Professional mountain biker Payson McElveen sits down with some of the biggest names in sports and adventure to get an inside look at what sets them apart. With no script, the casual conversations are as diverse as the guests, with topics ranging from harrowing tales of survival, to debates on current events, to everyday tips and tricks and everything in between. As Payson travels the world for his two-wheeled day job, listen in as he rubs shoulders with and learns from some of the most inspiring athletes, entrepreneurs, academics, and others as they chase and inspire greatness.
Rad Dirt recap with Finn Gullickson and Cecily Decker
On this week’s episode, we’re covering round five the Life Time Grand Prix which took place last weekend in Trinidad, Colorado. We hear from listeners who attended the race followed by Payson's breakdown of the current points standings and some of the possible podium scenarios that could unfold in the final round in Bentonville later this month.
Payson also chats to two breakout riders at the Rad, Finn Gullickson and Cecily Decker. At just 24, Finn decided to step away from pursuing a road career in Europe to pursue off-road racing in the U.S. He talks about why he left road racing, the frustrating middle part of his 2024 season, and how he managed to place sixth overall and fifth in the Grand Prix points in Trinidad.
Cecily is also a recent convert to gravel. Having been medically retired from ski racing while still in college, she quickly learned she had a talent for cycling. She tells Payson about when she knew she was fast on a bike, how a crash at Chequamegon dashed her hopes of a mid-season reset, and how she placed 3rd at the Rad.
Before all that, however, Payson provides some life (and podcast) updates and shares some thoughts on this weekend’s Gravel World Championships in Belgium.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:35 Life/podcast update
00:08:30 Gravel World Championships
00:17:39 Listener recaps from the Rad
00:23:01 Points analysis
00:40:34 Finn Gullickson
1:03:50 Cecily Decker
Instagram: @withpacepodcast
YouTube: Payson McElveen
Email: howdy@withpace.cc