Midpack cycling and racing podcast with a strong emphasis on the gravel scene. A Michigan Midpack Media production brought to you by KOM Cycling.
The Dirty Chain Podcast is a must-listen for anyone who rides gravel or bikes in the Midwest. The hosts are knowledgeable and passionate about the sport, making for an enjoyable and informative podcast experience every time. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the biking scene, this podcast will open your eyes to all the local MTB/gravel/endurance racing opportunities in Michigan and beyond.
One of the best aspects of The Dirty Chain Podcast is the hosts' ability to create a laid-back and fun atmosphere. They laugh, drink, and have genuine conversations about their shared love for biking. This authenticity shines through in every episode, making it easy to connect with them on a personal level. Additionally, Trevor's clear pronunciation adds to the overall professionalism of the podcast.
Another great aspect of this podcast is its focus on local races and events. The hosts provide valuable insights into the world of gravel racing, mountain bike races, fat bike races, and more. They also collaborate with KOM Cycling, a reputable business in the cycling industry, which adds credibility to their discussions. This collaboration shows that they are well-connected within the cycling community and are able to bring on interesting guests who share their expertise.
As with any podcast, there may be some areas that could be improved upon. One possible drawback is that the content may sometimes cater more towards experienced riders than beginners. While they do touch on various aspects of cycling, including gravel riding and mountain biking at times, it would be beneficial if they covered beginner topics in more depth to make it accessible for riders at all levels.
In conclusion, The Dirty Chain Podcast is a fantastic listen for anyone interested in cycling. The hosts' passion for biking shines through each episode as they discuss various topics related to gravel riding and other forms of cycling. From local race coverage to insightful discussions with guests, this podcast offers something for every cyclist. So sit back, grab a beer (or your beverage of choice), and join these knowledgeable and personable hosts on their biking adventures.
We ignore the cold Michigan early spring and turn our attention to the warm Sonoran Desert to talk all about the 24 Hour in the Old Pueblo with first-time racers, Jim Owens and Jeremy Frew.
Podcast regular, Sebastian Stankiewicz, joins the episode to talk about his attempt, finish, and buckle-ing of the winter ultra fat bike event, the Polar Roll Ultra!
Iceman Cometh Challenge 2024! Local Traverse City resident and avid cyclist, Tim Pulliam, joins the podcast to share about the inspiration of the epic jump over the race at the Make It Stick climb.
The Marji Gesick 2024 from three perspectives. First, Trevor and Sebastian talk through their failed attempt at the 200+ mile Out and Back #QUITTER Second, pro cyclist Jeremiah Bishop shares about his 100 mile 4th place race and his overall stoke for the race itself and the nonprofit, 906 Adventure Team, that organizes the race. Finally, Matt Wilcoski takes us through his extremely impressive dead last finish of the Out and Back, earning him the title of DFL and winning a brand new 1Up bike rack. Photo: Rob Meendering
Sheldon's back! OG co-host of the Dirty Chain rejoins the podcast to talk North Country Trail, Lord of the Springs, reminisce about the 26er Autumn Mixer, and rant a little about current cycling gear trends.
Cycling photographer and videographer, Avery Stumm, joins the podcast to talk about his progression from Michigan BMX kid to full blown professional photographer shooting at events like the Olympics, his extremely successful partnership with pro cyclist, Alexey Vermeulen, and his recent attempt at the Tour Divide.
The Crusher 2024 - one man's journey to complete 200 plus miles of "enhanced" gravel out of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Scott Richard returns to the podcast to talk about his experience of The Crusher and finishing the third neccessary race for acceptance into the 906 Triple Crown - Hall of Pain. Photo: Rob Meendering
Michigan Coast to Coast! 200+ miles spanning across Michigan's lower peninsula, starting at Lake Huron and ending at Lake Michigan. Nick Stanko, Coast to Coast veteran, joins the podcast to talk about this year's monsoon-like conditions versus previous years, the Lumberjack/Coast to Coast double (LumberCoast), and why Trevor might finally need to accept aero bars into his cycling life. Photo: Rob Meendering
Lumberjack 100 - the iconic 100 mile mountain bike race through the Manistee National Forest. Tristan Smith once again joins the pod to take us through his first attempt and finish.
