Ever since I started the podcast I dreamed of one day recording an episode in front of a live audience. Fear kept me from pursuing it. Fear that no one would show up. Fear of having an audience that amplifies the pressure and anxiety. At one point that dream progressed into a goal. And a goal needs a plan. And a live event needs a venue. Austin, TX seems like the obvious choose as a Texan. It's two hours east of me and has a rich cycling culture and community. Nestled on the east side of Austin is Cycleast, a bike shop that I've been a friend/fan of. They do so many great community events, including bikepacking group trips. A couple months ago a met with Russell Pickavance, the owner of Cycleast, and told him my idea about BoD Live. He was immediately receptive to the idea and offered to allow me to host them at his facility after store hours!

The timing worked out to make doing an East Texas Showdown episode a no-brainer. Three of our guest this week are employees of Cycleast and One is a friend of the shop. My guest this week are Hannah Simon and Stephanie Hall who are veterans to the ETS and this year shared a first place finish. Also joining me are Russell Pickavance and Ariel Marlowe who both completed the LOWdown, which is a new 160 mile bikepacking group ride and not a race.

We had about 30 people join us for the first BoD Live and it really made for a great atmosphere. I want to thank the Austin community for showing up and supporting the guest and this event. Its so great to see bikepacking thriving here in Texas.

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Ep. 145 ~ ETS Recap with Hannah Simon, Stephanie Hall, Ariel Marlowe, & Russell Pickavance recorded Live at Cycleast