DON'T TELL MY HUSBAND I BOUGHT THIS , OKAY? The smile on her face was unerasable.  For this first time in her adult life this friend o' mine purchased a bicycle for herself.  It's a day we all remember...

... and we remember 'splaining to our family and friends.

I bought a new bike.

Really?

Yeah, it's awesome.

What kind?

A gravel bike (using today's example)

What's that?

Oh, it's like a road bike but it can go anywhere.  On pavement, but I will mainly ride it on the dirt roads and trails... more adventure, probably safer.

... so far so good, everything going according to plan ...

Let's see it... Wow!... how much was it?

... here is where our super stoked out of her mind new bike owner says ...

I got a really good deal.

... now, I'm not saying that's the wrong answer.  Lord knows I've used it plenty of times myself ...

Oh, really... how good?

Oh that new bike smell!!! 

Our friend/family/lover can smell that bike, can see bird feather hanging out of our cat mouth.

There's no going back.  Because...

Ain't nowayinhell I'm going another day of my life without the joy of carbon between my legs and wind in my face.

It might be the smell of burning cash to outsiders...

... but, it's the smell of countless heckfire good times ahead to us.

Now, whether you're heading out on a new bike or your trusty stead this time of year the weather can be challenging.

That's I developed the KOM jacket.

You've never seen, touched, worn or smelled anything like this.

It's made of a very fine, stretchy membrane fabric that we import from a special factory nestled near the Dolomites of Italy.  They're the only people in the world that produce this material which is wind and water resistant... and so light and feather you can roll it up and tuck it in your back jersey pocket.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

We keep selling them as fast as we can make them, but there are a few in stock as of tonight.

It's called the KOM jacket because it's perfect for this local 12 mile MTB climb I'm trying to PR all the time.

Most mornings when we're getting after it we are plenty warm on the way up.  But, in the winter it can be very cold up there and it can get covered in clouds pretty quickly.

This jacket is perfect for whipping out at the top before bombing back down... if it's really cold, arm warmers underneath.

You can save $35 on this incredible layer when you join the PEDALposse -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription 

Or you can save a few bucks with this promo code:  KOM

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

---

162.6
Stretch HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4421202074

ONE OF MY BUSINESS HEROES IS THE GREAT STEVE JOBS.  And, while I'm not Steve Jobs, and you might not be either, we have a secret super power in common...

... Oh, do tell Diesel!

Steve was famous for taking long walks when he wanted to get his point across or really get to know somebody.  Very long walks.  He would sucker them in saying Let's walk around the block... and then be gone for hours.

I am the same way... I'm guessin' you are too.

But, on bikes.

Most of my most meaningful conversations with my close friends and mentors have taken place on bike rides.  Racing for sure has been covered in great detail... and so has solving life's many riddles.

I remember early on cornering, creeping on?, every fast rider I could find.  Listening to everything they said to me or whoever they were talking to.  And, I've siddled up to many a new rider to share tips, stories and ideas.  Riding side by side is such a great way to impart and consume knowledge.

Fact is... the best conversations in my life have happened outdoors, at an easy pace: long rides, hikes, walks, ski lifts, waiting for waves, sailing etc...

... as well as some of my best product ideas.

What's your favorite Diesel Creation?

• RaceDay Bag™
• Superlight Race Gloves
• Race Socks with EZ Breathe Yarns and FastMax Compression
• Pro Jersey and Pro Bibs with Italian fabrics and a top secret chamois
• The KOM Jacket
• The Changing Poncho
• ...

Well, if it's the Changing Poncho... 

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

When you purchase the changing poncho, not only are you getting a great tool for changing in public but we are getting you 3 X the entries into the ENVE Wheel Giveaway.

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

---

163.8
PushUps and PullUps HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4416860544

EVERY DAY IS RACEDAY

To my friends who find joy on bicycles and want to dramatically improve their skills and ability.

INTRODUCTION

I’m Todd, aka The Old Diesel. 

I’ll be your guide, and maybe one day we can race together.  Until then, I hope this little book will help you be confident in your abilities to line up and win.

Because credibility creates believability, you should know I have won 2 National Championships in my age group.  These were racing an event called SuperD, what is now referred to as Enduro.  I have also one many other races on road and mountain bikes.

That said, some of my greatest victories had nothing to do with standing atop the podium. 

Setting my PR at Leadville in 2019 and snagging 2^nd place at LoToJa in 2017 are just as exhilarating to look back on.  We’ll cover these and other stories to put winning and racing into what I believe is a proper perspective.

If you’re looking for a tactic to win a sprint, you might find a few.  However, the purpose of this book is to present a strategy for approaching bicycle racing that is fun and rewarding, leading to a lifetime of growth and improvement.

By the time you finish reading you’ll have a good idea of what it takes to be a racer, and clear understanding of why you need to start racing now.

Let’s get started.

CHAPTER 1 - WHAT IS WINNING?

Get this right, and you’ll win every time you pin on a number.

---

I've written a lot more of the book... but, that's all you get to see for now.  I like to keep the good stuff undercover.

Maybe that's why the Changing Poncho is getting a plug tonight.

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

When you purchase the changing poncho, not only are you getting a great tool for changing in public but we are getting you 3 X the entries into the ENVE Wheel Giveaway.

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

---

164
PushUps and PullUps HyperVolt
7.7 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248/posts

THIS MIGHT SOUND OBVIOUS, and might be something for you to consider... it's something I'm intentional about.  My riding and exercise is highly varied... and I was reflecting on that while looking for a book I'd previously read, here's a sample books I've read this year...

... Major Taylor's biography - America's richest and most successful athlete and cyclist circa 1900, Rise of the Dungeon Master - Biography of Gary Gygax and the creation of Dungeons and Dragons,  Blue Moon - a Jack Reacher novel, Subscribed - Tien Tzuo, Creativity - John Cleese...

... and that's just the first 5 books of probably 30 I've read this year...

... i vary my reading to be a better writer,
I vary my riding to be a better racer.

Yeah, I know yesterday's post Specificity = Speed might seem like a contradiction, but bear with me.

By doing a lot of different riding and racing I gather skills that can be applied elsewhere.

For example, mountain bikers very rarely will be in a road paceline and get into trouble.

Why?

Because mountain bikers also form pacelines offroad and inherently know to never trust the rider in front to pick the best line, let alone point things out.

Road riders, particularly the racers, develop tremendous 1, 3, and 5 minute power.  

Why?

Because they know if they can just hang on to those violent accelerations things will calm down and be manageable again... while those without the power have been jettisoned.

Yes, I do a lot of different types of riding:  road, gravel and mountain.  And, I also do a fair amount of walking and surfing and paddling.  Walking is just good.  The surfing and paddling are great for upper body strength and core... and balance.  Cycling, especially road, is all about straight forward... offroad uses some side to side balance, but nothing like standing on a surfboard on the ocean.

All that said... if you can swing another bike, get it.  It doesn't need to be "pro", it just needs to function properly.  If you can swing another sport, do it.

And, it's not just the additional skills you'll bring back to cycling but also the freshness you'll bring to the new riding and from the new riding to the one you really want to excel at.

Of course, if you're doing a lot of riding it can be nice to have a good chamois cream.  I've been testing out Dave Zabriskie's product DZ Nutz...

... I'm guessing the name can be a bit repellant, but don't let it fool ya.  This product lasts a long time, and I find I'm using less of it than Chamois Butt'r - a product I think is great.

By that I mean, a smaller amount of cream is needed.  One, the cream itself seems to hold up longer; and two, because I need less per application the bottle lasts a good long time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/bikeshop-dz-nutz-pro-chamois-cream-4oz-tube

THIS MIGHT SOUND OBVIOUS, and might be something for you to consider... it's something I'm intentional about.  My riding and exercise is highly varied... and I was reflecting on that while looking for a book I'd previously read, here's a sample books I've read this year...

... Major Taylor's biography - America's richest and most successful athlete and cyclist circa 1900, Rise of the Dungeon Master - Biography of Gary Gygax and the creation of Dungeons and Dragons,  Blue Moon - a Jack Reacher novel, Subscribed - Tien Tzuo, Creativity - John Cleese...

... and that's just the first 5 books of probably 30 I've read this year...

... i vary my reading to be a better writer,
I vary my riding to be a better racer.

Yeah, I know yesterday's post Specificity = Speed might seem like a contradiction, but bear with me.

By doing a lot of different riding and racing I gather skills that can be applied elsewhere.

For example, mountain bikers very rarely will be in a road paceline and get into trouble.

Why?

Because mountain bikers also form pacelines offroad and inherently know to never trust the rider in front to pick the best line, let alone point things out.

Road riders, particularly the racers, develop tremendous 1, 3, and 5 minute power.  

Why?

Because they know if they can just hang on to those violent accelerations things will calm down and be manageable again... while those without the power have been jettisoned.

Yes, I do a lot of different types of riding:  road, gravel and mountain.  And, I also do a fair amount of walking and surfing and paddling.  Walking is just good.  The surfing and paddling are great for upper body strength and core... and balance.  Cycling, especially road, is all about straight forward... offroad uses some side to side balance, but nothing like standing on a surfboard on the ocean.

All that said... if you can swing another bike, get it.  It doesn't need to be "pro", it just needs to function properly.  If you can swing another sport, do it.

And, it's not just the additional skills you'll bring back to cycling but also the freshness you'll bring to the new riding and from the new riding to the one you really want to excel at.