Trevor, Mitch DeYoung, and Dustin Derrick, sit down and reflect on their Cow Pie EX experience - the 236 mile adventure ride out of Ionia Michigan.
Ozark Gravel Doom - the 400 mile bikepacking race out of Arkansas' Ozark National Forest. Ed Rogers joins the podcast to talk about his Doom experience in both 2023 and 2024 where he placed an impressive 2nd and 4th place respectively.
The Mid South 2024 - an event that never disappoints! 3T/Q+M rider Connor Kamm and now podcast regular Connor Grant join Trevor to share all about the incredible experience that is The Mid South. Welcome to gravel season!
Polar Roll 2024 - Ben Alter joins the podcast to share about his experience taking on BOTH the Polar Roll Mass Start and the Polar Roll Ultra (the unofficial Polar Roll Double).
The Michigan Gravel Race series has been a staple in the community for seven years now, so it was definitely big news late last year when series founders, Matt and Jenny Acker, announced they would be stepping aside - not ending the series, but rather passing the baton to Joe Cantwell and Jon Looman, race directors of the Cow Pie Classic and Raymond Passchier, race director of the Dirty 30. With the change in leadership, I wanted to get a chance to talk with Joe and Jon and Raymond to hear what they had in store for MGRS 2024 - what's new, what's staying the same. But mostly I wanted to give you, the listener, a chance to get to know these guys better, hear their story and how each of them are passionate about cycling and supporting the many opportunities and the thriving gravel community throughout the state. Registration opens January 20th - visit www.michigangravelraceseries.com
One of the most interesting and unique perspectives within the cycling community, Robbie Koets has been lead and sweep moto for many of the largest cycling events in Michigan since 2006. Robbie shares his story as well as the details it takes to accomplish this important role. Photo: Rob Meendering
The Iceman Cometh Challenge 2023 out of Traverse City, Michigan from three perspectives - first, Michigan favorite, Paige Onweller, shares about the pro women's race where she took an amazing 4th place. Second, pro cyclist and YouTube mega-star, Kerry Werner, tells us about the pro men's race and the absolute wild finish where he landed a strong 10th overall spot. And finally, the perspective from the age-group waves where local Michigan rider, Jake Lombardo, helps me share about our epic battle for the podium. Long live Iceman!
Race creator, James Morrow, three-time winner, Dan Teaters, and three-time competitor, Mitch Edbauer, join the podcast to share about the Lone Wolf Gravel Race out of Iron Mountain, MI.
Known as one of the hardest single-day mountain bike races in America (if not the hardest), Marji Gesick, out of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, pushes riders not only to, but beyond, their limits. Follow Trevor's journey as he takes on this event: from starting line, to sag stops, to #FINISHER. #blamedanny #blametodd Photo: Rob Meendering Photography
Jorden Wakeley, multi-sport athlete from Grayling, Michigan, joins the podcast coming fresh off his overall win at the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic. Jorden talks about his Ore to Shore race, his 2023 season, and, of course, his love of canoe racing. Trevor also sits down with Scott Richard to process their recent ride through the RAMBA trail system in the Upper Peninsula in preparation for the Marji Gesick 100.
Recent bikepacking converts, Tristan Smith and Sebastian Stankiewicz, sit down with Trevor to share stories all about their successful attempt at completing the lower peninsula leg of the MORE Route - the Michigan Off-Road Expedition. Also discussed was this year's Lumberjack 100, which both Trevor and Sebastian raced earlier in June.
The 2023 edition of the Mohican 100 was a muddy mess to say the least! Mitch DeYoung, Zach Nachazel, and Jason Kuhnle join Trevor post-event around a campfire to share all about their race experiences.
