Well, Mother Nature was no friend to any racer during the 2021 Race Across the West. Record breaking heat in the desert cut Team Z Cycling’s race short about 30 miles from Parker, AZ. The highest temperature we saw was 137 degrees. During the day temps ranged from 105-120 and at night from 90-100 degrees. Rick was ready physically and mentally. The crew was prepared and knew what to expect on the course. Except for the heat. Rick wasn’t eating according to the plan and didn’t feel like eating much. Hydration was good but Rick never felt hydrated as evidenced by infrequency of nature breaks. Water retention was going to be a problem. With roughly 680 miles to go into temperatures that were not forecast to come down – a decision was made to focus on racer and crew safety and stop the race. This decision was also made because, based on our current race progress, it was highly unlikely we would finish by the cut-off time of 92 hours. Listen in to last minute conversations with crew member Jen Orr (overall 2019 RAW winner), crew chief Steve Barraco and Caryn and Rick as they talk about the race. While extremely disappointing for sure…we’re all very proud of our efforts to get to the start line and be in the race! Show resources: https://www.facebook.com/saywattpod Or on Instagram @saywattpod https://www.facebook.com/10BuckBikeClub Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

Say Watt?

Mother Nature - 1 Team Z Cycling - 0

Join Rick and Caryn in their last episode before Race Across the West. They each share what they’ve been up to in preparation over the last couple weeks as rider and crew, and Rick walks us through his race plan. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of many, many incredible people, and Rick offers his appreciation to those who have generously supported him in going after his dream. Show resources: Follow Rick’s Race starting June 15th at 1:00 p.m. PT: https://www.raceacrossthewest.org/live-tracking https://www.facebook.com/saywattpod Or on Instagram @saywattpod https://www.facebook.com/10BuckBikeClub View the RAW budget, sponsor a time station, or donate: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

2021 Race Across the West Race Plan

What does an endurance athlete, police officer and Black woman do when her various identities collide with a national tragedy, all while she’s training for the Police Unity Tour in honor of fallen officers? If she’s Alisha Zellner, she pedals her full-self into the forefront of critical social justice conversations by bringing her local community together to ride bikes and begin a conversation on the issues that impact her life and the lives of so many others. Join us as Alisha discusses what it’s like to live at the intersection of her sometimes contradictory identities, what she’s doing to help through her organization Bike Ride for Black Lives, and of course, about her cycling and triathlon plans for the coming year. In this candid and fun conversation, Alisha shares a number of very practical ideas for how we can all work to make the sport we love so much more inclusive—including something you’re already doing…riding your bike! Show resources: Pledge to Ride 400 Miles this July, join Alisha’s community awareness ride, or support organizations working to preserve Black history: https://www.bike4blacklives.com/about Learn more about and support the Police Unity Tour: https://www.policeunitytour.com/ View the RAW budget, sponsor a time station, or donate: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

Biking in Blue for Black Lives with Alisha Zellner

What a treat! Our first in-person episode since the pandemic and what incredible guests to help us ease back toward “normal.” Heath Saffer and Omar Baloch are riding their bikes across the country raising money and awareness of teen suicide in memory of their friend, Devon Rubenstein. Heath and Omar’s path brought them through Longmont where Rick and Caryn caught up with them about their friend, the nonprofit they are supporting and, of course…bikes! From snow-covered passes to the windy roads of Wyoming to a beautiful sunset while riding down Colorado’s Front Range, these two twenty-somethings are having the adventure of a lifetime, and we are happy to showcase their efforts in honor of Mental Health Awareness month. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story guys! Show resources: Support Omar and Heath’s fundraiser for the David C. Rubenstein Foundation and Our Minds Matter: https://bit.ly/3fhziAL Infinity Bike Seat: https://infinitybikeseat.com/?v=7516fd43adaa Use Code: ZRAAM for a discount! View the RAW budget, sponsor a time station or donate: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

Cross-Country with Heath Saffer and Omar Baloch

Join Rick and Caryn for a quick release update on all things Race Across the West. Hear updates on Rick’s recently completed big training week and changes to Race Across the West and Race Across America due to the global pandemic, as well as what the crew is up to these days as we inch ever closer to the big event on June 15th. Show resources:  Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme 10 Buck Bike Club: www.10buckbikeclub.com  Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/

Countdown to Race Across the West

After a quick catch-up on Rick’s Race Across the West training, 10 Buck Bike Club, and a smattering of other appetizers, we get to this episode’s main course—an interview with 2021 Bessies Creek 12-hour winner, Adam Ashwill. Adam’s been a part of the ultra-cycling scene for years as his family hosts the infamous Race Across America Time Station 30 in Fort Scott, KS. Inspired by the racers and crews coming through town each summer, Adam decided to give this whole long-distance riding thing a try and has made quite the splash in his first couple years. Despite being new to the sport (or perhaps because of it), he offers remarkably wise and important advice for those who are just getting started, while giving those who have been grinding the gears for decades a reminder of the enthusiasm and energy of their early racing days. Show resources: Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme   10 Buck Bike Club: www.10buckbikeclub.com   Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/   Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/   Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com   Size Inclusive Cycling Clothing: Machines for Freedom: https://www.machinesforfreedom.com/collections/womens-cycling-jerseys RSport: https://www.rsportlife.com/ Troy Lee Designs: troyleedesigns.com FOX: foxracing.com

