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InsiderMTB

InsiderMTB

By Austin White

A podcast about mountain biking. We interview industry professionals and top athletes in the sport. Enduro to gravel we leave no stone unturned. Diving into hot topics and racing drama from highest level or racing.
Currently playing episode

iMTB sits down with Robert Herber from the BME series for Episode #2

InsiderMTBFeb 16, 2024

00:00
01:28:27
Mairiporã, Brazil World Cup / Olympic TEAM USA EP7

Mairiporã, Brazil World Cup / Olympic TEAM USA EP7

In this conversation, Austin, Ty, and Spencer discuss the recent World Cup and Olympic points standings in mountain biking. They analyze the performance of American riders, including Christopher Blevins and Riley Amos, and the potential impact on their chances of qualifying for the Olympics. They also touch on the complexity of the Olympic qualification process and the importance of team tactics. The conversation highlights the excitement and competitiveness of the sport and the potential for American riders to make a strong showing in the upcoming Olympics. The conversation discusses the differences between cycling and motocross in terms of athlete participation and selectivity. It also explores the prestige and incentives associated with participating in the Olympics. The hosts speculate on the potential location of the mountain biking events for the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles and discuss the development of successful cyclists in Durango, Colorado. In this final part of the conversation, Ty Kady, Austin White, and Spencer Rathkamp discuss the potential for US mountain bikers to compete in the Olympics. They talk about the importance of training with top-level athletes and the challenges of riding mountain bikes compared to motocross. They also discuss the selection process for the Olympic team and the performances of young riders like Riley Amos and Bjorn Riley. The conversation concludes with a discussion about upcoming events and the future of mountain biking in the US.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
06:13 The Olympic Qualification Process
14:11 The Advantage of Having Two Olympic Spots
32:25 The Development of Successful Cyclists in Durango, Colorado
38:31 The Potential of Young Riders
Apr 15, 202453:19
Pre Sea Otter warm up EP 6.5

Pre Sea Otter warm up EP 6.5

Summary


In this conversation, Austin White and Spencer Rathkamp discuss their plans for Sea Otter and their participation in various races. They talk about the technical difficulties they faced during the podcast and their excitement for the event. They also mention the new products and brands that will be showcased at Sea Otter. They discuss their own racing strategies and the challenges they anticipate. They mention the possibility of having guests on the podcast during Sea Otter and their plans for live streaming. Overall, they express their enthusiasm for the event and their desire to have a fun and successful experience.


Takeaways


Austin and Spencer are excited about Sea Otter and have plans to participate in various races.

They discuss the technical difficulties they faced during the podcast and their determination to overcome them.

They mention the new products and brands that will be showcased at Sea Otter.

They talk about their racing strategies and the challenges they anticipate.

They express their desire to have guests on the podcast during Sea Otter and their plans for live streaming.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

04:59 New Products and Brands


Apr 12, 202428:35
Christopher Blevins, Haley Batten, US Cup talk with Ty Kady and Crankworx talk - EP6

Christopher Blevins, Haley Batten, US Cup talk with Ty Kady and Crankworx talk - EP6

Overall, this episode of the Insider MTB podcast delves into various aspects of the mountain biking world, focusing on the US Cup, the challenges and future of XC racing, the importance of personalities and social aspects in the sport, as well as discussions on various racing paths taken by athletes, financial realities of being an Olympic athlete, and the impact of spectator experience on the industry. The hosts and guests provide insightful commentary on the current state of the sport and potential directions for future growth and development.

Mar 28, 202402:40:16
Nmrl_MTBer interview w/ Fezzari to Ari and more - EP5

Nmrl_MTBer interview w/ Fezzari to Ari and more - EP5

In this episode, the hosts and guest discuss their recent experiences at the Sedona MTB Fest and the changing landscape of the bike industry. They also delve into the topic of Fezzari changing its name to Ari and share their opinions on the decision. The guest, Sebastian (Normal Mountain Biker), introduces himself and talks about his background and upbringing in California. Overall, the conversation covers a range of topics related to mountain biking and the industry. The conversation covers childhood adventures and bike origins, nostalgia and origin stories, discovering mountain biking at Whistler, starting Normal MTBer and choosing the name, transitioning to social media and COVID lockdowns, early content and finding comedy, getting sponsored and representing Specialized, and expanding brand collaborations. In this part of the conversation, Sebastian discusses meeting his mountain biking heroes and the transition from being a fan to a peer. He also shares his experiences playing water polo and the roughness of the sport. Sebastian talks about the challenges of maintaining style while being a tall rider and the impact of influential mountain biking videos. He also addresses the issue of negative comments and how he handles them. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the prevalence of hate on TikTok and social media platforms. They also talk about the importance of trust in business partnerships, particularly when working with family. The conversation then shifts to the process of creating content for social media and the goal of making mountain biking more accessible to a wider audience. The conversation explores the challenges and stereotypes faced by mountain bikers and the importance of relatable content. The conversation concludes with contrasting experiences in different locations and the challenges of personal interactions. In this part of the conversation, Sebastian discusses his experience working with Cody Kelly on a video project and the challenges they faced. The importance of personal branding and troubling fan interactions are also explored. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of changing lives and bringing value to others. In this final part of the conversation, the hosts discuss upcoming events and races, the importance of being raw and authentic in their podcast, and their plans for future guests. They also talk about poking fun at the mountain biking community and the benefits of being less scripted and more relatable. The hosts discuss the need to include more female perspectives in their podcast and the importance of publicity. They also talk about Spencer's new bike and his racing plans, including the preparation and setup required.

