Spinistry Chat

Full crash and health discussion on ShiftLess Episode 152Hell of the North Texas is 100% ON for this Sunday, but we have some critical logistical changes due to a recent bike crash and an unexpected health update. We're also hitting pause on most major Spinistry events until September so we can focus on health and build out a massive community vision for the Midnight Massacre weekend.Here is everything you need to know for this weekend's ride, what's going on behind the scenes, and how you can get involved in our upcoming fall events.Due to physical limitations from my crash and potential Saturday rain, we have to adjust our weekend operations. Please read carefully if you are riding this Sunday:Course Marking (30 & 45-Mile Only): We plan to mark ONLY the 30-mile and 45-mile routes on Saturday afternoon, weather permitting.Self-Navigation for Long Routes: If you are riding the 75-mile or 110-mile routes, do not expect course markings. You must use GPS navigation. The routes were verified last week and are solid; final map adjustments will be released by Saturday morning at the latest.No Guaranteed SAG or Sweeps: I am unable to sweep the routes in the Jeep as I normally do. Please be self-sufficient and do not rely on a SAG vehicle. If you want to volunteer as a riding sweep for any of the distances, let us know Sunday morning—we'll make it worth your while!NETT Trail Conditions Needed: We were unable to scout the Northeast Texas Trail (NETT) section between Bagwell and Roxton. If you have ridden this stretch recently or scout it before Sunday, please leave a comment or message us with condition updates.Aid Stations: Designated water tables, snacks, staging area support, and finish line refreshments will still be fully stocked and ready for you.Last Saturday, I took a ridiculous tumble on a bike path after clipping a signpost. While getting my thumb stitched up was easy, a massive hematoma developed in my left hip a few hours later. It requires 10 to 14 days for my body to process and is completely wiping out my energy levels right now.The blessing in disguise: During the ER scans to check the bleeding in my hip, doctors incidentally found an early-stage mass on one of my kidneys that is likely cancerous. While that is tough news to hear, finding it this early is the absolute best-case scenario for this type of issue—it rarely shows up on standard blood work. My oncologist appointment is set for July 29th to map out the next steps. Thank you all for the incredible messages and support; welcome to adulting!To give me time to sort out my health, standard Spinistry events are on hold until the Midnight Massacre weekend on September 19th in Gainesville.We are partnering with our friends at 35 & Liberty to turn that weekend into a massive, air-conditioned North Texas cycling community expo. We want to bring together local clubs, bike shops, keynote speakers, clinics, and vendor demos into one space.We need your feedback: Would you be interested in a massive community Bike Swap that Saturday afternoon before the ride? Let us know in the comments if you would want to buy, sell, or display!Summer Pop-Up Rides: While major events are on hold, we will still host casual, weather-dependent pop-up rides throughout July and August. Look out for impromptu night MTB laps at Knob Hills and Northshore, as well as some nighttime gravel grinders.Hell of the North Texas: Sunday UpdatesPersonal Health Update: The "Why" Behind the ChangesThe Future: Midnight Massacre & Summer Pop-Ups00:00 Race Day Changes06:15 Health Update09:03 Midnight Massacre Weekend

Welcome to Spinistry Chat! In this episode, we cover the essential details for our upcoming Sunday Pop-Up Ride out of the Fort Worth Stockyards, provide a major progress update on our transcontinental route project, and discuss how recent shifts in federal bicycle infrastructure funding might impact long-term trail projects across the country.Plus, we're hitting the Horseshoe Trail in Grapevine to test out the Orbea Occam cross-country mountain bike as part of our ongoing full-suspension demo series and "riding every day" rebuilding phase.0:00 - Intro & Horseshoe Trail Bike Testing1:15 - Sunday Pop-Up Ride: Fort Worth Stockyards & Trinity Trails3:10 - USA Trail Update: Beta Riders & Fall Planning5:05 - Federal Bicycle Infrastructure Funding News (Impacts on NET & GART)7:45 - Riding Every Day: Orbea Occam vs. Salsa SpearfishThe Sunday Pop-Up RideStaging from the Fort Worth Stockyards Station, this self-supported, self-navigated group ride features 35-mile and 50-mile options primarily utilizing the unpaved sections of the Trinity Trails. This is a Club Spinistry members-only social ride, but single-day trial memberships are available for $25 (which can be applied to a full 12-month membership later).The USA Trail UpdateOur custom, primarily unpaved southern-tier route from Jacksonville, FL, to San Diego, CA, has been physically verified. We are currently coordinating with our first group of beta riders to tackle segments of this massive 4,126-mile transcontinental bikepacking route starting this fall.Infrastructure Funding NewsWith recent news regarding the reallocation of federal bicycle infrastructure funds, we discuss the potential indefinite delays for major planned routes like the Northeast Texas Trail (NET) and the Great American Rail-Trail (GART), highlighting the importance of viable, grassroots-established routes like the USA Trail.Bike Testing & RebuildingWe dive into the "riding every day" philosophy and how utilizing e-bikes for rehab is paving the way back to traditional mountain biking. Today's featured bike is the Orbea Occam, marking the next step in our full-suspension technology comparison following our recent time on the Salsa Spearfish.Join Club Spinistry: www.clubspinistry.comFollow the USA Trail Project: www.theusatrail.comListen to the ShiftLess Podcast: www.shiftless.orgProviding off-road adventure cycling events since 2010. We specialize in ultra-endurance gravel grinding, long-distance bikepacking, and bringing riders together for unforgettable experiences on two wheels.Tags: #Spinistry #USATrail #GravelGrinding #Bikepacking #OrbeaOccam #SalsaSpearfish #MountainBiking #TrinityTrails #NortheastTexasTrail #BicycleInfrastructure #CyclingLife #EbikeRehab #FortWorthTexas⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/Paris/2026HellOfTheNorthTexas

