New England Endurance Podcast

Inside the Craftsbury Outdoor Center with Olympian Susan Dunklee

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, Art Trapotsis sits down with Susan Dunklee — three-time Olympian, former World Championship medalist, and now Director of Biathlon and Head Junior Biathlon Coach at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Susan shares her journey from growing up in a Vermont ski family to discovering biathlon after college and eventually competing on the world stage in Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing.The conversation dives into what makes biathlon such a unique and demanding endurance sport, from managing effort and breathing under pressure to handling the mental challenge of shooting with a redlined heart rate. Susan also reflects on lessons from elite sport, the value of not specializing too early, and what young endurance athletes should focus on instead.Just as importantly, Susan gives listeners an inside look at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center — its mission, its deep ties to Concept2, its role as a nonprofit hub for rowing, running, skiing, and biathlon, and the way it brings together elite athletes, juniors, and everyday endurance enthusiasts. From sculling camps and ski weekends to junior programs and novice biathlon events, this episode is a great introduction to one of New England’s most special endurance communities.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Inside New Balance’s Support for the New England Running Community

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.New Balance has been part of the New England running culture for over a century. In this episode, Andy Downin shares how the company supports local races, builds relationships with run clubs, and creates events like New Balance Nationals and the Marathon Relay during Boston Marathon weekend. If you’re part of the region’s running scene, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain.A New England native and former U.S. champion in the 1500 meters, Andy shares his journey from professional athlete to community builder, and how his early days experimenting with grassroots race ideas eventually led him to New Balance in 2012.The conversation dives into the brand’s deep commitment to New England — from operating five footwear factories in the region to investing in world-class infrastructure like the New Balance Track in Brighton. Andy offers a behind-the-scenes look at how partnerships are built, how events are selected, and what “shared values” really mean when a major brand aligns with local clubs and races.At its core, this episode is about more than shoes or sponsorships, it’s about long-term relationships, authenticity, and investing in the people who make running special in New England.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

The B2VT and VT Monster Cycling Epics

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 speaks with Skip Thomas and Karen Smyers about the B2VT Ride and the VT Monster gravel event. They discuss the origins of both rides, their evolution over the years, and the community that surrounds these endurance events. The conversation covers the challenges of the course, strategies for participants, and the importance of camaraderie in endurance sports. They also touch on the role of e-bikes, the significance of team spirit, and the charitable aspects of the events. The episode concludes with insights into registration and participation details, emphasizing the welcoming nature of the cycling community in New England.Key Takeaways:The B2VT Ride started as a marketing stunt by Harpoon Brewery.Team Psycho is a Boston-area triathlon team that has evolved into a cycling community.The B2VT Ride is classified as a fun ride with a charitable component.Pacing is crucial for success in endurance events like the B2VT Ride.The course has evolved to include more challenging terrain over the years.Participants can switch between different ride distances leading up to the event.The VT Monster gravel event was created to cater to the growing gravel riding scene.Community support and volunteers are essential for the success of the events.The cycling community in New England is known for its camaraderie and support.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Ninety One Lines: Skiing the Presidentials with Ryan DeLena

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.We’re launching Season 3 with a bang—and a blizzard.In this premiere episode, we sit down with Ryan DeLena, the first person to ski all 91 lines in the Presidential Skiing guidebook, and the star and co-creator of the new documentary NINETY ONE, set to release this February 2026.Ryan shares stories from his time navigating the moody terrain of New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, what it took mentally and physically to complete this historic project, and the many personalities of Mount Washington—from brutal whiteouts to bluebird perfection.We also go deeper into Ryan’s co-authorship of the memoir Without Restraint with his father, and his advocacy work with the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, helping to reform treatment of neurodiverse youth in schools and institutions.This conversation covers everything from glacier skiing in Ecuador to personal growth, mental endurance, and the unseen side of mountain mastery.Topics Covered:The making of NINETY ONE and filming in extreme winter conditionsWhy the Presidentials are more emotional than you thinkLessons from skiing the Arctic, Antarctic, and the EquatorCo-writing a powerful memoir with his fatherRyan’s advocacy in education reform and neurodiversityThe tools, mindset, and humility needed to endure the mountainsFollow Ryan on Instagram @extreme_ryan_delenaWatch for the release of NINETY ONE coming soon on YouTube and at select film festivals.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Firefly Bicycles: Inside Custom Frame Design, Fit, and Carbon-Neutral Craft

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Firefly Bicycles co-founders Tyler Evans and Kevin Wolfson to explore the craft, philosophy, and real-world decision-making behind world-class custom titanium bikes.From geometry choices and material tradeoffs to bike fitting instincts honed in the peloton, Tyler and Kevin pull back the curtain on how Firefly designs bikes for how people actually ride. We dig into the myth of the “quiver killer,” why one bike can’t always do it all—especially in New England—and how compromises show up when terrain gets rough.We also cover what it’s like to order a Firefly: realistic build timelines, what customers should (and shouldn’t) control in the design process, and what carbon-neutral manufacturing looks like in practice—not just on paper.Whether you’re dreaming about a custom build or simply want to understand why some bikes feel right and others don’t, this conversation is a deep dive into intention, craftsmanship, and choosing the right tool for the ride.Key TakeawaysThe “quiver killer” bike isn’t for everyone — especially in New England, where rough mixed terrain often demands purpose-built tools.Tire clearance alone doesn’t define versatility — geometry and ride intent matter just as much as tire size.Custom bikes shine when rider intent is clear — the best outcomes happen when riders share goals and trust the builder.Bike fit is about reading the rider, not just numbers — experience, posture, and movement tell a deeper story.Custom doesn’t mean infinite choice — knowing what to leave to the builder can dramatically improve the final result.Great craftsmanship includes invisible details — many of Firefly’s most important design decisions are ones customers never see.Carbon-neutral manufacturing is an active process — not a marketing label, but a set of real operational commitmentsThis podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.