Season Four

Cycling, Community, Counterfeits: From Podfest To Disney

A Bigfoot sweater, a heavy backpack full of mics, and a plane to Orlando — our year closes with the perfect mix of ride stories, travel plans, and one serious warning every cyclist needs to hear. We're gearing up for Podfest, turning a living room into a studio, and cashing in on a DVC Moonlight Magic night that lets us skip the crowds and snag a few hours of park time.

The community takes center stage with a sharp Listener Spotlight reveal: Mesa, Arizona, where ancient canals still inform modern life and towering saguaros are protected for good reason. That maps neatly into our revamped BRAG route-guessing contest — a fairer point system that rewards the correct town on the correct night, and a big bonus for the layover. Yes, a custom jersey is on the line, but the real prize is the thrill of being right.

Then comes the must-hear segment: counterfeit bike parts. A recent $1.6M seizure of fake frames, bars, wheels, and components — some stamped with household cycling brands — reminds us that a bargain can be dangerous. We unpack the difference between knockoffs and counterfeits, why serial numbers can be forged, and how to protect yourself: buy critical components from reputable dealers or your local bike shop, verify serials, and second-guess prices that look magical.

We wrap with our top moments of the year — post-ride honesty, "one more mile" lies, bourbon wisdom — and a simple truth: we may not be getting faster, but the stories keep getting better.

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Where Leisure Meets Grit: Community, Contests, And The Joy Of The Journey

The ride is more than the route, and this week we prove it — from a hilariously stubborn bathroom repaint to launching our biggest community challenge yet. We kick things off with the small stuff that somehow becomes big stuff, then shift gears into a listener spotlight reveal that lands in Tucker, Georgia, complete with military roots, postwar industry, and a surprising Kansas connection. It's a reminder that every town on a cycling tour has layers, and those layers make the journey memorable.

From there, we talk honestly about job hunting in a world of AI recruiters and near-human support bots. It's weird, useful, and worth interrogating. We counter the screen time with winter hiking, clever daily movement, and a few simple habits that keep the body ready for spring rides. Then we swerve into something unforgettable: a Forged in Fire episode where blacksmiths harvest steel from bicycles, craft blades, and test them against bike parts.

The centerpiece is our BRAG 2026 route-guessing contest. Here's the deal: guess each night town for the weeklong ride, score 10 points for the right town on the right night, 5 if the town is right but the night is wrong, and snag a bonus by following us on your favorite platform. The Tuesday-Wednesday layover counts double if you nail it, and the top scorer wins a one-of-a-kind jersey co-designed with BRAG branding and our show. Entries close Dec 31 at 10 p.m., and we'll be back with a Route Release breakdown at noon on New Year's Day after the official midnight reveal.

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We Reveal A New Ride Director, Launch A Listener Contest, And Give you a chance to win a one of kind Jersey

A new chapter for BRAG starts here. We're welcoming Domestic Ride Director Ron Ward to the family, spotlighting how he went from rider to crew to the person orchestrating the weeklong road adventure so many of us call summer camp on wheels. Franklin Johnson shares why international tours are accelerating, what growth means for the classic Georgia road experience, and how the team keeps rider joy at the center while scaling up.

You'll hear the stories that make BRAG feel like home: chasing siblings across the state on mismatched bikes, spotting decade-old route arrows on backroads, and the unsung heroes who keep the ship steady — especially Stephanie, the glue behind the scenes. We talk real-world logistics, from rest stop strategy to layover day riding, and poke fun at hills that humble even the strongest legs.

And because speculation is half the fun, we're launching a listener-powered challenge: guess the 2026 Big BRAG route. Submit six towns in order, score 10 points for a correct town on the correct day, 5 for a correct town on the wrong day, and 20 if you nail the layover town. Share a screenshot showing you follow our podcast or YouTube for a 10-point head start. The prize is a one-of-one, co-branded winner's jersey made in your size.

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Holiday Gifts For Cyclists And Leisure Lovers

A holiday gift list shouldn't be hype; it should help. We pulled together a clear, field-tested guide to the cycling gear that actually gets used, lasts through real weather, and makes every ride safer and more fun. From high-lumen rechargeable lights that punch through daylight to the rear-view bike radar that changed how we ride, we break down the smartest upgrades across budgets — under $25, $50, $100, and splurge-worthy picks when you want to go big.

