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Welcome to the Rapid Ascent Podcast. Experts in adventure since 2004. Run, ride, swim, paddle. Bringing you the best interviews with some remarkable participants from Rapid Ascent endurance events.
Episodes
Friday Feb 20, 2026
Friday Feb 20, 2026
What does it take to go from crashing twice in your first race to becoming one of Australia's most formidable off-road endurance athletes?
In this episode, Jez sits down with Courtney Sherwell — dual Australian National Champion, 3x Queen of the Otways, and self-funded privateer who placed 7th in the 2025 Life Time Grand Prix. Courtney's story is one of pure grit, resilience, and an unwavering love for riding on dirt.
We dive into the moment that almost ended her cycling career before it began: a brutal first race at Brackenbury where she broke her nose, crashed twice, and somehow found the courage to keep going.
Courtney opens up about the road racing years that didn't feel right, the breakthrough moment in 2022 when she won Dirty Warrny by 40 minutes (having never ridden 246km before), and the 2024 season where she "found all the pieces to the puzzle" – winning both the XCM and Gravel National Championships in the same year.
But it's not all podiums and green-and-gold jerseys. Courtney shares the raw reality of life as a privateer in the US — bootstrapping her way across America with her partner John and competing against fully-supported professional riders. She talks about the joy of riding bikes and being in nature, how she stays mentally strong against celebrity competition and how structured training became the key to unlocking her potential.
But it's not all podiums and green-and-gold jerseys. Courtney shares the raw reality of life as a privateer in the US — bootstrapping her way across America with her partner John and competing against fully-supported professional riders. She talks about the joy of riding bikes and being in nature, how she stays mentally strong against celebrity competition and how structured training became the key to unlocking her potential.
And of course, we talk Otway Odyssey. As the 3x Queen of the Otways and 2022 Great Otway Gravel Grind champion, Courtney has a deep connection to these events. She shares what makes the Otways special and her plans for the 2026 race — shoulder injury and all.
What You'll Learn:
•Why Courtney kept going after breaking her nose in her first race (and what this teaches us about starting something new)
•The "band-aid story" of how her partner John booked Belgian Waffle Ride tickets and forced her onto the world stage
•What changed in 2024 that allowed her to win two national championships in one year
•The reality of self-funding a Life Time Grand Prix campaign and competing against the world's best
•Why riding on dirt is fundamentally different (and more rewarding) than road racing
•What makes the Otway Odyssey one of the toughest and most rewarding races in Australia
•Practical advice for women getting into mountain biking and gravel racing
•Her FTP, nutrition strategy, and top three training sessions
This episode is for you if:
•You've ever felt intimidated starting something new (especially women in cycling)
•You're curious about what it really takes to compete at the elite level without a team
•You want to understand the mental game behind ultra-endurance racing
•You're considering racing the Otway Odyssey or GOGG and want insider knowledge
•You love transformation stories that prove anything is possible with grit and determination
Key Topics & Timestamps
3:46 - The Broken Nose Story: First race at Brackenbury
5:01 - The Crash: Going over the handlebars
6:28 - The 12-Week Training Plan: A turning point
9:32 - Second Race: Choosing the Otway Odyssey 50km
23:37 - The Road Racing Years: Roxsolt Liv SRAM and Knights of Suburbia
43:42 - Life Time Grand Prix: The dream and the reality
44:47 - Belgian Waffle Ride: Announcing herself on the world stage
48:47 - 2024 National Championships: The historic double
56:46 - Marathon National Championship: Racing sick in Wagga Wagga
1:14:45 - Finding the Puzzle Pieces: What changed in 2024
1:16:31 - The Otway Odyssey: What it means to be Queen of the Otways
1:25:42 - Advice for First-Timers: Racing the Otway Odyssey
5:01 - The Crash: Going over the handlebars
6:28 - The 12-Week Training Plan: A turning point
9:32 - Second Race: Choosing the Otway Odyssey 50km
23:37 - The Road Racing Years: Roxsolt Liv SRAM and Knights of Suburbia
43:42 - Life Time Grand Prix: The dream and the reality
44:47 - Belgian Waffle Ride: Announcing herself on the world stage
48:47 - 2024 National Championships: The historic double
56:46 - Marathon National Championship: Racing sick in Wagga Wagga
1:14:45 - Finding the Puzzle Pieces: What changed in 2024
1:16:31 - The Otway Odyssey: What it means to be Queen of the Otways
1:25:42 - Advice for First-Timers: Racing the Otway Odyssey
Mentioned in This Episode
Guest:
•Courtney Sherwell on Instagram: @courtney.sherwell
•Courtney's Pet Portrait Art: @petportraits_bycourtney
Events:
•Otway Odyssey MTB Marathon - Register now for 2026!
