Road Adventures of Cycling Men of Leisure

Adam Baranski & Michael Sharp
  • 5.0 (13)
  • LEISURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Adam and Michael’s friendship is built on a shared love of cycling. From tough trails to leisurely rides, their adventures are filled with stories, banter, and authentic connection. Their podcast blends entertaining anecdotes, heartfelt conversations, and cycling excitement—welcoming you into their community and the joy of the open road.

  1. What If Leisure Is The Whole Point, the longhorn steakhouse Guy joins the show

    6D AGO

    What If Leisure Is The Whole Point, the longhorn steakhouse Guy joins the show

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.buzzsprout.com/2054444/subscribe A canceled flight at 2am shouldn’t turn into an overnight saga, but sometimes travel has other plans. We share a Southern California trip that starts as a meaningful family vacation and “back to where it all began” birthday idea, then ends with airline chaos, shifting departure times, and that particular kind of exhaustion you only earn after living out of a suitcase across multiple hotels. It’s part travel story, part reality check, and part reminder that being in a hurry is the fastest way to miss the point.  From there, we jump into the kind of behind-the-scenes updates our community loves: the home studio build, acoustic panels that feel a little too effective, and Listener Spotlight where historical clues lead to a town with Revolutionary War naming roots, a Civil War cavalry note, and modern special operations ties. We also flag a practical issue for Apple Podcasts listeners about subscriptions and early releases, because if your downloads are getting buried, we want to hear about it and fix the feed behavior.  Then we lean hard into leisure topics. We swap music nostalgia and argue for the return of forgotten styles like ragtime, sea shanties, polka, and barbershop quartet, with a detour into the strange moment when songs you remember vividly get called “oldies.” Finally, we get nerdy in the best way with weird alcohol measurements and drinking history: what a “jill” is, why “shot” has myths and real origins, and how terms like hogshead, tun, nip, and even “buttload” connect to actual volumes.  If you like travel mishaps, cycling-adjacent storytelling, and smart laughs with real history sprinkled in, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave us a review so more people can find the leisure their way. Support Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    1h 2m
  2. Fog, Moon Pies, And The Lucky A

    MAR 13

    Fog, Moon Pies, And The Lucky A

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.buzzsprout.com/2054444/subscribe A fog‑shrouded descent into Detroit turns into two full‑throttle go‑arounds, a shrinking layover, and a dash through Atlanta that ends at a gate announcing an instant “on time.” That chaos becomes our doorway into a bigger theme: how slow travel—and the right kind of humor—can turn stress into stories worth keeping. We swap flight nerves for frontline lessons from public transit. De‑escalation is not theoretical when you sit behind the wheel; it is policy made real by posted rules, QR codes, and a system that backs the driver when words fail. From “pothole diplomacy” to why cameras without audio changed behavior, we unpack the small design choices that protect riders and the people who serve them. Then we step into living history on the USS Alabama. Nine 16‑inch guns, 2,700‑pound shells, wood decks, and a crew working twelve‑hour rotations make the Lucky A feel both massive and human. The adjacent submarine compresses everything—sleep, work, fear—into a narrow tube stacked with bunks over torpedoes. That visceral contrast reframes courage as routine carried out in impossible spaces. We close the loop with a shrimp boil in the hangar, where arguments over rice, broccoli, and cocktail sauce prove that “authentic” is a moving target. And yes, we finally learn why Mobile throws Moon Pies during Mardi Gras: soft, cheap, joyful, and safe to toss by the thousands. Mobile is rising—new airport plans, an Amtrak corridor feeding cruise traffic, breweries, and a downtown that rewards wandering. Along the way, we trade speed for presence, discover how systems actually work, and pick up a few facts you will retell: battleships at 27 knots, subs that humble you, and Moon Pies lighting up a winter sky. Ride along for the laughs, the lessons, and the reminder that leisure is not a reward—it is the plan. If this story made you smile or think, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more curious travelers find us. Support Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    1 hr
  3. Spy? Bus Driver? Bourbon Courier On A Bike - Michael shares something personal