The one, the only......Aduuuummmmm Ashwill

Welcome to the Say Watt? Podcast conversation with 2015 Trans Am Bike Race finisher and inspirational rider and runner, Gavaskar Josephs. Rick and Caryn chat with Gavaskar about how he transitioned into ultra-cycling, what inspired him to tackle the incredibly challenging, self-supported Trans Am, and what he’s up to for the coming race season. Gavaskar’s insights into the mental side of intense, long rides, what he tells potential ultra-cyclists, and his thoughts on how to increase diversity in cycling bring a fresh perspective to the pod. Show resources: Body Health: https://bit.ly/3tto6Fl   Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com 10 Buck Bike Club: www.10buckbikeclub.com

Inspiring New Ultra-Cyclists with Gavaskar Josephs

It’s 2021 and we’re back with a Say Watt? first – an episode focused on the team aspect of Race Across America. Our guests Eleanor Allen and David Fellows (rider and crew, wife and husband of Team EA/Water for People) join us to share stories from their 2019, 4-person mixed team crossing. Check out the inside story of how teams actually work (it may be different from what you’d think!), what it’s like to crew for more than one rider, why you might want a project manager on your crew, and how it feels to cross the finish line with your teammates. Eleanor and David are switching gears in 2021 and riding together on a two-person Race Across the West team. They’ll share where they are in their training, logistics planning and mental prep for this year’s race. Check out the links below for more info. on Team EA/Water for People and how you can contribute to its goal of bringing awareness and raising funds to help solve the global water and sanitation crisis through endurance cycling. Show resources: Water For People: https://www.waterforpeople.org/ Cycling For Water - our fundraising site for RAW: https://www.cyclingforwater.org/ Cycling For Water FB page: https://www.facebook.com/cyclingforwaterorg 2019 RAAM video: https://youtu.be/TDL85pljdmQ Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com 10 Buck Bike Club: www.10buckbikeclub.com

Take One for the Team: Eleanor Allen and David Fellows of Team EA/Water for People

Join Caryn and Rick for the last episode of 2020! Step up to the buffet for a little vRevolve24 debrief including what it’s like to ride on six of the iconic Grand Prix race circuits around the world and what happens when you start a 24-hr. race with no resistance on the smart trainer! Only 6 months until the start of “real life” Race Across the West – how do we plan for that? And what’s happening personally and professionally with Caryn and Rick as they close out 2020. Step right up and have a listen! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Show affiliate, The Conscious Cleanse: www.consciouscleanse.com – use coupon code SayWatt15 for 15% off a one-time cleanse or annual membership with unlimited cleansing Hydrow - World’s Coolest Indoor Rower: https://www.teamzcycling.com/shop Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

Free Year End Buffet!

Join us for this Quick Release debrief episode where we check in with ultra-cycling friend, rock star and badass Jen Orr after her 24-hour World Record attempt in Borrego Springs back on November 7th. There was wind. There was rain. There was cold. And Jen was setting records and breaking records like an angry DJ. Listen in as we talk about what worked, what didn’t and what’s next on Jen’s ultra-cycling race agenda! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Jen’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.orr.50 https://www.facebook.com/JenOrrEndurance Jen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenorr_raam2021/ Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

Jen Orr’s 24-hour WR Attempt Debrief

Join us for this Quick Release episode where we visit with ultra-cyclist and friend Jen Orr as she prepares for her 24-hour World Record attempt in Borrego Springs, CA starting at 9am PST on Saturday, November 7th. The World Time Trial Championships were cancelled this year due to COVID-19 so Jen decided to go ride 10 miles of the course for 24 hours and try to break the solo female world record of 439.65 miles set nearly 30 years ago. GO JEN!! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Check in for live updates from Borrego Springs… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.orr.50 https://www.facebook.com/JenOrrEndurance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenorr_raam2021/ Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

Jen Orr’s 24-hour WR Attempt

Join us as we visit with a longtime friend, beer guru, COO of Left Hand Brewing, long time cyclist and Captain of the Bike MS Powerhouse Team Left Hand - Chris Lennert. We’ll talk cycling, beer, and Team Left Hand. Now with teams in 9 states, Team Left Hand has raised more than $4.9 million since 2008 to help our friends living with MS. Caryn and Rick and have been riding with Team Left Hand Colorado since 2011 and what an awesome group of cyclists and friends that won’t stop riding or fundraising until MS stands for…Mystery Solved! And…a new Conscious Cleanse starts on November 4th. Check it out! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Show affiliate, The Conscious Cleanse: www.consciouscleanse.com – use coupon code SayWatt15 for 15% off a one-time cleanse or annual membership with unlimited cleansing Left Hand Brewing: www.lefthandbrewing.com Team Left Hand: https://teamlefthand.com/ Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

