Nearly a decade ago, American cyclocross racer Ben Frederick suffered a devastating crash that changed everything. What began as a concussion spiraled into a traumatic brain injury (TBI), years of post-concussion syndrome, and a long, uncertain recovery that cost Ben his career, his identity, and nearly his life.

As his physical recovery stalled, Ben fell into deep depression and developed an eating disorder — clinging to the one thing he felt he could still control. At rock bottom, facing a life-or-death moment, Ben made a defining decision: not like this.

In this episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast, Ben shares his full story — from injury and identity loss to rebuilding his life piece by piece. We talk about traumatic brain injury, mental health in endurance sports, disordered eating, and the difficult process of finding meaning beyond performance.

That journey ultimately led Ben back to the cyclocross start line, culminating this season with a powerful return to the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, finishing on the lead lap in Tábor.

This conversation goes far beyond racing. It’s a story about survival, resilience, and redefining success when everything you thought defined you is taken away.

Whether you’re an athlete, cyclist, or someone navigating recovery after trauma, this episode offers a rare and honest look at what it really takes to keep going.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

Welcome to the first-ever Stable Cyclist Podcast Awards, a full celebration of the best, wildest, and most unforgettable moments from an incredible year of conversations in the cycling world. In this episode, JP and co-host Aaron look back at the stories that shaped the show—everything from the most downloaded episode to the most impactful story, the worst interview, the most bleeped swears, and even the most off-the-rails moments that somehow still made it into the final cut. This special awards show also features a surprising story from JP that definitively lands him in the Slytherin House, plus plenty of laughs, throwbacks, and behind-the-scenes insights.

We revisit highlights from an all-star lineup including Dylan Johnson, The Holy Spirit of Gravel, Scott McGill, Nathan & Marc Spratt, Kait Boyle, Spencer Martin, Andrew Vontz, Kerry Werner, Brad Huff, Ian Boswell, Justin McQuerry, Bobby Wintle, Pete Stetina, Chase Wark, and Ted King. Whether you’re new to the show or have been following every episode, this is the perfect way to catch up on the top stories, biggest laughs, and most meaningful moments of the year. Buckle up—this episode is a rollercoaster.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm

Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p

Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

This week on The Stable Cyclist, JP welcomes Nathan and Marc Spratt, along with special guest and longtime friend of the Spratts, Trey Shepard, for one of the most entertaining episodes of the year. The Spratt brothers share their journey from growing up in the Indiana triathlon scene to carving out unexpected careers as rising pros in the American gravel world — all while working full-time as engineers in Utah. Trey helps bring out some incredible stories, launching the conversation into hilarious territory that includes AliExpress bikes at Leadville and the chaos that only childhood friends can unpack together.

The episode also digs deep into TNE, the Salt Lake City group ride that the Spratts have proclaimed the greatest and hardest group ride on the planet — a place where limits get tested, egos get flattened, and legends are made. With humor, honesty, and zero pretense, Nathan and Marc pull back the curtain on what it’s like to be two of gravel’s most underrated dark horses. If you’re into pro gravel racing, good storytelling, or just love hearing fast guys roast each other, this episode is a guaranteed win.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

Chris Mehlman joins The Stable Cyclist Podcast for a deep dive into the mental and physical demands of ultra-distance gravel racing.

We break down the mental side of going long, what it takes to stay consistent in multi-day races, and how he manages the emotional and psychological load of ultra-endurance.

Chris and I also get into the business side of pro cycling:

We also talk about how the two major race series are shaping up for next year, and why Chris ultimately chose to step away from XCO racing to find his stride — and success — in ultra gravel.

If you’re into gravel racing, long-distance strategy, mindset, or building a career in endurance sports… this one is for you.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

This week, JP sits down with Danny Awang — the powerhouse filmmaker behind Scott Bikes, Cam Jones, and one of the creative voices capturing EF at the Tour de France Femmes. Danny shares what it was like to follow Cam Jones during his explosive rise throughout the Lifetime Grand Prix, documenting the highs, lows, and surprising human moments that never make it into the final cut. With a front-row seat to some of the biggest storylines in gravel and world tour racing, Danny talks about the art of staying invisible behind the camera while capturing some of cycling’s most emotional and iconic scenes.

JP and Danny also dig into the deeper story of Danny’s entry into filmmaking — how an early experience with an incredibly accepting cycling community changed his life and set him on the creative path he’s on today. Together, they explore the importance of belonging, the mental side of creative work, and the joy of crafting stories that move people. And of course, the episode ends with the classic round of rapid-fire questions. If you love cycling media, filmmaking, or stories of unexpected opportunity, this conversation delivers.