We also talk storage and travel, because clutter and logistics can sink a good ride. You'll hear about the aero saddle pack that keeps tools dry and mounts a radar cleanly, top-tube bags for snacks on the move, vertical rolling stands that free garage space, and a simple charging station that tames cords. Flying with your bike? We compare hard cases designed to roll smoothly through airports and shield carbon frames from baggage-handler mayhem.

Beyond the gear, we share a Listener Spotlight with a twist — Waltham, Massachusetts, the Watch City that helped standardize manufacturing and keep the rails on time — plus a friend's ambitious 2026 cross-country route spanning 14 states, Great Lakes coastlines, Glacier National Park, and more.

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A Ride Director Explains How To Turn A Bike Tour Into A Weeklong Louisiana Party

What if your early-season ride felt more like a festival than a sufferfest? We sit down with Cycle Zydeco's ride director, Scott, to unpack a Louisiana cycling experience built around live Zydeco music, crawfish boils, dance lessons, and easy, flat miles that leave you grinning instead of gasping. With Breaux Bridge as the new base camp and Lafayette just a quick shuttle away, the logistics finally match the vibe: simple arrivals, secure overnight bike staging, showers on-site, and routes that roll from 40 miles to metric options with almost no climbing.

We dig into the details riders care about. Hotels, RV camping, and on-site tent villages? Covered. Bike rentals, shipping, assembly, and last-minute fixes from a full shop? Also covered. Zydeco Bucks spend like cash at local restaurants and stores, turning post-ride meals into a culinary tour that feeds the community, too. Curious about VIP perks? Think swamp tours, Tabasco's island, museum stops, a craft cocktail festival, and priority charging stations.

We also preview Jazzing on the Trace, a two-day warm-up on the Tammany Trace near Lake Pontchartrain. Expect 30 mellow miles, seafood boils by the water, and a shot of New Orleans energy just over the bridge. And yes, we talk weather, safety, and support: flat terrain with fast-moving showers, shuttles that flex when the party runs late, and mechanics who can source everything from spokes to thru-axles.

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One Air Traffic Controller, A Haunted Huffy, And Too Much Coffee Prop

Fog hangs low, headlights cut thin ribbons through the dark, and somewhere ahead a line of red taillights refuses to be caught. We lean into the season with a Halloween ride that blends ghost stories, travel mishaps, aviation quirks, and a surprising amount of laughter from two cyclists who prize the journey as much as the destination.

We kick off with Moonlight Mayhem bourbon, a yard-turned-graveyard, and a Florida trip that delivered 12-mile theme-park days and a front-row view of a Spirit Airlines plane getting impounded. From there, we talk towers, old-school air traffic tools that still run high-stakes skies, and the quiet competence that keeps travelers safe. Our Rants of Dissatisfaction pull no punches: TV's most unrealistic prop — the weightless coffee cup.

Then the hauntings roll in. Meet Larry, the red-Huffy rider of Randolph, Maine, who vanished without a trace and, some say, still cruises the old rail trail as orbs drift between the pines. A Devon mansion yields a Victorian figure watching a child cycling below, and the centerpiece: the WWI ghost cyclist reported by both trenches, silently crossing No Man's Land.

We thank our VIP supporters, drop fresh Listener Spotlight clues, and tease the much-loved Cyclist Christmas List. Stick around for our original campfire tale, The Phantom Peloton, a modern myth about GPS loops, misty roads, and the whispered command every pack depends on: hold your line.

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We went for a bike ride and somehow came back with Blanton's, a poker chip, and an Arby's alibi

Bourbon on the brain, bikes in the rack, and a weekend that kept surprising us. We rolled into Lexington aiming for miles and meaningful pours and came away with a signed nine-millionth barrel at Buffalo Trace, a "unicorn" experimental bottle, and a reminder from Freddie Johnson that whiskey is really about the people you share it with. Between double allocation drops and an upstairs tasting lineup featuring Eagle Rare, Blanton's, and Weller 12, we dug into where the bourbon market might be headed.

