The Stable Cyclist

John Peter

The Stable Cyclist is a place where we gather to talk about bikes (mostly MTB), life experiences and Mental Health. Come with as the host JP, invites you in to conversations with people he’s met over the years. We won’t have stories about how to train or how to win a bike race here. Instead we’ll hear about what goes on in these athlete’s minds and sometimes we’ll even dive into the deep end of the pool and talk about mental health

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Avg 57 min
English

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S1 · E122
August 22 · 43 min
John Mathews | Behind the Camera at the LifeTime Grand Prix
John Mathews is one of the filmmakers helping shape how fans experience the Life Time Grand Prix. As the filmmaker behind the men's and women's On the Attack episodes, John shoots the races, interviews the athletes immediately afterward, and turns those moments into the polished stories cycling fans see after events like Unbound Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. On this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, John joins JP to pull back the curtain on filming the Life Time Grand Prix, working with a tiny production team, finding the stories behind a race, and capturing what athletes were actually thinking during the pivotal moments we watched unfold. Before entering the cycling world, John worked for the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, where years of relentless production helped develop the Swiss Army knife approach he now brings to cycling filmmaking. We talk about his path from the NFL to gravel racing, Call of a Lifetime, On the Attack, documentary storytelling, building a career as a freelance filmmaker, and why access and repetition matter more than finding a shortcut. We also get considerably less serious about surviving race-day production, terrible start-line playlists, filming 400-mile bike races, karaoke, Harry Potter, and the strange reality of trying to eat anything at all while covering events like Unbound Gravel. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E122
August 17 · 43 min
John Mathews | Behind the Cameras of the Life Time Grand Prix
John Mathews is one of the filmmakers helping shape how fans experience the Life Time Grand Prix. As the filmmaker behind the men's and women's On the Attack episodes, John shoots the races, interviews the athletes immediately afterward, and turns those moments into the polished stories cycling fans see after events like Unbound Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. On this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, John joins JP to pull back the curtain on filming the Life Time Grand Prix, working with a tiny production team, finding the stories behind a race, and capturing what athletes were actually thinking during the pivotal moments we watched unfold. Before entering the cycling world, John worked for the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, where years of relentless production helped develop the Swiss Army knife approach he now brings to cycling filmmaking. We talk about his path from the NFL to gravel racing, Call of a Lifetime, On the Attack, documentary storytelling, building a career as a freelance filmmaker, and why access and repetition matter more than finding a shortcut. We also get considerably less serious about surviving race-day production, terrible start-line playlists, filming 400-mile bike races, karaoke, Harry Potter, and the strange reality of trying to eat anything at all while covering events like Unbound Gravel. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E121
August 10 · 1 hr 7 min
Henry Nelson | Searching for the Big Result
Henry Nelson exploded onto the scene in 2024 with a top 20 at Leadville. He followed it up last year with a podium at Crusher in the Tushar. This year Nelson joined Lunchbox Racing and has proven to be a hitter near the front and seems on the cusp on a big result. This week, he joins JP on the pod to talk about his early success in sport and his transition from track and field to the bike and how a gravel head like him ended up at Fort Lewis with no background on the MTB. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E120
July 31 · 1 hr 29 min
Leah Van der Linden | Reinvention, Risk & Racing at the Highest Level
Leah Van der Linden has one of the most unique stories in endurance sports. Before becoming one of the top gravel racers in North America, she competed as a Division I soccer player at West Virginia University, chased an Olympic dream in ski cross, completed an Ironman, and eventually found her way into professional cycling. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Leah shares how each chapter of her athletic career prepared her for the next, why she embraces starting over, and how she built a career in gravel racing despite having almost no cycling background just a few years ago. We also dive into the realities of racing the Life Time Grand Prix, balancing elite performance with a full life off the bike, why community matters more than results, and what she's learned through experiences like Cape Epic and preparing for the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This conversation is about resilience, curiosity, taking risks, and why some of life's biggest opportunities come from simply saying yes to something new. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E119
July 27 · 1 hr 10 min
Jenna Rinehart | A Second Chance at Racing
