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. Cycling, Community, Counterfeits: From Podfest To Disney

    2D AGO

    Cycling, Community, Counterfeits: From Podfest To Disney

    Send us a text A Bigfoot sweater, a heavy backpack full of mics, and a plane to Orlando—our year closes with the perfect mix of ride stories, travel plans, and one serious warning every cyclist needs to hear. We’re gearing up for Podfest, turning a living room into a studio, and cashing in on a DVC Moonlight Magic night that lets us skip the crowds and snag a few hours of park time. Along the way, we talk about how a smarter packing checklist, a better mic deal, and some SNL-worthy podcast jokes became part of our annual rhythm. The community takes center stage with a sharp Listener Spotlight reveal: Mesa, Arizona, where ancient canals still inform modern life and towering saguaros are protected for good reason. That maps neatly into our revamped BRAG route-guessing contest—a fairer point system that rewards the correct town on the correct night, and a big bonus for the layover. It’s competitive, nerdy in the best way, and proof our listeners know roads we haven’t yet ridden. Yes, a custom jersey is on the line, but the real prize is the thrill of being right. Then comes the must-hear segment: counterfeit bike parts. A recent $1.6M seizure of fake frames, bars, wheels, and components—some stamped with household cycling brands—reminds us that a bargain can be dangerous. We unpack the difference between knockoffs and counterfeits, why serial numbers can be forged, and how to protect yourself: buy critical components from reputable dealers or your local bike shop, verify serials, and second-guess prices that look magical. It’s not about brand loyalty; it’s about staying upright. We wrap with our top moments of the year—post-ride honesty, “one more mile” lies, bourbon wisdom—and a simple truth: we may not be getting faster, but the stories keep getting better. If you’re here for community, safe gear, and a reason to ride tomorrow, you’re in the right place. If this resonated, follow and subscribe, share it with a friend who loves bikes, and drop a review to help other riders find the show. Your notes and guesses power what we do next. Support Jersey Store 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 9m
  2. Where Leisure Meets Grit: Community, Contests, And The Joy Of The Journey

    DEC 9

    Where Leisure Meets Grit: Community, Contests, And The Joy Of The Journey

    Send us a text The ride is more than the route, and this week we prove it—from a hilariously stubborn bathroom repaint to launching our biggest community challenge yet. We kick things off with the small stuff that somehow becomes big stuff, then shift gears into a listener spotlight reveal that lands in Tucker, Georgia, complete with military roots, postwar industry, and a surprising Kansas connection. It’s a reminder that every town on a cycling tour has layers, and those layers make the journey memorable. From there, we talk honestly about job hunting in a world of AI recruiters and near-human support bots. It’s weird, useful, and worth interrogating. We counter the screen time with winter hiking, clever daily movement, and a few simple habits that keep the body ready for spring rides. Then we swerve into something unforgettable: a Forged in Fire episode where blacksmiths harvest steel from bicycles, craft blades, and test them against bike parts. It’s brutal, beautiful, and oddly inspiring for anyone who geeks out about materials, design, and durability. The centerpiece is our BRAG 2026 route-guessing contest. Here’s the deal: guess each night town for the weeklong ride, score 10 points for the right town on the right night, 5 if the town is right but the night is wrong, and snag a bonus by following us on your favorite platform. The Tuesday-Wednesday layover counts double if you nail it, and the top scorer wins a one-of-a-kind jersey co-designed with BRAG branding and our show. Tie-breakers go to a live draw on the pod. Entries close Dec 31 at 10 p.m., and we’ll be back with a Route Release breakdown at noon on New Year’s Day after the official midnight reveal. Ride along with us for the laughs, the clues, and the community energy. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who loves BRAG or Georgia cycling, and drop your route guesses before the clock runs out. Your jersey might be waiting. Support Jersey Store 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

    48 min
  3. We Reveal A New Ride Director, Launch A Listener Contest, And Give you a chance to win a one of kind Jersey

    DEC 3

    We Reveal A New Ride Director, Launch A Listener Contest, And Give you a chance to win a one of kind Jersey

    Send us a text A new chapter for BRAG starts here. We’re welcoming Domestic Ride Director Ron Ward to the family, spotlighting how he went from rider to crew to the person orchestrating the weeklong road adventure so many of us call summer camp on wheels. Franklin Johnson shares why international tours are accelerating, what growth means for the classic Georgia road experience, and how the team keeps rider joy at the center while scaling up. You’ll hear the stories that make BRAG feel like home: chasing siblings across the state on mismatched bikes, spotting decade-old route arrows on backroads, and the unsung heroes who keep the ship steady—especially Stephanie, the glue behind the scenes. We talk real-world logistics, from rest stop strategy to layover day riding, and poke fun at hills that humble even the strongest legs. It’s the blend of humor, community, and care that turns a line on a map into a lifetime memory. And because speculation is half the fun, we’re launching a listener-powered challenge: guess the 2026 Big BRAG route. Submit six towns in order, score 10 points for a correct town on the correct day, 5 for a correct town on the wrong day, and 20 if you nail the layover town. Share a screenshot showing you follow our podcast or YouTube for a 10-point head start. If there’s a tie, we’ll draw live. The prize is a one-of-one, co-branded winner’s jersey made in your size—the kind of trophy you can wear with pride. Come for the ride stories, stay for the friendly competition, and get ready for our upcoming route reveal show with fresh trivia. If this conversation made you smile or start plotting towns, follow, subscribe, and leave a quick review. It helps more riders find the road—and the community waiting around the next corner. Support Jersey Store 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

