The Road to Respair

ASCND
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The Road to Respair is a space for honest conversations — about purpose, creativity, resilience, and the human need to keep moving forward. We’ll explore what drives people: Why someone chooses to ride across continents. Why someone starts a brand, builds a community, or pours their energy into design. Why we keep chasing that next horizon — even when the road gets hard. I’ve spent over 30 years in the cycling industry — from fitting bikes and working in retail to supporting pro teams. Along the way, I’ve built a little black book full of friends, colleagues, and people whose stories deserve to be told. And now, instead of just being a guest on someone else’s show, I finally feel ready to have those conversations myself — to dig deeper into what connects us all.

Episodes

  1. FEB 8

    Alain Rumpf Tour Guide, Bike Packer and the go to for all things Cycling in Switzerland

    In this episode of the Road to Respair podcast, host Nick interviews Alain Rumpf, a cycling enthusiast and expert based in Switzerland. Alain shares his journey in cycling, from racing to ultra-distance events, and discusses the unique allure of cycling in Switzerland, including its stunning landscapes and excellent infrastructure. The conversation delves into the rise of ultra cycling and bikepacking, the importance of community in cycling, and the impact of e-bikes on the sport. Alain also provides insights into the Swiss cycling culture, hidden gems for cyclists, and the future of cycling bikes. The episode wraps up with Alain encouraging listeners to explore Switzerland for their next cycling adventure. Takeaways Alain has been involved in cycling since he was 12. Switzerland offers some of the best cycling infrastructure in the world. Ultra cycling has seen significant growth in recent years. Bikepacking is a way to disconnect and enjoy nature. Switzerland has hidden gems that are often overlooked by cyclists. The Swiss cycling culture is vibrant and welcoming. E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Photography has become an integral part of Alain's cycling journey. Gravel biking is a growing scene in Switzerland. The future of cycling bikes is shifting towards versatility and accessibility. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Alain Rumpf and Cycling in Switzerland 02:30 The Allure of Cycling in Switzerland 04:54 The Rise of Ultra Cycling and Bikepacking 07:40 Lessons from Ultra-Distance Racing 10:02 The Joy of Bikepacking and Self-Discovery 12:02 Cycling Itineraries in Switzerland 14:34 Swiss Cycling Culture and Community 17:05 The Future of Cycling in Switzerland 21:25 The Rise of E-Bikes in Cycling 22:35 Photography: A New Passion 24:21 Exploring the Gravel Scene 26:15 The Versatility of Modern Bikes 30:56 Performance vs. Accessibility in Cycling 35:04 Why Switzerland is a Cyclist's Paradise

    41 min
  2. Episode 8 Maddy Nutt - Gravel Privateer

    JAN 21

    Episode 8 Maddy Nutt - Gravel Privateer

    Today’s guest is Maddy Nutt, one of the standout privateer racers in the gravel scene right now. Maddy’s journey into gravel racing didn’t follow a traditional pathway through junior development teams or the road racing system. Instead, her story reflects what makes gravel unique, a sport that, at least initially, was built on curiosity, self-belief, and figuring things out as you go. Over the last few years, she’s turned that curiosity into a professional career, racing at the sharp end of some of the toughest gravel events in Europe and beyond, while navigating the realities of being a privateer in a sport that’s evolving at incredible speed. Gravel racing today looks very different from how it did even a few seasons ago. The bikes are faster, the fields are deeper, the courses more refined  and the arrival of the UCI Gravel World Series has added a new layer of structure, opportunity, and debate about where the sport is heading. In this conversation, we’ll talk about Maddy’s life before cycling, how she found her way into gravel racing, and what it really means to “turn pro” in a discipline that still resists easy definitions. We’ll also dive into how gravel racing is changing, from technology and course design to the contrast between UCI events and iconic independent races like The Gralloch, The Traka, and The Rift. This is a conversation about performance, identity, and the future of a sport that’s still deciding what it wants to be.

    51 min
  3. Episode 7 Nol van Loon - Fat Pigeon CC

    JAN 11

    Episode 7 Nol van Loon - Fat Pigeon CC

    In this conversation, Nol from Fat Pigeon shares his journey from an engineer to a ultra distance cyclist and content creator. He discusses his adventures, including the challenging Mont Ventoux ride, the Festive 500 challenge, and his plans for future charity events. The conversation also delves into the evolution of gravel riding and the importance of creating memorable experiences through cycling. Nol emphasises the joy of adventure and the community aspect of cycling, encouraging others to embrace the challenges and have fun.   Takeaways Nol started cycling as a way to honor his mother's memory. Fat Pigeon represents the idea of going all out in cycling adventures. Gravel riding has evolved significantly over the years. The Mont Ventoux ride was a mix of adventure and scouting for an event. Festive 500 was a personal challenge to ride 500 kilometers in one go. Noel's future plans include charity events and gravel racing. Content creation has become a natural part of Nol's cycling journey. Gravel racing should focus on adventure rather than just speed. The cycling community is shifting towards longer, more exploratory rides. Memorable experiences often come from unexpected challenges.

