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.
Inside CCB: How a 50-Year Cycling Team Is Changing the Game for Women Athletes
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 Tim Mitchell, Technical Director of the legendary CCB Cycling Education Foundation. With roots dating back to 1960s England and an official U.S. presence since 1976, CCB is the longest-running elite cycling program in the country. But it's more than just race results—it's a movement centered on Education Through Athletics.Tim shares the deeply human story behind CCB's evolution—from its historic origins with and notable alumni (like Tim Johnson, Tyler Hamilton, and Curtis White), to its legendary manager Steve Pucci, to its groundbreaking under-23 women’s program where every rider is required to pursue post-secondary education.We hear how CCB pivoted from elite men's racing to meet the glaring need in women’s development pathways, and how the tragic loss of rider Chad Young galvanized the team’s educational mission. From national titles to Pan-Am victories, from jump rope champions to former Olympians, this team’s stories are anything but ordinary.We also dive into the current state of New England racing, the importance of community, and the joys of unplugging from data to rediscover the pure ride. Whether you're an aspiring racer, a longtime cycling fan, or just someone who believes in sports that build character, this conversation with Tim will leave you inspired.🔗 Learn more at [pinkwatts.com] (https://pinkwatts.com) and follow @ccbwomenscycling on Instagram.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.
Andrew Drummond: The Story Behind White Mountain Ski Co and FKTs in the Whites
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 Andrew Drummond—founder of White Mountain Ski Company and the man behind some of the region’s most iconic events and endurance feats.Andrew recently completed the White Mountains Direttissima—connecting all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers in a single unsupported push. That’s 231 miles and 86,000 feet of climbing in just 4 days, 22 hours, and 43 minutes, setting a new fastest known time (FKT). We unpack how trench foot, tendon pain, and mental fatigue nearly derailed him—and how he pushed through.We also cover the Last Skier Standing, his pioneering coffee roasting project, and how he views his role in building the endurance community in Jackson, NH and beyond. If you’re curious what it takes to run a backcountry ski shop and crush unsupported FKTs, this episode is a masterclass in mountain grit.Learn more: whitemountainski.coFollow Andrew: @sr_drummond and @whitemountainskicoKey Takeaways:How Andrew trained for the unsupported White Mountains Direttissima FKTLessons learned from trench foot, blisters, and tendon breakdown at hour 90The origin and ethos of Last Skier StandingBuilding White Mountain Ski Company from a truck bed to a Jackson hubThe underrated value of coffee and community in endurance cultureAndrew’s favorite peak, favorite trail, and what’s next for 2026This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.
Kelly Brush: Leading the Charge in Adaptive Endurance Sports
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 Brush, founder of the Kelly Brush Foundation, and a former collegiate ski racer turned national advocate for adaptive sports. After a life-altering crash in 2006 left her paralyzed from the chest down, Kelly founded the Kelly Brush Foundation to empower others with spinal cord injuries to live active, engaged lives through sport and recreation.Kelly shares her personal journey from rehab to riding again on an adaptive bike, and how that pivotal moment sparked nearly two decades of advocacy, innovation, and community building. We talk about the barriers people with disabilities face when accessing sport—whether cost, awareness, or terrain—and how KBF’s Active Fund and Active Project are changing that.She also dives into the power of inclusive trail design, how Vermont became a model for accessible mountain biking, and how events like the Kelly Brush Ride are not only about fundraising but about celebration, connection, and confidence.Whether you're an athlete, race organizer, or simply someone who believes in equitable access to the outdoors, this episode will leave you inspired to get involved and help redefine what's possible for adaptive athletes.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.
Stage 1 Cycling: Connecticut's Community-Built Cycling Team
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 Brooks Nablo and Jacob Kravitz of Stage 1 Cycling, a community-built cycling club based in Connecticut that’s making big waves in the local scene.Brooks, the club’s President and head coach of the juniors team, shares how stepping into a leadership role transformed not only the young athletes he mentors but his own perspective on racing and life. Jacob, a board member, announcer, co-promoter, and longtime advocate for grassroots cycling, offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to put on quality events—and why he keeps coming back to the sport, both on and off the bike.Together, they talk about their club’s mission, the power of mentorship, and the joy of watching riders grow—plus they give us the inside scoop on Fattycross, the Winter Segment Challenge, and other creative ways Stage 1 is building community year-round.If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a meaningful, sustainable local cycling culture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.