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In episode 127 of Shiftless, we celebrate New Year's Eve in Argyle at the newly opened Dusty Roads Bicycle Shop. We sit down with Nico Smith, the shop's founder, to discuss his extensive 21-year career in the bicycle industry, ranging from working in California shops to becoming a Shimano race mechanic.

Nico shares his vision of creating a community-focused bicycle lounge where enthusiasts can hang out, learn, and get high-quality service.

The conversation spans topics like e-bikes, the local cycling community, and the importance of proper bike maintenance.

00:00 Introduction and New Year's Greetings00:14 Excitement About the New Location01:07 Introducing Dusty Roads Bicycle Shop01:58 Meet Nico Smith: The Bicycle Expert03:04 Nico's Journey in the Bicycle Industry05:19 Moving to Texas and Embracing the Local Cycling Scene08:06 Challenges and Opportunities in the Bicycle Industry09:43 Community and Culture at Dusty Roads Bicycle Shop13:18 The Importance of Local Support and Community Engagement16:40 The Vision for Dusty Roads: A Community Hub33:33 Demo Bikes and Customer Experience37:07 Challenges of Offering a Wide Range of Bikes37:28 Embracing E-Bikes and Manual Bikes38:00 Building a Community-Focused Bike Shop40:11 Navigating the Bicycle Industry's Ups and Downs43:07 The Rise of E-Bikes in the Cycling Market46:02 Texas: A Hub for Cycling Enthusiasts51:27 The Importance of Bike Maintenance and Service53:50 Opening a New Bike Shop: The Journey55:02 Stocking the Best Brands and Products01:03:09 The Future of Cycling: Digital and AI Integration01:12:58 Excitement for the New Shop and Community

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TUBA Trail Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1768323947209749

Exploring the Tour Divide with Rick Ashton: A Veteran's JourneyIn episode 126 of Shiftless, host Kevin is solo in Florida and joined by an esteemed guest, Rick Ashton, a veteran of the Tour Divide. Rick shares his extensive experiences of completing the challenging bike race multiple times since 2009, discussing the evolution of the event, the physical and mental demands, his training regimen, and the equipment he has used over the years. The conversation delves into memorable encounters with wildlife, race logistics, advances in biking technology, and the camaraderie within the biking community. The episode also touches on Rick’s interest in the new Trans-U.S. Bike and Adventure (TUBA) route, highlighting his enthusiasm for off-pavement adventures and potential future rides.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:45 Meet Rick Ashton: Tour Divide Veteran01:39 Rick's Tour Divide Experiences04:33 Challenges and Adventures on the Tour Divide09:15 Technological Evolution in Bike Touring17:29 Rick's Background and Other Adventures20:09 Future Plans and the Tuba Route24:50 Hubs and Hops and Local Bike Culture28:59 Starting a Business in Thomasville29:49 Training for the Tour Divide30:30 Camping Gear and Preferences31:09 Racing in Costa Rica32:03 Challenges of Organizing Events32:52 Personal Luxuries on the Tour Divide34:45 Surviving on Gas Station Food36:03 Transition from Triathlons to Tour Divide36:14 Memorable Tour Divide Routes41:46 Riding in Cold Weather43:45 Training Routine and E-Bikes46:06 Planning for the Tuba Ride46:38 Spiritual Connection with Nature52:26 Packing for Long-Distance Rides54:01 Light Setup for Night Rides57:14 Logistics and Mentoring New Riders01:00:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Reach out and touch us: [email protected] this episode, Brad and Kevin discuss a variety of topics, starting with confirming the episode number and moving on to various subjects such as movie reviews, their recent TV series binge, and their experiences with different streaming services. The conversation then shifts to cycling, including trail conditions, night riding, and bicycle maintenance. They talk about recent and upcoming events, including dinners, trips, and special rides. The hosts also discuss their plans for scouting trips, potential guest appearances, and new cycling gadgets they are testing. They close with a fun tangent about a new stun gun gadget and its effectiveness.00:00 Introduction and Episode Number Confusion00:22 Podcast Theme and Off-Topic Movie Discussion02:11 Streaming Services and Subscription Deals03:29 Weather and Trail Conditions06:01 Night Riding and Light Systems15:11 Heart Rate and Training Plans16:55 Upcoming Events and Family Plans34:36 Bike Brands and Trends38:48 Indecision and Aromas: Finding the Perfect Meal39:37 Po Boys and Local Eateries40:44 Exploring Winslow and Road Trip Food Stops44:25 Tandem Bikes and Technical Details55:23 E-Bikes and High-End Cycling01:03:03 Upcoming Events and Podcast Plans

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Cycling Updates and Unexpected DetoursIn this episode of 'Shiftless,' the hosts Kevin and Brad discuss various cycling topics, including personal anecdotes, weather impacts on cycling, and the dynamics of horseback riding on shared trails.

Brad discusses his unexpected trip to Mississippi due to his mother’s health concerns, impacting his cycling goals for the year. They talk about upcoming cycling events, event planning challenges, and the intricacies of organizing races.