The rides were the quiet kind we love: bluegrass roads, rolling hills, and a pace that felt better than expected after a long recovery. Back at camp, the Bourbon Country Burn offered light dinner and great fireside company, where small experiments — like a coffee liqueur topped with cold cream — turned into conversations about craft and curiosity. And thanks to Phil Talks Whiskey, we explored export-only bottles, from Japanese Blanton's to a Four Roses variant you won't find stateside.

Along the way we met listeners who became friends, traded stories about riding, parenting, and the right moment to open a special bottle, and even squeezed in a bonus Sunday ride before the long drive home. We wrapped with a label-worthy Jay Mattingly pick — oak-stave finished and full of character — because sometimes a bottle is a bookmark for a weekend you don't want to forget.

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Assigned Barstools, Open Mic Night, and the Case of the Hidden Speakeasy

A bookstore with no checkout, a doorbell with a secret, and a barstool that comes with a story — our Kentucky journey starts where bike culture and bourbon tradition intersect. We kick off in Louisville on Whiskey Row, tracing two different arcs of American whiskey: Bardstown's modern blending and hospitality machine and Michter's deep Pennsylvania roots revived in Kentucky. Along the way, we compare tasting philosophies and talk candidly about when flights feel like value versus a money grab.

Then we step into Kentucky Peerless for a true grained-to-bottle experience. DSP-KY-50 isn't just a number; it's a thread back to a family legacy that Corky Taylor helped bring forward. The team walks us through sweet mash, barrel proof, and why small variations can add character rather than chaos.

Night settles in Lexington, and a camouflaged speakeasy hides behind floor-to-ceiling books. Ring the bell, find your assigned seat, and let the bartenders build you something you didn't know to request. We even stumble into bike polo connections that loop back to a past guest and a court we once found on a Sunday ride. We also preview Bourbon Country Burn from our base at the Kentucky Horse Park.

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From Beach Resorts to Horse Country: Two Cycling Men Plan Their Next Adventure

What happens when you combine cycling with ziplining? According to Michael, you get one of the most unique adventure experiences available — bike ziplining through the Mexican jungle. After returning from a week-long resort vacation with his family, Michael shares his discovery of this extraordinary activity that lets you pedal your way through the rainforest canopy, over water, and even through caves on a suspended recumbent-style bike.

This episode blends travel tales with cycling plans as the duo prepares for their upcoming Bourbon Country Burn adventure in Kentucky. Michael reveals that despite his fractured clavicle not fully healing (now eight weeks into recovery), he's determined to join the event and enjoy the famously smooth roads of Kentucky horse country — maintained to perfection for transporting valuable thoroughbred horses, creating an ideal cycling surface.

The conversation weaves through Mexican adventure parks, underwater propulsion devices for "power snorkeling," and the fascinating 2000-year history of ziplining itself. We learn how modern recreational ziplining originated with Costa Rican biologists studying rainforest canopies in the 1970s.

Looking ahead to Kentucky, the pair shares their excitement about the Bourbon Country Burn event with its blend of cycling, bourbon tastings, evening bonfires, and community gatherings — starting on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row before heading to the Kentucky Horse Park campground.

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Navigating Life's Yellow Standee Lines: Golf, Transit, and Whiskey Tales

What happens when tracking apps meant to keep your children safe become tools for insurance companies to monitor driving habits? This episode kicks off with a startling revelation about Life360 that parents of teen drivers won't want to miss, complete with a crucial tip on disabling the insurance reporting feature while preserving the app's family tracking capabilities.

Adam takes us behind the scenes of his recent transit conference at Crystal Mountain, where professional development seamlessly blended with charity golf tournaments and networking. Between playful accusations of tournament cheating and serious discussions about the state of public transit funding, the conversation reveals how industry gatherings balance work and play — a perfect metaphor for the podcast itself.

The heart of this episode centers around the upcoming Bourbon Country Burn event in Kentucky, where cycling meets bourbon appreciation in a festival atmosphere. Adam and Michael detail their plans for VIP bourbon tastings with legendary figures like Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace, while revealing insights about international bourbon distribution — the Japanese version of Blanton's, with its distinctive red box and unique horse stopper, serves as a gateway to understanding how American spirits travel globally.

Perhaps the most charming segment features Michael's deep dive into 1920s slang terminology that connects to the podcast's vintage-inspired logos.

