Connections EP 017 | 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 DadBod 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

DadBod Cycling on Instagram: @makesiduncan

DBC NYC Cycling Tour: link

TD Five Boro Bike Tour: fiveborobike.org

Makesi's CCC Bio: Link

Cycling Culture Club: cyclingcultureclub.cc