Bike Talk with Dave: All things bike! Bikepacking, cyclocross, gravel, mountain bike, road & events

di Dave Mable

Stagione 1

Ep. 177 Revolutionizing Bike Share in Nebraska with Benny Foltz

Benny Foltz joins us to share the inspiring journey behind ROAM, a nonprofit bike share program that’s making waves in Omaha and beyond. What is ROAM? ROAM, based in Nebraska, aims to increase bike usage for transportation and recreation. Benny explains, "Our whole objective is to provide bike share," said Foltz, "More butts on bikes, we like to say." The program believes in the bike as a legitimate public transit option, offering affordable and accessible bike share solutions across multiple cities, including Omaha, Lincoln, and even Valentine, Nebraska. ROAM Share: https://roamshare.org/ Omaha: https://heartlandbikeshare.org/ Lincoln: https://bikelnk.com/ Valentine: https://valentinebikeshare.wordpress.com/ Follow Bike Talk with Dave on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biketalkwithdave/ and Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun, and you can now find every episode on your computer at www.biketalk.bike. And now available on YouTube on the Bike Talk with Dave YouTube channel! And if you're traveling with your mountain bike or gravel bike, check out information about area trails, gravel routes as well as fun things to do on YouTube on the Pedaling Dirt channel. https://www.youtube.com/@Pedaldirt And if you need any digital media work: photography, videography and editing, podcast production and editing, look no further than Mable Media. Connect at www.mablemedia.net to help grow your brand and connect with your audience!

S1 · E177

10 ago 2026

49:38

Ep. 176 Exploring the Thrills of Freeride Skiing and a return from injury with Pro Skier Jessica Hotter

Esplicito

Freeride skiing is an exhilarating sport that pushes the boundaries of skiing and challenges the limits of athleticism. In this episode, we dive into an enlightening conversation with Jess Hotter, the 2022 Freeride World Tour champion. She unpacks the essence of freeride skiing and what it takes to excel in this dynamic sport, and how an injury can derail a lifetime of preparation and training. In February of 2026 Hotter crashed at the Freeride World Championships tearing her ACL, MCL and meniscus, as well as straining most other ligaments in her knee. Today she and Dave discuss the physical and mental challenges of repair and rehab and the long road in their return to sport. Understanding Freeride Skiing: What Sets It Apart? Freeride skiing is not just about speeding down groomed slopes; it encompasses the thrill of navigating untracked terrain and challenging conditions. Jess describes it as skiing with friends while aiming for the highest point on a mountain and making the descent as stylish as possible. The aim is to choose lines that showcase skill, creativity, and control, ultimately judged on criteria like air, style, speed, fluidity, and technique. The Journey from Casual Skier to Freeride Competitor For those wondering how to transition from casual skiing to freeride competition, Jess highlights the importance of progression. It’s about taking small steps—starting from easy jumps to more significant cliffs and challenging terrains. By gradually pushing boundaries and learning from every experience, skiers can build the confidence and skills needed to tackle high-stakes competitions. Key Takeaways - Freeride skiing is about creativity and skill in navigating untracked terrain. - Competitions are judged on multiple criteria, emphasizing style and technique. - Preparation and visualization are crucial for a successful run. - Progression is essential for those looking to move into competitive freeride skiing. Freeride skiing represents the pinnacle of skiing excellence, combining creativity, skill, and a love for the outdoors. If you're inspired to explore this thrilling sport, start small, push your limits, and remember that every great skier was once a beginner. For more inspiring stories and tips on skiing, check out Jess Hotter on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/jesshotterski Title photo by Bella Grace www.bellagracephoto.com Follow Bike Talk with Dave on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biketalkwithdave/ and Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun, and you can now find every episode on your computer at www.biketalk.bike. And now available on YouTube on the Bike Talk with Dave YouTube channel! And if you're traveling to central Iowa in 2026, bring your mountain bike and check out information about area trails as well as fun things to do on YouTube on the Pedaling Dirt channel. https://www.youtube.com/@Pedaldirt And if you need any digital media work: photography, videography and editing, podcast production and editing, look no further than Mable Media. Connect at www.mablemedia.net to help grow your brand and connect with your audience!

S1 · E176

16 lug 2026

1:01:13

Ep. 172 The Colesburg Back 40 - the oldest gravel race in the country! WIth Directors Sunny Carithers and Michael Lambert

The Colesburg Back 40 began in 1993 as a training race for the then 10=year-old mountain bike race: The Chequamegon 40. But as can happen with a beautiful, fun, challenging and well run event... it's stuck around for the past 33 years! Today we talk with current race directors Sunny Carithers and Michael Lambert about what makes the race fun and unique as well as what brings them joy in seeing so many people experience the beauty of the Northeast Iowa Driftless Region. Join them by registering or volunteering at www.colesburgback40.com or look them up on facebook or instagram. Information on the Colesburg Back 40, the Driftless 100 and just about every other event in Iowa can be found at www.bikeiowa.com. And if you're traveling to central Iowa in 2026, bring your mountain bike and check out information about area trails as well as fun things to do on YouTube on the Pedaling Dirt channel. https://www.youtube.com/@Pedaldirt

S1 · E172

22 giu 2026

49:53

Ep. 171 Dealing With An Injury: Dave's ACL (and more) Story: Week 12

Greetings all! A few months before recoring this episode, I had the unfortunate experience of blowing out my knee: ACL, MCL and Meniscus - all torn. At 12 weeks post surgery, I decided to begin sharing my story of rehab and recovery. It's not easy and requires patience, discipline and realistic expectations - and it also requires the ability to let go and accept the help of others! If you are, or know someone who is, going through a long recovery process, I hope there's a little nugget in my story that helps you through a day, and you (or they) soon get back to doing whatever it is you love! Peace! Dave