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Navigating Life's Detours: From Bus Rodeos to Bourbon Country

Saddle up for an episode that blends cycling camaraderie with bourbon-infused adventure. Adam kicks things off with a fascinating glimpse into the surprisingly technical world of "bus rodeos" where he recently served as "Officer Obi" with radar gun in hand. These competitions test professional drivers' skills through challenging courses with diminishing clearance, precise backing maneuvers, and speed requirements — all observed by families and fellow transit professionals in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

The conversation shifts to their beloved Listener Spotlight featuring Atlanta, Illinois — a town with multiple naming attempts and a towering 19-foot Paul Bunyan statue clutching a hot dog. This Route 66 landmark sparks delightful banter about roadside attractions and community connections, showcasing how cycling journeys often reveal America's hidden gems.

Personal updates add depth as Michael shares his ongoing recovery from a fractured clavicle. Despite limited mobility, he remains determined to attend September's Bourbon Country Burn — their highly anticipated cycling festival in Kentucky bourbon country, complete with camping under the stars, evening bourbon tastings, fireside conversations, and morning rides through horse country.

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Confetti Bears and Cornhole Boards: The Leisure Life Continues

Seventy-five episodes! When we started this podcast, neither of us thought we'd make it past five or seven shows. Yet here we are, celebrating a milestone that represents years of friendship, thousands of miles cycled together, and a community that has grown beyond anything we imagined.

Michael kicks things off with an update on his collarbone recovery — the x-rays look good, but he's still not able to raise his arm fully. Despite the injury, we're both confirmed for Bourbon Burn, complete with official tournament-level cornhole boards emblazoned with the Cycling Men of Leisure logo. We're extending an open invitation to all listeners attending to stop by our campsite for bourbon tastings and leisurely conversation around the fire.

The heart of this episode takes us on a nostalgic journey through our podcasting adventure. We've cycled over 5,300 miles together on organized rides, interviewed five different ride directors and two bike manufacturers, and created 30 Listener Spotlight segments. Our audience now spans 62 countries, with our largest international listener base coming from the United Kingdom.

What began as two friends chatting about bikes has evolved into something much more meaningful: a community. Whether it's our team members supporting each other at Big BRAG or listeners recognizing each other on rides across the country, we've created connections that extend far beyond the microphone.

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The Road Not Ridden: When Injury Derails Cycling Dreams

Michael's fractured clavicle changed everything about this summer's cycling plans, but it led to unexpected adventures worth sharing. While nursing his broken collarbone (or "fractured clavicle" as his doctor insists on calling it), Michael took his family to Kentucky's bourbon country, visiting seven distilleries in a single day — though he made sure the kids had plenty of fun too with stops at a candy factory and the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Meanwhile, Adam made the most of expiring timeshare points with a spontaneous Disney World trip alongside his wife, who's been dealing with the difficult process of moving her father into memory care. With temperatures soaring both in Florida and back home in Michigan, Adam shares his veteran Disney strategies — knowing exactly where to find air conditioning and even which ride photos to pose for.

The most difficult decision they faced was what to do about their planned participation in RAIN (Ride Across Indiana). After exploring every possible scenario — including having Michael provide SAG support — they ultimately decided to cancel. "I just did not want to do it without you," Adam explains, capturing the essence of their friendship and podcast partnership.

Adam shares surprising bicycle accident statistics (did you know 73% of cycling crashes don't involve motor vehicles?), while Michael recounts the hose incident that led to his injury. The episode culminates with the full Cycling Men of Leisure origin story — how two strangers met during a 2016 Iowa ride and formed a friendship that evolved into a podcast, brand, and growing community.

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The Hose That Derailed RAIN: A Cycling Mishap Story

When the unexpected strikes, how do you adapt? Michael shares the story of his recent cycling accident where he encountered an almost-invisible brown hose stretched across concrete pavement during a training ride. With just seconds to react, his front tire turned 90 degrees, sending him face-first onto the road, resulting in a fractured clavicle and extensive road rash. This first-ever broken bone in thousands of cycling miles comes with particularly unfortunate timing — just 19 days before the pair's planned Ride Across Indiana (RAIN).