Of course, if you're doing a lot of riding it can be nice to have a good chamois cream.  I've been testing out Dave Zabriskie's product DZ Nutz...

... I'm guessing the name can be a bit repellant, but don't let it fool ya.  This product lasts a long time, and I find I'm using less of it than Chamois Butt'r - a product I think is great.

By that I mean, a smaller amount of cream is needed.  One, the cream itself seems to hold up longer; and two, because I need less per application the bottle lasts a good long time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/bikeshop-dz-nutz-pro-chamois-cream-4oz-tube

If you're looking for something new to protect your special purpose, check this out.

Use promo code: VARIETY

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/bikeshop-dz-nutz-pro-chamois-cream-4oz-tube

---

164.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4409777483

THIS MIGHT SOUND OBVIOUS, it might not even be a thing for you... but for me, this is something I have to dial in.  Ya see I like a lot of variety in my riding... and I was reflecting on that while listening to my top song's of 2020, according to Apple music.  You could say there's some variety, here's a sample...

Paranoid - Black Sabbath, Put Your Lights On - Everlast, Bleed It Out - Linkin Park, Super Bad - James Brown, Landslide - Dixie Chicks, Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth.

... that's just the first 5 songs, much like the 5 days I ride...

Gravel Monday, Road Tuesday, Gravel or MTB Wednesday, Rest Thursday, Gravel Friday, Road or MTB Saturday.

That's no way to get prepped for a race... which is exactly what I'm hoping to do Saturday.  Race the Dirty 30.

To that aim, I've upped my MTB a lot.  

And it's showing results.

Lots of PRs on the downhill sections today.

One simple reason.

When you get really specific on your riding, getting as close as what you expect to be racing. Bike.  Terrain.  Weather.  Time of day. etc.... you get a lot faster because you become one with your machine.

My mountain bike is my most complex machine by far.  

Sure, there's only 1 shifter on the right hand.  But there's a dropper post and 3 different suspension settings to work on the left hand.

Plus the brakes. 

But, on an MTB locking up the rear wheel to line up a turn is a thing... as is getting on the binders so hard that the front wheel wants to give way.  Neither of which is even a thought on the road.

Which is the point... specificity = speed.  

You know what else equals speed?  Being able to pack up efficiently and find all your gear when you get to the race.... which is why we created the RaceDay Bag™

Right you can get a loaded bag and save a load of cash.

$308 in product for $200.

ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED INGREDIENTS TO MASTERING MOUNTAIN BIKING IS LAUGHING.  In my early years, my pal Garrett and I would scope out the hidden single tracks and dial them in...

... then take the rest of the fellas out, pretending like it was our first time.

To be sure, there were a lot of Oh shyte moments... but, it was all fun n games and the trickery was paid back many times.

The riding back then was a lot more adventurous. 

We'd wander down cow paths wondering where they led.  We'd drop off steep ledges wondering of the rickety equipment would hold up.

Bending a seat post isn't even a thing any more.  Neither is carrying spokes and spoke tools.

Amidst all that breaking of parts and trespassing was a lot of laughter.

We weren't in a hurry, weren't rushing, weren't racing.  We were learning, playfully approaching a new and exciting sport.

The last few weeks I've been taking out a young padawan, Rocky, on our local trails. 

Today I was reminded of those old times.  We dropped in on some truly steep stuff - 36% according to the Strava file - which I'd previously been down more than a few times.

There was a lot of stopping, a lot of hootin' and hollerin' and a lot of laughing... because it was so dern fun.  Taking our time allowed the kid to recover and get ready to charge the next section.

Come to think of it... most of the teaching of sporty things that I've done in my life has involved a lot of laughter and time taking.  It just works better...

... and the steep, technical MTBing works a lot better with a really solid connection to the handle bars.  The kind of connection you get with our superlight race gloves.

These gloves are very light.  Perforated 100% leather palms, perforated lycra tops.  The form to your hand and give you great feedback.

For many, especially your very biased developer of said gloves, these are the only way to go... road, gravel or mountain.

And right now, buy 'em and get a pair of socks free...

... our race socks made with EZ Breathe yarns and FastMax compression technologies.

The gloves are $25 (I know we should charge $35) and the socks are $15 normally...

use promo code BuyGlovesGetSocks at check out and get them delivered for $25 bones.

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

This code will stop working Saturday night.

---

163.6 
Paddle
8.25 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4398985947

IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD PLAN.  It usually does, but I've never seen it work.  Ever.  No matter what I do... it's always a fail on Friday morning.

Today's strategy was simple.

Rise with the sun and ride with the fellas, on an empty stomach.

Like all plans, the first part was easy to execute.  Met 'em.  Rode with 'em.  Came home.

Next, get my ladies and go paddle boarding, on an empty stomach.

Like all plans, a hiccup occurred.  I walked in to...

Guess what Tom brought over!

Tom is our neighbor who never brings anything over.  

I dunno.

But, I could smell it.  Homemade sourdough bread.  

I'd built up a massive resistance to what I was sure she was going to tempt me with... a bear claw donut.  I was ready to look that glazed goodness and walk on by...

... and that's why the sourdough and butter and honey was so deadly.  I wasn't ready to say NO to that... am I ever?

Eventually we waddled across the sand and paddled.

I was kind of back on track because we came home cleaned up and headed down to our son's inlaws for a special occasion.

This is where I thought I could recover from the sourdough... and yes that dern bear claw.

Steve, my son's fatherinlaw, had expressed interest in getting a gravel bike so I brought down a loaner.  We changed and took him out for his first ride in years.  The running trails behind his home are a great place to gravel... and gravel we did.

He commutes by moto to work, so his handling skills were great... and he was suprised at how the bikes could climb and get across the sandy sections.

If I was a betting dude, I'd bet he'll be a lifer... but, I'd also bet on my having restraint with the appetizers...

... I was so close.  I'd only slightly cheated.  The fabulous turkey feast was a scant 30 minutes in the future...

... never bet on a starving rider to have restraint when the calories are so empty and plentiful.

At dinner, people were considering going for seconds... I'd already been.

At dessert, I didn't go for seconds... because it ain't seconds if you haven't had that flavor of pie yet.

So yeah... an absolutely successful and wonderful day:  lots of riding, lots of time with my favorite peoples, lots a time to consider our good fortune.

Like many new riders, Steve didn't have gloves or socks... and I neglected to bring any extras...

... which is why we are brining back the BuyGlovesGetSocks promo code.  

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

We have lots of new colors in stock.

These are amazing superlight fullfinger race gloves and our race socks made with EZ Breathe yarns and FastMax compression technologies.

The gloves are $25 (I know we should charge $35) and the socks are $15 normally...

use promo code BuyGlovesGetSocks at check out and get them delivered for $25 bones.

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

This code will stop working Saturday night.

---

163.6 
Paddle
7 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4394010600
https://www.strava.com/activities/4394600434
https://www.strava.com/activities/4395551729

I'M GRATEFUL FOR THREE PIECES OF TECH, the digital and electronic gizmos.  Two are new to me and one is an old friend... I share them all liberally... errrr, I preach them all regularly.... mmmmmm, I love this stuff and you might too.

The old friend is Strava, for sure.  If social media is of the devil, the I guess I'm going to helk... because I love Strava.  Let me count the ways:

• At any time, I can look back over the years and see what I was doing and the effect it was having.
• Tracking my PRs and monitoring my progress.
• Encouraging my friends and receiving their encouragement.
• Searching out new routes and studying upcoming rides.

Those are my top 4.

Electric shifting on my MTB.  While I've had it on my road bike and loved it, the new 12 speed, 1x drivetrains with with electronic shifting are amazing.  For example:

• It's much faster and
• More precise than mechanical shifting
• and, kind to my old joints.

It took me a while to get used to.  It's very sensitive and I would accidentally shift it in the beginning, but it's second nature now.   Truly awesome.

Last is the HyperVolt.  I've had it for about a month now and it's the only variable in my training that is new... meanwhile I feel incredibly recovered after some blistering workouts.

I've used rollers, I've had massages.  There's plenty of discomfort with each and it never goes away while going through the treatment.

The HyperVolt is different.

I use it on my legs, feet, back, arms.  Everywhere.

Here's the difference.

The only place I have real, true soreness is my legs.  Mainly above the knee.  Quads and hammies.

With the setting on 3, the strongest, and with the absorber attachment, I'll go over my legs and find a sore spot.  I'll then spend some time there... and here's makes the HyperVolt so much better... I'll stay on that sore spot until the pain goes away.

That's a big difference.

Imagine your legs feel terrible, certain spots are sore to the touch and you have this gizmo that you can work your legs over with and the pain goes away.  Such that, when you go upstairs they are remarkably recovered.

Could I live without Strava, E-shifting and they HyperVolt?  Of course.  Would I want to?  Not for a minute.

If you're looking for just the right thing to give yourself...

... because let's be honest, the family/friends ain't gonna get it - just like all they didn't get you the aero helmet or fancyshmancy shoes...

... get they HyperVolt, put it under the tree with a note from Santa.

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

I spent some time on the phone today with the manufacturer so I could understand the difference between this model and the new cheaper/lighter version.

You could get it, but I wouldn't.

It doesn't have level 3, only goes up to the equivalent of level 2.  Also missing is the absorber attachment I love.

Use promocode: TECHILOVE to save $70... offer endsThursday 11/26/2020 11:59pm.

