Explore | Episode 4 | Lionel's Low Route with Ned Boulting

December 7 | Episode 4

After the incredible feats we've covered in the first three episodes of Explore, it's time for a bit of a gear change this time as we discover the joy of cycling and the way a journey on two wheels can develop (and sometimes test) a friendship.

Lionel's Low Route is the antidote to the Haute Route, which tackles every mountain on the horizon. Carefully plotting a two-and-a-half day ride across some of England's flattest countryside, Lionel set off with television commentator and author Ned Boulting to prove that there can be a luxury end of the bikepacking spectrum.

With Ned on his heavy commuting bike with luggage (some of it Lionel's!), and Lionel on his carbon-fibre Look, and joined by Passepartout Simon Gill, they set off for the inaugural Cambridge-Southwold-Cambridge Classic to talk cycling and much more.

We also hear from professional riders Conor Dunne and Larry Warbasse, who set off on their own unsupported bike ride – the No Go Tour – when their Aqua Blue Sport team folded on the eve of the Tour of Britain. They talk about the ups and downs of going on a multi-day ride with a friend.

And in the final part of a bumper episode, Richard Moore meets the inspirational Ishbel Holmes, who you may know as @WorldBikeGirl on Twitter. She's the author of the book Me, My Bike and A Street Dog Called Lucy. She set off with next to no money, and very little long-distance cycling experience, to ride round the world. The journey started as a trip to recover some money owed to her by the Iranian Cycling Federation, but turned into something quite different. It's a story that has to be heard to be believed.

Explore is supported by Rapha, Science In Sport and The Economist.

RUNNING ORDER

Part one: Lionel's Low Route with Ned Boulting

Part two: (from 1:01:00) Conor Dunne and Larry Warbasse on the No Go Tour and how to ensure a friendship survives bikepacking

Part three: (from 1:09:00) Ishbel Holmes on riding round the world

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Rapha support The Cycling Podcast all year and that support has enabled us to get the wheels rolling on series one of Explore. They have developed a range of clothing and accessories that are perfect for the adventurous world of endurance riding and bikepacking.

Rapha. Adventure Starts Anywhere.  Check out Rapha’s Explore range at rapha.cc

Science In Sport are our other long-term supporters and if you are going to accept the challenge of a long multi-day ride, you need to get your nutrition right. Get 25 per cent off all Science In Sport energy drinks, bars and gels at scienceinsport.com by using the code SISCP25 at check-out.

The Economist

For over 170 years, The Economist has delivered trustworthy intelligence that helps people like you choose where to stand on the issues that matter most. We are delighted to announce that The Economist is also supporting series one of Explore. All UK-based listeners can get a free print copy of The Economist by texting CYCLE to 78070