•Brackenbury Challenge - Creswick, VIC
•Dirty Warrny - 246km gravel race
•Cattleman's 100 - Omeo, VIC
People Mentioned:
•John Davis - Courtney's partner and coach
•Sofia Gomez Villafañe - 2024 LTGP Champion
Brands & Sponsors:
•Ekoi
Follow Rapid Ascent
Website: rapidascent.com.au
Instagram: @rapidascent
Facebook: @rapidascentevents
Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Friday Feb 06, 2026
Friday Feb 06, 2026
What does it take to WIN an elite mountain biking championship WHILE working as a high-powered lawyer? In this episode, we sit down with James Kelly to deconstruct his incredible journey to claim the green and gold at the 2025 XCM Nationals. He shares the training secrets, mental tactics, and the one race that changed everything, offering a blueprint for balancing a demanding career with elite athletic performance.
In an epic journey of resilience and determination, James Kelly shattered expectations by winning the 2025 XCM National Elite Mountain Biking Championships. By day, he's a senior associate at a Melbourne law firm; by morning and night, he's an elite bike racer. This episode delves into the extraordinary dual life of James Kelly, exploring how he balances a high-stakes legal career with the grueling demands of professional mountain biking. From his unexpected victory in Melrose to his roots in downhill racing, James shares the unfiltered story of his rapid ascent to the top of the sport.
In an epic journey of resilience and determination, James Kelly shattered expectations by winning the 2025 XCM National Elite Mountain Biking Championships. By day, he's a senior associate at a Melbourne law firm; by morning and night, he's an elite bike racer. This episode delves into the extraordinary dual life of James Kelly, exploring how he balances a high-stakes legal career with the grueling demands of professional mountain biking. From his unexpected victory in Melrose to his roots in downhill racing, James shares the unfiltered story of his rapid ascent to the top of the sport.
What You'll Learn
•The exact training philosophy that led to his national championship win, including the power of strength and torque intervals.
•James's race-day nutrition strategy for fuelling a 4-hour marathon, targeting 100-120 grams of carbs per hour.
•How to develop the mental fortitude to push through your pain cave and overcome self-doubt.
•A deep dive into the power data and the key workouts that elevated his performance ceiling.
•Why the Otway Odyssey is the ultimate test of endurance and technical skill, and James's strategy for the upcoming race.
Key Topics & Timestamps
•(00:41) - Who is James Kelly? From Lawyer to Elite Bike Racer
•(02:28) - The Unlikely Victory: Blow-by-Blow of the 2025 XCM National Championships
•(20:05) - The Double Life: How to Balance a Demanding Career with Elite Training
•(41:00) - The Backstory: From Junior Downhill Racer to Endurance Powerhouse
•(50:39) - Conquering the Odyssey: A Deep Dive into the Iconic Race
•(1:13:57) - 2026 Otway Odyssey Course Preview & Race Strategy
•(1:21:05) - Rapid Fire: Nutrition, Gear, and Training Mistakes to Avoid
•(1:27:06) - The One Piece of Advice for Aspiring 100k Odyssey Riders
Mentioned in this Episode
Guest: James Kelly
•Events:
People:
Products/Brands:
Follow Rapid Ascent
•Website: rapidascent.com.au
•Instagram: instagram.com/rapidascent
•Facebook: facebook.com/rapidascent
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Get ready for a rip-snorter of an episode! We're back from our summer break with a massive chat with one of the most underrated cyclists on the Aussie scene, Brent Rees.
This young gun has been tearing it up, from out-sprinting the big names to win the 2023 Australian National Marathon Champs to back-to-back Oceania titles. He recently went toe-to-toe with some of the world's best at Radl Grvl in Adelaide – includine Romain Bardet – proving he's a force to be reckoned with.
This young gun has been tearing it up, from out-sprinting the big names to win the 2023 Australian National Marathon Champs to back-to-back Oceania titles. He recently went toe-to-toe with some of the world's best at Radl Grvl in Adelaide – includine Romain Bardet – proving he's a force to be reckoned with.
