In Episode 21 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with three Melbourne based Endurance Cyclists about their experience with mental health on the saddle, and both the short, and long-term impacts that come with the sport. They also discuss how this type of cycling provides a safe mental-haven and an escape from the rush of everyday life.

In Episode 20 of the Love Women’s Cycling Podcast, hosts Bridget and Faz chat with Black Sheep founder John Polson and ex Sigma Social Media Manager, Lucy Mannal, on the current state of play in women’s cycling products. They discuss the lack of development within the women's sector, but also the positive steps some brands are making internally to provide a product that addresses the issues that are specific to women cyclists.

In todays episode we speak with Dr Tara Neyland, Osteopath and founder of Bloody Great Cycles. Not only do we love her for that double pun. But for her commitment to making information on the female menstrual cycle accessible to all. And for educating women on how to become empowered by their cycle both in training and life. Tara said “It’s 2021! Bleeding isn’t disgusting! And periods aren’t just a sign that we’re not pregnant. Menstruation can tell us so much about a persons overall health, and should be considered in every aspect of a person’s wellbeing.” Thanks Tara for making this unnecessarily taboo topic an easy listen. A must for anyone, at any period of their life. Have we out-punned you yet Tara? We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as we enjoyed recording it. The contents of this podcast do not constitute medical or professional advice, and information provided is for educational purposes only. Listeners are advised to see their medical professional or healthcare provider if they're seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Florence Broadhurst stood for strength in character. With a staunch business focus and flamboyant lifestyle in a very young Australia, at a time of male dominance and working-class values, Florence Said - ‘I’d always been told that I was born before my time. Oh, surely to God, the times can just catch up.’ In this episode of WMN Podcast, we discuss what New Age Feminism is and what it means to different women of different ages and demographics. Honestly told by a cross section of women, we also discuss how cycling has helped empower these women to do the things they love, supported by both the women and men around them.

If you’ve ever been a part of a women’s cycling group, I bet you were drawn in by the sense of community. I’m talking about the living life together, turning up to a group ride without worrying about how high your socks are, or sitting beside a girlfriend on a ride knowing that each others company is just what you needed, helping another friend learn how to use cleats or change a tyre for the first time , knowing it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you ride because this is the kind of community that just doesn’t care. We’re all wired to desire it. And we can all offer it. In this episode we threw the mic to two regulars on the podcast, WMN Ambassadors Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani and asked them, and their women’s cycling community in Melbourne about the importance of women supporting women.

We asked husband and wife duo and friends of Black Sheep, Luke McKew and Hayley Wilson, to discuss what cycling means to them and why as a family, even with Hayley as non-cyclist, they've embraced the bike. Putting aside the obvious physiological benefits of exercise, the release of endorphins, vitamin D and general health benefits of being active, Luke talks profoundly about a more significant side of cycling. How riding with your mates can lead to more important conversations; break down barriers. On a bike, the fear of offending someone can be replaced with the opportunity to lighten the burden by simply sharing. And maybe even help change what it is they are searching for.

As women in our community who have been involved with and are passionate about the Man Ride, we asked friends of the family Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani to have an open discussion about digital detoxing. In a day and age where social media and communication has increasingly become an overburdening distraction, and, as recreational athletes, we put our physical health above all else, the women ask: ’Is it time to prioritise our mental wellbeing with the same level of investment we lend to social media and staying fit?’.

In this month's episode, we talk all things off-road with Briony Mattocks and Ella Bloor from our Specialized Women’s Racing team. This podcast is definitely pro tree-hugger friendly. Briony even talks about being at one with nature (no, not that kind). But the wallaby dodging, native-bird spotting, mud-splattering kind. In fact, both women eulogise about the freedom of off-road. "As soon as you are off-road all those nagging, unwritten cycling rules just disappear and you feel so free. Cycling becomes a relaxing pursuit," remarks Ella. Just as long as you wear black socks that is. We have all learned that lesson the hard way. As well as sock tips, Ella also coerces Briony into sharing her favourite off-road adventures – local and overseas. Make sure you have your pen and paper ready, there are some must does in there.

In the latest episode of the WMN Podcast, we sat down with Australian professional cyclist, Jessica Allan. It’s still a novelty to be able to have a coffee together, face to face, now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased here in Spain, the country Jess now calls home. Jess has moved through life with determination. Making her way to the pinnacle of professional female cycling has had its challenges. And once she got there, settling into a new life, in a new county, making new friends and learning a new language (her third to be exact) continues to challenge. But the Mitchelton-SCOTT rider believes this has helped her become the resilient, positive and proactive woman she is today. Making every decision based on what will make her happy, including staying in Spain during COVID-19 instead of heading back to Australia with her Aussie teammates. Because as Jess says “if you make decision-based on your happiness, you will achieve”. If you would like to get in touch with Jess and find out more about her coaching and her methods, contact her via instagram - @jessallen1993

In today's podcast we listen in as two Specialized Women’s Racing teammates Ella Bloor from Canberra and Matilda Raynolds of Melbourne have a chat over the phone about life as they know it right now. Less racing and more home time has allowed both these women to find other passions, as well as reinvent themselves (and their avatars) in the virtual peloton.  We even go behind the scenes as Matilda gives drops some live commentary while competing in the first virtual race of the National Road Series – a 35km Crit. If you know 'Tils', you’ll know we worked hard to keep this part of the podcast PG-rated! Fingers crossed we succeeded.

