Dirty Chain Podcast Episode 46: The Cycling Independent

Overview:

In Episode 46 of the Dirty Chain Podcast, Trevor and Sheldon dive into a personal race recap of the Heart Hills event before welcoming cycling media veterans Mike Cushenberry and Patrick Brady of The Cycling Independent. They explore the evolution of cycling journalism, the rise of gravel riding, and the art of storytelling in cycling media. The conversation captures the challenges and joys of cycling culture, the significance of community, and the need for independent journalism in a changing media landscape.

Mike Cushenberry and Patrick Brady passionately express the need for genuine, independent storytelling in cycling journalism. Their project, The Cycling Independent, stands out by focusing on authenticity and community over traditional advertising-driven models. They argue that cycling is fundamentally about personal stories, community, and the shared love of riding, and that modern cycling media should foster those ideals. Meanwhile, Trevor and Sheldon’s personal anecdotes highlight the unpredictable and joyful reality of life on two wheels.

Key Topics and Timestamps:

[00:01:15] Heart Hills race recap: sand, wind, and tire mistakes
[00:18:40] Upcoming races and Sheldon’s travel schedule
[00:22:10] Sheldon’s incident with a car while riding
[00:27:00] Fargo Sub-48 and the rise of bikepacking events
[00:32:20] The Impossible Route documentary and cycling media discussion
[01:12:00] Introduction to Mike Cushenberry and Patrick Brady
[01:15:45] Backgrounds in cycling journalism and careers
[01:22:20] Why The Cycling Independent was created
[01:28:10] Importance of storytelling in cycling media
[01:34:20] The evolution of the gravel scene and its impact
[01:42:00] Community building through cycling events
[01:51:00] The future of media: supporting content directly through subscriptions
[01:55:00] Final thoughts on storytelling, passion, and the cycling lifestyle