Olympic Silver Medalist Ben Ogden

Steve and Ike welcome Olympian and cross-country skier Ben Ogden, calling in from Sweden as his race season continues after the Olympics. Ben explains how he got into the sport in Vermont, describes winning silver in the men’s individual sprint and again in the team sprint with Gus Schumacher, and breaks down sprint race format, tactics, and the major role of ski selection and waxing support. The conversation shifts to Ben’s 1973 Series III Land Rover restoration bought from Vermont restorer Lanny Clark: an 18,000-mile but heavily rusted, long-nonrunning “derelict” that became his off-season outlet. Ben details progress—bodywork, welding aluminum, marine blue paint challenges after a PPG discontinuation, rebuilt drivetrain, brakes, and remaining wiring and interior bits—plus other vehicles, motorcycles, knitting, and a quick lightning round. 00:00 Show Intro and Hosts 01:22 Meet Olympian Ben Ogden 02:13 Why Cross Country Skiing 04:16 Olympic Silver Medal Story 06:54 Ski Wax and Prep Secrets 11:50 Land Rover and Olympic Skiing 14:14 Ben’s Series III Project Begins 19:04 Restoration Progress and Paint Drama 21:54 What’s Left to Finish 22:31 Dash Trim Hunt 23:17 Care Package Offer 23:45 Oregon Off Road Plans 24:10 Other Rigs Garage Tour 26:14 Volvo Trucks And Military Oddities 27:53 Motorcycles And Learning Wrenching 29:00 Knitting As A Project Fix 30:20 Sweater Reveal And Restoration Mindset 33:21 Lightning Round Q And A 34:38 Thanks And Sign Off