Randonnista
Laura Jillian
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Bringing human stories and humanity back to the conversations around bicycles. Learn how the news effects our day-to-day lives, hear stories from new riders, and dig in deep with a diverse coalition of folks that make bikes better for all humans. We'll laugh, we'll cry, and we'll eat lots of snacks.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Jul 4, 2022
A Very Special Clips Episode
Hey Folks - today is a very short holiday episode. We'll start with how to fight back against the overturning of Roe V. Wade, then finish off with some amazing clips of riders telling me what biking means to them. This seemed like a great show for July 4th as most of the responses are centered around the freedom of the bicycle. Thanks and please find links to all of the resources mentioned in the episode below!
* abortion.cafe - collection of abortion resources
* shoutyourabortion.com - campaign to normalize abortion
* donations4abortion.com - donate to support abortion funds by state
* secure.actblue.com/donate/supportabortionfunds - donate to the national network of abortion funds (donations split between 80+ abortion funds)
* usow.org/repro/volunteer - list of abortion clinics across the country that need volunteers
* dontbanequality.com - language for companies to use to stand against the ruling
* plancpills.org/ambassadors - early abortion access pills you can store in your cabinet
* prochoice.org - abortion access hotline
* natalist.com/products/early-pregnancy-test-strips - buy early pregnancy test strips
* plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control - get info on types of birth control
* choice.crd.co - collection of these above links and more, managed by @starplanes (DM them on twitter to add more)
* guttmacher.org/state-policy/explore/abortion-policy-absence-roe - abortion policy by state as of June 1, 2022
* More in-depth version: guttmacher.org/state-policy
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Jun 17, 2022
More Events, Racing Part 2, Dirt!: Featuring the Hustle Hive
Welcome folks to Episode 13! I have a great episode for you folks today. For Bike News, I will update you on Porter Square and tell you about 3 exciting upcoming events!. For Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert, I sit down with Gabby and Bridget for the Part 2 of our racing series. They recap me on how their latest race went and tell people to sign up and join them. For a Deeper Look, I sit down with the organizers of the Hustle Hive who discuss their journey to getting more women, trans, femme, and non-binary riders out on the dirt with them. And finally I wrap up with a replay of my first game with my friend Bridget Copes because I was feeling a little nostalgic this week!
Thank you to Gabby, Bridget Tan, Kristen, Charlotte and Bridget Copes for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her album, West, is available now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
Here are the links from this episode!
* REI Ride #2 on June 23 - RSVP HERE
* Ride for Black Lives VII: Black Joy
* CommonWheels 6th Annual Walden Pond Ride
* @WomenonWheels.boston on Instagram
* @the_hustle_hive on Instagram
* https://www.instagram.com/teamvelodash/
* https://www.instagram.com/wbphlracing/
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Jun 3, 2022
Big Question: How Do I Integrate My Bike Into Everyday Life
Today, we'll be doing a deep dive into one specific biking topic. I'm calling it the Big Question. Listen in as Amy Ingles and I discuss how you can start using your bicycle to do more things in your life, especially those last mile rides to the grocery store or nearby.
Upcoming Events:
June 5: Bike to the Sea https://biketothesea.org/event/bike-to-the-sea-day-ride-2022/
June 5: Kittie Knox https://www.massbike.org/kittieknoxride_22
June 9: Bike Bash https://www.massbike.org/bikebash_22
June 11: Pride Ride https://www.mobilize.us/bostoncyclistsunion/event/459273/?force_banner=true&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link
June 9-11: 20mi2 https://www.20mi2.com/cycle20mi2
Memorial Drive Petition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQVRB9Kk8t1vwfkMFLihWNArzMhAP36lnE97KwgBNKxfTYfA/viewform
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May 12, 2022
Bay State Bike Month and Rides Galore: Featuring Galen Mook
Welcome folks to Episode 12! I have a great episode for you folks today. For Bike News, I give some positive infrastructure news and highlight some of the many May rides happening. For Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert, I brought back Yari, to discuss the important topic of how to lead a bike ride, and she'll stay on with me at the end for the game of how to not be "that ride". Finally, our Deeper Look is none other than my former Bike Talk co-host and the Executive Director of MassBike, Galen Mook.
Thank you to Yari and Galen for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her album, West, is available now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
Here are the links from this episode!
* Bay State Bike Month
* Bike Lanes Provide Positive Economic Impact
* List of Lots of events!
