I met Dr. Seth Wood at a wedding in Oklahoma back in 2019. I was early in my podcasting journey and I was shocked when I learned that he was using the Bikes or Death Podcast as part of his circulam at OSU, where he still teaches today. So shocked, that I completely blanked when he told me about it! I took this opportunity to indulge myself and find out what he could possibly be using my podcast for in a college course?!
More importantly, I wanted to hear Seth’s story about his journey from almost losing his life in Feb. of 2013 after being run over by a car while commuting on his bike. To then go on to set a Singlespeed FKT on the Arkansas High Country Race. The collision nearly cost him his life, but a year later he competed in the 2nd ever LandRun 100 (Now Midsouth) and he finished! All while wearing an eye patch as a visible reminder that he was still recovering from the injuries he sustained.
He would go on to race the Tour Divide in 2016 and 2018 completing it both times and taking home 8th place in 2018. Then in 2020 he set the ARHCR FKT on a Singlespeed.
I learned from our discussion that this is a story much larger than himself. It’s one about this community and how much impact it can have on the lives of those it touches. I learned that the cycling community in Stillwater, OK, that is spearheaded by Bobby Wintle and the District Bicycle crew, is a special one. When a local cyclist, who they didn’t know, was hit and nearly killed by a college man driving a car they stepped up and not only provided financial support, but they also poured out love and gave Dr. Seth Wood a new family and community.
This probably the most moving episode I’ve had the privilege to be part of. I hope that it will serve as a reminder of how special this community is, the power that it has, and that we should remember to embrace ALL cyclist, regardless if you know them or not.
Thank you Seth for sharing your challenging journey with us. Thank you to Bobby Wintle and the District Bike Family for being examples in our community. I truly believe this community is made up of some of the best humans on earth and you are all examples of that.
These shows aren’t possible without your support! This episode was from my recent trip to Oklahoma and Arkansas to capture interviews for the podcast.
Thank you to our newest sustaining Patrons!
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Kelly Woolverton
Seth Wood
Hyacinthe Gauthier
Antti Leskinen
Andrew Onermaa
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🚨 ADnouncement 🚨
This episode is supported by Experience Fayetteville and the Fayetteville, Arkansas community.
Fayetteville is excited to once again be the host community for the 2021 Arkansaw High Country Race.
Quickly becoming known as one of the most challenging bikepacking races in the country, the 1000+ mile Arkansaw High Country Race departs from Downtown Fayetteville on Saturday morning, October 9!
The race follows the perimeter of the Arkansas High Country Route – a series of three mixed surface loops that connect several of the state’s stunning natural regions including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains and the Arkansas River Valley.
New for 2021, race officials have announced the creation of the Short Circuit Race – an opportunity to experience just the Northwest Loop of the route. The shorter 240-mile distance is perfect for the weekend warrior looking for a limit-pushing course.
Registration for the 2021 Arkansaw High Country Race and the Short Circuit Race opens June 1, 2021. Each race distance is limited to a field of 50 competitors and expected to fill up fast. Additional race information including links to register can easily be found by searching High Country at ExperienceFayetteville.com
