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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Megan Faulkner, the Executive Director of Falmouth Road Race, Inc and the Asics Falmouth Road Race. Megan has been an integral part of this iconic event for over a decade, and today, she gives us an inside look at what makes this race so unique and beloved. From its humble beginnings in 1973, when it was started by a group of runners in search of a few beers, to today’s world-class event attracting top-tier athletes, the Falmouth Road Race has grown into one of the most anticipated road races in the region. And its charity runner division has raised an astonishing $72M over the last decade for various charitable causes!

One of the things that sets Falmouth apart is its festival atmosphere—despite being a 7-mile race, it has the energy and excitement of a full marathon. Megan talks about how the event has evolved over the years, with a range of community-centered activities like the mascot race and the track festival that offer fun for all ages.

Plus, Falmouth Road Race Inc is non-profit entity that offers scholarships for high school students who volunteer, helping to build a future generation of athletes and volunteers.

Another standout feature of the race is long-standing wheelchair division, allowing athletes with disabilities to participate and shine. And their Athlete Hosting Program ensures that elite athletes feel welcomed and supported throughout their race weekend.

With its rich history and focus on community, the Asics Falmouth Road Race is more than just a race—it’s an event that brings everyone together to celebrate endurance, camaraderie, and giving back. Megan gives us the full rundown on how to get involved, whether you’re running for fun, competing for a cause, or just enjoying the festive atmosphere as a spectator.

Tune in to hear about the heart of this incredible event and the impact it continues to have on both athletes and the local community.

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

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In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Amber Ferreira—professional triathlete, mom, coach, and founder of the Granite State Endurance Project. Amber shares how she transformed her personal passion for endurance sports into a thriving community of athletes in New Hampshire. We explore what sets her coaching apart and why Granite State Endurance is about more than just training—it's about connection, grit, and joy in the process. We also chat about the Granite State Running Club and her involvement with that organization.

Based in New Hampshire, Amber and GSEP cultivate a close-knit community of runners, triathletes, and adventurers. This is our 6th episode with an endurance group based out of NH and, have to say, NH is making a strong case for most bad-ass endurance state in the country!

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting—we don’t often get to interview someone with their own Wikipedia page! Amber is a two-time U.S. Snowshoe Champion, the 2012 World Snowshoe Championship runner-up, and a Lake Placid Ironman champion. Needless to say, she brings the kind of grit and experience that’s hard to match.

Amber's story and philosophy will leave you inspired to chase your goals a little harder—and strive for the balance of work, family, and fitness.

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

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In this special episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we celebrate the 15-year anniversary of Back on My Feet (Boston), an organization that has been changing lives through the power of fitness and community. We sit down with with Jen Hyde, the New England director for Back on My Feet, and learn how endurance sports can transform lives, particularly for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction. Jen shares insights into the program's structure, success stories, and the importance of community support in fostering resilience and economic independence. The discussion highlights the impact of walking and running on personal confidence and the role of the Boston running community in supporting Back on My Feet's mission.

We hear firsthand how a simple step—walking or running—can be the catalyst for transformation, instilling discipline, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Through structured programming, job training, and housing assistance, Back on My Feet has helped thousands rewrite their stories. This conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of endurance—both on the pavement and in life.

Join us as we dive into the impact of this incredible organization, share personal success stories, and highlight how movement can be the first stride toward a brighter future.

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.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Andy Gould, the president of State 9 Racing, one of New Hampshire’s premier cycling teams. From its origins in 2015 to its growth into a powerhouse in New England's cycling scene, Andy shared the story of how State 9 Racing has evolved and what makes it stand out from other teams in the region.

As one of the largest cycling teams in New Hampshire, State 9 Racing brings together a diverse group of riders with different disciplines, including road, cyclocross, mountain biking, gravel, and enduro. Andy offered a deep dive into the team’s ethos, highlighting the importance of camaraderie, community, and the shared love of pushing limits on two wheels.

A key topic of the conversation was State 9 Racing’s significant role in the New England gravel and MTB scene. Andy discussed the highly anticipated Triple Crown of Gravel, which includes three premier events: Guilford Gravel, Mainely Gravel, and State 9's The Pavement Ends coming up in April! These events have become staple races for gravel racers in New England, offering a challenge for both seasoned riders and newcomers alike.

Andy also gave us the lowdown on another event the team hosts, the Bear Brook Classic mountain bike race. Known for its challenging course and scenic New Hampshire landscapes, the Bear Brook Classic is a must-do for anyone looking to test their endurance.

The episode also explored how the cycling scene in New England has evolved over the years and where it’s headed. With the rise in gravel riding and the growing popularity of off-road events, Andy’s perspective on the future of cycling in New England was both inspiring and insightful.

For those interested in joining or learning more about State 9 Racing, Andy shared how potential members can get involved and become part of the team. Whether you're a seasoned racer or just starting out, State 9 Racing offers something for everyone looking to be part of the cycling community.

A big thank you to Andy for joining us on the podcast and sharing the story of State 9 Racing. And thanks to our sponsors—Lark Fine Foods, creators of delicious small-batch cookies, and The Everyday Athlete, a book about balancing work, family, and fitness.

You can connect with State 9 Racing through our Instagram @newenglandendurance and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Spotify, Apple, Youtube, and Google.

Until next time—keep pushing your limits, drop some hammers, and get out there to explore the beautiful terrain of New England!

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 episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, host Art Trapotsis interviews John Day, the race director and founder of Race Day XC, a new mountain bike race series in New England. John shares his background in endurance sports, including motocross (yes, an endurance sport!) and cross-country mountain bike racing, and discusses his vision for creating a world-class XC racing series. The conversation covers the logistics of event planning, course design, and the unique features that will set Race Day XC apart from other racing events.

Race Day XC has the potential to be an incredible series with 9 races already on the calendar (in 5 of the 6 New England states!). Hear what John has to say and get excited for mountain bike racing in New England.

Key Takeaways

• John Day has a rich background in endurance sports.
• Race Day XC aims to bring world-class XC racing to New England.
• The series will feature nine different venues across New England.
• Events will be designed for both racers and spectators.
• Inclusivity is a key focus, with categories for all ages and skill levels.
• John's experience in motocross informs his approach to mountain biking events.
• The series will operate under USA Cycling rules.
• Unique features will enhance the spectator experience at events.
• Race costs reflect the quality of the experience.
• Community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
• The goal is to create a unique racing experience.
• Encouragement for newcomers to join the racing community.

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