As the hosts navigate this setback, they explore options ranging from postponing their registration to next year, Michael serving as SAG driver while Adam rides, or finding alternative adventures altogether. The conversation reveals the philosophy that defines their approach to cycling: it's not about reaching destinations, but experiencing the journey and connections made along the way.

Adam shares his recent trip to Des Moines, Iowa, where cycling memories unexpectedly surfaced through familiar establishments from previous RAGBRAI rides, including the beloved Big Red Truck food vendor and Thelma's ice cream sandwiches. These culinary touchpoints sparked nostalgic conversations about past cycling adventures and the communities that form around these shared experiences.

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Hills, Thrills, and Go-Kart Racing: Our Georgia Adventure Continues

The Georgia hills couldn't break us! Picking up where we left off, Adam and Michael complete their wild journey across Georgia with the BRAG cycling event, sharing every triumph, challenge, and laugh along the way.

Our layover day in Dawsonville delivers pure adrenaline as we race high-performance go-karts at AMP track, where Michael edges out Adam by just four one-hundredths of a second (a fact Adam graciously acknowledges... eventually). But the adventure doesn't stop there — we hike 475 stairs to witness the majestic Amicalola Falls, proving that cycling men of leisure occasionally enjoy adventures on foot too.

The camaraderie of the cycling community shines throughout our journey. Our team dinner brings together 33 riders from across the country, many meeting for the first time despite sharing this passion for years. Later, we host an impromptu "speakeasy" under the BRAG tent, sharing drinks and stories as rain patters overhead.

Franklin Johnson, Executive Director of BRAG, joins us to discuss this year's successful northern route. With nearly 900 riders tackling the challenging hills, Franklin shares insights on weather, safety, and the unique appeal of Georgia's less-traveled roads — from bone-rattling South Carolina pavement to the infamous "Medusa Hill" that forced 90% of riders to walk.

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43 Cycling Men and Women of Leisure, One Moonshine Distillery, and a Three-Headed Medusa Hill

Saddle up for an exhilarating journey across Georgia with the Cycling Men of Leisure as we lead our largest-ever team of 43 riders through the challenging Appalachian foothills. This episode captures the first half of our fourth consecutive BRAG (Bike Ride Across Georgia) adventure, where the terrain proved anything but flat.

From Rome to Jasper to Dawsonville, we navigate the notorious "Three-Headed Medusa Hill" — a punishing 14% grade climb that humbled even the most experienced cyclists in our group. Between the grueling ascents, we discover the rich tapestry of small-town Georgia, including a visit to "the only legal distillery in Jasper," where smoked cinnamon old-fashioneds become our recovery drink of choice.

Beyond the cycling, this episode reveals the logistics, camaraderie, and unexpected moments that define a great bicycle tour. We explore our experience with Padre Cycle Inn's full-service camping option, engage in a playful rivalry with the "Cycling Women Against Leisure" team, and encounter remarkable local characters like Chris, who created an entire cycling park from recycled factory materials.

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Weather Tech for Cyclists, The Art of Full-Service Charters: A New Way for Cycling Men Of Leisure to experience BRAG

Adventure meets technology in this gear-up episode as Adam and Michael prepare for their upcoming Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) journey and explore essential tech tools for cyclists.

The duo celebrates a milestone moment when Adam correctly guesses Huntsville, Alabama as the previous Listener Spotlight location — the rocket city that inspired Elton John's iconic song. This rare victory sparks friendly banter as they share how multiple listeners submitted correct answers for the first time in the podcast's history.

Weather technology takes center stage as they discuss crucial apps that have transformed the cycling experience. Michael reveals his reliance on Weather Underground and Radar Scope for detailed storm tracking, while Adam demonstrates his strategic method of saving multiple destination points in his weather app. The Windy app emerges as a cyclist's secret weapon, providing crucial information about potential headwinds or tailwinds that can make or break a day's ride.

The conversation shifts to geocaching — a GPS-based treasure hunting activity that combines perfectly with cycling adventures. From library-based hunts to trackable items that can follow your bike's journey, this emerging hobby offers a compelling reason to explore new routes and destinations.

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Cycling Through Dawsonville: Waterfalls, Go-Karts, and Mother's Day Adventures

Mother's Day meets cycling adventures in this spirited episode where we dive into the exciting plans for Big Brag 2025 with Executive Director Franklin Johnson. Before our special interview, we share some cycling-related Mother's Day facts and celebrate that our upcoming Big Brag adventure coincides with World Bicycle Day on June 3rd.