S1 · E171

8 giu 2026

45:15

Ep. 170 Break the Cycle 2026 Natica Dunning

Natica Dunning takes us through all of the events of the 2026 Break the Cycle calendar: The June 6 Challenge Ride with 100, 50 and 25 mile options, the June 19 BTC 200 Ride, a one day 200 mile ride from West Des Moines to Okoboji Iowa and the June 20 5K All Day Walk, Run or Ruck event at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. For information, to register, volunteer or to donate to any of these events, start here: https://pro.gofundme.com/event/break-the-cycle-des-moines-2026/e751360 To donate to Natica's page directly: https://pro.gofundme.com/fundraiser/7180997 To listen to previous episodes: Episode 134: Experience 200 miles with a variety of cyclsts as they complete a 200 mile ride: https://rss.com/podcasts/biketalkwdave/1554287/ Episode 159: Dave's personal journey and longest ride of his life! https://rss.com/podcasts/biketalkwdave/2119641/ Check out Pedaling Dirt, a YouTube travel channel for mountain bike trails and gravel routes! https://www.youtube.com/@Pedaldirt Check out the first episode, which also includes the history of the Sycamore Trail! https://youtu.be/byd3JEtlQB8?si=HOo260dlt34NQo0t Have a great week and I hope your next ride is your BEST ride, because nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle!

S1 · E170

27 mag 2026

23:31

Ep. 169 Erik Schlimmer: Post racing follow up and new bikepacking route!

Esplicito

Erik Schlimmer was first on the podcast in October of 2024, (Ep. 145) having raced at the national level in the 1990's, then taking thirty years off - he decided to make a comeback and pin a number on again. Today we follow up to see how his winter of training and summer of racing went, and if it left him wanting more! In addition to that, he's a routemaker - having authored many books about trails and history in and around the Adirondack Mountains. Now living in Colorado, he's put his route finding hat back on and crafted a beautiful rural route through the San Louis Valley - south of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which he describes on todays podcast. Find links to his books and routes at https://erikschlimmer.com/ In other news, in wanting to share great places to ride, Bike Talk with Dave is expanding and hosting a YouTube Travel Channel specific to mountain bikes and gravel. It's called Pedaling Dirt and at the time of posting this episode, is just getting started with an introductory video and the first travel log featuring the Sycamore Trail in Des Moines. The idea is to not just show an awesome trail - but what amenities are available at the trail heads, where to find a pre ride coffee or post ride beer and some food. In the first video, I also cover quite a bit of the history of the Sycamore Trail... mostly just because I know it... Anyway - I hope you subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@Pedaldirt Thanks for continuing to follow along - I hope you enjoy todays episode and we'll be back with more in the future! Peace! Dave

S1 · E169

4 mag 2026

1:10:20

Ep. 168 TJ Tollakson: Founder/Owner of Dimond Bikes

TJ Tollakson ran his first triathlon in July 2001, and he has been a professional triathlete since 2005. In July 2011, he achieved his first Ironman victory at Lake Placid. In 2011 TJ founded his own manufacturing company Dimond Bikes in Des Moines, IA. Starting when TJ won his first Ironman at Lake Placid New York on a modified and re-branded Zipp beam bike. Since that early bike, his brand has become known as one of the fastest bikes for the time trial and triathlon, and has grown into an entire line of bikes including road, gravel and mountain bikes. Venture into the Dimond Mine at www.dimondbikes.com and see the gems on instagram and facebook! https://www.instagram.com/dimondbikes The time has come to lock in your core4 2026 plans! Launch day is November 21 ! Get ready to jump on launch pricing at www.core4.bike. Use code CORE4LAUNCH26 for a 1st dibs deal until Dec 31st. Your adventure awaits. August 14-16, 2026. We would love it if you would consider supporting Bike Talk with Dave by rating, reviewing and sharing on your favorite podcast platform. We'd invite you to support the show financially at www.buymeacoffee.com or on Venmo @David-Mable. You'll receive a Bike Talk with Dave sticker! Follow Bike Talk with Dave on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biketalkwithdave/ and Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun, and you can now find every episode on your computer at www.biketalk.bike. And now available on YouTube on the Bike Talk with Dave YouTube channel! And if you need any digital media work: photography, videography and editing, podcast production and editing, look no further than Mable Media. Connect at www.mablemedia.net to help grow your brand and connect with your audience!

S1 · E168

5 nov 2025

1:19:58

1 di 18

Bike Talk with Dave: All things bike! Bikepacking, cyclocross, gravel, mountain bike, road & events

Ep. 177 Revolutionizing Bike Share in Nebraska with Benny Foltz

Ep. 176 Exploring the Thrills of Freeride Skiing and a return from injury with Pro Skier Jessica Hotter

Ep. 175 Caleb Swartz and the Lifetime Grand Prix

Ep. 174 Josh Sprague: Engineering hydration gear for cyclists.

Ep. 173 Taylor Nichols; Bike Talk Host Rides Across U.S.

Ep. 172 The Colesburg Back 40 - the oldest gravel race in the country! WIth Directors Sunny Carithers and Michael Lambert

Ep. 171 Dealing With An Injury: Dave's ACL (and more) Story: Week 12

Ep. 170 Break the Cycle 2026 Natica Dunning

Ep. 169 Erik Schlimmer: Post racing follow up and new bikepacking route!

Ep. 168 TJ Tollakson: Founder/Owner of Dimond Bikes