The Stable Cyclist

Cécile Lejeune on Reinvention, Health, and Her Path to the Lifetime Grand Prix

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Cécile Lejeune joins JP for an honest conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the long road to the Lifetime Grand Prix. Cécile reflects on her early years as an endurance runner, the college injury that forced her to step away from the sport, and how cycling slowly became a new outlet for competition and self-discovery. Rather than a straight line, her path into gravel racing was shaped by patience, curiosity, and a willingness to rebuild from the ground up.
The conversation goes deeper as Cécile opens up about athlete health, including disordered eating, RED-S, and the pressures that can arise when performance and identity become intertwined. We also explore her progression in gravel racing—from racing on a tight budget to earning a place with Trek Factory Racing for the 2026 season—and what that evolution has taught her about sustainability, confidence, and growth. As always, the episode wraps with Random Fire, offering a lighter glimpse into Cécile’s personality beyond the results.
 https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod
 or use 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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
 
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/JOH...
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/

Gravel Worlds Expands Prize Purse to $150,000 — Inside the Announcement with Race Directors

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/
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/
#GravelWorlds #GravelCycling #CyclingNews

Chase Wark on AFIB, Big Gravel Results, and Finding Perspective After a Challenging Year

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, JP sits down in person with professional gravel racer Chase Wark for a candid conversation about performance, health, and perspective. 
Fresh off major results at Gravel Worlds and Gravel Nationals, Chase opens up about developing AFIB during the summer and the surreal moment he found himself in the emergency room just days before hosting the Day Across Minnesota. Together, they talk candidly about racing at a high level, listening to your body, and navigating uncertainty when everything feels like it’s moving fast.Beyond racing and health, the conversation explores growth, perspective, and hope. Chase shares how Lunchbox Racing expanded from a two-person operation into a four-rider team alongside Drew Dillman, what the second half of last year taught him about balance, and how his mindset heading into this season feels fundamentally different. The episode wraps with some much-needed levity during Random Fire, including Chase’s all-time wild karaoke pick — a reminder that even in heavy seasons, joy still has a seat at the table.
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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
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/
#cycling #mentalhealth #enduranceathlete

Dylan Johnson on Depression and Recovery and The Season That Fell Apart

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Dylan Johnson returns for a deeply honest conversation about a season that unraveled in ways most people never saw. While Dylan’s 2025 was publicly defined by being hit by a truck and fracturing his tibial plateau — a story covered widely elsewhere — this conversation goes beyond what everyone saw. Dylan opens up about how the long recovery, stalled progress, and feeling like he had nothing to show for the year slowly gave way to depression, challenging his sense of identity both on and off the bike.
JP and Dylan unpack what it was like to sit with that reality, how depression can quietly build during injury recovery, and what ultimately helped Dylan reckon with it and move forward. The episode closes on a lighter note with a round of random-fire questions that show a different, more playful side of Dylan — a reminder that even in difficult seasons, humor and humanity still have a place.
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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
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/
#cycling #mentalhealth #enduranceathlete

Bicycle Crumbs aka Richard Pool | Why Relationships Matter More Than Talent

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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
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

Not Like This: Ben Frederick on Survival, TBI, and Finding His Way Back

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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
 
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/

2025 Pod Awards feat: Dylan Johnson, Kerry Werner, The Holy Spirit of Gravel & More

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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
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/
 

TREY SHEPARD & THE SPRATT BROTHERS REUNITE TO TALK PRO GRAVEL | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
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/

INSIDE BADLANDS, TRAKA 560 & UNBOUND XL w/ Chris Mehlman | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

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 thestablecyclist@gmail.com
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/
 

DANNY AWANG ON FILMING THE RISE OF CAM JONES | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

This week, JP sits down with Danny Awang — the powerhouse filmmaker behind Scott Bikes, Cam Jones, and one of the creative voices capturing EF at the Tour de France Femmes. Danny shares what it was like to follow Cam Jones during his explosive rise throughout the Lifetime Grand Prix, documenting the highs, lows, and surprising human moments that never make it into the final cut. With a front-row seat to some of the biggest storylines in gravel and world tour racing, Danny talks about the art of staying invisible behind the camera while capturing some of cycling’s most emotional and iconic scenes.
JP and Danny also dig into the deeper story of Danny’s entry into filmmaking — how an early experience with an incredibly accepting cycling community changed his life and set him on the creative path he’s on today. Together, they explore the importance of belonging, the mental side of creative work, and the joy of crafting stories that move people. And of course, the episode ends with the classic round of rapid-fire questions. If you love cycling media, filmmaking, or stories of unexpected opportunity, this conversation delivers.
Danny's Cam Jones Series: https://tinyurl.com/bdha5ssu
NorthStar Gravel Series Link: https://www.bikereg.com/northstar-gravel-series
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/
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/