The Packfiller: Cycling Culture & Comedy

The Giro is in the mountains, the Tour de Bloom is days away, and the sport of cycling is officially bankrupting us all. Welcome to Episode 527.This week on The Packfiller, Pat, Paul, and Sam stare down the barrel of the Wenatchee Tour de Bloom stage race. With the young guns and the doctor absent, the Gen-X cynicism is running at an all-time high. We dive into the pre-race anxiety of facing down a 4-stage omnium, the fear of the unknown, and the absolute reality of surviving the Masters peloton.But the real question tonight: At what point does the cost of rubber make amateur racing a rich man's hobby? We are breaking down the staggering, offensive cost of modern cycling. From $220 tires and $2,000 upgrade kits to the $12 chickpea pasta required to keep the chassis light. Pat drops some inside intel from a recent text exchange with Van Rysel about their pricing philosophy and avoiding the industry "Boutique Tax," and we ask the ultimate question: What is the one piece of gear you bought that was so expensive you had to lie to your spouse about the price?Finally, the Broom Wagon returns with a financially ruinous trivia segment: The Itemized Receipt. Lock in, check your bank account, and keep the rubber side down.

The Giro d'Italia is finally here, and The Packfiller crew is breaking down the chaotic Bulgarian Grande Partenza and Vingegaard's plan for the brutal final week! But first, we celebrate a massive local win from Jackson, get the gritty details of David's BWR San Diego sufferfest, and Pat reveals his final FTP numbers just one week out from the Tour de Bloom.Plus, we recap Tadej Pogačar's absolute foreclosure on the Tour de Romandie, preview the looming Angliru at La Vuelta Femenina, and test the boys' knowledge in a special "Blind Spot" edition of Broom Wagon Trivia.Grab a proper pint of Big Barn Brewing, (or an Athletic Brewing IPA if you're unable due to life requirements) and let's get into it!

Welcome to Episode 524 of the longest-standing podcast in cycling. Think of us as a post-ride beer with several friends and one asshole. (According to the internet this week, Pat is officially that asshole for explaining why local group-ride heroes can't hang with the women's pro peloton).This week on the Packfiller Podcast, the crew debriefs a brutal reality check at the local Twilight Crits before diving into the absolute tactical masterclass we just witnessed at the Amstel Gold Race. We break down Remco Evenepoel’s newfound patience, Paula Blasi’s monumental Spanish upset, and preview the "Paul Seixas Hype" heading into La Flèche Wallonne.Plus, the UCI officially killed the eMTB World Cup. Is it a victory for acoustic bikes, or a massive missed opportunity?Grab a pour and settle in. The Broom Wagon is waiting.👇 THE BIG BARN BREWING PROLOGUE QUESTION: We are celebrating Jackson's Golden Birthday this week. What is the one thing you actually want for your birthday this year? Let us know in the comments.☕️ SUPPORT OUR LOCAL SPONSORS:Big Barn Brewing: Stop in, view the beauty, sip the brilliant beers, and tell them Packfiller sent you.Thomas Hammer Coffee: Do yourself a favor and get the Blue Eyes Blend.Athletic Brewing: Holding down the tides with NA options when you can't hit the taps.

The Hell of the North left the peloton wrecked, with cobbles so brutal your spine needs re-checked. They race through the trenches and suffer the pain—while I loudly complain if I ride in the rain. Welcome to Episode 523 of the longest-standing podcast in the sport of cycling. The Breakdown: This week, Pat is back from "The Forge" isolation camp in Lewiston, Idaho, 15 pounds lighter, pushing 300 Watts, and carrying the digital ashes of his former AI coach. The full panel (Paul, Sam, David, and Jackson) is in the studio to break down one of the most chaotic spring weekends in recent memory. We cover Wout van Aert finally burying his demons against Pogačar in the Roubaix velodrome, Mathieu van der Poel's catastrophic Arenberg puncture, and Franziska Koch's absolute stunner in the Paris-Roubaix Femmes.