In this yarn, we get the full story of Brent's incredible journey from buying a bike on a whim in 2017... to mixing it with (and beating many) of the pros.
He doesn't hold back, giving us the nuts and bolts of his training, nutrition, and the mindset that's taken him to the top. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to go from a weekend warrior to a world-class athlete, this one's for you.
He doesn't hold back, giving us the nuts and bolts of his training, nutrition, and the mindset that's taken him to the top. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to go from a weekend warrior to a world-class athlete, this one's for you.
What You'll Learn
Brent takes us through his meteoric rise from barely riding a bike in 2016 to racing against Tour de France podium finishers just six years later. He shares the tactical decisions, training philosophy, and sheer determination that got him there. Whether you're chasing your own breakthrough or just love a good underdog story, this episode delivers the goods.
From his first national-level mountain bike race in 2017 to his controversial National Championship win in 2023, Brent reveals the secrets behind his success. He talks about recovering on descents, fuelling with massive amounts of carbs, and the importance of tactical racing when you're not the biggest engine in the bunch. Plus, he gives some cracking advice for anyone tackling the Otway Odyssey.
Chapters
01:09 - Introduction & Brent's Recent Results
Jeremy introduces Brent Rees and his impressive palmares, including his fifth-place finish at Radl Grvl against a world-class field.
05:07 - Radl Grvl Race Breakdown
Brent takes us through the race blow-by-blow, from the brutal opening climb to tactical battles with Romain Bardet, Cam Jones, and Ian Boswell.
08:41 - The Opening Climb Strategy
How Brent handled 500+ watts on the first climb and why he knew he had to stick with the front group.
16:26 - The Chase Group & Working with the Best
Brent describes the chase effort with Sam Shaw, Alexey Vermeulen, and Jeremy Powers, and how they nearly caught the leaders.
21:02 - Attacking Romain Bardet at Halfway
The bold move to attack a Tour de France runner-up and how tactical racing suited Brent's strengths.
28:10 - Crossing the Line in 5th
Brent reflects on his result, the satisfaction, and the "what ifs" of racing smarter.
29:15 - Early Days: From Motocross to Mountain Biking
How Brent transitioned from motocross to mountain biking and why his bike skills gave him an edge.
36:57 - First Races (2017)
Brent's first mountain bike races as a junior and how he progressed rapidly through the local scene.
38:47 - Racing the National Series & Going to Worlds (2018)
The whirlwind year when Brent went from local races to representing Australia at World Championships.
45:15 - Road Nationals & The Bright Crash
Brent's foray into road racing and the devastating crash that derailed his National Championship campaign.
50:25 - Balancing Work & Racing as an Apprentice
What it was like working full-time as a carpenter while racing at the national level.
53:33 - Rebounding from Setbacks & Cape to Cape
How Brent bounced back from injuries and illness to prove he belonged at the top level.
55:53 - The World Cup Dream & COVID Impact
Brent's ambitions to race World Cups and how COVID lockdowns forced a reset.
58:15 - Moving to the Gold Coast & Lifestyle Changes
The move to the Goldie, training with pro riders, and finding balance between racing and living life.
1:00:54 - Racing in Europe (2022)
Brent's European adventure, racing stage races and World Cups across the continent.
1:06:58 - The 2023 National Marathon Championship Win
The full story of Brent's breakthrough win, the controversial inside pass, and the protest that followed.
1:14:00 - The Emotional Aftermath & Imposter Syndrome
How it felt to beat his heroes and the mixed emotions of his biggest career moment.
1:20:00 - Training Philosophy & Climbing Power
Brent breaks down his training approach, how he developed his climbing strength, and the importance of repeatability.
1:25:00 - Race Day Nutrition Strategy
The famous rice breakfast, 120-140g of carbs per hour during races, and how to fuel for marathon events.
1:30:00 - Otway Odyssey Advice
Brent's tips for tackling the Odyssey, including pacing, nutrition, and mental strategies for the iconic race.
Mentioned in This Episode
•Brent Rees on Instagram
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
In this episode, Jeremy sits down with his own coach, renowned Australian cycling coach Adam Kelsall, to tackle one of the hottest topics in sport right now: can you trust AI to build your training plan?