Danny's Cam Jones Series: https://tinyurl.com/bdha5ssu

NorthStar Gravel Series Link: https://www.bikereg.com/northstar-gravel-series

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

For the final Bootleg Miles episode of the year, JP dives into the ongoing debate from The Stable Cyclist Podcast and brings in answers from some of the biggest names in the sport: Gravel Hall-of-Famers Selene Yeager and Amanda Sheek, American Crit legend Brad Huff, gravel pros Justin McQuerry, Chase Wark and Dylan Johnson, WorldTour veterans Ian Boswell and Pete Stetina, TrainerRoad’s Jonathan Lee, journalist Ben Delaney, former US MTB National Champs Carson Beckett and Gordon Wadsworth and even the Holy Spirit of Gravel.

Along the way, JP breaks down rural gas station culture, his favorite stops in Minnesota and North Dakota, the genius of the “redneck ice sock,” and the simple joy of a cold Coke or a counter-top treat that definitely wasn’t made in a factory.

We’ll also take a ride out to Olson’s Service in Sentinel Butte, ND — a full-service station straight out of Cars and Route 66 history — and talk about why these places matter more than we think.

This episode wraps up a full season of gravel adventures, filmmaking, racing, and podcasting.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

This week, JP sits down with John Karrasch, better known as FlexFitByJohn, whose gravel tire rolling resistance and speed tests have taken the cycling world by storm. What started as a behind-the-scenes bike fitting career in Birmingham, Alabama turned into a meteoric rise as John became the go-to resource for accurate, data-driven tire performance testing. In this episode, John talks about how his meticulous work with the Chung method built trust across the gravel community, eventually landing him on the Escape Collective podcast with Ronan McLaughlin and establishing him as one of the most respected voices in modern cycling tech.

JP and John go deeper into what it feels like to transition from relative obscurity to becoming a widely recognized figure in the sport. They talk about imposter syndrome, validation from Robert Chung himself, and how to stay grounded when your identity is shifting and your work suddenly reaches thousands of riders. This episode blends cycling science, personal growth, and the human side of going viral — a must-listen for anyone who loves gear, gravel, or a good story of unexpected success.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

#GravelCycling #ChungMethod #StableCyclistPodcast

This week, JP sits down with Hannah Shell, a top-10 finisher in the Gravel Earth Series and one of the most recognizable riders in the pro gravel peloton. Hannah shares her winding path into gravel racing, how she balances high-level competition with her work at Gravel Worlds, and what it’s really like to pursue the sport at the elite level. Her insight into the evolving landscape of gravel offers a refreshing and honest look at what it takes to excel while staying grounded.

The conversation goes deeper into identity and the experience of being a six-foot-tall woman in a peloton where confidence and presence matter. Hannah talks about the power of strong female role models, the importance of women supporting women, and how she and her husband navigate full-time RV life throughout the racing season. They wrap up with classic rapid-fire questions, making this episode equal parts insightful, personal, and fun — a must-listen for fans of the growing gravel community.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

This week, JP welcomes Jonathan Lee, the widely recognized host of the TrainerRoad Podcast and a beloved voice in the cycling world. JP and Jonathan share a powerful full-circle moment — back in 2021, Jonathan interviewed JP on the Successful Athletes Podcast about living with Bipolar Disorder and rebuilding life through low-volume training. That conversation became a genesis point for JP, planting the seed that eventually grew into The Stable Cyclist Podcast. Now, Jonathan steps into the guest seat to reflect on his own path to TrainerRoad and how solving problems — for athletes, coworkers, and himself — has guided his career.

The conversation goes far beyond watts and workouts. JP and Jonathan dive into Jonathan’s life outside the studio: his work within his church community, managing training alongside a demanding life, and the deeper question of where identity is truly found. This is one of the most honest, grounded conversations you’ll hear — a look at the human behind one of cycling’s most recognizable podcast voices, exploring purpose, balance, vulnerability, and faith in a world that often values performance above everything else.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

This week, JP sits down with Brett Rothmeyer, the creative eye behind the photos of Keegan Swenson and the Santa Cruz htSQD. As part of JP’s ongoing “Creators in Cycling” series, Brett shares his long journey into the world of professional photography — from discovering his voice behind the lens to capturing some of cycling’s most defining moments. They dig into what it takes to shoot massive events like Unbound, Gravel Worlds, and Leadville, the intense travel schedule that comes with the territory, and the balance between art, exhaustion, and passion.

Brett also recounts his front-row experience at the UCI Marathon MTB World Championships, where Keegan Swenson claimed the top step and Brett was there to document the moment that defined a season. This episode gives an intimate look at the often unseen creative grind that shapes the stories, images, and emotions of the sport we love.

If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected]

The companies supporting JP and this channel:

Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/

Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/

Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/

Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15

Wahoo Fitness - https://www.wahoofitness.com

Dawn to Dusk - https://www.https://dawntodusk.bike/

Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com

The Black Bibs - https://www.theblackbibs.com

Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/

Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/

Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/

National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/

#StableCyclistPodcast #CyclingPodcast