Broadcasting solo from a cramped dinette table in an Idaho RV bunker. This week on The Packfiller Podcast, we deal with a massive reality check: My AI coach hallucinated my FTP, so I fired it. We discuss the danger of chasing unrealistic numbers, the mental toll of the Lewiston "Forge" isolation camp, and the painful honesty of being an aging athlete.Plus, we head to the news desk to break down Tadej Pogačar making the Oude Kwaremont look like a Zone 2 spin, Demi Vollering’s tactical masterclass, and why the UCI's flashing railway lights rule apparently only applies if you don't have a multi-million dollar contract.We also open the Broom Wagon mailbag, drop a preview of the upcoming book Don't Buy the Putter, and get Jackson and Paul's dark horse predictions for Paris-Roubaix.👇 Drop a comment: Has your Garmin or Wahoo ever fed you a complete lie?

It's Holy Week in cycling! We're breaking down the massive results from Gent-Wevelgem (In Flanders Fields) and E3 Saxo Classic as we build hype for the biggest race of the spring: The Tour of Flanders (De Ronde). Can anyone stop the dominance of Mathieu van der Poel now that Tadej Pogačar is back in the mix?Closer to home, Pat recap his dramatic "race" at Heaven of The South gravel, involving a snapped chain, Old School mechanical fixes, and a 40-mile Zone 3 sufferfest. We also discuss 1x vs 2x gearing and Pat's upcoming "Isolation Training Camp" at The Forge in Lewiston, Idaho.Tonight's Prologue (Brought to you by Big Barn Brewing): What is a mechanical failure that you recall pulling and knew better beforehand? (Hint: Pat fried a Roomba with a hose.)Headlines (Brought to you by Thomas Hammer Coffee):Gent-Wevelgem: The MVDP/WvA breakaway that almost won. Jasper Philipsen saves the day for Alpecin.E3 Saxo Classic: MVDP's insane 446-watt solo attack. Are the "Big Three" untouchable?Volta a Catalunya: Vingegaard’s Monastic Dominance. Does anyone have a chance at the Giro/Tour double?Flanders Preview: The return of Pogačar and the Visma injury crisis.Finally, we close with a special Broom Wagon Trivia segment: A Generational Battle pitting Paul (Retro) against Jackson (Modern).Tune in for another round of cycling banter, analysis, and a post-ride beer with friends (and one asshole).

The sport of cycling is currently operating on a four-centimeter margin of error, and we are breaking it all down on a diet of tuna and spite.Welcome to Episode 520 of The Packfiller Podcast. This week, the crew sits down to dissect the absolute chaos of the Spring Classics. We analyze Tadej Pogačar hitting the deck and still managing to drop a 900-watt nuclear attack on the Poggio, and we celebrate the return of the Women’s Milan-San Remo where Lotte Kopecky delivered a tactical masterclass.But when the internet decides to turn high-speed crashes into a toxic debate about bike-handling skills, Pat steps into the Pulpit to issue a brutal reality check to the "Keyboard Directeurs" polluting the comments section.Plus: Remco Evenepoel sprinting on a Monday in Catalunya, the E3 Saxo Classic preview, and how to survive a nine-hour training weekend on nothing but Thomas Hammer dark roast.Grab a pint from Big Barn Brewing and let's get into it.

Once upon a time, while the young whippersnappers were apparently out drinking horrid green beer, the elders of the cycling village got together to discuss how things were "back in ze day", whilst enjoying proper pints (thanks Big Barn), and reminiscing about the days of wool and casquettes. Oh, and they've got plenty to say about these Strava Punks too! Now get offa our digital lawns!

