Season Three

Farewell Rides, Bourbon Hopes, and Cycling Dreams: A Nostalgic Journey with Adam and Michael

The Season Three finale gets nostalgic. Adam and Michael reminisce about Ride the Rockies — a cherished Colorado event that ended too soon — and cast a worried eye toward the Bourbon Burn, which may face a similar fate. With its charming camp atmosphere and distillery visits, they start planning one last hurrah to savor those moments while they can.

From there they draw parallels between the resurgence of bourbon and whiskey and the shifts happening within cycling culture: traditional events may struggle to capture younger riders unless they innovate with entertainment and modern amenities. Personal stories from the photography world underline just how critical adaptation is.

They close by celebrating a cyclist-artist known for his bicycle and bird portraits, thank Franklin Johnson of BRAG for his support, preview the 2025 BRAG event and early-registration perks for the Men and Women of Leisure teams — and sign off Season Three with a humorous rant about self-checkout.

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Smoked Hams, Sunny Escapes, and Holiday Tales: A Festive Journey with Adam and Michael

From snowy Michigan to sunny Florida, the guys share their holiday escapades — navigating climate shocks and a first-ever Thanksgiving experiment with a pellet smoker. Michael's smoked ham wins the family over, while Adam's household chuckles over their less-meaty lifestyle.

It's a festive one, sprinkled with humor and warmth, and they take time to celebrate the leisure community and shine the Listener Spotlight on another town where fans are tuning in.

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Gift Ideas, Wheels, Whiskey, and Holiday Cheer

A heartwarming one: the guys share a touching Veterans Day celebration, including a surprise steak dinner for Adam's veteran father — a reminder of the importance of gratitude.

From there they dive into community updates and roll into the holiday season with cycling gift ideas, a little whiskey talk, and plenty of good cheer.

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Pedals, Pagosa, and Cycling Camaraderie: A Journey of Adventures and Festive Wishes

The journey rivals the destination in this one. The guys open with a playful cycling-gear debate and the lingering suspense over the new president's identity (still unknown when they recorded), champion small businesses, and find the natural solidarity that biking fosters.

They spin into "Our Leisure Community," spotlighting listener stories and global connections from New Zealand to Kenya — with Maria Parker's awe-inspiring journey stealing the show and admiration from fans like Keith, Luke, and Scott. Then a scenic detour through Pagosa Springs, Colorado, from Wolf Creek skiing to riverboat-casino tales and local legends.

As the festive season nears, they tee up the Cycling Christmas Wish List segment, share indoor-cycling tips, uncover the Swiss roots of a historic community, and toast the growing influence of women in the whiskey industry.

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Spooky Pedals and Paranormal Tales: A Halloween Cycling Adventure with Adam and Michael

A Halloween-themed ride packed with spooky tales and cycling mishaps. The guys share a listener's thrilling car encounter in southern Minnesota, get into the festive spirit with playful mask banter, and introduce a bourbon as mysterious as a werewolf's howl — Moonlight Mayhem.

They celebrate the community with heartwarming stories — Adam and Kelly marking their anniversary in CMOL t-shirts, the quirky world of DeBrim hats — and turn the City Spotlight on Columbus, Ohio, with a guessing game to stump the quizmasters.

Balancing humor with reflection, they confront the sobering topic of ghost bikes and road safety before lightening the mood with a comical top-10 list of cycling fears — from Strava hacks to mud mishaps — and speculate on the coming RAGBRAI-52 logo reveal.

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Hurricanes, Hope, and Two-Wheeled Tales — Cycling Women of Leisure Series with Maria Parker

A leisure trip to Florida turns into an unexpected adventure when a family illness and looming hurricanes prompt an early return. Amid lighthearted quips, the guys share community feedback, shout out Gary Vaughn and Matt Robinson, and — inspired by a close call with a vehicle — launch a new segment, "Encounters with Cars."

A scenic detour relives the Tour de Livingston event in Michigan before the spotlight turns to Maria Parker, CEO of Cruise Bike, who shares the benefits of their front-wheel-drive aerocycles and her incredible Race Across America journey.

