IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE ROAD.  And the road was dirt.  And man rode bikes on the dirt road...

... until it was paved.

In the beginning (for me) was VeloNews.  And VeloNews was printed.  And racers read of racing in print...

... until it got digitized.

Road riding is like this prolific spawner of countless children:

• Road
• Crits
• Cross
• Track
• BMX
• MTB
• Gravel

In terms of popular energy, road is back to it's roots with gravel.

Road rides on with momentum and power and energy.

There was a time when I couldn't wait to get down to the local shop to pick up the latest copy of VeloNews.  

Today, VeloNews announced it was merging with Peloton magazine.  They're fighting for the printed lives.  I respect the idea of banding together, but  it seems like a marriage made in Roubaix during springtime.  

VeloNews plays it pretty straight and covers a number nearly all of road's off spring.

Peloton, however, is artsyfoofoo.  Romantic.  Narrowly focused on the smallest sliver of road culture.

VeloNews print is officially dead in this iteration.  Peloton is the print flagship with additional contributors from VeloNews and CyclingTips.

Will it work?

I dunno.

Maybe.

They are basically going on all on the great progenitor.

Long live Road!

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

Our SuperLight Race Gloves are perfect for the whole family of racing. 

I developed them for MTB, but they are so light I wear them exclusively regardless of which bike I'm riding.

Yep.

That good.

Mesh palm, mesh top.

Plus, plus, plus... the matching socks are free this month... lots of colors to choose from.

No promo coded needed, savings are automatically calculated at checkout.

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

---

162.3
7.5 hrs  
30 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretched
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING, I prefer a photo-chromatic lens.  It' easy to grab one pair of glasses for every ride.  If it's dark, they are clear. If it's bright, the darken... 

... but, there is another lens that is even more powerful.

It's got a special super low-tech coating called WIMMEF that anybody can acquire...

... without even going to the store.

With this lens I've been able to make dramatic increases in speed and other metrics of efficiency.

It works like this, everything I consider I ask myself...

... Will It Make Me Even Faster?

There are only 2 answers:

• Hellyeah!
• No.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go

Take PR Lotion for example.

My pal Matt turned me on to it.

What is that?

PR Lotion.

What does it do?

Makes me go faster, feel no pain, can't race without it.

Now, that is a Hellyeah!

Be sure to use the promo code: WIMMEF

At check out.

Saves 20%, expires Friday.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-that-make-you-go

---

162.8
8 hrs  
25 Pull Ups + 50 PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretched
50 minutes reading + Journaling

FOR MOST OF YOU, 98%, this is going to be gamechanger.  Of course, if you've been hanging out her for a bit, it's not new.  But, I'm willing to bet...

... many still don't believe me, and ya never tried it somewhere else.

You should.

The good news is I found a secondary source to back up my philosophy.  

And what is said amazing wisdom?

YA GOTTA BE RESTED TO PRODUCE RESULTS.

If you want the science vs The Old Diesel's evil knowledge gained through experience:

• Readers go here: https://philmaffetone.com
• Watchers go here: https://youtu.be/dxODgYXOO7w

Now, let me help ya wrap your helmets around this concept okay.

• 80% of your riding should be Zones 1-2 to build your engine
• This will allow you to really focus and maximize the hard efforts

Those are two good points.  If you'll take the time to do the research it will become abundantly clear.

But, that is not the most important benefit of this method...

... this is the most important, by far.

Building your fitness this way is the only way to sustain cycling for life.

We lose to many to burn out, because they ride too hard all the time.

Way too many lost.

Guess where else this works well?

If you're paid for results, and more and more of us are... 

... this strategy of mostly easy days with a few focus days...

... is also a winner for bread winning.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags

The big focus days, of course, are races.

Nothing better than hanging out at the race with the team, around the canopy.

Yeah, we make canopies too.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/canopies-banners-and-flags

---

163.1
8 hrs  
25 Pull Ups + 50 PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
70 minutes reading + Journaling

I'D REALLY LIKE TO PICK ON CHRIS FROOME.  His nice manners.  His Aw shucks, can't believe I won the tour again attitude.  His wife sticking up for him in the early days...

... he's just begging for it.

It was all so picture perfect until he fell off his bike on a training ride...

... mangling his leg and other body parts.

So, he wraps us up in the drama of his big come back.  I love underdogs, and I almost got sucked in...

... it coulda been so good.

Then, I just read he's gone and hurt his repaired knee by training too hard.  He said it had been bothering him for 10 days. 10 days, riding with pain! Now he's gonna spend a bloody week off the bike...

... what kinda rookie move is that?

C'mon man, get your shift together!

There's just one problem with ripping into him in a family friendly place like we have here...

... what if I bumped into him on a ride?

It's not too far-fetched.  

I have had the occasional run in with celebrity riders out riding:  Cavendish, Phinney, Vails, Hegg, Bahati, Lettieri, Sagan, Van Garderen, Juarez, and more...

... so, what would happen?

It's always the same.  

I'm star struck.

They're nice. 

We pedal.

And talk.

It's hard as hell to pick on someone once you know them.  Realized they're just another cat doing their best in this crazy world of ours.

Maybe he'll write a book one day about his struggles.  

Wouldn't that be incredible?  

Not the fairytale trash from 2015.  I want the heartache of a tragic crash that seems to just keep seeping forward instead of moving to the past.  

How he dealt with it.

I mean, at this point, does he really need the money?  Couldn't he just retire as the greatest of his generation?  Hand up the cleats.  Spend time with family.

Get better Chris, 
were pulling for you...

... and every other rider dealing with a set back.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/training

You know what else I'd like to see?

His raceday calendar.

It must be scaring the hell outta him, just like Jeremy below.

These are still shipping for free.

Act fast.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/training

---

163.7
8 hrs  
20 Pull Ups + 20 Banded PushUps + 20 Banded Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
60 minutes reading + Journaling

MY MOST BIGGEST WINS, every single one of them, came easy.  In fact, I'd say there were surprising...

... because I wasn't trying.

Don't get me wrong.

There was sweat, blood and tears poured into every on one of them.  But, my aim was different on that day than on many others.

I was there to race.

When I "try to win", when I've "got to have" a desired result I am divided.

Thinking more of winning than racing is draining.

When I'm simply racing, not concerned with the outcome...

... I have all my skills.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training

That's one reason I go to a lot of races:  formal and training.  To get rid of the jitters...

... so, I'm calm and able to focus on the racing.

Another thing I do is fill out my calendar as soon as it makes sense.  Then, as I look at it and think of the upcoming events I visualize the days leading up to crossing the finish line.

Right now, the calendars are shipping FREE.

So is everything on the link below.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training

---

164.7
9.5 hrs  
20 Pull Ups + 20 Banded PushUps + 20 Banded Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
210 minutes reading + Journaling

WE BROKE TRADITION AND DID A BIG RIDE ON NYE VS NYD.  A flattish 100 miles, Zone 2.  The original plan was a gravel ride I'd dubbed DJ Diesel's MixALot of Surfaces 100k... 

... but we received too much rain.

So we opted for road.