In our current reality of social distancing, it’s important to find ways to maintain our social connections, something we normally get a good dose of by simply riding our bike with friends. As Covid-19 begins to have a greater impact on Australia, this is the position Bridget Slocum and Faz Zamani, Black Sheep WMN Ambassadors, find themselves in right now. They caught up for a wine, from a distance, to share how Face'wining' and Zwifting is keeping them connected and healthy both in body and mind. You too can meet up and stay connected with Bridget and Faz along with the rest of our community every Friday on Zwift as we host the Black Friday Bunchie 6.30am AEST.

Coffee Ride is a new Love Women's Cycling Podcast mini series brought to you by Black Sheep. It’s our way of staying connected with you on a more regular basis with bite size chunks, perfect for your mid-morning brew break. We're kicking off this new series with an interview with Gemma Sampson, an Advanced Sports Dietician to elite and amateur endurance athletes. In a climate where immunity and disease are a hot topic, Gemma gives us her hot tips on how to fuel for better health and performance.

Fourteen Paralympic Golds, 38 world titles and 76 new world records. And now, at 42, Tokyo will be her first Paralympics as a mother of two. Dame Sarah Storey is the most successful female British Paralympian of all time and more importantly, mother to two gorgeous little people – Louisa and Charlie Storey. Sarah credits her biggest achievement in sport to being able to come back after two pregnancies, securing two titles at the UCI 2018 Para-Cycling Road World Championships just 10 months after giving birth to her second child Charlie. Proving it is possible to juggle motherhood with a comeback to elite level cycling.  Sarah is also a strong advocate for women in sport. She is currently working with SKODA Cycling Academy on their This Is Our Time campaign to try to highlight gender inequalities. She believes in leading by example and hopes her experience as an athlete and mother can help pave the way for the next generation of women.

Specialized and Black Sheep will once again join forces in support of Specialized Women's Racing for 2020. As the team moves into its eighth year of racing, their vision, winning spirit and companionship remain stronger than ever. During the team launch in December, we spoke with the riders to get a sense of how sport has made them the athlete and individual they are today.

In today's episode I met up with three successful women, with three different passions, that all call Girona, Spain home. Sport is what connects Kat Stene, Gemma Sampson and Laura Siddall together and with its growing athlete population, Girona has an increased need for professional infrastructure to support its athlete population. We spoke about a variety of topics from fuelling during training to pelvic function and stability.  If you live in Girona, or find yourself passing through and would like to get in touch, you’ll find all our details below as well as some helpful resources.   Kat Steen | Australian Sport Physiotherapist | Instagram @forca_13 | Website https://forca13.com/  Gemma Sampson | Advanced Sports Dietician | Instagram @gemmasampsonnutrition | Website https://dietitianwithoutborders.com/  Laura Siddall | British Profesional Triathlete | Instagram @lmsid  Nicole Moerig | Yogeur & Pilates Practitioner | Instagram @yogeur.co | Website yogeur.co

From the men’s pro peloton to the women’s, British-born photographer Jojo Harper has made her mark in the photography and cycling arena, two industries dominated heavily by males. A softly spoken, quick-witted young woman, with a great eye and an even greater heart, Jojo spoke about her experiences in the professional peloton. The differences between shooting male and female professional cyclists, and what it’s like being apart of an ever-evolving women’s cycling scene. She also tells us how truly embedding yourself within a team can allow you to create a connection with its athletes – it comes with distinct advantages, and too, can cause its own distractions.

In Episode 5, we caught up with Lauretta Hanson from the newly established Women’s WorldTour team – Trek-Segafredo. A little nervous but full of enthusiasm, the WMN Podcast had a humble and genuine conversation with this 24-year-old Australian. With a passion for travel and having discovered a sheer enjoyment for cycling aged eight, Lauretta has forged her way to the top of the sport through patience, hard work and always finding a place to call home. We spoke about how Trek-Segafredo are making important steps to improve the professionalism of women's cycling and how the team has found new ways to support its riders. Still in the early days of her career, and already the first women's Melbourne to Warrnambool winner, this wise-beyond-her-years-women has the world at her doorstep.

For most in the cycling world, Katey Bates is a household name. A phenomenal athlete both on the track and on the road and all an inspiring women who, even after being forced off the bike at the pinnacle of her career, continues to strive for success in the male-dominated industry of cycling. A likeable and inspiring mother of two young girls, Katey spoke to Nicole Moerig about what she felt led to her many successes in her career. The importance of role models for girls and women of all ages. And the value women bring to the sport of cycling. If you would like to connect with Katey, and get along to one of her breakfast or skills workshops follow @chickswhoridebikes on Instagram or Facebook.

We change pace on the Love Women's Cycling Podcast this month. Stepping away from the business of being a female cyclist and asking what it means when the bike becomes a cultural symbol. To explore the subject, we caught up with Farinaz Zamani, an avid cyclist with a passion for women's rights. Faz grew up in Iran and moved to Australia with her family in her early teens. She now lives in Melbourne and is currently studying for her PHD in Human's Rights Law at Monash University. We spoke about the wonders of Iran and its cultural values. We also delved into the impact culture can have on access to sports such as cycling. And more importantly how cycling is being used as a vehicle for change.

Join Nicole Moerig as she caught up with Ashlee Ankudinoff and Amy Cure before their incredible success at the 2019 Track World Championship in Poland. Ash and Amy are teammates both on the road, racing for Specialized Women’s Racing, and on the velodrome, as part of the Australian Track team in pursuit of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. With a wealth of experience between them, we spoke about women supporting women, and the importance of uniting as a team both to achieve success and ensure a happy working environment. We also delved into the value of government-funded development programs in Australian cycling and spoke about the lessons they have learned along the way.