Jeremy reveals he used a specialised AI tool, Manus, to create a full suite of training plans for every event at the Otway Odyssey. But with the finished product in hand, he lacks the confidence to actually follow it. This kicks off a fascinating conversation that is part-coaching session, part-tech exploration, and part-scientific deep dive.
Adam, coach to Commonwealth Games silver medallist Zoe Cuthbert and back-to-back U23 National Champion Harry Doye, puts both Jeremy’s methodology and the AI’s output under the microscope. The result is a masterclass in training theory and a relatable exploration of the classic athlete’s dilemma: should you follow the sensible plan, or the one your ego wants?
Key Topics & Timestamps:
- (00:00) - Introduction: Jeremy introduces Adam Kelsall and the premise of the episode: Adz vs AI.
- (01:11) - Adam’s Credentials: Adam discusses his current roster of elite athletes, including Zoe Cuthbert, Harry Doye, Alana Fletcher, and Tom Locke, and the challenges Australian cyclists face when competing in Europe.
- (03:27) - The Demands of Different Disciplines: Adam explains how his background in sports science helps him analyse the specific physiological demands of XC, Enduro, and Downhill, highlighting the underestimated importance of aerobic fitness in gravity disciplines.
- (07:00) - Elite Training Hours: A discussion on the training volume of elite U23 riders like Harry Doye (approaching 1000 hours/year) versus established pros like Alan Hatherly (rumoured 15 hours/week).
- (09:10) - The AI Experiment: Jeremy outlines his process of using the AI tool Manus to create plans for all Otway Odyssey events, with a key instruction: all recommendations must be based on peer-reviewed sports science.
- (11:14) - The Framework: Jeremy walks Adam through the 7-step framework that emerged from his iterative process with the AI:
- Who are we training and what are their goals?
- What fitness characteristics do they need?
- What are the foundational training principles?
- What are the training stimuli?
- What's the Minimum Effective Dose (MED)?
- How do we periodise it?
- The importance of recovery.
- (43:38) - The Science of Recovery: Adam and Jeremy discuss the undisputed champions of recovery (sleep and nutrition) and why the science is still lacking in measuring recovery effectively.
- (51:30) - Periodisation Explained: Adam breaks down how he uses a 4-phase periodisation model (Base, Build, Peak, Taper) to structure a 12-week plan, manipulating duration and intensity to drive adaptation.
- (1:18:02) - Polarised vs Pyramidal Training: A deep dive into the 80/20 rule. Adam explains why a polarised model works for high-volume athletes, but a pyramidal model (including tempo/sweet spot) is often more efficient and specific for time-crunched mountain bikers.
- (1:26:55) - The Dilemma: Jeremy reveals his personal dilemma. The AI recommended the 8-10 hour/week Time-Efficient plan for him, but his ego wants the 12-16 hour/week High-Volume plan. This kicks off a real-world coaching conversation about ambition vs reality.
- (1:40:53) - The Verdict & The Solution: Adam gives his final verdict on the AI’s plan and the role of AI in coaching. He argues that AI can handle the planning, freeing up coaches to focus on the irreplaceable human elements: individualisation, skill development, tactics, and building confidence.
- (1:45:07) - The Big Offer: Jeremy proposes that Adam review all 12 AI-generated plans, add his human layer of coaching wisdom, and make them available for free to the entire Otway Odyssey community.
ALL FREE AI TRAINING PLANS HERE
(please read Adam’s comment document first!):
👉https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OSQodB3o9ohsYlDLpFNJGof1SO5ZmNAy?usp=drive_link
CLARIFICATION ON TRAINING ZONES: In the pod. Adam & Jez talk about the Coggan training zones and what percentage of FTP heart rate "Zone 2" falls under. The correct HR zone for Zone 2 is 69%-83% of FTP HR. Full explanation of zones here >
Mentioned in this episode:
- Adam Kelsall:Hero Dirt Coaching | Instagram
- Otway Odyssey:Website
- Athletes: Zoe Cuthbert, Harry Doye, Brendan ‘Trekkie’ Johnston, Ryan Gilchrist, Alan Hatherly, Jack Ward, Sam Hill.
*Program used was Manus AI.
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
What does it truly take to be a champion?
In this episode, Jez sits down with Brendan "Trekky" Johnston — one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected cyclists — for a conversation that goes far beyond race results.