First, I should point out the harsh realities of riding with us:

• We leave on time.
• We don't wait for the dropped.
• We don't stop for mechanicals.

Why? Because we believe in...

• Respect for each other's time.
• Motivation through abandonment.
• Running good gear and being able to do our own repairs.

But, we broke all those rules yesterday.  

I hope it's not a sign of things to come.

A few were dropped in the first 20 miles.  Slowly eased off the back.

Then, a flat.

And another flat.

And yet a third rider flatted.

We kept going at an easy pace, thinking they would combine and catch us.

Then the doozy.  Coulda been horrific.  The double flat on a gaping pothole at 40+ mpgh.  

Of course, it was a girl.  And if she wasn't so nice, and her husband so pleasant, surely we'd have left them.

Maybe the fact that I was slowing to fix my own flat after being dropped helped...

... but, I hope not.

I really like our traditions.  

Perhaps a tradition of making exceptions is a good idea?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug

Fortunately, I had all 3 dynaplug heads with me.  I needed the sharpest one.  The hole was tiny, yet big enough it wouldn't seal.

Took me 3 minutes tops to plug it.

Here's what the plug looks like after being inserted in the tire.

It's the glob.

I mashed it down a bit, then rode it another 60 miles.

My experience is that it will last as long as the rest of the tire does.  They are really good.

Fast.

Reliable.

Use promo code: NODISCIPLINE

Code expires 1/4/22

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dynaplug

---

166.2
8.5 hrs  
10 Pull Ups + 10 Clap PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
20 Recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling

WHEN I RECEIVED THIS TEXT, my evil heart was warmed.  For, here was a young man confronting the reality of his goals...

... and writing them out in pen!

I expect him to have a wonderful year and have some really good stories to tell.

Will you?

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

Calendars are currently shipping for free.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

164.9
7 hrs  
0 Pull Ups + 0 Clap PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
0 Recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling

ONE OF THE BEST PIECES OF ADVICE FOR RACING is from the great Stephen Covey.  He talks about 7 habits of successful people, be we are racers and this habit is a winner...

... seek first to understand. 

I get that... 

... but not the way he meant it.

He wanted us to understand where other people are coming from before we try to get them to understand us...

... here's why that's gold.

Especially in road racing.

So much strategy.
So many calculations.

I spend at least the first half of any road race trying to understand what each of my competitors has planned...

... what part are they going to play.

That might be a fake attack or latching onto a break and sitting in or just pulling hard for a bit or dangling off the back.  Could, should start as early as pulling into the parking lot and seeing who's there and who's hanging out, who looks friendly though in different kits.

First, seek to understand...

... then, at the finish line...

... you can be understood.

Got it?

Honestly, I don't know why I give away these ideas for freely.  Fortunately, I don't race road too much so nobody really knows me anyway.  Heaven forbid some yokel understand me and leaves me understanding at the line.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags 

I can't guarantee results, but I can guarantee this...

... our RaceDay Bags™ are nearly indestructible.  That's we have a 1 year warranty...

... the truth is, you could send one back after 5 years and we'd fix it.  

It's so rare, I should probably just make it a lifetime warranty.

Maybe I will.

It pretty much is.

We'd love you to spread the word...

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags

---

167.3
7 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
70 minutes reading + Journaling

THE BEST ATHLETES HAVE ZERO DISCIPLINE.  While it may look like they have a spartan and regimented life, that's not what is...

... it's passion.

Somewhere in time, they woke up to an idea.  That idea propels them 24/7.

They eat,
drink,
sleep...

... like athletes.

Discipline is hard.

Passion is easy...

... and natural,

for athletes.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-dynaplug®-racer-tubeless-bicycle-tire-repair-kit

Athlete are always on the lookout for ways to go faster... and there nothing faster than a Dynaplug.

 Use promo code: NODISCIPLINE

Code expires 12/31/21

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-dynaplug®-racer-tubeless-bicycle-tire-repair-kit

---

167 
8.25 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
50 minutes reading + Journaling

I'M GONNA MAKE A GUESS ABOUT MOST OF YOU.  Your goals suck.  They are weak.  And, I'll prove it.  Because I know for too many of you...

... your goals don't scare the shift out of you.

Think about this.

When are we most alive on the bike...

... when we are closest to death.

For me, that's the finishing sprint or dropping off a steep ledge or tucked in at 60+ mph.

Our goals, the big ones, should be scaring us to death.

The really good ones are where we know if everything goes absolutely perfect...

leading up to the race,
during the race,
and crossing the finish line...

... then, and only then, we might accomplish our goal.

Because it demands EVERYTHING, it's scary.

We have to BE THAT PERSON that can make it happen...

... not just wanting.

Everybody wants.

We must be.

When I said I'd break my 20 year old PR at Leadville in 2019, it was scary.  I wrote it out every morning.  I made a wallet that had Leadville Sub 8:20 printed large on it.  It ain't easy pulling that out in front of your friends.

The thing I like about the giant RaceDay Calendar™ is that it's hung in a conspicuous place and my top 3 goals are front and center...

... for all to see.

If we aren't failing, we aren't trying.

What are my top 3 goals for 2022?

I'm thinking PR Leadville (again), win a national championship, ride from the sandy beach at Doheny to the top of Snow Summit.

That's not set in stone yet, but it's getting close.

How the hell can I go faster at Leadville?  Surfergirl, my biggest fan, even looked at me askance.  I'm a grampa now, 60 freakin' years old in April. She knows how much I put in last time and how many miracles we had.  Ouch.  

Win a national?  I think it's within in me, either the crit or MTB marathon... but it would take a lot of luck.  Crit sprints are always a roll of the dice, and the MTB marathon is in MD... I hate flying - this is a big one.

Doheny to Snow Summit is at least 130 miles, 15-20,000 feet of vert, on dirt and asphalt, across the concrete jungle, and the final 9000' will be on the sun exposed southern slopes.  Alone.

My palms are sweating.

I hope yours are too, as you consider your big goals for 2022.

May you be scared,
very scared.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training

This is the wallet I carried around with me for 8 months.  

Every time I pulled it out I was reminded of that goal.

When you select the wallet, there's a button below Quantity.  That's where you enter in your goal.

It's kinda like putting your money where you mouth is...

... it takes guts.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training

---

165.8
7 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
60 minutes reading + Journaling

SOMETIMES I PURPOSELY UNDERDRESS.  When would that make sense?  What could be the purpose?  Well, it's not just frolicking about the house, I'm talking about riding fast...

... out in the cold, harsh world.

The purpose, I learned a long time ago, is because it feels good.  I feel alive, connected to my animal nature.

Then, I started studying Wim Hof and got some excellent confirmation bias going.

Does this make sense to you?

Because we wear clothes and artificially control the temperatures at home and at work. we've greatly reduced the natural stimulation of our bodies, atrophying the age-old mechanisms related to our survival and basic function. Because these deeper physiological layers are no longer triggered, our bodies are no longer in touch with this inner power. The inner power is a powerful force that can be reawakened by stimulating these physiological processes through the Wim Hof Method.

It does to me.

Today I suffered such a fate.  The app said 45, and reality said 35.  It was so cold in my superlight RaceDay gloves... 