* 2022 Neighborhood Ride Series: Mattapan Tour de Farms
* REI - Boston Pedals Together
* Sunset Cycling Series
* Bike-In Movie
* Ride For Black Lives May
* 20Mi2 New Bedford Ride
* Kittie Knox Ride
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Apr 22, 2022
Rides, Racing, and Inclusivity: Featuring Meg Cater
Welcome back folks Episode 11of the Randonnista Podcast! I’m your host, Laura, and this is the podcast that strives to bring humanity and human stories back to the conversations around bicycles. In today’s episode I have some big news to share as PQ joins me for lots of infrastructure and ride updates in Bike News! For Friends on Bikes eating Dessert we will have Part 1 of a 2 part series about newer bike riders who are taking the dive into racing. Gabby joined me today to talk about her inspiration for move and how training is going, she will also come back at the end of the episode where we play a fun game about some cool cycling facts! And finally for our Deeper Look today, I talked to Meg Cater who talked to me about her journey and growth through cycling to find a community that they felt comfortable in as they explored their beliefs about equity and their gender roles journey.
Links for this show:
Porter Square Bike Lanes: https://www.cambridgema.gov/citycalendar/view.aspx?guid=5a0d9b6acfe94757a1d98e9df6016976&https://www.cambridgema.gov/citycalendar/view.aspx?guid=5a0d9b6acfe94757a1d98e9df6016976&
Cummins Highway Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcuduGsqzsrHtCQVrh6xxMfQ4-dOvlH-qnV?utm_source=Transportation+&utm_campaign=2022-0419+Cummins+and+Age-Friendly+Design&utm_medium=email
https://www.boston.gov/departments/age-strong-commission/age-friendly-boston?utm_source=Transportation+&utm_campaign=2022-0419+Cummins+and+Age-Friendly+Design&
REI Bike Month Events: https://bostonpedalstogether.splashthat.com/
Women on Wheels Boston & Randonnista Led Ride Sponsored by REI https://sunsetcyclingseries.splashthat.com/
Ride For Black Lives April: https://www.facebook.com/events/400920438148188/
Mayor's Bike Bonanza: https://www.facebook.com/events/304759858502541/?
Bicycle Friendly States Ranking: https://bikeleague.org/content/new-2022-bicycle-friendly-states-rankings-massachusetts?fbclid=IwAR2uqUr3y2qeNYOSwH5s0oo__vsMErmLAG1-ySlnyGVGGiatX0xrdLkt5LU
Help pass the 3ft Passing Law in MA: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/massbike/pages/5828/attachments/original/1629735130/AATRTF_Bill_192nd_One-Pager.pdf?1629735130https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/massbike/pages/5828/attachments/original/1629735130/AATRTF_Bill_192nd_One-Pager.pdf?1629735130
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Mar 31, 2022
Music, Mental Health, and Riding with Kids: Featuring YT
Links coming soon!
Hello everyone! I realize it’s been a couple of weeks since my last show and I want to address this lapse for a moment. In light of Women’s History Month, I needed to take a moment for myself and focus my attention elsewhere. I have been on a job hunt and was dealing with a few personal issues, HOWEVER, I believe all of this will soon be behind me and I can go back to my regularly scheduled bi-weekly shows and hopefully start bringing in that new content I teased at the beginning of the year.
I want to thank all of my listeners out there. This is a passion project, and a solo adventure, so it means the world to me that people are listening and enjoying this show. You all know how much I care about biking and want to make is more accessible and approachable. Every time a friend approaches me and says something nice about the show, I melt inside. And even with the hiatus, I still broke the 1000 downloads mark this week which is such an honor. So thank you and today marks episode 10! Here’s to another 100!
Ok, mushy part out of the way. I have a great episode for you folks today. For Bike News, I enlisted my new friend Bridget Tan to talk about some more infrastructure updates, including an e-bike rally that is out of date now (apologies) but is still really important and you can still reach out to your representatives to get those bills moving, and Bridget and I break down the perfect song to listen to while you ride your bike. For Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert, I brought back co-organizer and bike friend, Saskia, to discuss the benefits of self care and how biking can improve your mental health. This topic is near and dear to me and I loved this conversation. Finally, we’ll wrap up today with my deeper look at YT and how she has evolved from a SCUL leader to a BONES leader. Her journey around biking with her kid and how emersing your children in a lifestyle can make that lifestyle more common place to them.
There is no game this week, but it will be back this spring and summer as I am able to get outside again with my friends on their bikes.
Thank you everyone and here’s the episode!
