AFTER 10 DAYS OF TRAVEL, I was looking forward to getting back into the routine.  You know, the one that separates the wannabees...

... from the gottabees.

The Cowboy Strong stuff.

When traveling,

• push ups are easy to do
• pull ups  if there is a local playground
• squats are weakly replaced with air squats
• and just plain for get doing the awesome nordics

I warmed up with some light jogging,
mixed with some side shuffles,
and jumping jacks.

Normal stuff.

The sled felt great, even with the legs still a little tender.  Taking those big steps and pushing all the way through the ankle and foot was wonderful.

Shoulder presses were a little shaky towards the end.  
I really feel when I skip the upper body stuff.

Squats.  Sometimes, after a break, I'll drop down some lbs.  Not today, and it was just fine.

Then, the nordics.  I could feel the tension in my hammies.  Did my 5 full reps, but something didn't feel rightw.

When I moved on to the box jump, and lowered myself to explode up...

... the right hammie was barking loud.

Dang.
Pulled muscle?
I wasn't sure, so I didn't even attempt the box.

The rest of the circuit was fine.

During a light, very light, spin this evening everything felt fine.

Still, it could have been a major set back...

... which is why I encourage all my direct competitors to skip the weights for months, then hit 'em hard...

... I need every advantage I can get.

I'm just kiddin',
be careful y'all.

Lift daily,
don't skip,
if you do, take it easy the first few days...

... because we gottabee strong to Rip On RaceDay!

---

165.1
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

THIS WAS MY SECOND BWR UT.  I'd intended to do AZ in Feb, but it lined up with Tucson Bicycle Classic.  I postponed to CA in Apr, but was too tired from Sea Otter...

... I wasn't intending to do UT.

But, I read about all the new single track.
Plus, the weather looked good.
And, it was paid for.

Did I get my money's worth?

I lined up a lot earlier, so I had a shot at hanging with the lead pack.  To do this, get in the corral as soon as it opens, and be among the first 30 to get through the tunnel.

Not easy.

Once through the tunnel,
the dust was up,
rocks flying.

The pros started to push the pace,
I started sliding back.

A gap opened,
I didn't care.

We formed a second group, which included the Floyd Landis himself and a few pro women.

Racing across the gravel, we could still see the lead pack.

For some reason, they slowed a bit when they hit the pavement again and we were able to latch on.

Not only that, it was only mildly leg searing up the gentle drag before the left hand turn back onto gravel...

... and another 2 tunnels.

This was chaotic.

Everybody charging at 30+ to get to the tunnel first.
Rookies locking up the brakes, 
before the dark abyss.

Now for the long straight, mostly smooth direct shot to the foothills west of town...

... where the rollers begin.

I was so happy to be there.

While everyone is still pumping adrenalin and trying to keep up...

... I drop anchor and go my pace.

I have a plan.

After the rollers is a some fast double track,
with rocks and ruts and sand.

Remembering my race a few years back, 
I was sure I'd not only catch the stragglers,
but, I'd make up a ton of time and positions.

15-20 minutes later, we are through Aid 1 and I'm back with the Landis group and other strong riders...

... taking pulls and pushing hard.

This was really nice.

Roll through,
roll off.

The next section started with an abandoned trail to a raised cow gate.  I made sure I was second through there.

We were gone.
From 15 riders,
down to about six.

My watts were around 250,
right at my ride all day limit.

The next major feature of the course was the new single track.

I love it.

The first bit was fast and flowy,
got held up a bit, 
not too bad.

Grabbed a water bottle,
what I needed was a lot more calories.

The next section was quite technical for gravel bikes.
Moabstyle rock features with blue dots,
wood bridges over sand.

So fun.

The 45mm Terra Speeds were working great,
so was the 20mm of travel in the rear triangle.

Passed a ton more guys.

Onto the pavement back to town, I connected with one other rider from DC. 

We were working well together,
we thought.

Then, two caught us from behind and were going so fast we almost didn't catch.

Here's the thing about BWR...

If you are a good descender 
and good bike handler
you make up time.

When the strong roadies get back on the road, 
they will reel you in.

Jump on.

Eventually, we got popped.

The big dude, who won 45+, was just too strong.
First to go was DC,
I was next,
then blue.

There was one more rough dirt section.

As I rolled onto the pavement I could see blue.

I tried to go by too fast for him to catch.

No luck, he caught on after a half a mile or so.

We swapped leading.

No one behind,
or in front.

My last race on this course, I got turned around and lost a 3-up sprint.

Not this time,
first up the curb onto the grass wins every time.

Here's what I know about the BWR UT:

• Get to the first tunnel up front
• The other tunnels, pray for the riders ahead to make it through
• The major, big group drafting is over at the rollers, settle in.
• Work on your descending and technical skills.
• Run the big tires, lowest pressure you dare (28 and 30 for me).
• For the Wafer, a hydration pack and 2 full bottles would be ideal.

About that nutrition.

Because the promoter is handing up pure water, no electrolytes, I believe it's probably best to carry enough liquid, laced with massive amounts of sugar and salt, to make it the entire distance.

I found it hard to eat during the last 90 minutes, which I needed to do since the bottles only had water.  I tried, but it was just too fast and challenging to do easily.  

Also, sometimes the heat and altitude mess with me.  My breathing gets shallow, and not even drinking is appealing.

Which lead to the awful precramping feeling.

Fortunately, I had about 15 salt tablets on me and was munching them down like candy.

From that list above, I'd say the two biggest things I saw cost people time were...

... weak handling skills, and dehydration.

This kind of racing is a blast.
All the savviness of surfing a surging peloton,
with the romping, skidding and sliding of MTB riding.

For that reason, I believe the winners represent the most complete riders.

---

162.4
9 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

HOW DO WE SCORE A RACE?  At BWR, they have this massive wall of live results.  It is easy to see how everybody finished...

... but, how did we really do?

Per the board, I had an insanely good day.

10th over all in the Wafer, and won my age group.

That's the truth of the matter,
or, the Truth Score.

The question I have for myself,
that all of us have for ourselves is...

... did we Rip?

Bare with me, I'm still working through this.

The Rip score is based on did we do all we could do,
and it's a lot more than did I ride as hard as I could.

Generally, that's a given

What I'm more curious about is,
Did we take care of everything so we could do our absolute best?

I scored my ride today a B+.

In the plus column:

Bike prep
Work squared away
Family on board
Race weight 
Body ready, given it was a big training week
Objectives met
Made new friends
Cleaned all of the techy singletrack

In the minus column:

Poor choice of accommodations and poor sleep, no a/c
Poor nutrition last 90 minutes of race

I'm gong to dial this in during the coming weeks, and put some numbers to the metrics that matter most.

It's too easy to let the results determine how we think and feel about the outcome, when often they reflect very little of our accomplishments.

A good example is my pal Matt.

Normally, he does the full distance at BWR.  This year he'd opted for the shorter Wafer, and was thrilled with his finish...

... because he finished strong after knee replacement.

Or, my friend Andrew.

I don't what his expectations were,
but it was clear as the skies were blue,
his wife enjoyed the day and he was happy she was there.

Or, Jessica who introduced herself to me.

She had caught all the way up to first place and was making the other girl struggle to hang on...

... only to get dropped on the final dirt section.

Why was that a win?

It was her first gravel race,
and she is excited about learning
new skills required to ride fast off road.

As far as I'm concerned, 
those three racers,
ripped it up!

Tomorrow I'll be able to share some of the key take aways from today's race.

It's good to be home.

---

163ish
6.5 hrs
No strength work
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

AS FAR AS PREP GOES FOR TOMORROW'S RACE, I'd have to say I'm doing pretty good.  Some things could be better...

... but the requisite goofy mustache is on point.

The rest, well...

• I got here late, only to be that guy who thought he registered but didn't.
• My taper was not the best - 10 hours and 10,000' of climbing this week.
• My tires - yeah, i'm stoked to see how the 45s romp off road
• Nutrition - just prepping bottles and food, 100 grams carbs/hr
• Helmet - opting for the slightly more aero Protone
• Kit - the new Among The Wolves design and updated pattern, etc
• Sleep - lastnights storm was like a rock concert in the van - not enough
• Work - worked too much today, not enough rest 
• Friends - got lots of 'em here, can't wait to rub elbows.
• Waffles - the legendary pre-ride carbs are on my mind already.

What does all that mean?

It's been a heckuva week...

... tomorrow will perfectly top it off.

Good luck y'all!

---

163ish
7 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

EVERY RACE HAS RIDERS that DNF, DNS and DQ.  It's inevitable.  In fact, just last Saturday I saw a rider get DQ'd.  And, you know what?... 

... I wasn't the least bit sad he was disqualified.

Here's why.

At the Brian Head Odyssey the hand you a finishing card with your place and time on it.

Since I'd been keep track of who was around me when we started, and pretty darn sure of where I stood with my age group...