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

PS... yes, the HyperVolt will get you 700 entries into the ENVE Wheel Giveaway

---

164.2 (so much backsliding)
Stretch and HyperVolt
8.5 hrs sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4391447910

IN BUSINESS THERE IS A CONCEPT CALLED THE MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT.  The idea is a company should create the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to go to market, and build from there as quickly as possible.  We practice that here...

... yawn!

You don't care about that... but, you should care about Minimum Viable Power!

We also practice that.

It's the crafty move of going to the front at the bottom of a climb and drifting back but not getting dropped.

It's the wily cat who takes pulls like everyone else but is glued to the wheel in front, and rather than tapping brakes will slide to the side... both move save tons of watts.

It's learning how to corner, carrying speed in so you don't need to sprint out.

It's having a pristine drivetrain.

Where can you conserve energy?  Carry speed?  Stay off the brakes?  Accelerate wisely?

There are myriad ways to use the Minimum Viable Power...

... and here's the kicker with MVP, as you figure 'em out...

... you'll have significantly more finishing energy..

... and when you unleash your mighty fury...

...and all the other competitors will see is your vanishing silhouette. 

Speaking of unleashing, yesterday in my exuberance to unleash a killer promo to you my faithful readers I shared the code that the commoners will get on Friday... assuming any product is left.

My bad, but the offer is still insanely good.

$308 in product for $200.

I CAN COUNT ON MY HANDS AND FEET AND WITH THE HELP OF A SUPERCOMPUTER THE NUMBER OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO MOCKED my love of cycling over the years and who now see the light.  The runners who can no longer run, the moto riders who want to ride better and longer, the surfers who want a daily stoke, and my favorites the sedentary who realize there's an athlete inside each of us.

That mocking made me rock solid in my truth: riding bikes is a lifelong sport. 

I was lucky enough to grab hold of that truth in my 20s.  Over the years my commitment never waned, though my time and focus changed with the responsibilities of life.  Still, even in my slouthest era I got out  a couple of times a week.

We share truth with our friends and family because we know it's good.

Of course our kids all got bikes and can ride, one even raced for a while.  Surfergirl and I still ride together.  I rounded up bikes for my dad and brothers and all kinds of friends.  Invited and encouraged.  At one point my dad was riding his bike back to the office at night to stay in shape and put in a few more hours of lawyering.

Still there's that mocking.

I ain't wearing spandex!
Wouldn't a motor be more fun?
Don't your privates hurt?
You rode how far?
...  you know 'em all

But, we stick with it... witnessing our health staying steady and often improving, while so many others are in decline.

And one day... if we're lucky... we live in a time when bicycle riding is more popular than it has been in decades.

What if they hadn't mocked us and we hadn't stuck with it? Would they be riding and improving their health today?

I dunno.

But, I do know those that ride would be thrilled to the moon to receive the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™, loaded with the goods:  PRO bag, changing poncho, Purist water bottles, PR Lotion, DZ Nutz, gloves, socks, and a tshirt.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ultimate-raceday-bag%E2%84%A2

We never discount the RaceDay Bag™, ever.  There are only 100 of these packages available.  Only readers of the blog know about it... until Friday, then we'll promote it - if any remain.

Use promo code: IGIVEGOODGIFTS

You'll need to email help@customerservice with the colors and sizes of the items you want in your bag.

Y'all are awesome!

---

164.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8.1 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4382302022

DO CHICKS REALLY DIG SCARS?  I was thinking about this while watching BLEED FOR THIS... the Vinnie Pazienza story, which is absolutely awesome if you're into comeback stories...

... I don't know if chicks dig 'em as much as dudes claim, but I do know I have more than a few.

There are the external scars:  split eyebrow, knees ground to the bone, 3rd degree burns, wrist sanded down, simultaneously split shins, divot in my calf, countless flesh wounds...

The less visible: busted off end of collar bone, cracked radial head, permanent strawberry on hip (you can't see it, but I do every morning)...

These are all from doing things the things I love:  bikes, motos, surfing, etc

Then there's the invisible internal shiz we get a helping of at some point along the way, the ones that hurt different...

In most instances, I've learned and improved... upgrading my skills, avoiding similar situations.

My scars are part of my journey...

... and I sure don't dig 'em in the moment, but...

... I'm grateful for each one, they have made me who I am.

A good way to avoid new scars is riding with great lights... and I'd like to help you any way I can to avoid the mistakes I've made.

Perhaps the biggest mistake I ever made while MTB night riding was going with only a headlight.

I had no idea what I was doing, and I figured a headlight would be better than a light on the bike.  

Makes sense.

But, it's a terrible idea.

At night, it's the shadows that give you depth perception.  A light mounted on your bars is lower than your eyes, so you see the shadow it casts and get an idea of the size of the obstacles in your way.  A helmet light is not going to cast shadows because it's beam is on the same line as our eyeballs.

So there I was zipping over this large, round and flat rock... only it wasn't flat.

But it was large and round.

Next thing I know my hands are on the bars and me feet are over my head and I'm thinking This is gonna leave a mark!

Yes, you want a helmet light but you want it to be much weaker than the beam on your bike.  The helmet light mainly helps you look into the bushes hoping you don't a pair of nocturnal hunting eyes staring back at ya.

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

Use promo code: LIT

And remember to enter the $3000 ENVE Wheel Giveaway while your at it.

---

164.2
Stretch and HyperVolt
7;5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4365411286

WE HAD A COUPLE OF NEW GUYS JOIN US TODAY... now there are two ways to handle new guys:  one, roll out easy and get to know them;  two, punch their ticket and see if they have any game... 

... can ya guess what we always opt for, and why?

It's not personal, it's for their own good.  

The sooner we can get rid of them or not get rid of them the better. 

If we get rid of them, we've saved them hours of torture and potentially getting lost and/or hurt.  If we can't get rid of them, then we know we've got some gamers that are gonna push us.

We didn't get rid of them, which was awesome.

Eventually we settled into a fast, challenging pace but one were we could still chat and get to know each other.  Turns out one of them, Brian, grew up near me and we have a few friends in common.

Whether or not this bromance will flourish is uncertain.

What is certain is the extreme gratitude I felt all ride to have made really great friends over the years.  Each of these dudes inspires me in the way they live their lives, honor their commitments and cherish their families.

The ladies, bless their hearts, think it's just a bunch of guys being kids on a Saturday.  But, we know better... it's this wheel time that helps us be the kinda dudes they want to keep around.

Just because I'm also grateful Surfergirl totally understands the meaning of this t-shirt... let's make it a buy 1 get 1 promo

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

The code is: THANKFULFORFRIENDS

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

---

163.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4371323805

I HAD THIS EMAIL ALL CHARTED OUT ON MY RIDE THIS MORNING, while I was shredding single track on my kick@$$ BMC URS.  I was soooo fired up.  But now all I can recall is the title...

... it happens when your HR is tickling the clouds it's so high.

It went something like this... 

We are the take charge types... not waiting for anyone to tell us what to do... we get things done.

We take risks... not RedBull Rampage risks... but going for things well beyond our current capabilities.

We take responsibility... when our plans fail, when our risks don't pay off... we look at the person in the mirror.

... and that's why it ours for the taking, so few live this way.

I'll be saddling up early tomorrow, heading out with a bunch of stallions who could be my kids and sticking it to 'em as hard as I can until they leave me for dead... and I'm totally cool with that.  It's my plan, my risk and my responsibility to keep The Old Diesel in tiptop shape.

Speaking of the URS, fondly known as The Highlighter as it's generally the highlight of my day and often my week, the time has come for it to find a new home.  

This is without a doubt the funnest bike I've ever owned and the only reason I'm letting it go is because a new model is arriving in my size.

It is in Excellent Condition.

You're probably wondering if it's fast... helk yeah!  I've been keeping up no prob on the local flat group rides, keeping up slight problem on the hilly A version of the TMWC - fastest weekday ride around.  

Is it comfortable?... Totally!  There's a little micro bumper in the rear triangle that affords 20mm of travel, which is super sweet on the fast washboardy stuff.

Is it light?... pretty dern light for an entry level gravel slayer.

Does it handle well?... well?  Try amazing.  If you want a bike that can jump and slay singletrack this is the one.

The very first day I had it I picked off, without even tryin', a bunch of PRs on the local steep fire roads.

That's the kind of confidence this bike delivers.

If I had to chose one bike, this is the one... only thing I'd add is a second set of wheels for road.

The retail on this bike is $4k.  I'll take $3k... and yes, you'll get 3000 entries into our killer ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

PS... if you want a new version of this bike LMK

---

162.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4365411286

I THINK I HAVE THE PERFECT CROSSTRAINING SPORT:

__ It's fun
__ Strengthens my core, a lot
__ Sharpens my balance
___ and, I can get bonus points by taking Surfergirl along

So, I strapped on the Wahoo and fired up Strava to get some data.

It's not good.

Or, is it?

Today's effort vs last night's MTB effort

Max h. r. 107 vs 176
Average h.r. 96 vs 144
Relative Effort 6 vs 193

It's a lot easier on The Old Diesel's ol' ticker.  Honestly, that's probably a good thing and it's still a great workout.  When I'm done I have a similar feeling to a good swim workout... my upper body is pumped up and feels strong.

Plus, what other activity is going ticks the boxes of fun, core, balance and bonus points?

Not many.

