Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino & Simon Stewart (May, 2026)

In this lively episode of Bikes & Big Ideas, hosts Simon Stewart (via AI representation) and Mike Ferentino dive into a whirlwind weekend of mountain bike racing, including the first World Cup DH in Asia in over two decades at Yongpyong, South Korea. The men's race was defined by a stunning junior invasion, with 19-year-old Asa Vermette claiming his first elite World Cup win in a masterclass of composure on a notoriously loose and unpredictable course. The women's race saw Gloria Scarcey narrowly miss out on the $100,000 Gates belt purse, finishing second, while Miriam Nicole and Hattie Harnden rounded out the top three. The episode also covers the chaotic aftermath of Spirit Airlines' collapse, the absurdity of modern air travel, and the potential of AI to revolutionize everything from airport security to bike racing. The hosts then shift to the bike industry, discussing the rise of high-powered Avanox e-bikes, their impact on drivetrain longevity, and the growing concern over unregulated e-bike use—highlighted by a California case where a child injured a pedestrian on a modified e-bike, leading to felony charges. They close with a hopeful note on sustainability, spotlighting Womb’s new bike trade-in platform and a movie about the rise and fall of Schwinn.