Jenna Rinehart has spent decades balancing elite mountain bike racing, business ownership, and life in southern Minnesota. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Jenna shares her journey from discovering mountain biking at Mount Kato, winning the U23 National Championship, and racing professionally before stepping away from the sport to build Nicollet Bike Shop with her husband. She reflects on the opportunities that existed—and the ones that didn't—for women in cycling during the early years of her career, and how she found fulfillment both on and off the bike. We also dive into her unexpected return to elite racing through the Life Time Grand Prix, what it feels like to compete at the highest level again after more than a decade away, balancing business ownership with training, and why she's taking on new challenges like Cape Epic and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This conversation is about second chances, longevity in sport, and proving that it's never too late to chase a dream that never fully left you. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E118
July 13 · 1 hr 14 min
Drew Dillman | From Imposter Syndrome to Racing With the Best
In this episode of The Stable Cyclist podcast, Drew Dillman returns to talk about his evolution as a professional gravel racer, the confidence he's gained over the last two seasons, and what it's really like lining up against the best riders in the sport. Drew shares how training, consistency, and experience have transformed his mindset from feeling like an outsider in the gravel scene to believing he belongs at the front of the biggest races in North America. We also dive into a deeper conversation about identity, family, faith, community, and the challenge of balancing big racing goals with the realities of life off the bike. From chasing Grand Prix wildcard spots and targeting races like Unbound and Gravel Worlds to raising a family and building meaningful relationships within the cycling community, this conversation goes well beyond watts and results. If you've ever struggled to separate your self-worth from your race results, this episode is for you. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E117
July 7 · 1 hr 13 min
Christopher Stricklen | Becoming One of Cycling's Most Trusted Photographers
Christopher Stricklen is one of the most respected photographers in cycling, known for documenting the LA Sweat team as well as Unbound Gravel, the Lifetime Grand Prix, and many of the biggest athletes and brands in the sport. In this conversation, Christopher shares his journey from street photography to becoming a full-time photographer, how the pandemic unexpectedly launched his career, and what it takes to tell authentic stories through a camera lens. We also dive into his years documenting the women of LA Sweat, building trust with athletes, diversity in cycling, creativity, music, and why some of the best photos come from simply paying attention to what everyone else misses. Whether you're a cyclist, photographer, filmmaker, creator, or someone who loves great storytelling, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the lens of one of cycling's most unique visual storytellers. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E116
July 3 · 43 min
Ask Me Anything w/ JP and Chase Wark
In this episode of Ask Me Anything, JP sits down with good friend Chase Wark to discuss the Lutsen 99er, what a race day entails for both of them and then they address the elephant in the room: why JP and Chase are no longer working together outside of one offs like Lutsen. This is a light but honest episode between two friends who remain friends. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E115
June 30 · 1 hr 18 min
Paige Onweller on Trauma, Recovery & Racing Again
Silca Video: https://youtu.be/nh9guZWo8NI?si=l2VI1a-4-vYO3pIM Paige Onweller's path to professional gravel racing is unlike almost anyone else in the sport. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Paige shares how she transitioned from collegiate running and a career as a physician assistant to becoming one of the top gravel racers in America. We discuss her breakthrough victory at Big Sugar, leaving medicine to race full-time, van life on the road, and the lessons she learned while building a career in one of cycling's fastest-growing disciplines. We also dive into the challenges behind the success, including RED-S, injury recovery, sports psychology, mental health, community in gravel racing, and Paige's devastating 2024 crash that left her battling concussion symptoms, PTSD, and uncertainty about her future in the sport. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, performance, and what it takes to rebuild after adversity. Whether you're a cyclist, endurance athlete, or someone navigating a difficult comeback, Paige's story offers valuable lessons and inspiration. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E114
June 22 · 1 hr 4 min
Cobe Freeburn | Gravel Racing's Breakout Star
Cobe Freeburn has quickly become one of the most exciting young athletes in gravel racing. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Cobe shares his journey from growing up in Durango, Colorado, racing mountain bikes through the Fort Lewis College system, and struggling to find his place at the World Cup level before discovering success in gravel racing. We discuss the lessons learned from years of racing, building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and the steady progression that led to breakthrough performances at events like Mid South, Sea Otter, and Unbound Gravel. We also dive into life as a professional gravel racer with Trek Driftless, the challenges young athletes face after aging out of the U23 ranks, race preparation, training, equipment choices, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of the sport. Cobe opens up about his mindset, his rapid development as a racer, and why continuous learning has been the key to his success. If you're interested in gravel racing, endurance sports, cycling performance, or the future stars of the sport, this is an episode you won't want to miss. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #CobeFreeburn #thestablecyclist #GravelRacing
S1 · E113
June 12 · 1 hr 33 min
Owen Vermeulen’s Story of Addiction & Recovery: Cycling Saved My Life
