I OVERHEARD A CONVERSATION WITH THE WINNER OF A RECENT EPIC RACE.  To my surprise, he gave away the secret to his transformation from contender to winner...

... it was very specific.

It was also very simple.  And, that's the problem with this type of revelation.  It's so simple most of us won't do it, preferring instead to look beyond or search elsewhere.

I started training 30 hours a week, and it's been transformative.

Whether or not we have the time, stamina or commitment to do 30 hours a week on the bike is not the question.

The question is...

... what can we do today?

And, it probably starts with what am I going to give up...

... to accomplish X?

Like giving up a few minutes of TV time to have a clean and pristine drivetrain.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes

These are the lubes we love, use and trust.

Personally, I always use the Wend Wax.  For most riders, Chris recommends T-9.

Use promo code TRANSFORMATIVE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes

---

163.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5233467807

THERE IT WAS, THE DREADED BLANK SCREEN ON MY COMPUTER.  OMG!, would the ride make it to the Stravaverse?  At that exact moment, with my HR bouncing off the rev limiter, we hit a red light and I quickly started the app...

... which was sweet, only losing about 2 minutes of allimportant data.

But, that's not the truly sweet discovery.

Crud... I really hesitate to share this. 

So many the hearty souls I battle on a regular basis scan this blog and stalk me on the socials for my seeeecrits.  Alas, it is such a simple solution to a problem I'm sure they'll skip it...

... they are so smart.

Here's what I did.

To start, this is the second hard effort using this solution and I really like it.  First on HOT LAPS WDNSDY's 80 minutes of torture and today's spirited hundy. 

It's quick energy...

... runny enough to easily chug,
... dense enough that 600 calories fit in a small flask,
... and tastes great.

I'm trying to think of hints to give you, but they are all so obvious...

... the first time person I met that used this was Ted King.
... it comes from trees
... it's great on pancakes.

Yep.  100% organic maple syrup.  

Apparently, it's a lot more than just sugar.  Read here.

In addition to the 3/4 cup flask, I had 2 bottles with 2 scoops of Skratch and one RX Bar.  My energy was great.  The last hour or so my stomach felt pretty empty.  I think a Honey Stinger Waffle would have been a nice addition to bring me home.

I'm gonna keep testing... and rider Phil deserves a shout on this as it was a chat last week that reminded me of my convo with Ted.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles

I wonder if my super endurance buddies, the 200-300 miles a day guys, would just fill an entire water bottle with syrup?

It goes down so quick, you barely taste it.  

If so, they might want to stock up on this awesome bottle that goes for as little as $2.  Not because it's cheap, because I scored thousands from my friend's business before he shut it down.

No promo code on this one... it's too good of a deal.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles

---

164.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
6.8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5226132136
https://www.strava.com/activities/5226110331

I'D LIKE TO SHARE THE SECRETS I LEARNED TODAY PRE-RIDING BWR CEDAR CITY.  Three of my best pals met on course and had a helluva ride.  Lots of gravel, lots of vert...

... lots to learn.

Which is why we pre-ride courses. 

Whether it's a flat, four-corner crit or a 100+ mile jaunt through the country side...

... pre-riding, in every single instance, means we go faster on race day.

There is no getting around that simple fact. 

Locals always have the advantage on their home course.  Always.  In fact, this might be the one, solitary, unique instance when Strava's silly Local Legend might be of use...

... if you're the Local Legend, or you're going up against that cat, you've got a big chainring up on the rest of us.

Like I said, I'd like to share the secrets I learned today.  Just one problem.  I missed the trip.

Secret #1 - put the Pre-Ride on the RaceDay Calendar and treat it accordingly, rather than just winging it like I did this weekend.

That's all I've got fer now.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Do you have a RaceDay Calendar yet?  Everybody in the PEDALposse has one.  

Check 'em out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Free Shipping this weekend.

---

164.5 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5218935041

I'M GOING WAY OUT ON A LIMB HERE, but we are getting slower.  And I'd say we are getting a lot slower.  It's sad, even depressing, because it's so obviously tragic...

... and I'm here to tell you why it doesn't matter.

You know societally "we" are slower, and I think you are aware of the reasons.

However, we/us/me/you, we are actually a lot faster.  

But, do you know why?

Of course part of it is that everything is better:  bikes, training, nutrition, recovery.  That all helps a lot.  However, I think there is something hidden that is allowing us to be faster...

... social media, that evil beast, is allowing us - me and you - to connect.  

It's so much easier to plan a meet up, monitor each - more about that, and get feedback on how we're doing.

Pretty cool, right?

So, while society is hell bent on ruining, abusing and taken for granted these beautiful bodies we've been given...

... we are connecting with each other and tightening our bonds.

Admittedly, it can be creepy when someone rides up and comments on a recent activity and gets really specific about it.  Or, when we get a cringeworthy comment.  But on the whole I think it's awesome to get to know so many of likeminded athletes I would otherwise never connect with...

... I know it's made me a better rider, and a better person.

There are a ton of readers I hope to meet up with in person one day and shake their glove covered hands.

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

In fact it was two readers, Chris and Jorge, that begged me to make white gloves.  I was hesitant, but they've done really well.

I think it's because they are perceived to be a little cooler, and for sure the are oddly more visible to other moving vehicles.

Use promo code: WE-R-FASTER

And when you order the gloves and matching socks you'll get the socks free at check out.

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

---

163.5 lbs
Early Paddle
7hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5216054664

UNDER MY GLOVE WAS A HAND COVERED IT GRIME.  My sock had a nice bloody red circle.  Just under 90 minutes of lung hucking effort. Yet, as we gathered for a post ride pic all we could do was smile...

... we'd all perceived having a good time.

Even though I'd crashed twice and had the grime and bloodshed to prove different.

But even weirder was looking at my times. 

I was sure each lap was slower, while catching up to the leaders on the last lap.  I'd definitely felt I'd backed things off the last 2 laps.  It was at the midway point where I settled in, loosed up a bit and tried flowing more than pushing hard.

My perceived exertion was much easier than the first two laps.

Yet Strava Almighty revealed the opposite.

My lap times had actually improved.

Things that make ya go hmmm

I have to hand it to Strava though... for coming up with the silliest perceived effort of all.  I "earned" no fewer than 7 Local Legend wreaths tonight and the idea the Strava perceives anybody cares is just plain silly.

I perceive you're enjoying Spring doing it's thing, and that you just might want a new tshirt.  
One that is soft, and gets softer the more you wash it.
One that is cut for an athlete.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green

If that's you, use promo code:  PERCEPTION

You'll save 20% and get free shipping...

... in other $16 bucks, delivered.

Oh, and it has our Stamp logo... one of my faves.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green

---

165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt.
8hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5210945328

PEOPLE MAKE FUN OF ME FOR THE WAY I DRIVE.  Can't blame 'em.  I'm easy on the throttle, smooth on the brakes. I could quip, You haven't seen race!  which would be true for most of my mockers...

... but, it got me thinking that's not correct either.

There's a reason I drive that way.

It's a racing habit.

I'm either all the freak in or I'm doing as little as possible

In the car.
On the bike.
Building our empire.

You wanna the know the morbid part?

I plan to die this way.

No flickering candle for me...

... I want to burn on at 100%, like a powerful search light.  Which is why I eat, sleep and train as an athlete.

Then, poof... I'll be gone.

Speaking of poof... I poofed the promo yesterday for lights.  If you tried and didn't get free shipping it's fixed now.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light

Stay lit my friends - front and rear.

They come in 3 sizes.

Save 10% with promo code: FIRSTLIGHT

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light 

---

166 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt.
6.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5202300691

BETWEEN THE MOONRISE AND THE SUNRISE, I'll be prepping, resting and sleeping for the first ride this year.  I always look forward to this day.  It might be a week or two early...

... but I'm gonna risk it.

I'm rolling out for the first time on a Tuesday in 2022 without a 1000 lumen superbeam on my bike.  

Sunrise is at 605am.
The sky will be light at 545am. 
My 538am departure should be just right.

Ya know, it's nice to ditch the extra weight and the accompanying excuse of how it slows me down.  It just is.

I'll still have my blinkies on the front and rear.  Gotta be seen.

Just going a bit lighter. 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light 

Not only are these bright and lightweight, but the provide 300 degrees of blinkiness.

Prett cool, right?

They come in 3 sizes.

