Road Adventures of Cycling Men of Leisure

Adam Baranski & Michael Sharp

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 Extreme Heat And Wildfires Change In Cycling

    11h ago ·  Video

    What Extreme Heat And Wildfires Change In Cycling

    Send us Fan Mail A Tour de France stage can feel like a summer joyride on TV, until you hear the numbers and realize it was basically a moving furnace. Day three brings 195.9 km of racing, an average temperature around 90°F, and the first real mountain exam as the route crosses into the French Pyrenees. We break down what that heat means for pacing, hydration, and team control, and why a fast average speed on a day like this is its own kind of warning sign. The race finally gives the general classification contenders a clean place to measure each other: big climbing, an uphill finish, and no hiding when the accelerations start. We talk through the breakaway’s impact, the fight for mountain points that sets up the polka dot jersey, and the moment UAE Team Emirates takes command before Tadej Pogacar launches the move that decides the stage. Jonas Vingegaard fights to respond, the gaps stay tight, and we discuss what “close on time” still reveals about form and momentum. Then the Tour gets surreal. Wildfire conditions and smoke near the finish change the atmosphere so much that the mountaintop feels like a ghost town compared to the usual wall of fans. We also swap a couple of cycling nerd facts, from old-school newspaper tricks on descents to modern tire logistics, including how many tires a Tour rider might actually go through and what teams pack to survive three weeks. If you’re following the Tour de France, love cycling strategy, or just want the daily story without the fluff, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a cycling friend, leave a review, and tell us: did Stage 3 make you think this Tour will stay close? 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

    16 min
  2. The Secret To Winning Is Letting Someone Else Win

    1d ago ·  Video

    The Secret To Winning Is Letting Someone Else Win

    Send us Fan Mail A mechanical problem, a 22-year-old rising star, and a team captain who chooses leadership over ego, that’s the kind of Tour de France story that sticks. We pick up right after Stage 2 with a clear, fan-friendly breakdown of what “categorized climbs” actually mean, from Category 4 rollers to Category 1 grinders and the brutal HC ascents that feel beyond human. If you’ve ever listened to commentators toss out climb ratings and wondered why it matters, we connect the labels to real tactics: when the peloton squeezes, when a breakaway dies, and when the favorites finally show their cards. Then we dive into the Stage 2 recap, including Isaac Del Toro’s statement win and why it’s such a big moment for Mexican cycling. We talk through the chaos of chasing back after a mechanical issue, the timing of the final mountain loop, and the subtle teamwork that turns a “bad day” into the biggest win of a young rider’s career. We also unpack the jersey situation and the Tour de France rules that prevent a rider from wearing two jerseys at once, which is why what you see on the road doesn’t always match what you assume from the standings. To round it out, we get practical and a little obsessed: pro cycling nutrition. We lay out the real numbers behind endurance fueling, including the 5,000 to 8,000 calories per day range, carb-heavy strategies, and why riders aim for massive grams of carbohydrates per hour using gels, drink mixes, and rice-based foods. We also touch on the darker side of the race: crashes, concussion protocols, and how quickly a Tour can end, even in a rider’s first year. Subscribe for daily Tour updates, share this with the cycling fan in your life, and leave us a review with your bold prediction for tomorrow’s stage. 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

    16 min
  3. The Tour Is Back And We’re Counting Seconds

    2d ago ·  Video

    The Tour Is Back And We’re Counting Seconds

    Send us Fan Mail Eight seconds doesn’t sound like much until it’s eight seconds at the Tour de France. We’re launching Leisure Breakaway as a short, stage-by-stage companion to Tour de France 2026, starting with the opening days in Barcelona and a team time trial that already reshuffled expectations for the general classification. We break down the big-picture setup first: July 4 through July 26, 21 stages over 23 days, two rest days, 23 teams, and 184 riders racing roughly 3,333 kilometers. Then we get into what made this team time trial especially worth paying attention to: instead of one shared team time, every rider earns an individual time, which changes how early gaps hit the GC contenders. Jonas Vingegaard and Visma Lease a Bike strike first, with key names like Tadej Pogacar, Filippo Ganna, and Remco Evenepoel immediately in the mix and the clock already creating pressure. We also share how we’ll keep these mini episodes clean and easy to follow, labeled by stage and city so you can listen in order. Beyond results, we’re bringing the stuff fans always wonder about: how many calories riders eat per day, how the musette feed bag works, how mechanics and doctors support riders at speed, and all the small details that make the Tour a rolling logistics masterpiece. If you’re watching along, we’ll point you to viewing options like Peacock in the United States and other broadcasters worldwide. Subscribe, share this with a cycling friend, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find our daily Tour de France recaps. 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

