In episode 077 of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon is joined by returning guest and IJAH collective member Norlan Olivo for a conversation about what it means to train when time is tight. They dig into how Norlan is preparing for another run at the Marfa ride, what realistic training looks like for busy people, and how nutrition and coaching play into the bigger picture. It’s a laid-back but honest talk about showing up, staying consistent, and making it work with the time and energy you’ve got.

For the seventy-sixth episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon is joined by friend of the club and returning guest Brian Cauti. Brian’s been on a bit of a journey lately—recovering from a long-term injury, training with the Rhode Island Track Club (yes, running), and opening a pizza shop. In this episode, they talk about what it’s like to shift focus from bikes to running, the challenges of injury recovery, and how nutrition and life balance fit into the mix when your days are full of dough, decisions, and training plans. Later in the episode, they dive into their supplement routines, including creatine, tart cherry extract, turmeric, and other recovery and performance tools—some science-backed, some… maybe just rituals.

For the 75th episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, it’s just me — and a whole lot of spring cleaning. In this solo episode, I reflect on my recent Pedal for Progress ride to Washington, DC — a five-day, 500-mile journey that taught me a lot about my limits, my motivation, and what riding for a cause really means. I also get into the current state of the It’s Just A Hill group ride season — what’s working, what’s hard to balance, and how I’m trying to maintain the joy of cycling as a hobby while running a club that continues to grow. Finally, I share my first impressions of the new Garmin Varia, a rear-facing radar tail light I’ve just started testing out. Is it worth it? How does it integrate with other tech? And will it make group rides safer? Tune in and find out.

For the 74th episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, I’m joined by Eliza Burke Lawson to talk about something we often take for granted: parks. But as Eliza points out, a park is more than just a patch of green space — it’s a vital part of how we live, connect, and thrive. We dive into the many benefits parks provide, from mental clarity and physical health to community organizing and grassroots activism. Eliza brings her deep knowledge of public space and policy to the conversation as we explore how parks contribute to personal well-being, social connection and belonging, civic engagement and democracy, equity and access for all communities, and even how they function as tools for public health and climate resilience. This conversation is part of the lead-up to my Pedal for Progress ride from Rhode Island to Washington, DC — a 500-mile ride in support of protecting and promoting parks across the country. Thanks again to Eliza for joining me — whether you’re a cyclist, an advocate, or just someone who enjoys a quiet walk in your local park, this episode has something for you.

For the seventy-third episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon and BSP sit down for a catch-up at the top of the show, diving into Jon’s thoughts on riding in northern Rhode Island since moving. The conversation shifts into helmet talk—what they currently use, how often they replace them, and whether they actually wash their helmets. Next, it’s all about creatine. Both Jon and BSP share their recent experiences with the supplement, breaking down its potential benefits for endurance athletes, its cognitive advantages, and the surprising sleep disturbances BSP has encountered while taking it. Finally, Jon discusses his upcoming 500-mile ride to Washington, DC, a five-day journey with Pedal For Progress, his initiative to raise funds for the Transgender Law Center and the National Parks Conservation Association. Tune in for an episode packed with insights on gear, supplements, and making an impact through cycling! Donate to Pedal For Progress: https://www.pledge.to/pedal-for-progress-a-ride-to-dc-for-change

On this episode of It’s Just A Hill, Jon is joined by Jake Saunders to break down different ways to boost your fitness on the bike. They cover self-coaching strategies, navigating the endless sea of training apps and platforms, and their thoughts on supplements like beta-alanine, creatine, and ketones. Jon also shares some of his goals for the year, and Jake offers his perspective on setting and approaching cycling goals. Whether you’re fine-tuning your training or just trying to get stronger on the bike, this episode is packed with useful insights.

In the seventy-first episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon sits down with Matt Bodziony, owner of NBX Bikes and a returning guest on the show, to discuss the challenges and realities of running a bike shop in 2025. As the cycling industry continues to evolve, small bike shops face increasing pressure from online retailers, shifting consumer habits, and the need to stay relevant in an ever-changing market. Matt shares his firsthand experience navigating these challenges and explains how NBX adapts to remain a key part of the local cycling community. Throughout the conversation, Jon and Matt discuss some of the biggest struggles that independent bike shops face today, from competing with large online retailers to maintaining strong customer relationships. They explore how local bike shops provide much more than just products, offering expert service, hands-on support, and a sense of community that online retailers simply can’t replicate. They also dive into what makes NBX stand out, how the shop has adapted to industry trends, and why supporting local businesses is more important than ever. This episode provides an inside look at what it takes to run a modern bike shop and the balancing act of staying competitive while maintaining the core values that make a local shop essential to cyclists. Whether you’re a casual rider, a dedicated racer, or someone who values the local bike shop experience, this conversation sheds light on the future of the industry and the role independent shops continue to play.

For the seventieth episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon sits down with Jason Behringer from NBX for an engaging conversation about all things bikes. Jason shares his personal cycling journey, starting with his childhood love for the bike. The discussion delves into the period of Jason’s life where cycling took a backseat and how he eventually found his way back to the sport he loves. The episode also tackles some big-picture topics, like the reality of the “spirit of gravel” and how it impacts inclusivity in gravel events. What does the spirit of gravel really mean, and how can the cycling community foster more inclusive spaces for everyone? Jon and Jason share thoughts on these questions while reflecting on the growth of gravel riding. Additionally, they get into the nitty-gritty of local gravel routes, the beauty of southern New England’s backroads, and the art of crafting a mixed-surface loop that keeps things interesting. Whether listeners are seasoned gravel grinders or just dipping their toes into the world of off-pavement riding, there’s something for everyone in this episode. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation that highlights both the joy and the challenges of life on two wheels.

For the sixty-ninth episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon and BSP sit down to talk all things pro cycling as the 2025 season gets underway. From major rider transfers to bold kit designs, they cover it all with their signature mix of humor and insight. But that’s not all—this episode also features a special musical moment as Jon kicks off their Tour Down Under segment with a parody of the iconic Australian anthem, “Down Under” by Men At Work.

For the sixty-eighth episode of the It’s Just A Hill Cycling Podcast, Jon and BSP are back in the new year and they are diving into the nuances of balancing inclusivity in the club. Jon also shares the details on his new gravel bike upgrades—because who doesn’t love some shiny new gear? Then, as winter takes hold of us here in southern New England, the duo discusses trainer season survival tips, from gamifying Zwift to bringing the Nintendo Switch into the mix for an even more entertaining indoor ride session. Finally, they shift gears to analyze a topic from the cycling subreddit: the art and science of bike cleaning. Plus, Brian is back with a space fact to expand your horizons—because why stop at just one planet?