    39 min
  4. Episode 6 - Miles Baker Clarke Cycling Culture Club/ Fusion Media

    JAN 4

    Episode 6 - Miles Baker Clarke Cycling Culture Club/ Fusion Media

    In this episode, I’m joined by Miles Baker Clarke — Director of Growth & Strategy at Fusion Media and founder of Cycling Culture Club, a community built on storytelling, inclusivity, and the joy of riding together. We dive into the current state of the cycling industry — what’s changing, what’s exciting, and where the real challenges lie. Miles shares his perspective on where the industry is heading, from community-driven growth to the future of participation, tech, and cycling culture. We also explore what community really means — not as a buzzword, but as a lived experience — and how cycling can be a genuine tool for belonging, growth, and wellbeing. And importantly, we talk openly about diversity and inclusivity in cycling: what progress has been made, where the gaps still exist, and what needs to change for the sport and culture to truly reflect the world around it. It’s an honest, human, and hopeful conversation about bikes, people, and building something better together.

    47 min
  5. Epsiode 5 Max Von Senger - Standert Bicycles

    12/19/2025

    Epsiode 5 Max Von Senger - Standert Bicycles

    In this episode of the Road to Respair podcast, host Nick Frendo engages with Max from Standert Bicycles, exploring his journey from product design to establishing a successful bike brand. The conversation delves into the evolution of Standert Bicycles, the importance of community and culture in cycling, material choices in bike design, and the current trends in the cycling industry, particularly around endurance bikes. Max shares insights on navigating challenges in the business and reflects on the changing face of cycling culture, emphasising inclusivity and the aesthetic appeal of cycling. Takeaways Max's journey began with a diverse background in product design and business administration. The evolution of Standert was gradual, starting from a bike shop to a recognised brand. Community and culture play a crucial role in the cycling experience. Material choices, particularly metal, are central to Standard's design philosophy. Endurance bikes have become a significant trend in the cycling industry. Navigating challenges like COVID has shaped the brand's resilience and adaptability. The cycling culture is evolving, attracting a younger, more diverse audience. Inclusivity in cycling is enhanced by making it aesthetically appealing. Standert Bicycles aims to contribute positively to the cycling community. The future focus is on refining existing products rather than expanding into new categories.

    39 min
  6. Episode 4 - Camille Mcmillan Artist, photographer and founder of FRTHR

    12/14/2025

    Episode 4 - Camille Mcmillan Artist, photographer and founder of FRTHR

    Camille McMillan is a multifaceted artist and photographer. In this conversation, Nick and Camille McMillan explore the evolution of cycling photography, the beauty of the Pyrenees, and the community surrounding cycling events. Camille shares his journey as a photographer and artist, discussing how his experiences in the mountains have shaped his work. They delve into the aesthetics of cycling gear, the joy of personal connections in cycling, and the role of e-bikes in modern cycling adventures. The discussion highlights the importance of finding beauty in the journey and the experiences that cycling offers, making it more than just a sport.

    50 min
  7. Episode 3 Jacob Crossley

    11/23/2025

    Episode 3 Jacob Crossley

    In this episode, I chat with my good friend and Chain Gang Cyclists member Jacob Crossley, whose story shows just how powerful friendship and connection can be during life’s toughest moments. Jacob opens up about navigating OCD, anxiety, and the loss of his father, and how leaning into therapy — and into the people around him — helped him slowly unfold again. He shares how cycling became a bridge back to himself, offering laughter on group rides, unexpected conversations, and the kind of support you only find when a community truly shows up for you. Jacob talks about the friends who pushed him up hills, waited for him on hard days, and reminded him he doesn’t have to carry everything alone. This episode is a gentle, uplifting look at how friendship, movement, and honest conversations can help us heal in ways we never expect. You can also read Jacobs post on the ASCND Journal HERE

    50 min
  8. Episode 2 — Building Community on Two Wheels (with Jordan Addison, G!RO Cycles)

    11/08/2025

    Episode 2 — Building Community on Two Wheels (with Jordan Addison, G!RO Cycles)

    This week on The Road to Respair, I sit down with my good friend Jordan Addison — the founder of G!RO Cycles in Esher, a café and cycling community built around good coffee, good rides, and good people. We chat about: How G!RO started as a passion project and became a local institution The challenges of surviving in the café and cycling industry What it really means to build and nurture community Why independent spaces like G!RO matter now more than ever It’s an honest, relaxed chat about resilience, belonging, and why a simple idea — bikes and coffee — can create something powerful. 🎧 Subscribe to The Road to Respair for more conversations about the stories and people who keep us moving forward.

    30 min

  9. 11/02/2025

    The Road to Respair - Episode 1

    Nick Frendo is a lifelong cyclist, storyteller, and founder of ASCND, a platform created to document his journey from despair to contentment and connection. Listen to the introduction here.

    3 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

The Road to Respair is a space for honest conversations — about purpose, creativity, resilience, and the human need to keep moving forward. We’ll explore what drives people: Why someone chooses to ride across continents. Why someone starts a brand, builds a community, or pours their energy into design. Why we keep chasing that next horizon — even when the road gets hard. I’ve spent over 30 years in the cycling industry — from fitting bikes and working in retail to supporting pro teams. Along the way, I’ve built a little black book full of friends, colleagues, and people whose stories deserve to be told. And now, instead of just being a guest on someone else’s show, I finally feel ready to have those conversations myself — to dig deeper into what connects us all.

Information

  • Creator
    ASCND
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Road to Respair