From drumline director to gravel grinder, Andy Gilstrap didn’t just dip his toe into cycling—he cannonballed in. In this episode of Endurance State of Mind, we sit down with Andy to hear how he went from casual Trace rides with his family in 2023 to finishing the brutal 200-mile Unbound Gravel race just a year later. We talk Saturday group rides, training with coach Jed, surviving (and thriving) in the Kansas Flint Hills, nutrition strategies, clipless pedal fails, and why he’s already planning to go back for more. Whether you're a veteran cyclist or just considering your first ride, Andy’s story is full of grit, humor, and inspiration.

takeaways

• Andy Gilstrap is a relatively new cyclist who completed the Unbound 200.
• He started cycling in 2023 and quickly signed up for races.
• Training for the Unbound 200 involved a month of specific preparation.
• Nutrition during the race included gels and hydration strategies.
• The Unbound 200 was a challenging but rewarding experience for Andy.
• Cycling has a strong community aspect, with camaraderie among riders.
• Bike maintenance is crucial for long races like Unbound 200.
• Achieving training compliance is important for building confidence.
• Andy plans to participate in more local races after Unbound.
• The Tour de France is an exciting event that Andy enjoys watching.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Andy Gilstrap

05:33
Journey into Cycling

09:48
Training and Preparation for Races

14:46
The Unbound 200 Experience

19:40
Nutrition and Strategy in Endurance Cycling

28:16
Nutrition and Performance Insights

29:57
The Dynamics of Group Riding

32:44
Aerodynamics in Cycling vs. Running

34:30
Training Techniques: Cycling vs. Running

36:30
The Social Aspect of Cycling

38:17
Bike Maintenance and Race Preparedness

40:37
Mental Challenges in Endurance Racing

43:42
Training Compliance and Race Strategy

50:15
Future Races and Cycling Events

51:23
Tour de France Predictions

53:32
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