I think the key for crosstraining is that it is fun and works on other parts of your body that you'll also need to be a strong bike rider.  The fun part, so we are consistent.  Strengthening other parts of our body, like our core, can make a huge difference in bike handling.

When I finally pick a date for next year to do a training camp here in San Clemente, we are for sure including time on the water...

... 'cause paddleboarding is a lotta fun.

Maybe that's what inspired this new jersey design?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/navy-pro-jersey-1

Didja know we make all our apparel here in CA?  That we import the finest fabrics from Italy?  It's true.  Then we print the fabrics, cut them with a laser beam, and sew them one at a time.  Custom. Just for you... and me.

These jerseys will be ready to ship in about 2 weeks.  You can order now...

... and earn 100 entries into the $3000 ENVE Wheel Giveaway.

Click here:  

https://pedalindustries.com/products/navy-pro-jersey-1

---

163.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
8.2 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4360937653

THE GODFATHER OF MODERN AMERICAN BICYCLE RACING AND COACHING HAS PASSED AWAY.  Eddie B.  I read two tributes today, and will add my own.

Velonews, the boring and uncreative steward of US Cycling reportage, simply stated he was a coach who headed the '84 Olympic team and somehow wound up the history of this man with a banal dump in the doping gutter.  

Chris Carmichael, who legitimized the cycling coaching profession for thousands of coaches, reminisced on his time under Eddie's tutelage and the advice he received when he chose the same profession:  Keep the good of the athlete central at all times.  

To which I will add my own comment.

Somewhere, buried under the countless books I've read is a little section with Cycling Training.  There's Joe Friel's book, and Lemond's and Armstrong's and Ned's... but, Eddie's was the first and only book I could find in the late 80's.

Imagine that.

Only one person in the US was putting any effort into finding and developing bicycle racers in any meaningful way such that a dork like me could learn a thing or two.

I tried buddying up to the local legends, but it was fruitless.  And the bike shops were worse.  The prevailing arrogance of those in the know was disgusting and turned many a would be lifer into a why bother move on'r.

But, somehow I found the book... in fact, it might have been in the printed - and, at the time very cool - pages of Velonews.

There is no one thing gleaned from Eddie that I can point to today which made a difference in my attempts to move from a lowly 4 to a 3.  No technique per se.  

However, there was hope...

... and that's all most of us needed.  The simple concept that we could get better if we'd put together a plan and stick to it was revolutionary.  Because up that point the only plan was ride a lot.

I never knew or met Eddie, but if I'd run into him here's what I would have said...

Thanks for giving me hope and a plan, man.

Which is exactly the same thing I get from my current Coach Brian McCulloch.  I'm a less than ideal student.  Headstrong... and woefully dependent on racing vs  structured workouts.  He patiently listens, instinctively knows what I need, and forcefully puts for the plan he is certain I will stick to, that will stretch me but not burn me out... which is a long way of saying he gives me hope and a plan.

If you'll indulge me a little... that thinking is pretty much all we instill on anybody we are tasked with helping along life's paths.  It's all we can do as parents... as a wise man once said, I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves.

Which is pretty much all I try and accomplish in these daily missives.  Pass along what I've learnt.

One thing I've learnt - such a fun word! - is of all the upgrades you can do to your bike the one that will make the biggest difference and give you the most bang for your buck is wheels...

Which is why I'm so excited about our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway... somebody, maybe you, is gonna get a serioso upgrade.

... but, the other thing I've found is giving your body an upgrade is even more important which is why I preach so much about PR Lotion and the HyperVolt.  PR Lotion removes the burn I feel when getting after it on the bike and the HyperVolt gets into my damaged muscles every evening after said getting after it has been gotten after.

Get entered.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

Every dollar purchase you make between now and 12/31 gets you an additional entry into the drawing... but you have to enter.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

---

163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4358429438

i'M TRYING TO PUT INTO WORDS WHAT IT FELT LIKE TODAY... we were charging up this undulating climb.  I was struggling to hang... going from the front to the back of the group, then off the back, then back on... and as the top got closer I started to feel better.

I moved up a bit.

Finally, we could see the top... and I just thought to myself...

Screw it, I'm going for it. 

And why not?  Even though the ride was far from over, even though I'd pay for it for miles to come... I had to do it, had to unleash my Kraken, come what may.

It felt so good to go all out, to win that tiny hill top.

Later in the ride, at a crucial moment, I was dropped.  I never caught back on.  And, I didn't care one bit.

That little win powered me all day.

#worthit.

You know what win might power you all day, all week, all month, all year?

The $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway

Have you entered?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

It won't hurt, I promise.

Just click the link and check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

 ---

163.6 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
6 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4351617761

THE FACT IS WE'VE ALL GOT A DRAWER FULL OF OLD RACE JERSEYS... that any normal person would toss.  But we won't, ever.  We might pare it down from time to time, but they'll always be a few keepers.

We keep the ones that talk... that remind of that day when... that ride.. that win... that team...

... those are the only ones of value.

They're also the ones my friend Brett collects, the ones that belong to his world famous Horton Collection.

Not yours... but the jerseys of the truly great racers from the last 100 years.

And not just the jerseys, but the photos and posters and trophies... and we're lucky enough to use some of the images for our products.

Check these images we're using for a new RaceDay Bag™ called The Tour... all from epic Tour de France battles.

We're already in production on the first batch and will be shipping them in a few weeks.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/horton-collection/products/the-tour-raceday-bag

We have other Horton Collection products in the pipeline... and the excellent news is any purchase of these products will get you in the...

$3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway. 

Have you entered yet?  It's so easy.

Just click here:  https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

---

163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4346807518

HEY THERE RACERS... it's The Old Diesel's helmet checking in.  I can accurately report that he's been working his fanny off since getting shelled last month at the Cactus Cup...

... remember that pathetic video he posted?

Oh, he was completely shattered.

Not surprising. 

He was overconfident... thought he could handle the heat, thought his legs were ready for that unrelenting desert terrain, thought he'd show the yokels his CA style...

... oh, he had that beating coming.

But, good news!

Yesterday he casually mentioned posting a good time on a famous climb.  He PRd it.  Yeah, broke a 7 year old record by 10 seconds.  I know, it's not much on a 54 minute effort, but give him a break.  His carbon is a bit dated.

Anyway, it would be a good sign, except...

... in a celebratory moment of weakness he pounded a pint of McConnell's.

What a dummy!

Today wasn't much better, sure he fasted until Noon, ate a light lunch...

... but, then Surfergirl busted out the chips and the kids all came over for barbecue and pie and more ice cream.

He's going to wake up fat and ticked off tomorrow.

I like it when he's like that, because we ride fast.  Probably too fast for a Monday, meaning his legs are going to be heavy for the Tuesday Morning World Championships... and even worse for DRTY WDNSDY.

Oh it's gonna be a helluva week... him wanting to undue his bad deeds.

Personally, I'm not sure the old guy has it in him to post a fast time in 3 weeks at the Dirty 30.  Especially not if he keeps falling off the wagon.

The only hope is something he keeps in the house.  I'm not sure what it is exactly, but he says it's made his legs feel like magic.  Maybe that explains the PR Saturday... and being able to pound it hard last Tuesday and Wednesday?

I think it's this thing he's raving about, the HyperVolt...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery

If it is... don't share his results with others.  Just get the dern thing for yourself and keep it on the downlow. 

Promo code:  REKUVR

PS... apparently the HyperVolt will get you 700 Entries into the $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.

---

164.2
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4344250934

IT'S CHILDS PLAY TO BLEED SPEEDING DOWNHILL, it's helluva lot harder to do it charging up a technical single track. Amiright?  I mean it was 10 miles, 3451' of vert, and no I didn't crash...

... we were just hauling gas.

We stopped at the top. 

I looked down and my arms were covered in blood.  

It didn't hurt.  Nothing hurt.  That's the kind of day we had today.  

Determined to break my old bad habit of slowly building speed on this type of climb, I raced to the trailhead first with 2 of my mostfastest friends glued to my perfectly aired up knobbies.

Knowing they'd be eversoslightly peeved that I'd snuck ahead, I just went for it.  Charging hard.  So unlike The Old Diesel.  Their gasps of What the! only urged me on... making me pedal even harder.  Something I'd never do if I were going for a PR.

It's good to break habits. 

Normally, I'd let my pals go first and gap me and then do my derndest to reel them back in.

Never again.

Why... well, I've got a few MTB races on my radar and those races can be won or lost by being at the front or back of the pack at the first single track.

I did a few other things besides slay it right from the start:

1. I'm lighter than I have been in years.
2. All week I've hit my legs with the HyperVolt.
3. I woke up early and warmed up my legs in a hot bath.
4. Liberally applied PR Lotion.
5. The intermittent fasting seems to have altered the way my body consumes and needs calories.  I'm consuming less on the rides and feeling better.
6. Cranked up Linkin Park's Bleed It Out to get pumped.
7. The new BMC 4 Stroke is by far the best XC bike I've ever ridden.   

Interestingly I didn't:

1. Eat a big breakfast, just a handful of nuts.
2. Warm up at all on the bike, just drove over and got after it.

 And that blood on my arms?...

... well it wasn't from fighting a mountain lion as I hinted on the Instagram post, which a few folks believed... hahahahaha

This climb is called the San Juan Trail and it's lined with a very hearty and thorny scrub brush... cut the corners and it snags and slices your skin.

Doesn't hurt at all, just looks awesome when it mixes with the sweat on your arms.

After the ride Jimmy came over and said...