The conversation deepens into Maria's fundraising for brain-cancer research — motivated by her sister Jenny's battle with glioblastoma — and the 3,000 Miles to a Cure initiative, closing on the growing inclusivity that e-bikes bring to the sport.

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From Flat Tires to High Fives: A Cycling Journey

Between a bustling week and a packed agenda, the guys still find time for the community. They celebrate their very first subscriber, Scott (and ponder sending him some swag), debut a new fan-mail feature with a listener question from Overland Park, Kansas about the time it takes to make the podcast, and sprinkle in banter about local spots and Starbucks orders.

The City Spotlight shouts out Ed — who listens at 1.6x speed — and the loyal listeners in Overland Park, with jerseys now spotted at events in British Columbia and Tennessee, plus a teaser about an intriguing upcoming spotlight guest.

Then they relive the hilliest RAGBRAI route in its 51-year history — fully loaded touring bikes, camaraderie and hospitality, flat tires and mechanical mishaps, a nostalgic visit to the American Gothic House, and a chance run-in with their Jack Rue sales rep at the expo.

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Milestones, Memories, and Two-Wheeled Triumphs: Celebrating Our 50th Episode

A milestone celebration: the guys mark their 50th episode. Michael flips the script to handle the intro as they reflect on the journey — surpassing 10,000 downloads on Buzzsprout, connecting with a global audience, and all the friendships made along the way.

They pull back the curtain on what goes into each episode, from hiring their beloved voiceover artist "NASA Girl" to chasing mysterious sound issues, and share how they've embraced imperfection and conversational flow — plus their idea for concise "Snapcasts."

They also announce the return of the "Cycling Women of Leisure" series, debate aluminum versus carbon fiber wheelsets, tour the history of Waxhaw, and riff on work-from-home Zoom meetings.

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Cycling Adventures, Historic Tales, and Mackinac Memories: A Shoreline Recap

Part two of the Shoreline Recap opens with a touching chat about Michael's daughter Miya heading into eighth grade, then journeys to Beltsville, Maryland to uncover its historical roots — and a bit of cryptid lore.

There's an out-loud-funny shopping escapade in Mackinac City involving a ceramic ornament, a good-humored store clerk, and a playful fudge-shop prank on Jess. From there they roll the scenic route from Mackinac City to Charlevoix, soaking in the Tunnel of Trees and charming towns like Elk Rapids and Petoskey.

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Cycling Capers, Mysteries, and Mackinac Moments: A Journey of Laughs and Legends

Smooth travel meets chaos: Michael lucks into a rare two-seat-row upgrade on his flight to Kansas while Adam bemoans a packed flight and a Starbucks-less airport. The guys reveal the reason for the show's delay — Adam's time at a transit conference in Crystal Mountain, Michigan — and read a heartwarming note from fellow cyclist Margaret, who loved their BRAG recap.

Then a detective-style Listener Spotlight unravels the history of Missoula, Montana: from the Hellgate Trading Post to its firefighting legacy and Smokejumpers, plus a gold-nugget legend and vibrant craft beer culture. (They guessed Denver first before listener hints zeroed them in.)

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Pedals, Scenic Shores, and Surprises: An Epic Cycling Journey Unfolds

Adam and Michael reunite for a rare in-person session along Michigan's picturesque shoreline, packed with travel tips, cost-saving hacks, and innovative packing techniques as they gear up for a week-long adventure.

They explain why they opted to explore new routes over the traditional RAGBRAI this year, share the anticipation of meeting the rest of their team, and sprinkle in the historical tidbits that make every mile richer.

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Epic Rides and Whiskey Tides: A Blend of Adventure and Home Fixes

Cycling meets distilleries and home improvement. Michael gears up for a Michigan adventure full of distillery tours and fresh air while Adam juggles riding with a home renovation. Michael recounts a whiskey-tasting event, "Legends of Whiskey," where a standout spirit from Dodge City, Kansas stole the show, and Adam ponders how to creatively merge golf and cycling.

They weigh the anticipation and trepidation of upcoming events — river-flooding worries and the excitement of new adventures up north — reminisce about a noisy camping night by a railroad track, and preview an entertainment lineup featuring Hairball, Night Ranger, and Pork Tornados, with a warm good-luck to Margaret.