Brian Co from Veloworthy joins the podcast to share about his popular YouTube channel where he has been covering the most popular gravel races for the last few years, including Unbound Gravel, SBT GRVL, and Belgian Waffle Ride. YouTube, Instagram: @veloworthy
Pro cyclist and Lifetime Grand Prix athlete, Dylan Johnson, joins the pod to recap his Sea Otter Fuego XL experience. Photo: Danny Carpenter
With beautiful weather and near perfect conditions, Barry-Roubaix 2023 was another one for the books! Trevor, Sebastian, and Tristan crack a few beers and share their experience of the Psycho Killer 100. Photo Credit: Rob Meendering
The DIRTy Mitten Racing League is cooking up some of the most interesting and creative Zwift racing opportunities to date. Brad Hochstetler, the brains behind the operation, joins the pod to share how the league went from just a couple of his friends to now a vibrant racing community of dozens of riders that compete week after week during the cold winter months in Michigan.
Chelsea Strate joins the podcast to talk about her experience tackling the Polar Roll Ultra - the winter ultra fat bike race out of Ishpeming, Michigan. Photo Credit: Rob Meendering
Jill Martindale joins the podcast to talk all about Arrowhead 135 - the winter ultra race out of frigid northern Minnesota. We also chat about the Snow Angle fat bike race out of Canadian Lakes, MI and the upcoming Polar Roll event featuring the new ultra distance that Jill will be taking part in.
Jon Conkling and John Mosey from Tris4health join the podcast to talk about their stacked 2023 season of endurance events that consist of triathlons, gravel races, fondos, and running races.
Athlete, Emma Schwab and Team Manager, Justin Morris, join the podcast to tell us all about GLORi (Great Lakes Off-Road Racing Initiative)- the new mountain bike development team out of Traverse City, Michigan.
Iceman Cometh Challenge - 2022! We sit down and reflect on what turned out to be an absolute stellar of a day with ripping conditions and even better post-race activities. Iceman Passing Spreadsheet: https://bcs.medium.com/iceman-2022-pass-counts-insights-and-alternate-podiums-313eb5a8aaa Rob Meendering Photography: https://www.robmeenderingphotography.com/Iceman-Cometh KOM Cycling: https://komcycling.com
Beautiful fall weather and gravel road perfection came together in what has quickly become one of my favorite races of the season - the Moran 166. Connor Grant re-joins the podcast to talk about his experience racing in the front group and his endurance preparations all year that culminated in his amazing 6th place finish. WARNING: WAY TOO MUCH TRIATHLON CONVERSATION
Tristan Smith joins the podcast to share about his 300+ mile experience at the 2022 Gravel Worlds - The Long Voyage out of Lincoln, Nebraska.
On this episode, Ben Delaney brings his 20+ years of experience in bicycle media to talk all about bike tech - focusing mainly on gravel bikes and gravel racing. Check out Ben's latest project on YouTube, The Ride with Ben Delaney, for high quality and informative reviews! https://www.youtube.com/c/TheRidewithBenDelaney
Michael Marckx, founder of the popular Belgian Waffle Ride series of un-road races, joins the podcast to share all about the history of BWR and its unique brand and model as it expanded from a singular event in San Diego to now events all over the country (including here in Michigan). Michael also gives a preview of the course for the upcoming Belgian Waffle Ride Utah in Cedar City. Reminder - still time to use code "Michigander" for a discount for BWR Michigan.
This episode we talk all things Ore to Shore out of Marquette, MI with race coordinator, Nikki Dewald Swenson (with special guest appearance from pro cyclist and winner of the men's 48 mile race, Kerry Warner)!
On this episode we hear all the details about the most latest Belgian Waffle Ride edition, the Hell of the Great Lakes, out of Traverse City, Michigan. Race director and Michigan local, Jon Houlberg, shares all the details about not only BWR, but also the new MoMitt festival which features multiple races and cycling opportunities the entire weekend long. Use code dirtychain30off for $30 off any of the non-BWR races during the MoMitt festival!