I really hope I win those ENVE™ wheels so I can keep up with you.

He might.

You might.

Someone will.

Do you know why we love ENVE™ wheels... it ain't just their sexy name, or because their lighter or more aero or faster... and those are all dern good reasons, but not good enough.

We love ENVE™ wheels because when it's on the line, they give peace of mind.

Have you entered?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

It won't hurt, I promise.

Just click the link and check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

 ---

163.3 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
7.3 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4338266395

THE FIRST TIME I WAS INITIATED INTO THE HARDING TRUCK TRAIL WAS TRAUMATIC.  Four of us went - Eric, Jeff, Brad and Young Diesel.  Two summited.  Two walked...

... I got blisters.

It was supposed to be Off Season Cross Training.  The two guys that actually raced a lot, Eric and Jeff, invited us along.  Probably just for the entertainment factor.

The 9 mile climb on mountain bikes was about 8 miles further than either Brad or I had ever ridden uphill.  It became slog, a death march.

We stopped multiple times.  Checked the time.  Wondered if we'd made a wrong turn, even though there were no turns to make.

We were cursing their names for leaving us, and cursing ourselves for being so dumb to be caught on this giant mountain without a clue of what to expect.

Finally, they came ripping around a corner... huge grins on their faces... they were having a blast.

I've since rounded that same corner hundreds of times.  Sometimes just cruising, others pushing hard trying to set a PR.  Each time I've wondered why I pressed on with cycling and others like Brad quit.

Maybe some of us like to suffer more than others... or maybe we see the connection between work and joy?

Today was Rocky's first ride in years.  He's our head of design, and he just got a super sweet BMC Trail Fox. After a 40 minute ride on the local trails...

... he said, I think I might puke...

... that's a pretty dern good sign he'll be a lifer.

Speaking of life, did you know ENVE™ warrants their wheels for life... which is exactly why I hope you win...

... our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway

All ya gotta do is click that there link below.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

It won't hurt, I promise.

Just click the link and check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

 ---

163 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4332715729

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF WISHLISTS:  1 is for winners, 1 is for winers.  And no Sparky, I ain't talking about that shiny red two-wheeler you hope is under the tree for the 20th year in a row.  That would be wishing for something different, which is exactly what winers do.  You are not a winer... 

... you are a winner.

Which is why you probably subconsciously know this truth to be self-evident.

We don't wish things were different, things like:

• Our competition was slower
• The wind was at our backs
• The course was easier
• The entry fee lower
• Blah
• Blah
• Blah

We wish for one thing only:

• We wish we were better.

Why?

Because we're the only variable we can control.  When we get better, everything else gets easier.

Check this comment from JC, this is what it's all about:

This year, by the way, was my most consistent year of training -- 12 straight months of five days/week, mostly on the indoor trainer -- and the race I did last weekend (Austin Rattler) was so much more enjoyable than races I'd done in years' past. Flying by people going up climbs, carving through loose corners, etc. I don't know when I will ever reach the "mastery" you describe, but I feel a whole lot closer.

The question is of course... how much better would he be with a set of $3000 ENVE™ Wheels?

You know, the ones you can win when you purchase a bottle of magical PR Lotion...

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

... yep, purchase 1 bottle of AMP PR Lotion and you'll get 175 entries into the drawing.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

---

162 lbs
Stretch N Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
PaddleSurf

IT'S MY DERN FAULT.  I pick the time to start the ride.  Everybody meets.  I'm late.  They usually wait.  But, not t'night.  Was it something I said...

... could it have been Keep up or know your way home?

As usual, I'd lost track of time and found myself full throttle trying to do a 20 minute ride in 12 minutes.  I got there 6 minutes late.  When I came a round the bend I could see their silhouettes high on the ridge above.  It would take me 5 minutes to get there.

I wouldn't see them for another 42 minutes.

I was smoked when I finally caught them.

We had to cross a street, to keep ripping the singletrack.

The light was red.

It turned green way too soon.

They took off like they were shot from a cannon.

All 3 of 'em, full gas... and the girl, that dern newgirl, who I'd warned to know her way home was sticking it to The Old Diesel...

... $%^&!

Of course I wasn't really saying $%^&!... I was thinking $%^&girl, look at you go!

One thing is for $%^& sure... I hope she doesn't win our

$3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway

Actually, I do hope she wins... but you know who hopes she doesn't win... all those ladies who are gonna line up with her when she finally does her first race.

The only question I have is who is going to text me first when she drops me for good asking I found my home... her or her hubsand who already drops me at will.

Do me a favor and check out the $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway... I really want to lower her odds of winning.  Yes, I'm that shallow and Yes, I'm that kind of a friend.

THERE'S A LOT OF SALTY LANGUAGE IN THE OL' PELOTON.  Some from the couthless.  Some from the dropped.  Some from the flatted.  But, none of it comes close to the 4 letter word bike riders don't want to hear...

... and, yes, I do mean to shame them.

Don't get me wrong, bike riding is a wonderful thing to do.  It's just that, there's a whoppingbig difference between riding and racing.

Riding is fine.
Racing is refined.
Riding is fun.
Racing is damnfun.

Have you guessed the 4 letter word?  Trust me, riders don't want to hear it... and e-riders, bless their lowbeating hearts, disdane it.

WORK.

There.

I said it.

There is no other way to master the bike without racing.  It doesn't have to be formal, and 99% of the time it's not.  So don't fret your germfearingself with visions of failure.  There's plenty of racing to do all by your lonesome.

When we really work at getting better, 'cause that what racing does, we have the potential to maximize our... uh, potential.  Ya follow?

Hobbying around is dandy, and if you're on an electric motorcycle with pedals at least you're outside - and I don't mean the elderly and those battling disease, I mean the young and lazy.  

I was reminded of this when Rocky shared the video that inspired him to ride MTB as a wee highschooleree.  The riders aren't pinned up, the bikes aren't plated, but they are going all out... on the jagged edge of megadanger.  Watching those cats inspired him to build jumps and let it all hang out.

That's racing.

It takes work.  Lots of it.

Work.  Work.  Work... your lycracovered hiney off.

There's no substitute for the results of cycling mastery...

... I mean, if you're into that sort of thing...

... if you're not, mediocrity is coo'

Nah... we're into mastery over here.  We're also into riding and racing the very best.

So, we created the great and amazing ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.

If you're into getting SUPERAWESOME free stuff that will help you demolish your old PRs, then click here now:

pedalindustries.com/giveaway

What are you waiting for?  You know you want a new set of ENVEs!

pedalindustries.com/giveaway

---

163.4
Stretch N Hypervolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4318267015

SOMETIMES, LIKE RIGHT THIS SECOND, I JUST GOTTA OWN MY SHIZ.  While I'd really, really, really, really like to lie about something.  Not even gonna sugar coat it.  Because we all know...

... it's best to rip the scab off.

I reckon you're like me, prefer to just talk about the good stuff, the wins, the PRs... and very heavily gloss over the bad stuff, the losses, the major steps backwards.

But, if there's one thing I learned from the great David Goggins... until we own our shiz, we're gonna be stuck.

And who wants to be stuck?... like when you get caught out by a deluge and the mud turns to cement, sucking your shoes off... or you get to the top of the climb 12 miles from civilization and get a flat, and you don't have the necessarys to fix it... or when you've bonked in the middle of nowhere and your energy has vamoosed on ya, and you forgot your wallet...

... who wants that?

Nobody.

But, bike riders like us, as good as we are, can still really screw things up.

What don't I want to own up to right now?  Oh, just packing on 5 lbs in the last 10 days by simply cheating a little teencyweency bit every day.  

It happens.

I know.

Too often I've "forgotten" to record my weight on those days.  Been eversotempted to fudge the numbers on the blog.

But, here's el problemo.

Next week or month or year... I'll want to review where I was today and if I don't record anything, it's not that it didn't happen, it's that I can't learn from what happened... can't make adjustments... can't recognize further failure nor marked improvement.

Yeah, I'm into recording shtuff.  I'm into owning my shiz.  I'm into improving...

... and I'm really into this Hypervolt for recovery.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery

It's so very, very good and working out all the damage we do on the really hard days... the ones where we just might be taking out our foulups on the roads, trails and hearts we hammer.  

I'm going to need it tomorrow night, for sure.

Promo code:  FIRSTTHINGSFIRST expires Sunday.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery 

---

164.4
30 PullUps/100 PushUps
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4314622794

FIXING FLATS WAS A SKILL THAT MATTERED when racing mountain bikes in the early years.  We even carried a few links of chain, because busting the chain was a regular thing.  Our lights weighed pounds and barely lit the trail...

... but that's nothing.

Imagine the early racers from the 1890's on the "safety bicycles", what we'd consider a beach cruiser.  Super heavy, no gears.  Still clocking over 30mph.

Or, the PennyFarthing... a front wheel up to 5' tall, with a tiny wheel behind.

I remember my friend's vintage Italian racer with a front derailleur that was shifted by reaching down with his hand to grab a lever and move it over.

Today's bicycles are so good, so easy to use, so incredibly reliable... well, it kinda makes ya wonder if we'd even be bike riders were we to face the trials of the early bikes...

... not really!  

Of course, we'd still be riding.  We'd just be a lot more skilled at fixing things and probably a tad more banged up from breaking things... like bones.

These days, we pretty much have 2 concerns:

Did I pump up my tires?
Charge my batteries - computer, shifters, lights?