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Sunshine, Seafood, and Two-Wheeled Adventures

Michael recounts a delightful family trip to Disney's Vero Beach Resort — lounging on the beach, indulging in seafood, the strategic perks of the airport hotel, and a playful chat about Disney stock. (Spoiler: the no-see-ums were blissfully absent.)

The community connection shines through with heartfelt messages: Margaret sends her best to Armando as he recovers from an accident, and listener Matt Robinson's town guess leads to an intriguing discovery — Haymarket, Virginia — amid buzzing excitement for future cycling events in Iowa and Wisconsin.

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Pedal, Bourbon, and Friendship: A Road Adventure Unfolds — BRAG 2024, Part Two

Part two of the BRAG 2024 adventure catches up with the guys' incredible friend John Athens — a retired firefighter and paramedic who earned the nickname "Boo-Boo Master" — as he shares his journey from the fire service to EMS educator and Special Olympics volunteer. It's a warm, story-rich reunion from the road between Atlanta and Savannah.

Between heartwarming moments with fellow cyclists, the episode keeps the camaraderie and good bourbon flowing, wrapping up an unforgettable week on two wheels.

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Pedal, Bourbon, and Friendship: A Road Adventure Unfolds — BRAG 2024, Part One

The BRAG 2024 saga kicks off with the flight to Savannah — one of the guys basking in first-class comfort while the other endured a bourbon-tinged economy-class ordeal. From there the drama, camaraderie and unexpected twists of Big BRAG 2024 ramp up fast.

There's a health scare that thankfully ends well, a joyful reunion with old friends on the Savannah Riverwalk, and inspiring stories from fellow cyclists like Luke Senior and Junior. Then a highway blowout sends them scrambling — an unforgettable roadside rescue rescued in turn by the kindness of strangers, a lucky find at Oconee Outfitters, and good bourbon at Second City Distillery.

Plus the debut of a new segment, "Success or Distress," reviewing gear tested on the ride — and this is only part one.

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Gearing Up for Glory: The Ride from Atlanta to Savannah, and Other Cycling Stories

Adam and Michael are back tossing opinions back and forth about the latest in cycling fashion — yes, the DeBrim controversy resurfaces — as they gear up for BRAG 2024 and the ride from Atlanta to Savannah.

Between the gear debates and daydreams of the open road, they swap the kind of cycling stories that make the miles worth it, setting the stage for the big Georgia adventure to come.

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Two Wheels and a Toolbox: Lightening the Load for Adventure

Adam and Michael open with heartfelt tales — from family issues to Adam's inspiring weight-loss journey — and how those personal challenges are met with humor and support in a tight-knit cycling community. (Remember choosing a salad over spirits in DeSoto? It was more than a meal; it was a nod to the lifestyle changes many riders are embracing.)

They saddle up for the 15th annual Ride for Recovery at Dawn Farm, where a downpour couldn't quench the spirit of participants supporting addiction recovery, and salute local shop Wheels in Motion for showing up rain or shine. Then a new Listener Spotlight teaser drops clues about a mystery town linked to cowboys and a shipwrecked TV crew.

Finally, logistics: the lengths (and weights) they go to prepping for an expedition — self-inflating mattresses, the tactical genius of a Milwaukee Packout toolbox, a cautionary tale about CO2 cartridges and TSA agents, and the essentials every cyclist's kit should carry.

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Wheeling into Memories: Celebrating Birthdays, Community Festivities, and the Collector's Spirit

Adam marks another trip around the sun with a brisk 48-mile ride, and the guys reflect on how intertwined life is with the cycle of the wheels. They spin tales from the abrupt halt of Ride the Rockies 2024 to cherished memories of Georgia's Spring Tune-Up, keeping spirits high — and tip their helmets to a listener's hometown with a rich milling heritage.

Shifting gears, they take a scenic tour through the upcoming Shoreline ride in Michigan: route confirmations, community festivities, event logistics, and optional rides through Traverse City's wine country and Mackinac Island's charm — complete with a discount code for listeners eager to join.

Then it's about the bonds formed through shared passions, as they unravel the stories behind Adam's whiskey collection and Michael's vintage cameras — proof that hobbies do more than fill time; they create lifelong memories and friendships.

