The Stable Cyclist

John Mathews is one of the filmmakers helping shape how fans experience the Life Time Grand Prix. As the filmmaker behind the men's and women's On the Attack episodes, John shoots the races, interviews the athletes immediately afterward, and turns those moments into the polished stories cycling fans see after events like Unbound Gravel and the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. On this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, John joins JP to pull back the curtain on filming the Life Time Grand Prix, working with a tiny production team, finding the stories behind a race, and capturing what athletes were actually thinking during the pivotal moments we watched unfold.
Before entering the cycling world, John worked for the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs, where years of relentless production helped develop the Swiss Army knife approach he now brings to cycling filmmaking. We talk about his path from the NFL to gravel racing, Call of a Lifetime, On the Attack, documentary storytelling, building a career as a freelance filmmaker, and why access and repetition matter more than finding a shortcut. We also get considerably less serious about surviving race-day production, terrible start-line playlists, filming 400-mile bike races, karaoke, Harry Potter, and the strange reality of trying to eat anything at all while covering events like Unbound Gravel.
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
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/
 

Henry Nelson exploded onto the scene in 2024 with a top 20 at Leadville.  He followed it up last year with a podium at Crusher in the Tushar.  This year Nelson joined Lunchbox Racing and has proven to be a hitter near the front and seems on the cusp on a big result.  
This week, he joins JP on the pod to talk about his early success in sport and his transition from track and field to the bike and how a gravel head like him ended up at Fort Lewis with no background on the MTB.  
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/

Leah Van der Linden has one of the most unique stories in endurance sports. Before becoming one of the top gravel racers in North America, she competed as a Division I soccer player at West Virginia University, chased an Olympic dream in ski cross, completed an Ironman, and eventually found her way into professional cycling. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Leah shares how each chapter of her athletic career prepared her for the next, why she embraces starting over, and how she built a career in gravel racing despite having almost no cycling background just a few years ago.
We also dive into the realities of racing the Life Time Grand Prix, balancing elite performance with a full life off the bike, why community matters more than results, and what she's learned through experiences like Cape Epic and preparing for the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This conversation is about resilience, curiosity, taking risks, and why some of life's biggest opportunities come from simply saying yes to something new.
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/

Jenna Rinehart has spent decades balancing elite mountain bike racing, business ownership, and life in southern Minnesota. In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Jenna shares her journey from discovering mountain biking at Mount Kato, winning the U23 National Championship, and racing professionally before stepping away from the sport to build Nicollet Bike Shop with her husband. She reflects on the opportunities that existed—and the ones that didn't—for women in cycling during the early years of her career, and how she found fulfillment both on and off the bike.
We also dive into her unexpected return to elite racing through the Life Time Grand Prix, what it feels like to compete at the highest level again after more than a decade away, balancing business ownership with training, and why she's taking on new challenges like Cape Epic and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. This conversation is about second chances, longevity in sport, and proving that it's never too late to chase a dream that never fully left 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 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 The Stable Cyclist podcast, Drew Dillman returns to talk about his evolution as a professional gravel racer, the confidence he's gained over the last two seasons, and what it's really like lining up against the best riders in the sport. Drew shares how training, consistency, and experience have transformed his mindset from feeling like an outsider in the gravel scene to believing he belongs at the front of the biggest races in North America.
We also dive into a deeper conversation about identity, family, faith, community, and the challenge of balancing big racing goals with the realities of life off the bike. From chasing Grand Prix wildcard spots and targeting races like Unbound and Gravel Worlds to raising a family and building meaningful relationships within the cycling community, this conversation goes well beyond watts and results. If you've ever struggled to separate your self-worth from your race results, this episode 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 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/

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