Owen's Foundation: www.kindhousefoundation.com Sink or Swim Documentary Info: https://www.stirlandraemediahaus.com/Films/Sink-Or-Swim Owen Vermeulen’s story is one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on the podcast. From heroin addiction, homelessness, and years of relapse to racing some of the biggest gravel events in the world, Owen shares how cycling became the tool that helped him rebuild his life. In this episode we dive into his early years in skateboarding, addiction struggles in Vancouver, recovery, discovering bike racing, and how the cycling community gave him purpose, accountability, and hope. We also talk about the upcoming documentary Sink or Swim, Owen’s experience racing events like Unbound XL and Transcordilleras, and how gravel cycling opened the door to healing, adventure, and a completely new future. This episode is about far more than bikes — it’s about recovery, mental health, suffering, resilience, and the power of finding something worth fighting for. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://theblackbibs.com/ Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #UnboundXL #thestablecyclistpodcast
S1 · E112
June 5 · 1 hr 12 min
Unbound XL Champion | Svenja Betz
Svenja Betz joins the Stable Cyclist Podcast after winning one of the most brutal editions of Unbound XL ever. What was supposed to be a 350-mile gravel race turned into an all-night survival battle through mud, lightning storms, headwinds, and nearly 6 hours of walking while carrying her bike across Kansas. In this episode, Svenja shares the full story behind winning her 2nd Unbound XL title, traveling to America alone from Germany, managing nutrition and mental fatigue during ultra-endurance racing, and how resilience from everyday life helped her survive one of the hardest gravel races imaginable. We also dive into Badlands, ultra cycling strategy, unsupported racing, gas station stops, race psychology, and the emotional experience of crossing the finish line after nearly 30 hours of suffering. If you love gravel racing, ultra cycling, endurance sports, or stories about pushing through impossible situations, this is one you don’t want to miss. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ SILCA - https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #UnboundXL #UnboundGravel #theStableCyclist
S1 · E111
May 25 · 1 hr 7 min
Deanna Mayles | Finding Joy in Cycling Again
Deanna Mayles joins the Stable Cyclist Podcast to talk about her rapid rise through the mountain bike and gravel racing world, from casually riding trails in Tucson to racing the Lifetime Grand Prix, World Cups, and some of the biggest endurance events in the sport. We dive into what it was like going from complete unknown to lining up against the best riders in North America, how pressure slowly sucked the joy out of racing, and why she ultimately stepped away from chasing the Grand Prix full-time. This conversation also explores life inside the bike industry as an engineer at SRAM, mentorship, impostor syndrome, balancing competition with fulfillment, and rediscovering fun through mountain biking, adventure, and friendships in the sport. Deanna shares stories from Sea Otter, Leadville, Cheq 40, Breck Epic, and even racing a World Cup in Val di Sole after only doing her second XCO race ever. This is one of the most honest conversations yet about ambition, burnout, identity, and finding your place in cycling. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ SILCA - https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #thestablecyclistpodcast #LifetimeGrandPrix #SRAM
S1 · E110
May 18 · 45 min
Hayden Christian on Unbound, Signing with Trek & Living in a Van to Chase Racing
Hayden Christian burst onto the gravel scene after his breakout ride at Unbound 100, but the full story goes much deeper than one race result. In this conversation, Hayden opens up about growing up in motocross, finding mountain biking and gravel racing, and what it’s really like chasing a pro cycling career while living in a van and training full-time. We talk about the pressure of trying to make it in the sport, the moment he nearly walked away from racing, and the Trek contract that changed everything. We also dive into Unbound, the Lifetime Grand Prix, BWR, training, racing mentality, and the realities of life on the road as a young privateer athlete. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ SILCA - https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #gravelcycling #unboundgravel #cyclingpodcast
#109
May 8 · 1 hr 9 min
Traci Carson PHD | Why Cyclists Need Strength Training
Former pro cyclist and researcher Dr. Traci Carson joins the Stable Cyclist Podcast to talk about strength training, performance, longevity, cycling culture, and the biggest misconceptions endurance athletes still believe. We dive into: Why cyclists should lift weights Strength training for endurance athletes Muscle mass and long-term health The culture of cycling and body image Recovering from RED-S and disordered eating Why many athletes underfuel without realizing it How strength training improves performance and resilience Dr. Traci Carson raced professionally with LA Sweat and now works in healthcare research focused on athlete health and performance. If you’re a cyclist looking to ride stronger, stay healthy longer, and rethink how you train, this episode is for you. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ SILCA - https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E108
May 1 · 1 hr 12 min
Avery Stumm on Filming Alexey Vermeulen, YouTube & Creative Burnout
Avery Stumm is best known for his work filming pro cyclist Alexey Vermeulen, documenting life inside the world of elite gravel racing, but Avery Stumm didn’t plan to build a career filming pro cyclists… He just sent a DM. In this episode, we sit down with Avery to unpack what it really takes to work in cycling media; from shooting BMX as a kid to building a full-scale creative partnership in the pro peloton. This is one of the most honest conversations about the behind-the-scenes of cycling content and the creative industry. 🎧 Listen if you're a creator, cyclist, or just curious how this world really works.