This frames the episode as a reality check. We analyze Pogačar’s dominance and then immediately present the contrasting reality of an everyday cyclist.Tadej Pogačar just executed an 80km solo alien abduction of Strade Bianche, and the entire professional peloton is currently existential. But while UAE Team Emirates is rewriting the history books, over here in the Packfiller bunker, we are just trying to survive the algorithms.Tonight, Pat officially launches "Project Reclamation."Following three years of A-fib and two heart ablations (recently detailed in Cycling Weekly), Pat is publicly documenting the grim reality of rebuilding a 350-watt engine at 56 years old for the Tour de Bloom road stage race. We are doing this completely un-sponsored, on a retro rim-brake Giant TCR, fueled purely by cynicism, 200g of daily protein, and cinderblock tuna.We contrast the pinnacle of genetics with the reality of Project Reclamation. The full empire (Jackson, Paul, Sam, and David) is in the building to debate:Strade Bianche: Is Pogačar’s dominance good for the sport, or is the fun found in watching the world's best rider set the world on fire?News: We analyze the new "first rider counts" TTT format at Paris-Nice, the gravel chaos at Tirreno, and the rumored €100M Danish sponsorship future for Ineos Grenadiers.Final K: The cast answers the burning question: "If you could afford any new car today, what would it be?"WATCH THE MISERY IN THE ENGINE ROOM: Want to see the actual, psychological toll of Project Reclamation? If you want to see the unedited video of Pat eating cinderblock tuna, the raw "Starch Replacement" texts, and the 400-watt telemetry, join the VIP tier on our Patreon.

Opening Weekend wasn't just a race—it was a demolition derby. From shattered clavicles to lost teeth, the Belgian cobbles have left the peloton with a massive "Butcher’s Bill."Tonight, Pat is joined by the dream team: Sam Waples (Biomechanics) and Dr. David Waples (Medical) to break down the trauma, the resilience, and the science of "cold-weather" crashes.In this episode:The Breakaway: Why do the Classics result in more severe injuries than the Tour de France?The Musette (News): Mathieu van der Poel’s "magical" Omloop debut and the rise of 19-year-old Paul Seixas.Medical Corner: Is the pro peloton's concussion protocol actually working? Dr. David gives us the hard truth.Preview: Strade Bianche is here. Can anyone—even with a "superman" trait—stop Tadej Pogačar on the white roads?The Broom Wagon: It's back, and it's all in the family. Support Our Sponsors:Thomas Hammer Coffee: Fuel your ride with the Packfiller Blend!Big Barn Brewing: Fresh from the farm-to-studio taps.Panache Cyclewear: Suffer in style.

Is it time to pay the "Dad Tax"? The full Pack is away this week, so the Bulger Bloodline is taking over the studio. It's just Pat and Jackson for a special episode exploring the generational gap in cycling—from 90s retrogrouch habits to the high-tech, aero-obsessed modern peloton. Oh, and we both want new helmets.

Is local bike racing getting too expensive to survive? The "OG Three" (Pat, Paul, and Jackson) are in the studio to debate the rising cost of entry fees, including a staggering $340 price tag for local stage races. Plus, we break down the creation of local "Superteams" and whether they help or hurt the scene.In the WorldTour, Remco Evenepoel puts the hammer down on Isaac Del Toro at the UAE Tour, Astana shocks Adam Yates in Oman, and we preview the Volta ao Algarve. Finally, The Broom Wagon trivia gets spicy with a game of "Real or Fake: UCI Dirty Secrets."Grab a beer and pull up a chair for the best post-ride hangout in cycling.🍻 Support Our Sponsors:Thomas Hammer Coffee: Fuel your ride with Spokane's best roast. Get ready for the Packfiller Blend coming soon!Big Barn Brewing: Fresh from the farm taps directly to our studio.Panache Cyclewear: Look pro, even if you're slow. Bold designs and perfect fits.👇 Join the Conversation: Would you pay $340 for a local amateur race? Let us know in the comments!Subscribe, like, and keep the rubber side down!

The band is back together! After a week away, Pat returns from the stage to the mic to lead the full Pack through a chaotic week of training, or not training...

