Nutrition, training, contract decisions, life skills, and peloton dynamics are all some of the less glamorous but equally important parts to pro racing that those watching on the television may not understand. Jenaya Francis and I, Carter Lewis, chat about the background of what goes into pro cycling, why it's important to understand the basics before trying something new, as well as why we all need to develop real life skills before being a better rider.

Jenaya's instagram: @jenayamfrancis

We all WANT more people on bikes, but we NEED more women on bikes. In a sport long dominated by men, that extends into the clothing industry too. Why can't clothing truly be tailored for women? Why can't it look less like team kit and more like fashion? Why is no one doing this?

Those are just a few questions Janet Hiebert, Founder and CEO of Samsara Cycle is addressing. Janet is a true game changer in the cycling apparel industry, putting women first with the goal of creating kit that makes women smile every time they put it on.

Janet and I chat about Samsara Cycle's journey from idea to award winner, what the business of cycling apparel is like, how a women owned and operated company can struggle to really gain traction in a male dominated business world, as well as what the next goals and steps for Samsara really are.

Samsara Cycle Instagram: @samsaracycleclub

Samsara Cycle website: https://www.samsara-cycle.com/

Samsara Cycle Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1316079

Janet Hiebert on Start-Up Canada: https://www.startupcan.ca/ride-in-style-with-janet-hiebert/

Jenaya Francis, Edmonton, Alberta born and racing with Winspace OrangeSeal, is a fantastic talent with big ideas for cycling and just how impactful we can make it in a young athlete's life.

But instead of initially blaming Cycling Canada management for not doing enough, or supporting young riders, or gathering enough funding, let's instead focus on getting more sponsors for funding, being grateful we can even race and participate in European events, and understand that so many people are doing everything they can for young riders. It's easy to blame the surface problem, but we need to think deeper, push farther, and engage more with our communities.

We chat about that and more on the show. Talking her atypical growth in the sport, as well as the HUGE difference and excitement cycling could have in North American if we could just get Tim Horton's on board!

Jenaya's Instagram: @jenayamfrancis