    FEB 27

    Spy? Bus Driver? Bourbon Courier On A Bike - Michael shares something personal

    Send us Fan Mail Subscription Link https://www.buzzsprout.com/2054444/subscribe A slow ride can carry a lot: jokes from a sunlit cruise, a bottle of bourbon tucked into a jersey, and the kind of conversation that pauses for grief and keeps rolling anyway. We open with playful “secret agent” teasing and a check-in on the job search, detour into bourbon dreams and Peerless Distillery legends (yes, including Patton’s pistol), and then arrive at the true center of this journey: honoring a father whose love of cycling sparked a friendship and a community. From there, we talk frankly about dementia—what early changes can look like, why quick screening matters, and how new treatments may slow decline. We share small, practical steps for brain health: cutting processed sugar, choosing aluminum-free deodorant, and staying mindful about what touches your skin and rides in your bottle. That thread expands into everyday product safety, from cookware to the surprising places metals still hide, without fear-mongering or hype. Because our map always includes wonder, we celebrate global listeners and reveal a delightfully specific gem: Yuma, Arizona—the sunniest city in the U.S., proud home of a New Year’s lettuce drop and a rich military testing history. We swap ride fuel favorites (Payday vs. Three Musketeers), post-ride rewards, and the strangest cargo we’ve ever hauled—like an RV seat cushion and two mysterious ball-peen hammers found miles apart on the same day. Studio upgrades get a nod, BRAG plans stay in motion, and the road ahead looks open. If you’re here for cycling stories, grief handled with care, and the kind of travel that chooses leisure on purpose, you’ll feel at home. Press play, share it with a friend who rides, and leave a review so others can find the road. Subscribe for more slow-mile adventures and let us know: what’s your gas-station gourmet? Support Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    57 min
  4. Tall, Grande, Venti… And A Whole Latte Opinions

    FEB 13

    Tall, Grande, Venti… And A Whole Latte Opinions

    Send us Fan Mail A warm floor, a borrowed basement, and a hardwired cable set the scene for a conversation that mixes honesty with humor. We open by acknowledging a tough week for the family, then steer into what so many professionals are feeling: a job market where interviews stack up, portals show hundreds of applicants, and patience becomes a skill. From there, the conversation swerves—smoothly—into the strange poetry of Starbucks sizes and what clever naming says about branding, identity, and the rituals we buy. That detour unlocks the story of how our cycling miles evolved into investing miles. We revisit dollar-cost averaging, dividend plays, and the surprising value of owning a sliver of the places you frequent. There are hard lessons, too: why Topgolf’s rapid buildout strained the model, what Callaway’s partial divestment signals about refocusing on core strength, and how a humble convenience chain—Casey’s—quietly delivered outsized growth. Pensacola, Florida, takes a bow in our Listener Spotlight with its layered history and flight training roots, because curiosity still fuels this community. We balance the heavy with light: a burst of dad jokes, a proud homecoming moment, and the nerves of first drives that remind us how practice builds confidence. We also level with you about our plans—some group rides are paused until work settles—but the community heartbeat stays strong. And to thank those who want to support the show, we’re offering a clean, simple option: early access 48 hours before the public drop, while keeping every episode available to everyone. If you love coffee debates, road stories, and practical investing talk that skips the hype, queue this one up. Subscribe for early access, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review to help others find the ride. Your support keeps the pedals turning. Support Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    1h 14m
  5. Two Friends Trade Bike Routes For Hidden Disney History

    FEB 1

    Two Friends Trade Bike Routes For Hidden Disney History

    Send us Fan Mail Ever notice how your feet slow down in Epcot or how an ugly wall disappears into the trees? We spent a chilly Florida week trading climbs for castles and pulled back the curtain on the design choices that steer your attention, shape your pace, and keep the story intact even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Between CityWalk wandering, Sanaa’s legendary bread service, and a night queued up for DVC Moonlight Magic, we chased the little truths that make the magic feel effortless. We unpack why Cinderella Castle has zero bricks and still stands strong, how Main Street’s flags quietly dodge the rulebook, and what those famous tunnels really do for the show. Pirates of the Caribbean spans multiple buildings with a hill that hides a train, the Tower of Terror wears Morocco’s colors to protect Epcot’s sightlines, and Go Away Green turns workaday structures into background noise. Epcot’s early vision as a living city explains today’s subtle engineering: uneven paths that slow you down, a sphere held aloft by legs, and a second gate that changes how the park breathes. Add in chemically aged water, purposely unlevel vehicles, and tree insurance backed by a soil lab, and you start to see how maintenance becomes part of storytelling. We also shout out Birmingham, the Magic City, in our listener spotlight and line up a new mystery city with clues tied to wings and a certain 70s news anchor vibe. On the home front, we’re tuning the show’s sound, remodeling the studio, and exploring an early-access subscription for anyone who wants their Leisure two days sooner. If you love theme park history, design psychology, and the odd fact that makes a place feel alive, this one’s for you. Enjoy the ride, share it with a friend who geeks out on Imagineering, and drop your favorite park secret in a review. Subscribe, leave a rating, and tell us what to explore next. Support Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    49 min
  6. We Went To Podfest And All We Got Was A Better Golf Swing