... I was somewhat shocked to see I'd finished 2nd.

For those of you keeping score at home, you already know I own the largest collection of 2nd place finishes in the world.

So, I wasn't shocked, shocked.

Just shocked that someone had passed me.

It seemed impossible.

But, then I got to thinking of the time I spent hunting down Benadryl at Aid 2; and a pump at Aid 3.

So, maybe.

But, it was 2nd by only a minute after nearly 6 hours of racing.

I'll be honest, it bugged me...

... not a little.

As we're about to get the podium he realizes he must have cut the course...

I might have cut the course?

Hmmm, well, I don't remember you passing me.

Yeah, I'm not sure.

Did you check your mileage?

40 miles.

Well, it is a 48 mile race and I did recored 47.9 miles.

But, that's not the point.

The point is that there are always racers who Did Not Finish, Did Not Start and DisQualified...

... except in one race.

I took lunch to a friend today.

He's recovering from surgery,
there have been complications,
jerk of a doctor told him he'll never ride again...

... terrible thing to say to an athlete.

And, I'd never bet against this total stud.

Then, I met another friend who let me know he'd just found out he has cancer...

... probably not a big deal, but might be a big deal.

Wouldn't bet against him either.

The world is so much better with these to pals o' mine.

Which brings up my point.

We will all finish the grandest race of all...

... none of us knows how far out our finish line is.

Race hard,
Do good,
Every
Day.

---

163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CLAIMED the best trail is the one you ride the most because it has the most memories.  I think that's mostly true...

... but, where is the best city?

For mountain biking, I still really love Park City, UT.

Today, for instance, we rode from town.  
70% of the single track we rode
had been put in during
the last 2 summers.

This town is committed.

The thing I like about the riding up here is the lush vegetation and the many areas of dark, moist hero dirt.

Deer Valley is pioneered it all 20+ years ago,
The other resorts have all since joined,
running lifts all summer long.

For road, I'd have to say the best road riding I ever did was in France.  
Long beautiful climbs, with recognizable names
and polite drivers.

For gravel, I have no idea yet.
But, in my dreams there are endless roads with no cars
connected by smooth, flowy single track,
with tall, giant trees,
and little dust.

If you've got a favorite, let us all know.

---

163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

A FEW OF US RODE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, the Alpine Loop in Utah.  The main feature is a 9 mile climb, with corresponding descent.  I prefer going from the American Fork side...

... then ripping the many twisty turns through the aspen trees on the way to Sundance.

I have some interesting data from today's adventure.

I've been riding this loop for decades.
The last two times on my gravel bike,
with gravel tires.

Last year, about 6 weeks out from Leadville.
This year, about a month out from Marathon Nationals.

Both times, with my younger and handsomer cousin who shares the same name as me.

Is it fair to use this as a fitness test?
Especially, since we were talking all the way up?
Should we consider his recent shattering of his PR at Leadville?

Yes, to all of the above.

Look at this.

It's safe to say,
my fitness is on track.

Scientific?
No.

Empowering?
Most definitely.

When we are deep in our training, it's important to find little nuggets like this...

... glimmers of hope.

Otherwise, it can seem like we're getting nowhere,
particularly in the months before the A race.

Questions of...

Is this working?
Is this worth it?
Am I on track?
Will this pay off?

... can be slayed,
by simply finding a nugget of proof,
bonus points when they come without trying.

The key is to acknowledge,
file away, and 
keep riding.

This is why we stop at Sundance

Epically perfect day, 
dodged the rain until last 3 miles.

---

163ish
7.5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

GOT OUT ON THE GRAVEL BIKE IN UTAH TODAY with El Jefe.  Now that he's retired, probably need to change that to El Flojo except...

... he's busy as ever, and doing insanely long races.

He took it easy on me today.

Here's the dill...

• El Jefe got me into gravel biking
• The Mocker (cause Tally mocks me relentlessly) got me into road
• Wood taught me how to sprint
• Garboon took me MTBing when the surf was dead

... each of these men made an impact on and off the bike.

I owe 'em,
big time.

Who do you owe?

By the way, when we hit the rocky sections and the single tracks, I was more impressed than ever with these Continental Terra Speeds.  

I'm running the 45s now.
28lbs up front,
30 in back.

That's the set up I'm planning to roll at BWR Saturday.

I'm tempted to go a little lower on the pressure because I'm still not hitting the rims from time to time on the rough stuff...

... it's risky, though.

And, I'd rather hit the rocky sections at full speed vs gingerly like hot coal walker at a guru get away.

Oh, and who owes you?

---

163ish
8 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

WHEN YOU'RE FIT, nothing is really scary.  I mean spiders and snakes and power outages can be, however not when a buddy says...

... Hey, let's climb the Grand Teton. 

Unless you have a thing with heights. 

Which I do.

So, I"m not even remotely tempted to join my bro-in-law this week on a 2-day ascent up the Grand Teton...

... at 14,000' high, with rain and high winds and 30 degree temps probable.

He's doing it,
because he's fit from ridin' and runnin'.

If it weren't for my fear of heights I'd do it, too.  

It's just a fact, when you're fit you can say yes to almost anything anybody else is doing.

Which is the way whole point of the racey thing we do...

... to be fit, to do anything.

Sure, we might suffer a bit the next day because we worked some muscles differently.

But, rest assured.
We can do it.

Sometimes we think its about the podium, or finishers medal, or leader board.

It's not.
It's about being capable.

If you're capable or on the path to capable, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride (tentative)

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM (tentative), some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

163.9
9 hrs
No strength work today
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I FELT BAD FOR THE FATHER AND SON who pulled the plug at 6:30. Yes, it was raining.  Yes, it was windy.  Yes, it was still dark.  I almost joined them...

... those two wouldn't be the only ones to DNS, or DNF.

It's wasn't that cold, 48.

The sun was rising,
the rain stopping.

At 7:08 we were off.
Straight up.
5 miles.

I wore a base layer and my KOM Jacket over a Camelbak to start.  It seemed prudent to stay warm, and to have the jacket board should the rain return.

A note here about racing with power...

One of the benefits of racing with power is knowing exactly how hard you are working.  As usual, the bunnies hopped ahead and stayed there for a mile or two, then paid the price of taking it out too fast. 

Not me.

Rather than look at my HR to guide my effort I looked at power.

This was really helpful.

Since this was a 48 miles MTB race,
40 of it on twisty technical single track,
there was no need to chase the bunnies.

MTB racing is basically a mass start time trial.

That strategy wouldn't work on a road race where the speeds are much higher and we must do all we can to stay with the group, in the draft.

... power is a good way to throttle the effort.

For the record, this is a very proper mountain bike course.

Long climbs,
Long, challenging downhills.

We don't have that at home.  

To stand and throw the bike around corners, off jumps and over rocks on a 40 minute downhill takes a different kind of effort...

... I'd never wanted a longer travel bike more.

That's when the wasp stung me on the right corner of my mouth, on the lip.

I hit it hard.

So hard, it hurt more than the sting.

In fact, I wasn't sure I was stung until my lip and cheek started to swell up - see pic above.

While I as debating whether or not I'd been stung, two more got me right above my sock...

... those hurt.

By the time I'm nearing the aid station that part of my mouth is blowing up and completely numb.  Like I'd been given a shot of Novocain. 

• It's difficult to close my mouth to drink
• Even harder to chew

Hoping I don't sound like a goof..

Does anybody have any Benadryl, anything for allergies?

Sure 'nuf, the medic does.

Perfect.

This was supposed to be a 4.5 hour race.  

About 5 hours in, I felt sluggish.

It was the last leg and I was limping in.

Did I mention, I woke up at 3 am to the sound of what could only be a wounded bear sleeping above me?  Frustrated, at 4, I went and slept in the van.

Took me 5:51:54.
9th overall,
1st in age.

If you're looking to do some epic riding in Brian Head, these trails are all great...

... make take 3 days vs 1.

Got a few compliments on the kit, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

164ish?
5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I HIT IT FOR UTAH TODAY.  Last second change of plans, starting with a 48 mile MTB race tomorrow at Brian Head...

... the top of the course is 11,000'.

Not Leadville,
a 1000' lower,
and 56 miles shorter.

A lot, lot more single track.  
Really fun, flowy, bermy stuff through the Aspens.

Which is why I think it will take about 4.5 hours,
hopefully, a little less.

Can't wait!

How'd I get here?

Waking up at the crackodawn and driving 8 hours isn't ideal daybefore raceday prep.

Before doing the openers, and dinner, I decided to check into the AirBnB I'd opted for...

... it was billed as a resort.

Yes, a resort for junk stashed everywhere...

... even in the Shangre-la room.

$40/night,
in a small town,
on the hight plains of UT.

Yes, I could have stayed up at the Lodge in Brian Head, but...

... I figured 6000' was high enough in one day.

Here's the thing.