Mar 21, 202402:47:06
Ft. Braydon Bringhurst & Colton Peterson | Peter Sagan heart surgery, Trail development & more - EP4

Ft. Braydon Bringhurst & Colton Peterson | Peter Sagan heart surgery, Trail development & more - EP4

In this episode, the hosts introduce the podcast and discuss its logistics. They also talk about the schedule for future episodes. The conversation then shifts to topics such as Peter Sagan's heart surgery and the Red Bull Hardline event. They also discuss American XC racers and the challenges of filming and broadcasting events. The episode concludes with an introduction of guest Braden Bringhurst and a discussion about his 8,600 feet ride. In this part of the conversation, Braydon discusses his transition from filmmaking to mountain biking and the thought process behind his Instagram name switch. He also talks about his history in riding bikes and the inspiration behind his latest project. Additionally, he shares his plans to compete in slalom racing and his mindset towards competition. In this part of the conversation, Braydon and the hosts discuss the importance of riding for the love of it and transitioning from a results-oriented mindset. They also talk about the excitement of riding with accomplished riders and the mutual respect and admiration within the mountain biking community. Braydon shares his passion for supporting the local mountain biking scene and his involvement in initiatives like Swimba Academy. The conversation also touches on the value of skill development and practice, as well as the benefits of riding clip-in pedals. Overall, the hosts express their appreciation for Braydon's insights and the opportunity to discuss these topics. In this part of the conversation, the hosts wrap up the interview with Braydon and discuss future plans and events. They also touch on the importance of mental training and the impact of data on performance. The hosts express their appreciation for Braydon and his diverse athletic background. They also mention the technical difficulties in connecting with Colton Peterson and discuss the dangers of road riding. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the need for driver education and the importance of road safety. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss sharing the road with road cyclists and the importance of understanding both perspectives. They also talk about the challenges of lane detection systems in vehicles and the need for better communication between navigation systems and cyclists. The conversation then shifts to the topic of trail building and the observation that mountain bikers are often the ones putting in the most work. Colton Peterson joins the conversation and shares his experience transitioning from Ibis to Specialized. He discusses his race schedule and his excitement for the upcoming season. The hosts also touch on Colton's YouTube channel and his social media following. In this episode, Colton Peterson discusses his race preparation and pit setup, the importance of having a mechanic, and missing European races. He also shares his experience of racing with an injury and the challenges he faced. The conversation also touches on Colt EP merchandise and the meaning behind 'All Gas, No Ass'. The episode concludes with plans for a future podcast episode and closing remarks.

Mar 02, 202402:38:14
Isabella Naughton & Jakob Snow talk new teams w/ UCI Snow Bike racing & Red Bull Hardline - Episode 3

Isabella Naughton & Jakob Snow talk new teams w/ UCI Snow Bike racing & Red Bull Hardline - Episode 3

In this episode, the hosts introduce Bella Naughton, a professional mountain biker, and discuss various topics related to the mountain biking world. They start by discussing the UCI Snow Bike World Championships and Bella's interest in participating. They then move on to talk about Bella's new team, KHS Pro Mountain Bike Team, and her plans for the upcoming season. The conversation also touches on Bella's past hip surgery and her transition from Enduro to downhill racing. The conversation covers various topics related to mountain bike racing, including the advantages of racing in the US, changes in the race points system, improving competition in enduro racing, Bella's comeback in the season, excitement for different race locations, controversy around pre-riding courses, the state of women's cycling, the growth of women in cycling, and promoting women's cycling at a young age. Bella Naughton discusses her family's racing background and her competitive nature. She talks about her involvement in NICA and the importance of supporting the next generation of riders. Bella shares her thoughts on encouraging more girls to ride bikes and the need for role models in the industry. She also discusses the importance of creating a platform for female athletes and expanding opportunities for women in racing. Bella talks about her transition to a new team and her excitement for the future. She shares her experiences with road biking and training, as well as the challenges she faced in the pro class. The conversation covers topics such as the new rules in BME, excitement about traveling with Nick, working with sponsors and companies, the UCI Snow Bike World Championship, comparison to X Games, and Red Bull Hardline. In this conversation, the hosts discuss their opinions on Hardline and Rampage, with one host expressing the view that Hardline is a spectacle that doesn't need to be a series. They also discuss the lifespan of Rampage and whether it should continue to expand to other locations. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming Hardline event and the riders participating in it. The hosts speculate on the safety precautions and team management involved in extreme sports. They also touch on the prize money for Rampage and the impact of Instagram on their personal experiences. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Bella and her influence on the sport.