Don't stalk pro riders. Don't join too big of a team. Don't, whatever you do, play trivia with The Packfiller!!! (mind the static)Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't blame Pat. It was the other guys!! We're also getting excited to ride outside (apparently not on fat bikes, though).Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was it a compliment, or wasn't it? You get to decide. The whole gang is here, and insanity shall ensue. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Waples free, which of course means a structured and thoughtful evening sipping beverages and calmly discussing the benefits of, well, being Waples free!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The racing was good, if not great. What could make it better? Hmmm...Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No, really. This one was special. Not like last year...Gift ideas (on ZERO budget restrictions), actual gift exchanges, and the yearly judging of the kits. BTW, you should catch this one on our YouTube channel. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey, it's just water weight, just keep telling yourself that. Plus, planning for next year! Doit now, or fly by the seat of your pants? Your call!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yep. That's one of the reasons to spend during this holiday season, and in fact, the whole year through. Keep it cheap, or just go full "cyclist" on your life's habit?Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not to sound cheesy, but how did, and does, your family add to your cycling story?Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm thankful for a bunch of immature friends who ride bikes. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, kinda. After last week's geriatric hour, we thought we'd liven things up a few decades in reverse. Pat tries to figure out kids these days...Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it's Pat and Paul, it's "Back In Ze Day," a retrospective jaunt into how things used to be. Again, you might need a glossary, but you also might laugh. (BTW, yes, that's Paul in the pic)Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the spooky season. You know, the kind when you contemplate all of the stupidity you've done, and think about just hangin up the wheels. Not really...Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Okay, so technically it took 26 years. But, if you think about it, how many podcasts even make it to 100? We here at The Packfiller celebrate the milestone with some reflection, and, of course, sarcasm. Thanks for being here with us for as many years as you have!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come on, road cycling. Don't make us regret not doing a show about pickleball!!!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only time will tell. The falling leaves approach, but this ain't no pumpkin spiced podcast. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you do it for the competitive nature, or for the love of it? Oh, and how many hours you putting in this winter, dude? Also, just wait for the segments...Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"And then, she looked me straight in the eye and said..." and so much more on The Packfiller's preview to the WCRR. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Like two old men, sitting on a bench in the park, recalling the days of yore... except this is Pat and Paul. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When he's tired, we all benefit. Oh, and we attempt to go political, but just can't. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So tired of this Sh*!. Who's to blame when a friend is hurt. Society? Idiocy? Technology? Trying to find the answer to the age old question of trying to figure out if we can go for a ride and come home alive. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's not you, it's me"When to leave a team, club, or even "friends" that you consider your riding group. Or, even worse, when to take up golf????Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Okay. SO. Yes, we do discuss the Vuelta, but there are far more issues apparently floating around the group. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was it really better? Are you truly going to "OldManSplain" this to me? The beauty of bikes are the perspectives whilst on them. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey, David said it. Although, he might be spot on. All are back together, the Tours are over, and you don't leave a "man" behind!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Waples are aWay, but the Tour waits for nobody. Post race wrap up, and Femmes analysis!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The OG Three back after a "rest week" of sorts. The Waples brothers are in France. Sorry about that, Europe. Tour catch up, analysis, and preview of Le Femmes!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tale of a right turn, and a stray rock. Week one of Le Tour, along with discussion on the inevitable tumble on the tarmac. Ad free and unedited on our Patreon! Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was just too gross. TdF preview time, be sure to join our Tour Fantasy League #44726 and play along!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week before Le Tour and we are actually talking about the "mid season break" that occurs when races fade away. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The chances that Mr. Eddy Merckx's 80th birthday lands on a Packfiller Tuesday? Perfection... unless you happen to not be up to speed on the true GOAT of cycling. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(First off, this episode includes the "green room" chatter prior to the show to give you a taste of our YouTube feed) From the Dauphine to the porta potty, we pretty much cover it all, and include a game show segment!Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Okay... so hear me out... what if... wait, I said hear me out! Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Shirtless" Waples were AWOL, so time to enjoy the smooth synchronized sounds of the OG Three discussing the 24 Hours of Riverside, Giro up to Stage 16, and the ban on TT bikes. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Party in the dirt, celebrate Wout, and pray for Paul's back. Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What to do after the "big race"... how to take the renewed energy, tough weekend, or even tough reality and turn it into a positive.Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The BIG event. The one you've trained for. The one you might kinda wish gets cancelled. You know...Sign up for more at Packfiller.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.