I love this little town of Parowan, with it's Main and Center Streets, tons of historical buildings...

... and, of course, The Parowan Cafe.

The openers were tougher than usual.  
Lack of O2 for sure.

The afternoon squall brushed by,
cooling of the roads with a light drizzle.

Dinner at the Cafe was on par.

All in all, I'd say this day has been a 10.

I'll be in this kit tomorrow, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

164ish?
7 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

WE HAVE A BUNNY PROBLEM HERE.  They're everywhere.  And they are super funny.  Darting across the paths and trails, hyperhopping in front us...

... what goes on in a bunny's brain?

Nature is such a good teacher.

If you're a hunter,
you can't be like a bunny.

Hopping off the front of the group,
racing up the first climb, 
to the first corner.

Any bunny can tell ya,
you can't keep it up.

Eventually, the bunnies round here dart off to the side,
where I presume they collapse.

Not the wolves.

Wolves are hunters
they track, wait,
and pounce...

... for the kill!

That's how we need to race.

Let the bunnies do their thing.

It's entertaining,
and keeps the pace high.

Be the wolf.

Observant,
letting the race unfold,
figuring out who the players are...

... who's weak,
who's a bunny.

Then,
and only then,
we make our move.
When we know the kill is assured.

Does it always work?

No.

But...

... it's a helluvalot more fun than being a bunny.

If you're a wolf, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

164.9
7.25 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I THINK I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF HOW MUCH DRAG is added with the 45mm tires on the gravel bike vs the 28s on my road bike.  This includes... 

... the less aero position of the dirt gobbler.

At 18-20 miles an hour, it's about 10% more drag.

About 20 watts.

I was sharing this with a fine young ripper on the group ride last night.

It's about 10%.

Oh, that's it.

Yes.

Not a big deal then.

If that was so, then why was I huffinNpuffin...

... and easily dispatched on the sprint?

Well, first off.

That's about 30 watts when we hit 27-32 miles an hour on the ride.

Which we do,
and wouldn't be a big deal,
if the ride itself wasn't 2+ hours.

Which reminds me of the sage advice I got at a seminar years ago...

... if you'll just save and wisely invest 10% you'll be filthy rich.

Too bad I didn't heed it.

But, I did heed something else, and it seems to be paying off the older I get.

We had this club in college called Goldbrickers.  It was founded in 1917.  We all memorized this unforgettable motto...

... There is always a better way!

That is something I'm constantly thinking about
family,
business,
training and racing...

... the things I care about the most.

Sure, it's only 10%...

... but it adds up.

---

164
7.5 hrs
PullUps PushUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

IT'S NEVER A SURPRISE WHEN HALF THE BUNCH IS DROPPED.  It always happens.  What always delivers a smile, especially when I'm among the dropped, is...

... how many people are shocked to be there.

Of the 50% who are dropped, I'd guess 10% are caught completely off guard.

The other 40% knew they were,
outmatched,
unprepared.

I was thinking about this listening to Lil' Nas' Old Town Road, with lines like...

     Can't nobody tell me nothin'

     Like a Marlboro Man so I'll kick on back

     Wish I could roll on back to that Old Town Road

... giving clues to how they got there.

Unteachable.
Smokin' cigs, being lazy.
Wishin' things were different.

Who's the greatest coach ever...
What do we need to give up...
What do need to do...

... to be in position to win the ultimate prize?

Racing,
just life in miniature.

Stay Ready my friends.

---

165.3
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

GOOD THING YOU'VE GOT ME.  Whenever things go awry I let you know because I don't want you makin' the same mistakes.  You might still, but... 

... maybe you'll learn and fix it faster.

Take today.

I'd managed to bang out some good work,
and was ready for a beautiful
evening ride.

Three minutes from home, I'm thinking...

Did I check my derailleur battery?

No.

Should I?

Yes!

... dang.

It's red.

Turning back goes against my core beliefs.
Our dad drilled it into us...

... A Brown never turns back!

I could have ridden on.
It was probably barely red.
But, what if it stopped working?

I remembered the night J took a tumble off the side of a local single track.
Busted his shifter right off...

... and was stuck in granny gear for 40 minutes.

It took him forever to get anywhere.

For sure, I didn't want that.

Decision made.

Normally, I'd swap one out with the other bikes and be on my way.

Not this time.

My steeds are down at the local bike shop waiting for service.

I'd have to wait while my 1 battery charged up,
which worked out great.

My new shoes, which I purchased specifically for the MTB, needed an eversoslight adjustment in the cleats.

Moral of the story?

Always check your batteries...

... the night before your planned ride.

If you're purchased a RaceDay Bag lately, then you should have this handy sticker.

---

164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

EARLY SATURDAY, on my way to meet the gang, I blasted through a quiet park.  Cars and trucks were pulling in, people were piling out with their...

... pickleball paddles in hand.

I've played a few times.
It's pretty fun.
Like tennis.

Is it just me, or did pickleball rise at the same time e-bikes rose?
What does that mean?

Anyway, these guys and gals are all piling out to meet and play their new found love.

I'm cool with that...

• exercise
• camaraderie
• learning something new

... it's just nor for me,
not right now.

I decided a long time ago I'd rather be my best at 1 thing...

... than okay at many.

Even then, 
I'm not 100% committed to a segment of cycling.

My cross training involves...

• paddleboard surfing for balance, core and time with Surfergirl
• long walks in deep sand for massage my feet
• cross training every day for strength

... all activities that bolster cycling.

My food choices tilt towards what an athlete would chose when going for lean vs bulky...

• whole foods
• lots of protein
• little to no bread

All decisions compound over time...

... and determine our destiny.

Where do you want to go?
How quickly do you want to get there?

---

164.5
8.5 hrs
no strength work
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I WAS PROBABLY GOING TOO FAST, heading back to the coast on an urban gravel road.  It was midday and hot, not too many people out.  I was mostly alone...

... and so was the dude I collided with.

Generally, I'm pretty conservative on blind turns.

Was I on this one?

I'd left home just after 7am, on the gravel bike.  

Hit some dirt on my way to CV...

... a local group ride, stocked with local hitters.

According to the data, I registered new power numbers from 1 min to 20 min.

It felt like it.

The junior ahead of me on the La Paz climb (featured in the '84 Olympics), kept looking back to see if I was going to die...

... such was my breathing.

30 minutes later, at the high point of the ride I peeled off and...

... climbed higher on dirt.

At the top, I switched on my Incredibell to serve as an early warning...

... incoming missle.

This little bell works pretty darn well as long as people are in front of me.

It does not work around corners.

So, there I am.  

Most of the climbing out of the way...

... letting those big 45mm tires gobble up the dirt, dust and ruts.

Around a blind turn, there is this dude.

Cutting the corner too tight.

I dive further inside, to my right.

HE DOES, TOO!

I lock the rear, kicking it to my right to change trajectory and try and get by him on the outside.

No luck.

Oh shift!!

Yardsale.

On my butt, 
my back,
helmet.

I laid there for a sec...

... maybe for dramatic effect.

He popped up worried he'd killed me (2nd time today).

Super apologetic.

We dusted off,
shook hands,
rode on.

All good, just a few small flesh wounds.

Until...

... I got to the next climb.

It's steep.
Loose.

I wanted to cruise, downshifted, and promptly threw my chain into the spokes.

Oh, yeah...

... that dude's front tire went right into my derailleur.

I now officially have zero bikes to ride.

• Road bike, rear brake pressure.
• Gravel bike, bent hanger.
• MTB, suspension prep.

Good thing tomorrow is the day of rest.

---

164.8
7 hrs
no strength work
60 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

SOMETIMES WE FORGET WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO.  This week my friend Bart challenged me to answer a simple question...

... Why do you want to help people rip on raceday?

Weirdly, it was difficult to answer concisely.

My first take...

Because I know if people will pick an A race, just 1 race a year, everything changes and improves:  nutrition, sleep, training, etc.

... he wasn't impressed.

It's something deeper, think about it.

When FB served me this memory today I realized a few things:

• I've been helping people rip on raceday for decades
• Not as a coach, or mentor
• As a friend

When I sent the post card above to my pal Jeff in 2011, it was just after his 9th Leadville.  He's had crazy, life changing experiences out there on that 100 miles MTB race...

... and hasn't always been able to finish, it's hard and shift happens.

The following year, 2012, we were going back to complete his 10th race and get...

... the coveted 10th Giant Buckle.

Not easy.

The card I sent said this on the front:

Out With A Bang 2012!

On the back:

Let's get your PR!

A year later, we met up on the road to Leadville and he pulled out that card.  I'd forgotten about sending it to him.

It's been on my desk for months!

He really went all in that year.

• Hired a coach
• A nutritionist 
• Arranged work so he could train

His family was super supportive of his quest.

How'd it work out?

PR, 8:12!
On the podium (2nd I think).

I tell you that, because I want you to know where I'm coming from when I say...

