The Bike Show Podcast

Rough Stuff in the North York Moors

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:42:53 +0000

A ride report from the time before coronavirus. Jack heads into the wild uplands of the North York Moors on an audax event organised by Dean Clementson and hosted by Mike Metcalfe. “Don’t Keep to the Road” promises gravel tracks, … Continue reading →

From Usk to Wye with Dr Ian Walker

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 28 Mar 2020 09:49:57 +0000

Jack goes for a ride with Dr Ian Walker, an environmental psychologist from the University of Bath and long-distance bike racer. Ian found global fame about fifteen years ago with an experiment he did to measure how close he was … Continue reading →

A life in cycling with Isla Rowntree

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 13 May 2019 12:15:52 +0000

As a bike racer Isla Rowntree took on almost every discipline in cycling, rode professionally for the Raleigh MTB team and won the British national championships in cyclocross on multiple occasions. But it is as a bike designer and entrepreneur that she's made the biggest impact, transforming the market for children’s bikes. The high quality kids bikes she designs have given a generation of children the best possible start to a life of cycling. Jack visits Islabikes HQ just outside Ludlow, Shropshire to find out about how Isla got into cycling, how she got where she is now, and where she's going in the future. Bonus material available at http://thebikeshow.net/isla-rowntree Continue reading →

So you want to go cycling in… WW1 battlefields?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 15:40:59 +0000

Tom Isitt has spent the past few years cycling around the battlefields of the first world war. He talks about his experiences on the Western Front and the mountainous border between Italy, Austria and Slovenia and tells the story of the extraordinary bike race that was held in spring 1919 across the devastated lands of Northern France and Belgium. The Rough Stuff Fellowship is the oldest off road cycling club in the world and club archivist Mark Hudson talks about unearthing a photographic treasure trove of inspirational adventure cycling from the 1950s to the present day. Continue reading →

This Is Not A Tour

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 10:52:15 +0000

Jack takes on his longest ever ride, as part of a weekend of audax events in memory and celebration of the late, great Mike Hall. Mike was the leading light in the current revival of self-supported long distance bike racing, twice winner of the Tour Divide, winner of the TransAm Bike Race and founder and organiser of the pan-European Transcontinental Race. In March 2017 Mike was killed by a driver while competing in a bike race across Australia Continue reading →

Cycletouring the Tour de France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 22:37:29 +0000

This year’s Tour de France starts on the island of Noirmoutier, on the Atlantic coast of western France. Jack rides the route of Stage one, in a touring style, taking in the rich landscape of sand dunes, beaches, tidal lagoons and salt marsh and sampling the gastronomic delights of the region. Continue reading →

Preston by Bike with Gavin Renshaw

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:34:08 +0000

Jack goes to Preston, Lancashire to ride with artist Gavin Renshaw. They ride out on some of the City of Preston’s bicycle infrastructure before heading for the wild uplands of the Forest of Bowland. Along the way they talk about … Continue reading →

When Podcasts Collide

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 13:07:20 +0000

Find out what happens when The Bike Show collides with its hipper and funnier younger sister the Wheelsuckers podcast, presented by Alex Davis from Look Mum No Hands! and Jenni Gwiazdowski from London Bike Kitchen. And hear frame-builder and cycle … Continue reading →

Higher, Faster, Rougher, Wilder with Max Leonard

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 11:42:52 +0000

The return of The Bike Show sees Jack chewing the fat with Max Leonard, author of Higher Calling: Road Cycling’s Obsession with the Mountains. They talk a lot about climbing, about the evolution of cycling towards exploring and traveling to new places, about cycling in France, and about Max’s Kickstarter project to republish a long-lost cycling guide to the off-road paths and gravel tracks of the Alps. Continue reading →

Can Cycling Save the World? with The Guardian’s Peter Walker

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:23:51 +0000

Peter Walker is a political reporter at the Guardian newspaper. He set up the Guardian's bike blog and his new book puts the case for a healthier, safer and more people-friendly nation. In short, a Bike Nation. In conversation with Jack Thurston, Peter talks about his past life as bike messenger, how his views on cycling have evolved and why he believes now is a critical tipping point in Britain's long and chequered history of cycling. Continue reading →

200 Years of Cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:45:40 +0000

This year marks 200 years since Karl Drais invented a two wheeled 'running machine'. Since then all sorts of people have ridden all sorts of bicycles for all sorts of reasons. Looking back at two centuries of cycling and cyclists is Dr Michael Hutchinson, former professional bike racer and author of several books about cycling. His latest is "Re:Cyclists - 200 years on two wheels" is an engaging and affectionate look back at the cyclists of the past two hundred years and has just been published by Bloomsbury. Continue reading →

The Indian Pacific Wheel Race: Overlanders of the 21st Century

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 00:03:49 +0000

The Indian Pacific Wheel Race is a gruelling 5,500 km coast-to-coast bicycle race across Australia. The race features the two leading long distance bike racers in the world as well as dozens of other cyclists determined to push themselves to the very limits of physical and mental endurance. Jack is joined by Australian cycling journalist Craig Fry and long distance cycling expert Chris White to discuss what it takes to win the race, or even to get to the finishing line in Sydney, plus the long history of overlanding in Australia and the possibilities of making the journey in a more leisurely cycle touring style. Continue reading →

Under Monmouthshire Skies: Riding with Mike Parker

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 12:24:29 +0000

Mike Parker is the author of the best-selling Map Addict, an affectionate history of Ordnance Survey maps and the people who can’t get enough of their beautiful maps. He’s an accomplished guidebook writer, a former stand up comedian and has presented TV and radio programmes about Wales, his adopted homeland. In 2015 he stood for Parliament for Plaid Cymru, the party of Wales and has written a book, the Greasy Poll, about the experience. We go for a spin from Castle Meadows in Abergavenny, as it hosted the National Eisteddfod, a huge annual festival of Welsh language, culture, music and song. Continue reading →

Chris Boardman: A Life in Cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 22:53:34 +0000

Chris Boardman has done it all. Born into a cycling family he became a domestic time trial demon and won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1992. He set world records for the Hour on the track and raced on the continent as a professional, wearing the yellow jersey in the Tour de France. His R&D team helped British Cycling to world domination on the track and he founded Boardman Bikes, now the best selling brand of bikes in Britain. He has thrown himself into campaigning for everyday cycling with passion and is one of the most effective advocates for cycling, whether in the media or lobbying politicians. He has just written a new biography and is in conversation with the author Rob Penn, in front of a live audience in Monmouth, organised by Rossiter Books. Continue reading →

What Goes Around

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 22:41:55 +0000

Jack Thurston heads to mid-Wales to meet Emily Chappell, former London bike messenger turned author turned ultra endurance racer. Plus the social enterprise that's finding a new use for the Royal Mail's unwanted fleet of postal bikes, as Elephant Bikes. Continue reading →

From Peace Race to Tour de France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 14:15:12 +0000

In a recording of a live event held as part of the CycleScreen bicycle film festival at the Watershed Cinema in Bristol, Jack Thurston talks with author Herbie Sykes about his highly acclaimed book The Race Against the Stasi. It’s … Continue reading →

Adventures in Bikepacking

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:40:49 +0000

Is bikepacking the most exciting new thing in cycling since the invention of the mountain bike or a much needed rebranding of the venerable pastime of cycle touring? Or is just another cynical ruse to get us to buy more stuff, an attempt to commercialise that wonderful thing called adventure. Jack heads to mid-Wales for the Bear Bones Winter Event to find out, and meets up with Beth Barrington of WildCat Gear to hear about the homespun beginnings of a small company that makes some of the best bikepacking gear available. Continue reading →

Ain’t Nuthin’ but a G Thang: Geraint Thomas’s World of Cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:13:09 +0000

In a live event Jack Thurston talks to double Olympic gold medallist and top Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas about his life in cycling as told in his new book The World of Cycling According to G. Continue reading →

Cycle Revolution at London’s Design Museum

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 23:48:10 +0000

Tim Dawson has the lowdown on a major new exhibition of bicycles at London's Design Museum, including cargo bikes, city bikes and the bikes used by Merckx, Moser and Wiggins to break the Hour Record. He speaks with the shows curator Donna Loveday and consider the show's strengths and weaknesses. Tim and host Jack Thurston then wonder if it's right and proper to fall in love with a bicycle and discuss other great cycle collections in the UK and overseas. Continue reading →

Really Useful Bikes at the Bespoked Handmade Bicycle Show

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 11:03:28 +0000

Bespoked, the UK's Handmade Bicycle Show is Britain's biggest annual showcase for custom bike builders. It's full to the rafters of beautiful bikes but Jack Thurston went in search of the most useful bikes at the show, from an off-road porteur to a separable road bike to a childback tandem in titanium. Continue reading →

Tour de France: Rest Day Review with Simon Warren

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 00:30:44 +0000

It’s the end of the second week of this year’s Tour de France, just time for us – and the riders – to catch our breaths before the final week and the showdown in the Alps. Joining Jack Thurston for … Continue reading →

Tour de France: Rest Day Review with Edward Pickering

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 07:21:17 +0000

After eight varied and exciting days of bike racing, the riders in the Tour de France take a well-earned rest day. Cycling journalist and author Edward Pickering has been following the race and is on hand to review the first … Continue reading →

Tour de France preview with Guy Andrews

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 14:46:03 +0000

With just a few days until the start of the 2015 Tour de France, cycling author, journalist and photographer Guy Andrews joins Jack Thurston to look forward to one of the most eagerly anticipated grand tours in decades. With four … Continue reading →

Put Me Back On The Trike

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 17:00:37 +0000

Three months and 17,000 miles into his attempt to break the longest-standing record in cycling, Steve Abraham suffered a road crash with a moped, leaving him with two broken bones in his ankle. We hear more from Steve as well as from some of his many well-wishers. Continue reading →

Bike Boom? What Bike Boom?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 15:10:58 +0000

Bike sales are up, cycling is all over newspapers and magazines. We in Britain are in the middle of a bonafide bike boom. So says veteran cycling journalist Carlton Reid, who's writing a book about the bike boom, that's called, imaginatively, "Bike Boom". But fellow long-in-the-tooth cycling journalist John Stevenson of Road.CC disagrees. Cycling in Britain is far from booming, it's flat-lining. The pair lock horns on air, joining host Jack Thurston to debate the bike boom. Continue reading →

How to Ride Your Bike Faster

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 23:01:44 +0000

With the recent reawakening of interest in the Hour Record, host Jack Thurston is joined by Michael Hutchinson, a professional bike racer who has dominated the UK time trialling scene for more than a decade, setting national records for distances from 10 miles to 100 miles. He's also an accomplished writer and his latest book Faster: The Obsession, Science and Luck Behind the World's Fastest Cyclists documents with forensic detail and wry humour his career-long quest to ride his bicycle very, very fast. Jack and Michael also reveal the Listeners' Hour Challenge. Continue reading →

A Year on Two Wheels

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 00:02:48 +0000

It's the toughest and longest standing record in cycling. Only a handful of people have attempted to break the record Tommy Godwin set in 1939 for the greatest distance ridden on a bike in one year. But this year two extraordinary cyclists are having a crack at it. In an in-depth interview with British long distance legend Steve Abraham, who is already almost six weeks into his record attempt, Jack Thurston finds out what kind of person takes on the challenge of riding an average of 205 miles for 365 days in a row. Author Dave Barter is on hand to put the year record in historical and sporting context. Continue reading →