Well did ya?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all 

If you like tshirts that get softer the more you wear them, with ink you can't even feel... then you'll love our t's.

Use promo code: TIME

Yes, they ship for free... and cost less than twenty smackers if you act quickly.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all 

---

?
Stretch
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4310865487

AT THE TOP OF A LOCAL CLIMB TODAY I could see far across the ocean.  There's a sense of freedom sailors have knowing the can pull up the anchors and escape in the big blue.  We have it too, at least I think we do.

Most of us live outside of the dense metropolitan areas.  Without much effort we can pedal beyond the concrete jungles.  

Having done it many times, we become like the sailors.  Knowing that if we had to, we cold quickly put piles of miles between ourselves and any potential problems.

We add to that confidence on days like today, rainy/snowy/blistering heat...

... which is exactly why I rolled out knowing I would quickly get caught in the storm.

To build that sense of confidence.  To feel what nature can do. These are the reasons to ride when it's less than ideal.

The foul weather riders are the ones who are best able to get away... even if it's just to escape for a few hours to clear our heads.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

These gloves won't save ya in the snow, but they are right toasty on the cold and wet days.

Use promo code ESCAPE to save.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

---

162
Stretch
6 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4305407777

IT'S A LOT HARDER SAID THAN DONE.  First things first.  Sounds so commonsensical.  Should be easy as pie.  But, it's not.  Much more difficult than...

... coasting down a gentle grade.

It's can be impossible, and I was reminded of it today.

I'd planned, planned!, to keep the momentum of waking up early that I'd started the week off with - due to the time change.  

Get up, do my reading, go for a spin, head on in.  

Buttttttt... I got derailed.  Overslept a teeence - like 10 minutes - which put me in the crosshairs of the almighty Honey, can you help me with something which lead to the Remember to do the...

... not to fear though, because the workday was slated to be very productive in the morning, with an easy afternoon.  Just had to stay the course and Rocky and I'd be out in time to take his new BMC MTB for some dirtripping.

Next thing I know... we've nailed a new promotional video - you're gonna love it, done a bunch a work, and met with CHill for his team's 10th Anniversary kits - we LOVVVE designing in person...

... and the sun has set.

My first thing, getting out for a spin... 

... has become no thing.

And that's the hard part about putting first things first... we must actually put them first.

If there's one thing I've learned, there's always more work to do... and if I put taking care of my health off to the end of day, it's soon the end of the entire day...

... and I want to have a lot more healthy days.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery

Which is why tonight I'll be digging deep with my Hypervolt.

You're probably wondering what that is... think of a thousand trained hands working out all the kinks in your overworked muscles.

How good would that feel?
How much better would your legs perform?

Promo code:  FIRSTTHINGSFIRST expires Sunday.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery 

---

163.2
30 PullUps/100 PushUps
8 hrs sleep
no ride :(

MOST OF US.  All of us?  Ride the same rides, the same dern way.  We have our little move, the thing we can do mostly better than all others.  It works.  We do it.  Let's go crazy next ride...

... ride it totally diffferent.

Wheelsuckers, attack!
Attackers, suckwheel!
Climbers, roll those flats!
Flatlubbers, hit those climbs hard!

Change it thehell up.

If ya have a gravel bike or MTB, take it to the fast road ride.
Take the roadbike offroading.

Are we gonna let the elevator bring us down?
Oh no.  Let's go...

Endurance feinds, nothing but hard short rides.
Power freaks, drop some LongSlowDistance.

We've got nothing to lose, nothing to prove, and ev' ree thang to gain should we chance upon a superpower we never knew we had.

Only one way to find out.

... Crazy!

Which might require getting up errrrleee or stayin' our L8.

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

If yer a roadie, this is a mighty fine set up.  1000 lumens on the front, and eye searing red on the back.

Use promo code CRAZY to save 20%.

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

---

162
Stretch n Roll
7ish hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4290309626

SOME SAY IT'S NOT THE SIZE OF YOUR PEN THAT MATTERS, but the quality of your penmanship.  This may be true about getting down things on paper, but certainly doesn't translate to getting down or going up...

... on a mountain bike, at night.

Nope, at night on a mountain bike a bigger light makes up for all kinds of deficiencies.  And, if you're really pro about it you'll have two lights.

One on your head.

One on your bike.

Now, a lot of folks get this all bassakwards, so let me 'splain it to ya.

Shadows are everything with night riding.  It's the shadows that give you depth perception.  No shadows and that big rock is going to look flat... and you'll soon be flat on your back if you're not careful.  

Here's the set up you want.

A very, very powerful flood light on your bike. 

The beam should be aimed far down the trail.  Done correctly, you'll get a ton of shadows.  You need those to give your brain a chance to register the terrain ahead.

A low power spot light on your head. 

This low power light will help you see ahead of you handlebars.  Unless you're going straight ahead your bars are trailing your vision.  Examples would be turns and dropoffs.  In daylight you're eyes are scanning far ahead of where your bars actually pointed.  At night, this low power light will be lighting up where you're planning to go but not be so bright as to wash out the shadows created by the much more powerful flood light on your bike.

If you have to choose one light, get the powerful floodlight on your bike.

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

This combo is the only reason I was even close to MSmith tonight.  The flood light is so amazingly powerful, even on the low setting you'll get lots of shadows.

This little feller is light as a feather, and the perfect spot light for peaking around corners or over dropoffs.

If you're secret Santa needs a big fat hint, share this post...

... and share this promo code: GOTTALIGHT

It's a buy 1, save 25% on the 2nd light... and free shipping.

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

---

163.6
Pull Ups/Push Ups
7ish hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4287859853

SOMETIMES LOSING IS BETTER THAN WINNING.  Like today.  When I got crushed on the local group ride.  My head was hanging pretty low...

... staring down at the ground.

Where lay a crisp $20.

It's like that sometimes.

One of the things I liked back in the good ol' days of categorized racing with huge fields was we lost a lot.  And, with every loss we'd limp home boundanddetermined to do better next time.

With a little luck, and a helluva lot of hard work, we'd score some points... maybe get a win... and advance to the next level of racing.

Rinse and repeat.

I've seen my fair share of athletes who come in, get an easy win and move on rather than moving up.

The money is in the losing, that's where we become better.  Where we learn to win at whatever we put our minds to.

While you can't always win... you can still score...

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

Yes, you can have two of these excellent water bottles delivered for less than $20.

Use promo code: CRISP

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

---

1643.6
Stretch n Roll
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4281217764

ON THE LONG LIST OF THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK is something I don't feel like doing.  It could be the time change.  The turn to cold weather.  Maybe just burnout...

... nevertheless, I'm gonna do it.

Get up earlier than most.  Put on less clothes than most.  Go my bike faster than most.  Eat better than most.  Do more than most...

... because I'm committed to be healthier than most. 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/face-masks

These are our fleece face masks.  Made here in our factory.

Use promo code - MAKEITCOUNT - it's a buy 3, get 3 promo code.

So, when you purchase 6 half of them will be free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/face-masks

---

164.8 lbs (fell off the wagon last weekend)
Stretch n Roll
8.2 hrs
no ride

I TOOK MY BIKE WIDOW, aka Surfergirl, vanping up the coast.  Some of us, me, Have a tough time riding with our betters.  But, this was a hit...

... camping at Emma Wood's State Beach.

We rolled out for a lovely morning pedal north along the water's edge.  A stunning winter's day.  Pancake flat.  Eversoslight headwind.

Pardon the hashtag, but... #browniepoints.

An hourish in, and we were set to turn back.  It was at the bottom of a famous climb.  She caught me looking forlornly as my people, chiseled and svelte, were heading up.

Where does that go?

Oh, I think (I knew dernwell) it might go inland and circle back to where we started.

You should go that way?

Up there?

Yeah, I'll be fine.

Magic words.

Going up was wonderful.  It's a great climb, on a typical CA country road.  No options to turn for miles.  Just go up, and down, and twist around.

But, here's the thing.  I wasn't 100% sure which way to go after an hour of bliss, and TBH... me hates stopping and looking at giggle maps.

Instead, I did something truly radical...

... I stopped a couple of times and talked to humans. 

I said things like Good morning, do you know if this goes...

... and they responded with, Hi there... yes it does just go...

Bold, I know... as the great Nacho Libre says, Sometimes when you are a man you wear stretchy pants and ask for help.

You also wear stretchy socks, made in these United States of ours with FastMax Compression Technology and EZ Breathe yars.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks

I know I said this was ending on 10/31, but my bike widow is begging to go window shopping on State Street in Santa Barbara... and, well, I got a lot more good deeds to do before next race season.

Buy 2 get 1 free.

Use promo code: INTERMITTENT

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks

---

? lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4268332692

I LEARNED SOMETHING THIS MONTH, and I think it applies athletes like us.  To who we are.  I put out a job opening ad, just like the one I posted in June.  Word for word.  Only this time I added...

... if you're awesome, we want you.

In June I received about 20 resumes.

In October I received 2, one said I'm awesome.

At the core of every endurance athlete I've ever met, and I've met a lot, is an inner knowledge that they are awesome.  

Skill level has nothing to do with.

Nor do published results.

It's just a feeling that come what may... I got this.

And, I love that.

Guys like MK who found us somehow and stopped in today.

That's an incredible bike, man!

Yeah, I just raced it 350 miles across Arizona with no support... not even water.

That's who we are... we may never sign up for an event like that, but we know we could do it if we had to.