Michael regales us with tales from the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, complete with plentiful Dairy Queen ice cream and Warren Buffett's retirement announcement. We also crown a winner in our Listener Spotlight segment, revealing Naples, Florida — the golf capital of the world with more golf holes per capita than anywhere else in the United States — as our mystery location.

The highlight of our episode is our exclusive conversation with Franklin Johnson, who shares breathtaking details about his recent Croatia cycling adventure before unveiling exciting plans for the Dawsonville rest day during Big Brag 2025. Franklin describes what he calls "Awesomeville" activities including cycling on a professional F1 racetrack, racing go-karts at 60mph, and visiting Amicalola Falls — Georgia's tallest waterfall.

As the episode wraps up, we launch a new Listener Spotlight challenge featuring clues about a city that changed its name before the War of 1812, had nine Civil War generals from opposing sides born nearby, and could have inspired a famous Elton John song.

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Tariffs, Training, and Theme Songs from Bonanza

Balancing indoor training with ambitious road adventures takes center stage as Michael shares his surprisingly successful Peloton strategy — hiding the time and distance metrics that once dominated his attention. While Adam admits to having fancy indoor training equipment that rarely sees use, both hosts recognize the value of winter preparation as they gear up for their most ambitious challenge yet.

July will find our Cycling Men of Leisure tackling the RAIN Ride — an epic 165-mile single-day journey across Indiana from Terre Haute to Richmond. With a 14-hour window to complete the course, they'll be pushing their endurance limits while staying true to their leisure philosophy.

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Two Wheels and Fire Water: The Guys Who Never Train But Always Ride

The unique balance of practical cycling wisdom and lighthearted camaraderie takes center stage as Adam and Michael reunite to share their latest adventures. After catching up on life updates, they dive into preparations for their upcoming summer cycling challenge featuring nearly 20,000 feet of climbing. With characteristic humor, they laugh about the recurring question they face: "Have you been training?" — always asked with a knowing smirk.

The conversation takes a fascinating detour as Michael recounts his recent Comic-Con experience. His vivid descriptions of elaborate Star Wars cosplayers, complete with movie-quality costumes and props, reveals an appreciation for passionate communities that mirrors the cycling world.

A highlight of this episode is the introduction of the Cycling Men of Leisure playlist project. Adam and Michael share their initial contributions including Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime," Panic at the Disco's "High Hopes," Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer," and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck." They invite listeners to contribute songs that enhance their own cycling experiences — whether for motivation during rides or relaxation afterward — creating a collaborative community project.

Beyond the entertainment, the hosts deliver a crucial piece of practical advice for cyclists embarking on multi-day rides: always carry a spare derailleur hanger specific to your bike model.

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The bicycle industry faces dramatic shifts as traditional tours struggle to survive.

Shane Cusick takes us on a fascinating journey through the transforming landscape of cycling, drawing from his rich experiences as both the former tour director of Bike Virginia and founder of Pello Bikes, a children's bicycle company focused on quality and performance.

The cycling world stands at a crossroads. Traditional multi-day cycling tours that once drew thousands of participants are now struggling to survive. Shane reveals how Bike Virginia, which previously attracted 2,000 cyclists annually, saw attendance plummet to just 450 riders in its most recent edition. This trend extends beyond Virginia's borders, with established events like Cycle Oregon, Bike Florida, and Ride the Rockies all facing existential challenges. The causes? A perfect storm of demographic shifts as Baby Boomers age out of longer tours, younger generations preferring different riding styles, growing safety concerns about road cycling, and the lasting impact of the pandemic.

Behind the scenes, tour management presents incredible logistical challenges. Shane shares colorful stories of 18-hour workdays, last-minute venue cancellations, and the constant juggling act required to move thousands of cyclists safely through Virginia's communities.

The conversation shifts to children's cycling when Shane discusses founding Pello Bikes, his company dedicated to creating proper bicycles for young riders. Most fascinating is his insight into how balance bikes have revolutionized early cycling, enabling children to master balance first — often starting as young as age one — and thereby learning to ride years earlier than previous generations.