    32 min
  4. Holiday Gifts For Cyclists And Leisure Lovers

    NOV 23

    Holiday Gifts For Cyclists And Leisure Lovers

    Send us a text A holiday gift list shouldn’t be hype; it should help. We pulled together a clear, field‑tested guide to the cycling gear that actually gets used, lasts through real weather, and makes every ride safer and more fun. From high‑lumen rechargeable lights that punch through daylight to the rear‑view bike radar that changed how we ride, we break down the smartest upgrades across budgets—under $25, $50, $100, and splurge‑worthy picks when you want to go big. We also talk storage and travel, because clutter and logistics can sink a good ride. You’ll hear about the aero saddle pack that keeps tools dry and mounts a radar cleanly, top‑tube bags for snacks on the move, vertical rolling stands that free garage space, and a simple charging station that tames cords when you’re juggling lights, computers, and radar. Flying with your bike? We compare hard cases designed to roll smoothly through airports and shield carbon frames from baggage‑handler mayhem. For comfort and delight, we champion the stealth move of fresh premium bar tape, stainless steel bottles shaped for cages, multitools that replace rusted relics, and even fun socks and a crisp bell that cuts through trail noise. Beyond the gear, we share a listener spotlight with a twist—Waltham, Massachusetts, the Watch City that helped standardize manufacturing and keep the rails on time—plus a friend’s ambitious 2026 cross‑country route spanning 14 states, Great Lakes coastlines, Glacier National Park, and more. It’s a reminder of why the right kit matters: safety, freedom, and the simple joy of a smooth ride at bike speed. If you enjoy thoughtful cycling talk and practical recommendations, tap follow, share this with a rider who needs gift ideas, and leave a quick review to help more folks find the show. Your support keeps the wheels turning. Support Jersey Store 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 45m
  5. A Ride Director Explains How To Turn A Bike Tour Into A Weeklong Louisiana Party

    NOV 9

    A Ride Director Explains How To Turn A Bike Tour Into A Weeklong Louisiana Party

    Send us a text What if your early-season ride felt more like a festival than a sufferfest? We sit down with Cycle Zydeco’s ride director, Scott, to unpack a Louisiana cycling experience built around live Zydeco music, crawfish boils, dance lessons, and easy, flat miles that leave you grinning instead of gasping. With Breaux Bridge as the new base camp and Lafayette just a quick shuttle away, the logistics finally match the vibe: simple arrivals, secure overnight bike staging, showers on-site, and routes that roll from 40 miles to metric options with almost no climbing. We dig into the details riders care about. Hotels, RV camping, and on-site tent villages? Covered. Bike rentals, shipping, assembly, and last‑minute fixes from a full shop? Also covered. Zydeco Bucks spend like cash at local restaurants and stores, turning post‑ride meals into a culinary tour that feeds the community, too. Curious about VIP perks? Think swamp tours, Tabasco’s island, museum stops, a craft cocktail festival, and priority charging stations. Prefer to keep it lean? The basic package keeps the heart of the experience intact—routes, snacks, music, and a generous stash of Bucks—without the extras. We also preview Jazzing on the Trace, a two‑day warm‑up on the Tammany Trace near Lake Pontchartrain. Expect 30 mellow miles, seafood boils by the water, and a shot of New Orleans energy just over the bridge. And yes, we talk weather, safety, and support: flat terrain with fast‑moving showers, shuttles that flex when the party runs late, and mechanics who can source everything from spokes to thru‑axles. If your spring calendar needs a ride that doubles as a cultural deep dive—Cajun and Creole food, Rockin’ Dopsie and friends, and a dance floor that opens at three—this is your sign. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more riders can find their way to Louisiana’s most joyful cycling week. Support Jersey Store 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 42m
  6. One Air Traffic Controller, A Haunted Huffy, And Too Much Coffee Prop