Additionally, there's a discussion on the transition from traditional mechanical brakes to hydraulic systems and the current state of the cycling community . The conversation also touches on the logistics of multi-use trails and the evolving landscape of bike events in Texas.00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter00:25 Welcome to Shiftless Podcast00:45 Weather and Recent Rides01:34 Mississippi Trip and Family Matters02:33 Cycling Goals and Challenges02:53 Holiday Plans and Events05:56 Tuba Route and Adventure Planning12:10 Bike Mechanics and Preferences17:25 Mississippi Food Recommendations26:38 Lifetime Grand Prix Discussion38:30 Sponsorships and Live Events39:00 Lifetime's Strategy and Competition40:24 Race Event Coordination Summit43:06 Challenges in Organizing Race Events54:23 Trail Usage and Etiquette58:18 Horse Trails and Equestrian Interactions01:09:36 Tornado Aftermath and Trail Conditions01:12:43 Upcoming Events and Calendar Planning01:16:47 Concluding Thoughts and Sign Off

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Biking Challenges and Records: A Conversation with Austin WhittingtonIn this episode of Shiftless, recorded from Casa Verde, host Brad discusses various biking challenges and achievements with guest Austin Whittington. Austin shares his recent experience of setting a Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Triple Crown route, which includes demanding trails from the International Mountain Biking Association's Epic Trails list. The conversation delves into the details of the 184-mile route, the physical and logistical challenges faced, and the strategic planning that went into accomplishing the feat in 21 hours and 25 minutes. The discussion also touches on the importance of equipment choices, nutrition, and the mental aspects of long-distance biking. Brad also contemplates future biking goals and potential challenges on the horizon, such as Doom and the Race Across Texas. The episode concludes with anecdotes of past rides, gear talk, and the camaraderie of the biking community.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:19 Guest Introduction: John Austin Whittington00:41 Exploring the Triple Crown and Epic Trails01:05 The Wasaw Lake Route and Trail Challenges01:37 Race Day Experiences and Challenges06:44 Equipment and Gear Insights08:34 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies12:39 Reflections on the FKT Attempt24:20 Garmin and Tracking Devices30:52 Training and Preparation Insights39:33 Race Across Texas and Future Plans42:00 The Three-Day Challenge42:12 Time Commitment and Training42:26 Breaking Records and Fueling Strategies44:07 The Importance of Carbohydrates45:59 Endurance and Sleep Strategies48:14 Gear and Equipment Choices51:11 Upcoming Races and Goals54:17 Reflections and Future Plans56:46 Navigating Trails and Technical Challenges01:19:06 E-Bikes and Trail Etiquette01:20:22 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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The Unconventional Justin Carey Pushes the Limits: Insights and Future EndeavorsIn this episode, Justin Carey shares his latest experiences, including his remarkable FKT (Fastest Known Time) on the 'Rat 1000'—a grueling 1000-mile bikepacking race. The conversation delves into his preparation strategies, nutrition intake, and lessons learned about managing sleep and dealing with extreme conditions. He discusses his plans for future ultra-distance races like the Tour Divide and strategies for potentially cutting down his time on races like the Rat 1000. The episode also touches on his approach to bike maintenance, upcoming race goals, and ambitions to inspire others through coaching and his nutritional products. Throughout the discussion, there's a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights that make for a compelling listen.00:00 Audio Sync and Episode Introduction00:26 Welcome to Shiftless: Bicycles and Power Tools01:02 Introducing the Guests01:41 Reflecting on Past Podcasts03:24 Race Across Texas: The Journey Begins06:42 Chasing the Pack: Strategy and Challenges10:26 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies19:41 Technical Issues and Sleep Deprivation34:57 Post-Race Reflections and Recovery36:48 Saddle and Arrow Bars Adjustments37:07 Training for Big Sugar37:20 Comfort and Acclimation Challenges38:17 Hand and Foot Issues40:09 Shammy Cream and Saddle Sores40:32 Lidocaine and Pain Management43:39 Recovery and Physical Issues45:33 Age and Recovery Discussion49:43 Mountain Lion Encounter53:39 Nutrition and Hydration Strategies01:09:21 Bike Setup and Mechanical Issues01:13:34 Future Bikepacking Goals01:15:08 The Benefits of a Dynamo Hub01:16:54 Preparing for the Tour Divide01:18:20 Strategies for Long-Distance Races01:19:32 Dealing with Wildlife on the Route01:21:16 Bike Choices and Equipment01:24:48 Training and Local Races01:34:35 Future Race Plans and Goals01:46:44 Nutrition and Coaching Services01:49:47 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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Race Across Texas: Rat Tales and Tech Trials with Shiftless PodcastIn this lively episode of Shiftless Trying Things, hosts Kevin, Brad, DJ, Caleb, and friends discuss the challenges and triumphs of the recent Race Across Texas (RAT). The episode kicks off with a tech trial and introduces Chef Brad Green and DJ to the audience. The group delves into Caleb’s journey during the RAT, including an unexpected encounter with a mountain lion. They explore fueling strategies used by top competitors Justin Carey, Sedge, and Doug, and reflect on the significant achievement of Justin’s new Fastest Known Time (FKT). Amidst discussions on nutrition, hydration, and navigation mishaps, the team also touches on upcoming events and potential changes to the RAT format for next year. They wrap up with insights into the cycling community, event planning challenges, and the dynamics between race promoters in Texas.00:00 Introduction and New Technology Setup00:25 Meet the Guests: Chef Brad Green and DJ01:11 Casual Conversations and Birthday Celebrations01:38 Updates on Rat Week and Matt Golson's Progress05:10 Challenges and Strategies for Long-Distance Cycling08:28 Caleb's Journey: From Colbert to Electra18:16 Unexpected Obstacles and Problem-Solving31:37 Reflecting on the Experience and Lessons Learned35:28 A Hike in Pado Canyon36:57 Camping in Paris: Basketball and Loud Music38:19 Justin Carey's Record-Breaking Ride43:30 Nutrition and Fueling Strategies55:10 Salt Intake and Endurance01:04:47 The Race Between Sedge and Doug01:09:50 Navigational Challenges and Fixes01:11:03 Train Tracks and New Rules01:12:22 Fueling Strategies and Finishing Videos01:14:14 Mountain Lion Encounter01:18:51 Justin's Race Strategy and Exhaustion01:24:53 Strava vs. Garmin Lawsuit01:32:53 Upcoming Events and Local News01:38:39 Race Promoter Symposium Drama01:40:35 Conclusion and Technology Experiment

