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In this episode we enjoy a conversation with Jeff Dieffenbach, co-president of 545 Velo, and Larry Alford, one of the club's original founders. Together, they take us on a ride through the club’s origins, its evolution from a masters racing team to a diverse and inclusive cycling community, and the powerful role that camaraderie and purpose play in the club’s culture today.

Jeff and Larry tell us how 545 Velo was born out of early morning training rides—hence the name—and how its members have stayed committed to racing while also building a community that welcomes riders of all levels.

We also chat about the club's two signature events: the Guilford Gravel Grinder and Boss Cross. These events embody the club’s ethos—competitive, well-organized, and community-focused. The conversation touches on the post-pandemic decline in cyclocross participation, the rise of gravel riding, and how New England’s cycling culture is adapting to stay inclusive, vibrant, and family-friendly.

Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned rider, this episode offers an inside look into the dynamics of running a grassroots cycling club in New England and the values that keep it rolling strong.

Episode Takeaways:

• Originally a masters team, it now includes riders across all age groups and skill levels.
• The club prioritizes chemistry and shared values over aggressive recruiting.
• Racing remains a central focus, but community events play a key role in club culture.
• The Guilford Gravel Grinder is part of the Triple Crown Series.
• The New England cycling scene is rich with events and built on camaraderie, tradition, and support from local bike shops.
• The McGregor's are another regional team that spun off from the Crack 'O Dawn cycling club.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

The BIVO Story with Founders Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer

In this episode we speak with Carina Hamel and Robby Ringer, co-founders of BIVO, the Vermont-based brand redefining hydration for endurance athletes. Born from a desire to ditch plastic and do better for the planet, BIVO makes sleek, stainless steel water bottles that perform under pressure—and turn heads on the trail.

Carina and Robby open up about the early days of building BIVO, the big move from Portland to Vermont, and the hard-earned lessons of launching a product-based startup—from nozzle design to navigating funding with integrity. They share their passion for creating more than just bottles—BIVO is evolving into a hub for endurance athletes through events, community engagement, and a fresh take on what it means to be a mission-driven brand in the outdoor space.

Takeaways:

• BIVO bottles were designed to deliver performance and sustainability—no squeezing required.
• Feedback from real athletes helped shape everything from materials to feel to function.
• Running a business is hard, expensive, and filled with tradeoffs—but the community support makes it worth it.
• Future expansion may include other sports and products beyond cycling.
• Entrepreneurship means accepting that sometimes you’re not in peak shape, personally—and that’s okay!
• Their mission is grounded in creating better alternatives and stronger connections.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.

In this inspiring episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Catale, the Executive Director of New England Youth Cycling (NEYC) and the founder and president of Team KellCat Development Inc. (KellCat Devo). Kelly’s journey in the cycling world is nothing short of inspiring—she’s a two-time Singlespeed MTB National Champion and a three-time Team USA Member for the Marathon MTB World Championships. After a successful seven-year career as a professional mountain biker, Kelly has turned her focus to developing the next generation of cyclists, particularly young girls, through her leadership in NEYC and KellCat Devo.

Kelly shares the important mission of NEYC, as well as the inspiration behind KellCat Devo, an all-girls junior mountain bike team. She talks about the importance of fostering inclusivity and support in youth cycling. She also highlights the work of the NEYC league (a mountain bike series here in New England), which now has hundreds of coaches and kids from high schools all over New England. One of the key focuses of NEYC is developing younger riders in elementary and middle schools, encouraging them to get involved with mountain biking early on.

Kelly also opens up about her personal challenges with mental health and how these experiences shape her approach to coaching, mentorship, and creating a positive environment for young athletes.

Tune in to hear about Kelly's racing background, the exciting future of youth cycling in New England, and the powerful ways cycling can be a vehicle for both physical and mental strength. Whether through NEYC’s growing community or KellCat Devo’s all-girls team, Kelly is making a significant impact on the sport and inspiring the next generation of riders here in New England.

Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.