Ope! Bikes.

My guest on the show today is Alex Kowalski. If that name rings familiar it's probably because you 'followed the dots' during this year's 2024 Tour Divide. Not only did Alex leverage his infectious attitude and good vibes to capture the hearts of dot-watchers and Instagram followers alike, he did so while ultimately winning the single-speed category with a total time of 17 days 22 hours and 16 minutes. And the most impressive part was that Alex did all of this on his rookie attempt on the course.For those who may be new to the scene, the Tour Divide is a 2,700 mile bikepacking course that traverses the spine of the Rocky Mountains from Banff, Alberta down to the US/Mexico border crossing in Antelope Wells, NM. For ultra-distance athletes, this race serves as a bucket list event that requires years of training and accumulated experience to complete.I first met Alex earlier this year when we raced East TX Showdown and Ozark Gravel DOOM & Despair together. I'd known of Alex for a while before that while following his adventures on the Ouachita Triple Crown, The New Colo, and many other high-level courses. Alex seemed to be pushing himself consistently all while maintaining such a positive, joyful attitude. Last Friday, I was able to sit down and catch up with Alex and his dog Luna as they traveled from Fayetteville, AR through St. Louis, MO on their way to Michigan. During this episode, Alex takes us through his experiences on the Tour Divide, how this year's single-speed category competition unfolded, why riding single-speed resonates with him so much, and his intention to tackle the Triple Crown of bikepacking later this year. Stoked to know Alex, stoked for the conversation we had, and stoked for everyone to listen.

My guest today is Dr. Chanel Mitchell aka Chanel Tsunami from St. Louis, MO. Chanel is many things but labels herself as a disruptor. As a member of The Regulators Cycling Club and ambassador for Ride For Racial Justice, Chanel is continuously finding ways to disrupt the norm, create sustaining change, and provide more opportunities for BIPOC cyclists. As a plus-sized woman, Chanel has also proven that the cycling community welcomes everyone no matter your race, gender identity, or body style.Aiding Chanel in her quest for disruption is the fact that she also possesses her Doctorate in Philosophy in Social Work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Behavioral Therapist, and Adjunct Professor. Not only is Chanel healing her community as a professional but she's finding ways to do it from the saddle of her bike.In this conversation Chanel and I cover the early days of her discovering and riding a bike, the intersection between life as a LCSW and her involvement in cycling, how Chanel serves as an agent of change for marginalized groups of people, and finally we talk about Chanel's plans for an exciting 2024 season.

My guest today is someone I stumbled upon rather naturally. Over the last few weeks I've been reflecting on my journey as an athlete especially while preparing for UltraMegaJoy in March of next year. For those who weren't aware, I spent several years as a competitive powerlifter and strongman athlete post graduate school. However, once I found the bicycle the rest was history. And I've always wanted to chat with someone about this athletic progression and, low and behold, Nino Giganti arrived at the forefront of my brain.I first met Nino through a mutual friend in St. Louis and he's been someone I've kept in touch with off and on over the last few years. As I got to know Nino a little more, I discovered he also came from the realm of strength sports and, much like yours truly, recently discovered all the joy to be had while riding and racing a bike. So, I texted Nino, got him to say yes to this mess and, before I knew it, we had another episode recorded and ready for publishing. In this conversation, Nino and I wax nostalgic about our powerlifting days and how we both ended up ditching the weight room for long days in the saddle. Nino also takes me through his formative years as a strength athlete and the people and events responsible for converting him from muscle man to an accomplished cyclist. However the most enlightening part of the conversation comes when Nino discusses his recent move from Missouri to Utah and how that transition has continued to influence his progression as a cyclist and budding bikepacker. Lastly, Nino shares an intimate story about how he was able to more deeply connect with himself and his late father during his 6 day, 600 mile bikepacking trip across the state of Utah. This conversation with Nino really resonated with me and I think it'll hit home with you…

My guest today is Stephanie Hall. Stephanie is someone I met a few years ago at the Arkansas High Country Race and has been someone I've admired and enjoyed keeping up with as the calendar turns. Plain and simple, Stephanie is an ultra distance athlete and is someone who continues to push the envelope on what's possible during the events she's competing in.In this conversation Stephanie and I discuss her recent move from Austin, TX to Vermont and what that transition has been like for her, we chat about her experiences at Vermont Super 8, we chat about how Stephanie manages life and racing bikes as a Type 1 diabetic, we dive into some mental health related topics, and then finally we close the conversation with Stephanie's plans for the 2024 season.