... I lost some feeling and much dexterity in my fingers.

The toes were headed that direction as well...

... and the nose dripped and dripped.

I love it.

I'm alive.

Plus, there are benefits:

• It's healthy, getting that circulation going strong.
• It builds confidence, knowing you can survive the temporary pain.
• You learn your limits.

That's just riding.

In the 4-Hour Body, Tim Ferriiss shared a weight-loss hack.  The ice bath.  By lowing your core temperature your body burns more calories to warm back up.

But, the one I've come to love is that wonderful feeling as the sun's warmth spreads across the day...

... and the feeling returns in my extremities.

That
is
priceless.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

You know what else is priceless?...

... seeing your goals become reality.

And there's nothing like a giant RaceDay Calendar™ to help you out.

Right now, they SHIP FREE.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

165.3
7 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
50 minutes reading + Journaling

A VERY WISE COACH suggested we become like little children.  Since I like to apply great teachings wherever possible...

... here's what I've discovered and how we can get a lot faster by being more child-like.

First, it's not because they are...

humble
trusting
quick to rejoice
quick to forgive

... nor is it that...

they love with their whole being.

... those are wonderful traits.

But, I'm talking about something kids do a lot better than 99.9% of adults.

They lift with their legs...

... by squatting,
not bending,

... all day long.

Trust me, I've been watching my own kid's little kid this weekend.

He squats throughout the day...

... just like you will be doing when you apply my soon to be released app, RaceDay Ready...

... to develop bigtime power.

Is squatting what the great coach meant when he encouraged us to become as little children?  

Probably not.

But, then again, all great coaches teach on multiple levels.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/nutrition

Great coaches encourage us to feed our minds and bodies with good stuff.

Here's some good stuff.

Use promo code: CHILDLIKE

... and save 20%.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/nutrition 

---

166.2
8.5 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
Stretch and Hypervolt
120 minutes reading + Journaling

I LOVE A GOOD CONSPIRACY THEORY.  Just chewing on a big What If? and spitting occasionally, with the fellas.  So, let me share my thoughts...

... on The Great Reset.

With the tremors of the vicious Holiday21 Virus rocking our waistlines, I'm particularly concerned about the Chips & Salsa Variant.

There seems to be no way to stop it...

... from destroying our seams.

But, it's actually worse than it appears.

Because, though many of us have some Natural Immunity due previous exposure to Holiday20, many are just waking up to the fact that if the new yoga pants didn't fit this morning...

... It's only gonna get worse between now and Jan 1.

Many gyms are already bracing for capacity to be overwhelmed in early January.  And, Lord, bless the server farms and remote coaches dedicated to reaching every single soul...

... succumbing to the feared Chips & Salsa Variant.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Get on your scales, 
reset your goals,
lift heavy,
and ride.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

Of course, there's nothing more powerful for your own great reset than signing up for a gnarly race or die and circling that date in red...

... on a giant RaceDay Calendar™

We can barely make these fast enough...

... RaceDay Calendars™ have been proven safe in all ages.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

165.8 again
7 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
No recovery
25 minutes reading + Journaling

YEARS AGO, LIVING IN MEXICO, I learned about La Noche Buena.  Literally translated: The Good Night.  Turns out for our neighbors to the south Christmas Eve...

... is a bigger celebration than Christmas Day.

Different people.

Unique culture.

Beautiful.

We have our own culture.  Our lingo.  Our customs.  Our good nights before big races...

... the gifts we give ourselves.

For what else can we call an event that keeps our goals aligned, our health in tip top shape, our friendships strong and diverse?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

Races are where we find out who's training has been naughty and who's has been nice.

We can barely make these fast enough...

... RaceDay Calendars™ are def part of our culture.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

165.6 again
8.5 hrs  
Pull Ups + Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
No recovery
5 minutes reading + Journaling

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT BEING GREAT that is just plain infectious. Doesn't matter who it is or what they are doing...

... they are great.

They figure out what they're great at, and do it over and over again...

... and we love it.

We wanna be great, too.

Last night, I found myself listening to the great Joe Walsh's Funk 49.

Recorded live.

On YouTube.

A million versions.

All of 'em great.

Which got me thinking about how much fun it is to ride bikes.

The speed.  The rush.  The whoosh of gravity.

We may never win a race, be famous, or get paid, but you can bet you lycra covered buns...

... nobody's ever ripped that corner near your house like you have.

Be great.

Like the song goes...

... Ride all day, Sleep all night.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

If you have some weather to battle, you'll love the KOM jacket.

It's pretty much all I wear if it's chilly.

• It completely cuts the wind.
• It breathes
• It packs up and fits in your jersey pocket.
• It fits snug vs being a parachute.

Use promo code: CHARITY. You'll save $21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

164.6 again
6.5 hrs  
Pull Ups Clap PushUps + Heavy Squats
No recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling

BOY OH BOY, some of the fella's definitely deserve coal for Christmas.  Today, on our friendly group ride, charging like a tsunami for the sprint, things got a little crazy, doors got shut...

... it happens.

In fact, I had my lane closed and I was forced right into the fence...

... as we coasted and gasped, and a hockey game broke out.

Guys off bikes.

Just crazy.

Don't get me wrong.  I can become as enraged as the next guy when people are dangerous...

... I ain't no saint.

But, then...

... let it go, bro.

As the Buddha taught...

... How can I suffer when I'm not thinking of myself?

As Paul shared...

... For charity...  seeketh not her own.

As the Grinch discovered...

... What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!

It does mean more...

... starting with charity. (here's a refresher)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

You might give someone that jacket off your back, but probably not this one.

Not that it wouldn't be great, but it's so incredibly designed for racing that most would not be able to put it to good use.

You, however, could and should put it to good use.

It's pretty much all I wear if it's chilly.

• It completely cuts the wind.
• It breathes
• It packs up and fits in your jersey pocket.
• It fits snug vs being a parachute.

Use promo code: CHARITY. You'll save $21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

165.6 again
7 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 10 Clap PushUps 10 Heavy Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
30 minutes reading + Journaling

DO YOU EVER JUST WANT TO HOOK UP?  I do.  And, I sure did today.  So I put myself out there and got ready to lay down...

... for a quickie.

We have a network of new trails that were built in the summer and fall.  They never really packed in.  Instead, they were chunky and dusty...

... and very loose.

Riding on trails like that is fine practice, but not nearly as fun as they are after a good rain like we had a few days ago...

... today was the kind of hooking up I like to do.

Hitting berms.

Carving turns.

Carrying lots of speed.

Snagging PRs.

Nothing wrong with that.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

Of course, the best hook up over here is the PEDALposse.

• Save 25% on everything we make and sell
• Get a monthly gift
• Special access to events and apps.

Check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

---

166 again
6.5 hrs  
15 Pull Ups 15 Clap PushUps 20 Heavy Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
65 minutes reading + Journaling

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, as the saying goes, because tomorrow is like a primer for what is to come...

... it is the shortest day of the year.

I know that.  

I look forward to it.

I'm already sick of riding in the dark, with lights, and layers of clothing.

Just knowing the days will only get longer after the 21st puts me in a good mood. It get's me thinking ahead to the January 1st...

