The Stable Cyclist

Badlands Gravel Battle - Where One Conversation Changed My Life | The Bootleg Miles | Episode 7

Mental Health Project : https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-stable-cyclist-maah-daah-hey-film-3/x/33398252#/
Chase Wark Docu-Series : https://youtu.be/lxHdcdeQ7Bk?si=Rue4xkplPKh7psJQ In this episode, I return to the Badlands Gravel Battle—the race that unknowingly changed the trajectory of my life back in 2018. That year, I arrived unknowingly battling Bipolar Disorder, and yet I found myself in a rare stretch of natural stability. I was fit, focused, and I won. But what came after the finish line would shape everything: Nick and Lindsay Ybarra encouraged me to take on the Maah Daah Hey 100. That one conversation became the spark that carried me through a storm I didn’t yet know was coming.
This vlog is about racing, yes—but it’s also about mental health, resilience, and the power of encouragement. As I race the 2025 edition of the Badlands Gravel Battle, I reflect on how that first race gave me a purpose when my life was falling apart. That memory became a lifeline through my diagnosis in 2020 and fueled the story I’m now telling through the film Back to the Start. Watch as I return to where it all began, chasing finish lines and healing in the North Dakota Badlands.
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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
 
#GravelCycling #BadlandsGravelBattle #MaahDaahHey #MentalHealthAwareness #BipolarDisorder #CyclingDocumentary #BikeLife #GravelRace #BackToTheStart #NorthDakotaBadlands #thestablecyclist

Bobby Wintle | Music, Mid-South, and the Emotional Toll of Gravel's Biggest Events | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

Mental Health Project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
Chase Wark Docu-Series : https://youtu.be/lxHdcdeQ7Bk?si=rdpFwJj8MJeIPN6D
In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode, recorded inside Merchant Cycles in Emporia, Kansas just before Unbound 2025, host John Peter sits down with Bobby Wintle—race director of the legendary Mid-South gravel race—for a raw and reflective conversation.
Bobby opens up about his life before gravel as a passionate musician, and how that creative energy helped shape the welcoming, inclusive spirit of Mid-South. Together, the two discuss the emotional highs and crushing lows of putting on massive events, including the heartbreak and mental spiral following the wildfire-forced cancellation of Mid-South earlier this year. This is an intimate exchange between two high-energy, heart-forward people—offering a rare look behind the curtain of what it means to love, build, and carry a community through gravel cycling.
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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
#thestablecyclist #BobbyWintle #MidSouthGravel #GravelCycling #GravelCommunity #InclusiveCycling #MentalHealthMatters #UnboundGravel #CyclingPodcast #StillwaterOK #GravelGospel

Ian Boswell | Unbound, Team Sky and Redefining Cycling | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

What happens when a pro cyclist walks away at the top? Ian Boswell joins us for a deep and honest conversation about his years with Team Sky and Katusha, the toll of concussions, and the identity crisis that followed his Unbound Gravel win. In this vulnerable episode, Ian opens up about leaving WorldTour racing, redefining success off the podium, and why he's now focused on the beauty happening behind the front of the race.
Ian shares how he's using his platform to help the sport grow. This conversation wraps up our Month of May and the Gravel Gospel series in the most powerful way possible.
Support JP's next big cycling/mental health project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
 
#thestablecyclist #IanBoswell #TeamSky #UnboundGravel #GravelCycling #CyclingPodcast #WahooFitness #ConcussionAwareness #IdentityAfterSport #GravelGospel

Logan Kasper on Unbound XL, FKTs, and the Truth About Winning | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, ultra-endurance legend Logan Kasper reflects on the highs, lows, and honest truths of his racing career. From winning Unbound XL to setting the Eastern Divide FKT, Logan has carved out a reputation as one of gravel’s most driven and underrated riders.
But what happens after a win at one of the sport’s most grueling events? Logan shares why winning Unbound XL didn’t actually change his life, and how his runner-up finish the next year felt like the perfect closing chapter. We also dive into the mindset behind ultra-distance riding, what defines success, and what is the best gas station food.
Support JP's next big cycling/mental health project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
Read about Logan's Eastern Divide FKT: https://bikepacking.com/bikes/logan-kasper-eastern-divide-trail-record/
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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
#thestablecyclist #LoganKasper #UnboundXL #EasternDivide #CyclingPodcast #UltraCycling #GravelCycling

