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 Hosts01:22 Meet Olympian Ben Ogden02:13 Why Cross Country Skiing04:16 Olympic Silver Medal Story06:54 Ski Wax and Prep Secrets11:50 Land Rover and Olympic Skiing14:14 Ben’s Series III Project Begins19:04 Restoration Progress and Paint Drama21:54 What’s Left to Finish22:31 Dash Trim Hunt23:17 Care Package Offer23:45 Oregon Off Road Plans24:10 Other Rigs Garage Tour26:14 Volvo Trucks And Military Oddities27:53 Motorcycles And Learning Wrenching29:00 Knitting As A Project Fix30:20 Sweater Reveal And Restoration Mindset33:21 Lightning Round Q And A34:38 Thanks And Sign Off