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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. "I'm not trying to break any land speed records," Michael explains. "I just want to get those 165 miles under my belt."

The cycling economy makes a significant appearance as the hosts discuss how recent tariff increases are already impacting major brands like Trek, Specialized, and Electra. Both admit to accelerating some gear purchases to beat the price hikes, from specialized lights that mount with cycling computers to essential maintenance supplies. The practical realities of cycling extend to travel logistics as they share hard-earned wisdom about transporting bikes through airports without losing vehicles to tow trucks.

The episode's true highlight comes through community connection as listeners contribute their favorite cycling playlist songs—ranging from instrumental western themes and country classics to hip-hop tracks and extended jam songs. Whether you're pedaling to the Bonanza theme or "Jump Around" by House of Pain, the soundtrack of your journey reflects your unique cycling personality.

Tune in for training tips, economic insights, and community connections that celebrate cycling's simple joys while preparing for its grandest adventures. And stay tuned for exclusive details about Big Brag 2025, coming in our next episode!

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Embarking on a journey of camaraderie that spans years, Adam and Michael have cultivated a deep friendship rooted in their mutual passion for cycling. Through the twists and turns of life, these two friends have pedaled side by side, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and good-natured teasing that only solidifies the authenticity of their bond.

Their cycling escapades, filled with laughter and banter, are a testament to the enduring spirit of true friendship. Whether conquering challenging trails or coasting through scenic routes, Adam and Michael's adventures on two wheels are a testament to the joy found in the simple pleasures of life.

If you're on the lookout for a podcast that captures the essence of friendship and the thrill of cycling, look no further. Join them on this audio journey, where they not only share captivating stories but also invite you to be a part of their cycling community. Get ready for a blend of fun tales, insightful discussions, and a genuine celebration of the joy that comes from embracing the open road on two wheels. This podcast is your ticket to an immersive and uplifting cycling-centric experience.

and Remember,

It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride!
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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. This entertaining cultural aside provides a refreshing perspective on how different hobby groups express their enthusiasm.

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. Drawing from their experience witnessing stranded riders, they emphasize how this small, inexpensive part can save your ride when mechanical problems strike far from home.

What songs power your cycling adventures? Share your recommendations with us and join our growing community of riders who understand that cycling is about the journey, not just the destination.

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Michaels coke

Adams Coffee

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Embarking on a journey of camaraderie that spans years, Adam and Michael have cultivated a deep friendship rooted in their mutual passion for cycling. Through the twists and turns of life, these two friends have pedaled side by side, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and good-natured teasing that only solidifies the authenticity of their bond.

Their cycling escapades, filled with laughter and banter, are a testament to the enduring spirit of true friendship. Whether conquering challenging trails or coasting through scenic routes, Adam and Michael's adventures on two wheels are a testament to the joy found in the simple pleasures of life.

If you're on the lookout for a podcast that captures the essence of friendship and the thrill of cycling, look no further. Join them on this audio journey, where they not only share captivating stories but also invite you to be a part of their cycling community. Get ready for a blend of fun tales, insightful discussions, and a genuine celebration of the joy that comes from embracing the open road on two wheels. This podcast is your ticket to an immersive and uplifting cycling-centric experience.

and Remember,

It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride!
https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure
https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/
http...

Send us a text

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. His description of the adrenaline-fueled six-day tours provides a window into why these events create such powerful memories for participants, despite the enormous effort required to execute them.

The conversation shifts to children's cycling when Shane discusses founding Pello Bikes, his company dedicated to creating proper bicycles for young riders. The revelation that most children's bikes are unnecessarily heavy and poorly designed sparked his mission to build lightweight, quality bicycles featuring appropriate components for small hands. 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.

Whether you're interested in cycling event trends, the challenges facing the bicycle industry, or simply how to give your child th

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Michaels coke

Adams Coffee

Jersey Store

Support the show

Embarking on a journey of camaraderie that spans years, Adam and Michael have cultivated a deep friendship rooted in their mutual passion for cycling. Through the twists and turns of life, these two friends have pedaled side by side, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and good-natured teasing that only solidifies the authenticity of their bond.

Their cycling escapades, filled with laughter and banter, are a testament to the enduring spirit of true friendship. Whether conquering challenging trails or coasting through scenic routes, Adam and Michael's adventures on two wheels are a testament to the joy found in the simple pleasures of life.

If you're on the lookout for a podcast that captures the essence of friendship and the thrill of cycling, look no further. Join them on this audio journey, where they not only share captivating stories but also invite you to be a part of their cycling community. Get ready for a blend of fun tales, insightful discussions, and a genuine celebration of the joy that comes from embracing the open road on two wheels. This podcast is your ticket to an immersive and uplifting cycling-centric experience.

and Remember,

It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride!
https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure
https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/
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