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

In Episode 9 of Service Course Report, hosts Ed Philbrick, Kurt Stockton, and Derin Stockton share unforgettable cycling adventures that shaped their journey—from chasing a purse snatcher through Santa Barbara to racing across France’s competitive cycling scene.

The crew dives deep into the legacy of Time pedals, exploring how their groundbreaking floating system transformed cycling gear and performance. Along the way, they reflect on the evolution of bike technology, UCI regulations, and how the spirit of the cycling community has changed since the 1980s.

From mountain biking and trail riding to pro racing stories, cycling history, and brand innovation, Episode 9 captures the blend of adventure, camaraderie, and progress that keeps this sport rolling forward.

Takeaways:

• Shared cycling experiences build lifelong bonds.

• Time pedals redefined performance with innovation.

• Racing in France offered new challenges and culture.

• The 1980s cycling scene set the stage for today’s evolution.

• Memorable moments often come from the unexpected.

• (00:00:11) - Service Course Report
• (00:00:42) - We Had To Chase Down A Purse Snatcher
• (00:06:07) - Flav Flav on Time Sport pedals and shoes
• (00:10:23) - Doughboy on His 90 Pro 9091
• (00:13:56) - Pedals and Clutches, Early days
• (00:17:24) - Floating Pedal
• (00:20:15) - Time Climbing Pedals
• (00:27:08) - Pedals Made in France
• (00:33:57) - Start Lists from the 1980 Tour de France
• (00:36:29) - Former Supercross Rider Mark Hendershot Started the Santa Cruz Syndicate
• (00:40:59) - The Santa Cruz Bicycle Brand
• (00:45:02) - Members of the Syndicate
• (00:47:32) - Santa Barbara's San Ysidro Trail Open This Weekend
• (00:49:10) - Bovine Classic Event Announcement
• (00:52:50) - Euro Cycling Championships
• (00:58:11) - UAE Cycling: The Team's Aerodynamics
• (01:05:12) - Del Toro vs Remco in the World Cup
• (01:09:35) - Good for U23
• (01:13:17) - SRAM vs UCI: Reaction to the Court Settlement
• (01:17:59) - Downhill Race: The Look of the UCI
• (01:21:21) - Battery Failure on a Gravel Bike

Episode 8 – Service Course Report
In this episode, Ed Philbrick, Kurt, and Derin Stockton dive deep into the cycling journey — from their junior racing days in Southern California during the 1980s to today’s biggest stages. They share stories of early road trips, key races like Willow’s Road Race, and the challenge of qualifying for nationals, while reflecting on how those experiences shaped their passion for the sport.

The conversation also covers the evolution of bike technology and equipment, the importance of community rides and engagement, and their latest projects, including designing a new gravel tire for Panaracer. Looking at the present day, the hosts unpack highlights from the World Championships, Remco Evenepoel’s time trial dominance, the role of course design, and the technical challenges riders face at the highest level.

From racing memories to modern-day cycling culture, Episode 8 blends history, gear, events, and the camaraderie that keeps the cycling community rolling strong.

• (00:00:00) - Racing With My Roastmates in the 1980s
• (00:06:36) - Yeti Ultimates and More
• (00:08:04) - The Willows Road Race 1982
• (00:11:21) - Shimano Ax Brakes at UCSD
• (00:13:52) - Retro Velo Photos from the Olympics
• (00:17:25) - Looking back at the Junior Cycling Scene
• (00:19:44) - How to Qualify for Nationals
• (00:21:42) - Gravel Dog
• (00:26:12) - The 988 Ride San Diego
• (00:29:17) - Bovine Classic Event Announcement
• (00:31:20) - African road cycling at the
• (00:35:31) - Philip Cooke on Remco's Challenge
• (00:40:10) - Euro Championships start list
• (00:44:02) - Greg Lamont wins the Chinese race
• (00:48:23) - The Great British Bicycle Crash
• (00:51:31) - Two Bolt Seat Posts
• (00:55:27) - The Cousin Plot Thickens
• (00:56:01) - Two-Bolt Seat Post
• (01:02:00) - Remco on Pete Stetna
• (01:06:10) - A Taste of the Cops

Episode 7: Les Gets World Cup DH, WetScream Tire Tech, Philly Classic & Vuelta Moves

From the mud of Les Gets to the streets of Philadelphia, we’re covering it all in this week’s Service Course Report.

• The Les Gets World Cup Downhill and how the legendary Maxxis WetScream tire—originally designed by Derin Stockton—still wins races today.

