Cycling Tips, Rapha & Escape Collective: The Accidental Blogger that Built a Cycling Media Empire

Wade Wallace's journey from a nuclear research town in Manitoba to building one of cycling's most influential media platforms was anything but conventional. As the founder of Cycling Tips and now Escape Collective, Wallace shares how a simple blog started during the 2008 financial crisis grew into a pioneering digital cycling platform.This conversation traces his path from accidental blogger to media entrepreneur, including his formative years at Rapha and his vision for sustainable, independent cycling journalism. His unique story serves as a microcosm of cycling media's evolution in the digital age.00:00 Introduction to Wade Wallace03:05 Wade's Early Life in Manitoba05:39 University and Early Career06:48 Accidental Foray into Competitive Cycling13:59 The Birth of Cycling Tips26:31 Joining Rapha and Learning the Ropes35:49 Balancing Rapha and Cycling Tips37:12 Reflecting on the Early Days of Cycling Tips37:38 Transitioning from Rapha to Cycling Tips40:36 Challenges and Growth of Cycling Tips45:22 Entering the U.S. Market and Taking on Investment49:16 Partnership with Pinkbike and Private Equity55:18 The Outside Acquisition and Its Challenges01:03:28 Launching Escape Collective01:09:59 The Future of Cycling Media01:13:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRead the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' NewsletterRead the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' Newsletter