The Politics of Adventure

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 07 Feb 2015 16:47:44 +0000

Jack Thurston’s guest this week is self-confessed angry young man, Julian Sayarer, who, five years ago, set a new record for cycling around the world. Having taken a strong dislike to Mark Beaumont, the previous record-holder, whose record attempt was backed by big business and, according to Sayarer, represented everything that was wrong with the world. He wanted to beat Beaumont and take the record back ‘for the people’. They meet on on the banks of the River Wye a few miles downstream from the city of Hereford. Julian Sayarer’s book Life Cycles is published by John Blake and available in paperback and on the Kindle. Continue reading →

The Near Miss Project

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:41:45 +0000

Statistics tell us that for the same distance travelled you're more likely to come to physical harm on a bike than on most other modes of transport. But even so, crashes are quite rare. Much more common yet much less studied and understood, are the almost crashes, the near misses, that are so much a part of the experience of cycling in Britain. The Near Miss Project is an academic-led study that seeks to find out more about the experience of near misses. Joining host Jack Thurston to look more deeply at near misses and perceptions of road safety among cyclists are Dr Rachel Aldred, of University of Westminster, Dr Kat Jungnickel of Goldsmiths College and John Dales, a leading UK traffic engineer and transport planner. Continue reading →

Christmas Books Special

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 23:13:35 +0000

Jack Thurston is joined by a galaxy of stars from the world of cycling literature to pick over the cream of this year's crop of bike books. Nominating their cycling book of the year are Feargal McKay, Ned Boulting, Herbie Sykes, Daniel Friebe, Tom Southam, Richard Moore, Max Leonard and Emma O'Reilly. Guy Andrews, founding editor of Rouleur magazine, is on hand with his crystal ball to look at what cycling books we might expect in 2015 and years to come. Continue reading →

Come the E-Bike Revolution?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:10:22 +0000

Electric bikes are a rapidly growing area of the bicycle industry, offering the promise of effortless two-wheeled travel. Professor Mark Miodownik of University College London tests a Smart E-bike (pictured, above) as part of an in-depth look at e-bike technologies, … Continue reading →

Severn Serenade

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 22:57:29 +0000

Jack rides with singer-songwriter and cycle-tourist Jet McDonald, setting out from Bristol on a summer evening, riding along the banks of the River Avon, through the industrial landscape of Avonmouth to the banks of the River Severn and beyond. Continue reading →

Rapha at 10 and L’Eroica comes to Britain

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 22:50:47 +0000

The Bike Show and the cycle clothing company Rapha share a birthday, and while The Bike Show keeps on keeping on, Rapha has grown into a global brand and is toasting its success on the Champs-Élysées as suppliers of clothing to the Sky Pro Cycling Team. Jack checks in with Laura Bower and James Fairbank at Rapha to talk about Chris Froome's fishnets and what the company is doing to encourage more women to ride bikes. Summer is festival time and Jack chews over the Rapha Tempest and the Eroica Britannia with Howard Smith, author of The Jersey Pocket cycling blog. Continue reading →

Rolling with Klaus

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 11:41:56 +0000

Klaus Bondam, Director of the Danish Cyclists Federation and former deputy mayor in charge of cycling in Copenhagen rides with 'Buffalo' Bill Chidley to the Hackney Cycling Conference. En route they try to find out how London's roads compare with cycling cities like Copenhagen. Then Bill joins Kieron Yates and Jack Thurston to discuss what happened at the conference, and where things are with the Mayor of London's much heralded cycling revolution. Continue reading →

Woods and Wildflowers

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 22:44:48 +0000

Enjoying nature has always been one of the pleasures of cycling. This week we hear from two organisations working to protect and improve Britain's natural places. Andy Byfield of the charity Plantlife explains his charity's new campaign about road verges while Garfield Kennedy of the Woodland Trust, which manages hundreds of woods and forests across the country, explains why mountain-bikers and other cyclists are welcome in their woods. Continue reading →

Taking the Long View of the Giro d’Italia

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 14 May 2014 22:48:32 +0000

In the opening week of the Giro d'Italia, or Tour of Italy, Feargal McKay joins Jack Thurston to cast a historian's view over the race, looking into its origins, its rivalry with the Tour de France and where the race is heading in the years to come. Continue reading →

Space for Cycling: The Big Campaign

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sun, 11 May 2014 22:43:24 +0000

In what may well be the biggest electoral campaign ever mounted by a cycle campaign group in Britain, Space for Cycling makes a very clear series of demands on candidates for local councils. To talk about Space for Cyclingand about the changing landscape of cycle campaigning is Ashok Sinha, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign. Continue reading →

Cycling and the Countryside

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 22:10:19 +0000

Cycling in the countryside can be an unparalleled joy. But too often fast, hostile roads and make it worse than cycling in Britain’s urban streets. What’s gone wrong? And more importantly, what can be done about it? Ralph Smyth, transport campaigner at the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, explains what the problems are and what his organisation is doing to improve conditions for cycling in the countryside. Continue reading →

Lance Armstrong: My Part in His Downfall

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 11:00:29 +0000

New York Times reporter Juliet Macur has covered the Lance Armstrong doping story for almost a decade. Her bestselling new book Cycle of Lies, reveals how he won a record seven Tour de France victories and how the truth about his team's doping finally came out. We discuss whether cycling is cleaning up its act and the risks of sports journalists becoming over-invested in the success of the stars they report on. Continue reading →

Spring Season Opener: Iron Horse, Steel Condor

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 23:15:44 +0000

Mary Erskine of the band Me for Queen talks about their forthcoming album 'Iron Horse', inspired by cycling. And Grant Young, MD of London's Condor Cycles explains why steel bikes are selling like hotcakes, and how the London firm is helping breathe new life into the Italian bicycle manufacturing scene. Continue reading →

Resofund Special Show

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 00:45:01 +0000

Resonance FM needs your help to stay on air. Anyone who donates £2 or more to the station will receive a special edition of The Bike Show "A Night on a Bare Mountain". Continue reading →

The Healing Machine

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 22:00:35 +0000

What makes a 40-year-old man take up bike racing? Jack Thurston talks with Bill Strickland, American cycling journalist, author of a clutch of cycling books including a memoir, Ten Points, which tells of how his quest to make a mark on his local amateur bike racing scene helped him come to terms with his own inner demons caused by the torture he suffered as a child at the hands of an abusive father. Bill also talks about the fallout from the disgrace of Lance Armstrong, the state of doping in today's pro peloton and his #CapsNotHats campaign. Plus Jon Spencer tells of his journey to become a Super Randonneur. Continue reading →

Campaigning for Cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 00:31:55 +0000

In the middle of possibly the worst week for cycling fatalities in London Mike Cavenett of the London Cycling Campaign talks about what his organisation is doing to change things in the city and how an effective cycling campaign requires a single, simple message clearly and imaginatively presented, mass mobilisation and relentless pressure on political decision-makers Continue reading →

High Tech and High Stakes in the Bicycle Boom

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 20:29:15 +0000

Hub gear manufacturer Sturmey Archer sits in the pantheon of iconic bicycle brands, most famous for its hugely popular three speed hub gears. Tony Hadland tells the intriguing story of the invention of the hub gear, a story of gifted … Continue reading →

Going the Distance

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 17:58:04 +0000

For many cyclists, breaking through the 100 mile barrier opens up a whole new world of long distance cycling. Kieron Yates, a two time finisher of 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris, joins Jack Thurston to talk about the allure of going the distance, with advice from a handful of members of the global randonneuring scene. Continue reading →

High on a Mountain Top

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 16:28:47 +0000

Since the very earliest years of the bicycle, adventurous cyclists have been unable to resist the allure of the mountains - the challenge of riding up and the thrill of freewheeling down the other side. Mountains are also the crucible of many of the most dramatic moments in professional bike racing. Daniel Friebe and Pete Goding, the authors of 'Mountain Higher: Europe's Extreme, Undiscovered and Unforgettable Cycle Climbs' join host Jack Thurston to talk about the quest for ever more exhilarating climbs and breathtakingly beautiful places. In a podcast-only extra, Bill Chidley reports back from the Annual General Meeting of the London Cycling Campaign, where important details of the Space 4 Cycling campaign were agreed. Continue reading →

A Ride in Border Country

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 11:49:16 +0000

In the last show of the summer season, Jack goes for a leisurely spin around the Welsh borders with local cyclist Owen Davies as his guide, from Abergavenny to Monmouth and back, past Raglan Castle, Rockfield recording studios and the unlikely Welsh residence of the notorious Nazi politician Rudolf Hess. Continue reading →

C’est Magnifique! C’est le Tour de France!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 14:42:15 +0000

This year's Tour de France was the hundredth edition of the world's biggest and best bicycle race - and it proved to be a race to remember. Jack Thurston talks with 'Buffalo' Bill Chidley about three weeks of outstanding bike racing. Next year the Tour will begin in Yorkshire and cycling journalist Peter Cossins is already excited about the race passing right by his house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Continue reading →

Boardman versus Obree

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 23:27:34 +0000

The sporting rivalry between Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree is among the greatest in history, on a par with Ovett and Coe, Borg and McEnroe or Ali and Frazier. Twenty years on from their record-breaking exploits, Jack Thurston and Edward … Continue reading →

Uphill State of Mind

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 18:45:50 +0000

Cyclists have a strange fascination with riding up hills and it's definitely a pleasure/pain thing. Jack goes in search of the hill climb junkies, first at the Catford Hill Climb on Kent's North Downs, the oldest continuously held bicycle race in the world, and then to Abergavenny where a new course has revived the local cycling club's flagging hill climb event. Continue reading →

How Britain Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Bike Racing

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 20:05:11 +0000

In the first show of the new season, Jack takes a leisurely ride in the Welsh Borders with Ned Boulting, one of the faces of ITV's coverage of the Tour de France. They discuss Ned's new book "On the Road Bike: the Search for a Nation's Cycling Soul", an engaging and ideosyncratic history of British bike racing. Continue reading →

Podcast special: Reading Le Tour de France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 21:27:11 +0000

It's just a few days until the start of the hundredth edition of the world’s greatest bike race, the Tour de France. Book publishers have taken this historic milestone as their cue to commission and produce an enormous quantity of books about the race, its history and legend. To help sort the wheat from the chaff is Feargal McKay, a man who’s read more books about professional bike racing than there are hairpin bends in the Pyrenees. As the resident book reviewer at the Podium Cafe website, Feargal Mckay has built a reputation for outstanding book reviews that are both thorough and thought provoking. Continue reading →

Soon We’ll Be Wheelbuilding

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:08:28 +0000

The spoked wheel is the unsung hero of the bicycle. Jack Thurston embarks on a journey of discovery, to understand how a bicycle wheel works with the help of engineer and materials scientist Professor Mark Miodownik, and then tries to learn how to build one, taking a class at London's Cycle Systems Academy. Continue reading →

Eileen Sheridan: The Mighty Atom

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:41:31 +0000

Land's End to John O'Groats is a classic cycle touring route. But it was also the blue riband distance among the long distance record-breaking heyday of the 1930s to the 1960s. In 1954 Eileen Sheridan, a diminutive cyclist from Coventry sponsored by the huge Hercules Bicycle Company, set a new record that stood for decades. Now 89, Eileen recounts a truly epic journey and tells the story of how she became one of the best-known, and best-paid, cyclists in Britain. Continue reading →

What It Really Means to Go Dutch

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 02 May 2013 09:52:41 +0000

To many UK cycling campaigners, David Hembrow is a Moses-type figure, handing down tablets of smooth, car-free red asphalt from the streets of Assen in the Netherlands where he lives and writes the blog A View from the Cycle Path. He's also a controversial figure, arguing that separation of cars and bikes is essential for mass cycling and that many UK campaigners are either on the wrong track or suffering from hopelessly low expectations. In an extended interview David explains why he moved from England to the Netherlands in search of cycling nirvana and what the Dutch have got to teach the rest of the world when it comes to making cycling friendly towns and cities. Continue reading →