While his six National Titles and victories at iconic races like the Melbourne to Warnambool and Otway Odyssey are legendary, it’s the story of how he got there that offers a masterclass in resilience.
In this episode, Jez sits down with Brendan "Trekky" Johnston — one of Australia’s most accomplished and respected cyclists — for a conversation that goes far beyond race results.
While his six National Titles and victories at iconic races like the Melbourne to Warnambool and Otway Odyssey are legendary, it’s the story of how he got there that offers a masterclass in resilience.
Brendan shares his journey from a promising junior whose career was derailed by a cancer diagnosis at 17, through his years as a top-performing athlete while working full-time as an electrician, to his modern-day leap of faith into the American gravel scene.
We discuss his audacious plan to break the Perth-to-Sydney cross-country record, the realities of surviving cancer and associated PTSD, and the realities of balancing elite sport with the pressures of life, business, and family.
We discuss his audacious plan to break the Perth-to-Sydney cross-country record, the realities of surviving cancer and associated PTSD, and the realities of balancing elite sport with the pressures of life, business, and family.
Key Takeaways
•Redefining Endurance: Learn about Brendan’s unconventional strategy to break the 4,000km Perth-to-Sydney record by prioritising sleep over non-stop riding...
•The Power of Purpose: Understand the deep personal motivation behind his fundraising for Tour de Cure, rooted in his own battle with cancer and the lingering mental scars (PTSD) that fuel his drive.
•The Myth of the Full-Time Pro: Discover how Brendan achieved world-class results for over a decade while balancing a demanding trade, a business, and family life, proving that the path to the top isn’t always linear.
•Calculated Leaps of Faith: Hear the story behind his decision to leave a stable career and bet on himself in the high-stakes world of the Life Time Grand Prix, and how he navigated the financial and logistical challenges to succeed.
Chapters
Chapters
•(03:28) The Next Frontier: Brendan’s Audacious Perth-to-Sydney Record Attempt
•(07:55) The Strategy: Why Sleep is the Secret Weapon for a 4,000km Race
•(14:35) The Motivation: Racing for More Than Just a Record with Tour de Cure
•(16:52) The Unseen Scars: Confronting PTSD and the Rush to “Catch Up” on Life
•(21:30) The Working-Class Champion: Balancing a Trade, a Business, and Elite Racing
•(28:50) The Leap of Faith: Quitting a Career to Go All-In on the US Gravel Scene
•(35:44) The Breakthrough: The Story of the High-Stakes Big Sugar Gravel Race
•(43:02) The Pinnacle of Australian MTB: What the Otway Odyssey Means to Brendan
•(50:10) How to Follow the FKT and Support Tour de Cure
Mentioned in this Episode
•Follow Brendan Johnston: Keep up with his training and FKT attempt on his Instagram, @trekky91.
•Support the Cause: Donate to Brendan’s Perth-to-Sydney ride in support of cancer research at Tour de Cure.
•The Otway Odyssey: Learn more about the iconic mountain bike marathon at the official website. Entries for the 2026 event are now open!
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
What does it take to not just win the Otway Odyssey, but to dominate it from the front, leaving a field of world-class athletes in your dust?
In this episode, we do a deep dive with Tali Lane Welsh on his incredible solo victory at the Otway Odyssey In 2024.
In this episode, we do a deep dive with Tali Lane Welsh on his incredible solo victory at the Otway Odyssey In 2024.
Tali got away early and, in the words of Australian MTB legend Dan McConnell, "No one seemed to give him much respect". He then proceeded to build a five-minute gap on a field of champions, World Cup riders and Olympians.
How did he do it? Was he worried about blowing up? And what was going through his mind as he faced the final, brutal climbs with cramps setting in?
How did he do it? Was he worried about blowing up? And what was going through his mind as he faced the final, brutal climbs with cramps setting in?
This episode is a masterclass for any endurance athlete on race strategy, mental fortitude, and the physical preparation required to achieve a peak performance. Tali shares the insane power numbers behind his ride (4.3 w/kg for over four hours!), his nutrition strategy, and the psychological battle of being the lone rider out in front.
In this episode, we discuss:
•The Race-Winning Strategy: How Tali planned his attack and built an insurmountable lead.
•Mind-Blowing Power Data: The exact wattage and watts-per-kilo Tali held for over 4 hours and on the key climbs.