    JAN 18

    We Went To Podfest And All We Got Was A Better Golf Swing

    Send us Fan Mail Sunshine, fairways, and a hall full of creators—this Florida trip gave us exactly what we needed: time together and a clearer sense of why we make this show the way we do. We walked into Podfest surrounded by pitch decks and monetization playbooks and walked out more committed to community, consistency, and the simple joy of talking to people we like about places we love. We compare notes on the shifting podcast landscape, from platform‑heavy expo floors to practical YouTube strategies that won’t burn out a two‑person team. Buzzsprout friends shared smart, human advice that fits a steady biweekly cadence. Over dinner, our longtime friend Armando dropped Disney gems that reminded us travel stories are the heartbeat of Road Adventures. Listener Spotlights celebrate Frankfurt, Germany—hot‑dog history, efficient transit, and the world’s biggest book fair—and Marshall, Illinois, where a community band and a 19th‑century stone arch keep local pride alive. Life updates are part of the path. With a job search underway, we’ve paused big cycling trips like BRAG and the Katy Trail while still backing our teams and planning bite‑size updates from the road. A surprise golf glow‑up—better contact, calmer decisions—became a quiet metaphor for the show: progress without pressure. We also talk market headwinds, why bike sales may be cooling, and how AI demand is nudging tech prices up. Between mobile recording quirks, a cameo from Confetti, and the long‑awaited closure of the “bucket hat” saga, we keep it real, useful, and light. If you’re here for cycling culture, travel memories, Disney lore, or just a thoughtful take on podcasting without the hustle, you’ll feel at home. Press play, ride along, and tell a friend. Then tap follow, leave a review, and share what keeps your hobbies fun—we’ll read our favorites on a future show. Support Support the show Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    44 min
  7. We Made A Yellow Jersey For A Guessing Game, Because Why Not

    JAN 7

    We Made A Yellow Jersey For A Guessing Game, Because Why Not

    Send us Fan Mail What if calling a week-long ride’s overnight towns could win you a jersey no one else will ever own? We turned our BRAG 2026 route fever into a community contest and crowned a winner who came astonishingly close to a perfect map. Along the way, we unpacked why state rides like Bragg are such a powerful gateway into bike touring: approachable daily mileage, supportive staff, flexible sleeping options, and small towns that roll out the welcome mat. We walk through how riders reverse-engineer a route—looking at mileage norms, terrain, venue capacity, and that all-important Tuesday layover. The winning entry stood out not just for accuracy, but for understanding how a great route balances challenge and charm. That earned him a one-of-a-kind yellow Cycling Men of Leisure jersey co-branded with the BRAG Happy Trails logo, built to stand out across camp and spark conversations about his sharp call. We also share practical travel tactics that make week-long rides smoother. Book fast the night the route drops. Use simple tools to split trip costs cleanly so friendships stay fun and finances stay fair. Pack for comfort and recovery as much as performance. And most of all, find your people. Riding with a team transforms long days into shared memories—familiar wheels, small rituals, and the kind of support that makes headwinds bearable and finish lines sweeter. There’s banter, a listener spotlight with city clues, a quick job-search update, and a preview of our Florida swing with golf, Podfest, and a friendly college championship wager. Hit play for the winner reveal, stick around for the travel hacks and team wisdom, and leave ready to map your own adventure. If you’re stoked on the ride, follow, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and drop a review to help more cyclists find the show. Support Support the show Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    34 min
  8. Aerodynamic Bikes Won’t Fix My Short Game

    JAN 4

    Aerodynamic Bikes Won’t Fix My Short Game

    Send us Fan Mail New Year energy, winter grit, and a community that refuses to thin out—this one hits all three. We open with holiday contrasts that say everything about the ride right now: one of us hiking on ice with crampons and a Starbucks in hand, the other stepping out in shorts on a 70-degree Christmas. That contrast becomes a theme as we talk candidly about a slow job search, the quiet power of listener support, and why a team-first approach makes Big BRAG 2026 more rewarding for new riders and veterans alike. We zoom out to the bigger picture too. A shrunken Bicycling Magazine issue in the mailbox sparks a look at how print is adapting—smaller formats, leaner shipping, tighter layouts—and how that mirrors the shift from paper to pixels across cycling media. The conversation veers from aero bikes and marginal gains to what actually moves most riders: comfort, consistency, and a reason to roll. We share stories from old-school route planning in real estate photography, where efficiency beat mileage, and connect that mindset to how we plan tours, choose gear, and build habits that last. There’s plenty of community fuel. We recap warm welcomes from international listeners, share gratitude for supporters who keep the show humming, and invite everyone to join our Cycling Men and Women of Leisure teams for Big BRAG 2026. We also announce our Podfest 2026 plans, thanks to Buzzsprout’s support, and talk honestly about what conventions offer—useful ideas, people who push your craft, and a reminder that courses don’t replace clarity. The Listener Spotlight returns with crisp clues—ten flags, great transit, book lovers, and an American cookout classic—so bring your best guess and jump in. Ride along for a thoughtful start to Season Five: real life, real laughs, and a clear focus on what matters—good roads, good people, and stories worth sharing. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Support Support the show Adam and Michael’s friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life’s twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember, It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride! https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisure https://cyclingmenofleisure.com/ https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

    52 min
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Adam and Michael’s friendship is built on a shared love of cycling. From tough trails to leisurely rides, their adventures are filled with stories, banter, and authentic connection. Their podcast blends entertaining anecdotes, heartfelt conversations, and cycling excitement—welcoming you into their community and the joy of the open road.

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