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Feb 26, 2022
Black Futures, Cooperative Community, and Cannabis: Featuring Saskia VannJames
Welcome to today’s show folks! Bike News: For my cohost, I have a friend that I’ve been trying to get on for a while, Leandrew Belnavis, who came and helped me talk about Black Past and Black Futures with our cycling heroes Kittie Knox and Major Taylor and a modern look at Ayesha McGowen in honor of Black History Month. We also brought forward a solid list of BiPOC orgs that you should follow to keep an eye on the amazing talent in the bicycling world. Unfortunately, with the fluctuating weather there is no Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert segment this episode (it will be back!). The Deeper Look we talk to co-founder of Coalition for Black Lives (firmly Ride for Black Lives), Saskia VannJames, and how she wants to build a co-operative community and breaks down the lobbying work being done in the cannabis industry and the war on drugs. Finally Leandrew comes back and rounds out the episode with a fun game!
Thank you to Leandrew and Saskia for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her album, West, is available now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
Here are the links from this episode!
* A Brief History of Kittie Knox and Major Taylor
* Meet Ayesha McGowan, the first Black American woman in pro cycling
* Representation Matters | Ayesha McGowan
* 15 Influential Black Cyclists You Need to Follow on Instagram Today
Additional Accounts to Follow!
* https://www.instagram.com/remy_b_reel/ and youtube.com/c/RemyBReel
* https://www.instagram.com/brothersonbikesboston/
* https://www.instagram.com/rideforblacklives/ (The LA Ride)
* https://www.instagram.com/rideforblacklivesboston/
* https://www.instagram.com/blackcyclistsnetwork/
* https://www.instagram.com/blackenduranceathlete/
* https://www.instagram.com/l39ion.la/
* https://www.instagram.com/mobbatl/
Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC)
* https://massreccouncil.com/
* Action 1: Join the action events Bit.ly/mrcccommunity4racialjustice
* Action 2: Support through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/m/MACONSUMERS
* Find more info to support MRCC: https://linktr.ee/MACONSUMERS
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Feb 10, 2022
Wheelie Kids, Zwift, and Bike Giveaways: Featuring Lonnell Roberts-Wells
I have another great show for your today! Bike News: For my cohost, I brought back Tiffany Cogell to discuss the article, “The REALProblem with the Wheelie Kids” which as you might have guessed is actually everyone else’s attitudes. Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert: Remy and Zé join me to discuss my latest winter obsession for when you can’t train outside, Zwift. The Deeper Look we talk to co-founder of Cambridge Bike Give Back, Lonnell Roberts-Wells, and how he was inspired to give back to the community he loves. There is no game this episode because I wanted to give more space for the amazing guests here. They are experts in each of their spaces and had a lot to contribute!
Thank you to Tiffany, Remy, Zé, and Lonnell for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her album, West, is available now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
Here are the links from this episode!
* The Real Problem with the Wheelie Kids
* Here’s the latest in Infrastructure Updates: https://bostoncyclistsunion.org/advocacy-campaigns
* Follow Remy and Zé biking adventures: @remy_b_reel and @brothersonbikes and on YouTube: youtube.com/c/RemyBReel
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Jan 27, 2022
Winter Riding Part 2, Messengers, and Stylish Bike Gear: Featuring Gabriel Mendez
I have another great show for your today! [02:22] Bike News: I brought in my friend and fellow bike instructor Randi to discuss the frustrations around people dismantling bike lanes, but also the joy that more women seem to riding. [17:19] Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert: We’ll hear the second half of my chat with Brian Mackenzie about biking handling and bike maintenance during the winter months. [38:51] The Deeper Look we will talk to World’s Messenger community member and Clinch Industria distributor, Gabriel Mendez, about how the messenger community really helped him grow as a person. [1:16:00] The Game: We’re bringing back Randi to play my new favorite game, Real or Fake comments made by Next Door members.
Thank you to Gabriel Mendez, Randi Mail, and Brian Mackenzie for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her album, West, is available now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
Here are the links from this episode!
* Who is throwing the cones off the Mass Ave bridge? https://www.boston.com/news/transportation/2022/01/26/who-is-throwing-the-cones-off-the-mass-ave-bridge/?p1=hp_secondary&fbclid=IwAR2ImB5chSWS3zCxEj5TFJjXWnrC9HqmDm7b_ZA-ILJopwgf0MgjxjQMris
* Memorial Drive Greenway Improvements: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/memorial-drive-greenway-improvements-phase-iii
* 56% of female cyclists started or returned to cycling during the pandemic: https://www.bicycleretailer.com/studies-reports/2022/01/16/more-half-women-cyclists-started-riding-or-returned-during-pandemic#.YfB_RljMK0c
* View all of the videos and clips discussed with Gabriel @worldsmessengers on Instagram
* Clinch Industria: https://clinchindustria.com/us/ and @clinchbikes.usa (tag your hats and gear if you have them!)
