Episodes

  • Episode 011 - The Dot Comms Alternative Awards with Co-Host Kitty Dennis, Niel Copeland & Mel Webb.

    Episode 011 - The Dot Comms Alternative Awards with Co-Host Kitty Dennis, Niel Copeland & Mel Webb.
    Jan 8 2026
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher.

    This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport.

    Presented & Produced by:
    Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc)

    Co-hosted by:
    Kitty Dennis, Managing Editor at DotWatcher

    In this special episode we bring you the Dot Comms Alternative Awards, highlighting those who may not get the attention they merit, giving recognition for performances and gestures that don’t fit into the typical awards boxes and just recalling some amusing anecdotes. Bringing their dotwatching expertise to assist with handing out the awards are:
    • Niel Copeland - coach with Turn Cycling, athlete who has done pretty much every ultra-distance event out there, bike fitter, race reporter and recipient of the DotWatcher Best DotWatcher award in 2024.
    • Mel Webb - Host of the Detours podcast, official roving race reporter for the Mountain Races, previous participant at SRMR, AMR & HMR and winner of the DotWatcher 2025 Documentation Award.
    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:
    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
    Acier article on Chewing the Fat: https://www.acier.cc/savoir-faire/fat-the-ultra-distance-fuel-part-three-c
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Episode 010 - US vs Them: Who Does Ultra Better? with Co-Host Kirsten Cluley, Brian Alder, Hannah Simon & Adrian O'Sullivan.

    Episode 010 - US vs Them: Who Does Ultra Better? with Co-Host Kirsten Cluley, Brian Alder, Hannah Simon & Adrian O'Sullivan.
    Dec 4 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher.

    This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport.

    Presented & Produced by:
    Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc)

    Co-hosted by:
    Kirsten Cluley, Race Coordinator at DotWatcher (@kirstencluley)

    In this episode’s Roundtable we compare and contrast the two main ultra-distance bikepacking worlds - the grassroots scene originating from the US or the European-style formally organised events with guests:

    • Brian Alder - Creator of Tour Te Waipounamu and experienced cyclist having ridden events including the Tour Divide, Silk Road Mountain Race & the Trans Pyrenees Race.
    • Hannah Simon - Ultra-distance athlete with prestigious results worldwide including first female at Silk Road Mountain Race in 2024 (9th overall) and completing the US Triple Crown Challenge in 2023.
    • Adrian O’Sullivan - Organiser of the TransAtlanticWay and veteran of the Transcontinental race & Trans America Bike Race.

    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:
    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
    Acier article on year-round heat training: https://www.acier.cc/knowledge/should-you-be-heat-training-year-round
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    1 hr
  • Episode 009 - Are Ultra-Distance Events Too Expensive? w/ Co-Host Amanda Wishart, Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere, Dominik Bokstaller & Will Pomeroy

    Episode 009 - Are Ultra-Distance Events Too Expensive? w/ Co-Host Amanda Wishart, Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere, Dominik Bokstaller & Will Pomeroy
    Nov 6 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher.

    This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport.

    Presented & Produced by:
    Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc)

    Co-hosted by:
    Amanda Wishart, Web Editor at Dotwatcher (@amandawish.art)

    In this episode the Roundtable we ask whether ultra-distance events are too expensive, with guests:
    • Katie-Jane L’Herpiniere, multi-disciplinary adventurer and organiser of the Alps Divide
    • Dominik Bokstaller, co-founder of the Cake Movement and experienced ultra-distance racer
    • Will Pomeroy, organiser of the Great Western Randonnée Audax UK events

    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspod or via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:
    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
    Acier article on Core: https://www.acier.cc/knowledge/the-core-central-to-ultra-distance-cycling-success
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    1 hr
  • Robin Gemperle & Meaghan Hackinen in Conversation: A Collaboration with Apidura.

    Robin Gemperle & Meaghan Hackinen in Conversation: A Collaboration with Apidura.
    Oct 23 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher.

    In this special episode in collaboration with Apidura, Zoe Mcintosh, Apidura Social Media Specialist, hosts a conversation between Apidura riders and Silk Road Mountain Race 2025 winners, Robin Gemperle and Meaghan Hackinen. They ask each other questions about the race and ultra-distance cycling in general, as well as delving into some never-before-shared tips and tricks and shining a light on what it is like to be at the pointy end as two of the most accomplished off-road racers in the sport.

    This episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more.

    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspod or via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:

    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
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    54 mins
  • Episode 008 - Fastest Known Times with Co-Host Nicky Shaw, Jade Saskia Simpson-Field & Metheven Bond.