My guest today is Mike Weiss, owner and founder of Big Shark Bicycle Company located right here in St. Louis, MO. If you ride or race bikes in St. Louis there's a very significant chance you've come across an organized event or race that is sponsored and supported by Big Shark. With three store-front locations in the St. Louis area Big Shark's mission has always been to share the adventure and passion of cycling with members of all age groups. Not only is Mike the owner and founder of Big Shark but he's also a founding member of the American Criterium Cup, a Professional Crit Series composed of several races held across the United States.In this conversation Mike and I talk about the history of Big Shark, how it was founded, and what motivated Mike to take the leap of opening the shop at 23 years of age. We also touch on the oral history of cycling in St. Louis, the people who laid the foundation for our community, we hit on some of Mike's personal racing experiences, and lastly we wrap up the conversation with the history of Gateway Cup and how Mike sees criterium racing, and the American Criterium Cup, evolving in the coming years.It was a pleasure sitting down with Mike for this conversation however I felt like we simply scratched the surface of the stories, history, experience and knowledge that he possesses.

My guest today is Olivia Reeve from St. Louis, MO. Olivia and I sat down earlier this week to celebrate and discuss her recent signing with Women's Domestic Elite cycling team, United Cycling.In this episode we dive into Olivia's journey from a Category C racer at Tuesday Night World's to competing in the Women's Pro peloton. We also discuss how Olivia plans to find balance between her professional and athletic careers next season,  her past athletic experiences, and what the process of joining United Cycling looked like.At just 23 years old, Olivia's wisdom, character, and unwavering drive for success are truly impressive, and I believe listeners will find her story inspiring.

Back again to tell us their personal tales of the Arkansaw High Country Race are my good friends Zach Smith and Matthew Roeleveld.Zach and Matthew raced the South Loop this year which features 487 miles of gorgeous, backcountry Arkansawyer roads mixed with a healthy 32,000 foot dose of elevation gain. In Part 2 of Talkin' High Country, Zach and Matthew revel us with their experiences while on the course, the long days and longer nights they endured, the new friendships they forged, and their renewed sense of appreciation and connection for riding bikes in Arkansaw.I couldn't be more proud of these two for their valiant efforts and I hope you enjoy this intimate conversation with two of my closest friends!

Hey everyone! And welcome back to Ope! Bikes. My guests this evening are Zach Smith and Matthew Roeleveld from St. Louis, MO. Zach and Matthew are both small business owners and two dudes who are genuinely stoked on riding and racing bikes. Not only do they excel at cycling, but they're also amazing fathers, friends, and family men. I've known these guys for a few years now and I'm grateful to be included in our “DaddyFriendGroup” activities which includes racing bikes, talking about bikes, and doing our best to raise our wild children in this wild world.In two weeks time, Zach and Matthew are headed South to Hot Springs, AR for the 2024 rendition of the Arkansaw High Country Race. Both of them are registered for the South Loop this year which boasts 487 miles and 32,000 elevation gain of pure Arkansaw joy and pain. Having completed the course last year, Zach comes into this conversation with a little more knowledge and understanding of what awaits each of them. However Matthew, having never completed the course or participated in an ultra-distance bikepacking event in Arkansaw, comes into the conversation with an open heart, open mind, and a bit of 'what the hell did I get myself into?'.During the conversation, I question Zach and Matthew on their bike and bag setup for this year's race, what their mental and physical preparation has looked like, their overall strategy while out on the course, and what feedback they hope to get out of this year's event. If you've done the Arkansaw High Country Race before then you understand how challenging yet rewarding it can be, and I love hearing what each racer hopes to learn about themselves in the process.

My guest today is none other than Chuck Campbell. Chuck is a retired science teacher who lives in Russellville, AR and is someone who is passionate about the state's natural and human history. This passion Chuck possesses is something that inspired him to create the Arkansaw High Country Route, a 1,000 mile tour through some of the most beautiful and challenging parts of The Natural State. Not only is this route recognized and established by the Adventure Cycling Association, but since 2019 riders and racers from all of the world have been descending upon the great state of Arkansas to try their hand at completing the route while vying for the opportunity to call themselves the holder of the Fastest Known Time. That honor has been held by legends of the sport including Rebecca Rusch, Ted King, Scotti Lechuga and, most recently, Ernie Lechuga.In this conversation Chuck takes listeners back to the days of gravel riding and bikepacking before it was cool and before anyone knew what the Arkansaw High Country Route even was. Chuck also peels back the curtain on his passion for teaching and showcasing the beauty of his home state and we also sit in the saddle with him as he details his experience on The Tour Divide. To close out the conversation, Chuck and I chat about this year's race, how it's evolved over the last few years, and what racers can expect as they roll into Hot Springs for the grand depart on October 7th. Chuck has been someone I've admired and have been curious about since I first started racing in Arkansas a couple years ago…and I hope Chuck's passion and cycling background captivates you as much as it did me.

