Shifting Gears by Neal Karlinsky

Neal Karlinsky discovers a blossoming love for cyclocross. On a muddy day, he falls for its perfect dose of humor, chaos, and toughness.

Neal Karlinsky gets a chance to ride with one of the few Americans in the WorldTour. Kiel Reijnen shows him around Bainbridge Island.

Neal Karlinsky reflects on the different personalities he's encountered on the race course, and nearly all of them prove to be happy warriors, racing for more than finish placings.

Neal Karlinsky was the recent victim of kids throwing something at him while he was riding, but he was able to exact a bit of revenge.

Neal Karlinsky manages to fit in his favorite weeknight training race in Seattle, when he's not surrounded by a wildfire in Alberta.

Neal Karlinsky considers the post-race second-guessing that we all suffer after a tough day in the saddle.

Neal Karlinsky recounts his first race of the season — and his first in 25 years — a rainy, tough circuit in Washington.

Neal Karlinsky's fitness may be lagging, his diet may be weird, but still, he appreciates the privilege of each ride, no matter how cold or rainy it is.

Neal Karlinsky always seems to run into people who want to talk about "Bike Club," even if you're not really supposed to talk about it.

Neal Karlinsky is getting back into racing after a 20-year hiatus, despite a demanding job and family, and he'll be writing all about it.