Drop Bar, Texas: A cycling podcast

Macleod has been racing since his days as a youth and shares his journey through the sport. He is now helping to coach and mentor the next generation from lessons he learned along the way. We also take a look at what's on the April calendar in Texas.

David King is back, this time with multi-time World & US National Champion Christie Tracy and USAF Veteran/Runner/Cyclist Fairweather Steve, to talk about the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind, Sweetwater, and a few funny stories. We also take a look at upcoming events and you will hear my review of pants good for commuting and the office.

Race #3 of the 2023-24 BellVelo Gravel Series capped another successful series. Hear how the men's and women's Full Pint races went down this month from the podium finishers - Areil Mancillas (Shottenkirk Kia Cycling), Ashley Frye (Cynisca Cycling), Chase Collins (Shama Cycles), and Justin McQuerry (Ibis/Prestacycle and Team Novo Nordisk). Then, a quick look around the state for events coming up in February into March.

Races have all kinds of sponsors, and I was able to catch up with the beer and wheel sponsors of the Memorial Park Crits at the last race of the summer series. Adam LeSage, the director of fun at Karbach talks beer and bikes. Then, John Wilmeth spoke to me about the quality wheel builds of Cantu Wheels. Happy listening!

Calling all crit racers, new and old! The Memorial Park Crits in Houston return July 2023. Eric Attayi (Urban Bicycle Gallery), Jimmy Boyle (Sun & Ski Sports), Mynette Murtagh Randall (Trek Bikes), and John Proctor (Pro Bikes Texas) sat down to share how the crits were brought back and what to expect. I also share interviews from Somerville, Texas when the MS150 passed by the Somerville Historical Society. Finally, a Feat of Glory shout-out wraps up this episode. Be sure to check out the links below to support those who support the cycling community.

Armando and I go back a good 10 years or more. We talk about lessons we've learned from cycling, bike lanes in Houston, and home buying. Armando is a cyclist and realtor in Houston with EXP Realty.

Sweetwater, Texas is known for wind turbines, rodeo, and now the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind. Organizer David King is on with Justin McQuerry and Mat Stephens (2nd & 3rd in 2022, respectively) to talk about the 2023 edition scheduled March 25. We also talk about where the event's name comes from and answer the question whether we've ever done any bull-riding. It's the beginning of a new season of Drop Bar Texas and I hope you keep seeing this great state from a bike saddle.

Fr. John Bullock, LC discusses his booklet on faith and cycling titled A Cyclist's Spirituality: Spiritual Lessons Learned from Riding a Bike. We discuss experiences in faith and cycling including that these do not need to be exclusive of each other. An introduction by Paul Latino of Downrock Creative and illustrator of the book provides additional insight.

Tyrel Fuchs won the P12 State Road Race Championship at Fort Hood in September. Tyrel shares his cycling journey, race recap, and why this win is special to him. Then, Coach Carl Jones and the parents of junior racer Elijah Allison about the Alkek Junior Lapathon Fundraiser and junior racing.

Fort Bend Kia's Simon Edmundson and Gabriel Odreman discuss their Fort Hood races, results, and training. They also provide info on how others can join or ride with Fort Bend Kia Cycling. Then, we have a look around Texas for upcoming cycling events on the calendar.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Mynette Murtagh Randall (Trek Bikes) and Neil Bremner (Former Bike Barn co-owner) share details on the 2nd annual Rock-n-Road 100. This ride has road and gravel options which could be the answer to reconnecting road and groadie pals that have lost touch. Other topics include what to do in Fayetteville, Texas, Trek Bikes, and the MS150 as a gateway to cycling. Special thanks to Retrospect Coffee Bar for use of their patio and a primo cappuccino. 