•The Mental Game of a Solo Breakaway: How to handle the pressure when you're the rabbit everyone is chasing.
•Nutrition & Pacing: How Tali fueled his ride and managed his effort to avoid blowing up.
•Overcoming Suffering: The story of cramping on the final climb and having to get off the bike and run!
•Training Insights: How Tali balances road and mountain bike training to achieve peak fitness.
This isn't just a race recap; it's a blueprint for how to prepare for, execute, and win your biggest races. If you've ever wondered what it takes to have a truly legendary day on the bike, you can't miss this episode.
Resources:
Learn about the 20th Otway Odyssey weekend here:
👉 https://bit.ly/Otway-Odyssey-Weekend-2026
Learn about the 20th Otway Odyssey weekend here:
👉 https://bit.ly/Otway-Odyssey-Weekend-2026
Follow Tali Lane Welsh on Instagram:
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
What if you had to choose between a pro cycling career and your love for the sport?
Australian mountain bike legend Peta Mullens made that exact choice in her early 20s — walking away from a world tour road career to rediscover her passion on the trails. Fast forward to today, she's a 15 time National Champion (across multiple disciplines), the winningest Otway Odyssey champion – with 7 Odyssey titles and 3 in the GOGG – and one of the most respected voices in gravel and MTB racing.
In this episode, Peta joins host Jeremy Baker alongside pro cyclist (top 10 in Unbound!) and well-known YouTuber, Dylan Johnson (aka Backwards Hat Dylan) to talk about comebacks, crashes, community, and why the best part of bike racing might just be the after-party.
From Dylan's truck accident just weeks before Unbound to Peta's record-breaking Odyssey wins, this conversation is packed with insights for riders at every level.
From Dylan's truck accident just weeks before Unbound to Peta's record-breaking Odyssey wins, this conversation is packed with insights for riders at every level.
Because at the end of the day? We're just riding bikes here.
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 - Intro: Recording from Bentonville during the Big Sugar double header
01:45 - Peta's hand injury from chasing Dylan downhill in Brevard
03:40 - Dylan races Little Sugar: Course breakdown and that 7-minute wrong turn
05:14 - Dylan's truck accident in May: Breaking his tibial plateau 2 weeks before Unbound
08:46 - The comeback at Leadville: Pacing strategy and exceeding expectations
10:32 - Peta's collarbone break and health challenges this season
15:00 - The mental game: Racing when you're not at 100%
20:00 - Dylan's unconventional path: Running 100-milers as a teen before discovering cycling
25:00 - YouTube, social media, and breaking into the Lifetime Grand Prix
30:00 - "Backwards Hat Dylan": Keeping ego in check in a sport full of big personalities
33:00 - Peta's athletic roots: From mountain running to track cycling to MTB
37:00 - The inflection point: Quitting the Australian Institute of Sport at 20
40:00 - "I potentially gave away a career because I was scared of failure"
43:00 - Community and trauma bonding: What makes off-road racing special
46:00 - 7 Otway Odyssey wins: Never finishing off the podium, beating Chris Jongewaard's record
50:00 - Women in cycling: "Bring a female friend and start a movement"
55:00 - The growth of women's gravel racing and creating inclusive spaces
1:00:00 - Peta's thoughts on women empowering women to find the joy in bikes
1:05:00 - Training philosophy: Consistency over perfection
1:10:00 - The social side of elite racing: Pizza, ice cream, and staying up late with competitors
1:17:00 - Party culture: Gravel raves, Tulsa Tough, and what the Odyssey could steal from US events
1:22:00 - Devil's Cardigan in Tasmania: The ultimate post-race party
1:25:00 - Bendigo's cycling scene and the evolution of training culture
1:28:00 - Looking ahead: Odyssey 2026 and Dylan's potential Aussie debut
💬 Highlight Quotes
Dylan Johnson:
"We're just riding bikes here. It's not that serious. It's not that important. Calm down a little bit. Keep the ego in check."
Peta Mullens:
"To win the Odyssey, you have to be the most well-rounded mountain biker you could possibly be. You have to climb, descend, be technical, and have the durability to get through an event that arduous."
Dylan Johnson:
"If you can manage to get through the race without a mechanical, you probably had a good day. Little Sugar's rocks will shred you if you're not careful."
Peta Mullens:
"I potentially gave away a career because maybe I was a little bit scared of failure. But it didn't take long before I realised the things I thought I was sacrificing weren't actually that much fun anyway."
Peta Mullens:
"Women are each other's biggest cheerleaders. Bring a female friend to ride with you and start a movement."
Dylan Johnson:
"Backwards Hat Dylan is my way of keeping ego in check. Cycling's full of big egos, and sometimes we just need a reminder to chill."
Peta Mullens:
"The beauty of off-road racing is the trauma bonding. Going through something really hard together creates lifelong friendships."
Peta Mullens:
"When I look back and think, 'Man, I've won the Odyssey seven times' — it seems like an amazing statistic just when I say it out loud."
🔗 Resources & Links
Races & Events
•Otway Odyssey - Australia's most respected MTB marathon (Forrest, Victoria)
•Life Time Grand Prix - Elite gravel/MTB series with $380,000 prize purse
•Little Sugar MTB - Technical mountain bike race in Bentonville, Arkansas
•Big Sugar Gravel - World-class gravel race in Northwest Arkansas
•Leadville Trail 100 MTB - Iconic 100-mile MTB race at altitude
•Unbound Gravel - The world's premier gravel race in Emporia, Kansas
•Tulsa Tough - Criterium racing with legendary party atmosphere
•Devil's Cardigan - Tasmania's premier MTB event with epic after-party
•Chequamegon MTB Festival - Wisconsin's classic fall mountain bike race
•Steamboat Stinger - High-altitude gravel challenge in Colorado
Athletes
•Peta Mullens on Instagram - @petamullens | 15x Australian National Champion
•Dylan Johnson on Instagram - @dylanjawnson | Cyclist, coach, YouTuber
•Dylan Johnson on YouTube - Training science and "Backwards Hat Dylan" content
⚡ Key Takeaways
✅ It's just riding bikes. Dylan's philosophy reminds us that even at the elite level, cycling should be fun and not taken too seriously. Keep your ego in check and enjoy the ride.
✅ Resilience is everything. Both Dylan and Peta faced major setbacks this year (truck accident, collarbone break, hand injury) but kept showing up. The comeback is part of the journey.
✅ The Otway Odyssey is legendary for a reason. Winning it requires being a complete mountain biker—climbing, descending, technical skills, and mental toughness. Peta's 7 wins cement her as one of Australia's all-time greats.
✅ Community over competition. The best part of gravel and MTB racing isn't just the podium—it's the trauma bonding, the shared suffering, and the friendships forged on the trails.
✅ Women supporting women changes the game. Peta's advocacy for female cyclists and creating inclusive spaces is helping grow the sport exponentially. Her advice: bring a female friend to your next ride.
✅ Don't lose the joy. Peta's story of walking away from a pro road career to rediscover her love for cycling is a powerful reminder that passion matters more than prestige.
✅ Party culture matters. Events like Tulsa Tough, Devil's Cardigan, and the gravel rave scene show that cycling is about more than watts and KOMs—it's a lifestyle and a community.
🚴♀️ About the Guests
Peta Mullens is a 15-time Australian National Champion in mountain biking and cyclocross. She holds the record for most Otway Odyssey wins (7) and has never finished off the podium in 12 starts. After beginning her career in road and track cycling with the Australian Institute of Sport, Peta transitioned to mountain biking where she found her true passion. She's a coach and fierce advocate for women in cycling.
Dylan Johnson is a professional gravel and ultra-endurance mountain bike racer competing in the Lifetime Grand Prix series. Known for his YouTube channel where he breaks down training science, Dylan has built a unique path in cycling. In May 2025, he was hit by a truck during training, breaking his tibial plateau just weeks before Unbound. His remarkable comeback at Leadville showcased his resilience and determination.
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Ride hard, stay humble, and don't forget to have fun out there!
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Episode Summary
In this episode, Jez sit down with Australian ultra-running sensation Holly Ranson, just 11 days before she attempts to break the 24-hour ultra running world record in France.
Holly shares her incredible journey from professional triathlete and NRS cyclist to a dominant force in the world of ultra-endurance running (she's only a few laps of Courtney Dewaulter on the Backyard Ultra and 24-hour world stage!)
Holly shares her incredible journey from professional triathlete and NRS cyclist to a dominant force in the world of ultra-endurance running (she's only a few laps of Courtney Dewaulter on the Backyard Ultra and 24-hour world stage!)
We dive deep into the dramatic story of her record-breaking run at the Surf Coast Century in 2024, and her Australian-record breaking 61 "Yards" (over 400km!) at the Dead Cow Gully backyard ultra this year.
Holly opens up about her past struggles with injuries, the crucial role of nutrition, her training processes and the mental strategies she uses to push through unimaginable pain.
Holly opens up about her past struggles with injuries, the crucial role of nutrition, her training processes and the mental strategies she uses to push through unimaginable pain.
This is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, the power of a stubborn mindset, and what it takes to compete at the absolute pinnacle of human endurance. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a dose of inspiration, you won't want to miss this.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Holly's unconventional path from triathlon and cycling to ultra-running.
- The inside story of her dramatic, record-breaking finish at the Surf Coast Century.
- What it's really like to run for over 400km in a backyard ultra.
- How Holly is preparing to break the 24-hour world record.
- The mental techniques and visualisation practices she uses to conquer pain and self-doubt.
- The critical link between nutrition, injury prevention, and performance in endurance sports.
About Holly Ranson
Holly Ranson is an Australian ultra-marathon runner, sports dietitian and academic. She holds multiple Australian records, including the 24-hour, 12-hour, 100-mile, and 200km distances (as well as the Backyard Ultra record). She is ranked among the top female endurance athletes in the world, with a 4th place globally in backyard ultras and 3rd in 24-hour racing.
Follow Holly
Mentioned in this episode:
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Kate Kellett to hear the incredible story of her nine-year journey to become the 2023 Elite Women's 24-Hour Solo World Champion.
From a late start in the sport to a nail-biting finish in the final hours of the world championships, Kate's story is one of incredible resilience, dedication, and the power of a supportive team.
From a late start in the sport to a nail-biting finish in the final hours of the world championships, Kate's story is one of incredible resilience, dedication, and the power of a supportive team.
Join us as we delve into the physical and mental fortitude required to compete at the elite level of endurance mountain biking. Kate shares the highs and lows of her career, the importance of her support crew, and the training and nutrition strategies that fuelled her to the top of the podium.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
•The dramatic final hours of the 2023 World Championships, where Kate's commanding lead was whittled down to just seven minutes.
•How a weekend away with mates introduced Kate to mountain biking in her late 20s.
•The nine-year obsession that saw her compete in multiple world championships before finally claiming the top spot.
•The crucial role of her support guy, Glen, and a cheeky Facebook post that led to her meeting her husband and coach, Brett Kellett.
•Kate's "stronger for longer" training philosophy and the importance of skill development in endurance racing.
•A deep dive into her nutrition strategy, including her go-to race foods like toasted vegemite and cheese sandwiches and a surprising concoction involving dehydrated potato.
•Kate's experiences at other iconic Australian races like the Otway Odyssey and Peaks Challenge.
Events Mentioned:
- OTWAY ODYSSEY / GOGG:
👉 https://bit.ly/3KA0gG3 - WEBMO 24 Hour MTB World Championships:
👉 https://www.wembo.com.au/ - Peaks Challenge:
👉 http://bit.ly/42rNdwq
People Mentioned
•Kate Kellett (@katekellett)
•Jeremy Baker (Host)
•Glen (Pit Manager)
•Brett Kellett (@brett.kellett)
•Jess Douglas
•Liz Smith
•Gaia Ravaioli
•Caitlin Boyle
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
There's something uniquely transformative about multi-day, stage races...
Especially when they take you to far flung corners of the world and cut you off from social media, creature comforts and your "normal" routine.
That's why Sam Maffett & Marcel Shields not only deliver stage races as part of their work with Rapid Ascent, but also PARTICIPATE in them in their spare time.
In this episode, Jez sits down with these two adventurers to hear about:
1) Sam's upcoming running stage race in the Himalayas (the 8-day Manaslu Trail Race)
2) Marcel's upcoming gravel riding stage race through South Africa (the 7-day Gravel Burn)
3) Rapid Ascent's upcoming Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Race that's coming up in November in Great Southern WA.
We also wax lyrical about the "secret sauce" that makes stage racing so much more immersive, communal and transformative than one day races.
Whether your curious about doing your first stage race...
Or searching for your next adventure...
We hope this conversation gets you as revved up as it got us!