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Let's Make It Leisurely: How Cycling Adventures Can Transform Your Experience

Dive into a new episode of Cycling Men of Leisure where the joy of cycling truly takes center stage. We're excited to share stories, updates, and insights from our community of cycling enthusiasts. The journey is as rewarding as the ride itself, and in this episode, we showcase memorable experiences and playful anecdotes — from planning new jersey designs to tackling the upcoming RAIN Ride adventure.

We feel a strong connection with our audience as we explore leisure cycling's lighter side, while creating an engaging dialogue on how to approach our rides. We'll share the milestones achieved, the hurdles encountered, and the laughter that arises from relatable mishaps. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just dipping into the world of biking, there are valuable takeaways awaiting.

Along the way, we take a refreshing detour into our recent cocktail adventures, highlighting delightful experiences at unique restaurants that blend beautiful presentations with extraordinary flavors. Join us in exploring how food, drink, and cycling draw us closer together, offering moments that transform our rides into epic journeys.

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From Florida Sunshine to Frosty Returns, and Cycling Adventures: A Journey of Laughter and Leisure with Adam, Michael, Jimmy and Dave

Returning from the sunshine of Florida to the frosty embrace of home brought a mix of joy and challenges, a journey Adam and Michael recount with warmth and humor. Ever wondered about the true fashion crime of bucket hats? We tackle this hard-hitting issue, fueled by listener feedback, while also sharing heartwarming stories from our leisure community, like Rob Menser's update on the RAIN event and Armando's inspiring comeback story.

Our exploration takes a detour to Millsboro, Delaware, a town known for its weather extremes. From its origins as Rock Hole Mills to its current identity, Millsboro's story is a fascinating blend of history and climate trivia that kept our listeners guessing until the reveal. Shoutout to everyone who engaged with us in this segment and successfully identified the town.

Joining us on the mic are Jimmy and Dave from Padre's Cycle Inn, sharing the origins of Padre Cycling Charter, founded by a retired police officer and minister. Their insights into the camaraderie and logistical genius behind cycling events are as refreshing as the wind on the trail. From tips on baggage handling and tent setups to the joys of early registration, we cover it all — with a cheeky new tagline: "Get registered, and let someone else put up your tent!"

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Scenic Spins, Dining Disasters, and Cycling Surprises: A Journey of Friendship and Fun in Florida with the Men of Leisure

Ever tried scoring discounted wood using purple paint, or faced assumptions about your friendship with a dining buddy at Disney? Adam and Michael take a light-hearted journey through the sunny realms of Florida. We explore the amusing clash of Michael's work commitments with Adam's leisurely golf outings, and the surprising creation of our makeshift studio. Our listener community is also buzzing with divided opinions on ketchup and enjoys playful sound effects, especially when Michael gets hilariously censored.

But that's not all. We've got exciting news with a practical addition to our merchandise — a sports bra designed for women cyclists. We reminisce about the QR code challenges from the COVID era and gear up for thrilling upcoming cycling events like BRAG and Bourbon County Burn. Plus, there's a mysterious community with a hint of history waiting to be explored. Don't miss our tales of unexpected encounters, like the infamous "bucket hat at a fine dining restaurant" escapade.

From dining disturbances at Disney to overcoming escalator fears, our road adventures are packed with humor and camaraderie. As two middle-aged friends navigate societal assumptions and amusing misunderstandings, we share personal triumphs and build anticipation for future cycling challenges — whether it's planning a rigorous ride across Indiana or reminiscing about intriguing historical tidbits from Wyoming.

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Travel Tales and Hilarious Hijinks with the Men of Leisure

Ever wondered how a traveler with a stepladder or an unexpected hot dog order could spark a whole adventure? Join us as we embark on our Podfest 2025 journey in Orlando, where quirky encounters and laugh-out-loud mishaps are the norm. Whether it's our friend Armando gifting us a camera with a backstory or narrowly avoiding an escalator-induced trip to the ER, rest assured, our stories will keep you entertained. And yes, Disney security made an unexpected cameo — who knew recording a podcast could be such a security risk?