Feat of Glory or Why I Ride submissions - https://forms.gle/r5bLWwTWFx6PY6XR6

Drop Bar Texas Team Store - https://www.jakroo.com/store-front?storeId=rJIbuJc1K

On May 22, 2022, the Houston Grand Crit made a triumphant return post-pandemic. Alex Montoya (Momentum Sports) and Lucas Bourgoyne (2021 US National Crit Champion) return to recap the race and the Triple Crown Series. Lucas also gives more insight on his European race experiences, racing in bad weather, and upcoming races. Thanks for listening!

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Gravel Locos made an immediate impact on gravel last year in it's first edition. In 2022, Fabián Serralta is bringing back the popular Hico event and also adding a second option in Colorado. This is a long episode, but what a great conversation. Lear about Gravel Locos, what makes Hico great, and what pros you will have the chance to see and ride against.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Dogwood Omnium, the first race in the Texas Triple Crown Series presented by Momentum Sports is just around the corner on April 2 & 3 in Palestine, Texas. Promoter Alex Montoya is back with the latest race updates and joined by 2021 U23 USA Crit Champion Lucas Bourgoyne to provide possible race strategies in the race. Lucas hails from Texas, currently races in Europe for Team WB-Fybolia Morbihan, and shares his newest title - Coach. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Southwest Cycling Club, aka Winged Fury has been on the Texas cycling scene for nearly 30 years. JJ "El Presidente" and Bill Thomas met with me over pizzas and beer to share the history of their club and some insight on two upcoming events - The Dirty Mile Gravel Crit (March 27) and The Bear Creek Crit Series (May 4 - May 25). We talk about how we were schooled in cycling etiquette, Le Mans starts in cycling, and why the SWCC kit is so desirable.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

La Primavera Lago Vista is back for it's 30th year in 2022! Don Hutchison gives us some history lessons on the event and what makes this a Texas road race classic. It's truly a beautiful race. I also give you some ideas on what to do when you're not a super bowl fan that might come in hand next time, highlight a feat of glory, as well as a look at races around the horizon in March.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Links:

Breakfast, beer, and bikes. Following a spirited but civilized ride. Who wouldn't be in on that? Grant Rogers sat down to talk about the Breakfast Club ATX rides that happen Saturdays in Austin. They are doing things a bit different and it's good. Listen in and then check them out one of their rides. You will be glad you did.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Alex Montoya is back to talk about his new race series called The Texas Triple Crown which spans three race weekends. Learn what's planned for this competition and the weekends involved. We also go through a rundown of what's on the road race calendar in Texas so far. A Feat of Glory is celebrated and I share a little bit about Wimberley.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Earlier this year, Justin Kirkendall travelled across the country on bike from Florida to California. He called it A Journey for Freedom. What was he seeking freedom from? What did he find out about himself on the journey? What was the best part of Texas that he saw along the way? Listen as he shares his experience with us on the podcast. As usual, hear a little about my weekend in Rockport and a look at upcoming events in Texas.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Former world champion BMX racer David Milham joins us for a review of BMX Bandits (1983). This Australian film from the 80s was also one of Nicole Kidman's first feature films. If you are a fan of this movie, I recommend reevaluating your taste in movies. However, I hope you enjoy the review on this episode. We also take a look around the state at a few events along with Feats of Glory.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Alex Montoya sits down to share what's in store for the upcoming Camino Gravel Challenge. This gravel grinder takes place September 25 & 26, 2021. You can ride or race one day or both days. Pick how much suffering sounds good. We also talk about written rules versus unspoken rules, what to do in Palestine, and announce winners of two initial raffles for the event.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Andy Hollinger is back to discuss the upcoming state road championship race, aka The Fort Hood Challenge XII + I. He also shares thoughts on Texas racing and how the Texas peloton is a family. I also share some information on a recent trip to Terlingua, a look at a few upcoming events in the state, and of course, Feats of Glory.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Gravel for the roadie purist. That's what Eddie's Hell of the South (EHOTS) sounds like to me. Described as "a 50 mile multi-surface slug-fest that is culminated in festivities and camaraderie at its completion," what's not to love about it? David Hernandez stops in to talk about this race that was previously an underground, invitation-only event in The Valley. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