Use promo code: FIRSTLIGHT

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light 

---

166.6 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt.
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5199145220

PUTTING IN THE WORK.  That's what really matters.  When it comes down to it, my favorite people to ride with are the ones with whom I've worked the hardest...

... the cats I have suffered with the most.

It could be those 12 and 24 hour relay races,
Ripping the White Rim Trail in a day
Or long breakaways that stuck,

Those are good ones.

But, if I had to pick it would be the nonglorious days.  The ones where we trained for a specific goal.

Like prepping for Santa Barbara Road Race
Or PRing Leadville

The myriad hard days when no one else is looking except a committed few.

Working together keeps us together.
Work is a blessing.

Lately when working hard on the road I prefer the amazing and sexy Pirelli P-Zero SL tires.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-pirelli-p-zero-race-sl-tire-black

They are really fast, supple and weirdly quiet.  

I run them tubeless.

They seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant, even the SL's that I'm running.

Use promo code WORK

To save 15%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-pirelli-p-zero-race-sl-tire-black

---

165.3
Stretch and Hypervolt.
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5192575707

WHAT CHANGED?  We smashed the SHoP ride today.  Well under an hour.  Only 8 of us, we've had more.  My second fastest time ever...

... on my gravel bike.

Yes, I'd mounted the deep dish road wheels and tires.

But, still.

That's whack.  In fact, it's whack anytime we break an hour.

My unscientific assessment links this performance gain to one eversoslight tweak.

I'm taking Tuesdays a little easier, because Wednesdays are a lot harder. 

Now, instead of going out for a big MTB ride on Wednesday, we are racing our bibs off for one hour on dirt. No drafting, simply chasing and being chased up down and around. It's brutal...

... but, that's it.

Nothing else.

Just a spoonful of pain.

How did I deduce this?

Just by looking at the Fitness & Freshness tab on Strava.  It's pretty easy to see when the improvements started.

You know what else I've deduced?

Racers and riders really like the Mini RaceDay™ bag.  I haven't promoted them for quite awhile and they aren't even easy to find on the site - doh! - but the orders keep flowing in.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag

Like everything we make, this started off as me wanting to solve the ol' crap clanging around in my saddle bag problem.

We make it out of inner tube so everything is held tight. 

These days I only use the road version and only carry 2 canisters a nozzle and some bacon strips, plus a multitool and tire levers.

You'd think I'd raise the price, demand being like it is.  But, I feel like I'm doing a public service getting all those nasty sounding saddle bags off the roads and trails of our country.

$20.  Delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag

---

166 lbs (this is what happens with the kids visit and we eat at 9pm)
Stretch and Hypervolt.
6 hrs sleep (so is this... maybe this was the reason I flew today?)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5186182750

RIDING SLOW IS FOR FOOLS.  It's just that simple.  Riding slow has no purpose and no place for most riders.  In fact, I'd say it's a total and complete waste of time...

... unless you ride fast.

Now, if you're foolish enough to ride really fast or race...

... or push yourself to the point of literally seeing stars 
... or to hacking like a smoker the rest of your day
... or limping up and down stairs
... or needing a nap 

... then, I hope you are mixing in plenty of slow, easy, restorative rides.  The kind where you barely touch the pedals and your heart rate is ticking so low you think the HRM might be busted are the best...

... yes, the pace that looks foolish to all those wise riders constantly pushing 7/10ths of their max...

.. because if you have anything as foolishly fast our Saturday Hour of Power planned you're gonna need some blessed supereasy miles.

Stay foolish...
... and you'll stay foolishly FAST!

Even though we call it the S.H.o.P., it's really about 3 hours with the warm up and cool down.

Which means we'll be needing some sugar and electrolytes.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

Lots of options are there, I am digging this one and the others on the page the link will lead  you too.

Use promo code: FASTFOOL

To get free shipping and save 10%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

163.4 lbs
30 Pullups 60 Pushups
7.5hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5178510205

THIS IS GONNA BE HARD TO BELIEVE, but I had a customer... shoot a member of the PEDALposse!... ping me over the weekend.  He'd never done something we do, love, and live for...

... he'd never done a group ride!

Hey Todd, what's the best way to learn how to do a group ride?

Ride with me.

I get inquiries like this often and always respond with Ride with me.

Nobody, well very few, take me up on it.  I don't know why.

But this cat did.

I gave him the basics as we rode to meet the group.

1. Stay at the back.
2. To be smooth, never stop pedaling even when braking (beginners only)
3. Never overlap your front wheel with the back wheel in front of you.

I wanted to keep is simple.  As you know, when things heat up there's a lot going on.

He did so well that on the way back to the shop he broke Rule #4.

How could I forget that one?!

Bad teacher.

4.  Never lead a group ride if you don't know the route.

He'd wound his way to the front, went straight... and we all turned left.  The locals chuckled.  

Classic rookie move.

You know what else is a rookie move?

Not refueling after a big ride.

You know what's great for refueling?

A recovery drink.

You know what I've been loving because it's filling and effective? 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/bikeshop-skratch-labs-sport-recovery-drink-mix-chocolate-24-serving-resealable-pouch

A good recovery drink right away does 2 things:

• Feeds your muscles what they need
• Satiates so we (me for sure) don't need to gorge the moment we get home.

Use promo code RULE#4

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/bikeshop-skratch-labs-sport-recovery-drink-mix-chocolate-24-serving-resealable-pouch

---

163.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.5hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5175553453

WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT WAS EYEOPENING.  I had scouted out a course that took just over 19 minutes on my gravel bike.  It's mostly fast, lumpy single track...

... easy to ride on a gravel bike.

I had no idea how much faster it would be on my mountain bike. 

Nearly 3 minutes.

That's 15% faster.

Look, I absolutely L-O-V-E to ride my gravel bike for the many options it provides.  But, when it comes to haulingass...

... nothing beats a specialty bike.

MTB on trails.  Roadbike on pavement.  Gravel bike on smooth dirt.

As far as race prep goes, the closer our A race gets the more we need to spend time on the bike we'll be racing.  Bonus points if we can set up a similar course.  Triple Bonus points if we can pre-ride the racecourse, a lot.

Here's a specialty product you may not not about, yet.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

The thing I like about this chamois cream is it doesn't break down over time. 

Some creams do, this doesn't. 

Which means I end up using a lot less per application and I can ride a lot longer.

Don't let the name fool you ladies... think of the Secret deodorant commercial.

Plus, the DZ stands for the awesome Dave Zabriskie - look him up.  Very cool cat.

Use promo code: DZNUTS

Save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

---

165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.7hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5170035210

I SAW A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF PAINESIA TODAY.  For no reason other than Why not? we went back to an A and a B ride this morning.  After a year of being all together I guess it was time...

... but that's not painesia.

The painesia happened at the end of the ride.

Two the the main protagonists were flummoxed over their performance on The Wall.

Man, I had no legs on the wall today.

I know, and we weren't even charging into the climb.

That's painesia.  

How could they have forgotten the searing efforts on the first part of the ride, up the long 2-3% grade? For the first time in a year, some of us were really charging.  Attacks.  Vicious pulls...

... these two were hitting it hard.

I'll tell ya this.  I remembered it.

After my own feeble attempt to stir the pot, I found myself all the way in the back.  Next thing I know, I'm hustling trying to close gaps as things are falling to pieces in front me.

Maybe it's because I was lathered up with PR Lotion and not feeling the pain they were feeling that I wasn't suffering painesia?

Could be... it's that good.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

If you haven't used it yet... what are ya waitin' for?

If you have... wouldn't it be a great gift?

Use promo code: PAINESIA

And save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

---

165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
6.7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5161124003

HE DIDN'T JUST SURVIVE.  He kept working harder and stayed focused.  The ability to stay focused in the midst of crisis is one of his main advantages.  No matter what we're up to, the preceding words are ones we'd love to own...

... even when simply racing bikes.

I think that's why I'm loving the Elon Musk biography so much.  Because it's written 6 years ago, and we know how much more has been accomplished by working hard and staying focused.

In fact, one of my riding buddies' company is now a vendor for Tesla.  He says the pace is insane.  The deadlines beyond demanding.

They are accomplishing the impossible.

Simply because the leader has otherworldly goals and knows there is no time to waste.

I received 2 texts today with the same message.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

The giant calendar is awesome.

This one belongs to a World Champion Jet Skier and National MTB and CX racer.

Maybe there's something putting your goals to paper and having them front and center?

