Zone2Speak Podcast

In this episode of Zone2Speak, I’m joined by Gerard Greene, co-founder of YOTEL and the person behind Off Grid Girona, a unique retreat just outside Girona designed around nature, food, cycling, and, most importantly, community.

We talk about what it takes to walk away from the corporate world, starting again later in life, and why Gerard chose Girona for his next chapter. We also get into why Off Grid was never meant to be just another cycling hotel, and the importance of creating spaces where people can slow down, share a meal, and connect.

Gerard shares the challenges of entrepreneurship, his approach to sustainability, the role of local food, and his thoughts on how Girona can continue to grow as a cycling destination without losing what makes it special.

A conversation about entrepreneurship, taking risks, cycling, hospitality, nature, and the idea that sometimes success isn't about building something bigger, it's about building something more meaningful.

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Follow Off Grid Girona

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offgridgirona/ 

Website: https://linktr.ee/offgridgirona 

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🎁 Support Zone2Speak by shopping with these Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products:

☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotanus.avln.me/c/KzNFeMsDzDxZ

🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak

🕶️ Siroko – 10% off performance apparel designed for long rides, big adventures, and everything in between. From gravel to endurance racing, Siroko combines comfort, style, and technical performance for life on the bike. Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 10% off: https://srko.co/zone2speak

☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak

🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102

🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea

🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc

🧬 OLEUS – 20% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE_0EYXDGB8CJSS: https://oleus.com

🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak

🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/

🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O

🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery- Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://omresupplements.com

💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery!

To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support!

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Follow Zone2Speak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast

Violette Neza’s cycling journey is about so much more than racing.

Born and raised in Rwanda, Violette has become one of the country’s leading female cyclists, a UCI-certified coach, mentor, and advocate for women in cycling. At the heart of her work is KOMERA New Cycling Team, a project she founded to introduce young Rwandan girls to cycling and create opportunities for them to grow through sport.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to create opportunities for young girls in Rwanda, the challenges of being a female African cyclist on the international stage, and what life really looks like as a privateer.

Violette’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and proving that you can race for your own dreams while creating a path for the women coming behind you.

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Follow Violette

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nezaviolette/ 

Komera: https://www.instagram.com/komeranewct/ 

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🎁 Support Zone2Speak by shopping with these Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products:

☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotanus.avln.me/c/KzNFeMsDzDxZ

🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak

🕶️ Siroko – 10% off performance apparel designed for long rides, big adventures, and everything in between. From gravel to endurance racing, Siroko combines comfort, style, and technical performance for life on the bike. Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 10% off: https://srko.co/zone2speak

☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak

🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102

🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea

🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc

🧬 OLEUS – 20% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE_0EYXDGB8CJSS: https://oleus.com

🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak

🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/

🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O

🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery- Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://omresupplements.com

💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery!

To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support!

---

Follow Zone2Speak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast

What does it actually take to build a stronger, more resilient cyclist?

Derek Teel, founder of Dialed Health, joins Zone2Speak to break down strength training for cyclists, from what actually matters in the gym to how much strength work you really need when you're balancing training, racing, work, and life.

Derek has coached everyone from everyday cyclists to elite ultra-endurance athletes, including Lael Wilcox. We talk about strength training for long-distance riders, the biggest mistakes cyclists make, mobility, core strength, training throughout the season, and what separates elite athletes from the rest.

But this conversation goes much deeper than training.

Two years ago, Derek suffered a life-changing accident that left him wondering if he would ever walk again. Today, he's back on the bike and has completed a double Everesting challenge.

We talk about what happened, rebuilding his body and identity, the mental side of recovery, and how the experience changed the way he thinks about coaching, training, and success.

And don't miss the Fire Chat at the end, a fast, fun round of strength, recovery, cycling and training questions that gets Derek's unfiltered takes on everything from squats vs. deadlifts to trainer ride vs gym session.

If you want to ride stronger, recover better, and keep riding for years to come, this one is for you.

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Follow Derek and Dialed Health 

Derek: https://www.instagram.com/dialedhealth/ 

Dialed Health: https://www.dialedhealth.com/ 

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🎁 Support Zone2Speak by shopping with these Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products:

☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotanus.avln.me/c/KzNFeMsDzDxZ

🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak

🕶️ Siroko – 10% off performance apparel designed for long rides, big adventures, and everything in between. From gravel to endurance racing, Siroko combines comfort, style, and technical performance for life on the bike. Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 10% off: https://srko.co/zone2speak

☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak

🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102

🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea

🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc

🧬 OLEUS – 15% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK15: https://oleus.com

🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak

🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/

🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O

🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery- Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://omresupplements.com

💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery!

