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Life Behind Bars

Life Behind Bars

by Bicycle Indiana

Non-Profit Fitness

Season 3

Shift Your Expectations: What It Really Takes to Move Two Wheels with JBI.Bike

In this episode, we sit down with Michael “Mike” Everette, a 30-plus-year veteran of the outdoor recreation industry and territory account manager for JBI.BIKE (J&B Importers, Inc.). Mike brings a wealth of experience in retail sales, management, and manufacturer representation across the Southeast and Midwest, having worked with top brands like K2, Yakima, Osprey, and Smartwool. Today, he represents JBI.BIKE, serving over 110 bicycle shops across Indiana and Kentucky from his home base in Louisville. We dive into Mike’s decade-plus journey in the cycling industry and explore how JBI.BIKE has supported local bike shops since 1971. As one of the largest wholesale distributors in the bicycle business, JBI represents over 250 leading brands—including SRAM, DT Swiss, and Maxxis—delivering next-day service from 11 nationwide warehouses. Tune in to hear how passion, reliability, and local support keep the cycling industry moving forward! Learn more: https://www.jbi.bike/site/

Griffin Bike Park - Let Freedom Ring! Where Adventure Finds Its Flow!

Griffin Bike Park is a world-class mountain biking destination designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. Spanning over 300 acres in Terre Haute, Indiana, the park boasts more than 32 miles of multi-use and singletrack trails, alongside hosting national-level racing competitions and special events. Features include a Dual Slalom Course, Pump Track, Basic Training Skills Park, Water Skills Training Park, and a soon-to-be-rebuilt Jump Park. Freedom: Celebrate the freedoms that our Fallen Soldiers have given their lives to protect. Family: Inspire our families to explore the outdoors and engage in positive, healthy activities. Friendship: Create experiences and opportunities to establish and strengthen friendships. Community: Promote healthy active recreational lifestyles that can benefit all members of the community. Contact Rich Moore today! Rich@griffinbikepark.com Links: Shepherds of GBP Flowfeed Facebook Instagram Trailforks Mtbproject Trailbot

Connecting Communities with Trails, featuring Rails to Trails Conservancy

On this episode, we sit down with two experts from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) to discuss the ins and outs of trail advocacy and policy. Dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, RTC focuses on reimagining public spaces to create safe, accessible pathways for everyone to walk, bike, and stay active outdoors. Tune in to learn how their national efforts are shaping local trail development right here in Indiana. Links: Next Level Trails with the Indiana DNR Podcast Episode TrailLink: Find a trail https://www.brookings.edu/articles/improving-quality-of-life-not-just-business-is-the-best-path-to-midwestern-rejuvenation/ The Great American Rail Trail Erica Briggs, ebriggs@railstotrails.org Eric Oberg, eric@railstotrails.org

Multi-Agency Partnerships for Public Health with IDOH and INDOT

On this episode, we sit down with two state-level leaders who are bridging the gap between transportation and public health in Indiana. From public health, transportation, quality of life, and safety, this episode is full of information. Joining us are Pete Fritz, Healthy Communities Planner in the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), and Brandon Burgoa, Statewide Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator at the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Together, we dive into the inner workings of the public health and transportation sectors, exploring how these two state agencies team up to fund, educate, and support local communities. Whether you're interested in major funding for active transportation master plans or quick-build "pop-up" tactical urbanism projects, this conversation highlights how IDOH and INDOT are working on the ground to support local Hoosiers. If your community is interested in applying for this grant funding through IDOH and INDOT, please visit this link. For more information about Complete Streets, click here. For more information about the Active Living Workshops, click here. Listen to the Health By Design Episode, click here. Pete Fritz, IDOH, Healthy Communities Planner, pefritz@health.in.gov Contact for: Complete Streets, Built Environmental, Tactical Urbanism, Community Planning Brandon Burgoa, INDOT, Statewide Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator, brburgoa@indot.in.gov

Building a Strong Foundation with V3 and Brian Rismiller

On this week’s episode, we sit down with Brian Rismiller with V3 Companies. Brian plays a major role in the development of major biking and pedestrian infrastructure across Indiana. For Brian, patience isn't just a virtue—it’s a way of life. Whether he’s managing complex land surveys as a Senior Project Manager or competing as an elite athlete, his persistence is his greatest asset. At V3, Brian and his team kickstart the transformation of raw spaces into sustainable community assets using a dedicated client-leader approach. How V3 Companies Can Support Your Project: From the first conversation to the final ribbon-cutting, V3 offers a broad array of professional design and construction services, including: Land Acquisition & Surveying Advanced Drone Footage & Mapping Sustainable Site Development Comprehensive Project Management Connect with Brian & V3 Website: v3co.com Email: Brismiller@v3co.com Featured Projects & Resources Stone Eater Bike Park: Listen to the Podcast | Visit the Website Indy Trail Collective (Southwestway Park): Listen to the Podcast | Visit the Website