In this episode, I learn about the guided tandem event with Brandon Adame, Paul Shields, and Kellie Dewveall with their guides Jay Longron, Joseph Matta, and Cheyenne Meyer. In addition, Will Sharp who won the men's U19 event spoke to me about Hot Tubes Development Cycling. We also look at a few events coming in June here in the state as well as Feats of Glory.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Texas is 773 miles across at its furthest east - west points. Yet, the Race Across Texas 1000, aka RAT 1000 covers approximately 1000 miles across North Texas. Caleb Wills and Peter Rajcani speak about their experiences during past attempts of the race. Also in this episode, the Loya family is recognized in Feats of Glory for their latest advocacy efforts in memory of their son David Loya, Jr., and a look around the state at a few upcoming events.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Dan is back for the first of another set of movie reviews. This time, we discuss American Flyers (1985), one of the quintessential American cycling classics. Do wheel changes really happen like this? Why was Jennifer Grey's screen time so limited? Who is this training partner named Eddie? These are some of the questions we ask. I can't say we actually answer them all, but we have fun asking. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Justice Ken Wise sits on the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston and is the host of Wise About Texas, a podcast on Texas history. We discuss places to visit to learn about and feel Texas history just in time for you to plan a Texas Independence Day ride to one of these sites. Other topics include the weather forecast for the Crockett Classic race weekend, a look around the state for other cycling events, and feats of glory. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

A few holiday cycling activity ideas for you or your family are offered up, last minute gift suggestions from Urban Bicycle Gallery for the cyclist in your life (or yourself), and perhaps, some caroling.

Intro & closing music:
Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Jingle Bells Instrumental:
Jingle Bells Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

The 2020 All Souls' Day Ride stopped at seven Ghost Bikes in Houston. I reflect on the ride, cycling safety, and hear from Felipe Pinales at David Leon Loya, Jr.'s ghost bike. This episode opens and ends with the Ghisallo Prayer which prays for intercession from La Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists.

Jason Rose talks to me about balancing family and cycling, how a tandem with kids works, and Church Cycles. Does this mean I too could have a family of cyclists? Maybe. Just maybe.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Ask around if there are any Texas rides in November to do and you just might hear the Tour das Hugel come up. I'm still not sure what year it began. So, let's just say it's been around awhile. Rob D'amico and Ali Sobhani came on to discuss this 110 mile iconic Texas ride's past, and how it's happening again this year. Is it 10,000 feet or 14,000 feet of climbing? Why do people do it? Why is there SPAM at some rest stops? These are important questions that are answered here. Stick around at the end to see who is named in Feats of Glory.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Heather McNair is president of BikeDFW, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate, support and promote the safe use of bicycles as an affordable, viable and sustainable means of active transportation and personal enjoyment, within the Dallas - Fort Worth community. In addition to Bike to Work week in September, we talk about new rider classes, urban cycling, bike commuting, and some areas for great riding in DFW. 

Also in this episode, a quick look around the state for cycling going on and Feats of Glory from the likes of Pathfinders Fun Cycling, Doogie Roux, and Chad Haga.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Andy Hollinger came back to talk some more about Texas racing, how technology has reduced the wait for results, sprinting off the back, and the people memorialized through the names of his races. We also discuss the Fort Hood Challenge XII which has since been cancelled due to pandemic related changes in activity guidelines on military bases. I took out the registration information for the race, but the route is linked below. Finally, recent feats of glory by Texan cyclists are noted.

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Top View Sports' Alex Montoya is back to talk about the Central Alabama Summer Crit Series, Tour of North Georgia, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected cycling events. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

With Texas reopening, racing is beginning to return. Andy Hollinger sat down with me to talk about the recently sanctioned Fort Hood Challenge XII Texas Road Championship and the state of racing in Texas. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw

Andrew Willis discusses the Austin Driveway Series, the quick transition due to COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, and their online Zwift race being held during the race hiatus to keep racers engaged. 

Music: Back to the Woods by Jason Shaw