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Spokes Stack is an exploration into the fascinating lives of New York City cyclists. From social riders to long distance bike-packer’s, everyone has a unique journey worthy of sharing. My mission is to have meaningful conversations with the individuals that make up this community in order to tell their stories.

Art by one of my long time pals and bike buddies, @teedle.dee

Stories posted every Monday on spokesstack.substack.com

Spokes Stack is an exploration into the fascinating lives of New York City cyclists. From social riders to long distance bike-packer’s, everyone has a unique journey worthy of sharing. My mission is to have meaningful conversations with the individuals that make up this community in order to tell their stories.

Art by one of my long time pals and bike buddies, @teedle.dee

Stories posted every Monday on spokesstack.substack.com

Spokes Stack is an exploration into the fascinating lives of New York City cyclists. From social riders to long distance bike-packer’s, everyone has a unique journey worthy of sharing. My mission is to have meaningful conversations with the individuals that make up this community in order to tell their stories.

Art by one of my long time pals and bike buddies, @teedle.dee

Stories posted every Monday on spokesstack.substack.com

Spokes Stack is an exploration into the fascinating lives of New York City cyclists. From social riders to long distance bike-packer’s, everyone has a unique journey worthy of sharing. My mission is to have meaningful conversations with the individuals that make up this community in order to tell their stories.

Art by one of my long time pals and bike buddies, @teedle.dee

Stories posted every Monday on spokesstack.substack.com

Spokes Stack 32: I spoke with @babblingbabushka of @kruiscx about burning out, living a nomadic lifestyle, and being addicted to exercise.

Article is live now on my Substack. Link in bio. Please like, comment, subscribe, etc.

Spokes Stack 32: I spoke with @babblingbabushka of @kruiscx about burning out, living a nomadic lifestyle, and being addicted to exercise.

Article is live now on my Substack. Link in bio. Please like, comment, subscribe, etc.

Spokes Stack 32: I spoke with @babblingbabushka of @kruiscx about burning out, living a nomadic lifestyle, and being addicted to exercise.

Article is live now on my Substack. Link in bio. Please like, comment, subscribe, etc.

Spokes Stack 32: I spoke with @babblingbabushka of @kruiscx about burning out, living a nomadic lifestyle, and being addicted to exercise.

Article is live now on my Substack. Link in bio. Please like, comment, subscribe, etc.

SpokesCast 7 with @brooklynscyclingfamily out on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack NOW.

@zel_the_enthusiast speaks on BCF spice levels.

Host: @mattytyler96
Co-Host: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

SpokesCast 7: Family w/ @brooklynscyclingfamily

We spoke with @zel_the_enthusiast , @blackrussian808, @brooklynholistic0, @dalislikes_ , @queso_ , @art_enloe, and @washyourbike of Brooklyn Cycling Family. We discussed the origin of their bi-weekly group ride, community events, and the BCF art showcase.

This episode is available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

Pre and Post race interview of @karen.every.day taking first place overall at the super frigid Black Ice Alleycat hosted at @principlesbkby @femmekatie Check out the full interview from the neat alleycat vlog (link in bio) I supported @nycspokesstack & @esci_productions in creating 🎥
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#alleycat #fixedgear #Brooklyn

From SpokesCast 6 with @sincereyeehaws of @badpony.racing

The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more. Link in the bio.

Two tips from alleycat vets @paremongputi and @all_cars_are_bad from the Black Ice alleycat hosted by @principlesbk back on January where I got to help @nycspokesstack @esci_productions make a cool vlog of an alleycat experience. Can watch the full vlog from the link in my bio.
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#alleycat #fixedgear #bikemessenger #Brooklyn

Spokes Stack 31: I spoke with @fastpassnyc about the logistics of filming bike races, how his video content has evolved, and what inspires him to spotlight the NYC bike racing scene.

Link to my Substack article for Spokes Stack 31 is in my bio.

📸: @metro.sn

Spokes Stack 31: I spoke with @fastpassnyc about the logistics of filming bike races, how his video content has evolved, and what inspires him to spotlight the NYC bike racing scene.

Link to my Substack article for Spokes Stack 31 is in my bio.

📸: @metro.sn

Spokes Stack 31: I spoke with @fastpassnyc about the logistics of filming bike races, how his video content has evolved, and what inspires him to spotlight the NYC bike racing scene.

Link to my Substack article for Spokes Stack 31 is in my bio.

📸: @metro.sn

Spokes Stack 31: I spoke with @fastpassnyc about the logistics of filming bike races, how his video content has evolved, and what inspires him to spotlight the NYC bike racing scene.

