The Stable Cyclist

John Peter

The Stable Cyclist is a place where we gather to talk about bikes (mostly MTB), life experiences and Mental Health. Come with as the host JP, invites you in to conversations with people he’s met over the years. We won’t have stories about how to train or how to win a bike race here. Instead we’ll hear about what goes on in these athlete’s minds and sometimes we’ll even dive into the deep end of the pool and talk about mental health

  1. 1 day ago

    Jenna Rinehart | A Second Chance at Racing

    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/

  2. 13 Jul

    Drew Dillman | From Imposter Syndrome to Racing With the Best

    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/

  3. 7 Jul

    Christopher Stricklen | Becoming One of Cycling's Most Trusted Photographers

    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/

  4. 30 Jun

    Paige Onweller on Trauma, Recovery & Racing Again

    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/

  5. 22 Jun

    Cobe Freeburn | Gravel Racing's Breakout Star

    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

  6. 12 Jun

    Owen Vermeulen’s Story of Addiction & Recovery: Cycling Saved My Life

    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

  7. 5 Jun

    Unbound XL Champion | Svenja Betz

    Svenja Betz joins the Stable Cyclist Podcast after winning one of the most brutal editions of Unbound XL ever. What was supposed to be a 350-mile gravel race turned into an all-night survival battle through mud, lightning storms, headwinds, and nearly 6 hours of walking while carrying her bike across Kansas. In this episode, Svenja shares the full story behind winning her 2nd Unbound XL title, traveling to America alone from Germany, managing nutrition and mental fatigue during ultra-endurance racing, and how resilience from everyday life helped her survive one of the hardest gravel races imaginable. We also dive into Badlands, ultra cycling strategy, unsupported racing, gas station stops, race psychology, and the emotional experience of crossing the finish line after nearly 30 hours of suffering. If you love gravel racing, ultra cycling, endurance sports, or stories about pushing through impossible situations, this is one you don’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/ Use code StableCyclist100 Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ SILCA - https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod or use the code is "StableSilca15" Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 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/ #UnboundXL #UnboundGravel #theStableCyclist

About

The Stable Cyclist is a place where we gather to talk about bikes (mostly MTB), life experiences and Mental Health. Come with as the host JP, invites you in to conversations with people he’s met over the years. We won’t have stories about how to train or how to win a bike race here. Instead we’ll hear about what goes on in these athlete’s minds and sometimes we’ll even dive into the deep end of the pool and talk about mental health

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