S1 · E107
April 10 · 52 min
Cynthia Carson | Crashes, Comebacks & the Story Behind Her Film
After two serious crashes, Cynthia Carson wasn’t sure she’d ever race the same again. In this episode, we dive into the reality of ultra endurance racing — the physical toll, the mental battles, and what it takes to come back when everything goes wrong. From Unbound XL to the Traka to the Transcontinental, this is more than racing… it’s about resilience. 🎬 Watch Cynthia’s film: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20fPWRPT0Aw&t=2425s Thumbnail photo credit: Sebastian Samek https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E106
March 30 · 1 hr 7 min
Aaron Haugen | Filming Maah Daah Hey: Back to the Start
What does it take to tell a story you can’t see? In this 100th episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, co-directors John Peter and Aaron Haugen break down the making of “MAAH DAAH HEY: BACK TO THE START” — a documentary about rebuilding life after a bipolar diagnosis. From filming a remote endurance race to trying to visualize mental illness on screen, this project pushed every limit we had — creatively, physically, and personally. We answer questions from the community and go deep into: - How the film came together over multiple years - The biggest challenges in telling a mental health story visually - What got left on the cutting room floor - The reality of filming in extreme conditions - And what this story means now that it’s complete This is more than a behind-the-scenes episode — it’s the real story behind the story. 🎬 Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/vUt6Y-fNvIA?si=0KfxVnhvUwSLQ1TR 🎥 Full film premieres April 3rd at 6:00 PM https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to thestablecyclist@gmail.com The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/
S1 · E105
March 24 · 16 min
Cape Epic Final Stage Recap | Jenna Rinehart & Leah Van der Linden
After 8 days of racing, crashes, mechanicals, and everything in between… they made it. Jenna Rinehart and Leah Van der Linden crossed the finish line of the Absa Cape Epic — one of the hardest stage races in the world — and this is the story of their final day. Stage 7 was no victory lap. A brutal climb, technical singletrack, and completely empty legs forced them to dig deeper one last time. But this time, it wasn’t about results — it was about finishing. In this episode, we break down: • The reality of the final stage (it’s not easy) • Racing on completely empty legs • The emotion of crossing the finish line together • What they learned about partnership, resilience, and themselves They finished 7th overall in the GC — but the real win was making it to the line.
S1 · E104
March 22 · 23 min
Cape Epic Stage 6 Recap | Jenna Rinehart & Leah Van der Linden
Stage 6 of the Cape Epic brought more chaos for Jenna Rinehart and Leah Van der Linden. After a late-night bike issue left Leah’s setup questionable heading into the start, the day quickly unraveled with a puncture, a crash, and time lost early in the stage. Despite the setbacks, the pair fought their way back through the field, navigating tight singletrack, technical descents, and the challenges of racing blind on unfamiliar terrain. The day ended with frustration after a wrong turn in the final kilometers cost them valuable time. In this episode, JP, Jenna, and Leah break down the mechanical issues, the mental battle of chasing from behind, and the emotional swings that come with racing a multi-day event like the Cape Epic. They also reflect on the role of their support crew and what it takes behind the scenes just to make it to the start line each day. With one stage to go, the focus shifts to finishing strong.

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