    OCT 26

    One Air Traffic Controller, A Haunted Huffy, And Too Much Coffee Prop

    Send us a text Fog hangs low, headlights cut thin ribbons through the dark, and somewhere ahead a line of red taillights refuses to be caught. We lean into the season with a Halloween ride that blends ghost stories, travel mishaps, aviation quirks, and a surprising amount of laughter from two cyclists who prize the journey as much as the destination. We kick off with Moonlight Mayhem bourbon, a yard-turned-graveyard, and a Florida trip that delivered 12-mile theme-park days and a front-row view of a Spirit Airlines plane getting impounded. From there, we talk towers, old-school air traffic tools that still run high-stakes skies, and the quiet competence that keeps travelers safe. Our Rants of Dissatisfaction pull no punches: language-targeted ads in the wrong place, a contractor who waited eleven empty days to start, and TV’s most unrealistic prop—the weightless coffee cup. Then the hauntings roll in. Meet Larry, the red-Huffy rider of Randolph, Maine, who vanished without a trace and, some say, still cruises the old rail trail as orbs drift between the pines. A Devon mansion yields a Victorian figure watching a child cycling below, while a cliffside speakeasy’s famed Blue Lady is exposed as an engineered hoax complete with moving chandeliers. Charleston’s former bicycle shop, now a student health center, brings chills with neatly stacked books found on the floor at dawn. And the centerpiece: the WWI ghost cyclist reported by both trenches, silently crossing No Man’s Land—an image every rider understands in their bones. We thank our VIP supporters, drop fresh listener spotlight clues, and tease the much-loved Cyclist Christmas List packed with road-tested gear, safety picks, and a few wildcards. Stick around for our original campfire tale, The Phantom Peloton, a modern myth about GPS loops, misty roads, and the whispered command every pack depends on: hold your line. Love the ride? Tap follow, leave a quick review to boost the show, and share this Halloween special with a friend who believes the best miles happen after dark. What story gave you chills? Support Jersey Store 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 11m
  7. We went for a bike ride and somehow came back with Blanton’s, a poker chip, and an Arby’s alibi

    OCT 12

    We went for a bike ride and somehow came back with Blanton’s, a poker chip, and an Arby’s alibi

    Send us a text Bourbon on the brain, bikes in the rack, and a weekend that kept surprising us. We rolled into Lexington aiming for miles and meaningful pours and came away with a signed nine-millionth barrel at Buffalo Trace, a “unicorn” experimental bottle, and a reminder from Freddie Johnson that whiskey is really about the people you share it with. Between double allocation drops and an upstairs tasting lineup featuring Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Weller 12, we dug into where the bourbon market might be headed—and why more shelves seem to be stocked again. The rides were the quiet kind we love: bluegrass roads, rolling hills, and a pace that felt better than expected after a long recovery. Back at camp, the Bourbon Country Burn offered light dinner and great fireside company, where small experiments—like a coffee liqueur topped with cold cream—turned into conversations about craft and curiosity. A tour at Town Branch raised thoughtful questions about modern production and logistics without spoiling the joy of a well-made pour. And thanks to Phil Talks Whiskey, we explored export-only bottles, from Japanese Blanton’s to a Four Roses variant you won’t find stateside, widening our palate and perspective. Along the way we met listeners who became friends, traded stories about riding, parenting, and the right moment to open a special bottle, and even squeezed in a bonus Sunday ride before the long drive home (complete with a highway standstill and some strategic humor). We wrapped with a label-worthy Jay Mattingly pick—oak-stave finished and full of character—because sometimes a bottle is a bookmark for a weekend you don’t want to forget. If you’re into cycling routes through Kentucky, bourbon culture, Buffalo Trace lore, and campfire community, this one’s for you. Hit follow, share it with a friend who loves bikes or bottles, and drop us a note with your favorite ride-and-rye pairing. Your reviews help more curious folks find the show—thanks for being part of the journey. Support Jersey Store 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 23m
  8. Assigned Barstools, Open Mic Night, and the Case of the Hidden Speakeasy

    OCT 2

    Assigned Barstools, Open Mic Night, and the Case of the Hidden Speakeasy

    Send us a text A bookstore with no checkout, a doorbell with a secret, and a barstool that comes with a story—our Kentucky journey starts where bike culture and bourbon tradition intersect. We kick off in Louisville on Whiskey Row, tracing two different arcs of American whiskey: Bardstown’s modern blending and hospitality machine and Michter’s deep Pennsylvania roots revived in Kentucky. Along the way, we compare tasting philosophies, talk candidly about when flights feel like value versus a money grab, and share what makes a tour memorable for curious riders who buy bottles with their heads and their hearts. Then we step into Kentucky Peerless for a true grained-to-bottle experience. DSP-KY-50 isn’t just a number; it’s a thread back to a family legacy that Corky Taylor helped bring forward. The team walks us through sweet mash, barrel proof, and why small variations can add character rather than chaos. We taste, we ask too many questions, and we leave with a sharper sense of how process shapes flavor. If you’re mapping a bourbon weekend, this stop belongs near the top. Night settles in Lexington, and a camouflaged speakeasy hides behind floor-to-ceiling books. Ring the bell, find your assigned seat, and let the bartenders build you something you didn’t know to request. A cognac-and-Stagg creation, a dealer’s-choice masterpiece, and an atmosphere that feels more like 1930 than theme night—it’s all craft, no gimmick. We even stumble into bike polo connections that loop back to a past guest and a court we once found on a Sunday ride. That’s the joy of these trips: the people you meet, the stories you collect, and the way a city becomes more than a waypoint. We also preview Bourbon Country Burn from our base at the Kentucky Horse Park—routes, tastings, and a few live clips coming next. If you enjoy the ride, subscribe, share this episode with a cycling or whiskey friend, and leave a quick review to help more curious listeners find us. Support Jersey Store 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 22m
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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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