Episode 28 of the Service Course Report comes straight from the Sea Otter Classic—recorded inside the new Sprinter studio with our first-ever guest: longtime cycling and motocross journalist Zap Espinoza.

We go deep on:

Plus: Sea Otter energy, Brompton Worlds, Fuego XL, and the stories you only get when you hit record on-site.

This one’s raw, honest, and full of cycling history.

Tap in.

Day 2 from the Sea Otter Classic 2026 — live from Laguna Seca.

We break down the Life Time Grand Prix fallout, including the tactical women’s finish and how line choice decided the race in the final corner. A 90-mile effort coming down to seconds.

We also dig into:

Then we pivot to one of the biggest surprises of the weekend — a full e-bike demo experience that completely changed perspective.

From first impressions to real trail feel, we unpack:

Plus: media center chaos, camping life, espresso setups, and the reality of covering an event this big in real time.

Tap in. This is Sea Otter from the inside.

The Life Time Grand Prix is officially underway, and we’re on-site at Sea Otter Classic for Day 1.

This is the real start of the off-road season—44 of the best riders in the world lining up for the first major test of the year. But this episode isn’t just about the race… it’s about the environment, the buildup, and what actually matters on the ground.

We’re recording from the media center, working through setup, sound, and the reality of producing content in the middle of it all. From bike builds and expo energy to conversations around media, access, and where the sport is heading—this is a raw look behind the curtain.

Key themes:

This is the first dispatch from Sea Otter—fast, unfiltered, and right in the middle of it.

Episode 25 of the Service Course Report sets the stage for Sea Otter Classic week.

We’re heading into one of the biggest events in cycling—covering the Life Time Grand Prix, new live streaming on YouTube, and what it takes to be in the right place at the right time: pits, start line, and finish.

We also look back at the Tour of Flanders—one of the defining races of the spring classics calendar—where positioning, power, and tactics collide on the cobbles.

We also go deep into 90s cycling:

Plus:

We’ll be on-site all week—find us, say hi, and maybe earn a spot on the pod.

#IWantMySCR

Episode 24 brings together past and present in cycling.

We preview Sea Otter—from camping culture to the Lifetime Grand Prix—and share firsthand stories from racing in Europe in the early 90s, including Tour de Suisse experiences, life on the road, and what it really took to compete at that level.

We also reflect on Mo Wilson’s legacy and recent riding at the Grasshopper series.

A mix of storytelling, perspective, and the realities behind the sport.

Recorded the day after Milan–San Remo, Episode 23 dives into one of the most exciting race weekends of the year.

We break down Pogacar’s victory, Van Aert’s return to form, and the decisive moments on the Cipressa and Poggio. The women’s race delivered just as much drama, with aggressive racing shaping the final outcome.

We also cover:

Plus, stories from inside the bike industry—where the least glamorous jobs often lead to the best connections.

Keywords:
cycling, Milan San Remo, Pogacar, Van Aert, gravel racing, Cape Epic, Sea Otter, cycling podcast, bike racing, cycling tactics, pro cycling

This episode explores the latest racing across the UCI WorldTour, including a deep dive into Strade Bianche, Paris–Nice, and Tirreno-Adriatico.

The hosts analyze race tactics, rider performances, and team strategies as riders begin to reveal their form ahead of the Spring Classics. The conversation highlights the drama of Strade Bianche, with its gravel sectors, steep climbs, and one of the most recognizable finishes in professional cycling.

Alongside race analysis, the discussion moves into the broader culture of the sport—touching on rider longevity, team dynamics, and even a rattlesnake encounter during a ride that reminds us that cycling adventures don’t always follow the race script.

n this episode, Ed Philbrick joins Derin aka DS and Kurt “KS” Stockton to recap two key events in the gravel calendar: Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona and the Grasshopper Adventure Series Huffmaster Hopper 2026.

The hosts discuss race tactics, equipment trends, and bike handling insights that influence performance on modern gravel courses. They also reflect on the evolving technology behind gravel bikes, including tire size, suspension, and wheel design.

Along the way, they share personal riding experiences and highlight the community spirit that defines gravel racing.

This episode brings together practical race insight and industry perspective as Ed Philbrick, Kurt Stockton, and Derin discuss bike handling, strategy, and the regulatory forces shaping equipment and racing styles.

From creek crossings and cobbles to tire regulations and LA 2028 Olympic course previews, the conversation highlights how cycling continues to evolve — and what riders can learn from it.

In Episode 19, Ed Philbrick and KS Stockton discuss the evolution of cycling through training, equipment, racing experience, and rider health.

They cover BWR Arizona preparation, Cactus Cup memories, and the progression of bike technology before breaking down sprint tactics and crash moments. The episode expands into bone density, strength training, injury prevention, and the lessons that come from mistakes.

A conversation grounded in experience, perspective, and the realities of becoming a more durable rider.