Welcome back to the Service Course Report—your weekly deep dive into cycling culture, gravel adventure, pro racing news, and the stories shaping the sport. In this episode, Ed, Kurt, and Derin break down a packed week on (and off) the bike with a mix of storytelling, tech talk, and honest conversation about where cycling is headed.

We kick things off with a ride recap from the Pismo Preserve, one of the most scenic gravel and mixed-terrain spots in California. The guys talk trail conditions, climb profiles, equipment choices, and why this preserve has become a destination for gravel riders, mountain bikers, and anyone looking for a fast, fun coastal loop.

From there, we dive into one of the most important—and controversial—topics in modern cycling: e-bikes. We cover Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike differences, trail access rules, safety concerns, speed management, and how e-bikes are changing the way cyclists, hikers, and land managers interact. As e-bikes continue to grow in gravel, MTB, and urban riding, clear communication and shared trail etiquette are more important than ever.

Next, we turn to the long shadow of doping in cycling. Ed, Kurt, and Derin unpack how past generations still influence the present, what accountability could look like today, and why sponsors often land in tough ethical dilemmas when supporting athletes and teams. The conversation digs into how the sport can acknowledge its past while building a healthier, more transparent culture.

The crew also explores the rise of new American pro cycling teams, why the U.S. racing scene feels more energized, and how team dynamics, sponsorship structures, and athlete development are shifting. There’s a sense that U.S. cycling is entering a new era—and the guys break down what that could mean for the future.

And yes… we get into the big rumor: Keegan Swenson potentially moving to Specialized. What would that mean for gravel racing? For athlete sponsorship wars? For off-road dominance in the U.S.? Whether you follow gravel casually or obsessively, this move could shake things up.

Throughout the episode, one theme keeps surfacing: cycling—road, gravel, mountain biking, or e-bikes—depends on community. Trail access, safety, sponsorship, racing, and culture all work better when riders communicate, respect each other, and stay involved.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone who loves riding and cares about where the sport is going.

The Bovine Classic delivered big this year — stunning scenery, amazing riders, and that signature gravel community vibe. ‍♂️ In this episode of the Service Course Report, hosts Ed Philbrick and Kurt Stockton recap their experiences at the event, from the shakeout rides and reconnecting with old friends to bike setup challenges and new gear discoveries.

Kurt dives into his first rides on the Mondraker gravel bike, sharing how he overcame headset issues and fine-tuned his setup on the fly. The conversation captures the spirit of the sport — community, camaraderie, and constant learning — along with a nod to rising talents like Jonas Woodruff making their mark on the scene.

Whether you’re prepping for your next gravel adventure or just love great ride stories, this episode has it all — from tech talk to trail tales.

00:00 – Introduction and Overview
01:08 – Bovine Classic Experience
04:49 – Shakeout Rides and Community Engagement
09:20 – Reconnecting with Old Friends
12:12 – Event Highlights and Awards
15:28 – Segment Format in Cycling Events
19:53 – Emerging Talents in Cycling
23:40 – Amateur Segment: Personal Bike Journey
24:28 – Exploring Mondraker: A Spanish Bike Brand
25:48 – Custom Geometry and Setup Challenges
29:05 – First Ride Troubles: Headset Issues
31:53 – Seeking Professional Help for Bike Repairs
35:11 – Final Adjustments and Successful Ride
39:02 – Lessons Learned: Bike Maintenance Tips
40:01 – The Benefits of SRAM’s Wireless System
41:41 – Future Rides and Evaluating Bike Performance

• The Bovine Classic remains one of California’s premier gravel cycling events.

• Community and camaraderie are what make gravel special.

• Shakeout rides create friendships and shared experiences.

• Kurt’s Mondraker debut shows the value of setup and adaptability.

• Technical issues can turn into lessons learned on the road.

• Rising stars like Jonas Woodruff are pushing the sport forward.

• (00:00:13) - Service Course Report
• (00:05:01) - September 7th: The Atascadero Cycling Festival
• (00:08:29) - Meeting Gary Summers at the Olympics
• (00:13:42) - BWR Happy Bovine
• (00:18:37) - Clark Natwick raced with Beltech Boyer in the 1980s
• (00:19:49) - Jonas Woodruff Wins BWR California
• (00:23:58) - Amateur Mondraker
• (00:29:37) - How to swap a headset bearing at SRAM
• (00:34:56) - Mondragor Arid
• (00:39:10) - SRAM World Tour: What Went Wrong
• (00:43:07) - Bovine Classic
• (00:44:25) - The Happy Happy gravel race
• (00:47:24) - The Bovine Classic
• (00:50:16) - Riding With the Motos
• (00:51:51) - Gravel Biker Event Recap
• (00:57:31) - The Dublin Triathlon
• (01:01:47) - San Ynez Valley: A Tourist's Experience
• (01:03:01) - Biking to the coast
• (01:08:00) - The Pismo Preserve Cycling Route
• (01:13:02) - Gravel and E-Mountain Bike Riding
• (01:17:19) - Oh, Romero Tire
• (01:17:45) - Continental Trucks: Hardpack and Enduro Tires
• (01:22:39) - Getting Back On My Dirt Bike
• (01:23:44) - Flight attendant suspension on my bike
• (01:29:22) - What are the plans for suspension on gravel bikes?
• (01:35:30) - Gravel Burn: The Dropper Seat Post
• (01:38:04) - Shimano Enduro Cleats Review

The Bovine Classic is more than just a gravel race — it’s a celebration of cycling culture, community, and adventure. In this episode, the hosts share their excitement for the upcoming event in Atascadero, California, reflecting on the evolution of gravel and cross bikes, early riding memories, and what makes the modern gravel scene so special.

You’ll hear stories about event prep, shakeout rides, and the camaraderie that defines gravel cycling. From gear choices and tire talk to event-day logistics, this conversation captures the passion and storytelling that bring riders together from all over the world.

Whether you’re pinning on a number for your first Bovine Classic or just love a good ride story, this episode will get you stoked for the season ahead.

Key Topics:

• The evolution of gravel and cross bikes

• Preparing for the Bovine Classic

• The rise of community-driven cycling events

• Early cycling adventures and lessons learned

• Event-day strategies and gear insights

• Why participation and storytelling matter in cycling

• (00:00:11) - Bovine Classic Course Report
• (00:01:36) - Gravel Bikes Back in the Day
• (00:07:27) - Bob Meeker On His First Cross Bike
• (00:12:54) - Bostic on His Touring Shoes
• (00:17:11) - Bovine Classic Shakeout Ride
• (00:22:04) - The Bovine Classic: Thursday, Friday
• (00:24:37) - Bovine Classic
• (00:29:29) - The Start List for the Bovine
• (00:34:10) - Wheels on for the Shakeout