Ed Philbrick and Kurt Stockton open Episode 16 with a season “form check” as racing ramps up—road, gravel, and cyclocross all colliding in January.

They break down Rattle Gravel and what it means to see Romain Bardet winning early (and already thinking about Unbound), including the underrated reality: WorldTour legs are rarely the limiter—setup and fueling are.

Then it’s back to the dirt with two ride reports:

Gravel & Wine in Temecula (fast, swoopy graded sand roads; Ed’s Pathfinder 40 setup; January-perfect conditions)

Low Gap Grasshopper out of Ukiah (a long opening climb, a power descent, and a legit sprint finish—plus Kurt’s predictable Maxxis Rambler 45 choice)

They close with Positive Pete: Grasshopper’s junior mentoring program and why getting young riders into events—and keeping them there—is one of the healthiest things happening in cycling.

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n this episode of the Service Course Report Podcast, hosts Ed Philbrick, Derin Stockton, and Kurt Stockton dive into the culture, craft, and evolution of cycling—drawing on decades of experience across motocross, mountain biking, gravel racing, athlete training, and product development.

The conversation moves from motocross training roots and early coaching philosophies to modern cycling realities, including tire testing, wearable technology, and the challenges of evaluating new equipment. Along the way, the hosts share personal stories—from formative amateur mistakes to unforgettable moments in music, travel, and food—that shaped how they think about performance, creativity, and brand authenticity.

They also unpack the role of cultural marketing in cycling, why consumer loyalty is earned through product quality and lived experience, and how cycling teams and sponsorship models may continue to evolve toward more rider-centric approaches.

Grounded, honest, and experience-driven, this episode reflects on where cycling has been—and where it’s headed next.

Gravel riding conditions are prime right now, and this episode explores why gravel cycling, cyclocross skills, and riding multiple bikes are foundational to becoming a stronger, more confident cyclist.

The hosts discuss recent gravel riding adventures, coaching young riders for endurance events, and how cyclocross racing develops elite bike handling skills that translate directly to gravel, mountain biking, and road cycling. From cornering and balance to adaptability and confidence, cyclocross remains one of the most effective tools for long-term cycling development.

The conversation also covers endurance training fundamentals, nutrition and gear decisions for developing athletes, and why cross-training across cycling disciplines leads to better performance and longevity. Reflections on health recovery and modern medicine highlight how renewed energy and consistency can transform both riding and mindset.

The episode closes with thoughts on adventure cycling, community-driven events, and the power of storytelling in cycling culture, including discussion of Feeding the Rat, the film following Pete Stetina and his evolution from WorldTour racing to gravel and endurance adventure. Its themes of resilience, reinvention, and purpose closely mirror the episode’s central idea: ride all the bikes and keep evolving.

Whether you race, coach, ride gravel, or simply love cycling culture and history, this episode connects the past, present, and future of life on two wheels.

Welcome back to the Service Course Report—your weekly deep dive into cycling culture, gravel adventure, pro racing news, and the stories shaping the sport. In this episode, Ed, Kurt, and Derin break down a packed week on (and off) the bike with a mix of storytelling, tech talk, and honest conversation about where cycling is headed.

We kick things off with a ride recap from the Pismo Preserve, one of the most scenic gravel and mixed-terrain spots in California. The guys talk trail conditions, climb profiles, equipment choices, and why this preserve has become a destination for gravel riders, mountain bikers, and anyone looking for a fast, fun coastal loop.

From there, we dive into one of the most important—and controversial—topics in modern cycling: e-bikes. We cover Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike differences, trail access rules, safety concerns, speed management, and how e-bikes are changing the way cyclists, hikers, and land managers interact. As e-bikes continue to grow in gravel, MTB, and urban riding, clear communication and shared trail etiquette are more important than ever.

Next, we turn to the long shadow of doping in cycling. Ed, Kurt, and Derin unpack how past generations still influence the present, what accountability could look like today, and why sponsors often land in tough ethical dilemmas when supporting athletes and teams. The conversation digs into how the sport can acknowledge its past while building a healthier, more transparent culture.

The crew also explores the rise of new American pro cycling teams, why the U.S. racing scene feels more energized, and how team dynamics, sponsorship structures, and athlete development are shifting. There’s a sense that U.S. cycling is entering a new era—and the guys break down what that could mean for the future.

And yes… we get into the big rumor: Keegan Swenson potentially moving to Specialized. What would that mean for gravel racing? For athlete sponsorship wars? For off-road dominance in the U.S.? Whether you follow gravel casually or obsessively, this move could shake things up.

Throughout the episode, one theme keeps surfacing: cycling—road, gravel, mountain biking, or e-bikes—depends on community. Trail access, safety, sponsorship, racing, and culture all work better when riders communicate, respect each other, and stay involved.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone who loves riding and cares about where the sport is going.

The Bovine Classic delivered big this year — stunning scenery, amazing riders, and that signature gravel community vibe. ‍♂️ In this episode of the Service Course Report, hosts Ed Philbrick and Kurt Stockton recap their experiences at the event, from the shakeout rides and reconnecting with old friends to bike setup challenges and new gear discoveries.

Kurt dives into his first rides on the Mondraker gravel bike, sharing how he overcame headset issues and fine-tuned his setup on the fly. The conversation captures the spirit of the sport — community, camaraderie, and constant learning — along with a nod to rising talents like Jonas Woodruff making their mark on the scene.

Whether you’re prepping for your next gravel adventure or just love great ride stories, this episode has it all — from tech talk to trail tales.

00:00 – Introduction and Overview
01:08 – Bovine Classic Experience
04:49 – Shakeout Rides and Community Engagement
09:20 – Reconnecting with Old Friends
12:12 – Event Highlights and Awards
15:28 – Segment Format in Cycling Events
19:53 – Emerging Talents in Cycling
23:40 – Amateur Segment: Personal Bike Journey
24:28 – Exploring Mondraker: A Spanish Bike Brand
25:48 – Custom Geometry and Setup Challenges
29:05 – First Ride Troubles: Headset Issues
31:53 – Seeking Professional Help for Bike Repairs
35:11 – Final Adjustments and Successful Ride
39:02 – Lessons Learned: Bike Maintenance Tips
40:01 – The Benefits of SRAM’s Wireless System
41:41 – Future Rides and Evaluating Bike Performance

The Bovine Classic remains one of California’s premier gravel cycling events.

Community and camaraderie are what make gravel special.

Shakeout rides create friendships and shared experiences.

Kurt’s Mondraker debut shows the value of setup and adaptability.

Technical issues can turn into lessons learned on the road.

Rising stars like Jonas Woodruff are pushing the sport forward.

The Bovine Classic is more than just a gravel race — it’s a celebration of cycling culture, community, and adventure. In this episode, the hosts share their excitement for the upcoming event in Atascadero, California, reflecting on the evolution of gravel and cross bikes, early riding memories, and what makes the modern gravel scene so special.

You’ll hear stories about event prep, shakeout rides, and the camaraderie that defines gravel cycling. From gear choices and tire talk to event-day logistics, this conversation captures the passion and storytelling that bring riders together from all over the world.

Whether you’re pinning on a number for your first Bovine Classic or just love a good ride story, this episode will get you stoked for the season ahead.

Key Topics:

The evolution of gravel and cross bikes

Preparing for the Bovine Classic

The rise of community-driven cycling events

Early cycling adventures and lessons learned

Event-day strategies and gear insights

Why participation and storytelling matter in cycling

In Episode 9 of Service Course Report, hosts Ed Philbrick, Kurt Stockton, and Derin Stockton share unforgettable cycling adventures that shaped their journey—from chasing a purse snatcher through Santa Barbara to racing across France’s competitive cycling scene.

The crew dives deep into the legacy of Time pedals, exploring how their groundbreaking floating system transformed cycling gear and performance. Along the way, they reflect on the evolution of bike technology, UCI regulations, and how the spirit of the cycling community has changed since the 1980s.

From mountain biking and trail riding to pro racing stories, cycling history, and brand innovation, Episode 9 captures the blend of adventure, camaraderie, and progress that keeps this sport rolling forward.

Takeaways:

Shared cycling experiences build lifelong bonds.

Time pedals redefined performance with innovation.

Racing in France offered new challenges and culture.

The 1980s cycling scene set the stage for today’s evolution.

Memorable moments often come from the unexpected.

Episode 8 – Service Course Report
In this episode, Ed Philbrick, Kurt, and Derin Stockton dive deep into the cycling journey — from their junior racing days in Southern California during the 1980s to today’s biggest stages. They share stories of early road trips, key races like Willow’s Road Race, and the challenge of qualifying for nationals, while reflecting on how those experiences shaped their passion for the sport.

The conversation also covers the evolution of bike technology and equipment, the importance of community rides and engagement, and their latest projects, including designing a new gravel tire for Panaracer. Looking at the present day, the hosts unpack highlights from the World Championships, Remco Evenepoel’s time trial dominance, the role of course design, and the technical challenges riders face at the highest level.

From racing memories to modern-day cycling culture, Episode 8 blends history, gear, events, and the camaraderie that keeps the cycling community rolling strong.

Episode 7: Les Gets World Cup DH, WetScream Tire Tech, Philly Classic & Vuelta Moves

From the mud of Les Gets to the streets of Philadelphia, we’re covering it all in this week’s Service Course Report.

The Les Gets World Cup Downhill and how the legendary Maxxis WetScream tire—originally designed by Derin Stockton—still wins races today.

Jackson Goldstone’s run, Shimano XTR brakes, and why momentum matters more than watts in DH racing.

The return of the Philly Cycling Classic and a full recap of the Maryland Cycling Classic.

Road racing highlights from the Vuelta a España, bonus seconds drama, Jonas vs. the field, and Juan Ayuso’s move to Lidl-Trek.

A look ahead to XC Worlds in LA 2028 and how course intensity shapes Olympic racing.

Plus, a Bovine Classic preview and more.

Tune in as Ed, Derin, and Kurt connect the dots between MTB tech, pro racing, and the culture of cycling.