• Jackson Goldstone’s run, Shimano XTR brakes, and why momentum matters more than watts in DH racing.

• The return of the Philly Cycling Classic and a full recap of the Maryland Cycling Classic.

• Road racing highlights from the Vuelta a España, bonus seconds drama, Jonas vs. the field, and Juan Ayuso’s move to Lidl-Trek.

• A look ahead to XC Worlds in LA 2028 and how course intensity shapes Olympic racing.

• Plus, a Bovine Classic preview and more.

Tune in as Ed, Derin, and Kurt connect the dots between MTB tech, pro racing, and the culture of cycling.

• (00:00:14) - Blind by Science Cycling Course Report
• (00:05:31) - The Maryland Cycling Classic
• (00:07:56) - Tyler Pierce on His Freeride
• (00:11:19) - Have You Noticed The Change in Motocross Riders?
• (00:13:10) - How Do I Tell When A Fast Downhill Rider Is Real?
• (00:19:19) - I Want My Mtv Ad Campaign
• (00:24:43) - I Want My SCR Instead
• (00:26:18) - Bovine Classic
• (00:29:37) - The Great Western Bike Rally
• (00:31:48) - The Race for the Tour de France
• (00:39:30) - "The Tour de France
• (00:40:02) - Juan Solo Won a Tour de France
• (00:40:46) - Matthew Riccatello's Triathlon Story
• (00:47:58) - Mountain biking at the 2020 Olympics
• (00:55:08) - The Maxis Spike
• (01:00:52) - Follow-Drones in Motocross
• (01:03:12) - The Philly Bike Classic Will Be Back
• (01:08:53) - Philly's Back...
• (01:11:41) - UCI President Le Parettent's Amateur Move
• (01:15:09) - Jonas Roglic vs Primoz Roglic
• (01:21:00) - Checking brake pads before driving
• (01:21:27) - Mud Mountain Bike Race
• (01:26:23) - Muds Biker
• (01:26:45) - Isaac Del Toro

• (00:00:04) - Service Course Report
• (00:02:27) - The Thug Ride
• (00:05:29) - The Philadelphia Cycling Classic 2018
• (00:09:40) - Peter the Grueling
• (00:12:14) - The Mani Yunk Wall Sprint
• (00:18:30) - Kenny Armstrong on His First World Championship
• (00:22:15) - Bovine Classic
• (00:23:55) - Jonas' sprinting
• (00:28:53) - Jayvon Kruist on his solo win
• (00:29:38) - Lotto Cycling Back to Their Roots
• (00:32:50) - Derek G's Contract Dispute
• (00:34:57) - BMC Motocross Transfer Story
• (00:37:18) - Chris Froome Injured in Training Crash
• (00:39:27) - Exclusives: Remco's Shift Data Will Be Shared with
• (00:44:55) - Is Your Cleat Better For Cyclocross?
• (00:45:21) - Shimano Pedals
• (00:48:19) - Shimano's New CLCAT
• (00:49:30) - Pole pontoon cleat
• (00:51:37) - Riley on His Swiping
• (00:51:51) - Chris Jordan and the King of Milan
• (00:56:19) - Sprinting to the Win
• (01:01:35) - "What Went Wrong?"
• (01:03:53) - What Went Wrong
• (01:05:03) - Bike Comparison: Early Shimano Duras
• (01:08:10) - Maryland Cycling Classic: Episode 6

• (00:00:08) - Service Course Report: Who Are We?
• (00:04:23) - Punishment for gravel rides
• (00:09:06) - Black Bear Stands Up in the Mountains
• (00:12:28) - Heads Up! Cramps after a gravel ride
• (00:15:54) - How to Cramp on a Ride
• (00:17:01) - Kate Courtney's Leadville Blip
• (00:20:12) - Kurt Shimano
• (00:23:50) - Bradley on Shimano vs Campy
• (00:26:34) - Starlink Coverage of the Tour de Colorado
• (00:29:02) - Race preview: La Vuelta Espana
• (00:32:18) - The Tour of Spain
• (00:37:56) - Pod 6: The Vuelta
• (00:39:27) - Transfer news from the Tour de France
• (00:43:00) - Tom Pidckey on riding another Grand Tour
• (00:44:27) - The Amateurs of Cycling
• (00:47:54) - How To Clean Your Water Bottles
• (00:53:41) - How to Clean Your Water Bottles
• (00:55:45) - Thank You!