Season Two

Miles, Memories, and More: A Year in Retrospect of Cycling Adventures and Bourbon Stories

What if you could channel the ease of a leisurely bike ride into your daily life? Adam and Michael take a pedal-powered journey through the past year's adventures — over 1,400 miles and 22 nights, from the Appalachian foothills to the heart of Georgia — sharing the highlights and lowlights of their 2023 season, from memorable jerseys to unexpected travel challenges and a credit card stuck in a gas pump.

Ever camped indoors and gotten a warning from a police officer? They did. From encounters with RAGBRAI's executive director to the camaraderie of Bourbon Country Burn campfires, they revisit their most unforgettable moments, their favorite gadgets (including the game-changing bike radar), and their top bourbon stories and recommendations.

Looking ahead, they celebrate the spirit of adventure and connection that keeps them pedaling — and toast to 2024 with more miles, more stories, and more bourbon.

Listen to the episode →

Turning the Wheels of Change: Women's Impact in Cycling and introducing Rants of Dissatisfaction

Get ready for an action-packed episode where Adam and Michael cycle down the roads less traveled and explore corners of society often overlooked. This one is particularly special: they shine the spotlight on women in cycling — the hurdles they've cleared, the accomplishments they've achieved, and the influence they command in the sport.

They also debut a brand-new segment, "Rants of Dissatisfaction," where they vent a few of their own frustrations — a recurring feature that would stick around for seasons to come.

Listen to the episode →

Join the Ride: We are Headed back to Georgia, Gifts for Cyclists, and Celebrating a Year of Podcasting!

Can you imagine joining a cycling team for an adventure to Georgia at Big BRAG 2024? That's what Adam and Michael are gearing up for — and they want you on the team, whether you're a past member or someone new yearning for a thrilling cycle trip. They also share highlights and hurdles from the past journey and walk through the registration process.

Looking for the perfect gift for the cyclist in your life? Maybe a bike computer, a bike beer holder, or a crash sensor — they run through a myriad of ideas and the practicality and potential uses of each.

And there's a milestone to celebrate: a full year of podcasting for Road Adventures of Cycling Men of Leisure.

Listen to the episode →

Cycling with Purpose: Sara's Story of Philanthropy and Adventure

Imagine pedaling your bicycle across the heart of America — and every mile you ride helps build homes for those in need. That's exactly what guest Sara accomplished through Bike and Build, a story of how cycling can transcend leisure and become a transformative experience for whole communities.

The show celebrates the highs of Sara's 81-day, cross-country journey (including 16-18 build days) but also navigates the lows — honoring the memory of a fellow rider lost on the road and touching on a recent Michigan case, a sober reminder of advocacy for justice and safety in the cycling community.

Looking ahead, Sara previews her next venture with the Fuller Center Bike Adventure — a ride across four states in the name of philanthropy — and the guys, celebrating Cycling Women of Leisure, share her fundraising link and explore some of the most popular cycling routes in the U.S.

Listen to the episode →

Tech on Wheels: A Deep Dive into Cycling Computers, Radars, and some other fun stuff

Ever wondered how you could combine your love for cycling with a chance to contribute to a noble cause? Adam and Michael take you on a journey filled with cycling adventures, tech talk, and a touch of museum trivia — sure to intrigue the cyclist in you and maybe even inspire a few to take up the sport.

The adventure begins with a glimpse of the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, a virtual visit to the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and a reflection on Adam's 21-mile hike from the Abraham Lincoln Library to his home.

Then they dig into cycling computers — whether you actually need one and how it could reshape your riding — comparing brands like Garmin, Wahoo, and Hammerhead, debating their strengths and limitations against the convenience of a simple smartphone, plus rear-view radar and other gear.

Listen to the episode →

Pedaling Community Bonds: Unveiling the Power of Bike Co-Ops with Luke Box, Kentucky's Cycling Crusader

Ever thought about cycling as a primary means of transport and the vital role community bike shops play in making that happen? The guys sit down with Luke Box, who manages a non-profit community bike co-op in Lexington, Kentucky, with a 12-year history of promoting better access to quality bikes.

Luke takes them through the world of volunteer-based bike co-ops and their role in breaking barriers to bike usage — plus the intriguing sport of bike polo, popular in Lexington's cycling community. He peels back the layers on how a community bike shop actually works: the diverse roles volunteers play, keeping bikes reliable, and initiatives that make cycling inclusive, like the co-op's Women/Fem Night.