* Watch the Winter Biking video Brian and I put together that shows how we layer for a cold day! https://youtu.be/u6AIsIBVYaw
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Jan 13, 2022
Winter Riding, Endurance Training, and Body Positivity: Featuring Liz Rock
2022 is going to be the year of intention (that sounds cheesy doesn’t it? This is a longer episode but I go more in-depth into the segments and why I made this show today. [06:19] Bike News: My co-host Greg Hum helps me break down the latest and greatest in Boston infrastructure. [25:25] Friends on Bikes Eating Dessert: Brian Mackenzie takes us through Part 1 of Winter Riding. We discussed what to wear and why winter riding is fun. Next episode will be Part 2 with How to ride in Winter and Bike Maintenance. [42:22] The Deeper Look explores the amazing story of Liz Rock and her journey in endurance sports and around body positivity. [1:202:20] The Game: Brian comes back and we play a “game” around the amount of people who really do ride their bikes in winter in Boston.
Thank you to Liz Rock, Greg Hum, and Brian Mackenzie for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her album, West, is available now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
Here are the links from this episode!
* The New Zwift IRL Bike: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/12/zwift-wheel-zwift-ride-hardware-designs.html
* TrailBlazHers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailblazhersrunco/
* TrailBlazHers LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/TrailblazHers
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Dec 30, 2021
2021 End of Year Wrap-up: Featuring PQ
In this episode, PQ and I take a look back at 2021 and talk about personal biking wins, our favorite infrastructure wins, moments that made us hopeful, and what we’re looking forward to in 2022.
Thank you to PQ for joining me for this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her new album, West, is out now. You can buy her album now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show please tag #randonnista in your posts so we can see it! I love hearing from the audience!
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Dec 23, 2021
Mini Episode: Happy Holidays 2021
Just popping in to give a quick announcement about some holiday schedule changes and say Happy Holidays to all of my amazing listeners, guests, and bike friends out there!
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Dec 9, 2021
Media Portrayals, R4BL, and Youth Cycling: Featuring Peter Cheung and Tiffany Cogell
This episode dives into the secret behind the scenes lives of two major advocates in the Boston area. Thank you to Peter Cheung and Tiffany Cogell for talking to me and giving me a sneak preview into their long-term project to start a kids racing team to harness the power of our already extremely talented youth in Boston.
Thanks also to Scott Istvan and Leah D’Errico for joining me for this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her new album, West, is out now. You can buy her album now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram. If you’re enjoying the show p…
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Nov 25, 2021
Bike Dogs, Adventure Dogs, and More Dogs: Featuring Stacey King and Priscilla
I decided to have a little fun since this episode launches on Thanksgiving. We’ll chat about Cranksgiving, getting an old friend on a bike, and DOGS! The moment you’ve been waiting for is here and I have a whole chat dedicated to bike dogs.
Thanks to Kristina Smarz and Stacey King for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by the amazing Kate Hardly. Her new album, West, is out now. You can buy her album now on her bandcamp page: https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/.
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian, with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram.
Here are the links from this episode!
* StreetsBlogMass Post about Mass Ave Bridge Bike Lanes
* Cranksgiving Rec…
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Nov 11, 2021
Climate, Snacks, and Building Movements: Featuring Yari DeJesus
In this episode we chat about some new biking infrastructure, snacking while biking, starting your own movement, and then round everything out with a fun game!
Thanks to Jay Diengott aka PQ aka Chef Jay, Yari DeJesus and Bridget Copes for joining me on this episode. The theme and music for this show were created by Kate Hardly who has an album, West, coming out on November 21! You can pre-order the album on her Bandcamp, https://katehardly.bandcamp.com/. The single, Daddy Issues, is available now exclusively on Bandcamp and the music video is on https://youtu.be/DNf46GAw4tc
Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram and my YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealLauraJillian, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram.
Here are all of the links to all the projects…
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Oct 28, 2021
Elections, Courtesy, and Biking Infrastructure: Featuring Vivian Ortiz
For our inaugural episode, we talk about the importance of elections, why you should be more courteous on the road, and I convince a friend that they should join the world of biking!
Thanks to Galen Mook, Bridget Copes, Vivian Ortiz, Amy Kennedy and Jen Bowe for joining me on this episode. Thank you Kate Hardly for the amazing theme and music for the show. Randonnista is produced, hosted, recorded, and edited by me, Laura Jillian with special guest host Watson the Bike Dog. You can stay connected with the show at Randonnista.com and see segment extras @Randonnista on Instagram, and follow Watson’s biking adventures @Watsonthebikedog on Instagram.
Find important links from our conversations below.
Learn more about infrastructure projects and biking bills here, and find your legislator here so you can contact them and let them know you want these projects built and these bills passed!
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Oct 25, 2021
Randonnista Trailer
Here's a sneak peek at my new podcast coming out October 28th!
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