Have an awesome weekend...

... and buy some awesome socks.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks

Act quick, because I'm only going to do until the end of the month.

Buy 2 get 1 free.

Use promo code: INTERMITTENT

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks

---

161
Stretch n Roll
8.2 hrs
no ride today

THIS IS GONNA BE QUICK, because I just ate a late and huge dinner with our friends The Gentleman and Lady Luck.  No big deal...

... 'cause I've been intermittent fasting.

For the uninitiated that means I've compressed my food intake window from 16 hours to 8ish.  Some people compress it down to 6 or even 4 hours when they'll be eating, and the rest of the time they're not.

K.

Here are the 3 things I've learned:

1. It's not that hard, once you go a few days and establish a new routine.  For me, that means not eating until around 1pm.
2. You will lose weight, for sure.
3. You will realize how much less food you need, and be surprised at how much you've been overeating.

That third one is really a mind blower.  It took me until today to realize I'm spending a lot less at the grocery store.  

Bonus section:

• I feel really good.  There's that 9am when I think, oh I should eat... then I don't, instead I get a ton of things done and kazaam it's 1pmish and I'm thinking I guess I should eat.
• I seem to be sleeping better... but, honestly, that could be it's just finally cooled off (we don't have a/c) and the sun is rising later.
• It seems like it will be easy to maintain.

That third one is a game changer.  If you've haven't dropped 5lbs lately, it's a big deal... and you'll go a lot faster on your bike.

Those lost pounds of course have their intrinsic weight, but they also suck up resources -  like oxygen to stay alive.  So, if you think about it, losing some ballast is like sleeping at altitude.

And, when you sleep at altitude your feeties can get cold... so you might wear socks, which means you might need a few extra pair of socks...

... isn't it great that we just received some new spiffy colors? 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks

Yes it is great, because I'm only going to do until the end of the month.

Buy 2 get 1 free.

Use promo code: INTERMITTENT

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/new-socks

---

161.4
Stretch n Roll
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4260726648

FOR ME, THE BEST GRAND TOUR IS LA VUELTA.  The courses are more interesting, the outcome less predictable, the competitors more emotional and more willing to take risks to win it all... 

... a lot like our NCAA vs NBA/NFL...

... just a helluvalot more fun to watch and follow.

If you get a chance to watch Stage 7 you'll see what I'm talking about.  It was won by a former runner... a man who once ran a sub-4 minute mile.

Now, the thing I like about that is it's one of the only ways for us regular athletes to put in perspective who special these men are.  We've all run a mile.  We all know our best time... and it's nowhere near sub-4.

And that's kinda like the NCAA football teams that have receivers who are also running world class 100 meter times.

The Vuelta also seems to have dramatic lead changes.  Roglic was leading, now he's trailing.  Carapez is leading, but I'll bet he'll lose that lead.  

Which is a lot like an NCAA basketball game, where we see huge lead swings.

Speaking of lead swings...

... Matt took us out for his powerloop today.  One power climb after another.  He was hammering us the entire way except for the last climb where I finally got him good.

Of course he blamed it on forgetting his superlight race gloves.

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

There are lots of colors to chose from... and in Matt's honor this promo code is good for a buy 2, get 1 free.

The code is: LAVUELTA

It expires Friday.

---

162.4 2
PushUps/PullUps
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4256822751

I'VE SAID IT BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN, I may not be as smart as I look but I'm still pretty dern smart.  How smart?  Well, take crosstraining for example...

... you know what crosstraining is?

Crosstraining is anything you do that is different from your normal training.  Lots of sports use cycling as crosstraining... in fact, nearly all injured athletes use "the bike" for recovery and returning to normal functions.

Which begs the question... why do we riders of the two wheels do any other sports at all?

Because all the smart people say we should crosstrain.  Fact is cycling is very repetitive and very limited in range of motion.  There is a long list of crosstraining that we can bring into our world.

Myself, being a dummy, I'll keep it simple.  All noncycling activity is good.  Side to side activities are better.  Upper body and core work a huuuuuuge bonus.

Have at it.

Another benefit is to bring newness and freshness back into a potentially stale regimen...

... which is what I did tonight, even though it was stupid hard.  

But, since this is for dummies and because it is simple I'll share it.  Extra credit because it highlights my low IQ.

I raced home to get on my road bike for the last Market Ride of the year.  

Kitted up.
Prepped bike.
Filled bottles.
Grabbed shoes...
... realized new road shoe cleats where in van, which is at dealer for service...

... never one to bail, slipped on the mtb shoes, pumped up the tires on the gravel bike to a million and off I went.

To make it extra silly, I chased Matt up a local, heinous climb... which sounds a lot like heinous crime, which is what it was.

Sur, that was it and we would barely make the start I suggested we head on over, but noooooo he wanted to bag one more of these beauts.

Yes, that is a very notsosmart warm up to one of the snappiest road rides in town:  bagging climbs, showing up on gravel bike.

But, that's crosstraining for dummies like me... just grab an inappropriate bike and pedal like helk...

... and I definitely pedaled like helk, so much so...

... that I snagged some PRs on those climbs...

... which proves to this dummy, even though that gravel bike is 5lbs heavier, with giant tires... 

• getting proper sleep - I've had a ton lately
• losing some LBs
• taking some time off
• having a dern nice gravel bike

... can make crosstraing the dummy way really fun.

And, it really is all about fun.

Fun facts:

• 9 out of 10 cyclists will drive to a ride or race at least once a month.
• Less than 10% of those 9 have a good strategy for changing clothes

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

This is the very best way to change your clothes, wipe off your body, and quickclean your bike - in that order - after a thrilling outing with your posse.

The good news is, we have some in stock and they make great gifts for those friends who really should keep certain body parts out of public view.

Use promo code: XTRAIN

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

162.4 
stretch
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4252620339

WHEN I PULLED MY GLASSES FROM THE CLUNKY OAKLEY CASE I WAS QUITE SURPRISED.  I expected them to be covered in dust and have the usual sweat streaks...

... why's that?

Well, it was a gravel ride.
Seems like I rode pretty hard.
Rarely, if ever, do I clean my glasses after a ride.

... but, there wasn't any dust or dried sweat drops covering parts of the lens.

It was then that my vision faded to black and white and things began to spin while I was transported back 48 hours.

There was a young and innocent, plucky Diesel floating through the countryside.  Smiling and wishing all well.  Birds were singing. Fall leaves floating.  Heart rate was a steady thump.  

The flashback ended... was I losing my mind?

I looked again at the glasses.  Held them up to the light to be sure... clean as can be.  

Maybe I'd cleaned them after all?  I'd know soon enough.

There are two ways to leave my neighborhood.  Up and then up.  Down and then up.  There is no flat option.

Choosing down and then up I was certain I'd feel some painful residue from the 5 hour ride where I ran out of energy.

Nope.

Following it up with an 8 minute climb, certainly there'd be a tinge or twinge?

Nada.

Taking advantage of prevailing winds and going for a PR on 2 mile segment was the final test.

Zilch.

I should have gone with my original assessment... no sweat on the lens, means no pain in the legs.

Pailful admission here... I felt a moment of pride as I snagged a KOM, even though I knew it was wind aided.  Sometimes ya just gotta break you're own rules every now and again.

Don't fret... I still believe this to my core... PRs, going for our personal best, is by far the better race to win than a KOM.

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

So much so that today and tomorrow, or while supplies last, you can get 2 of these shirts for the price of 1 when you use...

promo code: KNOWSWEAT

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

---

163.4 
push ups/pull ups
8.3 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4246450542

HE'S PROBABLY THE BEST ATHLETE I'VE EVER COMPETED AGAINST.  He taught me to play tennis, and a lot about winning and losing.  More than once he claimed I'd never beat him until he was a hundred years old.  He's getting very close...

... and I'd give anything to hit the ball with him again.

At lunch today, I asked him what would be the first thing he does when he gets to heaven.

I'll look at them all and say Ha Ha Ha, I made to the top!

Who?

All the guys who told me to go to hell.

Why?

'Cause I beat 'em all the time.

We all laughed, and I felt for those guys. 

I was one of them. 

Even though I was pretty good at one point on the court and he had to be 50ish, I could barely get a game off him.  Never a set.

Once I asked him why he took up tennis.  He wasn't super tall.  He was blue collar all the way.  He'd come to this country as a boy..

... and struggled and fought to fit in, to make something of his life, to persist and work really, really hard...

Because I was so gawdawful the first time... I'd always been a good athlete and here was this sport where  I was terrible... and I wanted to practice and beat those guys.  And I knew I could out work and out hustle all of them.

Of all the lessons he taught me it was that one.  Hustle and hardwork can make up for a lot of deficiencies.  

Sitting here after a nice day visiting, I realize his impact is maybe greater than I imagine. 

After all, I am now 50ish myself, and though it's not tennis, I am still doing my best to out hustle and out work my young friends.

I hope we each make it to the top.

Speaking of making it to the top, the best to get to the top a long climb is to be properly fueled by a drink like this.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base

One of the key ingredients is BCAA - branch chain amino acids.  Those little guys are the proteins that take care of our muskulls when we're abusing them.  

This is truly an amazing product, much more than simple electrolytes and sugar.

And we ship it fer free.

And if you're a member of the PEDALposse you can save big.

