DF Connection

Dirty Freehub
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

A Podcast connecting gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people and places.

  1. Guardian of the Sagebrush: Understanding the Greater Sage Grouse

    May 24

    Guardian of the Sagebrush: Understanding the Greater Sage Grouse

    In this podcast episode from Dirty Freehub, conservation expert Skyler Vold describes the greater sage grouse as a foundational and visually striking bird of the Western United States. These birds are sagebrush obligates, meaning they depend entirely on that specific habitat for food and shelter, even thriving on toxic plants during harsh winters. However, their survival is currently threatened by massive wildfires, the spread of invasive grasses, and the encroachment of juniper trees. Because they function as an umbrella species, protecting the sage grouse ensures the stability of the broader ecosystem and numerous other animals that share their home. This discussion emphasizes that monitoring these birds provides essential data on the overall environmental condition of the Oregon high desert. ODFW’s State Wildlife Action Plan: https://swap.oregon.gov/ ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    10 min
  2. Jennifer Ware Kempcke | The Artist

    May 13

    Jennifer Ware Kempcke | The Artist

    In this episode of The Connection podcast, Jennifer Ware-Kempcke discusses her artistic journey and her collaboration with Dirty Freehub to create the cover art for the Deschutes River Basin gravel cycling guidebook. As a dedicated watercolorist and teacher, Jennifer explains how her work is deeply inspired by the natural landscapes and shifting light of Central Oregon. She details her preference for versatile techniques, ranging from photorealism to abstract styles, while emphasizing her constant drive to experiment with new mediums like pastels and oils. The conversation explores the technical challenges of commissioned work and the history of plein air painting, which involves capturing scenes directly outdoors. Jennifer also highlights her commitment to the local art community by teaching classes and exhibiting her pieces in various regional galleries. Ultimately, the source illustrates the powerful connection between outdoor recreation, environmental storytelling, and visual art.

    18 min
  3. Taming the Thorn: Managing Goatheads in Gravel Cycling

    Apr 9

    Taming the Thorn: Managing Goatheads in Gravel Cycling

    This podcast excerpt features an interview with ecologist Martha Brabec of Boise Parks and Recreation regarding the impact of goatheads, an invasive and noxious weed common in the American West. These plants are notorious for producing sharp, puncture-prone seeds that frequently damage bicycle tires and reduce local biodiversity. Brabec explains that because goatheads are annuals, they can be effectively managed if individuals learn to identify them, pull them by the root, and dispose of them in the trash. https://www.facebook.com/Boiseparksandrecreation/ https://www.instagram.com/boiseparksandrecreation/ https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/open-space/weed-warriors/ ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    11 min
  4. Dwarf Mistletoe in Oregon

    Mar 24

    Dwarf Mistletoe in Oregon

    In this episode, we sit down with David Shaw, a Professor Emeritus in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University, to explore the fascinating ecology and management of Oregon's dwarf mistletoe. While heavy infestations can deform trees by creating massive, dense branch structures known as "witches' brooms"—which can sometimes grow larger than a van—Shaw explains why these plants are actually crucial drivers of forest biodiversity. Learn how these unique structural formations provide vital nesting habitats for wildlife like the spotted owl, and how the mistletoe's aerial shoots act as the sole food source for the caterpillars of the Johnson's and Thicket hairstreak butterflies. ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    15 min
  5. History of Timber at Coos Bay

    Jan 22

    History of Timber at Coos Bay

    In this episode, we’re joined by Sire Pro from the Coos History Museum to explore how the timber industry built Coos Bay from the ground up. Towering forests and deep-water ports shaped more than just the landscape of Coos Bay—they shaped an entire community. We dive into the early 20th-century boom that fueled the local economy, the key events and figures that defined Coos Bay’s timber trade, and the technological advances that transformed logging and milling along Oregon’s South Coast. Sire also unpacks the environmental challenges that came with large-scale logging, how those impacts were addressed over time, and the role Coos Bay played in the broader Pacific Northwest timber industry. Bonus: Sire also shares about myrtlewood wooden coin. Coos History Museum: cooshistory.org Image Credit: Coos History Museum ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    10 min
  6. Gravel Champ: Rick Marshall Living with PTSD

    Jan 9

    Gravel Champ: Rick Marshall Living with PTSD

    In this episode we sit down with Rick Marshall, a retired Army Major, veteran, and cyclist, for an honest conversation about living with PTSD and finding moments of calm on two wheels. This isn’t a story about fixing trauma or pushing through pain. It’s about learning, over time, how movement, solitude, and nature can offer connection and relief. This episode is especially for combat veterans—and for anyone who loves and supports them. ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    13 min
  7. Gravel Champ: David Dietz Living with Parkinson's Disease

    12/05/2025

    Gravel Champ: David Dietz Living with Parkinson's Disease

    In this inspiring episode, we sit down with David Dietz — a passionate Bend, Oregon cyclist navigating life and the road with Parkinson’s Disease. David shares how he first fell in love with riding and what his cycling routine looks like today. David shares about the learning curve of adapting his riding style, listening to his body, and finding what truly works for him on and off the bike. This conversation is honest, empowering, and full of wisdom for anyone facing physical challenges, anyone who loves cycling, or anyone seeking stories of resilience. ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    10 min
  8. Gravel Champ: Jim Sipe Living with Type 1 Diabetes

    11/15/2025

    Gravel Champ: Jim Sipe Living with Type 1 Diabetes

    Jim Sipe is an avid cyclist and writer who shares about his journey living and riding with Type 1 diabetes. Today, he offers a personal look into how he prepares, adapts, and stays safe while pursuing a sport he loves. Whether you live with Type 1 diabetes, love long-distance rides, or enjoy hearing real stories from the road, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at one cyclist’s personal journey—inspiring all of us mile after mile. You can find and follow Jim here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetasteofprogress/Blog: https://thetasteofprogress.com Featured post for this episode: https://thetasteofprogress.com/2025/09/16/type-1-diabetes-cyclist/# Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/jim_sipe ------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces. Our Podcast Channel  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Connection ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ride Guides / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dirty Freehub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Our Ask / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠

    18 min
See All (135)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A Podcast connecting gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people and places.

Information

  • Creator
    Dirty Freehub
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dirty Freehub
  • Show Website
    DF Connection

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