Dialed Cycling Podcast #359 - Recap

Welcome back, cycling people! If you’re here for a play-by-play of pristine road conditions, perfectly tuned race strategies, and easy Sunday spins—well, you’ve come to the wrong place. This week on the Dialed Podcast, things got dirty. Literally. From epic mud battles in the Real West Gravel Race to high-speed action at Echo Red to Red, this episode is packed with all the elements of a classic cycling story: pain, perseverance, and questionable decision-making (we’re looking at you, Lance).

But don’t just take our word for it—secure your favorite recovery drink, settle in, and let’s break it all down. And when you're done, hit play on this week’s episode for the full experience.

Backpedaling: How Hard Can It Be?

Let’s start with the most important cycling update: Matt is still on his streak. Day 76 of riding every single day. Has it been fun? Debatable. Has it involved a lot of Netflix? Absolutely. As he says, "Some days I’m just holding on by a thread." Relatable, Matt. Relatable.

Meanwhile, Ian, Lance, and a solid Dialed Cycling squad took on the Real West Gravel race, only to be met with full-send, Type-2-fun conditions. Rain? Check. 20mph headwinds? Check. Mud so thick it could swallow a drivetrain whole? Oh yeah.

The event started with an ambitious goal: survive. With 200 riders taking on the long course, only about half made it to the end. And by "made it," we mean they avoided hypothermia, mechanical meltdowns, and existential crises on the climbs.

Lance, proving once again that he exists in his own reality, started the weekend by crashing during pre-race mountain bike training in Arizona. The results? A cracked helmet, bruised ribs, and a back contusion that looked like modern art. Did that stop him from racing the next day? Of course not. Why would it?

The Real West Gravel Showdown

Imagine battling a relentless headwind for two hours straight, only to hit a climb where quitting is a serious consideration. That was the Real West Gravel race. At mile 32, riders had to decide: go the full 68-mile distance or take the “short” 48-mile route. More than half the field made the wise (some might say sane) choice to bail.

Ian? He was having a full-blown internal debate mid-race, turning back and forth between the long and short courses like a man locked in a game of mental tug-of-war. Eventually, he chose survival and took the short route home—only to win his age group. Turns out, indecisiveness has its perks.

The post-race recovery strategy? Piling into Lance’s van and cranking the heater.

Echo Red to Red: A Painful Upgrade

Before the Real West Gravel race, Lance had his sights set on Echo Red to Red, his first race as a Cat 1 mountain biker. The dream? Compete with the elites. The reality? A back injury from the Arizona crash, a field of absolute crushers, and one very humbling experience.

From the moment the race started, it was clear the Cat 1 field was a different beast. In Lance’s words, "I got passed by 40 people in about 40 seconds." After a grueling 90 minutes of holding on, he completely imploded. But that wasn’t enough punishment—he still lined up the next day for the gravel race. Because, you know, logic.

Kylee Hanel: The Real MVP

While the guys were out there questioning their life choices, Dialed Cycling teammate Kylee Hanel was out there winning. Not once. But twice.

She took the elite women’s win at both the Echo Red to Red MTB race and the Real West Gravel race. The only thing more impressive than her performance was the margin by which she crushed the competition. To top it off, she even managed to beat her dad (cycling legend Chris Hanel), because apparently, talent runs in the family.

Why You Should Do a Time Trial (Even if You Hate Them)

Switching gears (literally), the crew rounded out the episode by talking about an upcoming event close to their hearts: the Michael Myers Memorial Time Trial.

If you’ve never done a time trial, here’s why you should:

• No pack dynamics: Just you, your bike, and your ability to suffer.

• Benchmarking your fitness: FTP tests are overrated. Want to know how strong you really are? Race against the clock.

• Pacing practice: Blow up too early, and you’ll feel it. But nail the pacing, and you’ll find a whole new level of speed.

• Low intimidation factor: No crit corners, no pile-ups, just pure effort.

And for those of you who don’t own a TT bike or an aero skinsuit? No problem. The “Eddy Class” category lets you race on a standard road bike with no aero gear. Just bring your legs and your willingness to suffer.

Final Thoughts: A Weekend of Madness and Miles

From brutal gravel conditions to first-time Cat 1 experiences to absolute dominance by Kylee Hanel, this week’s podcast had it all. Cycling isn’t always smooth, but that’s what makes it great. The highs, the lows, and the post-race war stories are what keep us coming back for more.

So whether you’re considering your first time trial, thinking about upgrading to Cat 1 (don’t rush it, Lance), or just here for the entertainment, give this episode a listen. And remember—sometimes, quitting at mile 32 is the right call.

Listen to the full episode now!