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Raw video of Brad & Kevin's discussion the evening Brad withdrew: https://youtu.be/cPKGX4iOUrc?si=tg9Vgvbm9COIe9IQ

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Rat Tail Preparations and Bandit Camping StrategiesEpisode 119 of the Shiftless podcast dives into the preparations and strategies for the upcoming Rat 1000 bike event. Hosts and guests discuss packing essentials, including tents, sleeping systems, and cold-weather gear, as well as the intricacies of route planning and potential camp spots. They debate flexible versus strict schedules, reminisce about past bikepacking trips, and emphasize the importance of contingency plans. The episode also touches on the status of several bike companies and promotes the Ray Porter fundraiser event.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:38 Meet the Guests: Chef Brad Green and DJ Caleb01:38 Morning Coffee and Catching Up01:58 Mosquitoes and Haircuts03:52 Tick Troubles and Remedies05:35 Weekend Plans and Weather Talk06:51 Bike Maintenance Woes08:45 Shifting Issues and Solutions25:00 Upcoming Ride Preparations29:27 Shoutouts and Strava Achievements33:09 RAT 1000 Route and Camping Discussion36:17 Planning the Trip Logistics36:28 Accommodation Options and Contingencies37:25 Camping Strategies and Challenges38:50 Route Planning and Navigation40:27 Group Dynamics and Coordination42:16 Specific Locations and Arrangements47:01 Weather and Timing Considerations50:01 Final Preparations and Departure01:11:41 Planning the Route and Schedule01:12:19 Technical Questions and Route Adjustments01:13:40 Excitement and Preparations01:17:05 Camping Gear and Packing Strategies01:19:07 Bike Industry News and Updates01:41:51 Ray Porter Event and Final Thoughts

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Shiftless Episode 118: The Launch of the Shiftless Mobile and Controversies in CyclingIn episode 118 of the Shiftless podcast, the hosts record from a new location: the Shiftless Mobile, a newly acquired window van designed for camping and content creation. They discuss the van's features, the additions they plan to make, and its future uses, including potential support for their point-to-point adventures like the RAT 1000.

The conversation shifts to significant topics in the cycling world, including the controversial inclusion of e-bikes in competitive gravel races and new UCI gear restrictions aimed at improving rider safety.

Detailed insights are provided into how these regulations may impact the future of cycling and the debates they have generated. Listener emails are read out, adding various perspectives to the discussion.00:00 Introduction and Sound Check00:37 Welcome to Shiftless Episode 11800:56 Recording in a New Location02:15 Weather and Environment03:16 Introducing the Shiftless Mobile04:07 Van Features and Upgrades05:17 Camping and Travel Plans07:41 Van Conversion Details09:54 Podcasting and Future Uses21:15 Event Planning and Community35:29 Tech Talk and Gear Reviews41:13 Exploring Fitness Trackers: Whoop vs. Fitbit41:46 Heart Rate Monitors: Wrist vs. Chest Straps42:27 The Importance of Accurate Heart Rate Tracking44:31 Choosing the Right Heart Rate Monitor45:27 Firmware Issues with Wahoo and Garmin46:53 Kros Heart Rate Monitors: Features and Benefits53:22 E-Bikes in Gravel Racing: Controversy and Impact58:45 Preparing for the Rat: Gear and Strategy01:08:02 UCI Gearing Restrictions: Safety or Unfair Advantage?01:35:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans