Dirty Chain Podcast Episode 31: Roy Kranz - Four Time Dirty Kanza Fat Bike Champion

Overview:

In this episode, Trevor and Sheldon chat with four-time Dirty Kanza (DK) Fat Bike Champion Roy Kranz. Roy recounts his path from recreational rider to elite endurance cyclist, his infamous free event “The Kranz-a,” and his love for fat biking. The conversation highlights the growth of gravel cycling, community spirit, and the joy of tackling the impossible.

Roy Kranz’s story is not only about grit and endurance but also about transformation, community, and joy. From overweight racer to fat bike icon, he exemplifies how discipline and passion can reshape a life. His race, the Kranz-a, is infamous for its brutality yet cherished for its purity and grassroots heart. Roy champions a cycling lifestyle accessible at any age, reminding listeners that it’s never too late to start riding seriously—or to beat a legend.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[00:05:25] The origin of the Kranz-a and its notoriously sandy route
[00:16:30] Roy’s introduction to fat biking and weight-loss journey
[00:20:15] How a training manual transformed his racing career
[00:24:00] Meeting Tyler Cunin and discovering ultra-endurance races
[00:25:55] Winning the first-ever DK fat bike category
[00:28:00] Bike setup, gear preferences, and training tools
[00:30:45] Endurance events like Margie Gessick and the Manistee 250
[00:34:10] Racing the Crusher Hammer against Todd Poquette and more
[00:37:00] Finding and recovering a lost Garmin at Margie
[00:42:00] Camaraderie in gravel vs MTB racing culture
[00:45:30] Solo breakaway win at Coast to Coast 2019
[00:48:00] Fat biking as a lifetime sport and age-defying performance
[00:50:00] Trainer motivation, saddle comfort, and gear hacks
[00:54:00] The Michigan gravel scene and Roy’s community impact
[00:56:00] Riding and beating cycling legend Jens Voigt at DK
[01:01:30] Anticipation and mindset heading into future races