Link to my Substack article for Spokes Stack 31 is in my bio.

📸: @metro.sn

SpokesCast: We spoke with @sincereyeehaws, a founder of @badpony.racing, about being a fixed-gear supremacist, advocating for women, trans, femme, and non-binary racers, and the formation of Bad Pony Racing.

SpokesCast S1 E6 available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

Host: @mattytyler96
Co-Host: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks

SpokesCast: We spoke with @sincereyeehaws, a founder of @badpony.racing, about being a fixed-gear supremacist, advocating for women, trans, femme, and non-binary racers, and the formation of Bad Pony Racing.

SpokesCast S1 E6 available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

Host: @mattytyler96
Co-Host: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks

SpokesCast: We spoke with @sincereyeehaws, a founder of @badpony.racing, about being a fixed-gear supremacist, advocating for women, trans, femme, and non-binary racers, and the formation of Bad Pony Racing.

SpokesCast S1 E6 available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

Host: @mattytyler96
Co-Host: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks

SpokesCast: We spoke with @sincereyeehaws, a founder of @badpony.racing, about being a fixed-gear supremacist, advocating for women, trans, femme, and non-binary racers, and the formation of Bad Pony Racing.

SpokesCast S1 E6 available NOW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Substack. Link in bio.

Host: @mattytyler96
Co-Host: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

SpokesCast: Monster Track 2026
Host: @mattytyler96
Cohost/Producer: @stupatchap
Producer: @nowatermarks
Available NOW on Spotify and Apple Music

On Saturday, March 28, 2026 the SpokesCast crew shoved microphones into the faces of various Monster Track racers and spectators before and after the event. Thank you to all who participated and helped record a really awesome day.

Chapters:
* 0:00 - Host intro
* 3:07 - Devin pre-race
* 4:17 - Karen pre-race
* 8:10 - Butta pre-race
* 12:24 - Maeve pre-race
* 13:45 - Maria pre-race
* 16:37 - Mike pre-race
* 19:47 - Noah pre-race
* 23:19 - Liam and Ryan Pre-race
* 25:29 - Sonja Pre-race
* 28:21 - Host banter
* 32:23 - Karen Post-race
* 33:52 - Noah Post-race
* 35:09 - Maeve Post-race
* 36:28 - Maria Post-race
* 40:31 - Ryan post-race
* 42:29 - Butta post-race
* 46:49 - Tarsis post-race
* 49:12 - Host wrap-up

Spinning: Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat
Hosted by @mattytyler96
Directed, Filmed, and Produced by @esci_productions
Filmed by @disfunctional.cyclist and @skazafraz
Art by @hailey_porth and @darbyclash
Available on YouTube. Link in bio.
Photos by Ralph

The day of the Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat, it was well below freezing. I never raced before, I was facing Monster Track winners, and I was racing on a road bike stuck on the lowest gear.

This winter felt like being stuck on the lowest gear, constantly spinning, and not getting to where I want to be as quickly as I wanted. After a corporate layoff at the start of the year, I made it to multiple final round interviews, only to miss out on each opportunity. I’ve frequently put in my all just to end up going nowhere.

How does this relate to the alleycat, Matt? Thanks for asking. This winter I fought myself hard to actually do things. I’ve felt a lot of ambient anxiety — a chronic, low-grade state of tension. Combine the constant fear that I’m not doing enough to fix my career with the state of the world and it doesn’t result in great mental health.

Despite feeling mentally and emotionally horrible this season, I raced in an alleycat and started a podcast. I did these things despite the overwhelming urge to self-isolate, feel bad for myself, and stay out of the cold.

On January 24, several people decided to go out into the cold. These folks came out despite the fact that the “feels like temperature” was 3. “Spinning” explores what drives these members of the NYC cycling community to go out and bike during the winter, despite how bad it is out there.

This message has really resonated with me. Even when the conditions aren’t ideal, when it’s easier not to try, you might be stuck on the lowest gear, and it doesn’t feel like you’re going anywhere, it’s important to keep spinning.

Spinning: Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat
Hosted by @mattytyler96
Directed, Filmed, and Produced by @esci_productions
Filmed by @disfunctional.cyclist and @skazafraz
Art by @hailey_porth and @darbyclash
Available on YouTube. Link in bio.
Photos by Ralph

The day of the Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat, it was well below freezing. I never raced before, I was facing Monster Track winners, and I was racing on a road bike stuck on the lowest gear.