Non-Competitive Long Distance Cycling with the Indiana Randonneurs

On this week's episode, we interview local cyclist, Tommy Southwood. He travels all over the state and and USA to ride his bike. But these rides aren't just a simple ride, they are unique approved events with the Randonneurs USA and the Indiana Randonneurs. Self supported long distance cycling events with mandatory checkpoints (controls) that has the riders racing against themselves and the clock. Tommy Southwood has been riding his bike for many years, and has fallen in love with randonneuring and touring. We hope you enjoy this discussion about what randonneuring is and how to get involved. Indiana Randonneurs is a small but mighty club that brings the sport of randonneuring to the state of Indiana. The club is officially recognized by Randonneurs USA (RUSA) and it offers rides that are sanctioned by the Audax Club Parisienne (ACP). In order to participate in Indiana Randonneurs rides, riders must be members of RUSA. https://indianarandonneurs.org/ Randonneuring is long-distance unsupported endurance cycling. This style of riding is non-competitive in nature, and self-sufficiency is paramount. When riders participate in randonneuring events, they are part of a long tradition that goes back to the beginning of the sport of cycling in France and Italy. Friendly camaraderie, not competition, is the hallmark of randonneuring. https://rusa.org/ Connect with Tommy today: Thomas.southwood71@gmail.com

Transforming Community and Culture with LOWLAND Workshop

On this week's episode, we chat with Luke Waltz of LOWLAND Workshop out of Rockville, Indiana. We discuss the ins and outs of how architecture plays a major role in trail development and other public spaces that impact the cycling world. LOWLAND Workshop specializes in environmental planning and crafting exterior landscape environments—including parks, public spaces, and experiences that connect people to nature. With the Wabash Valley as its canvas, context, and heritage, the studio collaborates with cities, institutions, and organizations to envision a future that enriches daily life and strengthens the sense of place for all. An award-winning, visionary collective of designers, LOWLAND is dedicated to improving culture and ecology across the region. LOWLAND Workshop stands at this intersection—serving as a resource for shaping landscapes that honor the natural world while supporting human community and culture. Contact Luke Waltz, https://www.lowlandworkshop.com Luke@lowlandworkshop.com

The Great Bike Mechanic Debate - Valentine's Day Edition

On today's episode, we bring back Michael Mathias from Marion Cycle Works and Ben Orcutt from Buckskin Bikes to talk about bike things we LOVE. We'd like to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special detailed discussion about all the different bike products we love...and hate (*wink*). From starting your own bike tool collection, to what bike lube we recommend, we hope you enjoy this discussion. Wahoo Giveaway Info Feedback Sports Tool Kit *Please note: we are not paid or sponsored by any of the brands discussed on this episode. We also highly recommend you take your bike to your local bike shop for service and questions. Please work and ride at your own risk

Creating Accountability & Advocating for Change

We are kicking off the 2026 year with an episode about advocacy and creating change here in Indiana. This discussion is with two Hoosiers (who now live in North Carolina) advocating for change not only in their hometown but across the US. Griffin Tichenor and Maddie Barondeau lost two loved ones last year in July due to a distracted driver. They hope their experiences and stories help encourage all cyclists, non-cyclists and Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) to advocate for safe cycling for all. Working with The White Line Foundation based out of Colorado, Griffin and Maddie are pushing at the Federal level. They hope to reach other local communities and other states about this. The White Line was founded in 2023 with a single mission: to end road deaths and create safer streets for everyone — cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike. The organization began after the tragic death of Magnus White, a young cyclist whose story galvanized a movement for change. From day one, they've focused on immediate, decisive action, combining stories, technology, and data to tackle the root causes of traffic violence. The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act of 2025 (H.R.3649) represents a crucial step forward in protecting vulnerable road users through mandatory advanced braking technology. This legislation requires auto manufacturers to implement automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) that can detect cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users across all conditions. Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act Letter Writer Connect with Griffin (griffintichenor@gmail.com) and Maddie (barondeaum@gmail.com) today. Join Bicycle Indiana and advocates from across the state to rally for safer and more accessible roads and trails for all on January 22, 2026. RSVP here.

Season 2

The GREAT Bike Mechanic Debate with Michael Mathias and Ben Orcutt

These two have been friends on and off the bike for years. Both bike shop owners have so much experience in this industry, we are stoked to have this great discussion. This episode we talk with Michael Mathias from Marion Cycle Works and Ben Orcutt from Buckskin Bikes. We discuss popular topics that are common in bike shops or in the industry. If you have any questions or concerns that you would like us to answer, please let us know! Register for our FREE 2026 State House Day!

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