Road Adventures of Cycling Men of Leisure

Send us a textFog 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 StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textBourbon 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 StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textA 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 StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textWhat happens when you combine cycling with ziplining? According to Michael, you get one of the most unique adventure experiences available—bike ziplining through the Mexican jungle. After returning from a week-long resort vacation with his family, Michael shares his discovery of this extraordinary activity that lets you pedal your way through the rainforest canopy, over water, and even through caves on a suspended recumbent-style bike.This episode blends travel tales with cycling plans as the duo prepares for their upcoming Bourbon Country Burn adventure in Kentucky. Michael reveals that despite his fractured clavicle not fully healing (now eight weeks into recovery), he's determined to join the event and enjoy the famously smooth roads of Kentucky horse country. The roads, as Adam explains, are maintained to perfection for transporting valuable thoroughbred horses—creating an ideal cycling surface through picturesque landscapes.The conversation weaves through Mexican adventure parks, underwater propulsion devices for "power snorkeling," and the fascinating 2000-year history of ziplining itself. We learn how modern recreational ziplining originated with Costa Rican biologists studying rainforest canopies in the 1970s, and how it's evolved into unique variations like the cycling zipline Michael experienced.Looking ahead to Kentucky, the pair shares their excitement about the Bourbon Country Burn event with its perfect blend of cycling, bourbon tastings, evening bonfires, and community gatherings. They'll be starting their journey on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row before heading to the Kentucky Horse Park campground, where cornhole boards will be set up and bourbon will be shared. For listeners considering joining them, there's even news of an available campsite thanks to a friend who had to cancel.Want to experience the perfect blend of cycling adventure and leisure? Grab your bike, pack your sense of adventure, and perhaps a taste for bourbon—the roads of Kentucky and the stories of fellow cyclists await! Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textWhat happens when tracking apps meant to keep your children safe become tools for insurance companies to monitor driving habits? This episode kicks off with a startling revelation about Life360 that parents of teen drivers won't want to miss, complete with a crucial tip on disabling the insurance reporting feature while preserving the app's family tracking capabilities.Adam takes us behind the scenes of his recent transit conference at Crystal Mountain, where professional development seamlessly blended with charity golf tournaments and networking. Between playful accusations of tournament cheating and serious discussions about the state of public transit funding, the conversation reveals how industry gatherings balance work and play—a perfect metaphor for the podcast itself.The heart of this episode centers around the upcoming Bourbon Country Burn event in Kentucky, where cycling meets bourbon appreciation in a festival atmosphere. Adam and Michael enthusiastically detail their plans for VIP bourbon tastings with legendary figures like Freddie Johnson of Buffalo Trace, while revealing fascinating insights about international bourbon distribution. The Japanese version of Blanton's, with its distinctive red box and unique horse stopper, serves as a gateway to understanding how American spirits travel globally before sometimes returning through secondary markets.Perhaps the most charming segment features Michael's deep dive into 1920s slang terminology that connects to the podcast's vintage-inspired logos. From "bee's knees" and "cat's pajamas" to prohibition-era terms like "giggle water" and "juice joint," these linguistic time capsules provide both entertainment and cultural context. The hosts particularly champion bringing back "moxie" as a descriptor for the determination and spirit that characterizes both their cycling adventures and approach to life.Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, cycling advocate, or simply enjoy conversational podcasts that blend humor with unexpected knowledge, this episode delivers a perfect blend of practical information and entertaining banter. Listen in, and you might just find yourself using "You're on the trolley now!" in your next conversation. Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textSaddle up for an episode that perfectly blends cycling camaraderie with bourbon-infused adventure! Adam kicks things off with a fascinating glimpse into the surprisingly technical world of "bus rodeos" where he recently served as "Officer Obi" with radar gun in hand. These competitions test professional drivers' skills through challenging courses with diminishing clearance, precise backing maneuvers, and speed requirements - all observed by families and fellow transit professionals in Frankenmuth, Michigan.The conversation shifts to their beloved "Listener Spotlight" featuring Atlanta, Illinois - a town with multiple naming attempts and a towering 19-foot Paul Bunyan statue clutching a hot dog. This Route 66 landmark sparks delightful banter about roadside attractions and community connections, showcasing how cycling journeys often reveal America's hidden gems.Personal updates add depth as Michael shares his ongoing recovery from a fractured clavicle. Despite limited mobility, he remains determined to attend September's Bourbon Country Burn - their highly anticipated cycling festival in Kentucky bourbon country. The hosts paint a vivid picture of what awaits: camping under the stars, evening bourbon tastings with prestigious distilleries, fireside conversations, and morning rides through Kentucky horse country.The episode reaches its peak with a creative segment where Michael reveals AI-generated bourbon personality matches for each host. This clever analysis identifies Adam as Four Roses Small Batch Select ("approachable yet layered") while Michael embodies something akin to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked ("rich character from miles of experience"). Their genuine laughter and authentic friendship shine through every exchange.Looking to join the cycling and bourbon adventure? Follow their Cycling Men of Leisure flag at the Kentucky Horse Park campground this September - they promise good rides, great bourbon, and even better company around the campfire. Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textSeventy-five episodes! When we started this podcast, neither of us thought we'd make it past five or seven shows. Yet here we are, celebrating a milestone that represents years of friendship, thousands of miles cycled together, and a community that has grown beyond anything we imagined.Michael kicks things off with an update on his collarbone recovery - the x-rays look good, but he's still not able to raise his arm fully. Despite the injury, we're both confirmed for Bourbon Burn, complete with official tournament-level cornhole boards emblazoned with the Cycling Men of Leisure logo. We're extending an open invitation to all listeners attending to stop by our campsite for bourbon tastings and leisurely conversation around the fire.The heart of this episode takes us on a nostalgic journey through our podcasting adventure. We've cycled over 5,300 miles together on organized rides, interviewed five different ride directors and two bike manufacturers, and created 30 Listener Spotlight segments. Our audience now spans 62 countries, with our largest international listener base coming from the United Kingdom. The stories we've shared - from the infamous heart-shaped hot tub hotel mishap to the photo-finish go-kart race - have connected us with listeners who recognize that cycling is about more than just the ride; it's about the experiences along the way.What began as two friends chatting about bikes has evolved into something much more meaningful: a community. Whether it's our team members supporting each other at Big Brag or listeners recognizing each other on rides across the country, we've created connections that extend far beyond the microphone. As we look toward our next adventures, we remain grateful for every person who's joined us on this journey. Because ultimately, that's what makes every day a great day for a bike ride. Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textMichael's fractured clavicle changed everything about this summer's cycling plans, but it led to unexpected adventures worth sharing. While nursing his broken collarbone (or "fractured clavicle" as his doctor insists on calling it), Michael took his family to Kentucky's bourbon country, visiting seven distilleries in a single day - though he made sure the kids had plenty of fun too with stops at a candy factory and the Louisville Slugger Museum. He proudly shows off his new mini Louisville Slugger bat engraved with "Cycling Men of Leisure" - the perfect souvenir for a cyclist temporarily sidelined from riding.Meanwhile, Adam made the most of expiring timeshare points with a spontaneous Disney World trip alongside his wife, who's been dealing with the difficult process of moving her father into memory care. With temperatures soaring both in Florida and back home in Michigan, Adam shares his veteran Disney strategies - knowing exactly where to find air conditioning and even which ride photos to pose for. His childlike joy on Space Mountain proves you're never too old to throw your hands up and smile for the camera.The most difficult decision they faced was what to do about their planned participation in RAIN (Ride Across Indiana). After exploring every possible scenario - including having Michael provide SAG support - they ultimately decided to cancel. "I just did not want to do it without you," Adam explains, capturing the essence of their friendship and podcast partnership. They reflect on how their adventures are meaningful because they're shared experiences, not solo accomplishments.Adam shares surprising bicycle accident statistics (did you know 73% of cycling crashes don't involve motor vehicles?), while Michael recounts the hose incident that led to his injury. The episode culminates with the full Cycling Men of Leisure origin story - how two strangers met during a 2016 Iowa ride and formed a friendship that evolved into a podcast, brand, and growing community united by the philosophy that cycling is about savoring the journey rather than racing to the finish.Subscribe now and join our leisure-focused cycling community! Whether you're a competitive cyclist looking to slow down or a casual rider searching for kindred spirits, you'll find your place with the Cycling Men (and Women) of Leisure. Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textWhen the unexpected strikes, how do you adapt? Michael shares the story of his recent cycling accident where he encountered an almost-invisible brown hose stretched across concrete pavement during a training ride. With just seconds to react, his front tire turned 90 degrees, sending him face-first onto the road, resulting in a fractured clavicle and extensive road rash. This first-ever broken bone in thousands of cycling miles comes with particularly unfortunate timing—just 19 days before the pair's planned Ride Across Indiana (RAIN).As the hosts navigate this setback, they explore options ranging from postponing their registration to next year, Michael serving as SAG driver while Adam rides, or finding alternative adventures altogether. The conversation reveals the philosophy that defines their approach to cycling: it's not about reaching destinations, but experiencing the journey and connections made along the way.Adam shares his recent trip to Des Moines, Iowa, where cycling memories unexpectedly surfaced through familiar establishments from previous RAGBRAI rides, including the beloved Big Red Truck food vendor and Thelma's ice cream sandwiches. These culinary touchpoints sparked nostalgic conversations about past cycling adventures and the communities that form around these shared experiences.Through injury recovery discussions, nostalgic food memories, and planning for future adventures (including Michael's upcoming bourbon country birthday trip), the episode exemplifies how the spirit of leisure continues even when the cycling temporarily cannot. Whether you're recovering from injury or simply seeking the deeper connections that come from shared adventures, this conversation reminds us that adaptability remains key to maintaining perspective when life throws obstacles in our path. Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

Send us a textThe Georgia hills couldn't break us! Picking up where we left off, Adam and Michael complete their wild journey across Georgia with the BRAG cycling event, sharing every triumph, challenge, and laugh along the way.Our layover day in Dawsonville delivers pure adrenaline as we race high-performance go-karts at AMP track, where Michael edges out Adam by just four one-hundredths of a second (a fact Adam graciously acknowledges... eventually). But the adventure doesn't stop there—we hike 475 stairs to witness the majestic Amicalola Falls, proving that cycling men of leisure occasionally enjoy adventures on foot too.The camaraderie of the cycling community shines throughout our journey. Our team dinner brings together 33 riders from across the country, many meeting for the first time despite sharing this passion for years. We're unexpectedly showered with gifts of regional whiskeys and massive flasks—tokens of appreciation that highlight the generous spirit of our growing community. Later, we host an impromptu "speakeasy" under the BRAG tent, sharing drinks and stories as rain patters overhead.Franklin Johnson, Executive Director of BRAG, joins us to discuss this year's successful northern route. With nearly 900 riders tackling the challenging hills, Franklin shares insights on weather conditions, safety measures, and the unique appeal of Georgia's less-traveled roads. From bone-rattling South Carolina pavement to the infamous "Medusa Hill" that forced 90% of riders to walk, each mile offered its own story.Whether you're planning your own cross-state adventure or simply enjoy tales from the road, this episode captures the essence of what makes cycling special—it's never just about the destination, but the journey and the people we meet along the way. Subscribe now and join our next adventure as we prepare to tackle Indiana in a single day! Support Jersey StoreSupport the showAdam 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/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com