Kevin shifts the week's video to debrief a recent Spinistry event and address social-media criticism about value and communication, focusing on an email exchange with “Joe” after Red River Riot. Joe cites GPS/navigation problems, not seeing arrows, missing emails, unclear inclusions (water stop, routes access, post-ride food/drink), and wanting mementos; Kevin explains the $50 fee is a trial membership, routes are released event-week due to changing road conditions, details are provided via signup pages and multiple emails, and cloverleaf routes with double-backs support a centralized manned water table and require riders to understand device limitations (with Ride with GPS as a backup). He also outlines membership tiers (steel, carbon, family, titanium, and trial options) and discusses budget constraints, reduced merch, and venue-specific costs. The episode ends with a tour of the Gainesville “old outlet mall” venue (35 and Liberty/Tractor Bob's), parking/restrooms/food options, how to access routes via Bikerides.org, and ideas for future collaborations and Unbound-related training hubs.00:00 Why This Video Exists01:10 Route Conditions Preview01:55 Zebra Roadside Detour03:00 The Comment That Sparked It03:55 Reading My Facebook Reply06:43 Joe Email Breakdown11:14 My Email Response12:56 Why We Operate Differently15:28 Communication And Route Access20:48 Navigation Issues And Marking23:49 Cloverleaf Routes Explained24:53 Garmin Route Pitfalls28:04 Ride with GPS Backup29:04 Entry Fee Value30:59 Why Perks Vary34:01 Emails and Next Steps35:25 Road Washout Detour38:11 Membership Levels Explained43:48 Progression and Community45:02 Venue Tour and Future Plans

Is the modern gravel scene losing its grassroots soul? In this kickoff episode of our "History of Gravel" series on Spinistry Chat, we take you back to where it all began for us in Texas: the legendary Windmill Hill.While out scouting routes for the 2026 edition of the Red River Riot—our signature event that helped define early alt-cycling back in 2010—we look back at the mud-soaked, endurance mountain bike origins of the gravel movement. Long before highly structured elite racing and hyper-specialized gear dominated the conversation, gravel was a haven for riders just looking for safety, community, and personal achievement away from the pavement.We also share a massive milestone for the unpaved adventure cycling community: the final route verification of The USA Trail, Spinistry's coast-to-coast unpaved route stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific.As the bike industry faces stagnation in 2026, we discuss why keeping unpaved cycling accessible, inclusive, and everyday-rider-centric is the only path forward.In This Episode, We Cover:The 2010 Mud Fest: How a rained-out mountain bike race birthed the legendary Red River Riot and Spinistry's first true gravel grinder.The Endurance MTB Roots: Why the earliest gravel riders were mountain bikers escaping muddy trails and roadie culture.The USA Trail: Announcing our completed coast-to-coast unpaved route spanning the entire country.The Alt-Cycling Divide: The growing split between elite gravel racing and the grassroots, socially-driven rally rides that built the sport.Revitalizing the Bike Industry: Why keeping unpaved adventure cycling accessible is the key to the industry's survival in 2026.Join the Conversation:Who are the pioneers of the unpaved scene we should interview next? Drop your suggestions in the comments as we build out this History of Gravel series. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-endurance athlete or just bought your first all-road rig, the best thing you can do right now is simple: just ride your bike.Primary Search Keywords & 2026 Tags:Spinistry, The USA Trail, unpaved adventure cycling, grassroots gravel, alt-cycling culture, Red River Riot, gravel bike history, ultra-endurance bikepacking, all-road routing, cross-country unpaved routes, Texas gravel grinder, endurance mountain biking, gravel industry trends 2026, accessible cycling.

www.rattlesnakegravelgrind.bike2025_0214_1428In this episode of Spinistry Chat, we dive into the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind with special guest David King. David gives us a full rundown on the event, including details about the route, the community support, post-event festivities, and the purpose behind this unique gravel race in Sweetwater, Texas. Spinistry Chat also thanks its sponsors, Club Spinistry members, State Bicycle Company, and Gravel Worlds for their support. Introduction and Sponsor Thanks Special Discounts for Club Spinistry Members Welcome David King History and Origin of the Rattlesnake Gravel Grind Event Highlights and Details Sponsor and Community Support Routes and Challenging Terrain Volunteer Involvement and Safety Post-Event Festivities and Community Support Final Reminders and Call to Action

This one's a ride along podcast. Let us know what you think of the format.

Registration at Bikereg Veterans Gravel GrindSat November 9, 2024Colorado City, TX Facebook Discuss on SpinistryChat.com

Join our community www.spinistrychat.com

A snippet from our ShiftLess interview with Dylan Johnson. This one touches on a couple of hot buttons of ours specifically in the Spinistry realm. RIP Spirit of Gravel? Pro gravel racing and what I refer to as the U23 black hole. We think it is SUPER important for the future of thecycling industry to keep the passionate cyclists from 25-35 involved in the sport...as well as to encourage more riders in that demographic. Hear the full episode on all major podcast platforms, just search for ShiftLess or visit www.shiftless.org for the Spotify version. Also, check out The Bonk Bros for more of Dylan's hot takes https://www.patreon.com/patreon_bonkbros

Kona Bicycles' founders reclaim the brand, launch its ‘third chapter' Published May 19, 2024 by Steve Frothingham (BRAIN) — The founders of Kona Bicycles have repurchased the brand they sold to private equity-backed Kent Outdoors in December 2021. “We believed that the new owners would carry our vision forward and continue to build great bikes, employ great people, and deliver on the promise of quality, fun and a little weirdness that had defined Kona for so long,” co-founders Jake Heilbron and Dan Gerhard wrote in a letter to the industry they shared with BRAIN readers Monday morning. “Unfortunately that plan unfolded quite differently, so now we're buying Kona back,” they said in the letter.... https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2024/05/19/koan-bicycles%E2%80%99-founders-reclaim-brand-launch-its-%E2%80%98third-chapter%E2%80%99 https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2024/05/19/kona-bicycles-co-founders-letter-industry

Comments and questions are appreciated. Click here to join Club Spinistry

We still expect to roll with Plan A but here is the overview of our backup plan if weather does become a factor. Signup page with the routes is here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/FlowerMound/TurkeyBurn100AdventureChallenge

Just a quick overview of the Turkey Burn basics for those who might be wondering. More detailed info will be sent out as we get closer to ride day. Signup is here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/FlowerMound/TurkeyBurn100AdventureChallenge

Just call me Gumby! We're chatting about updates to our Colorado Plans. Do plan to join us for the Midnight Massacre on 8/5 and possibly some Florida Beginner Gravel Clinics? Spinistry kits are here: https://www.starlightapparel.com/collections/spinistry

Hey, I misspoke a couple of times and called it a beginner bikepacking clinic. Make no mistake, 7/1 is a Beginner Gravel Clinic. www.indievelo.com www.ridespinistry.com

www.indievelo.com

Topics in this episode include: Redshift, King Technical Apparel and Big Agnes coupons. Testing: Catalyst pedals, Aero Spide bikepacking rack, Redshift Arclight pedals. Beginner gravel clinics. Bikepacking clinics/meetups. Midnight Rambler 6/24 and Midnight Massacre 8/5. Intro to indieVelo.

Super short episode to outline what we have in mind for our upcoming Beginner Gravel Clinics. Spread the word, spread the love!

Bikepacking curious but don't know where to start? Listen to this to sort out which direction to start out. Experienced bikepacker but looking for a group to adventure with? Come Join Us!

RAT 1000 meetup plans, Midnight Massacre routes under consideration, Taysha Heritage Trail Update, Folks are NETT Curious & more! http://www.clubspinistry.com

In this episode we go over different options for identifying and sourcing bikepacking, gravel and adventure routes.