... and yes, we can make these calendars with your team graphics, sponsors and important dates highlighted.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

---

165.1 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5158166321

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE NEW CRYPTOCURRENCY, BIKECOIN?  It's ingenious.  Each Bikecoin is backed by one bicycle.  As we all know, bicycles and their components are in extremely limited supply.  Demand is high...

... and the price of Bikecoin is sure to rise.

Get Bikecoin now and ride your way to riches.  

Haha... there's no such thing as Bikecoin, yet.

But, there is such a thing as people meeting each other riding and finding out that they have a common business interest or one can provide a solution to a problem for the other.

All it takes is genuine conversation.

The only motive is friendship.

The result is true wealth.

Another way to get rich is saving money... and boy do I have an offer for you.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo

This is my go to for early morning and late afternoon rides.  Super powerful, easy to use, and lasts a longlong time.

Use this promo code and save $40.

The code is RICH

Trust me... this is a steal.

The code will expire on 4/23/21 or when we sell it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo

---

165.9 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5152385312

YOU DON'T WANT TO RIDE WITH FASTER RIDERS?  What's wrong with you?  Really, I mean that sincerely.  Riding with faster riders, getting destroyed by them, is like going to Harvard or Stanford for free...

... it's the best education we'll ever get.

The trick is finding the faster riders, because if we can find the right cats to ride with they will...

• Make us suffer
• Serve us humble pie
• Leave us for dead

... but the best ones, if we keep coming back, will see our tenacity and desire to improve.  They will teach us the inner secrets.  Trust me, they want to teach us...

... once we prove we're ready to learn.

For example, years ago I was riding with the great Nelson Vails.

I was in full fanboy mode.  Drooling all over myself, stuttering, dumbstruck and awestruck all at once.

Hi Nelson, I'm Todd.

Todd...

Yeah.

Hold onto your bars like this.  Always have your fingers looped.  Riding with your hands lazy on the bars is risky.  You hit a bump, hands slip... and then you lose control, and maybe take us all out.

Yep, there I was acting cool... and a real pro and Olympian took the time to teach me something simple.  I've never forgotten it.

At a minimum, I make sure I have good control on the bars.  Always.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

We may not be racing every day, but we should be practicing our racing every ride.

Yes, you can have this mostexcellent trucker hat delivered for less than the cost of a new BMC.

$24.95

Shipping is included.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

---

166.9 lbs
Beach walk
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5144174641

PEOPLE KEEP ASKING, When is the next HUNKR?  HUNKR broke a lot of rules at the time.  It was a road race, but it was mass start.  There was a huge purse, with equal payout for Men and Women.  Every course was exactly 100k, so there were lots of ways to win...

... overall, age group, and the most glorious -> getting a  PR.

We had a lot of fun, including singing the National Anthem a cappella winding through hundreds of racers on a live mic.

Why did we stop?

It's really hard to put on a first class race.

Will we do it again?

Yeah, I'm thinking we can, we should and we must.  

Will it be better?

It'll be different, and probably better.  You know me.

When you show up for a HUNKR the prime directive is to snag a PR, then beat your best friend, then win your age group, then win the overall.

To do that, you're going to need your drivetrain to be as free of friction as possible. 

My go to is WEND.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax

Start with a clean, non greasy chain.

It's a liquid wax and it goes on like this, one drop at a time.

Then I massage it in with my fingers so it looks like this.

Then, and only then, do get on my bike and get haulin' boodwah!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax

Use this promo code and save 10% and get free shipping... code is HUNKR.

---

164.9 lbs
30 Pull ups 60 Push ups
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5137454711

WHAT IS OUR NORTH STAR?  What is it that gets us out riding each day?  Eating like athletes?  Getting proper sleep?  Doing what many consider insane and impossible...

... of our own free will?

Do you know what yours is?

I know what mine is.

It's racing.

Always has been.

And, not a lot of racing.

Just a few big ones a year. 

Often just one.

It's scarier that way.  To think you'd spend a bunch of time and effort, an entire season going for it on only one race. Yikes!

Here's what it doesn't take:

• Hedging
• Extra effort on inconsequential races
• Riding a prescribed, focused routine year-round
• ...

Having that one or two big races sets the direction and keeps me on track and gives me hope I can pull it off.

That's it.

What does that have to do with clear water bottles that are easy to squeeze and gulp down liquid when you really need it?

Well, sometimes these big events are actually really long.  If I play my cards right Surfergirl will come crew for me.  In those cases, I've been known to mix up 8, even 10, bottles the night before.

I'll put numbers on them so she knows which ones to give me at which stop.

That's one reason to have clear bottles.  Plenty of space to sharpie on important info.

Another is sometimes it's nice to look down and easily see how much liquid is left.  There are times we need to drink faster, and times we are drinking too fast.  Having a good visual can be helpful.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles?variant=39480373772449

You maybe asking yourself... How the heck is he selling these bottles for such a low price if they are so great?

Which is a great question, How can I sell these bottles for as low as $2?

Just click the link and watch the highly entertaining video.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles?variant=39480373772449

---

164.5 lbs
Paddleboard in the morning
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5134471558

YES, I JUST DID THE ULTIMATE NASTY MOVE.  It was a punishing battle to the top and the wide road was about to turn into a narrow, twisty single track.  With zero chance to pass for miles, there was only one thing to do...

... ride full speed for the entrance.

I was confident the extra effort was worth it for two reasons: 

• one, if I was faster downhill there's no reason to be stuck and unable to pass;
• two, if he was faster why let him go first and put time on me?...

... that's racethink.

How'd it work out?

Well, it was the right thing to do.  Even though he caught me half way down, the last portion of the single track was an awful steep climb.  I had a good gap the rest of the race.

But, I've seen the same thing go really wrong when the downhill skills aren't even close to being equal.  Where the battle is won by a much slower descender and said descender will not move over, then is when things get ugly.

What's the protocol?

It comes down to confidence and class. 

Confident descenders will always push to be first into the single track.  Less confident descenders will back off knowing they'll make it back as soon as the climbing starts again.

Classy racers move over if they're going to be causing a bottle neck for anything more than a minute or so.

Tonight, it was just a practice race amongst friends. 

All good.

You know what else is good?

Having all your gear at the start of the practice race.  Which we all did, because we all have RaceDay Bags™.

In fact, we all had custom RaceDay Bags™ with team graphics.

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

We made some sweet bags for local races.  They use the bags for VIPs and raffles.

Did you know 9 out of 10 racers love custom RaceDay Bags™?  (it's really higher, but you wouldn't believe me if I put the real number).

Did you know our minimum order is 1 bag?

Do you have a friend who you want to blow away with a custom bag?

Click here:  https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

It'll be the most fun you've had in years.

---

165.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5129032607 

THE RAIN WAS DRIFTING DOWN AS I ROLLED ONTO THE DARK STREET.  It was not supposed to be raining.  I checked the app again.  Cloudy, it said.  Cloudy my Chamois Butt'r covered...

... I kept going anyway.

Because it rains on RaceDay.  And when it does, I love it!  I know a good chunk of the cats will DNS, and another chunk will DNF...

... because they don't ride in the rain.

The harder things are, the easier it is to get a win or top result. Since a lot of cats just won't ride...

... rain,
... heat,
... dark,
... ice,
... you name it...

... they won't do it and we will, therefore we have a HUGE advantage.

Do hard things.
Get results easier.

That's why they aren't as good...

... when it gets hard.

Sometimes it's hard to get someone's attention, which is why I like to use this fancy bell.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

It's beautiful, so is the sound it makes... so much so that people turn around with a smile and bow graciously to let me by.

Use Promo Code: BELL

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

---

166.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
6.75 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5120221218

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TWEETERS DISCOVERED PELOTAUNT.  He thinks he's a bike racer now.  I'll let that slide for the moment for the simple reason that he was going off on Zone 2 training today...

... and how it burns fat better than anything else. 

Further, he shared a very deep dive into Zone 2 by Dr. Peter Attia, also notabikeracer, who has done exceptional research in this area...

... but, that's not why I ride Zone 2.

At least not the fat burning part...

... I ride Zone 2 for the mitochondrial part.

That's the part that builds our aerobic capacity.  Our engine.  Our big, throaty V-8s that carry us on our own personal victories.

Just do a search on Zone 2 if this is new,

If it's old hat, consider this...

... could more Zone 2 be helpful?

Speaking of helpful, you might appreciate this recommendation regarding tubeless 28s for road.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli

I started riding them instead of Continentals about 6 months ago.  I love 'em.  They are quieter, ride smoother and seem to hold up really well.

Plus... drumroll... they are in stock.

After that I started riding the Pirelli gravel tire.  In my opinion, there's nothing faster on the road or dirt.

I know it's not the deepest tread, but I'm only running 28-30 lbs in 'em.  The hook up plenty good.  Their only fault, and I'd say it's only a fault if you're really on the slicing edge of corning is you really have to lean them over to get the edge to grab.  But, if you've got the skills they hold plenty fine.

If you're down to try them out...

... I'm down to share this code with you:  ZONE2

Use it and you'll save 20%, just because I really want you to try 'em out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli

 ---

166.2 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5114477365

IT'S THE DAY AFTER.  Our bodies are healing, but it feels like things are getting worse.  Yesterday's hint of physical and psychological pain is now an exclamation point and we are left wondering...

... what if I'd...

... specifically trained and tapered?

... made repairs a week before rather than the day before?

... left earlier, arriving relaxed and rested?

Losers dwell on the What Ifs.

Winners learn and move on.

I can't tell you the number of OhCrap moments I've had riding looking backwards... 

... which is just like dwelling on the What Ifs.

What if the price of a Hypervolt dropped to $299?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth

Would you get one?

Or, would you keep wondering if you're aching muscles really would recover if you had one?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth

 ---

163.8 lbs
Hypervolt
9 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5110691303

YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY A GRAVEL BIKE TO APPRECIATE WHY GRAVEL EVENTS ARE GROWING SO FAST.  And, brining a mountain bike to race is not like bringing a knife to a gun fight...

... in fact Brian Scarbrough took 3rd today on an MTB.

To be honest, you don't event need to do a gravel even to get it.

You just need to show up and check it out.

The vibe is friendly, comradic, even collaboratory.  

People are antsy at the start, but that's because these are always an adventure.  A wide skillset is required:  good road skills, good dirt skills, good repair skills.

There is always some pileup you just can't believe,

Like today.

I'm jamming along in a sweet, ripping pack and I see this gal nearly go down.  I'm talking bounce off her seat, land on the top tube, vector off course and save it.

But, she wasn't done.

You'd think...

Unbelievably I see her do it a few miles later.  This time she doesn't save it and goes flying off a hill.  Total yard sale.  

I stop.

She's giggling.  Trapped in her crumpled bike.

We try and get it working,  Stem recentered.  Front brake fixed.  But, then I saw the twisted derailler.

Bummer.

Anyway, these are the kinds of things you see... and maybe experience.

Which is why there is a party at the end...

... with people hanging out...

... and rehashing it all...

... which is also why you might want to check out the gravel scene.

Our finisher's award?

A hatchet.

Personally, I thought that was risky. There were a number of heinous climbs where I was mentally cussing Sam, the promoter.  The cramps were hitting me hard.

Fortunately, they were rewarded with some very fun and twisty slot canyons.

At that point I was hitting my supply of Salt Stick tablets hard.

Cramps came on.

Tablets chewed.

Cramps gone.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews

The nifty thing about what we do is we included a little plastic container with a pop top.  It's perfect for keeping in your jersey pocket and popping as needed,

Trust me on this... for less than $19, you just might save your next race.

Ships free, too.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews 

 ---

? lbs
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5104539643

A SMALL GROUP OF US GATHERED OUTSIDE OUR CAMPSITES FOR BBQ TONIGHT.  Only one guy knew everybody, but it didn’t matter.  In the morning at 8:15am, we will all sing the National Anthem and then Sam Ames will explain the many ways he has concocted to destroy us over 80 or so miles of the Rock Cobbler gravel race...

... it feels more like a reunion or revival than a race.

In fact, the thing I like about the Rock Cobbler... besides the whacky courses with things like riding through residential homes - yes through the living room... is that it's not a race.  

I mean there's numbers.  There's timing.

But don't be fooled.

The numbers are there because Sam wants a headcount on all the destroyed riders who didn't make it in. 

Same thing for the timing, it's so that one of his hired hands can look you in the eyes and say...

I'm sorry son, your race is done.

Which is probably why the last supper tonight was so enjoyable.  A final chance to bond with other crazy cats.

Speaking of crazy, can you believe it's April?

Can you believe we are actually back to doing events?

Isn't cool that the race calendars are starting to solidify?

Yeah, you probably are wanting one of these now, right?  So you can plan out your mighty A races.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

They're giant.  50" tall x 24" wide.  The weeks start on Monday, end on Sunday.

Use promo code ROCKCOBBLER to save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

 ---

164.8
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5099185474

WANT TO MAKE YOUR TV BIKE RACE WATCHING A WHOLE LOT MORE EXCITING?  The best way, the way that is the most fun, is actually about to start happening again.  If you do it right, it's like planting a seed...

... and seeing a giant tree burst forth.

For example, while standing on the side of the road at the San Dimas Stage Race a few years ago I watched a kid flying off the front of the Cat 3 race.

It didn't look like he was really trying.

Everybody chasing was in tatters.

He was 15.

Brandon McNulty solos in for the win.  Remember that name folks.  We're going to be seeing more from him.

What you want to do, whenever you can, is go to the big amateur races nearby.  Of course, you'll want to do some racing yourself.

Just remember to stick around and watch the 15-18 year olds.

Because when one of those kids goes off to Europe, and they will, and lead a European stage race it makes the watching a million times better.

Right now McNulty is doing just that at the Itzulia Basque Country.

I've also seen Chris Horner killing it at Sea Otter, and he's now killing it with race analysis on his The Butterfly Effect.  https://youtu.be/6L9MXywRCZg

If you plan on doing some racing, now's a good time to plan getting a new bike... if you're in the market.

As you know, it's hard to get a new bike.  We are putting together our season order for 2022 BMC's.  Bikes ordered now will be available between now and September.

Check out their site https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/ .  It's not showing 2022 models, but will give you an idea of what's coming. Let me know what you want and I'll get you the details.

 ---

164.8
Morning Paddle Surfing
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5093955578

IF I COULD OVEREMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDING WITH OTHERS, believe me I would.  I can't.  It's impossible.  I've tried.  But, there are still riders who insist they'll get better and improve by  Doing my intervals man! They're wrong...

... and I think they know it.

There's nothing better than rolling out with a group of riders with the goal of whooping up on each other, because nothing pushes us like chasing a rabbit and not being caught if we are the rabbit.

The challenge, of course, is getting the ride going if you can't find one.

There are 5 keys:

1. Start on time.
2. Leave from the same place.
3. Do NOT wait for anybody, ever, as a group.
4. Keep inviting.
5. Keep doing it.

The last two are the secret sauce.  It's not gonna happen over night.  It will take commitment and promotion.  Keep inviting everyone you meet and keep doing it.

We've started this new MTB Hot Laps on Wednesday nights.  It's still small, and we don't want it to get too big.  Max 20.  Tonight we had 8.

I know we'll get it where we want it.

I wonder how many other movements and traditions are started like this?

I bet you can name a few.

Just like I'll bet you'll go a lot faster if you lather up with PR Lotion.  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

And, I'll even wager you'll want to get in on this deal... which includes FREE Shipping

Purchase AMP PR Lotion by 4/9, and we'll include 2 of the Clearly Awesome water bottles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

 ---

164.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5088257980

FOR SURE YOU DON'T WANT A TIGHT HEADSET.  It makes steering difficult and riding with no hands dangerous if not impossible.  But it doesn't stop there, because if you're a coy rider...

... it's really fun to mess with someone's head.

Would I ever do that?

In a race?

Well, yeah.  For sure.  Sometimes ya gotta dig deep...

... inside your opponent's helmetcovered head.

I think it was in some LeMond book where I read about faking tired when feeling good and it's equally sneaky twin faking good when feeling terrible.

Then there's faking like you don't know what you're doing so racers steer clear and don't pay you any attention.

It's endless really, however we were talking about some of our favorites last weekend and I shared one that can be really devastating.

Will I share it with you?

Sure... why not.  

We're friends.

It's this one, and it only works on a really long and miserable day.  The kind of day I might have this weekend.

Just imagine you're 80% into the race.  Conditions are very challenging.  Wind.  Dust.  Heat. 

It's just you and one other cat.

Trust me this works better than you'd think.

Hey, how are you feeling?

That's it.

Just leave it hanging.

No need to follow up.

That cat heard you and is thinking...

It's not like popping their tire.  It's more like a pin hole, and the air slowly starts to seep out.

Which is one reason I've switched completely to tubeless tires.  Because with tubeless tires and sealant no pin hole is gonna slow us down.  Glass and grit and rocks.  I laugh at them now.  Well, not totally... I just don't fear them like I did.

On the road, I'm loving the Pirelli P Zero SLs.

Gravel, the Pirelli Cinturato.

MTB, Continental Cross King up front and Race King on the rear.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires

We have a whole slew of tires in stock.

Use promo code TODDSTIRES

To save 20%... the code expires 4/8/21.

 ---

166.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.4 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5080277077

I PLAY WITH MY AIR PRESSURE CONSTANTLY.  I test low pressure vs high pressure, to try and figure out the optimum for the kinds of conditions I'll be racing on.  There's no easy answer...

... though the trend towards lower and lower pressure is winning me over.

But, you can go too low.  Even with the tubeless setups I'm riding, there's a point of negative returns.

The problem is there's only one way to find out if you've gone too low...

... and that is going to failure.

What kind of failure?

It ranges from burping to pinching to rolling.

Burping is landing so hard some of the air in your tire escapes. 

Pinching is hitting a sharp object so hard the tire gets pinched against the rim and tears.

Rolling is the worst.  That's where you land or corner so hard the tire rolls off the rim and a terrible crash ensues.

One friend burped his tire after overjumping a landing, missing the gentle slope and hitting the side of the berm that followed.

I pinched ripping over a section of mini tombstones.  

My was able to keep riding.  You can do that on a burp, but it slows you down until you put in more air.

I had to stop and jam a plug into the tear before filling the tire back up with CO2.

I'm not sure what pressure my friend was running, but I was down to 18lbs in the rear tire.  For me, over that harsh terrain, that was too low in my 2.2 MTB tires.

When doing this kind of testing we have to be very precise.  

Can't go on feel.  
Can't be using different pumps.

That's why I use a digital gauge.  And why that gauge is either by my floor pump or in my RaceDay Bag™.

It makes a difference.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

This is the one we trust. 

It's compact, and very reliable.

Use Promo Code:  AIRCHECK

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

 ---

166.9 
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5074751057

THERE IS THIS HUGE GAP WE ARE TRYING TO JUMP.  To get across we've got to be moving fast enough, with the correct attitude and enough altitude, to land it safely...

... and keep shredding what lies ahead.

But the biggest gap we'll ever jump is the one from our nature to our potential.

It takes real guts.

Deep commitment.

Patience and practice.

Jumping anything is one of the best feelings ever because of the fear and danger and giant reward when we land it.

My nature is ice cream and tv.

My potential...

... that's the only path I want to ride.

Every day,

every single day,

really is raceday.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

I just love these hats. 

• They are light, and cool on my sweaty, post ride helmet head.
• Motivational to me and all those who see it.
• A secret code only we understand.

Not a hat cat?... then maybe this hat isn't for you, but for a friend who is.  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

 ---

166.9 (definitely been letting my nature rule my diet this week, ugh!)
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5071162285

OUR LITTLE RACE CREW HAS BEEN KEEN TO CORNER BETTER ON MTBs.  Enter better, carve better, exit faster.  Playing with braking evenly between front and rear, and just going heavy on the rear brakes to whip the bike around turns...

... to no brakes at all.

A wrong turn can be corrected.  A missed turn can be catastrophic.

An unnamed rider (gotta protect the innocent) and I were quickly slicing and dicing a narrow, twisty path.  I took the sweeping left berm high, he shot inside and low to slip by me...

... no brakes for either of us...

... the trail wound sharply back to the right, my tire compressed and the nobs gripped as I leaned over...

... dust was flying up from his skidding rear tire as he went off trail, down the slope, and over the bars.

It was a soft landing.

This ain't basketball, where a miss is just a chance to shoot again.

This is what we do to get better.  We play, we take chances.

But you know what blows me away?  It's how we learn to rely so completely on our equipment.  I mean the brakes, I'm modulating them with one finger.  Those tires, they're 2" wide with 20lbs of air...

... and then there are the gloves, a very thin layer of perforated leather covered with much, much thinner lycra.

That's it:  brakes, tires, gloves.

Which is exactly why I never skimp on my equipment.  There are too many variables to assess and address when on the edge, and no bandwidth to contemplate product failure.

Of course all this was discussed over tacos and Cokes...

... because if we're not reviewing the wrong and missed turns we'll just keep making and missing them...

... and some landings are harder than others.

In case you missed it, we're supporting jeremy's effort to raise Autism Awareness through the weekend.

We'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% of the sales on any glove and sock purchases.

To make it extra sweet for you use this code to get matching socks for free.  This is a worthy cause... be sure to order the gloves and the socks and use this code:

BuyGlovesGetSocks

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

 ---

166.9 (too much cake) 
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5063581918

I KNEW RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING, right from the start, this was gonna be a great day.  Weather perfect, check.  Apple fritter waiting for me in the kitchen, check.  MTBs ready to rip, check.  Jeremy doing 54 1.5 mile laps for Autism Awareness...

... on a super fun loop, CHECK!

When we dig into the secret sauce of a successful charity event, there are a key ingredients but only one that really matters.

Is it the course?  Well, yeah it's good to have a course that is fun and interesting.

Is it the awards and recognition?  For sure, a lot energy gets put behind being the top fundraiser or finisher or whatev'.

Is it the after party?  Always important.

What truly matters is that the person doing the fund raising is the type of person others want to get behind.  Kind, generous, friendly...

... and heart in the right place.

I'm fortunate to see a lot of people doing rides as fundraisers, either as participants or organizers.  In every case, the most successful ones are the coolest people you'll ever meet.

Through the weekend, we'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% on any glove and sock purchases.

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

 ---

163.8 
Quick PullUps and PushUps
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5057715675

ONCE A YEAR WE GET ASKED THAT QUESTION: What are you going to do on your birthday? I mean, really?  C'mon.  Is it even a question?..

... those that know me best ask different questions.

Who are you riding with?

What time are you riding?

Where are your riding?

When will you be back?

... but nobody asks Why are you riding?

If they did, it's Because I can.

Learning to ride a bike is like a right of passage.  It was hard to take those training wheels off and go...

... and then it wasn't. 

Suddenly we were free to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, with whoever wanted...

... kinda like a birthday every day.

So, yeah, I'll be riding my bike tomorrow.

With my friend Jeremy, who is riding for Autism Awareness.  He's riding 54 1.5 mile laps because 1 in 54 children develop autism.  That's the kind of guy I want to ride with.  Total stud.

In celebration, I'll make an additional donation 30% of any glove and sock purchases through the weekend.

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

---

164.8 
Stretch and Plank
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/505293047

DID YOU EVER NOTICE HOW DIFFERENT WE ARE?  Not you and me, us and them.  The pros.  There's the Godgiven differences, can't do anything about that...

... but what about the things we can do something about?

Let's leave buying speedier equipment aside for the moment.  Too obvious.

Instead, take this insane workout from Nino Schurter.  He's a multi-time MTB World Champion and he's showing all the world, even us verymortals, how to be strong.  It's a 27 minute workout.  Who doesn't have 27 minutes?  Watch here.

Here's another.  Chris Froome's shedding of 20 lbs and going from zero to hero. We can get a glimpse of how he did that.  Cutting the carbs, upping the protein.  It's very straight forward.  Who couldn't drop a few lbs by skipping a few carbs?   Details here.

Do they tell us everything?  No.

Should we do all they do?  Doubtful.

Could we get better by studying what makes us different?  Hellyeah.

Which brings me to my point.  My pal Bart, in the 5 years of I've known him, has gone from a sub-9 hour Leadville guy to a card-carrying professional body builder to a champion calf roper.  He's nuts...

... but he has a method we could all use more.

When he sets his mind on something he seeks out the very best people that he can find and studies everything they do.  He hires the best mentors he can find.  This singlemindedness and alignment with the top pros allows him to do in a couple of years what most people never accomplish in a life time.

Wanna get better?...

... that right there is a very solid formula.

But, don't it all go to your head or you might not be to fit that expanded cranium inside one of these amazing helmets.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

If I had to pick one, it would be the Protone for sure.  Light, aero, super comfy.

Use this promo code to save 10% and get free shipping.

MENTORS

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

165.3 
Lots of pullups, pushups, squats and shoulder presses today - Nino style
7.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5047341440

THIS IS JUST ONE OF THOSE FREE ADVICE THINGIES about a little hack I came up with last week while riding ill prepared.  Starving.  Near bonking.  I had a couple of bucks.  There was a store...

... but I was missing the mandatory you know what.

Rats!

The sign was quite large indicating it was definitely required, and the crowd of people enjoying savory snacks had plenty of willing witnesses.  

I had to comply...

... but how?

Surveying my my gear I did the obvious.  Grabbed a glove, stuck it on my nose, draped the opening over my mouth, and held it in place with my Oakleys.

Just like that, I marched in and got my fix.

Hopefully you won't find yourself in a similar situation.

You're smarter, I'm sure.  Better prepared, for sure.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

You probably roll out with a few waffles just in case... which I did, just needed more.

Use promo code FARAWAY

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

---

166.6 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5038178322

THERE ARE REALLY TWO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING A RIDE IN.  If I want to go for a quick spin or if I'm trying to cover a lot of ground who is in my peloton makes a huge difference.  In fact, the quick spin...

... is best done alone.

However, getting someplace far away fast can be lot easier in a group.  But, not just any group.

If I'm the strongest, it's likely to take even longer to get where I want to go than if I were by myself.

If I'm the slowest, I risk getting left behind.

The fastest way is with the right mix of riders.

Who we ride with matters.

Which is why we created the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription

---

165.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5034768100

A BICYCLE RACE IS LIKE A REALLY GOOD STORY because it take place within a limited knowable world.  We know the course, the day, the weather, the duration, the bike we'll ride, clothes we'll wear, food we'll need etc.  The variables are all constrained.  Compared to the freedom of just heading out for a ride...

... we are really go for it.

For example, one time in a race I found myself off the front with a lap to go.  Adrenalin levels were sky high.  I felt no pain...

... my heart rate was 207.

I never produced an effort like that before or after.  It was a glorious ride I'll never forget.  The only time I ever soloed in.

You probably have similar experiences where you performed high above what you'd expected.  The constraints of racing do that to us.

We don't have forever.

Make today count.

Speaking of counting, have you counted how many of these awesome clear bottles you can get for $48?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right?  Supplies are limited.

$19 for 4 bottles

$ 48 for 12 bottles

$ 75 for 24 bottles

$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away Monday

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

163.5
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5029214631

WE ALL KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE:  If we eat right, regularly ride our bikes, get plenty of rest, then we age differently than many of our peers.  We're a little like Benjamin Button, who aged in reverse...

... which is a dern fine thing.

I think use it or lose it is real.  And, I think it's pretty obvious once you take note and look around a little.

I also think abuse it and lose it is real.  Duh.

But, what about...

... use it and boost it?

Yep, that's real too... unless we are already at our max, and who really is?

However, I have to admit after a largish ride this afternoon I was feeling a lot more like baby Benjamin.  A little creeky after 4ish hours, 60ish miles, 5000ish feet of vert mostly on dirt roads and single track.

... definitely used it today.

... data will tell if I boosted it.

For sure I was properly hydrated.  Drinking like a boss from these fantastic Made in USA bottles I scored for us.

Picked up a few thousand, and they are going fast.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

I really like the easy to squeeze plastic.

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right?  Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle 

$19 for 4 bottles

$ 48 for 12 bottles

$ 75 for 24 bottles

$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away Monday

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748

THE MORE CHALLENGING THE TERRAIN, the easier it is to snag a PR the second time around. And the third.  And fourth.  Right up until the time we are really on the sliding edge...

... where things get a bit dicey.

It could be the final turn before a sprint finish.  The first time through we are scrubbing speed, exiting and getting on the pedals.  Each subsequent effort less braking, more momentum, faster finish.

Or a steep gravely descent.  The first brush feels loose and skiddish.  We overtense, overbrake which leads to undercontrol.  But, we get the feel of looseness and where to have our weight, we drop down with speed and ease.

You get the idea.

PRs are there for the taking.  Every go, and we go faster.  Our bodies memorize the course. 

What was difficult becomes unconsciously effortless.

Commitment to getting it right by doing it over and over again brings about our very best effort.

There are crashes along the way. 

Pushing too hard, missing the blind turn, improperly tuned suspension, incorrectly inflated tires.  The list of where we can improve is nearly endless.

Which brings me to today's anniversary...

... 33 years together, a lot of missed turns, poorly approached jumps, scrapes and bruises along the way...

... but Surfergirl and I are still at it, snagging the occasional PR that really matters.

If there's one thing I've learned from racing, it's to improve from my failures and make them strengths.

Like this failure from a bottle manufacturer.  The business actually started in the late 80's.  Was sold to a company out in Texas.  Sold again to a local company who couldn't master imprinting the bottles.

We win!

I scored the remaining inventory.   The were going to throw it away. But, we don't toss our failures aside do we?

I mean these are wonderful bottles.  Made in USA.  Just unprintable by current owner of a very large and diversified business.

So, I purchased all 5000.  

They are going fast.

Which is typical of things around here.  Ride Fast is a motto of ours.

Check 'em out.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right?  Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle 

$19 for 4 bottles

$ 48 for 12 bottles

$ 75 for 24 bottles

$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away soon.

PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick.  That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748

ONE OF MY PALS HAS JOINED US ON 3 MTB RIDES,  The first two ended with spilt blood and broken parts.  It was my fault.  In my exuberance to share my love of dirt I failed to assess his ability.  For at least 6 months he's blown me off...

... undeterred, I kept inviting.

At our practice MTB race last night, he showed up.  It made me so happy just to see him there. 

We first did a parade lap around the course so everybody knew where to go.  I kept looking back expecting the worse.  This wasn't a baby course...

... we like challenges.

Clearly he'd been riding dirt on his own.  He'd upped his skills a ton...

... after the last lap, he was all smiles.

I may be a con man when it comes to inviting on rides, but it ain't malicious.  It's because I know it's the only way to be a confident cat.

Do the rides.

Like our wounds.

Learn what worked.

Repeat.

It's a pretty simple formula, and it works for anything because over time our confidence improves.  The overwhelming obstacles become easy.  It's a virtuous cycle.

Talking about improvement...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

One of my suppliers is closing out their water bottle business.  I picked up the remaining inventory of bottles.   They are Made in USA, and they are a really awesome bottle. 

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right?  Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle 

$19 for 4 bottles

$50 for 12 bottles

$75 for 25 bottles

$100 for 50 bottles <- that's what I'd do if I was a starving student.  #fundraiser

PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick.  That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

164.5
50 PullUps 40 SuperBurpees 20 PushUps 40 Goblet squats
7 hrs sleep - not enough
https://www.strava.com/activities/5008869835

THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH GOOD MOVIES.  Not when it comes to trying to explain our culture.  I'll bet any true fan says that about their sport.  It seems to be a lost art, capturing what we are really all about. 

But, there are a few that nail it.

Some aren't even about cycling, but are so relatable we understand what others are doing simply because we are so into what we are doing.  We feel their souls.

On Any Sunday - Motocross

Big Wednesday - Surfing

Free Solo - Climbing

For cycling, for me anyway, there is only one.  

Breaking Away

Maybe because the first time I saw it I was the same age as Dave, the hero.  Just as in love with bike racing and the ladies.

With one lines like this...

Give me something American dammit, gimme french fries!

All I want is a refund. 
REFUND?!!

I sure miss playing basketball.  I got depressed when my athlete's foot and jock itch went away.

What's the matter?
He's shaving.
Well... so what?
His legs.

... At the time of my life I was eating PB&J and Mac&Cheese, drinking water.

If I'd found a deal like this I would have picked up 50 bottles and sold to all my friends for some extra funds.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

Here's the skinny...

One of my suppliers is closing out their water bottle business.  I picked up the remaining inventory of bottles.   They are Made in USA, and they are a really awesome bottle. 

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right?  Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle 

$19 for 4 bottles

$100 for 50 bottles <- that's what I'd do if I was a starving student.  #fundraiser

PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick.  That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748

HOW MANY RACE NUMBER PLATES DO YOU HAVE STORED AWAY?  I have an overflowing shoe box of them.  Kind of like a little history book, or school album.  But how to use them?... 

... well, here's one way.

Wednesday nights we have this little practice MTB race on our local trails.

I'd say it's chill, but nothing with the word race is chill.  It is little, a 3ish miles loop.  And it is practice, with a Start or Go or something predictable to launch us.

Then the unpredictable will happen.