... I want YOU!, to Rip On RaceDay!

There is no better feeling than setting an outrageous goal,
going all in to accomplish it,
making it reality.

I have experienced it many times on and off the bike,
during endurance races and personal challenges.

Riding fast is something I've been blessed with,
and I love helping other people discover what they can really do...

... on a bike.

That is why I created the RaceDay Ready Challenge...

... I want to see you have the same experiences Jeff and I have had.

PS It is easy to get hung up on the podium, or winning, or paid events.  They are awesome, and the podiums are a bonus.  However, I have had just as much of a thrill when Pete and I spent 6 months to get our PR up Harding Truck Trail.  

Just us, on a given day.  

We didn't break our goal of going under an hour,
but we shattered our previous bests...

... still gives me tingles.

---

164.5
7 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

A BIG PART OF RIDING FAST is feeling fast. There are a lot ways to do that, but here is one that is often discounted...

... looking awesome!

Yep.

Don't tell me you don't check yourself out before you saddle up, when you hit the bathroom, or...

... when you ride by giant windows!

It ain't right or wrong,
it just is something
we all do.

Why?

Because we are human,
want to feel fierce,
and be adored.

Want an easy way to take your style to the next level?

Accent what you have.

Yeah!

One year, I wore a red helmet, red gloves and red socks...

... at every race.

It was, and still is, a signal to my brain that it was time to...

... Rip On RaceDay!

This shift matters.

For a limited time, when you purchase a pair of gloves...

... you can get matching socks for FREE.

We have lots of colors.

What's your favorite?

Do you have a suggestion?

Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

No code needed, savings calculated automatically at check out.

---

163.8
8 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

HUSTLE CULTURE SAYS Respect the hustle, work culture says Do the work, Grind culture says I'm just grinding, to which I say...

... What the heck are y'all talking about?

Is there something special we don't know about?

You know what I think it is?

I think, and I hope I'm wrong, it's just a way of saying...

... Look at me,
it's a freakin' miracle,
I'm actually focused on accomplishing something.

Shouldn't doing great work be our default?
Setting big goals be the norm?
Being unrealistic common?

I know it is for you,
because you're reading this.

What's our phrase then?

Keep challenging yourself.

Every day,
in every way.

Run,
Bike,
Swim,
Work,
Family,
Social,
Mental,
Spiritual.

---

164.3
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH THE GRAVEL BIKE, and I've come to a few conclusions you might find noteworthy.  These little outings...

... have been flirting with road rides.

It's a lot like all the benefits of motorpacing.

Because of the extra drag from the jumbo treaded tires,
the larger gaps between gears,
and the more upright position...

... I am forced to ride a lot more efficient.

Staying much closer to the rider ahead, in the best draft position possible is key to hanging on.

The faster the speed, the more exaggerated the effort needed to stay with the group.

At 27-32ish mph, our speed tonight, its a lot more challenging than when I'm on my road bike.

A lot of that has to do with the gearing of my gravel bike:  38 x 10-52.

This gearing forces me to spin faster or slower than I might if I was on my road bike.  In a sense it is less efficient...

... but, it's forcing me to be more adaptable and flexible with my cadence.

What's the point?

• To make the ride harder
• To force me to be more efficient
• To help me prepare for upcoming races

Will it be helpful?

I dunno,
I think so. 

I played it a bit conservative tonight, saving just a bit to make sure I didn't get dropped.

Going forward, I think I can roll the dice a little more on this Tuesday afternoon ride.

---

164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

THE ODD THING ABOUT MY TIRE CHOICE FOR SATURDAY'S RACE was that I'd never ridden the tire before.  I mean I had, and I'd loved them, but never ridden...

... such a giant tire.

Not on a gravel bike.

Back in my day,
why we'd roll them
1.75" Ritchey World Cup SpeedMax tires.

Almost exactly the same width as the 45mm Continental Terra Speeds I mounted for Saturday's 50 mile gravel race, with noted and feared rocky sections.

I'd forgotten about those Ritcheys...

Heck, we railed 
and ripped,
all trails.

Rocky,
Smooth,
didn't matter.

... in the late 90's those 1.75s were my go to for epic rides and races.

Here's the the thing, after the race I was rolling along on pavement next to a guy who outweighs me by at least 40lbs.  Were were on identically spec'd BMCs...

... and I was rolling away.

Not exactly scientific, but confidence yielding for sure.

This afternoon, I hit a well traveled dirt road I've ridden many times.  It's always pockmarked from horse hooves, and just bouncy enough to be annoying.

Not today.
Not on these 45s.

It was smooth and enjoyable.

For my next unscientific tests, I'll be hitting a few road group rides on this set up.  

There's a point to all of this, so I'm glad you stuck around.

As much as I disagree with the idea of rocking 2.4" MTB tires for XC racing,
I disagree with as going skinny as possible for gravel racing.

I think it's always faster to error on the side of comfort vs rigidity...

... taking that edge off, 
leaves us fresher,
and sharp,
and fast.

That's just me.

What's your preference?

---

165.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

YESTERDAY'S RACE WENT PERFECT.  From start to finish, I felt amazing.  And, from the looks of my competitors, even though we'd put in massive efforts and were exhausted...

... most of us had the same look.

Dirt,road.
Young, old.

All of us were happy,
and smiling.

How could that be?
How could there be joy in so thoroughly flogging ourselves?

You know the answer to that

Here's the real question...

... is that the key to fountain of youth?

If so, why?

Unequivocally, yes.

Why?

Because it's child's play.

The great Dan Sullivan says (warns?)...

... As you age you must continually get younger friends.

For most people, that isn't relevant.
For us, it is.

If we don't, we,
the active,
the childish, 
the energetic,
will find ourselves alone.

When endlessly fascinated with something,
like we are with
these races, 
or business,
or writing...

... we don't retire,
we keep getting better,
closer to our maximum potential.

(Sometimes I feel I need to explain that sentiment.  If I knew what I know now, and had the time I have now, I would have been waywayway faster than I am now.  Now, I'm just a lot closer than I've even been to my potential.)

Stay young my friends.

---

165.3
8 hrs
No Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

THE QUESTION FOR THOSE REALLY INTO IT WAS, would a mountain bike or a gravel bike be faster at the Tour De Big Bear Gravel Race.  The serious cats had pre-ridden and made their decisions...

... I committed to honor the spirt of gravel.

Can I say that without making someone getting lycra hurt?

Of course.

Grab some fries and let me splain it.

The best part about gravel is it is all spirit. 

There are no rules.

Riders think there are...

• hipster mustache
• monochrome kit
• no coordinated teamwork

... there aren't.

I saw everything today...

• Gravel bikes
• CX bikes
• MTBs
• Wild kits
• Boys
• Girls
• Camelbaks
• Excellent teamwork 

... and lots of rocks in certain spots.

Not everywhere,
but, enough in certain spots
to shred tires,
cause crashes, 
and, in my case,
bounce bottles out of the best cages in the world.

I'd estimate about 50% of our time was spent off road,
even though there was a little more mileage on the pavement.

As I said, there are no rules in gravel which is why it's a little hard to explain to friends and family.

I rode 25 miles on pavement,
19 or so on gravel roads,
the rest on singletrack.

Look at the results.

1st MTB
2nd MTB
3rd Gravel (lil ol me)
4th MTB
5th MTB

I'd guess about 10% of the bikes on course were MTBs.

Here's why I think gravel was the fastest today.

My friend Eric won, on his MTB.
About 6 minutes ahead of me.

My friend Tim and I and one other came in together.

Generally speaking, Tim usually beats me on races under 3 hours.  Eric always beats me into the ground.

Seeing that we came in not far behind Eric, and that the gravel bike was a lot faster on the last 4ish miles of pavement...

... I think I made the right choice for me.

They would get away from me on the rocky sections,
we were about even on the flowy single track,
and I'd catch back on any time it was 
smooth or paved.

My set up:

• BMC URS - a gravel bike for rowdy terrain
• Continental Terra Speed 45mm Tires, 32 lbs rear, 30 lbs front
• 2.3 water bottles of 2 scoops of Skratch 
• 2 Honey Stinger Waffles
• 5 Salt Stick chewable tablets
• Kask Protone Helmet
• PEDAL industries Aero Jersey and Pro Bibs and Race Socks and Race Gloves.

What would I do different?

Not much.

I've thought about rubberbands or something for the bottles, but seems like a hassle and these bottle cages from Arundel rarely let me down.

Nutrition was perfect, even with launching the mostly full bottle.

For me, the spirit of gravel is the versatility of skills that is required
in the bike handling and equipment set up.

The unknown,
the adventure.

---

165?
6.5 hrs
No Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

RACEDAY, I love it.  Everything about it.  The months of training, the weeks of bike prep, the openers the day before, the startline jitters, the first pedal stroke, the finish line, the afterglow...

... so, let's stop calling it RaceDay.

There is a much better title:

Inspired Testing Day. 

Why?

Well, think about it.

We always have our most inspired and epic efforts on raceday.  Nothing brings out our best than...

... the energy of the masses getting after it.

It's a test to see how well we do against others.
They feel it.
We feel it.

The leaderboard shows it.

What the leaderboard doesn't always show, never shows really...

... is what was left in our reserves.

A whole lot.
Not much.
Nothing.

Nothing is always the goal for me.

To know we gave all we had to give,
regardless of circumstances,
is the test.

We're the only ones that know...

• Everything was perfect
• Nothing worked.
• Work took out a bunch of training
• The derailler malfunctioned
• The baby was colicky 
• We got sick the night before
• yada, yada, yada

... and it's best to keep it that way, to ourselves,
unless asked.

Hard to do,
but, still the best policy.

So, whenever your next race is, 
I hope/pray/trust all goes perfect for you...

... either way, I know I'll be inspired if you let me know how it all went down.

Is it really R.I.P. for Rip On RaceDay?...

... nah, just wanted to try an inspire ya to give it everything.

It's your test.

---

165
7.5 hrs
No Strenght
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

MY FRIEND KEVIN ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO WAY TO WIN LOTOJA, without being able to pee off the bike.  You know, coasting.  He'd shamelessly practice the technique...

... in the most awkward places.

Wind, people.  
Didn't matter.

But, here's what does matter...

... that we take the nature breaks.

Not those.

These.

Actually in nature.

The last couple of weeks, lots of my friends - maybe you! - have been posting pics of their rides in the mountains, and it is reminding me of...

... the amazing summer I had last year.

6 weeks in Colorado and Utah.

High up in the trees, mostly boondocking on side roads.
The solitude,
quiet...

... and lack of reception.

Completely unplugged,
however brief,
is a blessing.

Tomorrow, I'm heading up to Big Bear and I'm planning to boondock,
hidden in the forest,
under the stars.

Saturday, it'll be game on for a 50 mile gravel race.

They've changed the course multiple times.  My pal Eric has pre-ridden it and assures me a mountain bike will be faster...

... so I put some 45s on my gravel bike.

I wish y'all luck this weekend, and if you have to pee...

... I wish you even more good luck!

---

164.8
7.5 hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED I'M DIFFERENT.  You are, too.  We all are, and I don't mean that touchyfeely We're all different and special kindacrud...

... endurance athletes are nuts!

We do epic shift, and live to tell about it.

That we know,
but do you know how to harness
the general populations's mocking and obvious jealousy?

Make it public.

Oh yeah, I've heard of that.

What have you heard?

That if I make a public pronouncement I can do better.

Do you do it, have you done it?

Oh no, I'd never to that.

Why?

It's weird, and kinda scary.

Which is my point precisely.

Making a public statement of what we want to accomplish is weird, and super scary.

You know the story of the crabs in the bucket?

They're all in there.  Trapped. And one of them gets the idea to climb out.  Just as he's about to escape their prison the other's pull him back down.

Why?

Because of the...

If I can't have it, you can't either

... thinking that stinks up everything, everywhere.

The thing about it is, though

We are truly different.
We aren't crabs,
or crabby.

And, when we make public statements of what we want to accomplish...

... yes, for sure the crabs will try and do their thing...

... and we will have so much more power
and commitment
and joy...

... because we are running, riding, swimming scared we will fail.

And that my fine heartrate monitoring friend...

... is a true public service announcement.

Those unwitting, dimwitted 6-legged demons in our heads...

... serve to push us to our best performances ever.

I've already stated I'm trying to win marathon nationals next month.

What if I fail?

Big deal.  
It's just a bike race.
And, I'm a million times better for making the effort.

Here's another public service announcement:

I'm looking for 1000 athletes who want to achieve their best A race ever in 2024.

Deets to follow.

---

164.3
7 hrs
RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I REMEMBER A BIZ MEETING ONCE, with another cyclist at his office.  We were working along, getting things done, and he looks over at me...

... You're so mellow.

It felt like a put down.

tbh, kinda weird.

Another day, this same gent and I went for a ride. 

He was killing me up some of the climbs, really hotting things up.  I could tell it was enjoyable for him.  

Later, we lined up at a local race.

Afterward, he pedaled over and stopped and said:

I didn't know you could do that.

Oh, thanks man.

There was so much I could have said.

I never told him the truth.

But, I'll tell you...

... because it might help you rip on raceday.

The truth is, when I'm racing...

... it's not me out there.

It's TFnB.
A totally different person.
A calculating, heartless punk with a very short fuse.

Surfergirl knows this,
understands this alter ego,
I actually think she likes that side of me...

... in small doses.

The truth is Alter Egos can be incredibly powerful and effective.

Here's the scary thing,
I think TFnB is who I actually am,
and the mild-mannered marketer is my Alter Ego I work so hard to develop.

Either way, 
we're all playing some kind of role,
might as well play the one of the dominator when it comes to racing.

It's a lot more fun.

---

164.5
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE AMAZING CAREER OF MARK CAVENDISH.  So many fabled victories and championships over such a long career...

... how does he do it?

It seems like every year, some new rocket launches into the pro ranks.
Blowing everyone away,
then disappearing.

I think I have it.

If you have these two things you will win races.

Guaranteed.

• You are new
• You are fast

Why?

Well, it's not enough to be fast.
Lots of racers are fast.

However, to be new.

That is different.

The other sprinters don't know you yet.
They may have heard of you.
Seeing is where it's at.

When I see you sprint, I start to learn your tendencies.

• How far back you like to start
• What speed you like to roll from
• How you take the corners
• Which teammates you trust
• Can you take bumping

etc.

Just look at all the sprinters of the last 5 years.
They jump on the scene.
Get some wins.
Start losing.

Not the greats.
Not Cav.

The wins don't come as often,
but, they keep coming.

I think it's that he's more professional,
and the rest are just winging it.

For me, it seems like all the science has been to the climbers.

Sprinters are an after thought.

The big brains of the sport are nothing like the lore of the great pitchers in American baseball.  They study each batter, know them inside and out...

... it's the same with the batters on the pitchers.

Maybe the teams do study the up and comers, I dunno.  It just seems like an afterthought.

And then there's Mark.

I'm guessing, I'm betting...

... that cat takes nothing to chance.

Not only that, I'll wager he's thought of
a hundred ways to win each sprint
he rolls into for himself
and his competitors...

... maybe it's these two things, then?

Know the enemy and know yourself,
in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.

- Sun Tsu

---

164.8
7.5 ish hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

THERE WAS THAT SOLO BREAKAWAY, 30 years ago in a business park.  Me, off the front, seeing the highest HR I ever recorded, crossing the line first, no pack in sight, wife and baby there...

... I remember that day.

But, does it stand out for the family?
Or, the friends?
Should it?

You know what stood out to me at this year's Tour de France?

This interview of the winner, Jonas Vingegaard...

What do you want your daughter Frida to think of you when she´s older, say 25?

Just that I was a good father and that I was there for her when she needed me.

It sounds simple.
Cliche.
Trite.

But, heres the thing.

He'd just crossed the finished line after a huge stage of climbing
He'd just secured his second TdF victory in a row, against the oddsmakers.

He'd conquered the best,
and put the doubts to rest.

And his answer was calm, 
unscripted,
pure.

This cat gets it.

Family first.

Yes, we train.
We do a race or few a year.

This keeps us fit to provide,
bonds us to likeminded athletes,
makes us better than we might otherwise be...

... because we choose active and athletic over sedentary.

It's not the end goal,
it's the means to being there when they need us.

At dinner tonight, we were discussing the fact that busy people work out more than non busy people. Some study had shown this.

Why?

Because they are busy and have to plan their days,
and get the workouts done quickly. 

The earlier, 
the better.

---

164.5
7ish hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

TODAY WAS THE BEST RIDE OF THE YEAR.  I probably say that every week, but I don't usually add this...

... it was a huge disappointment.

Due to my terrible mechanicking last night, the road bike was KIA.

Which left the gravel bike,
for a superfast
road ride.

I'm gonna tell ya right now, because there's a lesson I learned, I had a strategy in mind.

In order to compensate for the additional 3lbs of bike weight,
greater rolling resistance of the fatter tires,
and the wide gear spacing...

... I knew there was only one thing to do.

Even then, the ride was really hitting me hard.

I'd find myself constantly wishing I had more gear options,
either completely spun out,
or grinding away.

When the group would accelerate, I would too.
In slow motion.

It was so hard.

Miraculously, I was hangin' on.

Yeah, I got lucky on a couple of lights.
Yeah, I took the one short cut.

Somehow, against my hopes and wishes, I made it to the final 20 minutes climb to the highest point of the ride.

Not last.
Not first.

What made the ride so fun, after all that suffering, was hitting the gravel options on the way back home...

.. slidin' the turns, dustin' up the shins.