To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support!

---

Follow Zone2Speak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast

Taylor Nichols set off from San Francisco with one destination in mind: his 101-year-old father's home in East Lansing, Michigan. What followed was a journey powered by curiosity, community, and the simple idea that sometimes the slowest way is the most meaningful.

In this episode of Zone2Speak, Taylor shares what it's really like to cross a country one campsite at a time. We talk about the logistics, the kindness of strangers, the mental challenges of spending weeks on the bike, and why traveling at human speed allows you to experience places (and people) in a completely different way.

From unexpected friendships to the emotions of finally arriving at his father's doorstep, this conversation is a reminder that the best adventures aren't always about racing. Sometimes, they're simply about showing up.

Whether you're a bikepacker, an ultra-distance rider, or someone dreaming of your first big adventure, this episode is full of inspiration, perspective, and stories that will stay with you long after the ride is over.

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Follow Taylor

Intagram → https://www.instagram.com/Taylornichols.Bikelife

Bike Talking → https://www.instagram.com/Biketalking

Website → https://biketalk.org/

Acting → https://demoreel.com/taylor-nichols 

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🎁 Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products:

☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotanus.avln.me/c/KzNFeMsDzDxZ

🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak

🕶️ Siroko – 10% off performance apparel designed for long rides, big adventures, and everything in between. From gravel to endurance racing, Siroko combines comfort, style, and technical performance for life on the bike. Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 10% off: https://srko.co/zone2speak

🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc

🧬 OLEUS – 15% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK15: https://oleus.com

☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak

🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102

🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea

🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak

🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/

🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O

💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery!

To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support!

---

Follow Zone2Speak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast

When cyclists think about performance upgrades, they usually think about lighter wheels, faster tires, or more watts.

Comfort rarely makes the list. But improving comfort actually helps you ride farther, feel fresher, and even perform better.

In this second conversation with Erik deBrun, co-founder of Redshift Sports, we move beyond the philosophy and dive into the products that have become a favorite among gravel racers, endurance cyclists, commuters, and bikepackers around the world.

We break down the ShockStop stem and seatpost in simple terms, answering the questions riders ask most:

How do they actually work?

Who are they designed for?

Should you start with the stem or the seatpost?

How much maintenance do they require?

Erik also shares the engineering process behind Redshift's products, the funny stories behind the prototypes, some of the funniest ways they've tested new ideas, and what the future of cycling comfort looks like.

If you've ever wondered whether a suspension stem or seatpost is just another cycling gimmick, or one of the smartest upgrades you can make, this episode is for you.

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Follow Erik

RedShift Sports → https://www.instagram.com/redshiftsports/ 

Website → https://linkin.bio/redshiftsports/ 

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🎁 Discounts for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products:

☀️ Pelotan - 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: https://pelotanus.avln.me/c/KzNFeMsDzDxZ

🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=zone2speak

🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://downtheroad.cc

🧬 OLEUS – 15% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK15: https://oleus.com

🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.nuzest.co.uk/zone2speak

☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://clearly.eu/zone2speak

🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.codeage.com/

🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.shokz.com?sca_ref=8382102.Xbr34XfTZS&utm_source=website&utm_medium=affiliate_program&utm_campaign=ukaffiliate_standard-podcast-commission_juliana-veterano_8382102

🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus - Use code: AFF_ZONE2SPEAK10: https://loop-earplugs.sjv.io/zone2spea

🧴 Fre Skincare – 35% off Skincare designed specifically for active lifestyles and skin that sweats - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://www.freskincare.com/zone2speak

💪 First Endurance – 20% off Trusted by elite endurance athletes for science-backed nutrition, fueling, and recovery - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://firstendurance.com/?avad=407293_a3fef4821

🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes - Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://uk.huel.com/pages/loudcrowd-ambassador?utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=loudcrowd&lc_ambassador_id=Y3VzdG9tZXI6NTgzNTY3O

🏋️‍♂️ OMRE Supplements – 15% off Premium supplements to support strength, stamina, and recovery- Use code: ZONE2SPEAK: https://omresupplements.com

💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery!

To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support!

---

Follow Zone2Speak

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast