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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CULTURE WARS
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAINING groups. Both extend invitations...
... the similarities stop there.
One culture assures...
- everyone is ready to start together
- there are plenty of stops
- nobody gets left behind
... fairness and concern.
The other demands...
- leaving on time
- no stopping
- no waiting
... rugged individuals.
The group we...
- join
- create
- help grow
... depends on the result we are looking for.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DIRT WORLD PROBLEMS
EVERY SURFACE HAS it's challenges. Add in the weather, how we approach things...
... changes quickly.
Super mist.
The normally grippy sidewalk we were slaying to meet the rest of the crew, was not only glazed with moisture...
... bright green moss screamed Slow down and do not lean over.
We ain't rookies,
not a problem.
It was so misty, the glasses were tucked away.
The late Fall moon dust covering most of our trails and roads...
- forks
- shins
- lenses
... quickly 3D prints on to everything.
Bombing the first downhill...
- nearly 40mph
- no brakes
- 1 minute
... the dust and pebbles flying up stinging our eyes.
Two choices:
Wear the glasses,
blurry, smudgy vision.
Wear no protection,
smoke your corneas or contacts.
When the sun finally burned through,
I grabbed my glasses from my jersey pocket...
... they were covered in sweat.
lol
Truly, dirt world challenges.
===
These Ugly Sweater jerseys woulda worked well today - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/99/-10 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT FREAKED ME OUT!
IN THE HURRY to get the miles in, sometimes we find ourselves willing to risk a potential short cut to get home early. Which is exactly what I did...
... just before halloween.
Hustling down a new trail.
The night's shadows suffocating the daylight.
A long ladder bridge spans steep canyon walls and the trail...
... whips around and under the bridge!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I was going too fast to even think about it.
Leaned on the tires.
Ducked my head.
Stopped.
Went back up and mastered it at even more speed.
I'd discovered a great way to freak my friends out...
... like finding a killer haunted house.
Gonna be good scare on the next weekly MTB ride.
===
Not as scary as these Ugly Sweaters - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
164 lbs/12.3%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BRING YOUR BEST AND LET US ADD UNTO IT
MOST OF US have backgrounds in something other than endurance sports. During those pursuits we learned what our leaders believed to be...
... the best practices for excellence.
Do we leverage that?
Here's an idea.
When I surfed almost everyday...
- most days were small waves
- 2 days a week would be pretty good
- 1 week of the month would have 3+ days of epicness
... which got me thinking, what would happen if I trained more like a committed surfer.
That schedule up there, is a lot like polarized training...
... except for surfers, the good days are usually back to back.
Good days, means...
- charging through the surf
- scrapping to get max speed and catch one
- battling back through the big waves to get back out
... a lot of VO2 max efforts
Then,..
- back
- to back
- to back
- to back
... consecutive days one week a month, when a great swell hit.
After the big swells, there is usually a lull.
Good, because,
we're tired,
we rest.
That's how surfers train because that is nature's cycle...
- lots of endurance
- regular intervals
- a big week
- a lull
... maybe it should be ours, too.
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE MOMENT OF SILENCE
THE START LINE WAS PACKED on Saturday. Hundreds had paid to line up and race for 50 miles. Before the National Anthem...
... we had a moment of silence.
For Eric Williams.
Killed days prior, while riding with two buddies.
Leaving a wife, and 4 small children behind.
It was actually quiet and reverent.
I thought about Eric's always happy demeanor,
how much I enjoyed seeing him,
and banging bars.
Bros riding through life,
checking in at the races.
The moment was over,
the song was sung...
... and we raced on.
The thing is, we never really know when the race is going to end.
Each of us could be summoned home tomorrow...
- text
- call
- lunch
... so, let's be sure to reach out and let each know we're loved.
===
165 lbs/12.5%
7.5 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ON RACEDAY?
WE'VE BEEN RACING SINCE we were kids. If it wasn't racing to play at recess, it was racing to eat lunch and then play. They go hand in hand...
... playing and racing.
Until it gets serious.
Somewhere along the line...
- Ribbons
- Trophies
- Podium steps
... awards and recognition become important.
What was fun and games becomes a lot more...
... when we put down our money.
A few months out,
no big deal.
A few weeks,
it gets real.
The night before,
tossing and turning.
The first morning of raceday, for most of us...
- the drive over
- the parking lot
- the starting line
... can be so overwhelming.
My biggest challenge has ranged from...
- needing to use the bathroom a million times
- massive swings in confidence
- to not wanting to start at all
... but, they all resolved over time.
It took me a while to consistently show up ready...
- left my shoes
- borrowed a helmet
- raced in my swimsuit and tshirt
... kept forgetting the essentials.
Sooooo... What is/was your biggest challenge on RaceDay?
===
These challenges spring invention...
... one example is the RaceDay bag™.
This isn't a shameless plug,
or some kooky countdown to savings.
Just a reminder that if you've got a friend who stresses and forgets...
- we will sell out of some colors prior to Christmas
- we need 3 weeks to add custom names
... the RaceDay bag solves all, well most, problems.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
15 PullUps, 45 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
SOME TECH I DON'T MISS
NEW GEAR ALWAYS PROMISES improvements to make us faster, better, smarter, efficienter. Sometimes, though, ya gotta wonder was it just to pry a few more bones outta the wallet, or...
... because it really is better.
Placebos be real, bro.
But, are the improvements?
My last mountain bike, the BMC 4-Stroke...
- integrated dropper post
- remote suspension -3 options
... I lovvvvvvved those innovations.
Now, the new bike I built up, didn't come with a dropper or a bunch of remote suspension options.
So far, I'm not missing them.
The simplicity allows me to slip into a state of flow...
... and stay there for longer periods of time.
Less to think about.
Why?
Part of it could be I ride the gravel bike a ton,
sometimes on technical, steep stuff,
sans dropper.
As for the suspension, the World Cup layout is so good there just doesn't seem to be a need.
Am I anti-tech then?
Not even.
I'm eyeing the Flight Attendant electronic brain for the fork...
... it will adjust even faster, and automatically.
Also, looking to upgrade a few parts to Ceramic Speed.
The moral of the story is...
... tech that makes things simple is what I want.
Or as the great Arthur C. Clark said...
... Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
===
168.8 lbs/12.9% (this is getting outta hand)
8.5 hours sleep
20 PullUps, 60 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/80/6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
PERIODIZATION FOR THE REST OF US
WE'VE ALL HEARD about periodization, that we should go hard for a few days or weeks then go easy for a bit. Apparently...
... there are massive gains to be made.
The pros do it.
We should.
But, how?
Actually, if we're not pro and we actually have a life it can come quite naturally.
Here's the way...
- Mondays are big work days for me, and I'm tired from the big weekend ride, I go easy.
- Tuesdays the fellas get together, and we always end up going hard.
- Wednesdays I want to have some fun offroad, and wind up doing tempo with some hard efforts where the terrain is punchy
- Thursdays are good days to put in some time with Surfergirl doing something she likes to do
- Fridays, I have time for an quick and easy spin before wrapping up the work week.
- Saturdays, time to get back with the fellas and smash it.
- Sundays, are all about church and family.
... most weeks run.
The months...
- 3 weeks of good consistent training
- and one week dialed back with family and work,
sometimes planned, sometimes not.
... have their own rhythm.
Looking at the year...
- family events
- work events
- holidays
... seem to create the longest off training blocks.
Oh, I almost forgot...
- some enjoy the break
- some go all Rocky indoors
... the weather has an agenda all its own.
The pros often sacrifice the events we might consider interruptive to our 'A' race prep...
... we are pro in a much different way.
We thoroughly enjoy what's truly important.
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/79/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A WRONG TURN, TURNS OUT ALL RIGHT
PRE-RIDING/RUNNING A COURSE can be the difference between winning and losing. Amateur preparation ranges from simply registering, to looking at...
... the promoter's description.
Pros memorize
it all.
Then there's lil' ol' me.
I'd raced the Filthy 50 four times previously,
seeing no need to preview it...
... or even look at the route.
The start was stout,
posting a PR on Raptor Ridge.
4 of us escaped.
I kept getting gapped and chasing.
Uncharacteristically, the pace eased into the fast, twisty single track along the lake's edge...
... and I moved to the front.
Why not?
At least that way I could control the pace.
One problem.
I made a wrong turn.
You'd think they'd wait.
It wasn't much a deviation.