Listen to the episode →

Riding High on Bikes and Bourbons: An adventurous bike trip through Kentucky, some distilleries, and a wedding

Feeling adventurous? Come along for a ride that combines the exhilaration of an RV road trip with the charm of Kentucky's bourbon country — from the bourbon-making process at Four Roses to the historic Woodford, one of the oldest distilleries in the U.S. — full of unexpected turns and memorable moments.

There's a chuckle over Phil Kollin's whiskey recommendation, and friends Adam and Kelly bring a wave of romance as they prepare for their wedding. Through picturesque trails and light-hearted banter, the guys reminisce about the road trip — and marvel that a Dave Matthews Band and a Taylor Swift bumper sticker could ride together.

Amid the fun, they confront their cycling shortcomings and the importance of consistency — debating walking versus cycling and strategizing rides around Mackinac Island — because it's crucial to keep those pedals moving.

Listen to the episode →

Cycling Stories: From Bike Troubles to RAGBRAI Triumphs — Fins Up to Jimmy, our advice on sun protection

Ever wonder what really goes into maintaining a bike for long adventurous rides? Adam navigates bike issues, road construction, and an entertaining trip to the shop — a neglected rear tire, a troublesome rear hub, and a completely toast bottom bracket, complete with hilarious commentary and pre- diagnoses.

Michael, Katie, and Adam recount their journey during RAGBRAI 50 — the early-morning calm giving way to an endless stream of cyclists, a town transforming into a clean ghost town, and the heartwarming community spirit, including donations benefiting local schools and the American Legion.

To wrap up, Katie gives an insider's view of the RAGBRAI organizing committee, a successful table auction, and reflections since 2011. They salute the volunteers and riders, stress the importance of sun protection, and take a trip down memory lane on the legacy of Jimmy Buffett.

Listen to the episode →

Whiskey Wisdom and Wandering in Kentucky with Phil Kollin, and the Bourbon County Burn

Pour a glass of your favorite spirit and join the guys for a ride through the bourbon-soaked back roads of Kentucky with Phil Kollin of Phil Talks Whiskey. Phil isn't just a whiskey enthusiast but an industry expert on a quest to explore every highway, back road, and no-lane road in the Bluegrass State — a journey that's produced a treasure trove of stories.

They navigate the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Bourbon Country Burn under Phil's expert guidance, with each distillery revealing a unique experience. Phil talks about legendary tour guides like Freddie Johnson III, his surprising take on signing whiskey bottles, and — for anyone wondering — whether he's a cyclist.

Phil's path to becoming an industry expert is inspiring: he busts bourbon myths, voices his thoughts on the lack of a universal whiskey certification, and previews his upcoming class at the University of Cincinnati. Whether you're a connoisseur or a novice, this one quenches your thirst for knowledge.

Listen to the episode →

Bike Repairs, E-Bike Laws, and Cycling Adventures: An Episode with the Men of Leisure

Gear up for an enlightening ride as the Cycling Men of Leisure navigate the mystifying world of bike repairs, on the hunt for a bike-industry guru to answer their technical queries — and hear how one of them has been stalling on taking his bike into the shop. Will a pact finally get him to make the move?

Curious about the laws governing e-bikes? They dig deep into the thorny regulations across the United States — the three-class system, sticker classifications, and state-by-state requirements — then switch gears to the Bourbon Country Burn, its routes, and the unique Sherpa Service bottle service.

And what's a cycling adventure without the right shorts? They share the five common mistakes cyclists make with shorts and chamois, dispelling myths about gender-specific shorts, why more padding isn't always better, and the big no-no: wearing underwear underneath.

Listen to the episode →

The Heart and Heat of RAGBRAI: A 50th Anniversary Ride Recap

Ever crossed paths with an old friend in the most extraordinary place? During the RAGBRAI 50th Anniversary ride, that's exactly what happened — a reminder that cycling is about so much more than miles and elevation. Steep climbs, sweltering heat, and mechanical issues brought the guys face-to-face with the resilience of every rider and the kindness of strangers.

Riding through Glidden, Iowa, they met Michelle Fay, who shared her dedication to preparing for the ride and stories about the town's logo (or lack thereof) and the mysterious "Rooster Rock." The ride also dove into the world of e-bikes with Sue, the unofficial mayor of RAGBRAI, sparking a thought-provoking discussion about class-three bikes on the road.

From 4,400 feet of climb in a single day to the serene beauty of Storm Lake at sunset, from mechanical trouble to unexpected encounters, the 50th Anniversary ride was a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences.

Listen to the episode →

Hosting RAGBRAI, A barrel of fun for Carroll, Iowa

What if the road less traveled is actually a bike path in Iowa? Adam and Michael are joined by Katie Kruse for a look at Carroll, Iowa — one of the overnight towns for the 50th anniversary of RAGBRAI. They cover their plans for the journey, from the Speakeasy event under the massive Road Adventures of Cycling Men of Leisure flag to the essential need for extra hydration in the Iowa summer heat.

Ever wondered how towns are chosen for the RAGBRAI route? They give a backstage pass to the process of becoming an overnight town, the evolution of route planning from tear-off maps to today's detailed technology, the town's history of adult beverages, the upcoming Pork Tornadoes concert, and the pre-ride safety inspection.

Katie helps explore the festival in Downtown Carroll — the main-stage lineup, the "Shift" documentary, the silent auction, and the importance of supporting local businesses — for a barrel of fun in Carroll, Iowa.

Listen to the episode →

From New York Streets to the middle of Iowa: A Rollerblading Adventure

Ready to get your heart pumping with rollerblading enthusiasts Caleb and Sonic? The guys strap on skates and explore the thrilling world of inline skating and rollerblading — from the rush of RAGBRAI and BRAG to the unique challenges of skating in winter, and the thrill of speeding down a hill in Georgia.

Skating through different environments is no easy feat. Following Caleb and Sonic from the bustling streets of New York City to the terrain of Iowa, they cover training routines, strategies, and the art of packing for extreme events — including the rarely-considered logistics of doing laundry mid-event.

They also shift gears to discuss the upcoming documentary "Shift," a film about the people and towns that make these events possible — and Caleb and Sonic leave a golden nugget: every day is a good day for a skate or a ride, but preparation and maintenance are key.

Listen to the episode →

Pedaling Through Georgia: Epic Cycling Adventures, SnoozeBox, BAK 2023 and we sit down with Franklin

Join Adam and Michael on an unforgettable cycling journey across Georgia, all from the comfort of your headphones. This episode is all about their recent Big BRAG trip — the challenges, the triumphs, and a catch-up with the ride director for his thoughts on the event — plus a look back at the just- concluded Bike Ride Across Kansas.

From conquering a grueling 58-mile route with over 5,100 feet of climb to a 38-mile route with daunting 16% peaks, they share stories of the incredible riders they met along the way — including fellow cyclists who tried the innovative Snoozbox and weigh in on its amenities and cost.

Wrapping up the Georgia adventure, they touch on safety, look ahead to RAGBRAI, and discuss the real economic impact these cycling events bring to the small towns along the route.

Listen to the episode →

Taking Flight with Your Bike: Tips and Tricks for Air Travel with Your Two-Wheeler

Have you ever wondered how to fly with your beloved bicycle without damaging it or breaking the bank? Adam and Michael share their experiences and tips on preparing and packing your bike for air travel — from soft-sided cases and cardboard boxes to shipping options.

They walk through the whole process of disassembling and protecting your bike: loosening components, marking them, releasing air pressure from the tires, and packing securely with the right tools — such as the Thule RoundTrip Sport hard-sided case — plus ways to either buy air cartridges or skip them entirely.

Along the way they cover airline policies for flying with bikes and clever hacks like using pool noodles for extra frame protection, so your bike arrives safe and ready for the next adventure.

Listen to the episode →

Bourbon Country Burn Part 2 — Really feeling the Burn!

The conclusion of the two-part Bourbon Country Burn series, recorded live at the Kentucky Horse Park. Adam and Michael recap the well-supported ride (including the dangerously addictive "cinnamon crack bread" at the rest stops) and the VIP tastings — Maker's Mark 46, Luxe Row, and a Jefferson's banner with a memorable typo.

They take you to Buffalo Trace for the day's Eagle Rare allocation and the Sherpa service that ships your bottles back to camp, then to the emotional centerpiece: the Freddie Johnson III experience, his story of a 6-millionth-barrel bottle saved for a grandchild, his advice to have friends sign bottles you share, and Freddie's Root Beer, which funds the restoration of a local cemetery.

It all comes back to the heart of Cycling Men of Leisure — camping with friends they met just months earlier at BRAG, and the people you collect along the way.

Listen to the episode →

Bourbon County Burn Part 1 — Feeling the Burn!

Recorded live at the Bourbon Country Burn at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington — a three-day, fully-supported tour of bourbon distilleries and horse farms. The episode ran long, so this is part one of two.

Adam and Michael set the scene: 250 miles, 11 distilleries, easy check-in, and routes for every level from a 17-mile trail spin to a century. They geek out on the double white fencing around the horse farms (it's litter and runaway-horse protection), an early stop at Woodford Reserve with engraved bottles, and their plan to drive to Buffalo Trace for the daily allocation.

The best story: how they scored the coveted VIP tickets — including the Buffalo Trace tasting with Freddie Johnson III — by finding working WiFi at a fire station in the middle of RAGBRAI, thanks to a kind firefighter.

Listen to the episode →

Franklin Johnson joins us again, to talk Spring Tune Up — Snoozbox — BIG BRAG 2023 and maybe Cycling Men Of Leisure needs to go to Mexico

Fresh off a rain-soaked (and red-clay-caked) Spring Tune-Up in Rutledge, Georgia, Adam and Michael welcome BRAG Executive Director Franklin Johnson back to the show. Franklin recounts the "muddy Woodstock" weekend — winching out 20-plus stuck vehicles, including a school bus — and how the team kept 1,300 riders rolling anyway.

They dig into the Snoozbox, Franklin's colorfully-painted semi-trailer bunkhouse that offers hotel-like accommodations on point-to-point rides (bed, A/C, storage, no daily setup), and preview Shoreline West in Michigan. Then Franklin lays out BIG BRAG 2023, "Lakes and Libations" — riding past the pristine Lakes Rabun, Seed, and Burton, a Braselton wine-and-chocolate trolley tour, nightly concerts, and the cultural stops that make the week special.

Listen to the episode →

You are doing what? The wives' perspective of Cycling Men Of Leisure and the podcast!

Adam and Michael sit down with the biggest VIPs in their lives. Lauren (Adam's wife) and Chasidy (Michael's wife) finally meet in person and record a show on their perspective of all the crazy things their husbands get up to.

They cover the honest truth of what it's like when the guys disappear on cycling trips (spoiler: the wives enjoy the quiet), what they really thought when the podcast idea came up, and the unforgettable 2016 RAGBRAI story where a vaguely-worded "man dies at RAGBRAI" push notification convinced Lauren that Adam — then a new boyfriend — hadn't survived day one. Plus Michael's clever anniversary save with a photo book and a whole restaurant singing along.

Listen to the episode →

The DawnFarm Ride, Home Improvements, and Cruising with a Mouse

Adam and Michael catch up after a while apart — Michael's back from a Disney cruise with the family while Adam spent his "staycation" tearing up floors and dragging a 1985 bathroom into 2023.

They react to RAGBRAI 50's full 50-town route reveal, preview the Spring Tune-Up at Sunflower Farm in Rutledge, Georgia (with a little Hard Labor Creek State Park history), and unveil a surprise: a sister "Cycling Women of Leisure" logo launched in honor of International Women's Day, celebrating the women joining the BRAG team.

Michael also plugs a local favorite — the Dawn Farm Ride for Recovery near Ypsilanti, Michigan — and the guys tease what's ahead: an episode with their wives, a sit-down with Franklin at Spring Tune-Up, and a how-to on flying with your bike.

Listen to the episode →

The Confetti Experience — Cycling Men Of Leisure's personal mascot

If you've ever seen the guys out riding, you may have spotted a little Beanie Baby peeking out of the back of Michael's jersey — that's Confetti, the unofficial Cycling Men of Leisure mascot who has come along on every ride since the beginning.

This episode welcomes a very special guest: Michael's 11-year-old daughter Miya, who first sent Confetti along so she wouldn't miss her dad on long rides. She tells the story of how the tradition started, and the guys share favorite Confetti photos from Iowa, Kentucky, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, and Kansas — including the time Confetti flew first class and the heart-stopping moment he made a run for it near the top of an Iowa hill.

The tradition traces back even further, to Michael's nieces sending bears along on the family's first Bike Ride Across Nebraska with "Team Sherpa" — and yes, Confetti's original Ty name was the "Y2K bear."

Listen to the episode →

To Charter or not to Charter — We talk about Bicycle Charters for large rides like BRAG, RAGBRAI, and others

With RAGBRAI 50 registration booming, charters are the talk of every cycling group — so Adam and Michael dive deep to help you decide whether you actually need one or can get by without.

They break charters into four tiers — comfort, comfort plus, glam camping, and bunkhouses — and walk through what each one gets you: transportation to and from the start, campsite setup, shower trucks, community tents, evening events, tent-and-porter service, and even air-conditioned bunkhouses. The bottom line: a charter is never required (your registration covers basic baggage and camping), but the right level can make a big ride feel a lot more like a vacation.