    13 min
  4. Bucket Hats, Beanie Babies, And Why Cyclists Built The Roads

    2d ago ·  Video

    Bucket Hats, Beanie Babies, And Why Cyclists Built The Roads

    Send us Fan Mail A bucket hat shows up in our lives again, and this time it’s not just an awkward dinner story. We read a real headline about a Florida bank robber who demanded cash in his bucket hat, then basically helped police catch him by continuing to wear the thing. It’s ridiculous, it’s funny, and it somehow fits perfectly with our ongoing theory that bucket hats cause people to go a little berserk. We also bring back a favorite guest, Miya, for a warm update on Confetti, the well-traveled Beanie Baby who keeps tagging along on rides, vacations, and big moments. That opens the door to Beanie Baby history, the 1990s collectible craze, and why most of the “value” talk misses the point when the real payoff is memory and tradition. On top of that, we share a practical travel tip for anyone booking flights with flexibility, plus a Listener Spotlight that lands in Powell, Tennessee, complete with a railroad stop origin story and novelty architecture. Then we shift gears into something we genuinely want every road user to know: cyclists helped drive the early push for better roads in the United States through the Good Roads Movement and the League of American Wheelmen, before cars dominated transportation. It’s the kind of history that changes what you say the next time someone yells “get off the road.” We wrap with a look ahead: we’re attempting daily Tour de France mini episodes with quick recaps, jersey basics, and beginner-friendly commentary as we follow the race day by day. Subscribe, share this with a riding buddy, and leave us a review that’s actually about the show. What part of the road do you think we all need to relearn together? 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

    1h 18m
  5. Hot Gatorade, Blue M&Ms, We Never Planned a Community, Then it happened.

    Jun 18 ·  Video

    Hot Gatorade, Blue M&Ms, We Never Planned a Community, Then it happened.

    Send us Fan Mail A guy rode past us during a bike event while listening to our podcast at the exact same moment. That’s the kind of sentence we would have laughed at when we first hit record, and it’s the perfect way to frame our 100th episode milestone. We start with classic Cycling Men of Leisure catch-up: work trips that turn into mini road adventures, the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and why moving too fast makes you miss the weird, wonderful “true America” you only find when you take the long way.  Then we debut a brand-new Listener Spotlight jingle, share the fan mail that demanded it, and break down a Spotlight built around Omaha, Nebraska. From there, things get even better: Miya Sharp joins us as a surprise guest interviewer and asks the questions we didn’t script, including why we started the podcast, how the original vision evolved beyond cycling, and the exact BRAG and RAGBRAI moments when strangers called us “the life of leisure” and the name finally stuck. We also get into our favorite episodes, the speakeasy tradition, the biggest travel disaster, and the one word we want the show to be known for: honest.  We close by looking ahead with Tour de France energy and cycling headlines, including youth development investment (Zwift, Canyon, and Pedal Mafia) and a nod to progress in women’s professional cycling. If you’ve ever loved the space between point A and point B, you’re in the right place. Subscribe, share this with a riding buddy, and leave a review with the most unbelievable cycling moment you’ve ever witnessed. 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