Feb 20, 202402:06:20
iMTB sits down with Robert Herber from the BME series for Episode #2

iMTB sits down with Robert Herber from the BME series for Episode #2

In this episode of the Insider MTB podcast, the hosts interview Rob from the BME series. They discuss the benefits of youth enduro racing and the introduction of the Big Mountain Downhill series. They also talk about the schedule and racing format, including the increased prize money. The conversation covers rule changes, the new point structure, and the use of permanent number plates for pros. The hosts emphasize the importance of starting on time and in the correct order. The conversation discusses the impact of random dropping order on photographers and videographers, the need for a more professional race format, the benefits of specific start times, the challenges of not knowing when riders will drop, the introduction of new categories, the verification of birth certificates, the implementation of open pits and pit areas, the rules around pre-riding and familiarity with tracks, and the expectations for the upcoming BME events. The conversation covers topics such as Richie Rude's participation in downhill races, the upcoming Snowbike World Championships, the distinction between fat bikes and snow bikes, and the expansion of the Big Mountain Fatbike Class. The hosts also discuss the availability of alcohol at events and the camaraderie in the pits. They express excitement for the upcoming season and the new trails at various venues. The conversation concludes with appreciation for sponsors and brands, as well as the dedication of the team behind the Big Mountain Enduro series. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:10 Introducing Rob and the BME Series 03:38 Rob's Experience with Youth Enduro 06:46 The Youth Enduro Series 11:05 The Benefits of Youth Enduro 14:10 Introducing the Big Mountain Downhill Series 17:39 Bringing Downhill Racing to the US 19:32 The Schedule and Racing Format 23:45 Increased Prize Money 26:37 Discussion on Rule Changes 28:16 New Point Structure and No Drop Rounds 31:07 Permanent Number Plates for Pros 32:06 Enforcing Start Times and Order 32:07 Impact of Random Dropping Order 34:32 Creating a More Professional Race 36:35 Benefits of Specific Start Times 38:35 Challenges of Dropping Order 43:29 Introduction of New Categories 49:16 Verification of Birth Certificates 50:21 Open Pits and Pit Area 54:21 Pre-Riding and Familiarity with Tracks 58:34 Closing Tracks for Competitors 01:01:45 Expectations for BME 01:03:54 Introduction and Discussion of Richie Rude 01:04:26 Snowbike World Championships 01:05:18 Fat Bikes and Snow Bikes 01:05:46 Expanding the Big Mountain Fatbike Class 01:06:26 Changing the Podcast Intro 01:06:48 Beer Sponsorship and Drinking at Events 01:07:31 Dry Areas and Alcohol at Nebo 01:08:07 Interaction with Bartenders and Beer Taps 01:08:40 Excitement for the Upcoming Season 01:09:04 Tamarack Resort and its Amenities 01:11:14 Trail Possibilities at Tamarack 01:12:30 Angel Fire Resort and New Trails 01:15:54 New Trails at Every Venue 01:17:14 Pit Camaraderie and Camping 01:19:07 Positive Momentum in North American Mountain Biking 01:20:44 Excitement for the Future and Long-Term Partnerships 01:22:10 Appreciation for Sponsors and Brands 01:23:17 Growing the Big Mountain Enduro Series 01:24:26 Excitement for the First Races of the Season 01:25:12 Final Thoughts and Thanks

Feb 16, 202401:28:27
Welcome to InsiderMTB Podcast - Episode #1

Welcome to InsiderMTB Podcast - Episode #1

Summary


In this episode, the hosts introduce themselves and discuss the purpose of the podcast. They share their backgrounds in the mountain biking industry and their goals for the podcast. They also talk about the unique community and camaraderie in the cycling world. James shares a story about his stolen van, and Spencer discusses his riding background and current direction. In this episode, Spencer Rathkamp shares his racing background and how he transitioned from XC and road racing to enduro. He talks about his first enduro race and his success in the cat one 19 to 24 class. Spencer also discusses how he met Austin and James and their early filming adventures. He shares his journey from racing to content creation and the importance of camaraderie in mountain biking. The episode concludes with a discussion about future guests and topics for the podcast.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Podcast Purpose

02:14 Introducing the Hosts

03:42 Spencer Rathkamp's Background and Goals for the Podcast

07:26 James' Background and Goals for the Podcast

09:12 Austin's Background and Goals for the Podcast

11:34 Discussion on the Cycling Community and Industry

14:17 Sharing Memorable Experiences in the Mountain Biking World

18:13 James' Stolen Van Story

25:10 Spencer's Riding Background and Current Direction

29:06 Spencer's Racing Background

30:07 Transition to Enduro Racing

31:33 First Enduro Race

32:03 Meeting Austin and James

33:25 Filming Adventures

35:29 Transition to Content Creation

38:02 Camaraderie in Mountain Biking

39:38 Future Guests and Topics

40:42 Conclusion


Feb 07, 202439:52