Bicycle Crumbs aka Richard Pool | Why Relationships Matter More Than Talent

In the first episode of The Stable Cyclist Podcast for 2026, I sit down with Richard Pool, better known to many in the cycling world as Bicycle Crumbs. Richard is widely respected for his work in cycling marketing, including his roles at Speedvagen Cycles and Silca, and for the way he has built a career rooted in genuine relationships. In this conversation, we explore why relationships often matter more than talent — not just in the cycling industry, but in life — and how showing up, staying curious, and investing in people can shape unexpected career paths. Richard shares stories from his early roots in gravel cycling, his transition through different corners of the bike world, and the role that shared adventures play in a meaningful life. From racing events like Mid South to chasing ambitious personal challenges — including the idea of attempting a 24-hour distance record around a roundabout — this episode dives into the importance of always having one big, epic goal on the calendar. We also reflect on how our own paths crossed, how collaboration naturally followed, and how those relationships ultimately led us to working together at Silca, telling deeper stories within the cycling community. https://silca.cc/discount/thestablecyclistpod  or the code is "thestablecyclistpod" If you’d like to ask JP a question for an upcoming Ask JP Anything episode, send him a DM on instagram @thestablecyclist or send an email to [email protected] The companies supporting JP and this channel: Maplelag Resort - https://www.maplelag.com/ Wark's Cycling Services - https://www.warkscyclingservices.com/ Ignition Coach Co. - https://www.ignitioncoachco.com/ Gulo Composites - https://gulocomposites.com/ Flow Formulas - https://flowformulas.com/discount/JOHNPETER15 Wahoo Fitness - https://amzn.to/48RUSqe Owl City Cycles - https://www.owlcitycycles.com The Black Bibs - https://amzn.to/3XRlMtm Dawn to Dusk - https://amzn.to/48zKi8p Some of the above are affiliate links, but all are personally vetted and recommended Mental Health Advocacy - Go4Graham - https://www.go4graham.org/ Resources: 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ International Bipolar Foundation: https://ibpf.org/ National Association for Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/ #thestablecyclistpodcast #BicycleCrumbs #RelationshipsMatter