
086 – Beer & Bikes: How Tucson Hop Shop Created a Cycling Community Hub (Jessie Jean Mance & Sarita Mendez)
Explicit content warning
10/22/24 • 69 min
Episode 086 takes listeners inside Tucson Hop Shop, a craft beer destination that's become synonymous with cycling culture in Southern Arizona. Owner Jessie Jean Mance and Sarita Mendez join hosts Josh and Dane to discuss how their business evolved into a cyclist sanctuary, complete with bike racks, a welcoming outdoor courtyard, and a business philosophy centered on community building rather than just selling beer. The conversation highlights how the shop's strategic location near major bike trails and their deliberate focus on cyclist-friendly amenities have created a thriving establishment where riders gather before, during, and after their adventures on two wheels.
Beyond the business aspects, this episode dives into the cultural connection between cycling and craft beer, exploring what makes this pairing so natural and appealing. The hosts and guests share personal stories about mountain biking experiences, the challenges of encouraging more women to ride, and the importance of supportive cycling communities. Listeners will appreciate the authentic discussion about bike naming traditions, trail etiquette, and how spaces like Tucson Hop Shop serve as more than just businesses—they're community hubs where friendships form, cycling stories are shared, and the post-ride beer becomes part of a cherished ritual for cyclists of all disciplines, from urban commuters to mountain biking enthusiasts.
Episode links...
Web: https://www.tucsonhopshop.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tucsonhopshop/profilecard/?igsh=eWJwMGZ5NmQxZThz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/NT5ZtV6rwunyrCEs/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
The Loop: https://tucsonloop.org/
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Episode 086 takes listeners inside Tucson Hop Shop, a craft beer destination that's become synonymous with cycling culture in Southern Arizona. Owner Jessie Jean Mance and Sarita Mendez join hosts Josh and Dane to discuss how their business evolved into a cyclist sanctuary, complete with bike racks, a welcoming outdoor courtyard, and a business philosophy centered on community building rather than just selling beer. The conversation highlights how the shop's strategic location near major bike trails and their deliberate focus on cyclist-friendly amenities have created a thriving establishment where riders gather before, during, and after their adventures on two wheels.
Beyond the business aspects, this episode dives into the cultural connection between cycling and craft beer, exploring what makes this pairing so natural and appealing. The hosts and guests share personal stories about mountain biking experiences, the challenges of encouraging more women to ride, and the importance of supportive cycling communities. Listeners will appreciate the authentic discussion about bike naming traditions, trail etiquette, and how spaces like Tucson Hop Shop serve as more than just businesses—they're community hubs where friendships form, cycling stories are shared, and the post-ride beer becomes part of a cherished ritual for cyclists of all disciplines, from urban commuters to mountain biking enthusiasts.
Episode links...
Web: https://www.tucsonhopshop.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tucsonhopshop/profilecard/?igsh=eWJwMGZ5NmQxZThz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/NT5ZtV6rwunyrCEs/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
The Loop: https://tucsonloop.org/
Listen to Mountain Cog
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Other Podcast Sites
Socials
Instagram
Facebook
Email
[email protected]
Previous Episode

085 – Elevating Arizona's Mountain Biking Scene: TORCA's Mt. Lemmon Trail Building Initiative. (Nick Giovannucci & Matt Hrabko)
Discover the remarkable story behind Mt. Lemmon's mountain biking trail network as Josh and Dane interview TORCA's leadership team. President Nick Giovannucci and Vice President Matt Hrabko provide an insider's look at the specialized techniques and challenges involved in building sustainable mountain bike trails across Southern Arizona's iconic desert sky island, where dramatic elevation changes create one of North America's most diverse riding environments.
This information-packed episode explores TORCA's innovative approach to trail design and maintenance in challenging desert terrain, their collaborative work with government agencies and environmental stakeholders, and their vision for expanding sustainable mountain biking opportunities on Mt. Lemmon. The conversation highlights how thoughtful trail development can enhance outdoor recreation while protecting fragile desert ecosystems. Whether you're a mountain biking enthusiast planning your next Arizona adventure, a trail builder seeking technical insights, or an outdoor recreation advocate, this episode offers valuable knowledge about creating and preserving world-class mountain biking experiences in unique desert mountain landscapes.
TORCA...
Web: https://www.torca.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torcamtb/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonTORCA/
Santa Catalina Trails Plan: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coronado/home/?cid=FSEPRD974570
Home Grown MTB: https://homegrownmtb.com/
Listen to Mountain Cog
Apple Podcasts
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Socials
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Facebook
Email
[email protected]
Next Episode

087 – Gravity Trail Building in Arizona: How the Tonto Gravity Riders are Transforming Mountain Biking at Sunrise Bike Park and Pinal Mountains. (Chris Johnson)
Chris Johnson of Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR) joins us to discuss how this grassroots organization evolved from building unauthorized jump lines to becoming a trusted Forest Service partner maintaining and developing trail systems across Arizona. The episode traces TGR's origins around 2010 and their work legitimizing the legendary NRA Pit jump spot before focusing on creating gravity-oriented trails in the Pinal Mountains. Chris explains how their dedication to quality trail building and community focus transformed what began as "rogue" building into award-winning stewardship.
The conversation highlights TGR's recent work at Sunrise Ski Resort, where they've built progressive flow trails like Yage, Identity Crisis, and Squirrel Catcher that are bringing new riders to the mountain. Chris also gives listeners a preview of TGR's ambitious master plan for the Pinal Mountains, which includes adopting existing social trails and creating nearly 40 miles of new purpose-built mountain bike trails. Mountain biking enthusiasts will appreciate Chris's insights on trail difficulty ratings, the importance of progression, and his advice for aspiring trail advocates about focusing on community benefit rather than personal gain.
Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR)
Web: https://www.tontogravityriders.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tontogravityriders/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TontoGravityRiders/
Trails
Pinal Mountain Trail System: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pinal-mountain-trail-system/
NRA Jumps: https://www.trailforks.com/poi/1410/
Sunrise Bike Park: https://www.sunrise.ski/summer/downhill-mountain-biking/
Mt Graham Trail System: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pinaleno-mountains-mt-graham/
Listen to Mountain Cog
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
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Socials
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[email protected]
Mountain Cog - 086 – Beer & Bikes: How Tucson Hop Shop Created a Cycling Community Hub (Jessie Jean Mance & Sarita Mendez)
Transcript
so he wrote this music oh , that's awesome isn't it cool ?
Sarita Mendezit's so special for you .
JoshHow many podcasts have we had where you've told people that I wrote this music .
DaneWell , I'm not doing it for our listeners . They know , but I'm doing it for them ,
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