Live from the V&A: Bike V Design

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:28:02 +0000

Contemporary bike culture is blossoming into a mesmerising kaleidoscope of bicycle-related art, craft and graphic design. Small artisans are leading the way while big brands try to cash in on the action. Alice Marsh of Bike V Design leads a discussion recorded in front of a live audience at the Victoria and Albert Museum, bringing together a panel that includes Tom Donhou, a former product designer turned bicycle frame-builder, the founders of The Ride Journal and Boneshaker magazine and James Greig, a graphic designer and bike blogger. Continue reading →

A Bright New Dawn for Cycling in London?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:53:07 +0000

London Mayor Boris Johnson's new Vision for Cycling has won widespread praise for its ambition of making London streets more inviting for people on bikes, following the successes of cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Jack Thurston is joined by three cycling activists for a look at the details and to share their views on what really needs to be done to make London a safer and more pleasant place to ride a bike. Featuring Trevor Parsons, coordinator of Hackney Cyclists, blogger Mark Treasure and ex-London bike messenger Buffalo Bill Chidley Continue reading →

When Will We Stop Lorries Killing Cyclists?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:43:21 +0000

As another cyclist is killed by a lorry in central London, Jack Thurston asks whether it's time to take a harder line to make the city's streets safer. Featuring Cynthia Barlow of RoadPeace, former bike messenger Bill Chidley and Mike Cavenett of the London Cycling Campaign, which has recently proposed a new design for lorries working in London. Plus news of Jack's new book, Lost Lanes: 36 Glorious Bike Rides in Southern England. Continue reading →

Podcast special: Did Cycling Kill Kraftwerk?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:30:41 +0000

On the eve of Kraftwerk's eight night residency at the Tate Modern, Jack is joined by David Buckley, music writer and author of a new biography of the German electronic pop pioneers. Among the revelations in his book is evidence that a serious obsession with cycling contributed to the slowing of the band's musical output in the 1980s and, ultimately, the break-up of the group's classic line-up. Jack and David talk about Kraftwerk's journey from experimental music-making to the pinnacle of influence over pop, rock, hip-hop and dance music as well as their love affair with riding their bikes. Continue reading →

Happy Christmas from the Vulpine Christmas Fête

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:03:23 +0000

In a seasonal podcast special, Jack heads to Balham, Gateway to the South, for the Christmas Fête organised by Vulpine, the London-based cycle clothing company. Featuring The Ride Journal, Artcrank, Michaux Club, Pannier.cc, Marsh-Mallows Cycling Holidays, Fresh Tripe and Nick Hussey of Vulpine. Continue reading →

Podcast Special: The Gospel According to St Grant

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:25:26 +0000

Grant Petersen thinks most cyclists need to 'unrace themselves', that is to say, stop following what professional racing cyclists do. Instead we should all ride more comfortable bikes in more comfortable clothes and be more relaxed about the whole experience. He's written a book called Just Ride and, in an extended interview, he tells Jack Thurston exactly what he means. Grant Petersen is a highly regarded bicycle designer, formerly of Bridgestone USA and founder and owner of Rivendell Bicycle Works in northern California. Continue reading →

Across Africa by Bike (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:18:44 +0000

Pete Gostelow rode twenty thousand miles across Africa and passed through dozens of countries. In doing so he showed that the bicycle is the best way to travel. In this episode we continue our ride to Battersea Park and talk along the way about where he slept, what he ate, what his motivations were for making the journey and what it’s like to be back home after such a long trip. Pete also explains the inspiration he thinks ordinary cyclists can take from his long African adventure. Continue reading →

Across Africa by Bike (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:00:04 +0000

As November brings cold, dark cycling conditions to Britain, there's no better time to get out the maps and start dreaming up adventures for next year. How about 20,000 miles across Africa? That's a journey recently completed by Pete Gostelow. After crossing the Sahara, the Congo and the Namibian badlands, will Pete survive the mean streets of south London in a rolling interview? This is the first of a two-part feature. Continue reading →

Raleigh Recall

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:33:22 +0000

In the third and final instalment of the Raleigh mini-season, listeners to The Bike Show share their recollections of Raleigh bicycles they have loved - and loathed. Jack Thurston is joined by broadcaster and artist Ruby Wright and London man-about-town and Raleigh Twenty owner Jean-Marie Orhan. In a podcast-only bonus feature, Tony Hadland shares his thoughts on restoring old, neglected Raleigh bicycles. Apologies to 'Fun Run' Robbie who is of course not 'Fun Boy' Robbie at all (or maybe he is?!) and yes, the town of Hawick in the Scottish Borders is pronounced like this. Continue reading →

Raleigh (part two): The Fall

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:08:28 +0000

In the second of a two-part feature on the Raleigh Bicycle Company, historian Tony Hadland and Jack Thurston look at Raleigh's post-war success as the world's biggest bicycle manufacturing company and its long decline to a point where it was sold off to overseas investors and abandoned manufacturing in its home town of Nottingham. The Raleigh name lives on as a brand owned by Accell, a larger Dutch company. Continue reading →

Raleigh (part one): The Rise

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:54:09 +0000

In the first of a two-part feature on the Raleigh Bicycle Company, historian Tony Hadland and Jack Thurston chart the rise of the company from a small backstreet workshop in Nottingham in the mid-1880s to the mid-1950s when it was seemingly unassailable as the world's biggest bicycle manufacturer. Tony Hadland is the author of Raleigh: Past and Presence of an Iconic Bicycle Brand. Continue reading →

Spilling the Beans

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 21:16:29 +0000

Nick Larsen is founder and creative director at Charge Bikes of Frome in the west of England. Charge is a fairly new company, remarkable for many things and not least the fact that all its products are named after something you would normally find in the kitchen. There’s the Juicer (a road bike), the Spoon (a saddle), the Bowl (a pair of handlebars) and of course The Plug, a simple single speed bicycle that launched the company into the big time a few years ago. Nick talks candidly about the bike industry, his own motivations and inspirations, where future trends are coming from and the potential of the exciting new technology of ‘3D printing’. This conversation was recorded live at last month’s Bike V Design night at the Design Museum. Continue reading →

Bicycle Polo, Cosmic-style

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:58:58 +0000

Bicycle polo has been played for more than a century but the ‘hard court’ variety is a relatively new, urban development. Todd, Mat and Rupert of London’s Cosmic Bike Polo team (pictured, above) explain how the sport came about, how … Continue reading →

Podcast special: Lionel Birnie’s People’s Grand Tour

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:55:02 +0000

On the eve of the summer edition of the People's Grand Tour, Jack goes for a spin around the back lanes of rural Hertfordshire with cycling journalist Lionel Birnie, a regular guest on The Bike Show, who writes about professional bike racing for the Sunday Times and Cycle Sport magazine. The People's Grand Tour is open to anyone willing to commit to riding at least ten days over a 23 day period, starting this Saturday 11 August. It's free to enter and a great way of increasing the amount of riding you're doing. Continue reading →

Live from Belgium House

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:36:09 +0000

In a live broadcast from Belgium House, a temporary Olympic Village and 'cycling paradise' in London's Middle Temple, Jack finds out about Flandrien cycling culture from Rik Vanwalleghem, director of the Tour of Flanders centre in Belgium. At the launch of the Rapha Cycle Club in Soho, Rapha founder Simon Mottram reflects on the eight years since the company was launched in 2004. London cyclist Nick Hussey of the recently launched Vulpine clothing brand talks about designing and making top quality, stylish apparel for the discerning cyclist. And Resonance FM engineer Chris Dixon rides up a virtual Koppenberg. Continue reading →

Taking the Long View of The Tour de France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:27:28 +0000

This year's Tour de France is the 99th edition of a bicycle race that is rich in meaning and symbolism for the French nation. Christopher Thompson is professor of history at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and author of a widely acclaimed cultural history of the Tour de France. He discusses how the race came about in an era of rising nationalism and how the route itself was loaded with political meaning. Professor Thompson argues the race projected carefully constructed role models and entrenched traditional gender archetypes. More recently, controversies over doping in cycle sport can be linked to concerns about recreational drug use in wider society. Continue reading →

How Ned Boulting Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Tour de France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 04:19:00 +0000

It's July, that means it's the Tour de France. Jack Thurston talks with Ned Boulting, a sports reporter who has been covering the Tour for ITV since 2003. He talks about the rise in popularity of cycle sport and everyday cycling over the past decade and the high jinks he's got up to while covering the last nine Tours de France Ned's book, How I Won the Yellow Jumper, is out now, published by Yellow Jersey Press. Continue reading →

Stephen Roche, twenty five years later

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 10:43:15 +0000

1987 was an annus mirabilis for Stephen Roche, one of a wave of world class Irish athletes that rose to fame that decade. He won the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championship road race. The only other rider to have accomplished this feat, know as the 'triple crown', is Eddy Merckx. Roche has a new book out called 'Born To Ride' and talks about his life in cycling, winning the triple crown, as well as his thoughts on today's peloton, the scourge of doping and his own implication in an EPO doping conspiracy. His new autobiography, Born to Ride, is out now, published by Yellow Jersey Press. Continue reading →

To Coventry: Birthplace of the Bicycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:59:53 +0000

Coventry has a very good claim to be the birthplace of the modern bicycle, the "Rover Safety" invented in the 1880s by John Kemp Starley, one of the city's many bicycle makers. Someone very happy to make that claim is Steve Bagley, Head of Collections at the Coventry Transport Museum. We go for a ride around the city and a trip back in time. Continue reading →

To Copenhagen, City of Cyclists

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:48:53 +0000

A trip to the Danish capital of Copenhagen, city of stylish cyclists, where Jack Thurston meets Mikael Colville-Andersen, the force behind Cycle Chic and Copenhagenize. We talk about how a single street photograph set him on a new path of bicycle advocacy, fashion and city planning consulting. And lots and lots of blogging. Continue reading →

A Century of Italian Cycle Sport

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 14 May 2012 23:41:56 +0000

At the start of the second week of this year's Giro d'Italia, we take the long view of cycle sport in Italy with John Foot, professor of modern Italian history at University College London. His book Pedalare! Pedalare! tells the fascinating story of how Italy fell in love with the bicycle and how cycle sport took a central role in national life. Continue reading →

Merckx, Merckx, Merckx

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:39:14 +0000

Cross Elvis Presley with Muhammad Ali, raise him in a grocery shop in post-war Belgium, put him on a bicycle and what do you get? The greatest cyclist of all time: Eddy Merckx. Cycling journalists Daniel Friebe and William Fotheringham have both treated us to new books about Eddy Merckx, the Cannibal, winner of 525 professional races, five Tours de France, five Giri d'Italia and countless Classics. He was world champion and broke the hour record. We talk about his career, his motivations and the challenges of telling the story of the greatest racing cyclist who ever lived. Continue reading →

Voting Bike at the London Mayoral Election

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:56:01 +0000

Bike blogger Mark Ames (ibikelondon.blogspot.com) joins Jack and Jen to talk about this week's elections for London Mayor. Is there a cycling vote? Which candidate is best? Views from blogger Danny Williams, journalist Sonia Purnell, Julian Sayerer of Londoners on Bikes and Mustafa Arif of the London Cycling Campaign Continue reading →

Burrows on the Bicycle (part two – laid back)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:28:13 +0000

In the concluding half of an extended interview with engineer and bicycle inventor Mike Burrows, we talk about Mike's biggest passion: laid back bicycles. He explains how these human powered vehicles came about and where he hopes they're going. Plus Simon Nurse discusses the possibility of a cycling equivalent of the London Marathon. Continue reading →

Burrows on the Bicycle (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:04:18 +0000