... when the next race season begins.

Doesn't matter how far out that first race is...

... we're gonna be ready.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

Especially those of us who are already starting to fill out the giant RaceDay Calendar™.

You need one of these, now.

Order now and get FREE SHIPPING!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

---

166
7 hrs  
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
65 minutes reading + Journaling

THERE ARE TWO WAYS to learn how to race on cobbles.  Hire a top level coach, and do exactly as you're told...

... or, just get on the cobbles.

Nearly all of us simply go for it.

Therein lies the beauty...

• We try something someone said and it works.
• By accident, we discover a secret.
• We borrow from other sports.
• We study books.
• Watch races.
• We persist.

... it's our wisdom.

We cobbled it together.

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I remember the first time I heard about PR Lotion.  My friend SupeDave commented on a FB thread.

Dave, does PR Lotion work?

Yep.

He's a man of few words.  

Then my friend Matt starting kitting up for a race and applying PR Lotion like his life depended on it.

Does that work?

Yeah, I can't race without it.

So I tried it.

Now I'm hooked.

If a hard day is on the menu, I apply.

Why?

I don't like feeling pain nearly as much as I like inflicting it.

If you're into hard work, and want to maximize your effort while buffering the associated pain...

... use promo code  COBBLE  and save 20%

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---

165.4
8 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
90 minutes reading + Journaling

THE PLAN WAS TO MEET THE CREW AT 835, then roll over and join a larger, faster group.   Simple enough...

... but, my groggy brain interpreted that as leave my house at 835.

Ugh.

By the time I'd realized my silly error I was 15 minutes behind.

Among the many objectives today besides seeing my friends and logging some base miles, was to

... get in an hour of intensity.

So it began, PRing a section I've ridden 220 times according to the Starva overlords.

But, why an hour?

Because, I'm very dedicated to the MAF Method at the moment.  80% of the week is Zone 2, 20% is Zones 4-5.

Since I'm actually still building base, I'm more like 90% Zone 2 and 10% 4-5.  That will change in the coming weeks as I get closer to my first real A races at the beginning of March.

I like to think of the build up for an A race as baking sour dough bread.  After kneading, you let it rise for 24 hours.  Then bake for 30 minutes.  After which, the bread should cool for at least 30 minutes or more.  

That time to rise is akin to base miles...

... the baking more like the final brutal weeks of training...

... cooling, the ever critical taper.

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---

165.8
7.75 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling

I HAVE THIS SECRET TEAM that really helps me get into great shape and get after it.  They're awesome, wise, motivating...

... and they don't charge me a dime.

How do I do it?

On any given day, they beatthehell out of me on the bike.  

While they're all smiles and happy, occasionally rubbing it in...

... I'm taking notes like crazy.

How'd they do it?

Where'd they attack?

What could I have done better?

Later, I review that free lesson and incorporate it into my own quiver of tricks.

I'm happy for their win.  They worked hard, executed well, maybe even had some luck. 

That's cool...

'cuz I'm learning.

Win.

Win.

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Sometimes those lessons require long climbs in the cold.

The beauty of the KOM jacket is that it virtually eliminates the wind.  I developed it specifically for bombing off the top of the mountain...

... imagine how good it is just riding along.

Use promo code TENSION

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

167
7.5 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

AS EVERY SINGLE SPEEDER CAN ATTEST, keep that chain tight.  But, it's tricky, since there is no derailleur to pick up the slack...

... maintaining proper tension is an art.

Why should you care?

Because too much tension creates a lot of drag in the drive train, and not enough tension results and the chain falling off the rings...

... a perfect metaphor for our racing lives.

Too much riding,
we get over trained.

Not enough,
we get slow.

Diesel, this is lame.

Well... you are... as lame as your weakest link.

Yawn... heard that one already.

OK... It's your chain, do with it as you wish.

I am.

I know.

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Just like I know dressing for the weather of the day is an art.

The beauty of the KOM jacket is that it virtually eliminates the wind.  I developed it for bombing off the top of the mountain...

... imagine how good it is just riding along.

Use promo code TENSION

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

166.2
8 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 20 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
55 minutes reading + Journaling

HAVING A LOTTERY 'CUZ YOUR RIDE IS SO POPULAR is a thing.  For me that thing is Leadville.  Due to a remarkable fitness hack, which I will kinda share below...

... I don't need the luck of the lottery for entry..

I'm in.

Earned it last summer.

Just today I was thinking it was time to ramp up the training and return to that most glorious fitness.

It was during the chilly and everpeppy Wednesday Worlds.

After a miraculous sprint....

... by my standards.

You see I had some good luck maneuvering to about 8th wheel with a 100 to go.

Then, nobody really went for it.

V for the old diesel.

But, I digress.

I was going to tell you about how to change your luck...

... via my fitness hack

Then, I got side tracked by an avalanche of email... one was a beauty, sent by a gentleman who not only cannot read but apparently is deaf... he was responding to my Free Book offer wherein I explain multiple times in SoCalSurfSpeak and text that the book is free, just pay the shipping.  I'm so impressed by his intelligence and ability to understand my heavy accent I thought I'd post his kind and loving message before sharing something with you...

You said the book is free, but then you want to charge me $8.95 when I go to order. What kind of scam is that?

If you're into scams, you're going to love this one.

When you click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/training you are taken to my best training secrets...

... where you can sign up for Free to be alerted for my soon to be released app called RaceDay Ready™...

... the base version, will be free, and very useful...

... the 10 Week RaceDay Ready™ training plan is really going to set you back, though.

$7.

I know what you're thinking... Freakin Diesel spent thou$and$ to develop a free app, where I can learn and apply his diabolical methods, and now that nogoodsunuvvagun wants to gouge me a whopping seven bucks for the upgrade!

Yep.

I'm that kinda guy.

In fact, I'm worse...

... because this 10 week program to get your lycra clad haunches ready for RaceDay is so hard and demanding your gonna want that MASSIVE $7 investment back...

... you'll curse the day you ever heard of me...

... simply for doing my dawgawndest...

... to improve your luck.

Just do that cursing in SoCalSurfSpeak.

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---

165.4
7.5 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 10 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

AH SUGAR, HOW WE BOW TO THEE.  Well, not all of us, but the unwashed, those yet to join our cult of the wheel...

... they prostrate themselves before thee.

But, not out of any kind of conscious affinity.

They are slaves.

Addicts.

If only they knew the truth... 

... and now a sobering word with the great Dr. Phil Maffetone, from his book Get Strong!

• Sugar is not just white or brown table sugar, but often disguised as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, rice syrup, beet sugar, maltodextrin and others.
• Refined flour quickly turns to sugar after eating.  This includes all processed flours (even those claiming to be whole grain) from wheat, corn, soy and others.

If none of this is news to you,
I'm not surprised.

If it is,
I'm not surprised.

Sugar is very sneaky. 

And mostly evil.

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---

164.7
7 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps 40 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

ONE OF THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF ZONE 2 TRAINING is the concurrent, and typically untapped, training of the Comfort Zone.  Beware, this isn't some foofoo guru hoohah...

