Cycling Culture Club is a space within cycling to give voice to those from underrepresented groups, build community and promote diversity in cycling. Connections is our live feed, featuring interviews and commentary from our network of contributors and community members.
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In this episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, Miles sits down with Ama Nsek, three-time US national champion, privateer road racer, and one of the most thoughtful voices on diversity, development and the future of cycling.
Ama shares his journey from mountain biking as a kid with asthma in Southern California, through racing in Europe on the US junior national team, to building a privateer programme that puts grassroots development and community at its core. He talks candidly about what it feels like to be a black man in a predominantly white sport, the mental friction of racing in Europe, and why he came back to cycling after nearly walking away for good.
They also explore the racing scenes in Colombia and Mexico, the joy of salsa dancing, and why making the right friends might be the most important thing anyone can do in cycling.
Key Topics
Growing up with asthma and discovering the bike through mountain biking
The US junior national team and racing in Europe as a 17-year-old
Being a black man in professional cycling and the reality of racial barriers
Three national championships and what they meant
Building a privateer programme around racing, social media and community
Youth development and bridging the gap for the next generation
Racing and riding in Colombia and Mexico
Why Cycling Culture Club felt like the right fit
Links
Ama on Instagram: @amansek (https://www.instagram.com/amansek/)
Ama on YouTube: Amaette Nsek
Ride for Racial Justice: @rideforracialjustice
Follow us: @cyclingcultureclub (https://www.instagram.com/cyclingcultureclub/)
Want more from our podcast? Listen to CCC Connections on all the major podcasting platforms.
For more episodes of Cycling Culture Club Connections (https://www.cyclingcultureclub.cc/cycling-culture-club-podcast)
6 Jul 2026
Makesi Duncan — DadBod Cycling, Brooklyn, and the Power of Shooting Your Shot
Makesi Duncan is the founder of DadBod Cycling, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Brooklyn, New York. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, raised in Brooklyn, Makesi came to cycling post-pandemic and quickly turned a personal frustration into a community movement. From donating bikes to kids in his neighbourhood to competing at SBT GRVL three times, his journey is one of relentless positivity, community building, and an unshakeable belief that anything is possible if you shoot your shot.
In this episode we cover:
How Makesi got into cycling during the pandemic and why he was immediately hooked
The birth of Dad Bod Cycling and the kit frustration that started it all
Building a nonprofit: grants, partnerships, and how to ask for the world
Riding in New York City — what it's really like versus the reputation
The DBC NYC Cycling Tour and why he's bringing riders to Brooklyn
Three attempts at SBT GRVL, including altitude sickness at mile 60
Being a Black cyclist in the gravel world and disarming people with a smile
Raising three daughters bike-adjacent and what that means for representation
The SRAM Community Program and what's coming in 2026
Links:
Dad Bod Cycling on Instagram: @makesiduncan (https://www.instagram.com/dadbodcyclinginc/)
DBC NYC Cycling Tour: wetravel (https://www.wetravel.com/users/makesi-duncan-c931fc5c-717b-4dfc-8cef-fe896a7c3046)
TD Five Boro Bike Tour: fiveborobike.org (http://fiveborobike.org)
Cycling Culture Club: cyclingcultureclub.cc (http://cyclingcultureclub.cc)
30 May 2026
Building Community Through Listening: A Conversation with Alisha Zellner
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Cycling Culture Club Connections, Miles speaks with Alisha Zellner, Community Specialist at SRAM and the driving force behind its global community programme.
Alisha shares her journey from mental health and law enforcement into the cycling industry, and how her lived experiences shaped a programme designed to support underrepresented communities in cycling. From her research into systemic barriers, to leading initiatives that create real access and opportunity, this is a conversation about listening, trust, and building something that truly reflects the people it serves.
They also explore the power of the bike as a space for healing, connection, and change, and why community work must start with those closest to it.
Key Topics:
The SRAM Community Programme and how it works
Building community led initiatives through listening and trust
Barriers to cycling and representation in the sport
From law enforcement to the cycling industry
Bike Ride for Black Lives and the role of cycling in healing
Creating sustainable change through community partnerships
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
18
Social presence
94
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
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