Our travels took an even tastier turn with a lively debate about controversial food choices, like ketchup on Chicago dogs, while sharing our Portillo's escapades. We explore the unpredictable world of travel, where carrying golf clubs is just as challenging as spotting a traveler with a stepladder en route to San Jose. From reminiscing about Michigan's Shoreline ride to showcasing Brian's new jersey design, we find humor in our travel tales and the unpredictable nature of flying.

Special shoutout to York, Pennsylvania, and its historical gems, not to mention a big tease about an exciting new ride announcement on the horizon. We wrap up with a tech twist, upgrading our studio with a new Shure microphone, and a hilarious alligator encounter on a golf course.

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Podfest Adventures, Golf Swings, and Holiday Debates: A Journey Through Florida, Spokane, and Beyond with Laughter and Leisure

What do you get when you mix the unpredictable weather of Florida, a podcast convention, and a couple of golf enthusiasts? Join us as we recount our whirlwind adventure at Podfest 2025, where we mingled with podcasters from all walks of life, thanks to Buzzsprout's generous creator tickets. From insightful sessions on monetization to quirky custom keychains, our experience was a melting pot of creativity and learning. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we found time to hit the golf course, embracing both the sunshine and the storms.

Next, we whisk you away to the historic city of Spokane, Washington. As we wander through its rich past — from its trading post origins to hosting the World's Fair — we can't help but chuckle over our festive debates on holiday movies. Is "Die Hard" truly a Christmas film? Our spirited banter not only brings these discussions to life but also offers a glimpse into our personal holiday traditions, all while navigating the complexities of podcasting across multiple time zones.

Lastly, saddle up for some cycling escapades as we extend an invitation to upcoming events with the Cycling Men of Leisure team. Our tales of TSA encounters and quirky bike transportation mishaps promise plenty of laughs. Plus, Franklin joins us for a collaboration that uncovers the hidden gems of stopover towns, complete with local brews and spirits.

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Pedals, Podcasts, and Leisure Pursuits: A Journey of Cycling Adventures and Creative Collaboration

How does the thrill of cycling adventures blend seamlessly with the allure of leisure pursuits like distilleries and cigar bars? Join us as we kick off the year with a burst of excitement — planning our participation in the Big Brag 2025 cycling event and setting our sights on Orlando for golf, great eats, and Podfest 2025. We're not just cycling; we're capturing the essence of these adventures with high-quality audio and video content.

Ever wondered what it's like when the voice you know from radio takes on a whole new dimension on YouTube? We dive into the fascinating interplay between radio and visual media, sharing insights on creating a powerful connection with our audience. Despite the hurdles of tracking engagement across platforms, the overwhelming positive feedback inspires us to keep pushing boundaries, and we've upped our game with 4K cameras to enhance your viewing experience.

Picture this: leisurely exploring the history of women's cycling or sipping whiskey at a historic water mill. Our passion for leisure activities is as strong as our love for cycling, and we're eager to broaden our show's scope to include diverse experiences. With plans to incorporate new segments and capture dynamic stories even in the woods, we're poised for an exciting year ahead.

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Special New Years Day Route Release with BRAG: Whiskey Toasts, Family Tales, and Cycling Escapades with Franklin Johnson

Fan-favorite Franklin Johnson returns to our podcast, bringing with him tales of family, adventure, and the much-anticipated Big Brag 2025 event. We kick things off with a choice between Cycling Men of Leisure whiskey and a treasured Suntory 12-year whiskey — a gift from Franklin's wife, Heather. As we toast to good times, Franklin updates us on his growing family, including the timely arrival of their newest addition, Ari.

Our journey takes a leap across the globe, as we explore the vibrant streets of Cancun, serene cenotes, and Mayan pyramids of the Yucatan Peninsula. Excitement builds as we discuss upcoming international cycling trips to Croatia and the Loire Valley's vineyards and castles. A special shoutout goes to our supporter Scott Garwick, urging listeners to register under the team name Cycling Men of Leisure before the midnight deadline for registration savings.

The episode is a delightful tribute to Georgia's towns, where we embark on a geographical trivia journey starting in Rome, Georgia. From its historical significance and hidden gems like Berry College and Fainting Goat Vineyards to NASCAR history in Dawsonville and Toccoa's breathtaking falls, we create a vivid tapestry of stories and cycling routes — celebrating the simple pleasures of cycling, community, and the joy of embarking on this memorable journey together.

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