Mike Burrows is probably best known for his design of the Lotus 108 pursuit bike that Chris Boardman rode in the Barcelona Olympics, winning the first gold medal for a British cyclist in over 70 years. But Mike has made a huge contribution to pedal powered machines more widely. His compact road frame first developed for Giant is now a design standard and his designs have moved the world of laid back or recumbent bicycles on from the early, pioneering days in 1970s California. Burrows remains inventive, opinionated and passionate about bicycles. This is the first of a two part extended interview. Continue reading →

All the Young Dudes: The Revival of Bicycle Framebuilding in Britain

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:59:50 +0000

For a second year, the Bespoked show in Bristol has provided a platform for a new generation of British bicycle framebuilders to showcase their work. Featured in this episode: Paul Villiers, Tom Donhou, Ted James, Ricky Feather and Jonathan Paulus. In a podcast-only extra, cycle sport journalist Lionel Birnie gives his take on the spring classics thus far and a look ahead to this weekend's Paris Roubaix. Continue reading →

Summer’s here! Get on your bike and ride

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:48:00 +0000

With the start of British Summer Time we profile two upcoming mass rides: Velonotte London and the Edinburgh Pedal on Parliament. On the night of Saturday 23rd June, Sergey Nikitin's Velonotte (pictured in Rome, above) will come to London as part of the 2012 London Festival of Architecture. A night ride starting at St Paul's cathedral, traversing the East End to the Olympic Park and finishing with a live orchestra welcoming the dawn at the London Pleasure Gardens. The ride will feature a simultaneous broadcast on Resonance FM of soundscapes and Velonotte's expert guides including Peter Ackroyd, Ricky Burdett, David Adjaye, Sergey Romanyuk and Peter Murray. Continue reading →

Christian Wolmar on London’s Transport Choice

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:56:38 +0000

A rolling interview with Christian Wolmar, journalist, cyclist and Britain’s leading transport commentator. We ride from Tufnell Park to St Pancras and encounter a flood, demon drivers and Camden Council’s contraflow cycle track. Christian explains where it went wrong with … Continue reading →

How to get more women riding bikes

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:15:25 +0000

To mark International Women's Day, a discussion of women in cycling, from bygone days of the Rational Dress Society of the late Victorian era to Britain's twenty-first century successes in competition on the track and on the road. We ask why women are still three times less likely to ride bikes than men. Jen Kerrison and Jack Thurston are joined by Ann Kenrick, a trustee of the London Cycling Campaign and Natalie Justice of the Breeze Network at British Cycling. Continue reading →

On Two Wheels in France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:41:31 +0000

As governments around the world seek to improve conditions for cyclists, we take a look at France, a country synonymous with cycle sport but that has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to everyday cycling. From Paris, Kieron Yates talks about cycling in the French capital and the new measures being introduced by the national government to improve conditions for cycling. And Gregory Bossuyt tells of leaving Paris behind him and taking to his bicycle in search of a new life in a new town. Continue reading →

Raphaël Krafft: reportage on two wheels

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:48:18 +0000

is a radio journalist working for the French national broadcaster who for the past ten years has been finding his stories by bicycle. Krafft’s two wheeled reportage has taken him around Latin America, the Middle East, the French West Indies and on several occasions his own country, which he has toured during presidential election years, to find out what France really thinks. Kieron Yates visited Raphaël Krafft in Paris for this extended profile, which features audio material from his radio broadcasts. Continue reading →

Across Europe by Bike

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:24:32 +0000

Andrew Sykes tells of his six week summer journey from his home in Reading to the southern tip of Puglia, in Italy, along the Eurovelo 5 long-distance cycle route, and reads from Good Vibrations, the book he's written about the trip. Jen and Jack talk about the horror of the Waterloo bridge roundabout and the Mayor's plans to remake it (again). Finally, a tribute to Henry Warwick, a veteran London bicycle messenger who was killed in a crash with a coach while working earlier this month. Continue reading →

Londoners On Bikes…with Votes!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:52:44 +0000

In the studio with Stephen Taylor and Katherine Hibbert of Londoners On Bikes a new group of London cyclists who want to put cycling front and centre in the London Mayoral elections this May. Plus we hear about Ellie Carey, the 22 year old woman who was the 16th person to be killed while riding a bike on the streets of London last year. Her father talks about his family's loss. Jen Kerrison reports from the latest Bikes Alive protest - spiky or fluffy? Continue reading →

The Obree Way

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:36:15 +0000

Earlier this month, Graeme Obree was at Look Mum No Hands! for the London launch of The Obree Way, a training manual for cyclists. Obree is a two time individual pursuit world champion, has twice broken the world hour record … Continue reading →

Down at the London Bike Show

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:12:12 +0000

Jack goes down to the London Bike Show, an annual fair of bicycles and cycling paraphernalia. He eschews the latest electronic gear systems in search of novel products made by interesting people. The following products are featured on the show: … Continue reading →

The Lost Cyclist with David Herlihy

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:14:10 +0000

In 1892 a young accountant from t, USA, quit his job and set off to cycle solo around the world. Frank Lenz rode a Rover Safety Bicycle, a revolutionary new design that would soon consign the traditional high wheeler – … Continue reading →

Looking back at 2011 and ahead to 2012

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:03:54 +0000

Listeners write in with recollections of their favourite ride of 2011 and most exciting plans for riding in 2012. Plus clothing designer Amy Fleuriot tells of her new Cyclodelic boutique on Columbia Road and shows a few of the her … Continue reading →

Reading About Riding

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:36:22 +0000

A pre-Christmas books special is now a firmly entrenched tradition on The Bike Show. This year’s edition covers more literary ground than ever before. Amateur bicycle librarians Tim Dawson of The Sunday Times and Carlton Reid of Bike Hub join … Continue reading →

Another day for you and me in Carradice

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:29:26 +0000

Jack travels over the Yorkshire moors to Nelson, Lancashire to visit one of the oldest and most venerable companies in British cycling. Cotton mill worker Wilf Carradice began producing his indestructible canvas saddlebags in the 1930s and in 2011 sales … Continue reading →

Is riding a bike as easy as riding a bike?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:18:27 +0000

Jen Kerrison takes over the show for a week while Jack is away in Yorkshire, riding up hill and down dale. Jen asks if cycle training is necessary for adult cyclists. Or is riding a bike just like riding a … Continue reading →

Campaigning for a Civilised Cycling City

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:25:04 +0000

In the studio is Mustafa Arif, Chair of Campaigns at the 11,000 strong London Cycling Campaign. We look back at the weekend’s Tour Du Danger, a bicycle ride around ten of the most hazardous junctions for cyclists in London and … Continue reading →

Is London Air Killing Us?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:45:08 +0000

Some people say that air pollution in big cities like London is a public health emergency, contributing to 4,300 premature deaths a year. But nobody seems to talk about it. Is the Government doing anything to deal with it? Are … Continue reading →

Team GB rules the track and Patrick Field tells it like it is

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:46:41 +0000

In this week’s show, Jack attempts to feign interest in the European track cycling championships and Jen gets her geography all confused. Patrick Field saves the day with an inspirational talk at the Intelligence Squared cycling festival (view more here). … Continue reading →

Paris-Brest-Paris: part two

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:11:18 +0000

Following on from last week’s documentary feature by Kieron Yates is a studio discussion of Paris-Brest-Paris, the world’s most venerable long distance bicycle race. In the studio are PBP veterans Judith Swallow and Dave Minter, and PBP debutant Pete Kelsey. … Continue reading →

Paris-Brest-Paris: part one

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:08:33 +0000

The 1200km Paris-Brest et retour was first raced in 1891 and is the oldest bicycle race still in existence, currently held as a brevet de randonneur every four years. Kieron Yates shares the agony and ecstasy of his second outing … Continue reading →

Jah Tweed

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:03:26 +0000

Jen meets Tim Jacques, one of the film-makers at this year’s Bicycle Film Festival, whose film “Peace and Lovely Tailoring” combines Rastafari, cycling and tweed clothing – a surefire winner here at The Bike Show. And we hear from Patrick … Continue reading →

Season opener: Time Travelling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:23:44 +0000

As Mark Cavendish wins the world championship road race for Britain for the first time since 1965, we’re back in the saddle for a new season. On this week’s show, a trip back in time. Blue Door Bicycles is a … Continue reading →

Blackfriars and Beyond

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:41:48 +0000

The ‘Battle for Blackfriars’ has united London cyclists and pedestrians in opposition to plans by the Mayor of London for an ‘urban motorway’ on a London bridge that is heavily used by cyclists yet has seen two fatalities in the … Continue reading →

The 2011 Tour de France: a modern classic?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:32:22 +0000

Looking back at the this year’s thrilling Tour de France are Lionel Birnie of Cycle Sport magazine and Alex Murray, London cyclist, amateur road racer and blogger at chasingwheels.com. Image by Neil Stevens, part of a series of illustrations for … Continue reading →

Dunwich Dynamo Redux

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:20:17 +0000

From here: …to here: The 2011 edition of the Dunwich Dynamo, the cult mass participation night ride from London to the Suffolk Coast, as experienced by listeners of The Bike Show. Thanks to everyone who recorded their audio snippets. Put … Continue reading →

All Night, All Right: Dunwich Dynamo 2011 Preview

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:31:16 +0000

In its 19th edition this year, the Dunwich Dynamo is London’s greatest mass participation ride – bar none. In the studio are Patrick Field, who first conceived the ride and two London cyclists planning to do just a little bit … Continue reading →

Road Danger Reduction with Dr Robert Davis

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:30:34 +0000

Each year on the roads of this country upwards of 2,000 people are killed and many tens of thousands more are injured in road crashes. The perception of danger is one of the most common reasons people have for not … Continue reading →

A Midsummer Misadventure with Dixe Wills (and a podcast bonus)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:15:23 +0000

On a Midsummer’s Night Dixe Wills, travel writer and author of a new book on Britain’s tiny campsites, guides us on a ride from central London up the Lea Valley to a wild camping spot for a ‘sub twenty four … Continue reading →

Keep the Red Stuff In

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:04:38 +0000

In the studio is Bike Show regular ‘Buffalo’ Bill Chidley, who brings news of London’s burgeoning bicycle polo scene (note imminent rebranding as ‘urban bike hammer ball’). The London Open 2011 is on 30-31st July. Steve Evans, a bicycling paramedic … Continue reading →

Fix Your Own Bike

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:01:30 +0000

Community bike workshops are a beautiful idea. A place where anyone can learn the basics of bicycle repair by doing it for themselves with the help of volunteer mechanics – and have access to specialist bicycle tools. A stone’s throw … Continue reading →

The Millar’s Tale

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:09:44 +0000

David Millar, the British road racer, one of the best riders in his generation, had it all. His first day of racing in the Tour De France brought him an impressive stage victory over Lance Armstrong and he was instantly … Continue reading →

Rob Penn on Looking for the Perfect Bike

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:38:10 +0000

Cyclist, journalist and author Rob Penn travelled the world to put together his perfect bicycle. We talk about how his journey of discovery sheds light on the history of the bicycle and the contribution of bicycle technology to modern life. … Continue reading →

A Green Mayor? On the Campaign Trail with Jenny Jones

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:37:39 +0000

Jenny Jones is a member of the London Assembly and is standing as the Green Party’s candidate in the 2012 London Mayoral elections. We ride from her home in Walworth/Peckham borders to City Hall and discuss cycling, liveable cities and … Continue reading →

End of Season: The Best Bits, 2008-2010

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 13:16:48 +0000

The final show of the winter season is a pleasurable romp through some of the best bits of the last three years of bicycle broadcasting. Featuring, in no particular order: Alistair Humphreys, Mark Miodownik, Cynthia Barlow, Klaus Bondam, Daniel Start, … Continue reading →

