Cycling is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life, a passion that connects people through adventure, endurance, and the freedom of the open road. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just beginning your journey, the Cycling Independent is here to bring you insights, stories, and the latest updates from the cycling world. Stay inspired, explore new trails, and embrace the cycling lifestyle.
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Ebullition/Doubt 39: Oddments
Casserole, hotdish, terrine, one-dish meal … mmm, mmm! While these certainly were not staples in the Mid-Atlantic environs of my youth, I have had the opportunity to enjoy, savor, if at least…
Revolting 234
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Doomsday Prepping. As long as humanity has been new boot goofin’ around Planet Earth, we’ve been preparing for the end. Will it be an asteroid strike? Alien attack? Or will we…
Paceline Podcast 470
Before Brett Bousquet became a physical therapist for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, he worked with a broad cross section of athletes—from cyclists to skiers—while living in Park City, Utah. Brett shares…
Hot Take: Bikes Are Too Good Now
I just wanted to crack the passenger side window, like one-and-a-half cranks of the old lever that did the job when you could actually "roll down the window." But we don't roll the window down…
Memphis Alternative Vehicle Code
I've ridden a great many places in my time. They all have their quirks. In Western Massachusetts, the farmers love to sit 3-6 feet behind a rider or group and honk periodically. In Pisa, the drivers…
Revolting 233
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The Pros and Cons of Being Alive. We’ve both been alive for more than half-a-century now, and that means we know stuff. We know what’s good about it, and we know what’s less…
Paceline Podcast 469
Fresh off his adventure at Unbound, 2015 race champion Yuri Hauswald shares his experience with his different take on the race this year, called Chase the Race, in which the Gravel Hall of Famer…
Hot Take: Bikes Are Ugly
Yes. I know. You love your bike. You gaze lovingly at it when you're not riding it. You likely also feel this way about your, let's be honest, homely children. I get it. Your bicycle gives you a lot…
Featured Posts
Llamas, Donkeys and Sage
The Wuanita loop in Saguache (“Saw–watch”) County, Colorado was my third bikepack, but my first without the handholding provided by a 2021 “Bikepacking 101 Course” offered by Rim Tours in Moab, or a…
Part of Me
In my dream, I am riding up a steep climb on a narrow road winding through redwoods, barely able to turn the pedals. But I am happy. Ecstatic, really. I am one with my bike, an extension of my body,…
Paceline Podcast 470
Before Brett Bousquet became a physical therapist for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, he worked with a broad cross section of athletes—from cyclists to skiers—while living in Park City, Utah. Brett shares…
Page One
Ebullition/Doubt 39: Oddments
Casserole, hotdish, terrine, one-dish meal … mmm, mmm! While these certainly were not staples in the Mid-Atlantic environs of my youth, I have had the opportunity to enjoy, savor, if at least…
Paceline Podcast 470
Before Brett Bousquet became a physical therapist for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, he worked with a broad cross section of athletes—from cyclists to skiers—while living in Park City, Utah. Brett shares…
Op-Ed
Hot Take: Bikes Are Too Good Now
I just wanted to crack the passenger side window, like one-and-a-half cranks of the old lever that did the job when you could actually "roll down the window." But we don't roll the window down…
Ebullition/Doubt 38: Tense and Nervous and I Can’t Relax
We always parked on the “landside” of Atlantic Avenue, generally at my mom’s friend’s house. This was back when it was still possible to rent a place on the north end of Virginia Beach long before…
Because Bikes: Duty
We rounded a bend that the map said was a sure-fire exit from Monte Carlo to a coastal road that would run to Nice. My group numbered six, maybe seven riders—I no longer recall exactly because…
Classified
A Useful Review: Hunt Enduro V3 Wheels
Let’s begin with an agreed-upon maxim. Wheels can have the most immediately noticeable effect on your bike’s performance. Wheels are often the first big upgrade that riders make for their bike as it…
Robot’s Useless Reviews – 15spd Telepathic
Some of you may be aware that I don't love to write reviews. It's because I'm just not that interested in the technical details of most products, but also because I believe, sincerely, that most of…
A Useful Review: Gibbon Slackboard Plus
You already know this but I'm going to say it so that we have all acknowledged the sizable pachyderm with us:Cycling leaves a lot of our stabilizer muscles weak. It sucks. It doubly sucks because I…
Talk
Revolting 234
Support This Podcast
Doomsday Prepping. As long as humanity has been new boot goofin’ around Planet Earth, we’ve been preparing for the end. Will it be an asteroid strike? Alien attack? Or will we…
Revolting 233
Support This Podcast
The Pros and Cons of Being Alive. We’ve both been alive for more than half-a-century now, and that means we know stuff. We know what’s good about it, and we know what’s less…
Revolting 232
Lightning Strikes Thrice. We’ve been doing a bad job of getting to the topic each week, which leaves you without the deep and wise words that you come here for. Instead of correcting our behavior and…