The dessert portion of the ride.

So, why has it so disappointing?

Well, I reallyreallyreally dug deep to hang on.

I was just dawgawn sure I'd logged a much harder effort than the same ride two weeks ago.

Look at this.

The efforts are veryvery similar.  

A little less Threshold than 2 weeks ago, 3 minutes.
A lot more Tempo this week,  31 minutes.

Max heart rate 5 bpm higher this week, 175.

I thought I'd have a lotlotlot more Threshold, not less.

It just seemed, waywayway harder...

... because it was so much more difficult to be efficient.

So, what's the lesson?

Hang on, 
never lead,
surf the groups energy.

While I was faux wallowing in my Skratch recovery, I noticed something.

According to the Starva Lords, both rides were Historic efforts.  
Two weeks ago was a 272,
this week was a 327.

Not, too shabby after all... 

... I think I'll be doing this ride dirty again, soon.

---

164.8
7hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

IT'S BEEN A LONG WEEK.  Got a ton accomplished.  Was looking forward to a chill Friday, but had a few family emergencies...

... I'm tired.

Then, popping new brake pads onto the roadie I somehow managed to ruin the brake line pressure.

No brakes.
No bike.

If I'm honest, feels kinda like my life this week.

No breaks.

It would be so easy to sleep in tomorrow.  
Bag the slated ferocious road ride.
Putt around on the MTB.

But, I shan't do such thing.

The gravel bike is in good enough shape to make it to the group ride,
and maybe hang on for bit if I'm prudent with my efforts.

Which means there's all the potential in the world that it's a harder effort than I'd planned...

... and that's what I wanted to share with you.

The number 1 way to keep the fitness over the years isn't...

• a great coach
• a super group of friends
• a supportive spouse and family

... it's consistency.

Plain ol' day after day getting after it.

While others relax,
get satisfied with pretty good,
we press forward, pedal after pedal.

It's that simple,
and easy...

... if you love it like we do.

---

164.5
7.5 hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

DROPPING SOME LBS ISN'T REALLY THAT HARD, no harder than the 99 lb weakling trying to pack 'em on.  What makes it hard is...

... how long it takes to see results.

But, there is a secret to dumping some ballast
and I practiced it today.

Be a little hungry.

Don't bonk.
Don't famine, then feast.

Be a little hungry.
You won't die.
It'll be okay.

The problem, I have found, is when I'm working but not completely wrapped up and focused on something...

... then I get bored, or impatient.

Today, for example, we were jamming on samples for our upcoming release of new apparel.  All of us were focused on making sure all the fits are perfect.  Making this and that small adjustment...

... all of the sudden, it's 2:30.

I'm hungry.

Our ancestors didn't pop over to the fridge,
didn't have a jar of cookies,
a pantry of goodness.

The were hungry,
often.

The thing about hunger, that' I've found is after a number of days, maybe a week, I get used to it...

... and it's super helpful if an A race is on the calendar. 

A good number to shoot for is 1 lb/week,
with the lowest weigh in the morning
PRIOR to your big weekend ride.

We can adjust to fewer calories quicker than we think if we simply...

... arrange our environment to be less calorie obvious.

Stay (a little bit) hungry my friends.

---

164.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

WE HAVE TWO CHOICES:  play defense, and be apologetic; or, play offense and point out all the reasons we are right...

... and they are wrong!

RaceDay is every bit as much a mental battle as a physical one.

Let's go to war!

This is what being RaceDay Ready is all about.  

We can't rip,
if we aren't offensive.

Here's what I mean.

The only thing we should be focusing on when we line up,
is all the work we put in to get to this point.

During the 10-Week RaceDay Ready Challenge we do a lot of activities that are easy to...

... skip
discount
overlook.

Do that at your own peril.  
Ok, not peril...

... but, detriment
or loss.

How do I know y'all aren't doing it?

• You click the Off Track button on the Challenge emails
• I see it all the time during the Alliance calls.

Why aren't y'all doing it?

• Because it's hard, and
• I haven't stressed it enough or done a good enough job selling it to your minds.

For examples...

• Some of the benefits of journaling every day is to calm our minds, flesh out our thoughts, figure out how to make life, work, family and fitness work.
• By reading daily, I've added all kinds of tricks to my warchest on and off the bike.
• Cowboy Strong has made me a lot stronger, my bones and tendons and muscles.
• Stretching and massaging daily has put torn or sore muscles in the past.
• The Giant Calendar has my family and team onboard with what I want to accomplish and what I want to help them accomplish.

... I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

Yes, it's wonderful to toe the line knowing we rode X miles...

... it's a game changer to bombard our minds with the countless little things.

A wise man once said...

... By small and simple things are great things brought to pass...

... and we all wanna be passing vs being passed.

---

165.1
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

TOOK A MOMENT TO PUMP WITH LIVING COLOR, Cult Of Personality is still relevant today.  Even for us...

.. who worship endurance.

And it got me thinking about who we are and who we aren't.

We chase fitness to be better at all things,
not sacrifice what matters most.

We revere epic efforts because they energize us,
not discourage us.

We honor the spartan approach of individualism, strength and ruggedness,
not sameness, mediocrity and timidity.

We seek outrageous goals and efforts,
not easy street.

We are about bonding, respect and friendship,
not leaving behind the one.

We search out designs that reflect our warrior's spirit,
not the bland and boring.

We believe in being strong and capable to move heavy things,
not just on the bike.

We invite, encourage, and share our joy for ripping with all,
not ignore, give up on or hide our secrets.

If you're looking for some vintage ripping from the 80s click the pic...

---

166.5
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

DENTISTS.  They are all the same.  Nice people, pearly smiles, friendly.  The kind of people you'd like to hang out with...

... except for that SOB who had me in the chair.

The nice ones, all love to tell the same joke.

Floss the ones you want to keep.

Later in life, much later than I'll admit, I hacked the toothbrushingflossing chore...

... which is what we must do to maintain things.

But, that's not what I learned about recovery.

Or, is it?

Brushingflossing never ends,
so I grab my toothbrush, put on paste and snag the floss...

... then I get into the shower.

By the time I'm done brushingflossing I'm ready to get out.

Stretchingrecovering never ends either,
so I put on shorts, grab the hypervolt...

... and watch YouTube for 30ish minutes.

Because...

... I stretch the muscles I want to keep highly functioning.

About that SOB.

I was 11.  Parents recently divorced.  Feeling alone.  Life sucked...

... and Dr. Turd hits a nerve while numbing.

Not once.
Not twice.
Three (3) freakin' times.

No apologies.
No timeouts.

Most physical therapists are real nice, pearly smiles, friendly people, too...

... but, what if Dr Turd has a sibling?

Stretch those muscles,
hit 'em with the hypervolt or something similar, get a massage...

... if you wanna keep 'em ready for Ripping On RaceDay!

===

166.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

DEADLINES ARE SO POWERFUL, it is shocking how much we can accomplish when time is constrained and we are given...

... the date with destiny.

Isn't that the best part of racing anyway?

A date,
a deadline
to be super fit.

On such and such a date I will be as ready as possible, as close to my maximum potential as I can be.

There is only one problem,
and, therefore, one challenge.

The challenge is to be as close to our best as possible,
the problem is we don't have a deadline...

... until one day,
we are dead.

Which is how I'm feeling today.
Wiped out.

Yesterday's ride was massive,
Historic according to Starva.

I was deconstructing the effort on the major climb, Harding Truck Trail.

My PR is 1:03,
set 10 years ago...

... when it was an official race,
on a cool and misty morning,
with nothing to carry up.

I was 10 minutes slower yesterday...

... in scorching heat,
with bottles and gear to last 3 hours
and over 30 miles and 2500' of warm up.

Does that count for the 10 minutes slower?
Fatigue,
Weight,
Heat.

Oh, and new shoes that aren't 100% perfectly dialed in yet?

Could I do a 1:03 again?

I don't know,
but, I'm pretty darn sure I'm
a lot closer to my potential now than I was 10 years ago.

One more problem, my potential is degrading...

... and my deadline is getting closer.

Time to move faster.

166
8 hrs
No Strength Training
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

THE GENTLEMAN PUT ON HIS 9TH ANNUAL Creek To Peak mountain bike ride.  For some, it's Leadville prep, for others it's an epic adventure...

... either way it's memorable.

Because it always stings.

He pinged me the night before.

Let's ride over?

Isn't it far enough as it is?

Yeah, let's get some bonus miles.

And, be even more sleep deprived.

Yeah.

Okay.

I tossed and turned all night,
wanting to maximize the limited sleep stressed me out.

At 430am I was in a fog,
and the fog had rolled in.

Which meant it would be a very humid day,
not cool.

Wahoo says max temp was 111.

That was at the top the 5600' peak, 
7000' of climbing done,
50 miles ridden.

I don't think it was actually that hot, 
but it was hot.