This winter felt like being stuck on the lowest gear, constantly spinning, and not getting to where I want to be as quickly as I wanted. After a corporate layoff at the start of the year, I made it to multiple final round interviews, only to miss out on each opportunity. I’ve frequently put in my all just to end up going nowhere.

How does this relate to the alleycat, Matt? Thanks for asking. This winter I fought myself hard to actually do things. I’ve felt a lot of ambient anxiety — a chronic, low-grade state of tension. Combine the constant fear that I’m not doing enough to fix my career with the state of the world and it doesn’t result in great mental health.

Despite feeling mentally and emotionally horrible this season, I raced in an alleycat and started a podcast. I did these things despite the overwhelming urge to self-isolate, feel bad for myself, and stay out of the cold.

On January 24, several people decided to go out into the cold. These folks came out despite the fact that the “feels like temperature” was 3. “Spinning” explores what drives these members of the NYC cycling community to go out and bike during the winter, despite how bad it is out there.

This message has really resonated with me. Even when the conditions aren’t ideal, when it’s easier not to try, you might be stuck on the lowest gear, and it doesn’t feel like you’re going anywhere, it’s important to keep spinning.

Spinning: Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat
Hosted by @mattytyler96
Directed, Filmed, and Produced by @esci_productions
Filmed by @disfunctional.cyclist and @skazafraz
Art by @hailey_porth and @darbyclash
Available on YouTube. Link in bio.
Photos by Ralph

The day of the Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat, it was well below freezing. I never raced before, I was facing Monster Track winners, and I was racing on a road bike stuck on the lowest gear.

This winter felt like being stuck on the lowest gear, constantly spinning, and not getting to where I want to be as quickly as I wanted. After a corporate layoff at the start of the year, I made it to multiple final round interviews, only to miss out on each opportunity. I’ve frequently put in my all just to end up going nowhere.

How does this relate to the alleycat, Matt? Thanks for asking. This winter I fought myself hard to actually do things. I’ve felt a lot of ambient anxiety — a chronic, low-grade state of tension. Combine the constant fear that I’m not doing enough to fix my career with the state of the world and it doesn’t result in great mental health.

Despite feeling mentally and emotionally horrible this season, I raced in an alleycat and started a podcast. I did these things despite the overwhelming urge to self-isolate, feel bad for myself, and stay out of the cold.

On January 24, several people decided to go out into the cold. These folks came out despite the fact that the “feels like temperature” was 3. “Spinning” explores what drives these members of the NYC cycling community to go out and bike during the winter, despite how bad it is out there.

This message has really resonated with me. Even when the conditions aren’t ideal, when it’s easier not to try, you might be stuck on the lowest gear, and it doesn’t feel like you’re going anywhere, it’s important to keep spinning.

Spinning: Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat
Hosted by @mattytyler96
Directed, Filmed, and Produced by @esci_productions
Filmed by @disfunctional.cyclist and @skazafraz
Art by @hailey_porth and @darbyclash
Available on YouTube. Link in bio.
Photos by Ralph

The day of the Principles Black Ice Ballet Alleycat, it was well below freezing. I never raced before, I was facing Monster Track winners, and I was racing on a road bike stuck on the lowest gear.

This winter felt like being stuck on the lowest gear, constantly spinning, and not getting to where I want to be as quickly as I wanted. After a corporate layoff at the start of the year, I made it to multiple final round interviews, only to miss out on each opportunity. I’ve frequently put in my all just to end up going nowhere.

How does this relate to the alleycat, Matt? Thanks for asking. This winter I fought myself hard to actually do things. I’ve felt a lot of ambient anxiety — a chronic, low-grade state of tension. Combine the constant fear that I’m not doing enough to fix my career with the state of the world and it doesn’t result in great mental health.

Despite feeling mentally and emotionally horrible this season, I raced in an alleycat and started a podcast. I did these things despite the overwhelming urge to self-isolate, feel bad for myself, and stay out of the cold.

On January 24, several people decided to go out into the cold. These folks came out despite the fact that the “feels like temperature” was 3. “Spinning” explores what drives these members of the NYC cycling community to go out and bike during the winter, despite how bad it is out there.

This message has really resonated with me. Even when the conditions aren’t ideal, when it’s easier not to try, you might be stuck on the lowest gear, and it doesn’t feel like you’re going anywhere, it’s important to keep spinning.

New videoooo! Let’s talk bike fits, with @nycspokesstack and @revolutionsperbikefit . Full vid in my bio link!
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