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Pedaling Through History: America's Legacy on the 9/11 Trail and Beyond

Adam and Michael are joined by cycling comrades Ryan Roenigk and Bruce White to talk about the physical endurance long-distance touring demands — and, more than that, the emotional connections and heartfelt stories forged along the way. Each pedal stroke paints a bit of the past; every turn unveils another chapter of the nation's story.

The journey winds through small towns and big cities, across bridges and into communities touched by history. They celebrate the eccentricity of shared adventures — a couple conquering miles on a tandem, an Eagle Scout with cerebral palsy — and trace Bruce's meticulous planning and Ryan's generous donations behind memorials and future tours. The 2026 ride beckons with fireworks in Philadelphia, marking major American anniversaries.

As the episode winds down, it's an open invitation to the road — from a tribute at O'Hara's Pub to the anticipation of cycling through historic sites, where every mile is a memory and every ride a legacy.

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Two-Wheeled Tales of Transformation and Friendship

Adam couldn't resist the call of the open road and a 34-mile ride — even as Michael, nursing a recent health hiccup, let his trusty Peloton gather dust. The guys share a laugh with their Starkville fan over Adam's love of cooler weather and tip their helmets to the cycling culture in Dublin, where every pedal stroke feels like a toast with a pint of Guinness.

At the heart of the episode is Scott Garwick's remarkable journey from anxiety to resilience on two wheels — a reminder that cycling is more than a pastime. From the freedom of recumbent biking to long-distance epics like RAGBRAI and RAW, they dive into the experiences that bond riders, chuckle over a friend forgetting his cycling shoes on a 155-mile ride, and get serious about the regulation of motorized bicycles on public trails.

They wrap by teasing a new listener mailbag segment and an invitation to join Adam in Hell, Michigan for "One Hell of a Ride."

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Riding the Laughing Lane: Cycling Culture and Comical Confessions

Michael and Adam return with stories spilling from the saddlebags. Adam eats humble pie over a calendar mishap (a BRAG team plug that ran after the sign-up deadline), and the guys dodge severe weather while swapping tales of a Caribbean cruise and a little faux espionage — Adam happened to be in Haiti right before the news broke.

Then the Listener Spotlight is revealed: Starkville, Mississippi — the old "Boardtown" renamed for Revolutionary War hero General John Stark, with a Lindbergh landing, a claim to the invention of t-ball, and Johnny Cash's "Starkville City Jail." They also cover training in elevation-starved Kansas, cheer on their Georgia friends racking up miles, and share Strava and Peloton club shout-outs.

The episode closes with a spirited round of "Rants of Dissatisfaction" — grocery-store aisle hogs, lumberyard cart pile-ups, and neighbors still lighting their Christmas lights in March.

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Cycling Chronicles: A Michigan Adventure, Remembering Kansas City and Celebrating Cycling's Journey

Every pedal stroke tells a story, and this one relives the guys' heart-pumping journey from Lansing to Mackinac, exploring Michigan's quintessential "up north" spirit — from the awe-inspiring Torch Lake to the serene Tunnel of Trees. In the midst of the celebration, they take a moment to honor those affected by the recent tragedy at the Kansas City Chiefs' rally.

From the iconic celeste of a Bianchi to the steadfast Trek that's carried them through countless adventures, this episode is a love letter to the bikes that become extensions of ourselves. They explore the evolution of bicycles — from local shops to global giants, and brands like Worksman Cycles and Merida — while the Cycling Men of Leisure team swells with diversity ahead of the Atlanta to Savannah ride.

Finally, they tease the identity of a mystery town, share chuckles over RAGBRAI memories, and take a friendly jab from Tripp about tackling more hills in training.

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Bicycles and Banter: Whimsical Rides with Hollywood Icons and Geographic Mysteries

Michael's back from Florida, and the guys reminisce over the mishaps and mayhem of past rides. Michael reveals just how spot-on his Taylor Swift cam-spotting skills are — nailing the count on the money — while Adam recounts a nerve-wracking Super Bowl FanDuel bet that somehow ended in a toast-worthy triumph. They also make it official: they're riding Shoreline from Alpena to Traverse City in August.

