The Stable Cyclist

HOLY SPIRIT OF GRAVEL l FROM ANONYMOUS VOICE TO CONTENT ICON | THE STABLE CYCLIST PODCAST

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, JP is joined by the one and only Holy Spirit of Gravel — one of the most unique and recognizable voices in the gravel community. What began as a fun, anonymous account built on wit and cycling passion has quickly become a movement. The Spirit shares her story of how she fell in love with gravel, why she started the account, and the decision to step out from behind the screen and become a front-facing part of the community.
The conversation dives deep into the rapid evolution of gravel cycling, the role content creators play in shaping the sport’s culture, and how storytelling has fueled its explosive growth. From the quirks that make gravel so different from road cycling to the ways in which community and humor have strengthened its identity, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves the sport and the voices that make it thrive.
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/
#HolySpiritOfGravel #GravelCycling #CyclingPodcast #CyclingCulture #GravelRacing #CyclingCommunity #CyclingContent #GravelLife #CyclingStorytelling #TheStableCyclistPodcast

Podcast Update

Hey everyone, don't panic, we'll all be back together for more stories soon enough. I am just in the middle of the beginning of the school year and the middle of the soccer season and my time is extremely finite, so here's a little update. Hopefully we are back on track next week, or maybe later.

The Bicycle Station’s Trey Shepard on Balance, Humility & Gravel Life

This week on The Stable Cyclist Podcast, JP sits down with Trey Shepard — one half of the duo behind the viral bike build channel, The Bicycle Station. Alongside Jesse Smith, Trey has helped launch the channel into one of the fastest-growing platforms in the gravel cycling scene.
JP and Trey dive into the “holy crap” moment at Unbound when it felt like nearly everyone on course recognized Trey — and what it means to balance that kind of attention with humility. From sudden fame to staying grounded, this conversation captures why Trey is one of the nicest and most genuine voices in cycling.
Whether you’re a fan of gravel, YouTube, or just good storytelling, this is one 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/
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/
 

INNOKENTY ZAVYALOV | MOVING ON AND FINDING IDENTITY | THE STABLE CYCLIST PODCAST

Innokenty Zavyalov is a former professional road and gravel racer from Minneapolis, MN. After a career on the road, Inno made the move to gravel in the post pandemic era. He found quick results and big success but along the way he felt lost and ultimately, last year walked away from the sport.
This is a tremendous conversation recorded in person in Grand Forks, ND ahead of the Nepomuk Narly Gravel Race. It dives deep on identity, balance and finding who you are.
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/
 

Post-A-Race Blues: How I Avoid the Mental Crash | The Bootleg Miles

After six years chasing the MDH100, I crossed the finish line in tears — not because it was over, but because the dream was finally real. But here’s the truth: once the glow fades, the post-race crash can creep in fast. If you’re not careful, that fog can pull you into depression — and I’ve been there.
In this episode of Bootleg Miles, I share the daily, mid-term, and long-term strategies I use to avoid the post-A-race slump, keep moving forward, and stay connected with my community. These tips have helped me as a rider living with Bipolar Disorder — but I’ve also heard from countless athletes (including pros) who deal with the same struggle.
If you’ve ever wondered “what now?” after a big race, this one’s 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/
 
#MaahDaahHey100 #BootlegMiles #MentalHealth #UltraEndurance #CyclingLife #MentalHealthAwareness #BikeLife #cyclingmotivation #PostRaceRecovery #CyclingCommunity

Kathryn Taylor | Girls Gone Gravel Founder and Community Builder | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

Kathryn Taylor is the visionary founder behind Girls Gone Gravel, a groundbreaking community that connects and empowers women cyclists around the world. In this episode, Kathryn shares the origin story of Girls Gone Gravel — from starting a simple Instagram account to leading a thriving movement with events, online groups, and thousands of members. She opens up about the challenges of scaling the brand and the moment she realized she needed a team to help manage the explosive growth.
JP and Kathryn also dive deep into the real barriers women face in the cycling world, both on and off the bike, and how meaningful support from men can help break them down. Whether you’re a woman seeking community or a man looking to better support the riders in your life, this conversation is full of inspiration, insight, and actionable takeaways.
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/

EMERGENCY POD | JP and DEREK WALLACE TALK ABOUT THE MAAH DAAH HEY 100 | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

Director of Photography Aaron Haugen sits down with JP and Derek to talk about their race at the Maah Daah Hey 100 on August 2nd.  The trio talks about what went well, what their low points were and why the race is so hard.  
But they also talk a lot about the value of friends and community and how the race weekend and their experience together galvanized their friendships more than ever.  This is an episode you don't want to skip! 
 
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/
 
 

Brad Huff on Purpose, Life After Racing and Mental Health | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

🚨 Content Warning: This episode includes open discussions about mental health, emotional struggles, and contains strong language. Please listen with care.
Brad Huff is a decorated American cyclist known for his sprinting power, charisma, and relentless work ethic. With a career spanning teams like Jelly Belly and Rally Pro Cycling, Brad was a fan favorite in the domestic peloton and beyond. But in this episode, we go far beyond race results and podiums. Brad and JP have a raw, emotional conversation about the mental toll of chasing dreams at all costs—and how sometimes, the hardest thing to do is ask for help.
This episode dives deep into the mental health struggles many athletes face, the courage it takes to shift priorities, and the miracle of finding connection when vulnerability meets community. Brad shares powerful insights from his post-racing life, especially his work with Project Dudeman in Tulsa, OK—a grassroots movement using bikes to bring men together, build real community, and create space for honest mental health conversations.
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/
 

Adam Saban Talks About Coaching JP "Back to the Start" | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

When I started working on the Back to the Start project back in 2023, Adam Saban and I crossed paths. He offered his services to me for free as a coach. His guidance and support have been really important in me getting to this starting line. So I wanted to talk about some of the things we did. How we moved very slowly at first but in a way that also pushed me. Enjoy this one.
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/
 

Joe Goettl | Resilience, Racing, and Making Media that Matters | The Stable Cyclist Podcast

Joe Goettl is more than just a professional gravel racer—he’s a storyteller, a survivor of chronic pain, and one of the sport’s rising media talents. In this episode, JP sits down with Joe to explore his unique path from a promising young runner in Minnesota to the harsh realities of long-term injury and physical setbacks. After years of battling chronic pain, Joe found a breakthrough through the Pain Academy, and his story is a masterclass in perseverance and mindset.
But Joe’s journey doesn’t stop at healing—he’s now thriving on the gravel scene, racing at the elite level and creating compelling content that captures the spirit of the sport. Joe and JP also get into the behind-the-scenes life of a media-savvy racer, the mental game required to push through adversity, and finish things off with some fan-favorite rapid fire questions. Whether you're chasing fitness, storytelling, or your own comeback, this episode will resonate.
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/
#JoeGoettl #GravelRacing #PainAcademy #ChronicPainRecovery #CyclingPodcast #TheStableCyclist #ProCyclist #MinnesotaAthletes #CyclingMedia #GravelCycling