The Bonk Babes

bonkbabespodcast

The Bonk Babes is the sister show to The Bonk Bros Podcast, hosted by cyclists Danni Shrosbree, Grace Washburn, and Esma Taylor. Together, they bring an honest, funny, and deeply personal take on the world of women’s cycling—both on the road and the gravel. From sharing their cycling backgrounds and debating road versus gravel preferences to unpacking cultural differences in cycling lingo between the UK and the US, the hosts dive into the stories that shape the sport. They explore the evolving landscape of women’s cycling, the unique challenges of racing as privateers, and the balance between individual grit and team dynamics. Listeners will hear candid anecdotes about race-day highs and lows, gear struggles (especially the need for better women’s kit), encounters with everything from steep climbs to unexpected dogs on the trail, and reflections on how aging shapes performance and perspective. At its heart, The Bonk Babes celebrates the camaraderie, empathy, and support that fuel the cycling community—while keeping the excitement alive for the races and challenges yet to come.

  1. 2d ago

    Claudia Needs a Break (But the Olympics Are Calling)

    Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes. Find us on the socials: Bonk Babes - IG - @bonkbabespodcast Grace Washburn - IG - @gracewashburn Danni Shrosbree - IG - @danni_shrosbree Esma Taylor - IG - @_esmataylor Like what you hear? Help us keep the pod going by supporting our sponsors!! (See the most recent video upload for most up-to-date codes & deals) ROAD ID This episode is brought to you by Road iD—simple, durable ID gear designed to keep you safe and give you peace of mind on every ride or run. Built from a real-life close call, Road iD helps ensure first responders have the info they need when it matters most. Use code BonkBabes15 for 15% off your order. roadid.com/bonkbabes BIKE TIRES DIRECT If you listen to the Bonk Bros, you know that they're big fans of both of our shows and we're so grateful for their support. Need something bike related? They've got it all. Head to Biketiresdirect.com/bonkbabes to get 10% off your order. TRAINING PEAKS Train with purpose so you’re ready for your endurance events and adventures. Train indoors on TrainingPeaks Virtual in high-energy immersive environments with real-world physics. THIS WEEK'S EPISODE This week on the Bonk Babes, Australian track cyclist Claudia joins the girls to catch up after Track Worlds in China and a whirlwind season of racing around the globe! From Australian state championships and the American Crit Cup to snagging the ACC sprint jersey in St. Louis, Claudia shares the highs, lows, and unexpected challenges of life as a professional cyclist. The girls get into everything from racing culture across different countries and designing custom cycling kits to the realities of traveling, training, and competing at the highest level. But what happens when the racing finally stops? Claudia opens up about the importance of taking a real break from the bike, navigating recovery after an exhausting season, and learning to embrace rest without feeling guilty. They also dive into athlete health, the financial realities of professional cycling, sponsorships, and what it takes to keep chasing big goals. Plus, with Olympic qualification on the horizon, Claudia shares what's next on her racing calendar, her experience at Track Worlds, and her dreams of competing at a home Olympics in Brisbane 2032. From sprint jerseys to Olympic dreams (and learning how to do absolutely nothing), this episode has a little bit of everything! CHAPTERS 00:00 Sticker mystery and Claudia's return to the show 04:00 Australian state teams and championship kits 07:05 Designing custom cycling kits 11:00 Life at Track Worlds in China 15:01 Commonwealth Games and championship racing 21:00 Winning the ACC sprint jersey in St. Louis 23:59 Racing fatigue, health checks, and taking a break 28:17 Recovery, appetite, and returning to exercise 32:55 Life without the bike 37:37 Learning to embrace the rebuild 38:28 Claudia's upcoming racing calendar 41:02 Australian vs. American vs. European crit racing 44:41 Recovery and Olympic qualification 47:33 Super Worlds and Brisbane 2032 49:43 Claudia's sixth-place finish at Track Worlds 52:11 Olympic venues and spectator experiences 55:09 The realities of professional cycling 56:34 Sponsorships, self-worth, and what's next

  2. Oct 21

    Kylee Hanel on Racing Smarter, Training Harder & Doing It All

    Cyclist Kylee Hanel joins the Bonk Babes to talk about her rise from local racing to competing across road, gravel, and mountain biking—and how racing multiple disciplines has helped shape her into a smarter, more well-rounded athlete. Kylie shares how she first got into cycling, the rapid progression she’s made through structured training and coaching, and why top-end power, handling skills, and race tactics have become major focuses in her development. She breaks down the differences between racing road, gravel, and mountain bikes, from navigating group dynamics and making tactical decisions to staying confident when lining up against some of the best riders in the sport. The conversation also dives into the mental side of racing, managing expectations, learning from every start line, and why a little nervousness can actually be a good thing. Kylie shares how family support has influenced her journey, what keeps training fun, and the goals she’s chasing heading into the upcoming season and Grand Prix. In this episode: How Kylie got started in cycling Transitioning between road, gravel, and mountain biking Building top-end power and endurance Why race tactics and group dynamics matter Developing better handling and bike-control skills Racing with confidence while managing expectations The value of structured coaching and consistent training How racing different disciplines makes you a better cyclist Family support and staying motivated Kylie’s goals for the upcoming season and Grand Prix Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kylie Hanel and her cycling background 01:59 How Kylie got into cycling 03:57 Racing and results in 2026 05:58 Transitioning from road to gravel and mountain biking 07:57 Training top-end strength and endurance 09:59 Coaching and structured training 12:04 Race tactics and group dynamics 13:57 Handling skills and technical riding 16:03 Balancing multiple disciplines 18:00 Goals for the upcoming season and Grand Prix 19:56 Mindset, nerves, and expectations 21:55 Family support and motivation 23:53 Racing lessons and what’s next

