Cycling Culture Club - Connections

Miles

Cycling Culture Club is a space within cycling to give voice to those from underrepresented groups, build community and promote diversity in cycling. Connections is our live feed, featuring interviews and commentary from our network of contributors and community members. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Building Community Through Listening: A Conversation with Alisha Zellner

    May 30

    Building Community Through Listening: A Conversation with Alisha Zellner

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, Miles speaks with Alisha Zellner, Community Specialist at SRAM and the driving force behind its global community programme. Alisha shares her journey from mental health and law enforcement into the cycling industry, and how her lived experiences shaped a programme designed to support underrepresented communities in cycling. From her research into systemic barriers, to leading initiatives that create real access and opportunity, this is a conversation about listening, trust, and building something that truly reflects the people it serves. They also explore the power of the bike as a space for healing, connection, and change, and why community work must start with those closest to it. Key Topics: The SRAM Community Programme and how it worksBuilding community led initiatives through listening and trustBarriers to cycling and representation in the sportFrom law enforcement to the cycling industryBike Ride for Black Lives and the role of cycling in healingCreating sustainable change through community partnerships

    57 min
  2. Wango Alfred: Creativity, Community and Capturing Cycling in East Africa

    Mar 31

    Wango Alfred: Creativity, Community and Capturing Cycling in East Africa

    Episode SummaryIn this episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, Miles sits down with Wango, a Nairobi based multidisciplinary creative working across photography, design, and storytelling with Team Amani. Wango shares his journey into cycling through creativity, documenting riders across East Africa and capturing moments that reflect a bigger cultural shift within the sport. From the World Championships in Rwanda to life at altitude in Iten, this conversation explores what it means to tell stories from within your own community. They talk about representation, creative process, and why showing up matters more than anything else. Key TopicsStorytelling and documenting cycling in East AfricaTeam Amani and building pathways to the global stageThe impact of the World Championships in RwandaRepresentation in cycling media and creative spacesCreative process across photography, design, and artCommunity work and cultural storytelling in NairobiWhy showing up is everything

    47 min
  3. Llori Sharpe: Racing for Jamaica and Building Opportunity Through Cycling

    Mar 10

    Llori Sharpe: Racing for Jamaica and Building Opportunity Through Cycling

    In this episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, Miles sits down with Llori Sharpe, former national champion of Jamaica and one of the Caribbean’s most inspiring voices in cycling. Llori shares her journey into the sport, from a childhood rooted in swimming and running to discovering cycling through triathlon. What started as an unexpected transition quickly grew into a competitive career that has seen her represent Jamaica on the international stage. The conversation explores the realities of racing from a country where cycling infrastructure and pathways are limited, the challenges that come with visas and international competition, and the pride that comes with representing Jamaica in the global peloton. Beyond racing, Llori reflects on the role of community in sport and why visibility matters for riders coming from underrepresented cycling nations. This is a conversation about resilience, opportunity, and the responsibility that comes with riding for something bigger than yourself.

    50 min
  4. Flipping the Script: Hear from the Founder of Cycling Culture Club, Miles Baker Clarke

    Feb 8

    Flipping the Script: Hear from the Founder of Cycling Culture Club, Miles Baker Clarke

    Episode Summary: In this episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, we flip the script and Miles hands over hosting duties to Head Cheerleader, Merida Miller. She sits down with Miles, the founder and diversity advocate behind Cycling Culture Club to explore cycling as a space for connection, community and change. Miles shares how his relationship with the bike has evolved beyond performance and productivity, becoming a place to slow down, think, and reconnect with himself, his heritage and his own diversity. Together, they talk about community, letting go of expectation, and why cycling does not need to be loud or competitive to be meaningful. Do you want to know why Cycling Culture Club exists? This is the podcast for you. Key Topics: Building Cycling Culture Club around people and stories Cycling as a reflective practice Letting go of performance driven narratives Community, creativity, and connection Finding value in quieter rides Diversifying cycling and why that matters

    53 min
  5. Inspiring Black Women to Go Riding: Meet the Iron Empress, Donna McConnell

    12/15/2025

    Inspiring Black Women to Go Riding: Meet the Iron Empress, Donna McConnell

    Cycling is more than movement. It is identity, connection, and sometimes resistance. In this episode, we share an open-hearted conversation with Donna, a journalist, rider, mum, and inclusive cycling ambassador. Donna speaks warmly about building confidence through group rides, holding space for underrepresented riders, and finding balance on and off the bike. Highlights: Discovering confidence and kinship through cyclingWhy visibility and representation matter, especially for older womenThe joy of breaking stereotypes with every pedal Subscribe for stories that explore cycling as culture, community, and empowerment. #CyclingCultureClub #InclusiveCycling #DonnaMcConnell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
  6. Building Sisterhood Through Cycling with Samra Said | Cycling Culture Club Connection

    11/01/2025

    Building Sisterhood Through Cycling with Samra Said | Cycling Culture Club Connection

    Cycling is about more than sport. It is about freedom, community, and belonging. In this episode, we speak with Samra Said, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Cycle Sisters, an award-winning organisation that empowers Muslim women to take up cycling and ride with confidence. Samra shares the story behind Cycle Sisters, from its beginnings in East London to the national network it has become. She talks about representation, visibility, and how cycling can create powerful change through community and shared joy. This conversation celebrates sisterhood, faith, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome on two wheels. Highlights: The story of Cycle Sisters and its missionHow visibility and representation inspire confidenceOvercoming barriers for Muslim women in sportThe importance of community and joy in cycling Subscribe for more stories that celebrate cycling as culture, connection, and community. #CyclingCultureClub #CycleSisters #InclusiveCycling #SamraSaid #CyclingPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  7. From NYC Atelier to the Road: Gil’s Story of Creativity and Connection

    09/08/2025

    From NYC Atelier to the Road: Gil’s Story of Creativity and Connection

    In this episode we meet Gil Lavi, creative director, rider, and cofounder of RUBBER N’ ROAD, a bespoke cycling apparel atelier in New York City. Gil shares how the bike connects him to family, fuels his competitive spirit, and inspires performance innovation. Through design, resilience, and two wheeled relationships, he weaves a story about what it means to ride with purpose. Key Moments: Growing up with cycling as a connection to home and heritageFounding an atelier focused on creative performance and resilienceWhy consistency and effort on the bike shape how he lives and designsHow cycling teaches focus, managing setbacks, and chasing fleeting joyWhat it means to blend creativity, competition, and community through cycling Links: Rubber n RoadGil on InstagramGil's bio on Cycling Culture ClubFollow us: @cyclingcultureclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  8. Sam Takes on Badlands: 800km Across the Desert

    08/30/2025

    Sam Takes on Badlands: 800km Across the Desert

    In this special episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, Sam shares his plans for Badlands, one of the toughest gravel events on the calendar. Covering 800 kilometers and over 15,000 meters of climbing through the deserts of southern Spain, it is a challenge that will test every part of him. Sam talks about his training, setup, and mindset as he prepares for the biggest ride of his life. From learning to fuel with sandwiches instead of gels to embracing the mental battles of riding solo, his reflections capture the spirit of pushing limits and finding joy in the unknown. Key Moments: What makes Badlands such a unique and brutal raceSam’s journey from new rider to ultra challengerBike and kit setup for the desert rideThe mental side of endurance cyclingFood, fuel, and the little things that keep you movingLinks: Sam on InstagramBadlands.ccFollow us: @cyclingcultureclub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
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Cycling Culture Club is a space within cycling to give voice to those from underrepresented groups, build community and promote diversity in cycling. Connections is our live feed, featuring interviews and commentary from our network of contributors and community members. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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