klunking enthusiast and bike collector Jon Rizzo speaks to the calming power of the Pennsylvania woods. In his essay “The Murder, the Yeti and I,” Mountain Flyer contributor Ed Ortega channels his inner Edgar Allen Poe as he reflects on blood-thirsty ravens taunting him after a fall on the trail. And Australian cycling journalist Wil Barrett of Flow Mountain Bike recalls how he summoned “The Power of the Pickle” during his first race on the rugged trails of western Colorado. This episode is possible thanks to the support of 10 Barrel Brewing.

From the industry’s first bonafide mountain bikes to today’s fast-growing e-bike segment, Gary Fisher has long been in love with cycling, which he believes is much more than just a sport. For Fisher, it’s a way of life—the source to take in what he calls “Vitamin N” (Nature) and simultaneously “soothe the beast.” Described as a dreamer who loves bikes, people and big ideas, Fisher is steadfast in his belief that bicycles can change the world. Whether a bike is used for competition, to improve an individual’s physical and mental health, prevent chronic disease, solve transportation needs or provide recreational value, it is the great leveler. And who better to promote the magic of cycling than one of the founding fathers and innovators? This episode is possible thanks to the support of Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley's 750+ miles of singletrack. [Photo] Sterling Lorence

Growing up, enduro athlete Kyle Warner faced family and personal challenges that would’ve broken the average human. But he found escape on the bike, and with support from the Northern California cycling community and the greater bike industry, Warner started racing and landing consistently on the podium. As he heads into 2020, Warner aims to get more people on bikes, especially kids facing tough times. This episode is possible thanks to the support of Niner Bikes. [Photo] Matt Ware

What kind of person does it take to develop the industry’s smartest suspension? 18-year Fox employee and suspension designer Everet Ericksen breaks down some of the tech of his team’s latest innovation — Fox Live Valve — while also talking about how he got into shock absorber development, its challenges and its highlights. This episode is possible thanks to the support of Niner Bikes.

Sonya Looney’s pro MTB career includes more than 25 wins and course records in 11 countries, including a World Championship and USA National Championships. A successful businessperson, she launched and hosts The Sonya Looney Show podcast, founded Moxy & Grit apparel brand, and started the nutrition-based community Plant-Powered Tribe. But Looney equally loves helping others break out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges and tackle their bucket lists now. Nutrition, endurance racing and business savvy: Looney talks about her pursuit of the best possible life and shares tips to help you do the same.

2019 Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductee and World Champion cross country and gravel racer Rebecca Rusch turned 50 last year. The four-time Leadville 100 MTB champ, six-time Dirty Kanza winner, public lands advocate, motivational speaker and fire fighter has every reason to down shift. Yet in September, she launched Rusch Ventures (rebeccarusch.com) to integrate her existing and new programs, including Rebecca’s Private Idaho, Rusch Academy, MTB Lao adventure trips, and the Be Good Foundation, funds from which go toward removal of unexploded ordnance in Lao and the preservation of public lands. When the Queen of Pain turned 50, she reflected on all she’d done in her first four decades, then got to work defining what’s in store for “Rebecca Version 5.0.” Sponsored by Venus de Miles venusdemiles.com

A calculated investment in singletrack in the mid-2000s solidified Moab, Utah, as a singletrack destination at a time when the town’s recreation planners could either respond to neighboring communities’ MTB-specific development or fade into the desert sunset with its 4x4 and double-track routes. Thanks in part to his skillful rock work on the iconic Captain Ahab, trailbuilder and Moab native Tyson Swasey was part of the town’s renaissance as a singletrack destination. Canyon country demands that trailbuilders not be undaunted by the heavy lifting required in rocky terrain, and Swasey is a perfect match. “He has a masterful eye for interpreting the landscape,” says Richard Edwards, IMBA Trail Solutions’ director of construction and operations. “Tyson is great at using rock work, not to sanitize, but to build a way through and leave a lot of texture and flavor to the trail.” Swasey is now a staff member for the newly formed Grand County Active Transportation and Trails Department based out of Moab and previously served as a trails specialist for IMBA Trails Solution. Through that experience, he has become one of the most respected trailbuilders in the country. In this episode, he talks about his relationship with the land and the importance of trails to the mountain bike community.

High school adventurers Whitton Feer and Ian Catto set out for the Arizona Trail in the spring of their senior year to gain a better understanding of the U.S. West's water crisis. In this episode, Feer and Catto talk about their 13-day adventure in hot, dry Arizona and consider the question: Is there hope for humans living in the Desert Southwest?