Listen to the episode →

BRAG, exploring Georgia — an interview with Franklin Johnson, Executive Director of Bike Ride Across Georgia

Adam and Michael sit down with Bike Ride Across Georgia Executive Director Franklin Johnson to talk about all things BRAG. Franklin shares his thoughts on planning the rides and how he created the best cycling jersey.

He also tells the guys how he balances the demands of a big multi-day ride — from the riders who want a quiet night to the crowd that wants to party — in the first of what would become many visits from a friend of the show.

Listen to the episode →

RAGBRAI 50 has a route — Come along with us as we break it down

In this episode, Adam and Michael break down the route chosen for the 50th running of RAGBRAI — Sioux City to Davenport — adding insight and plenty of comic humor along the way.

Town by town from Sioux City through Storm Lake, Carroll, Ames, Des Moines, Tama-Toledo, and Coralville, they pack in the historical facts: the Sergeant Floyd monument, the "smell of money," a Titanic survivor turned Ames high-school principal, the inventor of the Post-it note, and Michael's hard-won new call sign, "Slow Ice." They also crown contest winner Doug from Texas and put out one more call for BRAG teammates.

Listen to the episode →

We are back in Iowa for RAGBRAI's 50th Route Announcement Party — and Matt Phippen, RAGBRAI's Director, sits down with us

Cycling Men of Leisure heads back to Iowa for RAGBRAI's 50th route announcement party. This year's anniversary route starts in Sioux City and ends in Davenport.

RAGBRAI director Matt Phippen sits down with the guys to talk all things RAGBRAI, shedding some light on how the largest bike ride in the country actually comes together behind the scenes.

Listen to the episode →

Adam's Noble Steed — What Kind of Bikes we ride

In this episode, Adam and Michael talk about what bicycles they ride, the equipment they use, and the odds and ends bolted to their bikes. They also dream up the bikes they'd buy if money were no object, and share a few favorite road-adventure memories along the way.

Adam introduces his "noble steed" — a 2013 Trek Domane 4.3 with 16,000+ miles, carbon wheels, and the aero bars he swears by even uphill — while Michael rolls on his 2016 Bianchi Intrepida "Italian stallion" in classic Celeste, Shimano 105 and all. They get into saddles, SPD vs. look pedals, power-meter pedals, and why comfort and mindset beat chasing the highest-end components every time.

The dream-bike talk runs from a Canyon Ultimate to the $13,000 Trek Domane SLR with hidden storage and electronic shifting — before they both admit they're happiest on the bikes they've got. They close on favorite rides: a freeing rolling stretch through Kentucky horse country at the Bourbon Country Burn, and riding right alongside Lake Michigan from Petoskey up to Mackinac.

Listen to the episode →

We will be getting our photo with James Brown — The BIG BRAG 2023 Announcement Bonus Show

Bike Ride Across Georgia has announced its 2023 route, and Adam and Michael break it down with their analysis and thoughts. Come along as they talk about where they'll be heading with Franklin and his Big BRAG team this summer — and why signing up under the "Cycling Men of Leisure" team name gets the whole crew free jerseys once they hit 10 members.

They walk the route town by town — Clayton, Clarkesville, Gainesville, a Braselton layover, Madison, Thomson, and into Augusta — trading population stats, cell-coverage jokes, and a steady stream of local history: Madison's antebellum homes spared on Sherman's march, Gainesville hosting the 1996 Olympic rowing, and how Braselton got its name (marry up, apparently). There's more than 18,000 feet of climb if you play by the rules, plus a bonus dip into South Carolina.

Best of all, the ride ends in Augusta — hometown of the Godfather of Soul — where a James Brown statue is a photo waiting to happen, just down the road from Augusta National.

Listen to the episode →

The Idea that came out of a Cornfield — Our Cycling Origin Story

This was initially recorded to be the very first show. It describes who we are, how we got started in cycling, and what Cycling Men of Leisure means to us — an attitude that puts the journey and the people you meet ahead of racing from point A to point B.

Adam shares how a health scare and a doctor's blunt advice led him from morbidly obese to a hybrid bike, a hilly metro park, and eventually his first century at RAGBRAI 2016 — the ride where he met Michael, who kept telling him "it's not a race." Michael tells his own story: cycling across Nebraska with his father as "Team Sherpa," turning multi-day rides into cherished family time.

They explain that Cycling Men of Leisure is for men and women alike — for anyone who likes to ride, meet new people, and experience the road — and lay out what listeners can expect: multi-day and state rides, packing tips, charter-service advice, gear talk, and the strange small towns you only find on a bike. And no, it's not a team; it's a like-minded community.

Listen to the episode →