Life Behind Bars

We are kicking off the 2026 year with an episode about advocacy and creating change here in Indiana. This discussion is with two Hoosiers (who now live in North Carolina) advocating for change not only in their hometown but across the US. Griffin Tichenor and Maddie Barondeau lost two loved ones last year in July due to a distracted driver. They hope their experiences and stories help encourage all cyclists, non-cyclists and Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) to advocate for safe cycling for all.

Working with The White Line Foundation based out of Colorado, Griffin and Maddie are pushing at the Federal level. They hope to reach other local communities and other states about this.

• The White Line was founded in 2023 with a single mission: to end road deaths and create safer streets for everyone — cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike. The organization began after the tragic death of Magnus White, a young cyclist whose story galvanized a movement for change. From day one, they've focused on immediate, decisive action, combining stories, technology, and data to tackle the root causes of traffic violence.
• The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act of 2025 (H.R.3649) represents a crucial step forward in protecting vulnerable road users through mandatory advanced braking technology. This legislation requires auto manufacturers to implement automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) that can detect cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users across all conditions.
• Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act Letter Writer
• Connect with Griffin ([email protected]) and Maddie ([email protected]) today.

Join Bicycle Indiana and advocates from across the state to rally for safer and more accessible roads and trails for all on January 22, 2026. RSVP here.

These two have been friends on and off the bike for years. Both bike shop owners have so much experience in this industry, we are stoked to have this great discussion.

This episode we talk with Michael Mathias from Marion Cycle Works and Ben Orcutt from Buckskin Bikes. We discuss popular topics that are common in bike shops or in the industry.

If you have any questions or concerns that you would like us to answer, please let us know!

Register for our FREE 2026 State House Day!

Listen to the previous episode about the Indiana Kentucky Cycling Association (INKY).

Learn more about our local cyclocross series, OVCX and listen to this episode.

USA Cycling (USAC) is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in the United States and oversees the disciplines of Road, Track, Mountain Bike, Cyclocross, and Elite BMX.

Becoming an official allows you to be a critical part of USA Cycling events all across the country. Officials are responsible for the sporting aspect of all of our competitive races, allowing USA Cycling’s members to pursue their passion of competition. As a USA Cycling Official you’ll learn to work within a team and manage an event with event organizers. You'll progress towards leading teams of officials through increased practice and training.

Delivering fun, safe, equitable and measured racing is our drive and passion. Fun-for all of us. Safe-for all of us; for our members on and off their bikes at events. Equitable-for all of us; ruling on regulations and riding conduct makes our sport understandable, predictable and fair. Measured-for all of us; accurate results, timing and placings create development and growth for our members and your officiating career.

Connect with Kerry Balding ([email protected]) and Kristen Schwark ([email protected])

For more information: https://usacycling.org/officials

Listen to our previous episode with an Indiana USAC Elite Women's BMX Racer, Carly Kane.

The Indiana Kentucky Cycling Association is the member Local Association of USA Cycling that represents the interests of bicycle racers in the states of Indiana and Kentucky. The all-volunteer board is elected by USA Cycling members or license holders in both represented states. Typically each position is held for 2 years with elections held to elect a new board. Elected board members must be license holders in the states they represent.

Our purpose is to promote, develop and support competitive bicycle racing in the states of Indiana and Kentucky. Visit: https://www.inkycycling.com

Social Media: Instagram & ​Facebook

The 2025-26 Board Members are:

• President - Justin Floyd
• Vice-President - Cody Woods
• Treasurer - James Kraus
• Secretary - Rob Frangi
• At-Large - Nicole Larue
• At-Large - Abner Miralda
• At-Large - Kyle Perry

On this week's episode we chat with two coaches in the Indianapolis area. Whether you want to enhance your fitness and cycling or searching for some extra support during your rides and fitness journey, hire a coach!

With over five years as a Retul-certified bike fitter at Motion Cycling & Fitness, Kelsey's expertise lies in improving cycling performance and comfort through advanced movement analysis and real-time pedaling dynamics. She incorporates mobility exercises and customer-focused solutions and has ensured clients' needs are met with precision. She is passionate about empowering athletes to excel through innovative approaches and consistent support. Connect with Kelsey today: [email protected]

Throughout his life, Spencer has always been fascinated with exercise, physiology, nutrition, and food. Over the years, through an Exercise Science degree at Marian University and hours upon hours of his own study, Spencer has given himself the expertise to help others with their nutrition-based cycling goals, whether it is to lose weight, fuel better for their next sportive, or simply just learn how to eat better for overall health.

Spencer is also a lover of all things cooking and, throughout the years, has built up quite a following on Instagram making higher-protein, somewhat healthier alternatives to all the desserts and sweets most of us love. Connect with Spencer today: [email protected]

Part Two - Health 101 with Christine Tanner. On this week's episode we chat with a Health Coach and Nutritionist about the importance of annual blood work and diet. Chris Tanner is located in Carmel, Indiana but assists clients all over the USA and world.

"As I approached my 50th birthday, I noticed changes in my body. The foods I once enjoyed no longer had the same effect, my energy was low, and I struggled with weight management and regulating my body temperature. I consulted doctors, explored podcasts, and read countless blogs, but nothing provided lasting relief. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I created MC Nutrition to help people like me reclaim their health and vitality. Our program combines personalized coaching, nutrition plans, and advanced health tools to optimize your well-being."

To connect with Chris and for more information, visit: https://uminus20.com/

On this week's episode, we talk to Dr. Chemen Neal, MD., about general health on and off the bike. We discuss women's (and men's) health and general topics about how to feel great on the bike.

Dr. Chemen M. Neal, MD, received her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University and medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine. She completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. This is part of a two part series, stay tuned for part two with Nutritionist/Health Coach, Christine Tanner.

Please note: Bicycle Indiana's Podcast Life Behind Bars are for educational and entertainment purposes only. None of the information contained within this podcast should be construed as medical, legal, and/or professional advice in any manner. Information found on our Podcast and website are presented to motivate and inform our community members about cycling-related topics. We recommend our listeners consult with their own medical providers and other professionals related to any of the topics discussed.

(Some) Bike Fitters (Please email us if we missed any! [email protected])

Kelsey Devereaux, kelsey.motion@gmail, 317.813.7433

Indy Watt Shop, [email protected], 317-670-0604

Bluegrass Bicycle Company, [email protected], 317-513-3017

Revolution Bike Fitting, 317-350-4510

We also recommend connecting with your local bike shop about bike fits.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR NEXT BREAKTHROUGH - VQ LABS

On this week's episode we chat with three crew members from VQ Labs. Owner, Jeremy Wilson dives into the history and the future of the business with his two employees, Sherri Branaman and Chandler Horton. From a variety of performance testing to full exclusive bike trips and rides, VQ Labs has it all.

"For years, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday people trying to get healthier were all told the same thing: "Train harder. Eat less. Push through." At VQ Labs, we knew there had to be a better way. One where science, not just sweat, would guide the journey."

Connect with Jeremy today! Email: [email protected]

Music Credit: Main Titles (Pure Michigan Theme) (From "The Cider House Rules"), Rebecca Belliston At the Piano ℗ Gated Music Released on: 2020-06-21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iM1wUskAtaU

On this week's episode we chat with a local bike shop about e-bikes! E-bikes are transforming the cycling world and we hope this discussion sheds light on the different questions about e-bikes. This discussion is with the owner, Lee Ann McLay and staff.

eBoom Electric Bikes was imagined and built into a retail business by Robin Coffman and me in 2016. We opened in the spring of 2017. eBoom also sells and repairs all types of bikes, not just electric. This includes gravel bikes, mountain, recreation, kids and transportation bikes.

Visit: www.eboomelectricbikes.com

https://www.peopleforbikes.org/topics/electric-bikes

On this week's episode we chat with Tom Hanley and Aryn Coomes of Nine13Sports! We dive into this organization's mission and goals and how you can support them.

Nine13sports® was founded in Indianapolis, IN as a health & fitness focused nonprofit over the course of 2012 by former national champion cyclist Tom Hanley. As Tom traveled as a competitive athlete he saw that most of the kids at the velodrome and BMX tracks were from middle to upper class families who had the means to provide their children with the equipment and pay the fees to take part in the programming offered. Fast forward thirteen years, and Nine13Sports is growing and thriving.

They believe the bicycle is one of the most under-leveraged tools in today’s educational environment. At Nine13sports we have partnered with educators to create a multi-line programming system centered around the bicycle as a way to ensure the next generation discovers its’ power. By plugging the bicycle and its individual parts into STEM-focused curriculum they spark the student’s curiosity and interest in the dynamics and physical properties of simple machines.

With multiple programs dedicated to the youth, Nine13Sports offers so much more. To get involved today, visit: https://nine13sports.org/