  3. Oct 14

    Gravel Racing 101: Gear, Strategy & Avoiding Race Day Disasters

    Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes.    Find us on the socials: Bonk Babes - IG - @bonkbabespodcast Grace Washburn - IG - @gracewashburn Danni Shrosbree - IG - @danni_shrosbree Esma Taylor - IG - @_esmataylor   Like what you hear? Help us keep the pod going by supporting our sponsors!! (See the most recent video upload for most up-to-date codes & deals)   ROAD ID This episode is brought to you by Road iD—simple, durable ID gear designed to keep you safe and give you peace of mind on every ride or run. Built from a real-life close call, Road iD helps ensure first responders have the info they need when it matters most. Use code BonkBabes15 for 15% off your order. roadid.com/bonkbabes   BIKE TIRES DIRECT If you listen to the Bonk Bros, you know that they're big fans of both of our shows and we're so grateful for their support. Need something bike related, they've got it all. Head to Biketiresdirect.com/bonkbabes to get 10% off your order.   TRAINING PEAKS  Train with purpose so you’re ready for your endurance events and adventures. Train indoors on TrainingPeaks Virtual in high-energy immersive environments with real-world physics.   In this episode, we explore the nuances of gravel racing, bike maintenance, and the vibrant community events surrounding the sport. Our guests share personal stories, technical tips, and insights into the upcoming Gravel Worlds and other major events.

  4. Sep 30

    Cycling Is Brutal… But We Keep Coming Back

    Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes.    Find us on the socials: Bonk Babes - IG - @bonkbabespodcast Grace Washburn - IG - @gracewashburn Danni Shrosbree - IG - @danni_shrosbree Esma Taylor - IG - @_esmataylor   Like what you hear? Help us keep the pod going by supporting our sponsors!! (See the most recent video upload for most up-to-date codes & deals)   ROAD ID This episode is brought to you by Road iD—simple, durable ID gear designed to keep you safe and give you peace of mind on every ride or run. Built from a real-life close call, Road iD helps ensure first responders have the info they need when it matters most. Use code BonkBabes15 for 15% off your order. roadid.com/bonkbabes   BIKE TIRES DIRECT If you listen to the Bonk Bros, you know that they're big fans of both of our shows and we're so grateful for their support. Need something bike related, they've got it all. Head to BiketiresDirect.com/bonkbabes to get 10% off your order.   TRAINING PEAKS  Train with purpose so you’re ready for your endurance events and adventures. Train indoors on TrainingPeaks Virtual in high-energy immersive environments with real-world physics.   In this episode, we explore the latest in cycling, including world championships, race strategies, and upcoming events, with insights from Esma, Danni, Grace, and special guests. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or new to the sport, discover what makes these races and athletes so compelling. In this episode, we explore the latest in cycling training, race strategies, and the behind-the-scenes of professional racing. Our guests share insights on coaching, gear, and the evolving landscape of the sport.

  5. Sep 2

    How to Get Faster, Stronger & Go Longer on the Bike

    In this episode, Esma and Grace discuss the latest in cycling, training strategies, race insights, and gear tips, providing valuable knowledge for cycling enthusiasts and athletes. In this episode, Esma and Grace W dive into ultra endurance cycling, training strategies, race experiences, and personal fitness tips. They share insights on race preparation, mental resilience, and the importance of strength training for cyclists. Hey hey check out this week’s episode of the Bonk Babes.    Find us on the socials: Bonk Babes - IG - @bonkbabespodcast Grace Washburn - IG - @gracewashburn Danni Shrosbree - IG - @danni_shrosbree Esma Taylor - IG - @_esmataylor   Like what you hear? Help us keep the pod going by supporting our sponsors!! (See the most recent video upload for most up-to-date codes & deals)   ROAD ID This episode is brought to you by Road iD—simple, durable ID gear designed to keep you safe and give you peace of mind on every ride or run. Built from a real-life close call, Road iD helps ensure first responders have the info they need when it matters most. Use code BonkBabes15 for 15% off your order. roadid.com/bonkbabes   BIKE TIRES DIRECT If you listen to the Bonk Bros, you know that they're big fans of both of our shows and we're so grateful for their support. Need something bike related, they've got it all. Head to BiketiresDirect.com and use code BONKBABES in all caps to get 10% off your order.   TRAINING PEAKS  Train with purpose so you’re ready for your endurance events and adventures. Train indoors on TrainingPeaks Virtual in high-energy immersive environments with real-world physics.

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

The Bonk Babes is the sister show to The Bonk Bros Podcast, hosted by cyclists Danni Shrosbree, Grace Washburn, and Esma Taylor. Together, they bring an honest, funny, and deeply personal take on the world of women’s cycling—both on the road and the gravel. From sharing their cycling backgrounds and debating road versus gravel preferences to unpacking cultural differences in cycling lingo between the UK and the US, the hosts dive into the stories that shape the sport. They explore the evolving landscape of women’s cycling, the unique challenges of racing as privateers, and the balance between individual grit and team dynamics. Listeners will hear candid anecdotes about race-day highs and lows, gear struggles (especially the need for better women’s kit), encounters with everything from steep climbs to unexpected dogs on the trail, and reflections on how aging shapes performance and perspective. At its heart, The Bonk Babes celebrates the camaraderie, empathy, and support that fuel the cycling community—while keeping the excitement alive for the races and challenges yet to come.

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