The Stable Cyclist

In the first episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast for 2026, I sit down with Richard Pool, better known to many in the cycling world as Bicycle Crumbs. Richard is widely respected for his work in cycling marketing, including his roles at Speedvagen Cycles and Silca, and for the way he has built a career rooted in genuine relationships. In this conversation, we explore why relationships often matter more than talent — not just in the cycling industry, but in life — and how showing up, staying curious, and investing in people can shape unexpected career paths. Richard shares stories from his early roots in gravel cycling, his transition through different corners of the bike world, and the role that shared adventures play in a meaningful life. From racing events like Mid South to chasing ambitious personal challenges — including the idea of attempting a 24-hour distance record around a roundabout — this episode dives into the importance of always having one big, epic goal on the calendar. We also reflect on how our own paths crossed, how collaboration naturally followed, and how those relationships ultimately led us to working together at Silca, telling deeper stories within the cycling community. https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod  or the code is "thestablecyclistpod" 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 [email protected] The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #thestablecyclistpodcast #BicycleCrumbs #RelationshipsMatter

Nearly a decade ago, American cyclocross racer Ben Frederick suffered a devastating crash that changed everything. What began as a concussion spiraled into a traumatic brain injury (TBI), years of post-concussion syndrome, and a long, uncertain recovery that cost Ben his career, his identity, and nearly his life. As his physical recovery stalled, Ben fell into deep depression and developed an eating disorder — clinging to the one thing he felt he could still control. At rock bottom, facing a life-or-death moment, Ben made a defining decision: not like this. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Ben shares his full story — from injury and identity loss to rebuilding his life piece by piece. We talk about traumatic brain injury, mental health in endurance sports, disordered eating, and the difficult process of finding meaning beyond performance. That journey ultimately led Ben back to the cyclocross start line, culminating this season with a powerful return to the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, finishing on the lead lap in Tábor. This conversation goes far beyond racing. It’s a story about survival, resilience, and redefining success when everything you thought defined you is taken away. Whether you’re an athlete, cyclist, or someone navigating recovery after trauma, this episode offers a rare and honest look at what it really takes to keep going.   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 [email protected]   The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended   Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

Welcome to the first-ever Stable Cyclist Podcast Awards, a full celebration of the best, wildest, and most unforgettable moments from an incredible year of conversations in the cycling world. In this episode, JP and co-host Aaron look back at the stories that shaped the show—everything from the most downloaded episode to the most impactful story, the worst interview, the most bleeped swears, and even the most off-the-rails moments that somehow still made it into the final cut. This special awards show also features a surprising story from JP that definitively lands him in the Slytherin House, plus plenty of laughs, throwbacks, and behind-the-scenes insights. We revisit highlights from an all-star lineup including Dylan Johnson, The Holy Spirit of Gravel, Scott McGill, Nathan & Marc Spratt, Kait Boyle, Spencer Martin, Andrew Vontz, Kerry Werner, Brad Huff, Ian Boswell, Justin McQuerry, Bobby Wintle, Pete Stetina, Chase Wark, and Ted King. Whether you’re new to the show or have been following every episode, this is the perfect way to catch up on the top stories, biggest laughs, and most meaningful moments of the year. Buckle up—this episode is a rollercoaster. 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 [email protected] The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/  

This week on The Stable Cyclist, JP welcomes Nathan and Marc Spratt, along with special guest and longtime friend of the Spratts, Trey Shepard, for one of the most entertaining episodes of the year. The Spratt brothers share their journey from growing up in the Indiana triathlon scene to carving out unexpected careers as rising pros in the American gravel world — all while working full-time as engineers in Utah. Trey helps bring out some incredible stories, launching the conversation into hilarious territory that includes AliExpress bikes at Leadville and the chaos that only childhood friends can unpack together. The episode also digs deep into TNE, the Salt Lake City group ride that the Spratts have proclaimed the greatest and hardest group ride on the planet — a place where limits get tested, egos get flattened, and legends are made. With humor, honesty, and zero pretense, Nathan and Marc pull back the curtain on what it’s like to be two of gravel’s most underrated dark horses. If you’re into pro gravel racing, good storytelling, or just love hearing fast guys roast each other, this episode is a guaranteed win. 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 [email protected] The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/ Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ 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/

Chris Mehlman joins The Stable Cyclist Podcast for a deep dive into the mental and physical demands of ultra-distance gravel racing. In the past year alone, Chris finished 3rd at Badlands, and earned top-10 results at Unbound XL and Traka 560 — three of the hardest ultra gravel events in the world. We break down the mental side of going long, what it takes to stay consistent in multi-day races, and how he manages the emotional and psychological load of ultra-endurance. Chris and I also get into the business side of pro cycling: – working with sponsors – navigating the industry – balancing content, racing, and results – what it takes to build long-term partnerships We also talk about how the two major race series are shaping up for next year, and why Chris ultimately chose to step away from XCO racing to find his stride — and success — in ultra gravel. If you’re into gravel racing, long-distance strategy, mindset, or building a career in endurance sports… this one is for you. If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected] The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/ Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ 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/