Tour Divide finisher, Dr. Tracy Berman, joins the podcast to talk all about her epic bikepacking experience - from gear choice, preparation, perseverance, and single speed ratios (That's right, she rode a single speed).
This episode we talk all about Unbound XL, the popular 350 mile endurance gravel event, with 12th place finisher, and current Ann Arbor, Michigan rider, Adam Hockley.
On this episode, the gang processes through their race experience at the Cohutta 100 and Big Frog 65 out of Copperhill, Tennessee - part of the popular National Ultra Endurance MTB Series, the NUE Series.
Pro cyclist and world record holder, Ashton Lambie, joins the podcast to chat about everything from Zwift racing, track cycling, his first mountain bike race at the recent Sea Otter Classic, and why he decided to go full off-road this season with the Life Time Grand Prix series. Photo: John Daniel Reiss
Snow, wind, ice, mud - racers were greeted with a spring weather smorgasbord in Hastings, Michigan as they took on the 18, 36, 62, and 100 mile distances of the largest gravel race in the world - Barry-Roubaix. Tom Keller (@the_tiki) from Bloomington Cycle Racing Team out of Bloomington, IL, joins me to share about his 100 mile race experience and how found a creative way to "relieve" his drivetrain issues mid race. Photo: www.robmeenderingphotography.com
In this episode, Trevor, with help from Mark Bryson (The Doubler), Paige Peters, and Brady Gibney, share all about their incredible Mid South Gravel experience out of Stillwater, OK. Also, Sheldon Little (yes, that Sheldon Little) returns and to share about his Mid South back in 2019.
Trevor and Scott recap their Polar Roll fat bike adventure out of the UP of Michigan, and trail master, Danny Hill, joins the conversation to talk about grooming and the work it took to keep the trail conditions dialed.
Jeremy Kershaw from Heck of the North Productions joins the podcast to talk about his trio of gravel events out of Duluth, Minnesota. We also talk about his film, The Good Line, that explores the intersection of cycling and mental health. Podcast regular, Tristan, also joins Trevor to talk about fatbike adventures, and the newly announced version of the Tristan's favorite gravel race, the Sancho 200 (now the Sancho UP). https://www.heckofthenorth.com/ The Good Line - www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq76q2sMsq8
"More butts on saddles" - a simple mission from Michigan based brand and app, Down To Ride. Connor Grant joins the podcast to talk all about DTR, community building, and shares what might be the best way to sell a bike.
Adventure athlete, Rebecca Rusch, joins to podcast to share about her life in sports and the guiding principles she uses to better herself and others. www.rebeccarusch.com Be Good Foundation - www.rebeccarusch.com/be-good-foundation Rebecca's Private Idaho - www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com Blood Road - www.redbull.com/us-en/films/blood-road
Founder and CEO, Brian Fruit, of Lizard Skins joins the podcast to tell his amazing story of building one of the most well-known and respected sporting brands in the industry. Also, Trevor heads out to his local Global Fat Bike Day celebration to see what all the fuss is about. Spoiler - it was pretty damn cool.
Pro mountain biker, Rose Grant, joins the podcast to talk about her recent Iceman win, her incredible 2021 season, and her life as an athlete.
Iceman men's champ, Cole Paton, joins the podcast to talk about his incredible race win, his 2021 season, and his passion for youth cycling. We also recap Iceman with friends of the podcast, Mackenzie, Sebastian, and Tristan, and hear about their experiences - from wave 36 to riding in the pro wave. Photo: Rob Meendering
A mountain bike event ridden only on $150 Walmart bikes? What could go wrong? Mitch DeYoung joins the podcast and shares all about his latest bad idea ride and perfect tribute to our friend, Brett Miller.
It's that time of year again, and after two years, the Iceman Cometh Challenge is back! Race director, Cody Sovis, joins the pod to bring us up to speed on the weekend fun - from the expo, race and course details, after-party, and why you might want to leave your gravel bike at home.
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