... this requires a brave and playful heart.

Check it out.

Because we are much more clear headed in Zone 2 vs the seeing of stars lunacy when in Zone 5, smart people like us use this as an opportunity to get comfortable with speed.

Could be as simple as railing a turn and staying off the brakes...

... or as complex as shredding some single track.

Whatever the case, we should maximize every opportunity while thinking clear and not being out of breath...

... to learn and practice carrying more speed.

I noticed this on my MTB jaunt this morning.

After zipping downhill off road, at a pace many would be panicking, I saw my HRM indicating...

... a rather low 97 bpm.

There's no better time than Zone 2...

... to master getting comfortable with more speed.

All you need is a bit of courage and a lot of playfulness.

Look how comfortable Caleb is in the pic above...

... he's in the Comfort Zone.

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Another thing that makes me comfortable is running lights day and night.

Just got some more of these lights in.

Too many, actually.

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Code expires in 2 days.

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---

165.4
8.5 hrs  
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps 15 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling

IS IT JUST ME or is intermittent fasting bigger than ever?  Honestly, I'm not sure. Because when you think about it, in every major religion fasting plays a part in worship...

... with lots of criticism on doing it right.

The cycling zealots are no different.

Among the benefits I have personally uncovered during my journey, one stands out.

It started with an occasional, dab.  

A monthly thing.

Then my friend Jorge went monk-like, fasting from Sunday evening until Tuesday morning each week.

Really?

Yep.

No food?

None, just water, coffee and tea.

I'm not there, but I am here.

Each Sunday I skip breakfast and lunch.  

Understand, I rarely ride on Sundays so my caloric needs are minor...

... especially after a big Saturday on the bike and the commensurate overeating that follows.

The biggest take away for our particular religion of the wheel is this:

After the initial hunger pangs have passed, my energy is quite good.  As well as my focus.  Desire for food disappears.  When I end the fast all I want to eat is...

... a nutrient dense, healthy snack.

That's it.

Just good stuff.

No junk.

A feeling which is lasting longer and longer, through to the following Sunday.  So much so, that I look forward to the fast.

Maybe something to add to your own wheel worship?

Let me know.

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---

166
8.5 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps 10 Squats
HyperVolt & Stretch
90 minutes reading + Journaling

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR is all the colors that come out for a few brief weeks or months.  The lights, the parades...

... and the old, old, old team jackets from the 90's.

Unsurprisingly, the riders themselves are old, old, old as well.

Which brings up this parallel insight I observed on the peppy, groupy portion of the ride.

There we are sleighing it through town.  The Hulk keeps attacking and gapping us.  I bridge up a few times and the fellas do the ol'...

... well, if Diesel is willing to chase why help?

Like those old jackets, I had a choice to make.

It made no sense to keep pulling the Hulkster back.  

I had to lose 'em, or use 'em.

It's December, a good time to use 'em.

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It's also a good time to get yourself, your friend and your mom a PEDALindustries beanie.

For 40% off, this weekend only.

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---

166
8 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

DON'T GET ME WRONG, I love a midnight clear as much as anyone. Especially, if the following morning is cleared out for a hardy ride.  But, following the good rains this week, that clarity can only mean one thing...

... a morning chilly.

Why do we head out when most roll over?

Well, while studying Mencius earlier today I found this...

... A great man is one who retains the heart of a newborn babe.

I know, I know.  

He wasn't talking about bike riding.

But, am I?

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A great racer, is always prepared by using the amazing RaceDay Bag™...

... Holds Everything But The Bike!

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Code expires in a few days, use it or lose it.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags 

---

166
8 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

CLIMBING UP THE LAST HILL BEFORE HOME, sheets of rain falling and cascading towards me, I thought about my spiffy, new bike...

... not my cold feet.

Feet recover.

Bikes seize.

Fortunately, I had only mistimed the storm by a few minutes.  Though the bibs were soaked, the sidewalls were still somewhat dry.  

Just needed to rinse down the road grime and dry off Hot Lava (bike's name).

The only tool I'd need is a dry towel.

However, If it'd been hours in a deluge and mud followed by letting the bike sit for a few days...

... I'd need a good mechanic.

Good mechanics aren't good just because of their skills.  

A good mechanic has a beautiful work area, and the perfect tool for every occasion, and the parts needed.

Skills.

Tools.

Parts.

For 2022, I'm planning to master a lot of more of my wrenching.  Part of the desire stems for the zen like state one can get in while wrenching in the garage...

... the other part is I want to travel more, and be more self-sufficient.

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Of course, I'll be bring a PRO size RaceDay Bag™...

... Holds Everything But The Bike!

We're cranking 'em out, and can get yours shipped tomorrow.

Use promo code HOLYGRAIL

Code expires in a few days, use it or lose it.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags 

---

166
7.5 hrs  
15 Pull Ups 30 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling

AH, THE GREAT MONTY PYTHON SCENE, Bring out your dead. I was thinking about that today as I latched onto the fearsome Swami's ride on the marine base.  We were there to make a virgin offering, and I warned him to stay at the back, keep his mouth shut...

... and hang on for dear life.

Simple instructions.

Perfectly followed.

Resulting in premature ejection on Heartbreak Hill.  Strava calls it something else, but they are wrong.

It's a heartbreaking.

A gentle rise, sweeping to the right, that eases off not nearly soon enough, and then sweeps to the left and down.

Nothing grows there, but grass.

Too much wind.

And so that scene from The Holy Grail.

He, along with numerous others, was tossed from the cozy group into the wide open and windswept plain.

The poetic match of the movie title and the call to bring out the dead is not lost on me.  

Making that Heartbreak Hill is the holy grail of Swami's.

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Speaking of holy grails, the holy grail of bags is our very own RaceDay Bag™...

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---

165.3
7 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps + Gym
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling

I WOKE UP COZY, to the sound of not-rain.  Huh?  App said rain, rain, rain.  And having already proven I can ride and race in the rain...

... I opted to sleep in.

Which meant skipping a key workout.

Which now means fitness lost.

Which converts to fat.

I'm going to hell.

Shame on me.

Oh wait, I've worked my buns off to create a business that allows for flexibility.  

Let's get to work.

Then, let's ride.

Ever had that conversation?

Or, one like it?\

Well, if you have, you might have wanted a brand new water bottle for that well deserved ride.

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Earlier this year, I scored a one-time shipment of one of my favorite water bottles.

Surprisingly, we still have some...

... for as little as $2.

They make EXCELLENT stocking stuffers.

No joke... as low as $2.

Watch the video.

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165.4
7 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
70 minutes reading + Journaling

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF BALANCING ACTS, and we must master each.  I'll bet you know the secret to one of them.  But, in talking with a local racer struggling with balance, I was prompted to remind him ...

... nobody gives a shift if you win a bike race.

I'm his coach, and he was expressing his frustration with balancing career, family and wanting to win every race.  He is in the unusual position of actually being able to win many races if he puts in the time...

... he has real physical talents few of us have.

I get it.

My race shape waned for many years, the time we had all the kids at home. 

I kept racing.

I kept winning.

Because, I defined winning differently than standing on the top of the podium.  I continue to do that to this day...

... winning is knowing I couldn't have done a better job.

I sent him this quote from my book:  No sporty success can compensate for failure in the home.

Which brings up the balance you have no doubt mastered.

On the bike.

And, the number one secret to that is to keep moving forward.

Wherein we find the mystical balance to achieve life-long racing success...

... keep moving forward.

Keep posting goals.

Keep challenging yourself.

Keep your expectations in line with proper balance...

... and remember, the people that love you, love you for you.

They want your time, not your trinkets.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

In the meantime, get you calendar now!  

They are in stock, and we are constantly making more.

Ships free in USA

Be sure to watch my incredible video on this link.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™

166.4
8 hrs  
25 Pull Ups 50 PushUps + kettle bells
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

I WAVE A LOT.  To the cars who approach from behind, the side and ahead.  The walkers.  The joggers.  And, of course...

... the riders.

Most, not all, wave back.  And, why not?  We are outside, away from the glass we spend so much time in front of...

... enjoying this beautiful planet.

This is where I find true connection to the great spirit.  I see it everywhere, feel it's embrace. Maybe I'm conditioned...

... but, I don't care.

The other day I waved to a young man walking towards me, pack on his back.  I mistook his quick pace for being in a hurry...

... he was full of anger.

His words, curt and salty.

Hurtful.

I carried on.

Should I have stopped?  Asked if I could help?  How could he not see the surrounding beauty on that glorious sunny morning?

It's hard to know.

My friend TD, rides with a bagel most days.

It's not for him.

He's on the lookout for a hungry soul.  I've seen him find more than one.  It's a beautiful thing.

Many are hungry,
some for a bagel,
some a wave,
others a hug.

Enjoy your ride today.

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---

166.2
8 hrs  
0 Pull Ups 0 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
120 minutes reading + Journaling

DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LEAN ON THE CYCLING SPECTRUM, you may have been tempted to mute your inner mutt.  I came in during the extremely stodgy road only days...

... just after the invention of the wheel.

The shops and race scene were dominated by these cats who basically looked down on all the new clowns in town...

... which meant mocking Little Young Diesel.

My position,
my grip,
my gear choice,
hairy legs,
touring bicycle...

... and, oh, the horror!...

... my yellow jersey.

The mockery and meanery was discouraging, and lame.

But, I was undaunted.

In love.

I came from surfing, which I never would have left if there there unlimited and predictable waves.  The idea that I could grab my bike and get my stoke anytime, all the time, was incredible.

And here's where the mutt comes in.

We're all mutts.

We all bring with us the other sporty things we did before finding the best of them all.

I brought surfing, and here's the skill set that helped me smack the highbrow lowlifes: 

When 20 guys are sitting on the peak and only a handful of waves roll through with each set, you have to be very crafty.  Very.  Or, you're gonna get skunked.  Turns out those very skills come in handy in a sprint finish.

So, what ya wanna do is think back on the sporty things you got good at before and apply those skills to bikyracy stuff.

You probably already do, unconsciously.

Get concious.

Little things, just recognizing them, gives incredible confidence.

This morning, I did a local group ride knowing full well they'd hit the climb way harder than I've ridden in months.  Bam!  Sprinting up a 10% grade which levels off to a false flat/rolling top.

My eyes were watering it hurt so bad...

... reminded me of the days I'd sit on the far side of the peak, dudes would think I was too far out, and I'd paddle so hard and so fast I'd catch the wave before they even had a chance.

Bark!

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• receive a gift from me every month?
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---

165.6
7 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
10 minutes reading + Journaling

AH THE AGE OLD QUESTION, would anybody sit in your saddle or eat your porridge or sleep in your bed?  I mean is what you're doing worth emulating?  Even better... 

... would Goldilocks train like you do?

The great Joe Friel points out in Fast After 50...

... "that very strenuous exercise was an aerobic capacity preserver."  

In other words, keep kicking arse regularly if you want to keep kicking arse forever.

Use it or lose it.

In Chapter 4, he goes into great detail of the benefits of intense workouts and is quick to point out that too much, is too much and will lead to breakdowns.

Says Joe, I'd prefer to see a mix of an individually reasonable amount of moderate-effort volume along with some high-intensity training.

Plus this, point the finger of blame for loss of performance with age at training intensity, not volume.

That's where Goldilocks comes into play.  We have to find the right mix, balanced with our lifestyle and goals.  

What does a reasonable amount of moderate-effort and some high-intensity look like to me and you?

Here's one way to look at it, and I'll into this in greater detail in the soon to be release training app and book titled, RaceDay Ready, 10 weeks to speed.

Take your max hours available in a given week, and put 80% of that in the moderate-effort category.  20% will then be dedicated to hucking up a lung.  

I love lung hucking so much (kind of) that I split it between 2 days.  The rest is reasonable.

This is a general fitness approach.  As A races approach that changes a bit.  But, in general, I never skip my lung hucking and I rarely stray from the 80/20.

Figure out your Goldilocks formula...

... and read any of Joe's books, good stuff.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

Speaking of good stuff, the PEDALposse will be receiving a gorgeous RaceDay Calendar and Free access to the new app.

If you want that good stuff all year long, send the link below to the one who loves and loves to give you something you really, really want:

• receive a gift from me every month?
• save 25% on all purchase?
• have access to our best secrets and events?

This link:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

---

165.4
8 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
60 minutes reading + Journaling

WE CAN SCREW UP ALL KINDS OF THINGS IN RACING and most of them can be overcome quickly with little lasting damage to our odds of a good performance.  One exception is bike positioning...

... and, I ain't talking about bike fit.

Bike fit is important, how we position ourselves is importanter.

You can have the best sprint in the world, but if you're a hundred cats back with 300m to go you gott no chance of winning.  None.  

If you're galloping along with the group in an MTB race and the course goes from fire road to skinny single track you better be darn sure you're up front.

Should we always be up front?

Gosh no.

It's mighty nice and wise to float back and get sucked along in the draft and energy of the peloton mid-race.

Some of us start a climb at the front, banking on the idea we can drift to the back and still be connected before dropping down the other side.  Others, like to start back a ways and weave through the shrapnel.

The first rule of positioning is deciding what kind of rider we are...

... and then race accordingly.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

Speaking of positioning... have you propositioned the greatest gift of all?

• receive a gift from me every month?
• save 25% on all purchase?
• have access to our best secrets and events?

Send this link to someone who wants to give you a gift that will bring you joy all year.

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---

166
7.5 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
45 minutes reading + Journaling

YES, YOU SHOULD TRAIN ZONE 2.  It's the place where you build volume.  It's also the place pro triathletes annihilate their competition, pushing speeds most of would only dream of...

... but you should also train Zone Too.

And just what is that Old Diesel?

Well, you won't get this if you are doing your Zone 2 on a trainer or that Pelotonythingy.

In the real world, on a bike moving through the air and over varying terrain...

... is the 8th Wonder Of Speed.

You start looking at your monitor and thinking How could I...

... go faster without raising my heart rate?

This is where the magic happens, because you can and will go faster without raising your heart rate. 

• Get more aero clothing
• Lose weight
• improve your position on the bike
• Relax muscles that don't need to be used.
• Improve pedal stroke
• ... and so on.

The result is real efficiency gains caused by voluntarily giving our hearts a loving break.

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Speaking of loving, wouldn't you love to

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---

166.7 (it don't come off like it used to)
7 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
50 minutes reading + Journaling

AS THE GROUP SPED BY ME THIS MORNING, I thought to myself now would be a good time to bring up a topic relevant to those living in the sunbelt.  Could be germane to the rest of ya's, too...

... I give you the December hero.

This is not the local Toys for Tots champion.  No, far from that.  This is the cat who wins all the climbs and sprints in December...

... and can you blame them?

Yes.

Kinda.

Most of the time said cat has spent the spring, the summer, and the fall getting smacked around and dropped by those who hibernate in winter...

... and it feels dern fine to win a few.

But, why do some hibernate in winter?

To let the body heal and recover,
then build base...

... and then smack everybody around the rest of the year.

In other words...

... December Hero winds up Summer Zero.

I say this with only love in my heart...

if you've been on the gas all year chasing these fools around and they are suddenly taking it easy...

... slow the heck down!

And, repeat after me...

I am a December Zero,
and a Summer SuperHero.

Have faith padawan, 

XOXO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

A lotta peeps have been joining the PEDALposse this recently.

But, not just the monthly program.  They've been grabbing the entire year in advance...

... you know what they are doing?

Gifting it to someone they know will love it.

So, if you would love:

• 25% savings
•  Surprise swag worth $20 or more each month
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---

166.7 (it don't come off like it used to)
7 hrs  
20 Pull Ups 40 PushUps
HyperVolt & Stretch
50 minutes reading + Journaling

OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND, I had a chance to sit down with an octogenarian.  Dinner was over, the table had cleared, and out of nowhere he looks at me and says...

... Can I give you some advice?

Sure.

The easy way, always ends up being harder.

... hmmm...

And the hard way, always ends up being easier.

Now, I have no idea why he said that.  Fact is, he couldn't place my name this year.

No matter.

I get it.

And, I guess I needed to hear it.

It can be applied to anything, but you know we only talk about racy things here.

Take bicycle maintenance.

It's easy to skip checking your chain wear,
there by letting the chain go to long,
and risk snapping it in a race,
or buying an entire drivetrain vs a little ol' chain.

Or food.

It's hard to eat farm food vs factory food,
but there's no better way to drop pounds and increase performance.

Or strength.

It's hard to do pull-ups and pushups every day,
but it sure makes climbing out of the saddle easy and powerful.

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This is making me hungry for food and bicycle maintenance.

Which means, I'll be putting on the awesome apron.

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• Three pouch pockets, pen pocket
• 1-inch wide neck and waist ties, adjustable neck strap
• Measures 22"w x 24"l

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Sale ends Friday or when we run out of aprons.

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---

167.1

I RAN INTO MY FRIEND'S YOUNGISH SON.  He's had a rough start in life.  Childhood brain cancer, and all the accompanying complications and challenges.  Today, he was excited to share his new training regimen...

... and I listened intently.

I got up at 5am to go to the gym.

Really? (I know he's a big time sleeper inner, this was impressive to me.)

Yes, I'm going to get in good shape.

What inspired this?

I read a book called One Punch, about a hero who makes himself super strong by working out.

Do you have any goals?

Right now I can run a mile in 15 minutes.  I want to be able to run 6 miles, like One Punch, without stopping.

I believe he will do it.

He's persistent.

Motivated.

Humble.

A perfect example of why PRs are the best rewards.  Far better than any KOM or podium is to reach our own personal potential.  If we win one along the way...

... that's cool, too.

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If you're looking for a new approach to racing, look no further.

The book is free, just cover the shipping.

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---

168.2 lbs. this is gonna take a while

GETTING FROM HERE TO THERE IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS, but we still do it.  Customer John stopped by this week.  He's been beta testing my new training program RaceDay Ready.  He looks totally different...

... I only noticed because of the time gap.

And, that's the problem for some of us.

Without the gap in time the difference in his stature, shoulders and belly would have been indistinguishable from one day to the next.

Which is what I was thinking about on my ride today.

I'm committed to laying in a bunch of zone 2 training through the end of the year.  Sure, there will be a few group rides and maybe a D race.  But, the commitment is there to lay down some good base miles.

My first A race isn't until March.

Come January I'll start bringing in more intensity.

This type of training is somewhat hard to quantify.  It can feel as if no progress is being made.

I've found the only thing that gets us through the all important base miles and months is passion.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

You know what would be a big set back?...

... getting busted changing au naturel.

Which exactly why we make changing ponchos... lots of colors to choose from, or if you like, we'll make them to match your team designs.

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---

168.4 lbs. heaviest I've been in years, yikes!

LATE LAST NIGHT MY CYCLESENSE WHISPERED You oughta put that 3rd cage on your bike and take 3 bottles tomorrow. I ignored it because I'd specifically planned today's DJ Diesel's MixAlot 100k to stop at a store 2ish hours in...

... too bad it was closed.

The cause wasn't the holiday, but high winds created a power outage.  That's the thing about Cyclesense...

... if we listen.

We get warnings all the time, at least I do.

Usually it is obviously practical, but sometimes it's mystical...

... even spiritual.

Like when my Cyclesense told me not to roll through a green light.

As I stood there, bewildered, a car screamed though the intersection...

... it would have killed me.

I've found the more I heed, the more I receive.

Hopefully, this isn't a big set back.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

You know what would be a big set back?...

... getting busted changing au naturel.

Which exactly why we make changing ponchos... lots of colors to choose from, or if you like, we'll make them to match your team designs.

Use this promo code:  cyclesense

and save 20%, this weekend only.

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---

168.4 lbs. heaviest I've been in years, yikes!

THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF RIDING STYLES THESE DAYS.  No, it's not pro, fast and slow.  It doesn't have anything to do with speed or fitness or contracts...

... it has to do with style.

Roadies are refined.

MTBrs are rugged.  

Gravelers are rakish.  

Dress accordingly.

Or, don't.

I don't care...

... I'm rakish by nature.

How 'bout you?

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Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun.  It starts now.  Quantities are limited.

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---

167.2 lbs

WE'LL BE RISING EARLY THURSDAY, 9 mile, 3500' dirt climb to take the annual group photo.  I've seen a Burley full of coffee and donuts hauled up and pack of lunatics hauling down.  But, I've never seen...

... a happier group.

Some years are balmy, others bitter cold.  

It doesn't seem to matter.

We still go.

But, why?

Partly to humblebrag at the family dinner about our exploits, partly to see old friendly faces...

... mainly out of tradition.

At some point, someone will suggest we go down Joplin vs the easy road up.  it's a nasty trail, plenty of options to hesitate...

... hesitation is never good.

If they sell it hard enough, I might cave.  It'll take an extra 30 minutes, and be 10 times the adventure...

... I'm getting weak just thinking about it.

And, that character flaw is one I'm not grateful for...

... neither is Surfergirl.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday

Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun.  It starts now.  Quantities are limited.

30% savings.

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On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday

---

166.7 lbs

YOU'VE GOT TWO OPTIONS, big ride before the feast or big ride after.  Then, we can really to town on the feast.  Frankly, neither approach has worked well for me...

... but, I am a weak soul.

If I do the ride before, inevitably it ends long before the feast.  I get hungry.  Binge all the candy and appetizers...

... before anybody arrives!

If I opt for the day after, I skip breakfast.  Get hungry.  Binge all the candy and appetizers...

... then, with sweet tooth completely reactivated and demanding go big on the meal, the second serving, and all of the deserts.

This year, I'm bookending the nonsense with big MTB before and big gravel the day after.

But, that's not all. 

We aren't hosting, going to the son-in-law's.  Which means I'll have to reign things in quite a bit...

... gotta maintain that reputation.

Hypocrisy, I know.

But, at least you know the truth. 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday

Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun.  It starts now.  Quantities are limited.

30% savings.

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On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday

---

166.7 lbs

THERE'S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THE OFFSEASON, but I am pretty sure we all have a different view of what that means.  Does it mean off the bike or off the training regime or...

... off to do something else?

For me, the most important thing is to turn off the rigidity.

If I race, 
I wing it.

If I go for a ride,
I wing it.

In other words, take the stress out of the training and monk like living.  

Frankly, I think it's good to have many offseasons during the year.

But, do not, under any circumstances, let offseason turn into off-the-diet season.

We are still athletes.

• We want to perform at a high level at all times.
• We want to return to training at our "fighting weight".

Just a little reminder to prep before the upcoming holidays.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday

Speaking of which, we're having a little Black Friday fun.  It starts now.  Quantities are limited.

30% savings.

Use promo code BF

On these products -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/black-friday

---

165.3 lbs

WHEN THE RACE GETS BLOWN TO PIECES IN THE FIRST 5 MILES, you have plenty of time to think.  Some of it is nonsense, daydreamy stuff, that if you don't snap out of it could see you plummet down the ranks...

... some of it is pure gold.

Check this one out.

The best racers are all great bike handlers...

... not all great bike handlers are great racers.

What makes the difference?

• Mindset
• Physical strength
• Endurance
• Discipline
• Tenacity
• Willingness to embrace risk
• And other factors beyond a simple understanding of how to race.

Each one of those, when developed, become a super power.

Today, I needed tenacity.

With 25ish minutes to go, I finally had the leader of our category in my sites.  He'd opted to run MTB tires on a very challenging gravel course.  Because of gusty winds, the sand was covering the tires tracks of the overall leaders.  But, I could see the MTB pattern was getting more clear

Even though I couldn't see him, I knew I was getting closer.

Then, I caught him.

He sped up and managed to hold my wheel.

But, a curious thing happened.

No more than a minute or so later, I realized the cleat in my left shoe was very loose.

I had to stop.

I grabbed my tool, sat down, and started tightening.  I was anxious, and fumbling.  It took about 2 minutes, seemed like 20.

If it had happened just before I caught him, I would have pulled over without him ever knowing how close I was.  

Instead, he knew it was on and really got after it.

So did I.  

About 15 minutes later, I saw him again.  This time I passed as hard and fast as I could, and he couldn't latch on.  It was right at the top of the final climb and we raced all out to the finish line.

Got him by 30 seconds.

Sure, I'm bragging a bit, but only to share my thoughts.

You see, I know I'm a slow starter, and I legit count on my competitors cracking before the end.

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I wore red gloves and socks today... going for that Spartan look. 

Did you know Spartans wore red because it's the color of blood and when the were wounded it wouldn't show.  This gave them a look of invincibility.

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---

165?

TODAY WENT AS EXPECTED.  Our jumbly mass of racers hit the bottom of the 4.5 mile climb and instantly splat out like giant bug on the PEDALvan's windshield.  Within 10 minutes the fastest were high, high above.  Me...

... I settled in.

By that I mean I dropped anchor and watched 'em go.  It's a mere 27 miles, but it's only gets harder.  Pacing would be key.

The single track, fast and flowy off the top, turns twisty and techy.  So much so, the Ol' Diesel looked a lot like John Muir, hiking a helluva lot more than he'd like to admit.

Which brings me to my point...

... we don't rise to the occasion, we fall to our training.

While we do have trails within a short drive that provide this kind of challenge, I haven't ridden them for nearly a year. 

And that long gas climb?  Yeah, we have that too, but same thing.  Ain't ridden it in many moons.

Which brings me to my other point...

... the moon was outstanding last night, camping at the venue.

Probs the same tonight.  Highly recommend ya check it out.  So put the screens away and get outside.  Hold your lover's hand, and just soak it in.

Which brings me to my final point...

... the best one...

... TJ stopped to help a fallen rider out.  He'd clearly taken a good whack to the helmet.  That's cool as hell, the stopping part.  I suspect it was because TJ himself had a real doozie this summer and nobody stopped...

Bro, you ok?

No, I'm not.  I need help.

They kept racing.

TJ stopped.

His story brings me back to my original point...

... because he is a young man who's clearly received good training.

For me, TJ wins the day.

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TJ told me a second story.

I love your book. I read it in 45 minutes, but I can't stop thinking about it.

Really?

Yes, and then guess what?

Do tell.

I gave it to my girlfriend and as soon as she was done she signed up to run a 1/2 Marathon.

So, If you're looking for just the right gift to give this holiday...

You can get it on Amazon for $20...

... or here for free:  

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---

165?

TONIGHT I'M DRIVING TO A RACE, where there will be two kinds of people lined up in the morning.  One will be calm and relaxed, confident.  The other, stressed because they know...

... shift about to get real.

The reason for their differing emotions, of course, is how they prepared.

I'm gonna make it real simple.

Train hard, race easy.

Let me break it down for you cats new to racing.

Those who train hard,
who see stars at the end of their intervals,
who are in tip top shape...

... they will find the race easy.

It won't be anything harder than their prep, it won't be mentally confusing nor physically overwhelming...

... easy.

Everybody else...

... it's gonna be a helluva day.

Train hard, race easy.

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When I say Every Day Is RaceDay™ˆ, I mean it's cumulative.  Eat crummy food for a week, and it's gonna cost you.  Skimp on your sleep, you're gonna pay.

If you feel weak, maybe you need this hat as a reminder.

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---

164.7

YESTERDAY, I JUMPED INTO THE MOST FEARSOME GROUP RIDE IN THE LAND, the Swami's Wednesday ride.  Littered with state and national road champs plus taut pro tri riders, it's known for holding a blistering pace...

... and heavy duty trash talking.

One must be prepared for exceptional physical and mental abuse.

This, I know.

So, for me, it's like water spraying my seat tube.  

No big deal.

For others, the trauma of holding wheels and ignoring insults can be too much and they never return...

... missing on the finest training they'll ever get.

Poor souls.

It's not the lack of fitness that stops them,
it's the lack of focus.

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The thing I really like about groups like this is how hard they push me... because it gives me fitness to really get after my PRs.

Which is why I love the name of this product so much.

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164.7
8 hrs  
10 Pull Ups 20 PushUps
no stretch

https://www.strava.com/activities/6275529089

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