New England Endurance Podcast

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis speaks with Skip Thomas and Karen Smyers about the B2VT Ride and the VT Monster gravel event. They discuss the origins of both rides, their evolution over the years, and the community that surrounds these endurance events. The conversation covers the challenges of the course, strategies for participants, and the importance of camaraderie in endurance sports. They also touch on the role of e-bikes, the significance of team spirit, and the charitable aspects of the events. The episode concludes with insights into registration and participation details, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the cycling community in New England.

Key Takeaways:

• The B2VT Ride started as a marketing stunt by Harpoon Brewery.
• Team Psycho is a Boston-area triathlon team that has evolved into a cycling community.
• The B2VT Ride is classified as a fun ride with a charitable component.
• Pacing is crucial for success in endurance events like the B2VT Ride.
• The course has evolved to include more challenging terrain over the years.
• Participants can switch between different ride distances leading up to the event.
• The VT Monster gravel event was created to cater to the growing gravel riding scene.
• Community support and volunteers are essential for the success of the events.
• The cycling community in New England is known for its camaraderie and support.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

We’re launching Season 3 with a bang—and a blizzard.

In this premiere episode, we sit down with Ryan DeLena, the first person to ski all 91 lines in the Presidential Skiing guidebook, and the star and co-creator of the new documentary NINETY ONE, set to release this February 2026.

Ryan shares stories from his time navigating the moody terrain of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, what it took mentally and physically to complete this historic project, and the many personalities of Mount Washington—from brutal whiteouts to bluebird perfection.

We also go deeper into Ryan’s co-authorship of the memoir Without Restraint with his father, and his advocacy work with the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, helping to reform treatment of neurodiverse youth in schools and institutions.

This conversation covers everything from glacier skiing in Ecuador to personal growth, mental endurance, and the unseen side of mountain mastery.

Topics Covered:

• The making of NINETY ONE and filming in extreme winter conditions
• Why the Presidentials are more emotional than you think
• Lessons from skiing the Arctic, Antarctic, and the Equator
• Co-writing a powerful memoir with his father
• Ryan’s advocacy in education reform and neurodiversity
• The tools, mindset, and humility needed to endure the mountains

Follow Ryan on Instagram @extreme_ryan_delena

Watch for the release of NINETY ONE coming soon on YouTube and at select film festivals.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Firefly Bicycles co-founders Tyler Evans and Kevin Wolfson to explore the craft, philosophy, and real-world decision-making behind world-class custom titanium bikes.

From geometry choices and material tradeoffs to bike fitting instincts honed in the peloton, Tyler and Kevin pull back the curtain on how Firefly designs bikes for how people actually ride. We dig into the myth of the “quiver killer,” why one bike can’t always do it all—especially in New England—and how compromises show up when terrain gets rough.

We also cover what it’s like to order a Firefly: realistic build timelines, what customers should (and shouldn’t) control in the design process, and what carbon-neutral manufacturing looks like in practice—not just on paper.

Whether you’re dreaming about a custom build or simply want to understand why some bikes feel right and others don’t, this conversation is a deep dive into intention, craftsmanship, and choosing the right tool for the ride.

Key Takeaways

• The “quiver killer” bike isn’t for everyone — especially in New England, where rough mixed terrain often demands purpose-built tools.
• Tire clearance alone doesn’t define versatility — geometry and ride intent matter just as much as tire size.
• Custom bikes shine when rider intent is clear — the best outcomes happen when riders share goals and trust the builder.
• Bike fit is about reading the rider, not just numbers — experience, posture, and movement tell a deeper story.
• Custom doesn’t mean infinite choice — knowing what to leave to the builder can dramatically improve the final result.
• Great craftsmanship includes invisible details — many of Firefly’s most important design decisions are ones customers never see.
• Carbon-neutral manufacturing is an active process — not a marketing label, but a set of real operational commitments

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Tim Mitchell, Technical Director of the legendary CCB Cycling Education Foundation. With roots dating back to 1960s England and an official U.S. presence since 1976, CCB is the longest-running elite cycling program in the country. But it's more than just race results—it's a movement centered on Education Through Athletics.