    1h 28m
  6. BIG BRAG Without Us

    May 30 ·  Video

    BIG BRAG Without Us

    Send us Fan Mail Big BRAG week is here, and we’ve got a confession: we’re jealous. We’re thrilled our cycling team is rolling deep with 23 riders, but it’s still strange not having our own gear spread across the floor and our bikes half-packed for travel. That tension sparks a bigger conversation about what a multi-day bike ride really is when you strip away the stats. For us, BRAG isn’t just a route, it’s the anticipation, the shuttle chatter, the packing tricks, the “please let my bike go back together” prayers, and the way a cycling community can feel like summer camp for grown-ups. We also get real about why riding on a team makes everything better, even when people branch out into their own crews. The point isn’t whose jersey you wear, it’s showing up together, swapping stories, and keeping the stoke alive across the whole event. Along the way we share the small details we love, from social media updates and logistics talk to the inside-baseball humor that only cyclists appreciate, like how many “extra” screws are acceptable after rebuilding your bike (three or less, obviously). Then we shift to what matters most: cycling safety. Keep the rubber side down, watch for tracks, stay alert on trails, and look out for pedestrians and other riders. We want everyone finishing the week healthy, proud, and already telling the best stories. We also have a challenge for the road: keep an eye out for the 2026 Guess the Route winner jersey, grab a photo if you spot it, and send it our way. And don’t forget to explore, find a great meal, and yes, maybe even a winery, brewery, or distillery, because making memories is part of the ride. Listen, share this with a BRAG friend, and leave us a review if the show helps you feel more connected to the cycling life. What’s your favorite part of a big group ride? 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

    10 min
  7. We Got Ranked Number One So Now What, Leisure Cycling Updates

    May 22 ·  Video

    We Got Ranked Number One So Now What, Leisure Cycling Updates

    Send us Fan Mail Your house might be quieter than you think, and that can be dangerous. We share a real fire safety wake-up call that sent us home to twist detectors off the ceiling and read the fine print, because smoke detectors and CO alarms can expire and “smart” models are not always the safest choice if you’re not tracking lifespan and sensors. If you’ve ever assumed your alarms will just work forever, this conversation is your sign to test, check dates, and replace what’s overdue. We also keep it firmly in our cycling lane with Brag updates and community fun, including the official “Guess The Brag Route” winner jersey and a listener challenge to grab a photo if you spot the winner wearing it on the route. Listener Spotlight brings voice fan mail and a solved puzzle that lands us in Northampton, England, complete with tunnels, shoemaking history, and a Doctor Who connection. And because we’re Cycling Men of Leisure, we zigzag into the good stuff: a genuinely surprised review of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a quick hit of bike infrastructure news from Seattle and New York City (including why protected bike lanes help everyone), and a pro cycling check-in with Giro d’Italia stats that sound almost impossible. We even circle back to the strange little “99 and 44/100% pure” Ivory Soap mystery and why 99 is a legendary number in sports. If you like laid-back cycling talk with real-world takeaways, subscribe, share the show with a riding buddy, and leave a review so more people can find us. What’s one safety habit or cycling moment you’re taking from this one? 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
  8. The Bar Is On Fire And So Is My Foot

    May 8 ·  Video

    The Bar Is On Fire And So Is My Foot

    Send us Fan Mail A $125 Old Fashioned with fire, maple syrup, and bacon sounds like a joke until it shows up tableside and the whole bar starts watching. We kick things off with high-roller banter, travel timing headaches, and a reminder that our kind of road adventure is not about speed, it is about stories you will still be laughing about months later. Listener Spotlight takes a surprising turn to Palestine, Texas, a town that connects old-school American history with NASA-level balloon science. We talk about the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, why balloons are a real local point of pride, and the kind of baked-good stops that justify a detour, including a historic Texas bakery and a pie shop with a serious reputation. If you love quirky destinations, this segment is pure trip fuel. Then we shift gears into cycling safety after a disturbing road rage hit-and-run involving a group ride in Georgia. We break down the “cars own the road” attitude, why it puts cyclists and everyone else at risk, and how bike cameras can play a real role in accountability. From there, it gets personal with a plantar fasciitis update, bone spurs, orthotics, and what recovery looks like when you still want to stay active. We wrap with practical cycling trip packing tips that can save a weeklong ride: bring a derailleur hanger that fits your exact bike, pack detergent for emergency kit washes, track your bike and bags with AirTags or Tiles, and carry a power bank that keeps your phone, lights, computer, and radar alive. Subscribe, share this with your favorite riding buddy, and leave us a review, then tell us: what’s the one item you never travel without? 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
3.6
out of 5
30 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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