Today's episode features the one, the only Lindsay Shepard. I met Lindsay in 2021 while riding together during the Arkansaw High Country Race. Since then Lindsay has been one of the most inspiring and most influential members of the bikepacking community that I've had the opportunity to follow and become friends with.Lindsay is no stranger to hard things. She's been adventuring on her bike since 2014, having completed the Tour Divide, the French Divide, and the American Trail Race. Most recently Lindsay set sail on what we'll call the Arkansaw Singlespeed Yo-Yo Extravaganza which consisted of Ozark Gravel DOOM, the Quachita Triple Crown, and the Arkansaw High Country Race. A 'Yo-Yo' is when a rider or racer completes the course in one direction and then turns around to finish the course in the opposite direction. Altogether, Lindsay racked up an estimated 3,200 miles and 280,000 feet of elevation gain before it was all said and done.During our conversation, Lindsay and I touch on how she was introduced to riding a bike, her entrance into ultra-distance bikepacking, why she chooses to tackle such difficult events, and what she discovers about herself in the process.

Do you know Kayce Peters? You should.Kayce is a friend, cyclist, USA Cycling official, and a pillar of the St. Louis cycling community. Not only is Kayce from St. Louis but he's been around long enough to see the community evolve and grow. Kayce's contributions extend far beyond his personal pursuits. As a USA Cycling official and dedicated advocate to the cycling community, you can find Kayce scoring points races on Thursday evenings at Penrose Park Velodrome or officiating our local, and regional, criterium races.In this episode we dive into Kayce's formative years as a fixed gear bike messenger, Big Shark employee, and how he's grown into the position he's proud of today. We 'wax nostalgic' on what the St. Louis cycling scene looked like in years past and talk about what we think lie ahead.Recording is easy when it's with your friends. Enjoy the show!

My guest for today's episode is Maggie Livelsberger from Erie, PA. Maggie is coming off an impressive showing at DOOM where she took 1st place in the women's category and became the first woman ever to complete the route on a singlespeed. Maggie finished the 390 mile course with a time of 3 days 4 hours and 3 minutes. Maggie has an impressive ultra-distance resume. She took 1st place at Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder in Michigan, 1st place single speed and 3rd place overall at Gravel Worlds, and 1st place at the Arkansas High Country South Loop.In this conversation Maggie and I get into how she was introduced to bikes and ultra distance bikepacking, how she interacts with and supports the cycling scene in Erie, her stories and experiences while racing DOOM, and how she's able to connect with the child-like, adventurous part of herself during these ultra-distance events. I'm incredibly grateful to have met Maggie last year during the Arkansas High Country Race and I'm honored to have her as a guest on the show.

Hey everyone! And welcome back to the second edition of Ope! 'N Mic with my friends and guests, Nate and Steve. On this episode we're recapping Week #1 of the National Cycling League that took place on Miami Beach in Miami, FL earlier this month on April 8th.The race was streamed live via GCN+ so Nate, Steve, and myself decided to get together and discuss what we observed during the first week of racing. In this conversation we give a brief recap of the race, offer our first impressions, provider our takes on how the broadcast went, and discuss how we think there's some room for improvement going forward.Much like last time, we do not claim to be experts in this field, but instead, three very good, mid-pack friend who love talking about, and participating in, bike racing.We hope you enjoy the show...

My guest this week is Travis Finan, the creative engineer behind Art of Shralp. Travis is a local St. Louis resident who has been riding (and sometimes racing) bikes since he was a wee lad. Over the last few years Travis has redirected and refocused his energy for bikes into the artistic endeavor Art of Shralp. If you've seen stickers around St. Louis that showcase a Sucky Panther complaining about gravel, a grim reaper riding a tall bike, or a mind melted smiley face cruisin' and shroomin' on a bike, you've likely stumbled upon some of Travis' work. But Art of Shralp doesn't just stay local, Travis has collaborated with industry participants and independent artists such as Paul Components, Mone Bikes, Oddity Cycles, Send It Safely, and DangleBong, just to name a few.I first discovered Art of Shralp at Death by Gravel, which is a local, show-and-go bike ride in Steelville, MO. Travis designed the sticker for the event and I was stoked to add it to my collection. At the time, I didn't realize I had ridden a mile or two with Travis but many weeks later a good friend pointed out on a local group ride that yes, indeed, that was Travis from Art of Shralp.