Tim shares the deeply human story behind CCB's evolution—from its historic origins with and notable alumni (like Tim Johnson, Tyler Hamilton, and Curtis White), to its legendary manager Steve Pucci, to its groundbreaking under-23 women’s program where every rider is required to pursue post-secondary education.

We hear how CCB pivoted from elite men's racing to meet the glaring need in women’s development pathways, and how the tragic loss of rider Chad Young galvanized the team’s educational mission. From national titles to Pan-Am victories, from jump rope champions to former Olympians, this team’s stories are anything but ordinary.

We also dive into the current state of New England racing, the importance of community, and the joys of unplugging from data to rediscover the pure ride. Whether you're an aspiring racer, a longtime cycling fan, or just someone who believes in sports that build character, this conversation with Tim will leave you inspired.

🔗 Learn more at [pinkwatts.com] (https://pinkwatts.com) and follow @ccbwomenscycling on Instagram.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Drummond—founder of White Mountain Ski Company and the man behind some of the region’s most iconic events and endurance feats.

Andrew recently completed the White Mountains Direttissima—connecting all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers in a single unsupported push. That’s 231 miles and 86,000 feet of climbing in just 4 days, 22 hours, and 43 minutes, setting a new fastest known time (FKT). We unpack how trench foot, tendon pain, and mental fatigue nearly derailed him—and how he pushed through.

We also cover the Last Skier Standing, his pioneering coffee roasting project, and how he views his role in building the endurance community in Jackson, NH and beyond. If you’re curious what it takes to run a backcountry ski shop and crush unsupported FKTs, this episode is a masterclass in mountain grit.

Learn more: whitemountainski.co

Follow Andrew: @sr_drummond and @whitemountainskico

Key Takeaways:

• How Andrew trained for the unsupported White Mountains Direttissima FKT
• Lessons learned from trench foot, blisters, and tendon breakdown at hour 90
• The origin and ethos of Last Skier Standing
• Building White Mountain Ski Company from a truck bed to a Jackson hub
• The underrated value of coffee and community in endurance culture
• Andrew’s favorite peak, favorite trail, and what’s next for 2026

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this inspiring episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Brush, founder of the Kelly Brush Foundation, and a former collegiate ski racer turned national advocate for adaptive sports. After a life-altering crash in 2006 left her paralyzed from the chest down, Kelly founded the Kelly Brush Foundation to empower others with spinal cord injuries to live active, engaged lives through sport and recreation.

Kelly shares her personal journey from rehab to riding again on an adaptive bike, and how that pivotal moment sparked nearly two decades of advocacy, innovation, and community building. We talk about the barriers people with disabilities face when accessing sport—whether cost, awareness, or terrain—and how KBF’s Active Fund and Active Project are changing that.

She also dives into the power of inclusive trail design, how Vermont became a model for accessible mountain biking, and how events like the Kelly Brush Ride are not only about fundraising but about celebration, connection, and confidence.

Whether you're an athlete, race organizer, or simply someone who believes in equitable access to the outdoors, this episode will leave you inspired to get involved and help redefine what's possible for adaptive athletes.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Brooks Nablo and Jacob Kravitz of Stage 1 Cycling, a community-built cycling club based in Connecticut that’s making big waves in the local scene.

Brooks, the club’s President and head coach of the juniors team, shares how stepping into a leadership role transformed not only the young athletes he mentors but his own perspective on racing and life. Jacob, a board member, announcer, co-promoter, and longtime advocate for grassroots cycling, offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to put on quality events—and why he keeps coming back to the sport, both on and off the bike.

Together, they talk about their club’s mission, the power of mentorship, and the joy of watching riders grow—plus they give us the inside scoop on Fattycross, the Winter Segment Challenge, and other creative ways Stage 1 is building community year-round.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a meaningful, sustainable local cycling culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode we interview Justin Spinelli, a former professional cyclist and current entrepreneur behind Luxe Wheelworks by Gruppo Spinelli. Justin shares his journey from a young bike mechanic in New Hampshire to racing in prestigious events like the Giro d'Italia. He discusses the challenges he faced, including burnout in professional cycling, and how he found joy in cyclocross racing. Justin also delves into the founding of Luxe Wheelworks, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship and community in building high-quality, customizable wheels for cyclists. The conversation highlights Justin's passion for cycling and his commitment to creating a supportive environment for riders in New England.

Takeaways

• Justin Spinelli's journey began in a bike shop at a young age.
• He transitioned from a bike mechanic to a professional cyclist.
• Burnout in professional cycling led him to step back and refocus on education.
• He found joy in cyclocross racing with Richard Sachs' team.
• Luxe Wheelworks was founded to combine his skills in cycling and mechanics.
• The new Luxe Wheelworks focuses on customizable, high-quality wheels.
• Justin emphasizes the importance of human craftsmanship in wheel building.
• The wheels are designed for durability and performance, catering to various riders.
• Justin continues to engage with the cycling community in New England.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis talks with RJ Thompson, Executive Director of Vermont Huts & Trails, about the Velomont Project — an ambitious effort to create a 485-mile, hut-supported trail network spanning the length of Vermont.

Designed to modern mountain bike standards and open to hikers, runners, and backcountry travelers, the Velomont aims to connect communities, fuel rural economies, and redefine outdoor recreation in the Green Mountain State.

Art and RJ discuss how the project began, how it’s funded, and the partnerships — from the Vermont Mountain Bike Association to the Green Mountain Club — making it all possible. They also dive into the Tunnel Ridge Trail in the Heart of the Greens loop, which some riders say rivals Black Bear at Kingdom Trails as one of the best trails in the world.

Whether you’re a rider dreaming of a multi-day backcountry adventure or someone passionate about community-driven recreation, this episode offers an inside look at the future of Vermont’s trail culture — and what it takes to build something that lasts generations.

Episode Takeaways

• The Velomont Project will connect 485 miles of trail across Vermont.
• A collaboration among multiple organizations and communities statewide.
• Funding combines grants, donations, and hut revenue.
• Community engagement is essential to gaining land access and support.
• Volunteers and local trail chapters keep the system thriving.
• The project aims to connect rural towns and boost local economies.
• Future plans include more huts, more trail miles, and better accessibility.
• The initiative embodies Vermont’s sustainable, community-based recreation ethic.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this episode we sit down with John Mortimer — founder and CEO of Millennium Running, former professional runner, and one of New England’s most dynamic race organizers. John takes us from his early days as a decorated athlete to the creation of Millennium Running, a company that now produces over 30 signature events annually, operates a vibrant retail store, manages a running club, and has helped raise more than $2 million for local charities.

We explore the origins of the Millennium Mile, how themed events like the Santa Shuffle and Shamrock Shuffle welcome newcomers to the sport, and why creating first-class race experiences is central to the company’s mission. John shares the story of the Cheap Marathon — a Boston Qualifier on a New Hampshire rail trail — and how its time-trial start and quirky “lousy ribbon” have earned it a cult following.

The conversation also covers the role of community engagement (check the Millennium Run Club), the challenges and rewards of race directing, the influence of trends like super shoes, and the future of running in New England’s uniquely diverse geography. Whether you’re chasing a PR, lacing up for your first 5K, or simply curious about the business of endurance events, this episode offers an inside look at how passion and purpose can transform a local race into a regional institution.

Key Takeaways:

• John Mortimer’s path from elite athlete to entrepreneur is both personal and inspiring.
• The Millennium Mile sparked a business now at the heart of New Hampshire’s running scene.
• First-class race experiences build lasting participation and community pride.
• Accessible events attract new runners and walkers into the sport.
• The Cheap Marathon blends affordability, speed, and camaraderie in a unique way.
• Millennium Running has raised over $2 million for local nonprofits.
• The Bedford, NH retail store doubles as a community hub.
• Time-trial starts enhance both safety and runner experience.
• New England’s mountains, coastlines, and towns foster a vibrant endurance culture.
• Future trends include performance gains from super shoes and rising participation rates.

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.