I lost about 15 seconds.
Never got 'em back.
They were gone.
Outta sight.
I could have pulled the plug, but there were still 35 miles to go.
Time to play a mind game with myself.
Ride at my pace...
... and see if I could limit the damage.
The day was a total victory..
- zero insight to how I was doing
- keeping my HR in check
- posting good power
... riding at my limit, alone.
In the end, I finished 2 minutes and 24 seconds behind the my former friends who sprinted for the win...
... we'll be friends again tomorrow.
===
165.6 lbs/12.7% (heavier, but didn't care - massive pasta lunch and dinner yesterday)
6.5 hours sleep (too wound up from the long drive home last night)
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/92/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
BACK FROM OUTER SPACE
FOR THOSE OF US who are city bound, trapped in the noise and lights, among the masses, getting out into nature, however brief, is life giving...
... never long enough.
The ride/run/hike is over.
We had a chance to swim a little deeper the last few days on our road trip, while vamping (van camping).
Escaping the city lights,
a near moonless night.
A million stars filled the sky.
Silence surrounded us.
The vibe continued into the morning, riding through the vast desert...
... not a soul in sight.
Times like these, out in nature...
... it is easy to remember who we really are,
and what our true purpose is.
===
163.3 lbs/12.2% (not sure, no scale, traveling)
9 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/74/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NEVER TRUST A SKINNY SERVER
HOW DO YOU KNOW you’ve accepted that it’s really the off-season, and what does that signify to you? By that…
… just what does off mean?
The indicators.
I’d say today is a pretty good sign I have put my sword down.
Being Surfergirl’s birthday…
· We drove 400 miles to ride in Zion National Park
To ride a route she’d researched.
At her pace...
- 5 miles in
- my HR was 84bpm
- power in the low 100s
... she was all smiles.
Later at linner,
her choice.
I asked the server which of two options he’d select…
… if it was his final meal.
The trout.
For sure?
Bro, look at me.
Yea…
Never trust a skinny server.
Trout it is.
Little did he know Surfergirl eats like a bird,
and I’d also be having half a hamburger and fries
Later our nephew rang to let me know he’s going to be in Saint George and can ride MTB in the morning.
He's younger, faster.
We’ll probably hit it pretty good…
… something I wouldn’t normally the day before the Filthy 50.
But, ya know offseason rules are in play…
… and never trust a skinny offseasoner.
===
163.3 lbs/12.2% (not sure, no scale, traveling)
9 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/74/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NO IMAGINATION
WHY ARE WE ABLE to do the things we do with realitive ease and so many others can barely walk a block? Just last week I saw a mid-30s man truly struggle to make it up a set of stairs...
... something we might skip up.
It's kinda sad.
My pal checked in on me post completing the massive quest of the year.
How'd your big ride go?
Amazing, super rad. Most finished before sunset. A first!
I can't even imagine doing that.
That's your problem, no imagination.
The great Napoleon Hill said, Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
Could my nameless friend do
- 120 miles
- 15000' of vert
- in under 12 hours
such a thing?
Of course, I've already seen him get into mountain biking,
get destroyed racing for a few years...
... get serious, become Expert Level State Champ.
Which I guess is the point about imagining the pursuit of impossible...
... it helps to look back on previous feats.
A lot.
===
163.3 lbs/12.2% (not sure, no scale, traveling)
6 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/73/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ENDS OF DAYS
THE SUNLIGHT CAN BE BRUTAL at certain times of day, certain times of year. It can line up just perfect to be searing, and we need to be...
... prepared for that.
Even then,
we can suffer.
Like today.
Love Watts and I met up for some sunrise MTB.
Weather was perfect.
Cold if standing in your under pants...
... ideal if ripping.
There I was,
getting after it,
came around shadowy turn...
... blinded!
And so it went for the next 60 minutes,
in and out of shadows,
as our big friend rose.
My problem,
my main problem...
... my lenses have been scratched and abused.
I eventually gave up,
opting for the stylish and goofy
glasses upside down on front of helmet.
Which means the secret to surviving the ends of days...
... is keeping our vision unclouded.
===
163.3 lbs/12.2%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/85/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE EQUIPMENT PLATEAU
WE HAVE ALL THIS GEAR, much of it is very specialized which means walking over to ask our handy neighbor isn't gonna help fix something that's broken, If they try to help...
... it'll likely be more destroyed.
That's expensive.
Then there's the many decisions we need to make about what to run on a given course, under predicted conditions.
Even if we get that right.
Weather changes,
Mother Nature has her say, too.
And Handy Rob ain't gonna be there to bail us out.
I was thinking about this while listening to another racing podcast and the conversation turned to equipment...
- assembly
- selection
- set up
... dazzling me with the depth of the athlete's knowledge and skills.
The point is this.
If we...
- knew the full range of each component's function
- were able to properly maintain it
- had the tools and skills
... how much faster/better could we be?
Think about it.
If you knew your tire was designed to be
- leaned over 30°
- traveling 50 mph
- at 60lbs of pressure
... would you go for it?
Maybe.
But, not knowing is a hard 'No".
Then again...
... I've earned a lot of scars finding those limits.
And, that can be kinda fun, too.
===
163.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
15 PullUps, 60 PushUps + Some Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/80/8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SYSTEM
IN THE PROCESS of accepting and dismissing, praising and criticizing it's easy to get lost on the weeds and...
... fail to see the bigger picture.
Time is largely to blame.
Lately, I've really been enjoying the Ask A Cycling Coach podcast with Coach Jonathan Lee...
... no, this had nothing to do with riding about 50% of Leadville with Jonathan in 2019.
(did I just flex?)
He has guests who are current pros,
reporting from the trenches,
what works.
And, what doesn't.
Here's the thing...
... it takes time to see the results of a system.
We can't...
- hit over/unders
- dramatically up our carbs
- do a massive sweet spot session
... one time, and know if it works.
It might take weeks,
months.
Here's the other thing...
... why would a current, in the trenches, pro share such valuable intel?
Theses systems will all produce results...
... its up to us to figure out if any of them will work for us.
My system for testing their system?
Very unscientific...
- if it's something I've played with before
- if it aligns with my intuition
- if it sounds fun, challenging
... I'll lean into it harder than I have in the past.
See if it works.
There is no other way.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
20 PullUps, 60 PushUps + Some Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/84/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT'S BETTER?
THE FITNESS TRACKING APPS capture and present a lot of useful data. We can geek out on all the metrics, but...
... it is useful?
It can be.
As a motivator...
- PRs
- power
- heart rate
... we can be fascinating to see our progress.
Or, lack there of.
Today felt like really good prep for next weekend's Filthy50 MTB race.
- The ride was about 90-120 minutes shorter than my typical Saturday ride.
- I spent almost the same exact time over 300W, 40 min.
- Climbed about 1000' more feet, 5500'
So...
- I climbed more
- spent just as much time at Threshold or above
- In a shorter time period
... according to the app, today's ride was easier.
A lower stress score.
Which is weird, because I thought today's shorter ride was just as hard or harder than the longer rides I've been doing...
... and I'm certainly just as smoked.
The take away?
Apps, the ones I use at least, give a lot of weight to time training.
Another takeaway?
It pays to have The Giant RaceDay Calendar...
- to slot in exceptional family time
- work and career commitments
- and our 'A' race
... then when to go deep on the training and when to taper.
Call me crazy, but here's a 20% code + Free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
The code to save 20% is: THEWAY
Here's the link: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
Code expires 10.19.25
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
91/97/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS THE WAY
GOOD MORNING, I know you're probably headed out to do something fun today. It might even be a race or something extremely challenging...
... I just want to make sure you know the way.
Which direction to head in.
It matters.
A lot.
Here's the...
- run towards what you want
- run away from everything else.
... the tried and true method.
You could walk,
or coast,
but...
... you want to get there as quick as possible.
Run _______, Run!
This is how I do it...
... The Giant RaceDay Calendar, gives a clear vision of the entire year and run towards the big goals!
Call me crazy, but here's a 20% code + Free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
The code to save 20% is: THE WAY
Here's the link: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
Code expires 10.19.25
===
162.6 lbs/12.3%
8 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + 0 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/83/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CAN WE AGREE ON THIS?
WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVING there are so many theories and methods it's hard to stay committed to one without being won over by the next greatest thing...
... is there anything we can agree on?
Yes.
Of course.
Doing these two things...
- Keep moving every
single
day - don't quit
... will keep us in the game.
If that's not enough for ya.
Here's my all-time favorite training advice from the great Kent Bostick...
- GC Winner
- National Champion
- Olympian (at age 42)
... I ride hard twice a week, every week.
I'll raise my water bottle to that.
===
162.4 lbs/12.5%
7.5 hours sleep
20 PullUps, 60 PushUps + 5 Box Jumps, Nordic Curls, Heel and Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/100/-2 (fitness per training peaks)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT I LEARNED TRAINING WITH NO DATA ON MY COMPUTER
Aug 24, 2025
by TODD BROWN
7 DAYS AGO, I committed to riding with no data showing on the bike computer. Just ride time, and time of day. It was a thought experiment as much as...
... a training experiment.
Was it better?
First, this is...
- Monday - recovery
- Tuesday - fast group ride
- Wednesday - dirt play
- Thursday - easy day
- Friday - recovery day
- Saturday - ride it like I stole it
... my typical week.
Only, this time without the data impacting my efforts...
- Monday - the slightest tinge of effort and I backed it down
- Tuesday - just rode as hard as I could without blowing
- Wednesday - MTB, enjoying the climbs, sending it on the downhills
- Thursday - flattish ride, going fast without digging
- Friday - same as Monday
- Saturday - same as Tuesday, but willing to blow up
... I rode on feel.
Was it better?
Yeah, I think so.
Just based on how yesterday (Saturday) went, compared to previous weeks...
... I spent 40% more time in Critical Power Zone 6.
On Friday's recovery day vs the previous week...
... I spent more time in Zone 1 and less time in Zone 2.
If that whopping week of anecdotal data doesn't make you want to try it,
maybe this will.
It was more fun.
This week, on Tuesday and Saturday, the computer will be in my back pocket.
Even more fun.
===
Soon, I'll do the time on feel, too. But, for now, Diesel's gotta git to work.
===
162.5 1lbs
8.5 hours sleep
25 PullUps, 100 PushUps + 25 Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
20 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/105/-5 (fitness per Training Peaks - prob not accurate due to previous rides not uploading - thank you Wahoo)
ONLY WEIRDOS TALK LIKE THIS
Aug 23, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THE THINGS WE SAY TO EACH OTHER when really getting after it can so easily be misunderstood. The duress we are under, the culture we come from, how we feel about another...
... can cause all kinds of nonsensical blurting.
Just today, we are 3 hours into a punishing gravel jaunt...
- the good kind
- which light up our brains
- engage all our bodies can give
... and, I slow pass LoveWatts.
We are barely moving.
It's rocky,
rutted,
steep.
He says, Guh jo'.
I reply, Thay
Too gassed to enunciate Good job and Thanks.
Why?
Well, the Assassin was in town and while we were Mattipacing off Matt...
... the Assassin was killing us stroke by stroke until we could see him no more.
You've been there, right?
Most people can't relate to digging that deep,
let alone being encouraging.
We do.
Because we...
- appreciate
- applaud
- honor
... the efforts.
To which I say...
... Pardon our speech, we're doing our best.
===
163.1lbs
7.5 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + No Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
113/107/22 (fitness per Training Peaks - prob not accurate due to previous rides not uploading - thank you Wahoo)
THAT'S NOT MOTORPACING, THIS IS...
Aug 22, 2025
by TODD BROWN
FOR DECADES, maybe centuries, athletes have been using pacers. Running events will often have a rabbit go out fast. Keirin bicycle racers slot behind a motorcycle on the track...
... before sprinting for the win.
Pacing = Faster, harder racing and brutal workouts...
- At a manmade island in San Diego
- an old crusty demon on an e-bike
- strings out the pace line for an hour.
... everyone fighting and clawing until one or two are left.
Tomorrow I won't be motorpacing...
- pavement
- gravel roads
- single track trails
... I'll be doing something equally vicious, on our URBN GRVL route.
Mattipacing.
Word has it LoveWatts and SurgiMike are coming and I quote the group text...
... "We are going to keep it a little mellow on the way out, and head up the creek."
Since you and I both know that is a lie,
let me decode it...
We're going to go easy for the first 5 minutes.
... at which point, I will be hanging on to Matti's wheel until I blow.
161.3 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + No Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/102/17 (fitness per Training Peaks - prob not accurate due to previous rides not uploading - thank you Wahoo)
THE GRIND
Aug 21, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT OF CULTURAL ENERGY behind the concept of grinding things out. We grind at work, we grind up the final climb, our relationships can become a grind... Grinding...
... equals enduring.
We're endurance athletes.
But, are we looking at grinding the right way?
Covering an epic distance is a lot like living a long life.
Some say life grinds us down.
I prefer to think of it as grinding off the nobs,
polishing coarseness.
The most challenging courses,
expose our weaknesses and lacking skills.
Allow us to see where improvement can be made.
===
163.1 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
20 PullUps, 80 PushUps + Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/104/19 (fitness per Training Peaks - prob not accurate due to previous rides not uploading - thank you Wahoo)
ARE YOU FEELIN' SATISFIED?
Aug 20, 2025
by TODD BROWN
ARE YOU FEELIN' SATISFIED? Did you give your mind a ride? It's up to you, to do what you like...
... give your mind a ride.
Not my words.
The great Brad Kelp sang that magic.
It's true, right...
... it's up to us.
No one else can do it.
My pal, can't call him out, but he knows this is about him, 'cause you'd never to this...
... committed to meet us.
Rolling early.
He rolled over in bed.
Why do we roll early?
Because, it's important...
- live the sunrise
- get the joy in
- endorphins
... to give our minds a ride.
Back to Brad...
I'll tell you something
Don't let your troubles get to you
Cause win or lose it's alright
When you let go
Nothing's gonna help you more than rock 'n' roll
Rock on
Ride on
Run on
Just get it done...
... morning, noon, or night, don't matter.
===
163.1 lbs
7 hours sleep
14 PullUps, 56 PushUps + 14 Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/104/20 (fitness per Training Peaks - prob not accurate due to last 2 rides not uploading - thank you Wahoo)
THIS IS NOT THE ZONE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
Aug 19, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THE REALITY of being fixated on something can be shocking. Mostly because we don't realize we've been pacified, lulled into a faux world...
... cheating ourselves.
Data!
You'd never do this...
- prep to slay a ride
- lay down some wicked power
- then rush home to upload to Starva
... dying to see how awesome you are, right?
Not you,
you're better than this tainted soul.
If you're following along this week...
- I'm on a self-imposed data fast
- only time showing on the computer
- Wahoo taking it next level with a hardware glitch
... this week.
Today' ride felt great,
not staring at the computer even better.
I know we were going fast,
and I was riding well.
However, Wahoo's glitch did me wrong...
... again.
The ride was there,
the data corrupted!
Which is a really long way of asking...
... how the heck was riding so magical and fun before this stupid tech?
===
The nitty gritty.
Wahoo's Gen 1 Bolt is basically useless at the moment.
Am I going to buy a new Wahoo?
No...
... I'm buying my friends, not yet used, Wahoo.
I'm addicted.
It's sad.
===
162.5 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps + No Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
?/?/? (fitness per Training Peaks)
THIS IS A FIRST
Aug 18, 2025
by TODD BROWN
FINISHED THE RIDE in a hurry. Had to hustle in to lock in for a design call. Before the call, a protein smoothie and a shower beckoned. If I hurried...
... I'd make it.
But, did I?
Tonight, when I had a chance to check the data I had my doubts.
Yes, I did commit to seeing Ride Time and Time of Day on the head unit all week.
I know.
Still, after riding today's ride in recovery mode, I wanted to compare the data to last week's ride on the same route while seeing HR and Watts.
Would it be different?
We'll neverknow.
Apparently while doing my reverse Superman quickchange...
... I erased the ride?
Nooooooooooooooooo.
Yes.
Fitting for a dude on a data fast.
Amiright?
===
for the record...
- app is up to date
- firm is up to date
- restarted each device
... nothing brought that magical ride back.
===
161.8 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
12 PullUps, 48 PushUps + Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
?/?/? (fitness per Training Peaks)
ARE YOU FEELIN' IT?
Aug 17, 2025
by TODD BROWN
MODERN TECH is encroaching on all areas of our training. What started with the humble Polar HR monitor, now tracks power, sleep, insulin levels, and so much more. Bring in AI to mash all that data...
... and what do we have?
A disconnect.
I stopped looking at my power on hard training rides because I'd see 400 watts and think...
... well I can't hold that.
HR isn't so bad, because of the lag.
Still, look down and see 170+ bpm and it's hard as heck to not let...
... worry and doubt creep in.
Most short, violent races, like XC MTB, I keep the head unit in my jersey pocket.
The action is too fast to analyze,
no time for decisions.
Just race.
On feel.
This week, for fun, the only thing my monitor is going to be showing me is time.
The goal is to disconnect...
... to reconnect the endurance soul.
===
162.5 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
25 PullUps, 100 PushUps + Squats, Toe to Bars, Heel and Toe Raises, Box Jumps
20 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
114/109/-21 (fitness per Training Peaks)
THE BEST BOOK I'VE READ THIS YEAR
Aug 16, 2025
by TODD BROWN
READING AND STUDYING people of great accomplishment can take us to new heights. I'm not even sure how I found this book, but I'm glad I ordered the paperback version...
... so much gold.
From Eat & Run - My unlikely journey to ultramarathon greatness by Scott Jurek
- To be a champion, you have to believe that you can destroy your competition.
- Hippie dan had told me that we all had our own path, that the trick is to find it. I think I had found mine.
- What we eat is a matter of life and death. Food is who we are.
- How many races could I win with my new found secret? I aimed to find out.
- An athlete needs hardness, toughness, and unwavering devotion to an ideal.
- A lot of people never do something great with their lives. A lot of people never attempt it.
===
163.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps
20 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
113/112/4(fitness per Training Peaks)
THE 10-WEEK CHALLENGE FOR RACERS
Aug 15, 2025
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, I put together The RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge. It was, and still is...
... a simple plan to achieve maximum fitness.
Most people scoffed.
It was too simple.
Then, I set my PR at Leadville at age 60...
... going sub-8 hours.
To date,
there are about 5 of us who have clocked under 8.
I created a sticker to share with every package we ship (see above).
Here's the reasoning.
Recored Daily:
- Weight
- Time Slept
- Workout Data
What gets measured gets managed. The simple act of recording data creates a feedback loop for us to see what happens to our bodies on a day to day basis. It's incredibly powerful...
... if we write it down.
I prefer pen and paper.
Do Daily:
- Pullups and Pushups
- Squats and/or Box Jumps
- Stretch/Yoga/Recovery
This strength work is very easy to do at home, involves large muscle groups and all the connecting tissues and tendons. Being strong with these basic movements is just incredible in daily life, and fantastic for longevity and power in endurance sports.
Stretching and yoga and other recovery techniques has obvious benefits. A less obvious one is if/when we crash being flexible will mitigate all kinds of pain and damage.
- Journal 30 minutes/day
- Read 30 minutes/day
Working on our inner game is crucial to keeping our pursuits in balance.
Journaling first thing, stream of consciousness, whatever comes to mind, is a great way to begin the day exploring our selves and state of mind. There's a great book on this The Artist's Way.
Reading something uplifting, puts goodness into our souls, leaving little room for negativity and discouragement.
- Eat Whole Foods
- Meat Sparingly
- Drink Enough
We are what we eat, and the closer we can get to food in its natural state the more that food can help us in all our endeavors. A simple rule, if we can't identify the ingredients we should skip it. Example, I know what a apple is, I can't determine what is included in an apple pie.
Keep meat consumption level to sparingly, and keep it lean.
There's a lot to be said about hydration. Don't over think it, if you're thirsty, drink. Water preferable, the purer the better.
- Consistent Bedtime
Going to sleep at the same time is crazy hard. Kids, work, spouse, friends all on different schedules with different needs. But, great sleep is a superpower to getting the most out of life, our bodies included.
NO:
- Alcohol
- Bread
- Soda
- Sugar
Ask anybody with an Ora ring what happens to their sleep and overall health with alcohol if you have any doubts on this one.
Bread can be good, but there are so many forms that are more like donuts it's just a lot easier to skip it all together as a test.
Soda and Sugar. Really, you're not really doubting these are rotten in almost every way and loaded into almost every aspect of our lifestyles.
But, what about working out... yes, sugar good there. Even then, be careful.
If you're still reading,
you're probably wondering,
how anything this simple could be life-changing.
All I can tell you is I have the thank you notes and PRs to merit at least giving it a try.
===
161.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
5 PullUps, 20 PushUps, plus some other stuff.
20 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/107/-3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
THE HARDEST RIDE YOU'LL NEVER DO
Aug 14, 2025
by TODD BROWN
IT IS SO EASY to say No! to the really insane events. The distance is nuts, the elevation nuttier, the time required too much, the equipment is out of reach, the participants unknown...
... but, we know the real reason.
We are...
- comfortable
- don't want to be stretched
- can't imagine actually going for it
... afraid to pursue the impossible.
Here's the dill.
If we keep saying No, we'll look back at the end of our days,
unchallenged,
cozy.
Wondering...
... Why the heck didn't I do that?
There's the sickening feeling...
- when we finally register
- as we are pushed to our limits
- when we finish and completely collapse
... but you know what's truly sickening?
Regret.
If you're into life altering adventures,
here's a doozy!
Surf N Summit - Dana Point to Big Bear. on 10.11.25.
You have 8 weeks.
Get it done.
Details here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit
===
162.9 lbs
7.5 hours sleep (not good)
10 PullUps, 40 PushUps, plus some other stuff.
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
113/109/-6 (fitness per Training Peaks)
GETTING PUMPED UP
Aug 13, 2025
by TODD BROWN
GETTING PUMPED UP for a ride is so fun. The music cranked, bass thumping, a little too much caffeine...
... coursing through our veins.
High energy.
The great MX champ, Mike "Too Tall" Bell, said it best one fine morning.
His son with him in his truck,
my son with me in my car.
Mike's window rolls down,
heavy heavy metal melts the air, and he yells...
... We're getting pissed off!
So funny.
I snapped the MTB out of the stand this afternoon.
The tires were way low,
the shock pressures even lower.
Time to pump up.
Once I arrived at the acres of single track,
started leaning into the berms,
unweighting and prejumping...
... I got to thinking.
Deathgripping,
muscle straining,
makes the brain think...
... This could be dangerous.
The irony.
When the grip is easy on the bars
the arms loose and flowy..
... more speed is easy and natural.
===
162.9 lbs
7.5 hours sleep (not good)
25 PullUps, 100 PushUps, plus: squats, box jumps, toe to bars, shoulder press, heel raise, toe raise, dips
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
115/109/-11 (fitness per Training Peaks)
DEAR DIESEL, HAVE YOU EVER HAD A COACH?
Aug 12, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S THE GROUP WORK OUT, the battling and jostling and fakery and attacking and just plain ol' givin' it our all, and then...
... there's the cool down.
Where truth is shared.
Young Buck: I looked back and thought I had it.
Diesel: You had a good gap.
YB: I eased up.
D: Yep.
YB: All of the sudden you were right there, going by.
D: The Diesel never stops chugging.
YB: Have you ever had a coach?
D: Several over the years, it's a great way to learn quickly.
YB: I'm just wondering how to improve.
D: Seems like your faster every week.
YB: Yeah, but...
D: But, nothing. Keep at it. When you can beat all these cats without breaking a sweat, then, maybe it makes sense. For now, keep doing what you're doing.
YB: I will, I'll keep doing what you're all advising: two hard days, the rest easy.
D: Good, today's ride has quality athletes and Saturday's is an even higher caliber.
YB: Did you like having a coach?
D: Yes and no. Aside from learning faster, a coach can keep you from doing too much or too little. Mostly, people do too much.
YB: Should I wait?
D: Yes, until there is nothing left to learn and nobody around here giving you a run for your money.
YB: Okay.
I know he didn't believe me.
Can't blame him for thinking...
... That ol' dude enjoyed today so much he's just trying to hold me back.
===
164.5 lbs
6.5 hours sleep (not good)
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps and box jumps, toe to bars, shoulder press, heel raise, toe raise, dips
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
120/109/6 (fitness per Training Peaks)
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW
Aug 11, 2025
by TODD BROWN
HEADING OUT TO REAP a bounteous harvest of endorphins, everything is crisp and clean. The goal is simple...
... return sullied.
It's a simple formula...
- go outside
- push the body
- return sweaty, dirty
... for happiness.
Always with a clearer view.
That's metaphorical.
They fog when we slow,
things heat up...
... and a tiny waterfall of sweat joins the party.
Sometimes,
the pace too intense,
the eyes too focused on the prize...
... I forget it's okay to stop and wipe the grime.
===
162.7 lbs
8 hours sleep
25 PullUps, 100 PushUps and box jumps, toe to bars, shoulder press, heel raise, toe raise, dips
10 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
101/106/-1 (fitness per Training Peaks)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
THIS WEEK WILL BE DIFFERENT
Aug 10, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THIS WEEK WILL BE DIFFERENT. I will wake up at the same time I always do, complete the same workouts, eat the same diet, get in the same amount of work, spend just as much time reading and writing, thouroughly enjoy our family...
... everything will be pretty much the same.
Unless,
I change.
Things I plan...
- being a plant-based athlete
- increase my pushups by 25%
- practicing a higher level of gratitude
- completely delegating a key process
- focussing on getting just one big thing done
... to test more fully.
Let's be honest.
That list gets too long and the 5th thing is going to be nigh impossible.
This week,
will be different.
===
162.7 lbs
8 hours sleep
25 PullUps, 100 PushUps and box jumps, toe to bars, shoulder press, heel raise, toe raise, dips
10 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
109/108/-17 (fitness per Training Peaks)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
US OFF-ROAD RACING TAKES A BIG LEAP FORWARD
Aug 09, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WHILE MOST OF US were out enjoying the day, a few thousand faced the Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race today. Usually, Lifetime, the promoter, does a nice recap...
... today it was a live stream.
Just like the massive...
- helicopters
- commentators
- motos with camera feeds
... Euro promoters provide.
Even sideline reporting.
Having completed the race 8 times,
I was riveted as the best pros attacked with grace and ease...
... a course that humbles and destroys nearly all of us.
Seeing how...
- tricky Powerline is to descend
- challenging Columbine is to climb
- the Boulevard is the longest 2 miles
... will no doubt make the race that much bigger.
More exposure =
more money into the sport =
more athletes wanting to take a crack at the off-road scene.
===
Time for Todd's Secret Deal
Get this Apron at 50% off ($17.50)...
... use promo code: TODDSsecret
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/todds-secret-deals
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps and no more: toe to bars, shoulder press, heel raise, toe raise, dips
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
127/120/6 (fitness per Training Peaks)
COOKIN' WITH GAS
Aug 08, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THE NIGHT BEFORE any kind of challenging effort, can be a zen moment. We block out the time, get into our groove...
... and go over the gear.
Truly geeking out.
Personally, whether from home or a rando Airbnb at the event...
... I like to detail the bike.
Everything is race ready,
the shake down ride saw to that.
This is more like caressing,
bike whispering.
Which is what I'm planning on tonight,
after an earlish date night with Surfergirl.
I'll be dressing appropriately for each occasion...
... not sure which one of my lovers will be more jealous.
===
Time for Todd's Secret Deal
Get this Apron at 50% off ($17.50)...
... use promo code: TODDSsecret
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/todds-secret-deals
===
163.6 lbs
7.5 hours
30 PullUps, 100 PushUps and more: toe to bars, shoulder press, heel raise, toe raise, dips
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
100/106/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
THE MOMENTUM OF CROSS-TRAINING
Aug 07, 2025
by TODD BROWN
CROSS-TRAINING can be so powerful. We get a different stimulus to our minds and bodies. This can be especially important if we focus on a singular activity, like cycling or running...
... triathletes know this better than most, they are always mixing it up.
It can also be easy to skip these activities,
when time is limited.
Today was the first time in 20 months...
- balance
- core strength
- upper body focus
... I did my preferred cross-training activity.
Stand-up paddle boarding.
45 minutes used to be a super light day,
this outing it was all I could do.
Prior to my 2024 injury, we would go twice a week, one of those was usually stand-up paddle surfing...
... requiring much more explosive movement.
I'll get it back.
What's your goto cross-training activity?
===
166 lbs
7.5 hours
0 PullUps, 0 PushUps and more
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
108/107/-6 (fitness per Training Peaks)
SHOULD WE BE PLANT-BASED ATHLETES?
Aug 06, 2025
by TODD BROWN
IF THE PROS are making sure they are taking on more carbs, shouldn't we be doing the same? And if it's during training and racing, as well as just living...
... would plant-based carbs be best?
By that I mean...
- nuts
- fruits
- beans
- grains
- vegetables
... unadulterated whole foods.
We could...
- eat meat sparingly
- ditch processed foods
- and banish sugar altogether
... without too much effort.
All those cats who conspire to keep us fat and sick...
... might want to kill a movement like this.
Which means I gotta give it a whirl.
===
165.6 lbs
8 hours
30 PullUps, 75 PushUps and more
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
114/108/-5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
IF I COULD BOTTLE THIS STUFF UP
Aug 05, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THE ACTUAL GROUP RIDE was faster than usual. We worked hard, rotated plenty, everybody doing their share...
... the segment time indicated we'd done good.
I was breathing so hard in spots.
A few of us had a plan for more,
a secret segment.
The Hour of Power.
We hit it after the group ride.
For me...
- 259 W Normalized Power
- 148 Ave HR
- 23 mph
... it was solid effort.
On the heels of the ruckus hour+ with the group...
... a PR, 57:55.
It hurt,
but not as much as being shot out the back.
While I was laying down my fastest time,
they rode away and
didn't wait.
Not even at the end.
Lemme tell ya, I bottled that stench of WhoopAss...
... and there will be hell to pay.
One day.
Maybe.
At the least,
I'll be motivated for a few days.
===
166 lbs
6.5 hours (family in town, keeping me up late)
0 PushUps 0 PullUps and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
112/108/13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
IT'S SO CONTAGIOUS
Aug 04, 2025
by TODD BROWN
ONCE IT STARTS going around, a contagion can not only infect everybody, it can dramatically affect their ability to perform...
... in a good way.
There's a secret.
You've seen this...
- someone starts winning
- the whole team gets infected
- and starts believing, then doing
... that's not the secret.
Just a phenomenon,
that creates a bunch of I can do that vibes.
The secret is documentation of the little things.
A lot times we are winning,
but not acknowleding.
The podium is obvious...
- getting up early
- skipping the donut
- doing our lifting and stretching
... are the unseen wins we need to celebrate.
A checklist,
an accountability buddy,
a friend or partner who cares.
The simple things accumulate and...
... tilt the scales in our favor to do great things.
===
165 lbs
9 hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
92/105/7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
A METHOD
Aug 03, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A THEORY about what it takes to accomplish greatness. It's not drive or willpower or revenge. Those things help, but they are...
... useless without one thing.
We must have a system.
A method.
We can want to eat healthier and consistently fail if we are depending on other worldly discipline to ignore the cookies staring at us in the pantry.
Getting ride of the cookies and the cookie jar...
... is the winning system.
What really need to harness is our passionate desire to win...
... and adjust our methods accordingly.
Simply put.
Plan the work,
work the plan.
===
165 lbs
8.5 hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
99/1-6/-7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
TESTING THE MONSTER
Aug 02, 2025
by TODD BROWN
TESTING NEW PRODUCTS is always exciting. How will they perform, are they better, will they, make us go faster...
... can the challenger knock out the current champion?
Why do we test?
'Cause we're always looking for an edge...
... when pursuing impossible.
For gravel, my current go to is the Conti Terra Speed 45,
and if it came in a 50 I doubt I'd test these giant Pirellis.
The bar is high.
Things...
- much bigger side lugs for cornering
- larger tire to run lower pressue
- acceleration
... I want to scope out.
After...
- 4hrs,
- 50 miles,
- 4200' of vert
... here's what I know.
I rolled out with 21 lbs in the rear, and 19 lbs up front.
Low,
almost MTB Low.
Because of the much beefier side lugs,
the front end is ponderous at low speeds.
High speed, non-technical, they are definitely faster. Not by a lot today, but I'm guessing that just gets better as I get more comfortable with them.
Where it got interesting was the single track.
The more I hit,
the more I was willing to lean it over and let 'er rip.
As I flicked through a series of somewhat smooth, fast, single track s-turns...
... I was really feeling it.
Thinking how fun it was to flick back and forth,
one edge of the tire to the other.
Exiting the final rocky section in pure bliss, I looked down and saw...
... my Wahoo, and the entire mount were gone.
Bounced off?
So, yeah, I was going fast.
I retraced about a half mile, to where I last remembered seeing the computer.
Nothing.
... if you're not to keen on God stories, you can stop reading now...
I stopped.
Thought about asking God for help,
thought how stupid that was.
Does God care if I find a computer that supports my hobby?
Decided not to ask for help.
Changed my mind.
Said a quick prayer.
Retraced my steps all the way back to the rock section where I first noticed it missing.
The whole way there, I'm feeling impressed to look to the left of where I was riding.
I stop.
It wasn't to be found.
Then, just about 15' ahead to the left, in a pile of river rocks, I see it.
Does God really care to help us in our day to day?
===
163 lbs
7ish hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
116/109/3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
INDULGENT, WITH A PURPOSE
Aug 01, 2025
by TODD BROWN
I CAN HARDLY wait. It's not Christmas Eve, there will be no gifts or glorious gatherings. However, there will be...
... a coming together.
Man,
bike,
trails.
An indulgent escape into adventure.
The promise of ...
- exploring the beautiful planet
- the body's innate potential
- the capacity to endure
... keeps this jalopy together.
Some weeks, I roll into Saturday exhausted,
Others, stressed and frazzled,
A few, desperate for escape.
No matter the state in which I enter,
the exit is always clean.
Gone are the barnacles and weights...
... a shiny new outlook is all that remains.
===
163.4
7.5 hours
15 PushUps 5 PullUps and more
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/107/-3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
IT'S FREE AFTER ALL
Jul 31, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE VARYING strengths and abilities. We slot in with a group that pushes us, and do our best to contribute...
... grateful for the opportunity to be challenged.
It's free, after all.
Still, things can get...
- pulls are skipped
- gaps are opened
- shortcuts taken
... a little prickly.
It happened tonight.
It?
All of those.
When emotions erupt, especially if it's me!...
... I always think it's funny.
It's free, after all.
===
163.8
7 hours
60 PushUps 25 PullUps and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
111/108/3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
THE SNOB GETS UNPLUGGED
Jul 30, 2025
by TODD BROWN
TUBELESS has gone mainstream, mostly. The early adopters got it going, and pushed through the trial and error...
... to today's perfection.
Except not today.
After more than a decade tubeless...
- dramatically few flats
- lower pressure comfort
- increased speed and traction
... I'll never go back to tubes.
If the sealant won't seal,
the Dynaplugs will.
Except today.
Did I say that already?
In all this time, I've had 3 flats that couldn't be plugged...
... two on the very route that did me in this morning.
This one wasn't as bad as the last one where a nail went through my tire, and my rim!
Instead, a rock that punctured the side wall in two places, one on the bead.
No fixing that.
Couldn't Uber,
couldn't call Surfergirl.
I was on the Marine base,
with special access.
In other words,
I was screwed.
Fortunately, the great Steve D had missed the start and came along just in time with a tube, which snobby me was...
... too proud/confident to carry of my own.
The stalwarts and unconvinced will be dying to reply and tell me how dumb I am for running tubeless, and not carrying tubes...
... save your keystrokes.
I know.
===
164
8.5hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
104/107/7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
WELL, THIS IS A DUMB PR
Jul 29, 2025
by TODD BROWN
EARLY RIDES demand early wake up. We prep the night before, get everything ready, and...
... set the alarm.
For me,
today,
5am.
So I could leave at 5:38,
meet the crew at 5:50,
and ride to the start.
Solid plan.
Except.
Alarm was blaring at 5:32.
I was so groggy I thought I had 8 more minutes 'till I need to wake up.
Doh!
Which brings up my dumb PR.
Miraculously...
- I snapped in the cleats at 5:42
- Caught the fellas at 6:07
- Made the ride
... because I PR'd the first 5 miles.
Not a terrible thing because there are races where we slot into corrals waiting for the gun to sound...
... and pin it!
No warm up,
just a commitment to get my buns out there.
===
164.3
7ish hours
60 PushUps 20 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
99/106/23 (fitness per Training Peaks)
WHERE IS THE BAR?
Jul 28, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WE'RE ALL LOOKING for something to do. Where to go, How late to leave, Who can go with...
... and who will be there.
How good is the bar?
Then, how good are we going to have to be to score?
'Cause we do wanna score.
So, we do the obvious.
Look up last year's results,
go further back if we can...
... to see if we gotta chance.
I'm sorry, were you thinkin' of some sort of disco or watering hole?
Not that kinda score...
... we're talkin' about the the steps.
The podium.
Seeing the winning times in our category gives us an idea of the fitness needed...
... but, not how great can be.
PRs > Podiums.
===
164.3
7ish hours
60 PushUps 20 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/194/12 (fitness per Training Peaks)
ARE YOU SHADOW BOXING... ENOUGH?
Jul 27, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THE BULK OF OUR TRAINING is alone. We're all busy, and getting it in when we can. It is what it is...
... and it could be better.
Boxers shadow box.
They get in the ring,
and go after it with an imaginary opponent.
Doing so...
- weans out technical mistakes
- allows for visualization
- reflection on skill
... can be the path to mastery.
Sometimes, I'll go through the same corner over and over...
... until I master it.
Others, I'll visualize the finish of a race,
even find a similar straightaway,
and try different ways...
... to win the sprint.
I usually train alone,
or do I?
Maybe I'm crazy after all.
===
164
7ish hours
60 PushUps 20 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
20 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/106/-1 (fitness per Training Peaks)
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM F1?
Jul 26, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S POWER, and there's weight. Then, there's power to weight ratio. Getting even geekier, there's power to surface area ratio. What matters...
... when it comes to performance?
F1 pioneer Colin Chapman's ideas might be relevant.
He founded Lotus cars,
developed numerous innovations,
and won 7 F1 Constructors titles + the Indy 500.
One idea really jumped out at me,
and I wondered if it was true for cycling.
Increasing power adds speed in the straights...
... reducing weight adds speed everywhere.
If that's true for our human powered racing...
... where can we reduce weight, and drag?
===
163.4
7ish hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
110/109/16 (fitness per Training Peaks)
A BAD HABIT?
Jul 25, 2025
by TODD BROWN
HABITS are short cuts. Once installed, a whole host of decisions are sidelined. We no longer think...
... we just do.
Which can be good.
And, bad.
Depending on the habit.
On our recent trip to Switzerland...
- minimarts
- bakeries
- cafes
... we stopped mid-ride every day.
It's Friday,
I'm spinning,
and, I'm stopping.
A habit worth keeping,
croissant and nice drink.
So much so, the journal and a pen made the trip.
===
162.9
7.5ish hours
30 PushUps 10 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/105/10 (fitness per Training Peaks)
THE STAT THAT'S KILLING OUR TRAINING
Jul 24, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A STAT we never check. We know about it, we know it could tell us a lot about how to maximize our training...
... but, we ignore it.
Too painful.
Remember Chris Froome?
He was dominant, but jeeeez...
... he looked like such a dork.
Always staring at his bike computer's screen.
Most of us, me included, do the same thing...
... only way worse.
Do me a favor.
Check your ScreenTime on your phone.
Hours.
Wasted.
A question posted on X today was...
... why aren't the 2020's way different from the early 2000s,
like the 90's were so different from the 70's?
My first reaction...
... we are losing our creativity, and some of our humanity.
To screens.
Put the phone down...
- Run
- Ride
- Swim
... get outside.
Invite someone,
free them from the matrix.
===
163.8
8ish hours
20 PushUps 60 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/107/8 (fitness per Training Peaks)
CAGERS AND BLACK HEARTS
Jul 23, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE THIS VIRAL POST GOING - 2,000,000+ views, 80,000 likes, 4,000 comments. My pal Bart shot it a number of years ago. A local cop is losing his shift over the fact a group of us...
... rolled a stop sign.
It's hilarious,
to me.
And it's gained us a ton of followers.
Which is the point.
There is another point,
which I'm sure you're aware of.
The amount of hate and venom spewed by tiny segment of people towards cyclists on the post, is shocking.
Honestly, it's made me be sure...
- stop signs
- red lights
- traffic
... I'm not aggravating the cagers.
They're...
- low IQ
- emotional
- easily triggered
... and itching for an excuse.
Why?
Probably because we are
- fit
- having fun
- enjoy the outdoors
... and they are not.
√ tail light
√ head on swivel
√ rubberside down
Le's go!
===
164.4
8ish hours
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
100/108/15 (fitness per Training Peaks)
THE unOFFICIAL TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Jul 22, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WE'RE GOING ON 24 YEARS, of meeting every Tuesday at 630am. Once a year, we hold an unOFFICIAL championship...
... to see who's got the goods.
I've probably done it 800 times,
and still snagged a PR.
How is that possible?
Simple really.
We have 4 categories...
- U100
- U50
- U35
- Women
... cash, prizes and bragging rights for the winners.
That plus a year to train...
- PRs
- KOMs
- and Cups
... were going off right and left.
The moral of the story?
Ain't nothing like a weekly training ride with good peeps.
Results for 2025
Overall
Alessandro
Kody
Brian
U100
Ken
Mark
Joe
U50
Alessandro
Kody
Brian
U35
Cody
Andrew
Women
Kristen
===
163.8
7ish hours
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 10 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
92/107/19 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
QUITTING GETS HARDER WHEN...
Jul 21, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WE ALL WANT TO QUIT at some point or another. Some of us do at the drop of a hat, others...
... would rather die.
Why?
The finish line seems unattainable.
Here's the thing though.
Everything changes...
- confidence
- endurance
- power
... when we see the finish line.
Our thinking becomes clearer,
our hope increases.
Something might be blocking our vision, but...
... victory always awaits those who persevere.
===
164.2
8ish hours
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 10 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/16 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
THE BIG TRAINING SECRET I LEARNED WATCHING SCARY MOVIES
Jul 20, 2025
by TODD BROWN
YOU KNOW THE SCENES in the scary movies where the main character is in serious danger, the music is giving all kinds of hints that...
... Chucky Krueger is about to lop their head off?
We can lean a lot from that.
The audience is yelling...
- turnaround
- duck
- run
... trying desperately to get through.
Our hero/heroin is clueless.
Well...
... what is the audience yelling at us right now?
The A race approaches, with...
- Pennywise
- Hannibal
- Michael
... ready to ruin our day.
I was thinking about this when I read about Tadej's choice for the mountain TT.
Not only is his physique markedly different from 5 years ago...
- no paint
- no handlebar tape
- even lighter aero wheels
... they'd thought of everything to make that bike faster.
The list was long.
You want to pursue impossible...
... what is the audience yelling at you to do, right now?
===
163.8
8ish hours
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 10 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
91/108/4(fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DEAR DIESEL - WHY DID I TOTALLY JUDGE THE EBIKER?
Jul 19, 2025
by TODD BROWN
DEAR DIESEL,
I have a question for you and your audience. I was riding this morning and heard someone flying up behind me on the long uphill. It was a fireroad so there was plenty of room. I’m out of shape, so it didn’t surprise me that someone would be catching me at a gallop. However, when he passed me he was one an e-bike but kitted out in full Lycra. I couldn’t help but totally judge the guy. Who wears Lycra on an e-bike? If you’re a racer you race on your own legs. If you’re just someone out for the downhills or the leisure, why do you need the aerodynamics of Lycra?
Why was I so upset by this?
Sincerely,
I UsedToBe Fast
Alpine, UT
===
Dear I UsedToBe Fast,
I feel ya, and while this answer might offend sone, many more will be drawn into our web of pursing impossible.
The fact you saw someone on an ebike, looking fit, and kitted up like an XC racer is an anomaly.
So rare.
That said, I have heard of DH racers and XC racers wanting to do multiple laps on a racecourse without smoking their legs.
Familiarize and stay fresh.
Makes sense.
A lot of those same LycraCats grab the ebike when they just want to do a lot of DH shredding.
Meanwhile, this morning on my gravel bike, I had to lay on the brakes before passing a group of ebikers, because they were so slow going downhill on a somewhat rocky single track.
Lol.
We each find our joy,
no need to judge.
Give 'em a fist bump.
Hoping you're fitness returns to it's former rocketfast levels.
Diesel.
===
163
8ish hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
106/110/20 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
WHY DON'T WE TEST AND ITERATE QUICKER?
Jul 18, 2025
by TODD BROWN
BEING ALWAYS ON THE HUNT for new and better, is a lot of fun. Reading articles, the interwebs magically delivering relevant content, and the...
... rumors and myths discussed during training.
I look,
I look,
I look...
... then pull the trigger.
Even then, hungry as I am for improvement sometimes...
... I'm hesitant for implementation.
Change can be scary.
Resistance easy.
I've had these new pedals,
a version of my current ones,
with a better platform and connection.
Rode 'em today.
Instantly wondered what the heck I was waiting for?
Now to log a few more rides and see if there are any issues.
Had a similar experience in the business,
knew I needed a better sales process,
resisted...
... out of fear.
4 months in,
and the results are very positive.
Key is to start...
- fail fast
- succeed
- optimize
... then see it it through.
===
162.8
8ish hours
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
108/16 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
GATHER 'ROUND THE ZOOM FIRE
Jul 17, 2025
by TODD BROWN
MY PAL EMETSKI RANG. It was the middle of the day, and I was grinding. Normally those go straight to vmail. It had been too long...
... it must be important.
Are you going to Leadville?
Not this year, maybe next.
Well, our fearless leader, HimWithBeautifulBikes, asked me to be his crew.
That's a big ask. Not that you can't do it.
Whadaya mean?
Screw it up, ruin his day.
Can ya help me?
Absolutely.
I started rattling off deets like a carnival barker.
He was scribbling, his brain was smoking.
He said, I've got to get all this to PViddy and Tim.
There's more than HimWithBeautifulBikes?
They have help.
Oh boy. Here's what we're gonna do.
Because I've done it 7 times, over a 26 year time span...
- logistics
- pacing
- food
- etc
... I have a pretty good feel for how to execute.
I sent a group text,
because it's fun to give back.
Questions started pouring in, and I said...
... see ya around the Zoom campfire.
===
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters
===
163.4
7ish hours (too sick to sleep or ride - sucks)
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
109/3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
IS THIS REALLY PRO?
Jul 16, 2025
by TODD BROWN
SO, THE MAN MOST FAVORED to win the Tour de France, Tadej, took a tumble today. He wasn't paying attention, and some doof chopped his front wheel...
... sent him sliding on his shoulder into a curb.
What would you do?
Be honest.
In my entire history of racing,
hundreds of times.
I've crashed.
Shoot, last year at Gravel Nationals, I had two very similar instances.
Tightly packed together,
charging up a hill,
wheels cross.
Right in front of me.
I didn't go down,
had to stop,
unclip.
I was pissed,
full of adrenalin,
never caught the front.
5 minutes,
then, 20 minutes.
It was brutal.
Did I expect them to wait?
No.
Have I waited when the role is reversed?
Not for a second.
Staying on the bike is part of racing.
What did the pros do today?
They waited.
We're racing for fun,
they are racing for money.
Lots of it.
If the Tour comes down to 20 seconds,
and the loser waited...
... was it a pro move?
===
163.6
7ish hours
10 PushUps 30 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
111/-7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
NOTHING SEXIER THAN...
Jul 15, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THEY SAY ABSENCE makes the heart grow fonder, and after being gone for 10 days, I'd have to agree. But, I didn't expect Surfergirl to give me...
... this kind of reaction.
Fried from a transatlantic flight,
being up for 24 hours straight...
... I was longing for a shower and my own bed.
We got home.
I stripped.
And there was the truth...
- golden legs and arms and face
- pale torso, feet and hands
- peeling nose
... in plain sight.
She stammered.
I already felt like I'd been cheating,
leaving her behind while I rode with the fellas.
All she could say was...
... There's nothing sexier than a man with a funny tan.
I guess she missed me after all.
===
164
8 hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
0 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
113/-24 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY 6 - THE LUXURY OF EXHAUSTION
Jul 13, 2025
by TODD BROWN
DID IT HAVE TO BE THIS HARD? Our final day was a net elevation loss, and it felt right and impossible at the same time. How could this country deliver roads, and passes and summits...
... of such immense beauty?
We'd covered a lot of ground...
- 400+ miles
- 53,000' of vert
- 30+ hours in the saddle
... in six days.
I was quite exhausted.
With friends,
our bonds deepening,
through the shared experience.
No flats,
no mechanical difficulties,
no physical ailments slowing us.
Just my tumble.
What a luxury,
to wring out all a body can deliver, by choice.
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
8 hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
119/-69 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY 5 - THE RETURN OF THE SUMMIT SURFER
Jul 11, 2025
by TODD BROWN
WHAT'S TO BE DONE when we find ourselves straggling behind, day after day, pass after pass? It's not too far back, yet it's clearly apparent...
... I am the weakest link.
Nobody's saying anything.
But, ya know...
... it's real easy to slip into deathmarch mode.
Rather than...
- chase the fellas
- stare at my Wahoo
- push into the red zone
... today, I searched for the Zen of climbing.
The fine line,
below pain.
Elation.
Taking in the beauty...
... riding the endorphins all the way up.
Glorious!
And it didn't stop there.
Once the jackets were on,
we surfed down the asphalt ribbons.
Some were pedaling into and out of turns.
I opted for the feeling of chainless,
letting gravity work her beautiful magic.
Breaking late into turns,
cutting the apex,
off the brakes.
HR still in the 90s.
This is summit surfing.
Going up
We are what we eat and i needed some Zen
Cobblestone climb with a million switchbacks.
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
8 hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
120/-53 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY FOUR - A LITTLE BIT MORE FAR
Jul 10, 2025
by TODD BROWN
OUT FRONT OF OUR HOTEL, I was chatting with a dude from Sicily. He and his girlfriend were touring on a sweet KTM 1100 Adventure. I always dreamed of doing just that with Surfergirl sporting...
... shortshorts and a halter top.
Now I'm inspired.
When I told him what we had planned for the day,
he looked at my man powered rig.
That's a little bit more far.
I think what he was trying to say was...
... You fool, that's 50 miles, 2 major passes and nearly 8000' of vert.
Considering this is our "recovery day",
after yesterday's 12,000'
tomorrow's 10,000'.
He had a point.
So, how do we ride all these climbs,
day after day?
Eat a lot.
Love Watts promised there was no way to gain weight on this trip.
Apparently, I've taken on the challenge,
'cause I'm looking a little plump in the pics...
... even sucking in my ballast.
It's easy to do...
- meat
- fruits
- breads
- cheeses
... because the food is amazing here.
Gotta keep the little engine that could stoked, like this coal fired choochoo
Towards the top of the first pass
this is a famous one... easy to find on youtube
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
8 hours
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
113/-26 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY THREE - YOU SHOULD PEE IN FRANCE
Jul 09, 2025
by TODD BROWN
SWITZERLAND HAS FOUR OFFICIAL languages, not counting English or the million others we're all speaking and thinking in. Everyone is friendly, and...
... we're all doing our best.
A warm and kind soul exits the bakery.
Looks at me,
and says...
.... You should be in France.
Crud, did he see me watering that bush outside ot Grindelwald?
I should pee in France?
Yes,
It is a great time to pee in France.
Time for sign language,
I hold my hands in front of me...
... Pee in France?
No, no, no... pee in France, bike race.
We both have a giant laugh over that.
Which was real nice.
I needed that.
A few miles back I'd done the fall of shame,
managing to get to close to a 2" curb...
... tumbling on the concrete and startling the kind lady at the fruit stand.
I was worried for her.
Checked my bike,
rims scuffed,
that's all.
Oh, and my butt cheek hurts,
like a mule kicked me.
Knee is bleeding,
the cool kind.
Lots of red,
no damage.
Aint nothin gonna stop this amazing day.
We fueled at another outstanding bakery
The climb over Gross Scheidegg was stunning, and the descent a real screamer
Another fuel stop
Susten Pass was another monster climb,
lots of tunnels.
One with a waterfall going over the tunnel.
It was on this long climb that I realized while I'd dodged a bullet with the fall,
somehow I"d damaged my ankle.
It started to get real stiff,
and swollen.
Lots of...
- Advil
- Tylenol
- And prayers
... I should be good to go in the morning.
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
113/-26 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY TWO - AN UNEXPECTED CHALLENGE
Jul 08, 2025
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES WHEN ON AN ADVENTUROUS VACATION the most unexpected piece of gear can fail. Depending on what, where and when...
... it can change the outlook of the entire trip.
Rolling out in a light rain,
with 60 miles and
6400'.
Waking up to rain,
the clouds at eye level.
Gave me some concern.
We climbed through the the diminishing showers
the weather cleared.
I had the gear for the weather.
Arm warmers,
base layer,
jersey.
At the top,
I pulled a KOM jacket
out of my water proof Barrito bag.
Something more sinister had the potential to be a trip ruiner...
... had it failed while we carved the mountains.
Just as we pull up to the hotel,
AC's spoke breaks.
Had that happened on those speedy drops,
it coulda been ugly.
Still, how ya gonna fix a broken spoke in a town you don't know,
with a legit language barrier?
Oh, just google bike shop,
walk 239'...
... and find a pro mechanic with just the right length.
Aero, even.
How's that for lemons into lemonade.
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
108/-6 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY ONE - GETTING DOWN
Jul 07, 2025
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WAS ONE OF THOSE DAYS you just want to share with everyone. Weather perfect, roads desolate, the immensity of nature prying into your soul. The whole time I'm thinking...
... Surfergirl has got to do this.
It's too big.
This climb.
Not too...
- hard
- long
- steep
... too big for words.
At the top of the Col de la Croix, we put on windbreakers.
Dropping at 50+mph gets right chilly, right fast.
The pavement is pristine,
the corners gravel free,
turns banked.
A place to tuck and go.
Why do we want to share experiences like this when we know hardly anyone on the planet could do the ride, or enjoy it?
I think it's comes back to gratitude,
and wanting to share the goodness.
One a winding bike trail through forest and fields let us right past the UCI Velodrome.
Had to do a lap on the UCI pump track
The start of the Col de la Croix climb.
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/11 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
DAY 0
Jul 06, 2025
by TODD BROWN
I GOT INVITED to go to Switzerland. Should I go, could I swing it, was the timing right? Legit questions. Surfergirl looked at me and said...
... don't be an idiot.
Go!
Yesterday was Day -1...
- 5800 miles
- 11 hour flight
- 9 hour time change
... on 2 hours of sleep.
We think we're athletes...
- on foot
- horseback
- by sail boat
... completely unable to imagine doing that trip as our ancestors did.
Maybe that is what draws into endurance sports...
... a yearning to tap into what our progenitors did on a daily basis.
Today is Day 0,
and I woke feeling great.
Hit the local church,
always fun to see how others do Sundays.
The flat 50 miles of tailwind along Lake Geneva to the hotel,
was a good way to loosen up the legs.
Tomorrow the climbing starts.
Rain is on the menu.
All day.
===
Yeah, I did have the design team create these rad jerseys to commemorate the trip
===
Yodelayheehoo!
===
167.8 lbs ? no idea, traveling sans scale
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
100/18 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
THE SLOW MOVING MASS
Jul 04, 2025
by TODD BROWN
THE LETHARGY was real. It had been a stressful week of work, plus the emotional rollercoaster of meeting with docs. I wasn't sleeping well...
... and I just wasn't feeling it.
My rides were short,
or skipped.
Yesterday, put a fork in that.
A rebellious f' this arose.
Kitted up with angst.
90 minutes...
- 238 NP
- 142 Ave HR
- 2500' climbed
... of pure glory.
It's more energizing to ride fast...
... I felt unstoppable.
===
check these new additions out https://pedalindustries.com/collections/gloves
check these new additions out https://pedalindustries.com/collections/gloves
===
167.8 lbs (the fatted calf is ready to be slaughtered next week)
7 hrs sleep
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
102/10 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
LOOK AT THIS DING DONG
Jul 03, 2025
by TODD BROWN
PACKING UP THE GEAR for a trip, is usually really fun. We know where we're going, when we're leaving, how we'll get there, what we'll need...
.. mostly we're good to go.
Until we're not.
Panic hits.
Happened to me yesterday.
Tool finally arrives so I can remove my center-lock brake rotors.
Wrong tool.
Put the word out and Chuckles has just what I need.
Do you need the ratchet, too?
No, I've got it.
Get home.
Don't have it.
So I go to Lowes and ask for help finding an adapter.
The ol' guy's eyes narrow,
he's sizing me up.
I can hear his thoughts...
Ding Dong on aisle 9 is so incompetent he can't find an adapter!
... ugh!
I hate asking for...
- help
- guidance
- directions
... except for when I need it, and it's gotta be correct.
So much faster.
===
166.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
0 PushUps 0 PullUps 0 SplitSquats and more
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
102/17 fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy
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