    Episode 008 - Fastest Known Times with Co-Host Nicky Shaw, Jade Saskia Simpson-Field & Metheven Bond.
    Oct 2 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher.

    This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport.

    Presented & Produced by: Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier, @acier.cc)

    Co-hosted by: Nicky Shaw, Contributing Editor at Dotwatcher (@nicky_._shaw)

    In this episode the Roundtable is a wrap-up of the Transcontinental Race, with guests:
    • Jade Saskia Simpson-Field, Winter Lakeland 200 & Pennine Bridleway N-S FKT holder (@jade_saskia).
    • Metheven Bond, Ribble Outliers gravel team racer & FKT holder for the Trans Cambrian Way (@metheven_bond)
    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:

    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
    Fastest Known Times website: https://fastestknowntimes.org.uk/
    Ultracyclists for Palestine: @ultracyclistsforpalestine
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    1 hr
  • Episode 007 - Transcontinental Race No11 Wrap-Up with Co-Host Millie Gibbons, Conor McKenzie & Rob Gardiner.

    Episode 007 - Transcontinental Race No11 Wrap-Up with Co-Host Millie Gibbons, Conor McKenzie & Rob Gardiner.
    Sep 4 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, in partnership with DotWatcher.

    This month’s episode is supported by Acier who provide ultra-distance specific coaching and consulting services. Go to Acier.cc to find out more.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport.

    Presented & Produced by:
    Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@touriste.routier / @acier.cc)

    Co-hosted by:
    Millie Gibbons, Web Developer at Dotwatcher (@milliegibbons)

    In this episode the Roundtable is a wrap-up of Transcontinental Race No11, with guests:

    • Rob Gardiner, Follow My Challenge UK Franchise lead & Co-founder of The Perfidious Albion events (@robgardinercyclist)
    • Conor McKenzie, DotWatcher contributor & winner of The Capitals 2025 (@conormckenzie)

    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspod or via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com


    Links:

    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/

    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/

    Sarah Bosslet's 'Run for Moko' Fundraiser: https://www.powerofbicycles.org/fundraisers/RunforMoko/power-of-bicycles-us

    Can Sleep Deprivation be Trained?: https://www.acier.cc/knowledge/can-sleep-deprivation-be-trained
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    1 hr
  • Transcontinental Race No11 Preview with David Ayre & Jaimi Wilson.

    Transcontinental Race No11 Preview with David Ayre & Jaimi Wilson.
    Jul 25 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, brought to you by DotWatcher.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world.

    In this special episode we preview the 11th edition of the Transcontinental Race, which describes itself as ‘the definitive self-supported bicycle race across Europe’ with guests:
    • David Ayre, Race Director at Lost Dot (@ayredw).
    • Jaimi Wilson, first woman finisher/22nd overall at TCRNo9 and second woman/30th overall at TCRNo10 (@jaimi.wilson).
    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:
    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
    Peak Bikefitting website: https://www.peakbikefitting.co.uk
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    42 mins
  • Episode 006 - Balancing Risk and Reward in Ultra-Distance Cycling Events with James Hayden, Kerry MacPhee & Ian To.

    Episode 006 - Balancing Risk and Reward in Ultra-Distance Cycling Events with James Hayden, Kerry MacPhee & Ian To.
    Jul 24 2025
    Welcome to Dot Comms: The audio home of ultra-distance cycling coverage, brought to you by DotWatcher.

    Each month we bring you all the latest racing news and goings-on from the ultra-distance self-supported cycling world, and a Roundtable discussion where prominent characters of the community share their opinions on pressing issues in the sport.

    Presented by:
    Lee Endres of Peak Bikefitting (@peak_bikefitting)
    Samuel Thompson of Acier Coaching & Consulting (@acier.cc)

    In this episode the Roundtable looks at balancing risk and reward in ultra-distance events, with guests:
    • James Hayden, winner of the Transcontinental race in 2017 & 2018, event organiser and founder of JMH Mentoring (@jamesmarkhayden)
    • Kerry MacPhee, former professional mountain biker, turned competitive ultra-distance racer (@kerrymacphee)
    • Ian To, veteran ultra-distance cyclist and organiser of the Via Race (@iultracycling)


    Get in touch via our Instagram page: @dotcommspodor via email: dotcommspod@gmail.com

    Links:
    DotWatcher website: https://dotwatcher.cc/
    Acier Coaching & Consulting website: https://www.acier.cc/
    Peak Bikefitting website: https://www.peakbikefitting.co.uk
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    59 mins