Then a delightful debate: if a Hollywood star could be your cycling sidekick, who would it be? Adam picks Morgan Freeman for the soothing "seven miles left" narration; Michael goes with the rugged charm of John Wayne. Along the way they trade barbs about the de-brim, look-style pedals, and a collapsible folding helmet.

As the ride winds down they muse over the baffling absence of listeners from Wyoming, wander through 8-tracks and cassettes, and kick off a new segment — a mystery-town guessing game built from a few historical breadcrumbs.

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Pedal Through the Mitten: Discovering One of Michigan's Cycling Gems with Neal Glazebrook

Adam and Michael welcome Neal Glazebrook, Events Director of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, for a pedal-powered tour of Michigan's cycling events — from the rugged terrain of the Upper Peninsula's MUP to the serene Great Lakes shores of the Shoreline ride. Neal shares the thrills and the meticulous planning behind these beloved rides.

The conversation goes behind the scenes on what it takes to bring an event to life, from registration to the finish line — coasting past the deep blues of Lake Michigan, fueled by meals from local school programs and caterers, and building community with fellow cyclists from every corner.

Along the way there are personal anecdotes that bond the guys to cycling culture and the local charm of Michigan towns, plus an open invitation to add your own tales to the community's tapestry.

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Spokes and Sports: Route Revelations, and Cycling's Adventurous Spirit

Riding the high of Michigan's national-championship season, Adam and Michael look back on the friendly ribbing between rival teams and the camaraderie that sports bring — with a nod to Franklin, whose New Year's route reveal was as dazzling as the fireworks. They take listeners behind the scenes of the big BRAG 2024 route announcement and the secrecy they were sworn to keep.

Then it's a cross-country journey through memory lane, weighing a slate of possible rides now that the guys are sitting out RAGBRAI this year — from BRAN and Tour de Nebraska to BAK's 50th anniversary, Cycle Zydeco in Louisiana, Ride the Fault Line, OATBRAN in Nevada, and the newly re-routed Ride Shoreline in Michigan. Schedules are a jigsaw puzzle, but the wish list keeps growing.

Along the way they trade stories of headwinds and hills, ponder the logistics of flying with a bike, and connect over a shared love of aviation — open roads and open skies, just a play button away.

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Rolling Past Antebellum Elegance: BIG BRAG 2024 Route In-Depth Preview with Franklin Johnson

Still buzzing from the New Year's fireworks, Michael and Adam recount the celebration that launched planning for their most ambitious escapade yet: BIG BRAG 2024 from Atlanta to Savannah. Franklin Johnson drops by with a cyclist's treasure map, tracing a route full of historical gems and Southern splendor — from Oglethorpe University's starting line to the cobblestones of River Street — and calls on all free spirits to join the Cycling Men of Leisure team.

Along the way they take detours into Georgia's quaint towns, where college quads and Hollywood tales abound. Oxford's academic charm gives way to Milledgeville's antebellum pride and its complicated embrace of the new Rivian plant, with talk of a Milledgeville concert and the traditional bandana earned after a grueling century ride. They wheel from Statesboro's blues to one local festival after the next.

As the journey nears its end, the allure of Savannah's Spanish moss becomes irresistible — trading bikes for a leisurely stroll through the city's historic squares. Every twist in the route unfolds a new chapter of camaraderie and discovery.

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Georgia on Two Wheels: Unveiling the BRAG 2024 Cycling Route with Franklin Johnson

As the clock ticks closer to BIG BRAG 2024, Michael and Adam are joined by special guest Franklin Johnson to celebrate the newly announced route from Atlanta to Savannah. Feel the past come alive beneath your wheels as they pedal through Georgia's picturesque towns, each with a story to tell.

With his usual charisma, Franklin reveals the route's nod to a historic military march and bubbles over about the special layover day in Milledgeville — a town with a charm you have to experience to believe. Every turn of the pedal is a brush with history, a ride through nature's canvases, and a visit to the quaintest of Southern towns.

They recount the allure of Covington and Oxford, where movie magic meets the streets, and the familiar touch of Social Circle, a place close to Franklin's heart — before that well-earned midweek breather in Milledgeville, with local distillery tours and the simple pleasure of catching up on laundry.

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