On the Pegs Podcast

4. Curt Comer & David Pyle | The First Trial des Nations

In 1984, the very first Trial des Nations took place in Soviet-controlled Poland — and David Pyle, Curt Comer, and Morgan Kavanaugh made up the U.S. team. More than four decades later, David and Curt sat down together for the first time to talk about that historic week. Recorded at the AMA Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio during Ryan Young's induction weekend, this episode dives into what it actually took to get there: disassembling trials bikes into airline luggage, packing your own pre-mix and tools, navigating customs with a fiberglass gas tank as your carry-on, and being assigned a Polish national escort the moment you cleared the airport. David and Curt share stories of staying with local families, trading every sticker and t-shirt for handmade leather goods, dodging the propaganda on state radio, and the gas-rationed, mud-soaked, eighteen-section trial itself. We also talk about how organically the team came together (no formal selection process — just Marilyn Wicker fundraising at the nationals with a stack of t-shirts), the through-line from Plonker's Press to On the Pegs Magazine, what it meant to walk into that stadium under the U.S. flag, and how the 2025 Men's Trial des Nations win connects back to the foundation laid in '84. A rare, firsthand look at where U.S. trials on the world stage really began — from two of the riders who started it. FULL EPISODE NOTES [https://on-the-pegs.com/2026/05/12/ep-4-david-pyle-curt-comer-first-trial-des-nations/] | SUPPORT TDN [https://www.mototrials.com/tdn.html]

3. Josh Roper | Solo at X-Trial des Nations, New Team, SSDT Plans

Josh Roper takes on X-Trial des Nations solo after his teammate’s injury, and shares what it was like to compete against full national teams. He also talks through a big offseason of changes, including his move to Beta with TrialStoreUSA.com, and his plans for the Scottish Six Day Trial. SHOW NOTES [https://on-the-pegs.com/2026/04/15/josh-roper-x-trial-des-nations-solo-ssdt-beta/]

2. Maddie Hoover | A Decade in TrialGP

Our guest today is Maddie Hoover. Maddie is a nine-time U.S. Women's Trials National Champion and one of the most successful women in the history of American trials. She's also spent the last decade competing in the Women's Trial GP World Championship, representing the United States at the world stage. Last September, Maddie announced her retirement from the World Championship Series. In this episode, we sit down and talk about that decision, her ten-year journey competing internationally, and what it was like chasing sections around the world. It's a really thoughtful conversation and a great chance to hear Maddie reflect on her career and what comes next. SHOW NOTES [https://on-the-pegs.com/2026/03/15/ep-2-maddie-hoover-a-decade-in-trialgp/]

1. Cole Cullins | The Leap to Pro

The first-ever On the Pegs Podcast is here, and we’re kicking it off with none other than Pro trials rider and Beta USA Factory standout Cole Cullins. Hosted by On the Pegs owner Steph Vetterly and Beta USA teammate Abigail Buzzelli, Episode 1 dives deep into Cole’s journey from riding at just three years old to making the leap from Expert Champion to the demanding Pro class. In an honest and often hilarious conversation, Cole opens up about the emotional shock of going from winning to struggling, the mental toll of high expectations, and what it really takes to survive the jump to the top level. The trio breaks down time management in Pro sections, the importance of finding the right minder, and how family dynamics can shape a rider’s mindset. Cole also shares candid stories about injury setbacks, burnout, and how staying connected to the sport—through coaching and his new role as a Beta trials ambassador—helped him rediscover his love for riding. Raw, insightful, and full of personality, this debut episode sets the tone for real conversations about trials, growth, and what it takes to keep pushing when the sections—and life—get tougher. SHOW NOTES [https://on-the-pegs.com/2026/02/18/ep-1-cole-cullins/]