We had another 26 miles
and 2600' of climbing
to finish the ride.

We mostly stuck together, 
until the 13 mile climb
with 4500' of gain.

Then it blew to pieces.
Almost all of us suffering alone at our own pace.

To begin, there is a brief, fast downhill about a mile in and it proved to be catastrophic the Nicest Guy.  

One minute he was upright.

15 minutes later,
he's in a helicopter on his way to ER.

If you're into prayer, send one up for Mark.
If you're not, send him some good vibes.

I missed all that, being just a minute or so ahead.

Maybe that's why we were all so alone and strewn across the mountain?

Yes,
and no.

The heat was oppressive causing a few riders to bail out,
and more to turn around before the top.

But, the view!

We huddled in the shade of the signal towers and the turbulence of their air conditioners...

... until all that were gonna make it,
made it.

There was a time I would do this climb and the ensuing downhill 2-3 times a month.  

It's that good.

Unfortunately, in 2018 (I think) a lunatic got mad at his neighbors and burned the forest down.  It was supposed to be closed for 3 years for rejuvenation.  

Then, Covid.

Now, it's back open. 

Mostly all in tack and epic as ever.

The thing we ALWAYS look forward to is the delicious Mexican popsicles at the 100 year old general store.

I couldn't wait.
So hot.

We regrouped there.
From 20+, down to about 10.

The Iversons were amazing.  Not only did they meet us with water and supplies at the bottom of the big climb, they also met us at the store with...

... ice for our bottles, lube for our chains.

All that faced us was 2 hours of trails,
and the terrible and hideous climb
up Shea.

Half a mile or so,
20% pitches.

Did I say the Gentleman planned this awful ending to the ride?
Can't believe I keep calling him that.

When I finally made it home,
Little Pants was facetiming Surfergirl.

Look at Dad.

What happened to you?

Oh, just a little ride with my pals.

---
166
6.25 hrs
No Strength Training
20 minutes recovery
No minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

We are all about Ripping On RaceDay via motivation, products and events.  We manufacture (almost) all our RaceDay Ripping products in the USA, on demand.  Sign up, train up and Rip It Up In Style, because Every Day IS RaceDay. 

HAVING A COACH IS GREAT.  A good coach provides a process and a plan.  As far as I'm concerned, coached or not...

... having a process is critical to success.

As long as we have two things:

Faith.
Patience. 

What is this Sunday School?
Patience?
Faith?

Yes.
No.

This is Ripping On RaceDay School.

Following a process takes faith if it's new to you.  Especially in the beginning because a good process will start out with the fundamentals.

Legendary bastketball coach John Wooden began every season teaching the players...

... how to put their shoes on correctly.

Can you imagine superstars, anxious to play with the greatest coach and teammates starting with something so basic? 

Which brings up patience.

Without patience even the most faithful can get frustrated.  Over time...

6 months,
a year,
more,

... is when an excellent process yields massive results.

This is all on my mind because someone who knows me well, called me out for talking about intervals.

You hate intervals.

I know, but I'm faithful to the process. 

(by the way... if you haven't figured out that these posts are my daily kick in the lycra for myself... well, now you know)

---
166 (yes, I'm hacked off at this reading)
7.5 hrs
Squats Pull Ups Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

We are all about Ripping On RaceDay via motivation, products and events.  We manufacture (almost) all our RaceDay Ripping products in the USA, on demand.  Sign up, train up and Rip It Up In Style, because Every Day IS RaceDay. 

YOU DIDN'T LEARN THIS IN PHYSICS, and I doubt you learned it in anatomy, and I really hope you aren't winging it. This is for the professionals...

.. at least it is if you want to maximize you life!

Life?

Yes, your cycling life.

Forget the added benefits of greater pedaling efficiency,
the superior comfort.
Those are nice.

In fact, they are game changers.

But, if you're winging it you wouldn't know what you're missing out on.

Not only will you have weaker power output,
all kinds of back and knee issues,
you will dramatically shorten 
your cycling life.

Because...

... your parts, your body parts, are going to wear out faster.

Which is why, when I purchased some new shoes - I do love my Fiziks...

... I went straight to my PROFESSIONAL bike fitter.

I did not pass go.

But, why did I get new shoes?

Honestly, I'm a little spoiled.
Okay, a lot.

I have 3 bikes.

1 MTB
1 Road
1 Gravel

I have been using the same shoes for gravel and MTB for quite a while, and I was noticing I was never 100% comfortable.

If I set up the shoes for the MTB, it was just a little twitchcausing on the gravel bike and vice versa.

So, I splurged.
Got the latestandgreatest MTB shoe.

I'm going to dedicate them to MTB, since that is my most important racing for the foreseeable future.

They are lighter and comfier than that last version,
can't wait to get 'em dirty tomorrow.

So, there's the physics/anatomy lesson.
Extend your cycling life.
Get a bike fit.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

Did you know these sexy socks are Buy One (pair) Get One (pair)?

Make you order 2 pair, the discount is applied automatically.

Make you order 2 pair, the discount is applied automatically.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---
165.4
7.5 hrs
Squats Pull Ups Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

WE WERE TALKING ABOUT PREP FOR LOTOJA, a 200 mile bike race from Logan, UT to Jackson Hole, WY, through Idaho.  Because it is a legit...

... sanctioned USA Cycling race.

I did it in 2017 and had an outrageously memorable day on the bike.

One of my best.

Here's how I trained.

My theory was that it would be nearly impossible for anyone to breakaway early and stay away...

... it's just too far.

Therefore, while I did some long rides in prep, my longest was 120.  And, I only did that once.  Most Saturdays, were 70-90.

On those days, I made sure to keep my overall pace high when riding alone...

... and never lead or get dropped with the group.

My focus was on endurance AND 1-3 minute power.

I figured if I did all I could to conserve, and never pulled until the final selection, I would have the power to withstand any efforts to get away by other racers...

... those 1-3 minute pushes towards the top of a climb.

It takes a certain mindset to sit in,
especially when we are trained,
tapered and ready to slay it.

A discipline, really.

That was my plan, and it totally worked.

I sat 10-15 or so riders back the entire time, rotated through and off the front as quickly as possible when, andonlywhen, necessary.

Over the final pass, we pushed hard and snapped off the final group of deadweight.

8 of us,
riding strong,
all pulling through.

We wouldn't be caught,
we were gone.

Then, tragedy struck me.
A flat tire with 55ish miles to go,
led to one of my all time favorite efforts chasing.

35ish miles.

The deets are here https://pedalindustries.com/blogs/feed/lotoja-mocha-choca-lata-yaya.

The point is this, most longasheck races don't come down to endurance...

... but, 1-3 minute power.

Are you training that?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

---
165.2
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

SOMETHING IS UNIQUE AT JUMBO-VISMA.  I noticed it last year, while appreciating the spinning legs of the great Primoz,...

.... then, earlier this year as Wout the awesome ripped it up.

Today, it was confirmed.

Yes, I suppose it could be an optical illusion created by the bibs and socks.  But, I don't think it is.

What I think, and I could be hyperaware because I've spent so much time with additional workouts, is that...

... these athletes are building stronger and more complete legs.

All of them look buffer from the hips down.

Now, how would they do that?

Assuming they are actually developing stronger bodies from the hips down, always an iffy prop to be assuming, maybejustmaybe they are doing something like I am...

• Sled
• Squat
• Hip flexors
• Nordics
• Box jump
• Heel and Toe raises

... they are probably more pro about it.

To me, these athlete's legs look a lot stouter than their competitors...

... especially Jonas The Killer, today.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

Whadayathink...

... are they in line with my Cowboy Strong philosophy.

Learn about by taking the 10-Week Challenge.

---
165.9
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

THERE IS AN INTERESTING PHENOMENA regarding racing distance.  I've noticed a number of my friends are unable to visualize...

... the difference between a loop and a point to point race.

And, it bugs me.

They don't bug me, my inability to present the facts clearly is what bugs me, because...

... I want them to join me on an adventure never to be forgotten.

Almost all of these friends have completed the long and hideously challenging BWR San Diego which covers...

... 130 miles, 10,500 feet of climbing, 52 miles of it off road.

Here's the thing, though...

... BWR is a loop, and they get it.

Start here, wind up completely smoked in the same place.

BUT, when I invite them to do a point to point ride (not a race) of very similar distance...

... their heads explode.

I think I know why, and here it is.

Consider, if you roll out in the morning and ride 80 miles and finish back at your place, you've gone 80 miles.  At the same time, if you considered riding 80 miles to visit a friend in the neighboring county...

... well, you'd give that a lot of consideration because Who wants to go that far?

And, I think this is what's happening when I say...

Let's do the Surf N Summit.

What's that?

We ride from here to Big Bear (local mountains).

What?!

Yeah, it's like BWR but way more memorable.  Same distance, lots of nice gravel roads and bike trails.

No way, it's too far.