Up the ‘Uts: The Slow Death (and Rebirth?) of the British Cycling Club

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:08:16 +0000

Kieron Yates‘s documentary feature on the countryside huts of the 32nd Association of North London cycle clubs sparks a discussion on the demise of the traditional cycling club and the possibilities for renaissance. With Nigel Wood, Chairman of the Dulwich … Continue reading →

Bike Blogging with Mark Ames of ibikelondon / Jan Gehl / Eric Pickles MP

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:56:13 +0000

Mark Ames writes ibikelondon, one of the best of London’s blossoming bike blogs. We discuss the city planning ideas of Jan Gehl, the intellectual godfather of Copenhagenization. We hear what British Cabinet minister Eric Pickles MP has to say about … Continue reading →

Bart Kyzar: Man on a Mission

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:41:39 +0000

The messenger bag is one of the defining elements of the “new urban bike culture” and Bart Kyzar has been making bombproof bags for bicyclists since the mid-1990s, first with Chrome and now with Mission Workshop, based in San Francisco. … Continue reading →

A Christmas Stocking: Apprenticeships, L’Eroica and MyBikeLane.com

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:26:51 +0000

In the last show before Christmas, Jacqui Shannon reports on new opportunities for paid bike mechanic apprenticeships and Matt Sparkes files a report from Italy on L’Eroica, the annual vintage cyclosportive (pictured, left). Civic hackers Greg Whalin and Richard Pope … Continue reading →

Four Great Lives in Cycling: Kuklos, Robinson, Mustoe, Fignon

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:49:47 +0000

Studio discussion of four great lives in cycling: Kuklos, the prolific journalist who documented British cycling scene in the first half of the twentieth century; Brian Robinson (pictured, above), the first Brit to win stages in the Tour de France; … Continue reading →

Season opener: Knutsford Great Race and all the fun of the Cycle Show 2010

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:54:19 +0000

Window shopping at the Cycle Show 2010 taking in the latest offerings from Brooks (saddles), Bisignals (lights), Bike Dock (storage), Carradice (bags), Schmidt Maschinenbau (dynamo lights) and the Moulton Bicycle Company. Matt Sparkes reports from the once-a-decade Knutsford Great Race, … Continue reading →

Ron Cooper on Ron Cooper

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:02:12 +0000

Ron Cooper is a legend in frame-building. He started as a fifteen-year-old apprentice with A.S. Gillott, and his frames have come to define the very best of the British lightweight style. He talks about the early days learning from master … Continue reading →

Looking back at Le Tour and ahead to ‘Bicycle Thieves’

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:32:32 +0000

Lionel Birnie of Cycling Weekly shares his best moments of this year’s sensational Tour De France. Plus we look ahead to Bicycle Thieves, which combines theatre and BMXing on the streets of London, as part of the InTransit festival. Book … Continue reading →

Talking Le Tour with Paul Fournel

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:26:39 +0000

An extended, hour long edition of the show featuring French writer, poet, cyclist and cultural ambassador Paul Fournel (pictured). We stroll from the French House in Soho to the Rapha Cycle Club in Clerkenwell, to visit an exhibition of a … Continue reading →

Gavin Turk’s ‘Les Bikes du Bois Rond’

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:24:01 +0000

Tim Dawson joins artist Gavin Turk on the first of two rides in the East Anglian countryside. Plus a detailed look at the Mayor of London’s new cycle hire bikes, with Transport for London’s Gary McGowan, technical adviser to the … Continue reading →

Un Tour de France de Londres with Stephen Bayley

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:34:43 +0000

As part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture, Stephen Bayley leads a ride around the best of French architecture, art and design to be found on the streets of London. Stephen Bayley is the Observer’s architecture and design critic, … Continue reading →

Now We Are Six (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:48:04 +0000

It’s time to blow out the candles on The Bike Show’s great big carbo-loaded birthday cake. 6 years old! To mark the occasion this week’s show features some of the more memorable moments from the first three years of experimental … Continue reading →

A Journey Into Tranquility

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:46:10 +0000

Sustrans is the sustainable transportation charity and lobby group that pioneered the national cycle network. It is also one of the UK’s biggest commissioners of public art. Today’s show is devoted to one of Sustrans’s new Prospectives series, a handful … Continue reading →

A Life On Two Wheels

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:41:02 +0000

This week, a guest production by Stuart Watt. Life’s race from childhood to old age, as told by those who live it on two wheels. Original music by Chris Annetts. If you’d like to contribute material to The Bike Show, … Continue reading →

Giro d’Italia at Look Mum No Hands

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:19:33 +0000

As the Giro d’Italia enters its third week, we discuss Italy’s great stage race with Lionel Birnie of Cycling Weekly, in an experimental live broadcast from Look Mum No Hands, London’s newest and best cycle-cafe. Sam Humpheson shows us around … Continue reading →

Cycle Superhighways – Waste of Paint or Copenhagenization?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:46:35 +0000

A long, hard look at the Mayor of London’s plans for 12 cycle superhighways – bike routes from the outer boroughs along London’s main arterial roads. With Kulveer Ranger, Boris Johnson’s top transport adviser, Rob Ainsley of the Real Cycling … Continue reading →

Season opener: Berlin, bikes & public art, Dunwich Dynamo

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:44:43 +0000

Can London ever be as good a cycling city as Berlin? Helen Pidd of the Guardian and Matt Tempest give their views. Artist Mila Lipowicz talks about East London Local(Eyes): an interactive video installation that recreates the feeling of riding … Continue reading →

The Racing Year with Lionel Birnie

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:05:06 +0000

In an off-season podcast-only extended episode, Lionel Birnie of Cycling Weekly joins me to talk about the year ahead in professional road racing. We talk about the season-openers in the Gulf, the Monuments and Cobbled Classics and of course the … Continue reading →

Do It Yourself

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:14:40 +0000

David Kitchen, aka Velocio, set up the London Fixed Gear and Single Speed Forum almost three years ago. In a short time it has spawned an active and inventive cycling community and in the process the forum has grown to … Continue reading →

If the bike fits…

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:18:58 +0000

Following on from last week’s show on well-being, we look at the importance of getting a good fit between rider and machine. Scherritt Knoesen of The Bike Whisperer, is a leading London-based bike fitter. We talk geometry, contact points and … Continue reading →

Well-being

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:34:56 +0000

January is the perfect month to take a closer look at how to stay feeling good on the bike. In the studio to share their expertise are Michael Crebbin, a sports physio specialising in cycling-related problems, and Rebecca Bogue who … Continue reading →

Jumble Jumble

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:41:29 +0000

It’s the tenth day of Christmas and this week’s show is like a Christmas stocking with bulges in all the right places. Dr Steve Fabes is about to set off on a four and a half year cycle ride around … Continue reading →

Red light means go (or does it?)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:44:39 +0000

Should cyclists stop at red lights? Why do we feel such a strong urge to keep rolling? Should our behavior be guided by the law of the land or the laws of common courtesy? What would Isaac Newton and Thomas … Continue reading →

Reading and riding: Christmas books special

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:30:31 +0000

Tim Dawson, cycling columnist for the Sunday Times, runs the Cycling Books website, the most compendious review website for cycling books. He joins me in the studio to discuss the literature of cycling, from Tour de France to cycle touring. … Continue reading →

Montreal-New York City by bicycle (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:44:57 +0000

The cycle camping tour continues into the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, through Vermont and into Massachusetts. Struggles with thunderstorms and flying insects and a visit to the Crane paper mill where US dollar bills are made. Picture above … Continue reading →

Montreal-New York City by bicycle (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:34:53 +0000

The first of two features on a north American cycle tour undertaken over the summer. Starting in cycle-friendly Montreal and Quebec’s routes vertes and camping on the shores of Lake Champlain, this episode ends with a mildly disturbing encounter with … Continue reading →

Wanted: Bicycle Mechanics

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:34:38 +0000

This week’s show looks at the chronic lack of bicycle mechanics with the Ninon Asuni of Bicycle Workshop. Ninon founded Bicycle Workshop nearly thirty years ago after deciding she’d had enough of working as a librarian. She’s now among Britain’s … Continue reading →

Calling Time on “Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You” (SMIDSY)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:07:03 +0000

The Bike Show moves into advocacy mode this week with guest in the studio Debra Rolfe, Campaigns Director of the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC), Britain’s largest cycling organisation with 60,000+ members. Debra is spearheading the CTC’s new campaign against bad … Continue reading →

Season Opener: Childhood Daze

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:18:10 +0000

A youthful feel to this season opener with a visit to Lockleaze Primary School in Bristol, one of an number of Sustrans ‘Bike It’ schools acros the country. Plus childhood memories from Paul Fournel, reading from Need for the Bike* … Continue reading →

Cycle Chic

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:00:07 +0000

Riding with Amy Fleuriot, a young British fashion designer who’s Cyclodelic range of clothing and accessories is offering women a more stylish alternative to the typically drab clothing sold to cyclists. This is the final show in the current season. … Continue reading →

From Sublime to Ridiculous

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:20:07 +0000

Copenhagen is widely regarded as the world’s most cycle-friendly city. I ask Copenhagen’s Mayor Klaus Bondam what advice he gives to other city leaders in how to emulate the Danish capital. Multitalented musician, songwriter and cartoonist Peter Blegvad reads Alfred … Continue reading →

Podcast only: Theatre Review – Pedal Pusher

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:07:28 +0000

Pedal Pusher is a play that follows three professional cyclists, Jan Ullrich, Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong, in the most dramatic recent era of professional cycle sport. From the young prodigy Jan Ullrich winning the Tour in 1997, the doping … Continue reading →

Blazing Saddles: Inside the Brooks factory

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:21:02 +0000

For long-distance cycling they’re a must and they’ll improve the look of any bicycle. Brooks leather saddles date back to the 1870s and are still made in Birmingham where they were first invented. Steve Green of Brooks talks about the … Continue reading →

Tour de Farce?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:18:55 +0000

A long, hard look at doping in professional cycling, with journalist Lionel Birnie of Cycling Weekly and theatre director Roland Smith, whose play Pedal Pusher, opens in London on 7th July. Play on links below.

London to Bristol (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:05:42 +0000

In an extended podcast edition of this week’s show, the journey from London to Bristol continues along the Ridgeway (pictured, left) to Avebury, one of the largest prehistoric stone circles in Europe. After a night by Lacock Abbey the route … Continue reading →

London to Bristol (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:53:32 +0000

Part one of a ride from London to Bristol, in which presenter Jack Thurston is guided by listeners to the show. First stop is St Giles’ Church in Stoke Poges, home to the ‘bicycle window’ (pictured behind Jack and Denis … Continue reading →

No Bike Week: What happened?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:00:29 +0000

A report on No Bike Week, in which a handful of courageous cyclists agree to abstain from two wheels for seven days. Find out what happened. And to read how the No Bike Week meme is evolving into something more … Continue reading →

Radiocycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:04:15 +0000

The Bike Show emerges from its late spring hibernation into the bright sunlight of the summer season. This week’s show features a ride south from the Resonance FM studio to the southern limit of the station’s 5km FM broadcast signal … Continue reading →

Podcast only: Spring Classics Special Edition

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 16:35:04 +0000

The Bike Show may be off air, but come with us on a trip to Belgium, home of the Flemish hard men and De Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders). Along the way I get a surprise tour of the … Continue reading →

The end of the road

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:52:36 +0000

It’s the end of the road for The Bike Show. Find out why in this special podcast only final edition featuring many Bike Show favourites including Buffalo Bill, editor of Moving Target, cycle sport correspondent William Greswell, London bike messenger … Continue reading →

16 March 2009: End of season finale – a bike pop epic

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:41:08 +0000

In the last of the current season we drop in on a police bicycle auction to pick up a bargain. Plus a bike pop epic from the Grave Architects (pictured above) and we hear from Jo Upton, presenter of Bike … Continue reading →

9 March 2009: Legends of the Rás

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:31:25 +0000

The Rás Tailteann is an 8 day stage race in the Republic of Ireland held each May since 1953. A particularly gruelling race, some say it is Ireland’s ‘Tour de France’ and it is a much cherished tradition, far more … Continue reading →

2 March 2009: Riding and writing

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:53:11 +0000

The Ride Journal was launched last year to widespread acclaim. Issue two is at the printers. Philip and Andrew Diprose, editor and art director, explain how they came to start a journal of personal stories about how bikes have changed … Continue reading →

23 February 2009: Bicycle Polo and No Bike Week

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:20:23 +0000

Bicycle polo. It’s the latest sensation that’s sweeping the nation. After an account of bicycle polo played with Hungarian counts in 1934 from Patrick Leigh Fermour’s classic Between the Woods and the Water, we travel to De Beauvoir Town to … Continue reading →

16 February 2009: Cycling and the recession

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:00:10 +0000

With the UK mired deep in recession, unemployment on the rise, the value of the pound going down and consumer confidence at an all time low, we ask what effect this is having on the cycling business. We hear from … Continue reading →

9 February 2009: How British Cycling conquered the Olympics

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:54:10 +0000

This week’s show features Dave Brailsford, Performance Director of British Cycling, explaining how his team achieved a record medal haul at the Beijing Olympics. We also discover that Shanaze Reade (pictured left, racing in the team sprint with Victoria Pendleton) … Continue reading →

26 January 2009: Cycling the Northumberland Coast

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:35:12 +0000

Riding the Northumberland coast from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle-upon-Tyne with Daniel Start, author of the best-selling Wild Swimming, a guide to natural swimming spots in Britain. Wild Swimming Coast (the salt-water version) will be published in the late spring. To enter … Continue reading →

20 October 2008: Inventing the perfect folding bicycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:33:36 +0000

The latest on moves by the London Assembly to reduce the dangers posed by lorries to cyclists. Plus an extended talk by Andrew Ritchey, inventor of the Brompton, the folding miracle that is the toast of London’s bicycle-train commuters. The … Continue reading →

13 October 2008: Emergency – Lorries Killing Cyclists

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:24:57 +0000

After a summer of fun on two wheels, we turn to more serious matters. The entire show this week is devoted to the problem of lorries killing cyclists in London. With Barry Mason of Southwark Cyclists and Cynthia Barlow, chairwoman … Continue reading →

6 October 2008: The Moulton Story (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:43:30 +0000

The concluding episode of a two-part feature on the story of Dr Alex Moulton and the reinvention of the bicycle. We pick up the story with the launch of the Moulton space frame design (pictured left) in the early eighties. … Continue reading →

29 September 2008: The Moulton Story (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:00:56 +0000

The first of a two-parter telling the story of Moulton bicycles: the radical reinvention of the bicycle by Dr Alex Moulton that, despite some commercial setbacks along the way, continues to push the boundaries of cutting edge engineering. Moultons have … Continue reading →

27 September 2008: Bicycle Film Festival comes to town

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:37:31 +0000

The Bicycle Film Festival comes to London from 1-5 October. Laura Fletcher is the BFF’s London ambassador and she previews a handful of highlights from the seven screenings at the Barbican Cinema plus all the parties, art shows, polo matches … Continue reading →

22 September 2008: Grant Petersen on overnight trips and a visit to London’s ‘anti-bike shop’

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:32:20 +0000

15 September 2008: Are cargo bikes the future of urban transport?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:53:03 +0000

Do the rising oil price, the growing concern about man-made climate change and breakthroughs in cycle design mean we’re on the verge of a pedal-powered cargo revolution? Discussing the past, present and future of cargo bikes and pedicabs is Leslie … Continue reading →

8 September 2008: Ian Hibell – Paying respects to a legend

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:59:45 +0000

Remembering Ian Hibell, the world’s most accomplished and intrepid long-distance cyclist and adventurer, who was run down and killed on a road in Greece last month, aged 74. He’d been on a ‘training ride’ which began in Hull (England) in … Continue reading →

1 September 2008: Around the world the hard way (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:43:51 +0000

Alastair Humphreys has cycled round the world ‘the hard way’: four years, sixty countries and forty-six thousand miles. In the second of a two part special he tells the story of his epic adventure: from Mexico to Alaska, through Siberia, … Continue reading →

11 August 2008: Around the world the hard way (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:29:09 +0000

Alastair Humphreys has cycled round the world ‘the hard way’: four years, sixty countries and forty-six thousand miles. In the first of a two part special he tells the story of his epic adventure from Yorkshire to South Africa and … Continue reading →

4 August 2008: Cycling, politics and ideology

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:02:05 +0000

On this week’s show we ask whether the bicycle and cycling are inherently left-wing or right-wing. Featuring Ruth Beale and Karen Breneman, two artists who recently rode together from London to the Institute for the Art and Practice of Dissent … Continue reading →

28 July 2008: Looking back at Le Tour 2008

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:32:33 +0000

Looking back at this year’s Tour De France, with Guy Andrews, editor of Rouleur magazine and author and broadcaster Graeme Fife. As well as discussing the racing, we go into what it means for a small towns when it plays … Continue reading →

21 July 2008: Sublime Nights: Dunwich Dynamo 16 and S24O with Grant Peterson

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:42:36 +0000

This year’s Dunwich Dynamo was perfect: a dry, moonlit night, a tail wind and a hot sunny morning on the beach. Around 500 people enjoyed the sixteenth edition of the classic British night ride that covers some 120 miles (190 … Continue reading →

14 July 2008: Vive Le Tour // Civilised Streets

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:09:22 +0000

Celebrating Bastille Day and the first week of Le Tour De France plus a discussion of civilised streets with Louise Duggan, streets advisor at the UK’s Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). Just six days until this year’s … Continue reading →

7 July 2008: 50 Quirky Bike Rides

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:46:04 +0000

A ride along the splendid London end of the Grand Union Canal with Rob Ainsley, London cyclist and author of 50 Quirky Bike Rides, a new book about weird and wonderful places to go on bicycles in England and Wales. … Continue reading →

30 June 2008: London Lidos by Bicycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:12:58 +0000

A tour of London lidos by bicycle with Jason Cobb, a lido enthusiast, cyclist, photographer and author of Onion Bag Blog, a blog devoted to life in the Stockwell-Oval-Brixton triangle. Taking in Brockwell Lido, the ghost of Kennington Lido, the … Continue reading →

23 June 2008: London architecture by bike and a Rapha exclusive

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:48:34 +0000

Featuring an interview with Stephen Bayley, design editor of The Observer, about his guided cycle ride around the houses and homes of celebrated London artists and architects which kicks of a fantastic programme of bicycle tours as part of the … Continue reading →

16 June 2008: From the Tropics to the Stones

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:10:47 +0000

3 March 2008: Cycling Troubadours

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:36:38 +0000

25 February 2008: Will Vélib work in London?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:01:02 +0000

Kieron Yates and Matt Tempest report from Paris on the VÃ©lib bike hire system that has brough 20,000 bicycles to the streets and transformed the French capital overnight into a cycling metropolis. Can it work in London? MP3 | Other … Continue reading →

18 February 2008: Hanging with the Trixie Chix

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:25:39 +0000

Jack Thurston is away and in his place Amy Cooper presents a show devoted to the swashbuckling Trixie Chix, London’s female fixed wheel freestylers. Will Amy and her sit-up-and-beg town bike cut the mustard with the trackstanding, bike polo playing, … Continue reading →

11 February 2007: Love

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:10:19 +0000

In a special Valentine’s Day edition, sultry Southwark Cyclist Miss Alex Crawford explains why cycling is so good for flirting while love goddess Venus Kamura tells of the fifth annual Reclaim Love ‘happening’ on Saturday 16 February at the Eros … Continue reading →

4 February 2008: Reclaim the Street(maps)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:56:10 +0000

Private companies and revenue-hungry government agencies have always had a stranglehold on the world’s best maps, until the arrival of Open Street Map, a volunteer-driven effort akin to Wikipedia for mapping and cartography. OSM offers endless customisation possibilities, is entirely … Continue reading →

28 January 2008: Transition Town Bicycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:12:53 +0000

Totnes in South Devon is where the rapidly growing ‘transition town’ movement all began. Transition towns are a response to the problem of resource depletion, peak oil and climate change and embrace the practical and more esoteric aspects of changing … Continue reading →

21 January 2008: Hidden Treasure

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 23:56:09 +0000

Paul Wonnacott has been buying, repairing and selling on used bicycles in the English countryside for almost thirty years. In an extended interview he looks back at the changes he has observed in the bicycle manufacturing industry (most of them … Continue reading →

14 January 2008: Are cycling Waterloo sunsets under threat?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:45:04 +0000

Southwark Council plans to ban cyclists from a key stretch of the Thames Path, which runs along the south bank of the Thames, alongside the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre. Jack Thurston canvases the (mixed) opinions of passersby and … Continue reading →

7 January 2008: New Year’s Resolutions

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:47:30 +0000

The closing of one year and start of another is the time where many of us resolve to turn over a new leaf, change our life or otherwise embark on a virtuous but most probably doomed attempt at self-improvement. London … Continue reading →

17 December 2007: London Olympics 2012

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:08:06 +0000

Does the coming of Olympics in 2012 spell disaster for cycle sport in London or will it bring much needed regeneration of a neglected part of the city? A ride with Patrick Field around the perimeter fence of the construction … Continue reading →

10 December 2007: How to Win at Roller-Racing

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:24:25 +0000

Reigning Rollapaluza champion and two-time ‘Raphapaluza’ winner Simon Jackson gives his tips on how to win at the frenzied sport of static bike racing. Plus a preview of the upcoming ITV comedy-drama series Bike Squad (aka “The Bill on bikes”) … Continue reading →

3 December 2007: Fixed Fever

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:50:24 +0000

Over the past five years a craze for riding bicycles with only one gear and no freewheel has taken off, in New York, London, Sydney and cities all around the world. We take a long hard look at the merits … Continue reading →

26 November 2007: Christmas books special

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:25:09 +0000

A Christmas books special with guests George Theohari (author of the newly published Cyclist’s Companion), Guy Andrews (editor of Rouleur) and Graeme Fife (among the UK’s leading cycle writer whose memoirs were published this year). Includes readings from Tim Krabbé’s … Continue reading →

19 November 2007: Tales of the summer

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 13:38:38 +0000

The Bike Show returns for its winter season with guest in the studio Buffalo Bill reporting on this year’s Cycle Messenger World Championship in Dublin and Kieron Yates on taking part in the epic and grueling 1200 kilometer non-stop race … Continue reading →

2 July 2007: The Lowdown on Cyclosportives

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:27:49 +0000

In conversation with Julian Bray, a journalist and rider with the Rapha Condor team. Julian came to competitive cycling after falling in love with the continental tradition of the cyclosportive: mass-participation road races of historic or cultural significance, such as … Continue reading →

25 June 2007: Flandrien

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 00:21:44 +0000

Preview of a new exhibition of stunning photographs by internationally acclaimed photojournalist Stefan Vanfleteren that capture the essence of Flemish cycle racing. Interviews with Vanfleteren and with British former world champion Tony Doyle and three times Paris-Roubaix winner Johan Museeuw … Continue reading →

18 June 2007: Style on two wheels

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:04:20 +0000

T’ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it. Andrea Casalotti of Velorution and Jean-Marie Orhan (Frenchman-about-town and founding member of the Tweed Cycling Club) offer sartorial advice to urban cyclists. Tribute is paid to the stylish riders … Continue reading →