Getting the Lauf Seigla Ready to Ride | The Bootleg Miles | Episode 6

Mental Health Project: https://tinyurl.com/me5h4zme
Maah Daah Hey: https://tinyurl.com/bddhjse4
Maah Daah Hey: TOGETHER: https://tinyurl.com/369c6an9
Silca Blog: https://tinyurl.com/265pa7pz
Bankruptcy Bike Build: https://tinyurl.com/tnak2svs
Silca Support for Mental Health Project: https://tinyurl.com/me5h4zme
Two weeks ago at Granny’s Gravel Grinder, I received an incredible surprise: a brand new Lauf Seigla thanks to Chase Wark and Wark’s Cycling Services coming on board as a sponsor. But here's the twist... it took me a full week to actually ride the thing! In this episode of Bootleg Miles, I walk you through the process of modding and customizing my new gravel race bike — and why dialing in a ride when you're 6'4" is no small feat. From chain waxing to bar swaps to internal brake routing, this was more than a quick tune-up.
This pod isn’t just about building bikes — it’s about why the process matters. I share how wrenching helps my mental health, how I taught myself bike mechanics out of necessity, and how I finally brought White Lightning 2.0 to life. We also talk Silca sealant, tubeless setups, and why this is the nicest bike I’ve ever owned. If you’re a gear nerd, love behind-the-scenes storytelling, or just want to see how this bike came together before Badlands Gravel Battle, you’re in the right place.
Follow JP on Instagram for more content: @thestablecyclist 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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
#LaufSeigla #GravelBikeBuild #BootlegMiles #BikeTherapy #Silca #GravelCycling #BikeWrenching #BikeBuild #CustomBike #MentalHealthAndCycling #ChaseWark #WarksCycling #BadlandsGravelBattle

Amanda Nauman Sheek | A Hall of Fame Career Built on Support | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

Amanda Nauman Sheek is being inducted into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame—but her biggest wins aren’t just on paper. In this episode, Amanda reflects on what’s truly defined her career: not just Unbound and MidSouth victories, but the behind-the-scenes support, mentorship, and community that made those moments possible. As she prepares for her Hall of Fame speech, she shares how legacy, not just results, has become her focus.
We dig into what it takes to create lasting change in gravel cycling—especially for women and girls. Amanda talks candidly about what men can do to be better allies, how to support new rides, and why building inclusive spaces is key to the sport’s future. This conversation isn’t just about racing—it’s about the deeper work that makes success possible.
Support JP's next big cycling/mental health project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
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/
Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
#thestablecyclist #GravelCycling #UnboundGravel #AmandaNauman #WomenInCycling #GravelRacer #SupportMatters #CyclingPodcast #PodcastInterview #GravelHallOfFame #BehindTheScenesSupport

Thomas Euler | Storytelling is the Future of Gravel | The Stable Cyclist EMERGENCY Podcast

In this emergency episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, we dive deep into the power of storytelling with Germany’s gravel media mastermind Thomas Euler. Known for his work on the Aut-Said Gravel and Gracing podcasts alongside Paul Voss, his writing on the Gravel Stack Substack, and published feature in Escape Collective, Thomas brings a unique media-savvy lens to the world of gravel cycling.
We explore why storytelling is the key to growing this beautiful sport, how his experience working in media strategy for NBA teams informs his approach, and what gravel can learn from other sports to build a sustainable future. Whether you're a racer, fan, or creative in the gravel scene, this conversation unpacks the systems, stories, and shifts that can take gravel to the next level.
Support JP's next big cycling/mental health project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
Read Thomas' Escape Collective piece here: https://escapecollective.com/heres-why-pro-gravel-racing-is-the-future-of-bike-racing/
Follow Thomas on Instagram for more content: @cookxride Follow JP on Instagram for more content: @thestablecyclist
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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
#thestablecyclist #GravelCycling #ThomasEuler #GravelStack #CyclingPodcast #StorytellingInSport #EscapeCollective #AutSaidPodcast

Pete Stetina | Gravel Was Salvation to My Cycling Career | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

Pete Stetina is one of the most passionate figures in American cycling especially when it comes to the discipline of gravel. In this deeply personal episode of The Gravel Gospel, Pete opens up about the long road from WorldTour stardom to gravel salvation. We revisit his days riding with some of the biggest teams in the world, including helping Ryder Hesjedal win the 2012 Giro d’Italia and surviving a devastating leg injury while riding for BMC in 2015 at the Tour of the Basque Country. Pete takes us inside the physical and emotional toll of that crash, and how it nearly ended everything.
But gravel saved him. As a rider with Trek, Pete cautiously dipped a toe into the world of off-road racing, only to find something deeper than podiums: purpose, community, and freedom. This is a rare look at the heart behind the racer, and a raw conversation with someone who redefined what a post-WorldTour career can look like. Whether you’re new to gravel or a longtime fan of Pete, this interview will change how you see one of the sport’s most unique voices.
Support JP's next big cycling/mental health project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
Follow Pete on Instagram for more content: @pstetinaFollow JP on Instagram for more content: @thestablecyclist
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/
Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
#thestablecyclist #PeteStetina #GravelGospel #GravelCycling #CyclingPodcast #BikeRacing #GravelRacing #CyclingLife #WorldTourCycling #GravelSalvation #CyclingCommunity #CyclingDocumentary #GravelGods #FromRoadToGravel

Granny’s Gravel Grinder | My Wildest Gravel Adventure EVER!!! The Bootleg Miles | Episode 5

What happens when you show up to race... but miss the start because you're filming the race director for a documentary? That’s exactly what went down at Granny’s Gravel Grinder, a Central Minnesota gravel race hosted by Chase Wark and Wark's Cycling Services. With over 400 riders across multiple distances, the event brought big community energy, rowdy midwestern grit, and hospitality only Chase can deliver. For JP — back in the gravel game for the first time in two years — it meant lining up Dead F**ing Last (DFL)* after capturing pre-race footage for his upcoming docu-series on Chase.
Despite the late start, the day turned into something far more meaningful. The post-race celebration held a surprise for JP: a brand-new Lauf Siegla and a sponsorship offer from Wark Cycling Services to support his storytelling work on The Stable Cyclist. This video captures the ride, the vibes, and how JP's work has shaped Chase's life over the past year. Whether you're here for gravel racing, cycling documentaries, or the power of people supporting people — this one’s for you.
Support JP's next big cycling/mental health project : https://igg.me/at/lKG7bQK7eJc/x/33398252#/
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/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.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/
 

Ben Delaney | Gravel Evangelist & Veteran of Cycling Journalism | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

In this special Gravel Gospel episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, JP welcomes one of gravel cycling’s most respected voices—Ben Delaney. With a journalism résumé that includes VeloNews, CyclingNews, BikeRadar, Outside, CyclingTips, Cycling Weekly, and Cyclist, Ben has shaped how we talk about bikes for nearly two decades. Now forging his own path on YouTube—free of corporate sponsorships—Ben gives his honest takes on bikes, gear, and the ever-evolving gravel scene.
Together, JP and Ben dive into what makes gravel so magnetic, from gas station stops to the community-first spirit that defines the sport. They also talk about content creation, staying true to your voice, and which gravel races seem extra special these days. Whether you're a gravel diehard or just gravel-curious, this episode will make you want to get dusty and ride.
Follow Ben on Instagram for more content: @ben_delaney Follow JP on Instagram for more content: @thestablecyclist
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/Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.comDawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.comThe Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.comIgnition 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/