The 2023 bikepacking survey results are in and somewhat surprising (in a good way)! There are definitely some takeaways that point us towards some ways we can better communicate details and organize adventures for our riders. Feedback is definitely welcome and appreciated. Join Club Spinistry here: www.clubspinistrycom

Big thanks to our friend Chris Carlson for sharing an afternoon of good conversation with us. An additional shout out to Bike Mart for their hospitality! Reach out to Chris here: https://www.facebook.com/CarlsonCycling Want to know more about Spinistry? https://www.spinistry.net/

Club Spinistry members can access the routes/data and updates here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/SaintJo/RedtoRioGrandeRiversRoute Not a member yet? Come Join Us! http://www.clubspinistry.com

This one is aimed at Sun Belt type riders who might not be familiar with riding when the temps get a bit nippy... Our Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/spinistry Our affiliate link to The Black Bibs: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2075577&u=3336575&m=127356&urllink=&afftrack= King Technical Apparel (use coupon code spinistry20 ): https://www.kingtechnicalapparel.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html Our affiliate link to Pearl Izumi: https://bit.ly/3hRnXve --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Based on surveys and polling here are the Top 10 things that we believe will help newer gravel riders have a better experience. Follow us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/spinistry Join Club Spinistry here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Club/TX/Roanoke/ClubSpinistry

Signup and download Austin County routes here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/Industry/SpinistryAustinCountyTexasRoutes2022 Join Club Spinistry here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Club/TX/Roanoke/ClubSpinistry Going forward Spinistry routes will be available post event for anyone to access at any time. Routes will be adjusted to eliminate any private property/private roads utilized for event venues. We will include notes and details for amenities along the adjusted routes as well as appropriate parking areas.

The 2022 MonsterCross Mayhem route from Fort Worth to Dallas (or reverse it, your call) is in the books and final! Routes are available to Club Spinistry members from the Club Signup Page: https://www.bikesignup.com/Club/TX/Roanoke/ClubSpinistry Bonus for Club Spinistry members through February 2022 is a coupon code for 20% discount at The Black Bibs. Coupon Code is also available for members from the Club Page linked above. Non members can access the route files for $10 here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/FortWorth/2022SpinistryMonsterCrossFortWorthtoDallasConnector

General overview/preview of the MonsterCross Mayhem route and details. Westbound train schedule: https://trinityrailwayexpress.org/westbound-saturday/ Signup is here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/FortWorth/MonsterCrossMayhem

Here's a real time overview of what I mean by a daily, low intensity ride. Come ride along and bring your helmets!

The first 12 week segment is in the books. Listen in on how it went and where we're going next.

We sit down with Dana Burch to discuss his record settingRAT 1000 accomplishment. He answers questions from fans and shares his insights. Dana used his RAT 1000 attempts to raise funds for Big Pig Cancer Foundation. Please find out more about this worthy cause here: http://bigpigcancerfoundation.org/ RAT 1000 2022 Signup is here: https://runsignup.com/Race/AR/Texarkana/RAT10002022 Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/514661475378019 Spinistry Discussion Forum: https://www.spinistry.net/forum/rat-1000

Kevin is back on the bike and here is 6 week checkup with the 12 week training plan we shared earlier in the year.

Here is the preview for our Club Spinistry Big Bender out of Big Bend National Park 11/12/21-11/16/21.

Fitness survey results covered in the first 30 minutes. The next hour is detailed breakdown and review of the submitted comments. Join Club Spinistry here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Club/TX/Roanoke/ClubSpinistry Our current events calendar: https://spinistry.rsupartner.com/upcoming-races

We are starting a video series to help folks get into bikepacking and other bicycle camping adventures. Your feedback is sincerely appreciated so that we can be sure to cover the most important topics to all. No, we don't know everything there is to know about these topics but we do know enough to show others how to have a good time safely and confidently. Please forgive the audio quality on this one. Had to record inside the truck because it was just too windy outside. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are kicking off 2021 in style for Club Spinistry members! Easy access and better organization for the routes library is now available! Access the 250+ DFW area routes here and NOW: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/FortWorth/ClubSpinistryDFWRoutes All routes for all areas are still available in the old library. We will update the other regions over the coming weeks. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Virtual riders' meeting. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

You can join Club Spinistry here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Club/TX/Roanoke/ClubSpinistry --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Overview of the general plan for the trip. More details will be shared with club members who signup for the trip. Join Club Spinistry here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Club/TX/Roanoke/ClubSpinistry --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Cool stuff coming to the ride and race calendar for gravel, mountain bike racing and bikepacking! We have found a formula to get everyone racing safely again. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Signup is here: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/TX/Paris/2020HelloftheNorthTexas Call this number to reserve an RV hookup for $35: 903-739-9912 Call this number for a special "Gravel Grinder" rate at the Holiday Inn Express: 903-785-0088 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We talk about some our 2020 plans for club members including our CO trip in October and our Big Bend overland trip in November. Includes more tips about scouting routes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app