11 June 2007: ‘Slow Bicycling’ in Italy; on two wheels in Provence

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:37:58 +0000

The Bike Show this week has a distinctly Mediterranean and gastronomic feel. Kieron Yates reports from northern Italy, the world capital of the Slow Food movement, on a ‘slow bicycle’ ride along the length of the River Po (for more … Continue reading →

4 June 2007: To Paris for La Fête du Vélo // Unicycling in South Dakota

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 23:00:07 +0000

The Bike Show visits Paris’s 11th Fête du Vélo. Among the subjects discussed are Paris’s growing love affair with the Brompton folding bicycle, how Cannondale are marketing the latest urban bikes in France, a new puncture proof Dutch tyre and … Continue reading →

28 May 2007: Graeme Fife’s life in cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 30 May 2007 22:33:56 +0000

This week features a ride in the hills of north Kent hills with writer, broadcaster and cyclist Graeme Fife. Graeme is the author of several of the best English language books about cycling and Le Tour de France. His new … Continue reading →

21 May 2007: Poetry on a country ride with Martin Newell

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 22 May 2007 00:37:01 +0000

The Bike Show returns to Essex and Martin Newell, writer, poet, musician and horticultural assassin, for another helping of Spoke N Word. This year’s programme features a new route from Wivenhoe to Bentley Green, reported to be the largest village … Continue reading →

14 May 2007: Road Peace // Floyd Landis

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:06:51 +0000

Returning for the summer season, The Bike Show turns to the trials of US cycling star Floyd Landis, whose sensational victory in the 2006 Tour de France was thrown into doubt after he failed a test for the banned drug … Continue reading →

1 May 2007: Podcast special: ‘Stannerd’ comes out for cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:22:46 +0000

The Bike Show is officially off air at the moment, but I couldn’t resist a podcast-only edition to discuss the Evening Standard’s Damscene conversion to the way of the bicycle. For years, London’s leading daily newspaper has been in thrall … Continue reading →

12 March 2007: The word from San Francisco and a singing bicycle prototype

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 23:07:35 +0000

We test out Andy Cox’s prototype singing bicycle, for use in the performance of Godfried Willem Raes’s Second Symphony. Down the line from San Francisco, Jon Winston fills us in on Bay Area cycle culture and his own Bikescape bicycling … Continue reading →

5 March 2007: Green London?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 10:19:33 +0000

A look at London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s ambition for London to be the greenest major city in the world. Host Jack Thurston and Erica Jobson of Futerra, the London-based sustainable development communications consultancy discuss the role of government and the … Continue reading →

26 February 2007: Calling All Bicycle Filmmakers!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:52:43 +0000

Looking ahead to the 2007 Bicycle Film Festival, which has plans for screenings in 15 countries including a third year in London. In the studio is the BFF’s London coordinator Roxy Erickson. We discuss how to make a great bicycle … Continue reading →

12 February 2007: More experimental bicycle music

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:30:07 +0000

Another thrilling dip into the world of experimental music involving bicycles. With guest in the studio Andy Cox, guitarist in The Beat, Fine Young Cannibals and Cribabi, who is known to play the occasional bicycle. We feature Frank Zappa’s first … Continue reading →

5 February 2007: Cyclosportives, bicycle podcasting and Budapest

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:06:56 +0000

In this week’s show we hear from Patrick Field about how to survive the grueling Paris-Brest-Paris: by riding a recumbent. Also a look at the blossoming world of bicycle radio and podcasting and a look ahead to the best in … Continue reading →

29 January 2007: Going the Distance and the Physics of the Bicycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:17:00 +0000

First run in 1891 as a race designed to demonstrate the practicality of the bicycle, Paris Brest Paris has since become a four yearly event that attracts long distance cyclists from around the world. This year is a Paris Brest … Continue reading →

22 January 2007: Looking forward to a great year for cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:19:00 +0000

Could 2007 be the best year yet for cycling in London? In the studio with Guy Andrews, editor of Rouleur magazine and Barry Mason of Southwark Cyclists. We discuss the coming of Le Tour de France to London, the 15th … Continue reading →

15 January 2007: Women bike messengers and a ride through a very long tunnel

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 20:07:00 +0000

Women bike messengers might cut a better figure on the roads than their grungy, bearded and tattooed male counterparts, but are the girls better at their jobs than the boys? The answer is yes, if a handful of London’s women … Continue reading →

8 January 2007 – Doorstep Adventures with Patrick Field (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 13:41:00 +0000

In the second half of a ride with London cyclist Patrick Field, we cruise on the Woolwich Ferry, ride along the Thames Path through Greenwich before crossing in a tunnel under the Thames to the Isle of Dogs and from … Continue reading →

18 December 2006: Doorstep adventures with Patrick Field (Part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 02:01:00 +0000

Riding with Patrick Field, legendary London cyclist, thinker and writer, on a leisurely route east from Hackney along the top of a giant Victorian sewerage outflow pipe towards the River Thames. We take in ancient trading routes, cross the River … Continue reading →

11 December 2006 – The Christmas edition

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:36:00 +0000

Back in the Resonance FM studio with Danish bike messenger elf Therese Bjorn to talk Christmas on bicycles. What to buy, what to do… and we take a look at the new London Scorcher bicycle from Velorution and Therese gives … Continue reading →

4 December 2006: Sur le pavé in Brussels

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 18:33:00 +0000

In the Belgian capital of Brussels, road-testing Cyclocity, a new concept in bicycle hire – sturdy bikes you can pick up and leave in different places around the city that cost just one euro an hour. Jack Thurston and William … Continue reading →

27 November 2006: Berlin special

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 22:49:00 +0000

A special edition from the German capital city and well-known haven for cyclists. Riding with Berlin blogger Maisie Hitchcock, we discuss the changing face of Berlin, the legacy of the Cold War and the achingly hip Berlin music scene, all … Continue reading →

20 November 2006: Experimental music and the bicycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 22:56:00 +0000

It’s cold outside, so stay at home and turn your bicycle into a musical instrument! Featuring performances by Stephen Schweitzer’s Bikelophone (pictured left), electro-acoustic composer David Berezan and the Tea and Toast Band. And we set a new challenge for … Continue reading →

13 November 2006: On a Bickerton in China, the Sideways Bike and cycling with disabilities

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 18:58:00 +0000

This week’s studio guest is none other than David Thurston, my very own dad. A London cyclist since the 1970s when he lost his driving license, he explored China in the early 1980s on a Bickerton folder and is now … Continue reading →

6 November 2006: Edinburgh by train, low carbon travel

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:27:00 +0000

It makes perfect sense to travel to Ediburgh with a bicycle overnight on the sleeper train. Once there, I find out what it’s like on two wheels in Scotland’s capital city – watch those cobblestones! Also chatting with Ed Gillespie, … Continue reading →

23 October 2006: At Cycle 2006 – Eddy Merckx and a hunt for gadgets

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:41:00 +0000

Jack Thurston and Jo Upton in search of the best bicycle gadget at Cycle 2006, the UK’s biggest cycling exhibition and trade fair. Glow in the dark pedals, GPS tools, bike storage, heart rate monitors and lights galore. We are … Continue reading →

9 October 2006 – Mississippi Tales (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 20:47:00 +0000

Second half of Kieron Yates’s ride down the Mississippi. He crosses the Mason-Dixon line and enters the realm of the South. On the way he encounters juke joints, folk art, learns about the role of bicycles in the aftermath of … Continue reading →

2 October 2006 – Mississippi Tales (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 20:33:00 +0000

This week’s show is the story of a long, long ride from Fargo, North Dakota to New Orleans, Louisiana following the Mississippi River. Kieron Yates made this journey over the summer just passed, on a fixed wheel bike with just … Continue reading →

31 July 2006: The folding miracle: inside the Brompton factory

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:12:00 +0000

In this last show of the current season we’re getting technical, with a visit to the Brompton factory. Bromptons are the best all round folding bicycles in the world and the invention of Andrew Ritchie, who started making them in … Continue reading →

24 July 2006: Remembering Major Taylor – the fastest man on the planet

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 16:07:00 +0000

In this week’s show we remember ‘Major’ Marshall Taylor, a world champion cyclist from the 1890s and the first black American sports superstar. Kieron Yates talks about Major Taylor’s life with Lynne Tolman of the Major Taylor Association. We also … Continue reading →

17 July 2006: Le Tour down le pub

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 13:49:00 +0000

This week’s show is a Tour De France special recorded at the Charles Lamb pub in north London. The Charles Lamb is one of the few places in London that is showing Le Tour this year. I am joined by … Continue reading →

10 July 2006: The Hour Record with Michael Hutchinson

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 22:08:00 +0000

This week the Bike Show is in the presence of time trial greatness and (almost) sporting immortality. Michael Hutchinson has just written a book about his recent attempt to enter the pantheon of cycling legend by breaking the record for … Continue reading →

3 July 2006: Creativity, design and the bicycle

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:42:00 +0000

Riding with London-based desiger and artist Julia Lohmann. We begin at the Velorution bike shop in the West End, where Julia’s giant backlit illustration of animal-bicycle metamophosis is on display. We ride down through the park via the Serpentine Gallery … Continue reading →

26 June 2006: Extreme Cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 10:27:00 +0000

This week’s show has an extreme flavour. Kieron Yates visits Sheldon Brown for advice on fixed gear touring and Alex Murray tells us about his preparations for taking on this year’s Etape Du Tour. Plus Dominic Gabellini on the new … Continue reading →

19 June 2006: It’s Bike Week!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 01:49:00 +0000

This year’s Bike Week coincides with the London Architecture Biennale, which has got a lot of cyclists thinking about architecture and a lot of architects thinking about cycling. At the launch of the Reinventing The Bike Shed exhibition, I speak … Continue reading →

12 June 2006: A ride in the Royal Parks

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 23:59:00 +0000

London’s eight Royal Parks stretch from Greenwich in the east to Richmond in the west and make London one of the greenest big cities in Europe. Between them, the parks’ 5500 acres of land are the lungs of the capital. … Continue reading →

24 April 2006 – Martin Newell and Spoke N Word in Essex

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 08:44:00 +0000

In the last of the current season of the Bike Show, Kieron Yates rides around Essex with poet, musician and horticultural assassin Martin Newell, as part of the Spoke N Word project.

Cycling in New York City (part two)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 08:54:00 +0000

As he crosses the Hudson River into Brooklyn, things take a turn for the weird on Jack Thurston’s bicycle adventure in New York City. A visit to the drummers’ circle in Prospect Park, a one man bicycle soul machine and … Continue reading →

Cycling in New York City (part one)

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 03:50:00 +0000

In the first of two shows devoted to cycling in the NYC, Jack Thurston takes to the streets of Manhattan on a sunny spring Sunday and meets cyclists and assorted Gotham oddballs. Listen to Part Two.