Joining me this evening are my friends Nate and Steve from KewlBeanz Cycling. We've been homies for a few years now and we often find ourselves discussing current events surrounding cycling. So, instead of continuing our seemingly endless text message chain, I decided to bring them on the show to discuss these items in podcast format.Tonight we're talking about the new NCL racing league, how the racing is structured, and whether or not we believe it'll find success in today's environment. We also discuss the Life Time Grand Prix, the docuseries Call of a LifeTime, and whether or not that format of storytelling is applicable to crit racing. Keep in mind…we are not experts on these topics but a group of mid-pack friends who are excited about the cycling season and who love to chat about bikes.Enjoy the show!

Today's episode features the one, the only, Mr. Scott Ogilvie. If you ride or race bikes in St. Louis, there's a good chance you know who Scott is. Not only is Scott a pillar of the cycling community but he's also the Complete Streets Program Manager for the City of St. Louis, working as part of the Planning and Urban Design Agency. In this role, Scott is committed to making our streets safer and more accessible for the city's residents. Prior to Scott's tenure as Program Manager, he also served as Alderman for the 24th Ward from 2011 to 2019. In this conversation, Scott and I talk about how he got his start riding and racing bikes, some of his more memorable moments as a racer, and how bike racing has evolved since he first fell in love with the sport. As the discussion unfolds, Scott offers listeners insight into his tenure as Alderman and his efforts to help refresh and revitalize the track we all love, Penrose Park Velodrome. To wrap up the conversation, Scott walks us through his role as the Complete Streets Program Manager and a handful of the projects that are in the works for 2023 and beyond. Scott believes transportation, and our local streets, are the connective tissue of our community and that they should serve people at all stages of their life, from childhood, through adulthood, and into the senior years.

Tonight I sat down with Monica Cox from St. Louis, MO. Monica is a video editor, producer, photographer, and freelance content creator. Last year, Monica's capstone project was a film documentary focusing on women's crit racing in the 2022 American Criterium Cup. Together with her production crew, Monica sat down to interview racers from ButcherBox, LA Sweat, and a local St. Louis racer vying for her seat at the proverbial table. The bulk of Monica's documentary focused on Day 3 of Gateway Cup, the Giro Della Montagna, which was the last opportunity for these teams of women to score points for the season.Monica is passionate about visual storying-telling and human connection, all while learning more about her subjects. Monica believes everyone has a story to tell, and she's eager to bring those stories to life.

On this episode I sit down with Andrew Onermaa from Fayetteville, AR. If you don't know Andrew, that's OK. He's only been on the ultra distance bikepacking scene for a few years now. Most notably, Andrew is the 'local kid' who went head to head with Ted King during the 2020 Arkansas High Country Race, pushing Ted to ultimately claim the Fastest Known Time...at least for a couple years. Andrew's resume doesn't stop there. Andrew is the founder of Ozark Gravel Cyclists which is a community focused on the exploration of backroads in Arkansas by bike. While building the gravel community in Northwest Arkansas, Andrew is continuing to challenge himself as an endurance athlete. In 2021, Andrew took 3rd place at Iowa Wind & Rock and in 2022, Andrew won North South Colorado which is a 600 mile gravel bikepacking race starting in Fort Collins and finishing in Trinidad.In this conversation Andrew and I dig into a few topics...the creation of his hellish bikepacking race called DOOM, Andrew's transition from racer to race director, and we also dig into what fuels Andrew's passion for this insanely difficult sport.

This week I sat down with Carolyn and Susan of The Monthly Cycle. The Monthly Cycle is a community organization in St. Louis, MO that is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for women, trans, and femme riders and racers. The organization was founded in 2013 and continues to push the envelope of aggressive inclusivity in the cycling space. 

My guest today is Kat Lin who races for Road Crew Coffee & Cycles right here in St. Louis, MO. Kat came over last Friday evening and I had a wonderful time learning more about Kat and her background, her entrance into riding and racing bikes, and also her motivations for continuous performance and improvement within the sport. Kat does it all, and she's always there. She races crits, track, gravel, and cyclocross and is always a joy to be around both on and off the bike. I speak for everyone when I say we're lucky to have Kat involved in the St. Louis cycling community.