Chris Lennert, Left Hand Brewing & Bike MS

The 2020 in real life Natchez Trace 444 is in the books! Supported by Team Z crew members Caryn Capriccioso and Steve Zwetsch, Rick completed the 442 miles from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS in just a skoche over 32 hours – qualifying for Race Across America once again! Awesome weather, although very cold at night, and the most amazing road pavement conditions anywhere made this an event to remember. Listen in as Caryn, Steve and Rick debrief this AWESOME and “magical” ride! And there’s a super bonus for all as Steve Z. shares a little guitar pickin’ on his handmade Cigar Box Kitchen guitar. Enjoy! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Infinity Bike Seat: https://infinitybikeseat.com/?v=7516fd43adaa Use Code: ZRAAM for a discount! ‘Art of imperfection’: East Bay man brings life to old items by creating musical instruments https://abc7news.com/cigar-box-guitars-music.-boxes-folk-music-blues/6698198 Cigar Box Kitchen Guitars: https://www.cigarboxkitchen.com/ Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

Natchez Trace 444 and Some Nifty Guitar

We’re thrilled to have a chance to visit with ultra-cyclist, master of all things stats and data, cycling cocktail creator and frankly one of the most helpful and friendly people I’ve met along my relatively short ultra-cycling journey…Mr. Dave Brillhart. Listen in as Dave talks about how he got started in ultra-cycling, the cool data fields he’s developed for the Garmin cycling computer, his amazing cycling cocktail DaveAde and…he shares some thoughts about Natchez Trace 444 starting on Friday, October 2nd! Be sure to check out Show Resources below! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Infinity Bike Seat: https://infinitybikeseat.com/?v=7516fd43adaa Use Code: ZRAAM for a discount! Dave’s Race Reports: Natchez Trace 444 RAAM Qualifier https://1n.pm/Natchez2019 Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race https://1n.pm/Leadville100 Glass Elevator Everest https://1n.pm/GlassElevator HooDoo 500 Stage Race https://1n.pm/HooDoo500 Dirty Kanza 200 Gravel Race https://1n.pm/DirtyKanza2019 Sebring 24hr RAAM Qualifier https://1n.pm/Sebring2019 Book Reference: Title: Just Ride: Racing 2,725 Miles to Mexico By: Ty Hopkins Garmin Data Fields: PowerBar: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/2fffc10e-a136-4c14-89ee-600cb8b62154 FourStats: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/5816b24d-2689-4584-b458-a24e0fea0429 FourClimbs: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/3a23e2c1-0886-49a5-a826-649ad94dda02 FourTimes: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/9e0940d6-d662-4c32-8c77-78757ba03706 AutoPacer: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/8c20f407-1343-40b0-a5fa-247dc4c6a0a0 Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

Dave Brillhart, Data Fields, DaveAde and The 444

Listen in as we visit with long time, experienced and accomplished ultra-cyclist and skier/ski instructor, ultra-cycling race director (including Natchez Trace 444), the voice of RAAM, RAAM Hall of Fame Inductee and a whole lot more…Mr. George Thomas from Nederland, Colorado. George is so well liked and connected, tells great stories and has a great sense of humor. For the delicate ears amongst us, be prepared for the lightning round! Show resources: Give us your feedback: www.TeamZCycling.com/feedback Infinity Bike Seat: https://infinitybikeseat.com/?v=7516fd43adaa Use Code: ZRAAM for a discount! Support Rick’s 2021 RAW race: https://www.zraam2021.com/gofundme Race Across the West: http://www.raceacrossthewest.org/ Race Across America: https://www.raceacrossamerica.org/ Next Day Podcast: www.nextdaypodcast.com

George Thomas Interview

Since 1982 Rick Zwetsch, a lifelong cyclist, has been a fan of Race Across America and the ultra-cyclists who take on this grueling ride – touted as the world’s toughest bike race. After being asked many times over the years if he would ever attempt it… one day, at age 60, he surprised himself—and his partner Caryn Capriccioso—by saying “yes!” How does an avid, but recreational cyclist go from seasonal hobby to tackling a 3,000 mile, 12-day ride only completed by 13 people over the age of 60 in its 38-year history? What does it take for a Colorado couple with an already (overly) full life to integrate the learning training, planning, qualifying races, and necessary crew development? Ride along as Rick and Caryn share the ins and outs, ups and downs, and highs and lows of their journey. On route they will talk with others who have attempted Race Across America, their crews, race owners, officials, media, and the many people who are an integral part of the ultra-cycling community. Can he do it? Will he make it? What will it take for Rick to join the ranks of the few, the proud, the RAAM-finishers in June of 2021? At the end of the day, is it really about the race, or is it the journey that matters most?

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Say Watt?

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