Longtime cycling journalist Andrew Hood talks to host Tim Sweeney about his journey from small town daily newspaper reporter in Colorado reporting on ski vacations of the royal family to becoming a prominent figure in cycling journalism for Velo. Plus, how to plan your trip to the Tour de France, what it’s like to be inside the circus of world’s great bike races, and the craziness of camping out with cycling fans on the side of a French mountain. They also discuss the current state of cycling and the evolution of the sport in America. Having forged a media career in an era that has seen disappearing print outlets and the birth of social media, Hood offers career advice on the importance of being adaptable to change in your professional life and how community journalism was an ideal training ground.

Hood has covered dozens of editions of cycling's spring classics as well as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, along with numerous world championships in road, track, and mountain biking. He’s also covered multiple Olympic Games and reported on bike races across six continents. His work appears in the Outside cycling network, and he has written for The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, the Washington Post, and many more.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:41 - Journey into Cycling Journalism

09:05 - The Evolution of Cycling in America

14:56 - Community Journalism and Its Impact

19:01 - Breaking into the Cycling World

22:48 - The Rise of American Cycling

34:55 - Covering the Tour de France: A Journalist's Perspective

43:24 - The Challenges of Reporting in a Fast-Paced Environment

46:36 - The Fan Experience at Cycling Events

50:24 - The Publicity Caravan: A Unique Cycling Tradition

52:33 - Exploring Alternative Cycling Events

57:20 - Riding Iconic Climbs: A Cyclist's Journey

01:01:28 - The Current State of Cycling: Trends and Predictions

Subscribe to the podcast and share with friends.

Long Distance Lounge podcast is produced by Twin Thieves Media

For more information, visit TwinThievesMedia.com

Follow Tim Sweeney on Instagram at @tesweens

Logo by Kyle Johnston Designs