3 April 2006: Standing up for Cycling; Tall Bikes

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 09:30:00 +0000

Barry Mason of Southwark Cyclists is on hand this week to demolish all those annoying arguments used against cyclists by angry petrol-heads. Plus we witness the beginning of a 4,600 mile ride around Britain on tall bikes. MP3 DOWNLOAD OGG … Continue reading →

27 March 2006: Bicycle recycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 12:40:00 +0000

Owing to a technical meltdown at Resonance fm HQ, we have no archived version of Monday’s show on the Waltham Forest Bicycle Recycling Project. In it’s place we have a special podcast-only version of the show recorded at the Scooterworks … Continue reading →

20 March 2006: Deadley Treadleys live session

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 00:02:00 +0000

This week’s show features a long-awaited live session by London’s best bike messenger band, the Deadley Treadleys. MP3 DOWNLOAD

13 March 2006: Bike Show Jukebox Jury – part two

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 16:25:00 +0000

Second half of the Bike Show’s ‘Jukebox Jury’. Cabaret star Sarah-Louise Young joins Alex Crawford and Jack Thurston in casting a critical ear at another cluch of bicycle-themed songs. Find out which come out top and which are the howlers… … Continue reading →

6 March 2006: Bike Show Jukebox Jury – part one

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 15:41:00 +0000

Part one of the Bike Show’s ‘Jukebox Jury’, with cabaret star Sarah-Louise Young and Alex Crawford joining Jack Thurston to listen to a selection of bike-related songs. Which are hits and which are misses? MP3

27 February 2006 – Bicycles on trains

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 18:57:00 +0000

In this week’s show we discuss the growing problems cyclists are experiencing in putting bikes on trains. In the studio is Dave Holladay of the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) which is running a campaign to improve cycle-rail integration. We also … Continue reading →

20 February 2006 show: Cycling in the media

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 23:49:00 +0000

In this week’s show we look at cycling and the media. Do newspapers, TV and radio do justice to cyclists? Does it matter? As more and more people get on two wheels, is media coverage of cycling changing at all? … Continue reading →

13 February 2006: Tour De France in London in 2007!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 18:28:00 +0000

The Bike Show returns after a winter break to the news that the Grand Depart of the 2007 Tour De France will be in London!! Featuring the formal presentation by ASO’s Jean-Marie Leblanc and a press conference by London Mayor … Continue reading →

19 December 2005 – Kids on bikes?

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 23:52:00 +0000

Kids on bikes – a good idea or trouble around the corner? Alex Crawford finds out more by talking with Guy Bardoe of the School Travel Plan campaign in the London Borough of Southwark and asking some local children and … Continue reading →

5 December 2005 Show – Police on bikes!!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 19:39:00 +0000

This week we look at the subject of police and paramedics on bikes. Kieron Yates interviews Sergeant Robert Bliss of the City of London police’s cycle team. And a big shout to Bike Show listeners in Halifax, Nova Scotia! MP3 … Continue reading →

28 November 2005: Surviving the winter on two wheels

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 19:54:00 +0000

This week newbie cyclist Alex Crawford and veteran London bike messenger Buffalo Bill swap notes on how to survive the winter on two wheels. Featuring interviews with Simon from Brixton Cycles and Simon Mottram from Rapha. We also discuss the … Continue reading →

21 November 2005 Show: Sheldon Brown

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 14:31:00 +0000

Featuring the mighty Sheldon Brown on the marvels of classic English 3-speed bicycles. Sheldon Brown is the technical guru at Harris Cyclery and owns one of the world’s greatest collections of weird and wonderful bikes, including a bizarre fixed gear … Continue reading →

31 October 2005: Roller-racing, Ghostcycle and Critical Mass London

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 16:38:00 +0000

Joining Buffalo Bill and the hardcore of London’s bike messengers for chaotic indoor racing action at Rollapalooza IV (and live music from the Deadley Treadleys). In the studio Scott and Steve explain their Ghostcycle project to mark and map traffic … Continue reading →

24 October 2005 Show: John Peel memorial ride and the Bicycle Film Festival

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 12:00:00 +0000

Kieron Yates joins Southwark Cyclists for the inaugural John Peel Memorial Ride in homage to the great British broadcaster and champion of the underdog. Jack rides with Brendt Barbur, founding director of the Bicycle Film Festival on the day after … Continue reading →

17 October 2005 Show: ‘Deviant’ cyclists and the Pushbike Architecture Treasure Hunt

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 17:48:00 +0000

On this week’s show Kieron Yates investigates the City of London Police’s recent crackdown on ‘deviant cyclists’ and asks John Knight of the London Bicycle Messengers’ Association for his reaction. We also preview the Pushbike Architecture Treasure Hunt by speaking … Continue reading →

(Archive) 11 April 2005 Show: Onset

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:23:00 +0000

Radio premier of ‘Onset’, a sound art work by Olias Nil in which he rings around 500 bicycle bells, one by one, over three days on the streets of Amsterdam. MP3

21 March 2005 Show: Pour Un Maillot Jaune

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:22:00 +0000

Spotlight on a classic 1965 film about the Tour De France “Pour Un Maillot Jaune” (dir. Claude Lelouch). Guest in the studio is William Greswell. MP3

25 April 2005: G8 Protest Bike Ride

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:20:00 +0000

Special feature on the G8 Bike Ride (mass protest ride from London to the G8 Summit in Scotland) with organisers Tim and Tabitha. Featuring music from David Cronenberg’s Wife and Lower Depths. MP3

(Archive) 31 January 2005: Rose Ades

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:18:00 +0000

Riding with Rose Ades, head of Transport for London’s cycling centre of excellence and chief cycling adviser to London Mayor Ken Livingstone. Cycle training with Ben Bowskill. Bicycle bell test and ensemble. MP3

28 March 2005: Navindh Baburam

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:16:00 +0000

Guest in the studio is 2004 Greater London Assembly candidate Navindh Baburam, pioneer of London’s cycle rickshaws, committed rider of recumbent bicycles and debonair man about town. MP3

(Archive) 17 January 2005: David Ferry

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:10:00 +0000

Guest is David Ferry, photo-montage artist and serious road biker. Talking about escaping seaside town drudgery by cycling into the hills. MP3

(Archive) 3 January 2005 Show: Christmas Day on the South Downs

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:06:00 +0000

Christmas Day ride across the south downs of East Sussex, including a climb up Ditchling Beacon with writer and film-maker Nicky Hamlyn. Followed by hot bath. MP3

20 December 2004

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 18:01:00 +0000

Featuring the Rinky-Dink Bicycle Powered Sound System, comedy from George Lopez and bicycle advice from Tall Jurgen of the London Bicycle Repair Shop in Waterloo. MP3

6 December 2004: London cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 07 Oct 2005 17:48:00 +0000

Guest in the studio is Simon Brammer, Director of the London Cycle Campaign. James Foster memorial ride. Waterloo Bridge roundabout. MP3

(Archive) 13 December 2004: The Dunwich Dynamo

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 16:43:00 +0000

Dunwich Dynamo night ride special. Four hundred plus people ride 120 miles to the Suffolk Coast, through the night, under the full moon. MP3

15 August 2005: Green cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 20 Sep 2005 17:54:00 +0000

Guest presenter Matt Tempest quizzes Darren Johnson, a Green Party member of the London Assembly on cycle policy in the capital. Jack rides with Alix Stredwick of Sustrans, the UK’s main sustainable transportation organisation. MP3

22 August 2005 Show – a countryside trip

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 19:37:00 +0000

A ride on the Kent-Sussex border with my old school friend, writer and wilderness guru Daniel Start. We evoke the Edwardian spirit of genteel cycle touring and our ride takes in a ruined castle, ancient woodland, a dangerous cliff excursion, … Continue reading →

18 July 2005: Le Tour De France

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 13 Aug 2005 20:27:00 +0000

As we enter the final week of Le Tour De France 2005, I am joined in the studio by Bike Show regular William Greswell. Interviews with Guy Andrews, editor of Road Cycling UK and Rouleur magazine. Also talking with Kent … Continue reading →

8 August 2005 Show: History of the bicycle; London-Edinburgh-London audax ride

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 13 Aug 2005 19:55:00 +0000

This week’s show features an interview with David Herlihy, author of ‘Bicycle‘ the recently published definitive history of the bicycle (Yale University Press). Kieron Yates reports on the London-Edinburgh-London audax/endurance ride. MP3

16 May Show: Riding with Buffalo Bill

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 14:39:00 +0000

Today’s show features the first part of a two-part interview/ride with ‘Buffalo’ Bill Chidley, Chair of the London Bicycle Messengers Association. The LBMA works for London’s 400-500 bicycle messengers (also known as couriers) and has run a prominent campaign to … Continue reading →

4 April 2005: Rosie Walford

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 14:17:00 +0000

This week’s show features Rosie Walford, psychologist and founder of The Big Stretch explaining how cycling helps improve your powers of creative thinking by moving your brain into an alpha state. We take a ride around Islington and the City … Continue reading →

24 January 2005 – Jeremy Deller

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 08 Aug 2005 09:41:00 +0000

Riding with Jeremy Deller, London-based artist and recent winner of the Turner Prize, who dedicated his win to ‘all London cyclists’.

27 December 2004: Mark Ellen

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 00:21:00 +0000

Riding across London with Mark Ellen, bon rouleur and editor of Word Magazine. Mark is the founder of Q Magazine, a former presenter of the Old Grey Whistle Test and the bassist in Tony Blair’s college band Ugly Rumours.

10 January 2005: Kraftwerk and Cycling

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 05 Aug 2005 10:09:00 +0000

Discussing German electro-pop pioneers Kraftwerk and their love of the bicycle. With Kraftwerk aficionados Maisie Hitchcock and Chris Bloor. MP3 format and Real Audio. Read Jack Thurston’s feature on Kraftwerk and cycling first published in Rouleur magazine.

18 April 2005: Paris-Roubaix Classic

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 11:47:00 +0000

Special on-location feature on the 2005 Paris-Roubaix classic race (L’Enfer du Nord) with William Greswell. Look ahead to this month’s 11th birthday of London’s Critical Mass bike ride. Track list: Cars – Desperate Bicycles Coeur Vagabond – unknown accordionist Triplets … Continue reading →

2 May 2005: The Hungry Cyclist

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 11:41:00 +0000

In the studio with Tom Kevill-Davies, aka The Hungry Cyclist. We talk about his imminent bike ride around the American continent. Track list: Cycling Is Fun – Shonen Knife Ice Cream Man – Leslie Uggams Going Down The Road Feeling … Continue reading →

1 August 2005: Cycling after the London bomb attacks

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 08:06:00 +0000

The July bomb attacks on the London underground and bus network has resulted in a massive increase in the numbers of people cycling to work instead of taking public transport. In this week’s Bike Show, Lucy Nandris from Cycle Training … Continue reading →

13 June 2005: Bike Week Special

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 04:40:00 +0000

This is the audio for the Bike Week special, recorded on 13 June. Guest in the studio is Barry Mason of Southwark Cyclists. Features recordings of Bike Fest in the Square and highlights from the past 12 months of The … Continue reading →

9 May 2005: London Velodrome at Herne Hill

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 18:29:00 +0000

Feature on the more than century-old London Velodrome at Herne Hill, and interview with Graeme Geddes of the Friends of the London Velodrome. A 1961 IBM computer playing ‘Daisy Daisy’, Velorution weblog, The Mountains to the South by Simon Kunath … Continue reading →

25 July Show: Johnny Green

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 14:30:00 +0000

In the studio is Johnny Green, former road manager of the Clash, talking about his other passion in life, Le Tour De France. In his new book ‘Push Yourself Just a Little Bit More’, Green gives a vivid and at … Continue reading →

13 June – Bike Week Special!!

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 17:12:00 +0000

There was an special, extended 90 minute Bike Show broadcast on Resonance FM on Monday 13th June from 12 noon to 1.30pm. The show features footage from Sunday’s Bike Fest in Trafalgar Square, preview of other Bike Week events and … Continue reading →

23 May Show: Buffalo Bill // Giro D’Italia

bikeshow@gmail.com (Jack Thurston) — Tue, 24 May 2005 02:46:00 +0000

Today’s show is a Giro D’Italia special, recorded from Bar Italia in Soho. Also featuring the second half of my ride with Buffalo Bill Chidley, chair of the London Bicycle Messengers Association. Music: Adriatica – Calicanto Hung Up – Salt … Continue reading →