... which is the part that bugs me.

It's the same. exact. stinking. distance,
with a little more climbing,
NOT at racepace,
an adventure.

In other words, it has huge potential for being a fantastic day on the bike...

... plus, I have fun things planned for your driver/pickerupper to do while we ride.

Check it out here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-challenge-10-14-23

---
167.1
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

I'D SAY NONE OF US WILL EVER EXPERIENCE the thrill, challenge, pain and heartache of a grand tour, but one of our local kids, Young Kevin...

... is riding for DSM in the Tour this year.

So, Iet me put it a different way.

If you ever have the time, money and wherewithal to do a stage race...

... do it!

I mean it.
It will be one of the best racing memories ever.

I imagine big multiday rides like RAGBRAI deliver a similar sensation.

Get up.
Ride your guts out.
Clean up, check over bike.
Recover, recover, recover and do it all again.

It is truly my favorite type of vacation,
with the dudes,
geeking out.

And, watching the tour right now I'm trying to imagine what is going through everybody's heads.

One year, we completed all 8-9 stages of the Tour of California.  
We got up early, and rode the same course.
I was wrecked for racing,
the rest of the year.

The tour kids have now been at it for 2 weeks.
Tomorrow is a rest day.

But, here are the two heads I'd like to be inside.

On Twitter, I commented on a post that Tadej's attacks were getting less and less fruitful.  Nobody agreed with me...

... in fact, they disagreed with me.

The two subsequent days have shown the attacks to be useless.
In fact, he lost a second.

In 36 hours, that is going to change radically.

My prediction:

Jonas increases his lead.

Either way, Tuesday's stage is going to be riveting.

There are 10 seconds between 1st and 2nd.
And, 19 seconds between 3rd and 4th.

Two, twodog races.
Epic.

Which brings me back to why stage races can be super fun vacations...

... the drama,
the lead changes,
even for amateurs, is the best.

---

I've done these:

Cactus Cup - MTB
Tucson Bicycle Classic - Road
Leadville Stage Race - MTB

Need to find a grave one for next year... the one in Oregon looks epic.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

---
165.6
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

YOU KNOW WHAT'S REMARKABLE?  Our hearts, and I'm not being touchyfeely here...

... our hearts are legit amazing.

This happened.

After riding at a good clip for 30 miles to meet the group, and then blasting another...

... 25 miles full gas.

We regrouped at the top of the final climb.
Filled up bottles, emptied bladders.
Dropped back down to sea level.

My heart, which had been pinned at 160+ bpm for nearly an hour...

... slowed right back down,
and I felt damn fine.

We spun along chatting, the Eagles softly playing in my mind.

I honestly felt like I could do it all again.

It was short lived, 
when we hit the next bump in the road my legs...

... straight up scolded me.

But, that's our hearts.

These amazing muscles that let us do all kinds of fun stuff, like...

Ripping On RaceDay
or Group RideDay
or PR day.

Riding home along the coast, throngs of beachgoers where frantically trying to find parking spots close the sand.

Then I remembered the pic I saw yesterday of beachgoers from the 50s, lean and fit... 

... I was glad so see 'em getting out today and enjoying the summer weather, 
simultaneously hoping they'll do a little more running and swimming,
and a little less barbeque and chips...

... gotta care for our hearts,
and inspire others to care for theirs, as well.

Maybe not at the kooky levels we enjoy...

... or, maybe they'd like that peaceful,
easy feeling we get
after slaying it.

---

Did you see this reader's only code?

Save $25 on any order over $100.
50 uses available.
Expires Sundee.

The code is: KNOWFUN

---
165.6 (gotta get this down)
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

KNOWLEDGE IS KNOWING HOW TO RIDE AN E-BIKE, wisdom is knowing that holding the throttle and softpedalling...

... isn't gonna get you fit.

Knowledge is knowing you need to eat after a ride,
wisdom is not consuming twice the calories you burned.

Knowledge is knowing you need to drink after a ride,
wisdom is knowing water and sugar and protein is all you need.

Knowledge is knowing you need to stretch,
wisdom is doing it every day.

Knowledge knowing how many hours you rode,
wisdom is knowing how to maximize your time.

Knowledge is wearing proper riding attire,
wisdom is knowing how to regulate your body heat.

Knowledge is knowing how to read,
wisdom is knowing how to read the race.

Knowledge is knowing what to pack before a race or ride,
wisdom is doing it the night before.

Knowledge is thanking you for reading,
fun is giving you...

... $25 off anything you order,
this weekend,
over $100,

... wisdom is limiting it to the first 50 readers who place their order.

The code is: KNOWFUN

---
166
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

I HAVEN'T LOST A RACE IN 10 YEARS, and I've raced a lot.  10-20 times a year, not including the group rides...

... which are basically races.

How do I do it?

Well, it goes back to a major breakthrough I had back then.

No matter how the race goes down, I win.

Here are a few examples of wins by learning...

• to fuel a lot more calories/hour
• save the power for the sprint
• control my weight to make it over the climbs
• get tubeless to avoid flats
• arrange my work to be rested before race
• to train with better riders and toughen up
• arrive to start plenty early to be calm and conserve energy
• find foods I like to be better fueled
• add salt to avoid cramps
• make friends instead of foes

... make RaceDay Bags to be better organized.

My losses have become pure gold and taught me so much.

As the great Ernie Hemingway said...

There is nothing great in conquering,
there is greatness in learning to become better.

Which I have distilled to...

PRs > KOMs.

---
164.2
7.5ish hrs
Pullups, Pushups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

I HIRED A COACH.  It's been about 2 years, since I had one in my corner.  That one lasted a couple of years.  Prior coach to that was on and off over a number of years...

... mainly off.

I have a problem with structure.

As the great Jack Nicholson said in The Shining...

... All work and no play, makes riding dull and not a joy.

Today, was my first workout with a power meter in about 4 years.

I pushed back on this request, and the coach pushed this gem back at me...

Yeah, you old school guys have been successful doing it the old way.  I get it.  But, my ways are new school and very effective.

... so I got the pw, who wants to be called out like that?

When I reported I had it installed he said...

Oh yesssss
Now we can get going!

... and I'm thinking, bro we've been going for 2 weeks.

The workout drills were pretty straight forward and I had a good idea of what amount of watts I was supposed to hold for set amounts of time...

... and then I experienced the truth of a power meter.

When you commit to hold X watts for Y time,
your HR starts climbing,
breathing accelerates,
pain increases.

What am I hoping to accomplish via this new training?...

... learn some new tricks, reach some new heights.

Because here is one thing I know for sure, 
we can learn reading books and watching videos...

... a world-class coach can speed all that up, and I'm in a hurry.

---

Regarding that pic above, during one of the interval sessions I was blasting along, holding down that power through a turn that had been booby trapped.  Normally, I would have slowed up a bit...

... maybe I don't have to hurry that much?

---
164.7
7ish hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

AHHHH, THE OLD We're updating your OS tonight message from our digital overlords.  Well, it got me thinking...

... What would I like upgraded tonight?

Here's the short list:

• % body fat lowered
• new XC race bike
• power meter on all bikes

Instead of that I'll probably get this:

• coyotes howling and waking me up
• my bladder waking me up
• an email from an African princess in distress

Which brings up this...

... what can we really upgrade and why, how, when should we do it?

Lots.

But, the changes won't happen overnight which means a lot of peeps won't be bothered to...

... do the little things that matter.

I list 'em all out in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.

Have you taken it?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

Have you heard of...

The See Food Diet?

The Cowboy Strong approach to weight lifting?

Sleep Doping for recovery?

This and more is revealed, and it's all free.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

---
165.8
7.7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

A BREAKTHROUGH REPORT WAS JUST RELEASED BY THE CRR.  After a study of 100,000 endurance athletes over 20 years, there is indisputable evidence...

... how races are won and lost.

In 98.6% of the cases, the peer reviewed conclusion is that poor preparation is the leading cause of failure on RaceDay.

Researchers were shocked by the sheer number of athletes who neglected to show up with their equipment in excellent working order and... 

,., horrified at masses who straight up forgot something.

Often essential.

Asked by this reporter...

What is it about the study you found most revealing?

Well, it's tough to say.

Why?

Well, you'd think after all the time, money and effort these competitors spend prior to the event that being prepared would be obvious.

Is there any link to what's happening?

Just one, and it's quite tragic.

Do tell.

Well, the closer the racers they get to the finish line the stupider they are?

Kinda harsh isn't?

Yes, most definitely, but not as harsh as the reality that all of the time, money and effort...

... should have yielded a much better result.

What can be done?

We recommend all endurance athletes have some sort of checklist, on their bike or toolbox and on their gear bag...

... for many, it's their only chance to maximize their results.

Reporting live from The Center for Ripping on RaceDay, this is The Old Diesel.

Now that the science is settled...

... if only there was a company that had checklists like that.

---
166.9
7ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries