The Stable Cyclist

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/

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/

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/

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

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