Someone will ride way over their head.  Another will blow a turn.  I'll probably just blow up.

Thinking about it, should I pull a rando from the pile or pull the Leadville plate since it's my A race for the summer? 

Now, if I'm having a great little practice race Leadville would properly burn in the success feeling.  But what if it's no bueno?  What if I'm suckering suffertash?  The mental association could be mucho negativo.

And that's where the numbers part of racing comes in...

.. the more you can race, the better you get...

... at everything.

At packing for the race, warming up, starting, staying focused, keeping fueled.

It's been said that practice makes permanent.  Who doesn't want to be permanently good at all aspects of racing?

I know Tina does because she called up today and told me about all the races she's doing... she's a charger.   From crits to 6 hour MTB races.  

She's from the south, and I'm a huge sucker for the drawl...

Darlin, does that PR Lotion really work?

Oh yeah!

You promise?

Yep, just put in on 30 minutes before you race.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

For the long races I'm a big proponent of chamois cream as well.

Use promo code NUMBERS

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

PS Join the PEDAL industries Strava Club for deets on the MTB races. https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

---

164
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4993789009

THERE ARE A MILLION TACTICS FOR SUCCESSFUL BIKE RACING.  It would be impossible to know or practice them all.  A fool's errand.  I have a handful of strategies that have served me well...

... here are four of them.

• Be strong.  On and off the bike
• Eat real food.  If you can't identify the ingredients it's not food.
• PRs > KOMs.  It's nice to win prizes, it's everything to know you did your absolute best.
• 1 big event per year.  Have one big challenge every year and you'll always be fit.

Some day I'll write a book about those.  In the meantime, I'll finish up the book I've nearly completed.  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

Here's another:

• Drink water.

And yes, you can get two of these tall Purist bottles delivered to your mailbox for less than a new Tesla.

Use promo code: 4rules

And you'll save 10% and get free shipping.

---

166
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4985341222

OUR DOG HAZEL USED TO DRIVE ME CRAZY.  Now you may wonder how a sweet, loving, little Beagle could get under The Old Diesel’s lycracovered skin... frankly I wondered the same thing many a time.  But, I think I figured it out on my ride today...

... by simply following my nose.

Ya see, sometimes for lesser developed humans such as I, it’s the personalities most alike that clash the strongest.

What was our family treasure’s greatest sin?

The moment that front door opened, she was gone.  Full speed.  Up the street.  Gone for hours.  She had no control over her nose’s call of the wild.

Alas, I am no different.

The moment I dropped Surfergirl off at the airport last night was like leaving the front door open.  For sure, I would ride all day and simply follow my nose...

... starting with a very hot pursuit after my first query, meeting the crew at the corner.

They were off to a horrendous hundred.  They begged me to keep on... but that was never my plan, hence the gravel bike.  

I simply wanted to say Howdy and get a towed up to the wild that was calling me.  From there...

... just followed my nose.

If done correctly, as today was, you're bound to find a few new paths and options.  These really are my favorite rides.  Alone, on the hunt.  Phone off.  Just me and my thoughts.  This is how we rejuvenate our superpowers.

Sometimes I feel for the suckers who can't be a moment without some sort of distraction... running, riding, hiking with crud plugged in their ears.

Dogs don't do that.

Nor should we...

... better to tap into our disobedient, singleminded, slave to our nose, sense of adventure.  Much better.

So here's a little challenge for ya...

... get out your calendar, and pick a date to just roll out with no particular place to go.  All day.  Just grab your wallet and get out that front door.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Need an excuse?

Pick your b-day.

We have a limited number of calendars left.

With events starting to solidify, you'll definitely want one of these to remind you and those who see it that a healthy you is a productive you.

Use promo code RIDELIKEADOG

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

---

165.5
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4980858143

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN WE'D BEG, EVEN PAY, SOMEONE TO RIDE A MOPED OR SCOOTER IN FRONT OF US.  It was called motorpacing.  The motorized rider would ride about 27 miles an hour...

... just fast enough to make your eyeballs bleed.

But that was then, and this is now.

That's the odd thing about the future.  What we paid for in the past and now get for free is frowned upon.  Cursed out.  Simply because it's being used different.

The result is the same.

We're pedaling our buns off, trying to hang on, and some of the younger riders are genuinely hacked off about it.

Do you know how fast an electric bicycle can go?  Unmodified, about 27 mph.

Now we've got a gentleman rider who is injured.  He's rehabbing a bum leg.  He's a decorated racing legend, wanting to get out with the fellas.  Be part of the bunch.

Me, I feel fortunate to have my health... and a friend who'll show up on an obviously electric city bike to keep the pace high and burning.

Maybe I'm old.

What must have been old for y'all yesterday was trying to get in on this wonderful offer which I fouled up some of the coding on.

It works now.  The coding.  The products have always worked.  Excellently.  Just like my friend's leg will be doing very soon.

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

These gloves.  Made from leather, forming to your hands.

There are lots of color combinations.  When you order a pair of gloves and socks

use promo code: DONTTELLHR

The socks will be free, and so will the shipping.

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

---

166
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.75 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4973724397

HEY, WILL YOU HOLD THIS AT MY CROTCH?  There is just so much wrong with that statement, and to make matters worse it was the boss asking a co-worker to take said delicate measurement.  Yikes!...

... but sometimes when you are a rider you gotta know your inseam.

Which is exactly what this cat needed to know in order to purchase a bicycle from us.  

There was an awkward silence on that end of the line...
... we were dying on our end.

I don't know why, but that got me thinking about other awkward silence sitchyations in our sport...

... the most difficult of all being the silence after this question.

So, how much is a good bike?

Uh..................

Should we be embarrassed?

I dunno.

I have a friend who just purchased $1300 earbuds.  He's totally into music.
Another told me about her new $1200 snowboard.
One friend works for a place that sells used purses... for upwards of $15k.

Now, my point isn't to justify these purchases or point out any potential irrationalities.   It's simply this...

How much is a good bike?

Not much at all... but a bike that will thrill you for years, take you places you only dreamt of, and bring you back in a state of exquisite bliss... well, those are priceless.

Speaking of priceless, how about that skin that covers your fingers?

Did I ever tell you the story that convinced me to always ride with gloves?

It's short.

We were ripping along this nifty singletrack trail.  It was a bit slippery, and a tad rocky.

All good.

Until my friend lost the front wheel, stuck his hand out and peeled the skin from his thumbnail down to that crease opposite the first knuckle.

What a gusher!

So, yeah, I'm a fullfinger glove lover.  But not just any fullfinger glove.  It's gotta be lightweight and breathable.

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

Like these gloves.  Made from leather, forming to your hands.

There are lots of color combinations.  When you order a pair of gloves and socks

use promo code: DONTTELLHR

The socks will be free, and so will the shipping.

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

---

164.1 lbs -
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4968076614

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A HEAPING DOSE OF CONFIRMATION BIAS TO MAKE ONE FEEL GREAT... am I right?  You know, when you figured out by dumb luck or maybe osmosis or reading some forgotten book and developed a method and preached it...

... and the choir was like, yawn.

But Hotdarnit! Joe Friel has been tweeting about 2 hard days a week.  All week.  Same thing yours Diesel has been hellfire and damnationing for years...

... 2 days, hard.
no more, no less.

Now that I'm writing this and searching my cavernous library of filed wisdom fragments... I think it was the great Eddy B. who said...

... If you're not feeling awesome twice a week, you're doing it wrong!

But in a thick eastoeuroaccent.

Just remember,
what you're reading here is unadulterated Diesel anecdotes...
forced through the mighty cycling echo chamber...
lavished with exquisite confirmation bias from 2 of US cycling's pillars of coaching.

In other words, you might want to try it out if you haven't already.

2 hard days - 72 hours apart
Joe says the rest are mostly recovery
I still like a good tempo day thrown in as well.

Because I do at least half of my rides from the shop, I load my RaceDay Bag™ often.  It just part of my routine, can't imagine doing things the old way.  Wondering if I packed everything, fumbling to find things...

... and I'm guessing a few of you love the bags as much as I do.

So I have a favor to ask...

Would you shoot a video on your phone...

... with your bag...

... answering this question...

... Why do you love your RaceDay Bag™?

Keep it short and sweet.  First thing that comes to mind.  Less than 15 seconds.

Don't worry about the background or looking pro... just an honest to goodness message would be terrific!

All who send me a video will get a little gift of appreciation mailed out.

I'd love to get your videos this week.

I think it will be super fun to see what you come up.

Y'all are awesome!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

Here's a little video for inspiration.

By the way, these changing ponchos have become quite popular.  

If you'd like one use promo code LOVEMYBAG

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

---

165.1 lbs -
50 PullUps, 60 SuperBurpees, 40 Pushups, 50 Goblet Squats, 20 Box Jumps
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4965334684 

PS  Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.

THIS RIDE HAS ONLY BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE TURN OF THE 7TH DECADE OF THE 20TH CENTURY, so you'd think all the pot holes and debris and whatnot would be memorized by now and easily pointed out...

... but that's not the case.

Unlike most rides around these parts the Market Ride goes on hiatus from time change to time change.  I reckon it's the same way with a good chunk of our united states.  

Most of ya's actually have seasons,
ergo actual riding seasons.

I'm feeling ya tonight.

In fact, I'm wondering if the first group rides of the season are going to be even more of a cluster than normal thanks to the fitness gains of digital dungeons set up for Zwifty and Pelotaunt...

... without any of the actual skills required to participate properly being used or honed or, crud!, even developed?

Because if your first ride of the season is anything like ours was tonight, well keep you peepers popped, your head on a swivel...

... and trust no one!

I was shocked at how little pointing out of hazards was happening,  There was even some downright squirreliness.  And these guys and dolls are solid riders, that ride year round.  Outdoors.  I'm sure things will be all settled in a just a few rides.

Anyway, you'll be thawing out soon... so consider this just a friendly reminder from the Diesel who wants ya back with a smile and only good tales to tell.

Speaking of good tales to tell, I warned Kevin about his new bike.

He purchased a long travel BMC 4 Stroke.  It's the same bike that I pounded out a million PRs on last weekend in AZ, except it has a little longer travel.

Kevin, be careful on your first ride.

What do you mean?

Well, your face is really going to hurt.

Huh?

You'll see

.

Yep, new bikes always make my face hurt.  

This morning, we spent a good hour on BMC's unveiling of 2022 new products.

TBH, my face was hurting... there's a bunch of good stuff coming, guaranteed to make you smile.  Details will be coming forth.

In the meantime, if you are around 6' tall and looking for a most excellent gravel bike.  We have 2 of these bikes in size Large.

Yes, they'll make you smile... and your bummy will be happy too because there's 20mm of travel built into the rear triangle.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

I'm not allowed to post the price available, so ping if you're interested.

Oh, one last thing... I was on my gravel bike for the group ride tonight, and that extra cush for my tush was most bueno.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

---

166 lbs - just a little celebrating after Cactus Cup
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4959659466

DON'T TELL ANYBODY BECAUSE IT'S JUST OUR LITTLE SECRET... we can learn about riding and racing from well outside the sport itself.  Take my ongoing interest in economics sparked by a visiting professor who opened up with...

... monopolies are great... if you're the monopolist!

Little ol' brainwashed me was captivated from that point on.  My brain had been opened.

Well, consider this quote in How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life from the great Milton Friedman and apply it to your bold ambitions as an athlete:

The sum of negligible forces,
need not be negligible.

Ride on that thought for a moment.

Aren't our 10 pullups and matching 20 burpees a negligible force?  What does it matter if we get in an easy spin for 45 minutes?  Where can we attribute passing up a harmless chocolate chip cookie a day?

Taken by themselves, these are all negligible forces.  But sum up a month or quarter or year of these choices and we fundamentally transform who we can become.

Who's down getting some negligible work done today and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and... ?

All in favor say Aye!

Did you know KASK means Kick @$$ Steal KOMs?

Well, it doesn't... but that's how you feel when you wear one.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

I keep seeing more and more of these KASK helmets at the races and on the rides.

Use promo code THESUM

to save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
RestDay - 20 PullUps, 30 PushUps, 10 Supermans

WE WERE HANGING OUT AFTER THE RACE TODAY WAITING FOR THE FINAL RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED.  I ran into Adam and his wife who were kind enough to show me the sweet line for today’s Enduro.  Jimmy introduced himself as the guy tacked on my wheel and thanked me for offering him my salt tabs yesterday.  Sweet Sage, the promoter, and I were chatting when Mike walked up and said...

...  I read the blog every morning!

Which was real nice, but not as nice as what he wanted to talk to Sage about.

Mike races 70+.  

Now, if you're not racing 70+ yet I have two things to share with you.

The first is you can race at 70.  Yes, people do that.  It takes some good genes and luck for sure  But, when you see these athletes you realize it's not an accident.  They are fit and committed to maintaining their health.

It's the second that always touches my heart.  The septuagenarians  all know each other, and more importantly they care about each other in ways I've never seen amongst the other ages.

I've seen them wait for each other on the start line if someone is running late.  I've seen them give health reports on the missing.  I've seen genuine love between them, and it's always moving.

Today was no different.

Mike was there to pick up the bike of his only fellow racer from yesterday.  His friend had crashed.

Sage can I pick up the bike?

Yes, was it only a collarbone? 

No, 12 broken ribs.  He's in ICU.

It wasn't a teary moment, that's racing.  However, as I write this and reflect on the blessings we all share of health and friendship riding the roads and trails of life...

... and how fleeting it can be

... at any age

... I'm verklempt.

Yep, there are a lot of nice people in our community.  It's always a joy to make a new friend on a ride or at the races.

Thanks for being nice y'all.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cactus-cup

We made some real nice gear for this year's cactus cup:  RaceDay Bags™, Changing Ponchos, and Wallets.

Why? 

Because it's such a dawgawn fun event.

If you have an event, ping me... let's make you some gear.

If you have a team, ping me... let's make you some gear.

If you want to make something custom to give a nice gift to friends or customers... ping me... let's make you some gear.

Our minimum order is 1... yes one (1)!

Get it done.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cactus-cup

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.2
https://www.strava.com/activities/4947282977

Still reading?

Some stats:

8 dudes, one friend that's a girl, and 2 dogs.

1 busted spoke on day 1, that held up the entire weekend.

1 bloodied knee and bruised hip.

1 punctured tire a mile from the finish and ridden in sloppy as it wouldn't seal.

1 First place in the enduro

1 Third place overall.

9 smiles.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO CHANGE THINGS UP, but never ever do that when racing.  Racing is when you apply all your hard earned training, all the lessons on nutrition, all the things that have worked in the past...

... not the time to chuck it all out the window.

But, that's what I did.

And, it's a long list of nonos.

Breakfast
For years I've had good luck getting up 3 hours early and eating a can of sardines and half a can of beans.  Pinch your nose if you must, but there was gold with them tactics.

Today, lots of carbs.  Rice cake, 2 tangerines, 1 1/2 Honeystinger waffles, a few macadamia nuts.

Warm Up
For decades all I've done to warm up is soft pedal and do some hard accelerations. 

Today, and yesterday, I slowly ramped my HR up to 160s and held it there for 5-10 minutes.

Food
I had my strategy of 2 bottles with 2 scoops + 4 waffles and 2 gels.  900 calories for 3 hours.

But, then I saw Victor Sheldon.  He reps Hammer Nutrition and suggested I go with their flask and fill it with 7 gel packs.  It's way easier than tearing a gel pack open!  More importantly, he always annihilates me and everybody in our age group.  

As I rolled out, thinking how bad I wanted redemption after such a poor showing last year at this event I consoled myself with these nuggets... 

... the only way to know something works better in a race is to test it in a race...

... isn't amazing how the best secrets are revealed racing.

Due to Covid, we went off in 2 waves of 25 or so.  I was in the second wave, my friends in the first.  The race overnight leader was in my wave.  We took off and the leader towed about 6 guys off into the distance.

I committed to ride my pace and stuff my face with gel from the flask, double scoop bottles, and my Salt Sticks.

It worked.

I felt absolutely amazing all 3 hours.  Best I've felt in years.  Even power throughout.

So, yeah, you'll be seeing a promo here for Hammer Nutrition very soon... 

... the meantime I'll tell the dirty secret of Salt Stick.

First, as noted in the book Waterlogged that I reported on:  one, as long as we don't over-hydrate we don't need more salt; two, cramps are more neurological than chemical; three, the salt tabs and the pickle juice etc confuse the brain and the cramps stop.

I'd never race without Salt Stick, and I love the chewables.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews

Use this promo code: ROOKIE

It'll get ya free shipping and save 10%.

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? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5
https://www.strava.com/activities/4941302379