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

---

161.4 
stretch
8 hrs
no ride

IF YOU'RE COMPETITIVE, AND WE ARE!, IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TAKE TIME OFF.  Which is why you should see Dr. Diesel for a Therapeutic Use Exemption.  It's really the only way...

... he handed me the scribbled Rx.

I tried to read it, squinting.

What's the matter?

Can't read it.

You need glasses?

Nope.

Give it to me... uh, oh...

• Do nothing.
• If you have to do something, make it different.
• If you must ride, have no plan.

Do nothing?

Nada.

Make it different?

Yes.  Walk.  Hike.  Run, if you must.  Swim.  Surf.  Lift some weight... your arms are disgusting!

Have no plan... what about my friends, we all ride together.

Friends!... I thought you were serious.  You shouldn't have friends if you're a committed athlete.  Dump your friends.  Find some nerds, play D&D.  It'll give you something other than gear rations to bore you family with.  Got it?!

I guess.

Good.  Take this.  Pay your bill on the way out.  Go to the drugstore and buy some ice cream.  You need it.

He came highly recommended, so I tried it this week.

No ride Wednesday.

Paddleboard Thursday.

Stupideasy ride to the lookout for navel contemplation Friday.

Slept in until 9 this morning.  A miracle.  Rolled out for a noplan ride, just water in my bottles. 

30 minutes in, on my way to nowhere.

90 minutes later, I had a popcicle in one hand and a Coke in the other.

2 hours later, I completely bonked... had to pull over a mile from home and get a drink and a chocolate chip croissant.

I think the doc would approve of all except the bonking.  Very rookie.  He has warned me before about bonking.  How it can take weeks to recover from that... which is why he prescribes GQ6.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base

One of the key ingredients is BCAA - branch chain amino acids.  Those little guys are the proteins that take care of our muskulls when we're abusing them.  

This is truly an amazing product, much more than simple electrolytes and sugar.

And we ship it fer free.

And if you're a member of the PEDALposse you can save big.

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

---

162.4 too much cake last night
stretch
8.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4239117492

AS THE GREAT TOM PETTY TOLD IT, I won't back down... You can stand me up at the gates of hell, but I won't back down.  Yep, that song makes The Old Diesel's race pump mix...

... never was it more hellacious than last Saturday's Cactus Cup.

The Ol' Wahoo read 107.

That was only part of the reason we got whacked as a collective group.  Not even the main reason.  It might have been inevitable, but the following reasons did not help.

• Course knowledge.  The course wasn't technical, but there were hundreds of turns where seconds could be lost.  300 turns X 2 seconds = 10 minutes.  That's extremely hard to make up.
• Terrain prep.  There are no big climbs, and, therefore, no long descents to rest.  We aren't used to that... races around here have 5,10, 20+ minutes climbs.  It's a different kind of effort and it hurt in an unaccustomed way.
• Kitty litter on concrete is how the locals describe the surface of sand and decomposed granite.  We are use to dry, slippery conditions out here... if you're coming from afar, beware.

Yeah, we are looking forward to returning in March better prepared. 

But, the big, big, big question is...

... would you, my finefastfriend, dig it if I put together a video on how to attack this race or any other race?

Course and terrain insights, bike set up, lines to take, food strategies, crew tips, etc.

I put this way down here at the bottom because I really want to hear from the true racers.  

That's you right?

If it is then at some point you'll be looking for a truly fine racing machine.  I can tell you right now, my BMC 4 Stroke is by far that best XC bike I've ever ridden or raced... but, why when you probably already know that same bike took 1st and 3rd at World's a few days back.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles

Sure it looks tame here... because you can't see the proprietary hiddendropper post, can't appreciate the perfect head angle, can't feel the whippiness of the stiff and light frame.

Which is why I included this pic. 

I'm going about 20 miles per hour, totally confident, not caring at all about that babyhead my front tire is squashing, 1 finger on each brake lever, saddle dropped, just lettin' it blast right through the gates of hell.

You may be asking yourself...

Damn that bike looks awesome I wonder if PEDALindustries is carrying all the BMC bikes?

And the answer is Hellyeah!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles

Let me know what you're looking for and I'll let you know price and availability.

PS... ya really oughta join the PEDALposse first:  https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription

---

160.8 lbs
PushUps and PullUps
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4233275312

... still reading?  It's Saturday, get out and ride! : )

WE TURNED AROUND EARLY TONIGHT.  We're running outta daylight.  And it's gonna get worse.  There are 2 strategies I have employed over the years.

One, move all the rides to sunrise.

Two, get some serious lights going.

But, maybe it's time for a 3rd gear?...

... and it goes right along with the 5 hour work day...

Get my sprinter buns to work early... burn like a fiend for 5 hours.  Take a two-wheeled break.

The other advantage to gear number 3 is I can skip the chill of riding sans sun.  No rolling out into a dense, 40 degree fog.  No riding into night as it gets colder and colder.

On 3rd thought...

... it's harsher conditions that make me feel most alive.  It takes serious drive and desire to ride with rising and setting suns.  Plus, it's electrifying knowing all the little Whos in Whoville are peacefully, comfortable asnooze and will soon be wondering Howtheheck did you and I get so much faster and fitter.

---

161.2 lbs
Paddleboard
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4231075069

ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES IS WHEN MY PAL KH CAME TO VISIT FOR A FEW WEEKS.  At the time, he was in very fine shape.  He was looking forward to unleashing his hard earned awesomeness on the locals...

... little did he know...

It's an overcast, balmy spring morning.

Which means California racing has been in full gallop for months... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.

We join the awesome and feared Coffee Crew.

At the time, this was the place where dragon slayers regularly hacked off the legs of all who dared take the front... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.

A maddening pace is set through town.

Some are shed, some are spared, all know the worst is yet to come... naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready.

We hit the base of Newport Coast.

The regulars know the pace will continue to increase all the way to the top until all the unworthy are skewered...

...naive KH thinks his basement sessions have him ready

AND HE TAKES OFF!

I'm stunned.

Impressed at his acceleration.

A decent gap is opened, and no one responds.

The gap holds for a minute or so.

Then starts to shrink.

We gain speed.

As he rockets by in reverse one of the greatest lines ever heckled cuts KH to the core...

It was fun while it lasted.

Delivered by any other person and blows might have been thrown.  But, it was the loud, opinionated, lovable, old mother hen of the ride... the legendary Todd Schooler.

Todd may be gone, but that line lives on... many a time KH and I have laughed over that very moment and certainly dropped it on each other plenty.

And maybe that's why the group rides live on... because of the characters who dish it out not only with their legs but their unfiltered mouths as well.

Either way, I gotta do the rides to keep my sanity.

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Before Sunday.

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---

163.2 lbs
rest
7.7 hrs
no ride

IT HAD BEEN 7 YEARS SINCE MY FIRST WHISKY 50.  Trevor, my oldest, and I had rented Wenger's Sprinter and camped in this same spot - White Spar Campground.  I woke up ready to explore vs race...

... Prescott AZ has miles and miles and miles and miles of pristine single track.

Whisky covers some good terrain, but at pace ya just never appreciate the beauty of a place.

Ranger Angelica chatted me up and then pointed in her favorite direction. 

I had to ride 100 yards on pavement... then 5 amazing miles up, just me and my BMC.  It kinda looked familiar but I couldn't be sure.

I stopped to take in the views.  Nature in every direction.  No landmarks.  Not a soul.

This was a good time to reacquaint myself with the TrailForks app.  What a terrific tool to have.  I quickly oriented myself.  Realized I was on the recently completed Prescott Circle - a 50 single track around the community. 

But here's the thing...

Would I have been better off just adventuring with no local knowledge and limited supplies like olden days or playing it safe with the app?

Is it really exploring if we have an app or map?

... I think my pioneer ancestors would laugh at our manufactured adventures and challenges...

... at the same time, I think our adventures give us a glimpse of what their lives were like when reading, learning and hearing their stories.

One thing is for sure, we're all still wearing hats when the sun is on us.

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---

? lbs
rest
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4221815656

AS MY FRIEND HARDTAIL PUTS IT, Friends take advantage of friends.. And with that, we set out on a fantastical ride through some of Sedona's very choice 200 miles of single track...

... which is unlike nearly all other singletrack.

After 'bout 2 hours we'd gone a whopping 13ish miles and 1300ish feet of vert.  We were smoked.

Why?

Wellllll...

The trails are tight and twisty and technical. 
Rarely coasting, rarely relaxing.
Attention demanding...

... you'd think exhausting, but that's not really it. 

Mentally, this kind of riding if very refreshing,  Like racing, there's no chance of daydreaming.  But, it's not racing.  It's challenging and playful.

While my fully was soaking up the rough stuff,  Hardtail was ripping some hard trails... jumping on, over and down everything... I knew not to follow too closely when he said he purposely takes the hard line.

Now... if you're into the stoke of riding a hardtail, if you're thinking of purchasing a hardtail... ya gotta check out his YouTube channel for the hardcore hardtail downlow.

https://www.youtube.com/c/hardtailparty/videos

We're just building out a product line for him... hardtail specific RaceDay Bags™, ponchos, jerseys, gloves, socks, etc.

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---

no scale lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4218063594

IT WASN'T UNTIL I PROMOTED A FEW RACES MYSELF until I really understood all the behind the scenes effort that goes into a race.  Here's how to tell if a race promoter is making any money...

... if you come away with a bad taste, and a million ways to improve it...

... the promoter is probably making out like a bandit.

But, if you come away thinking... 

Shucks, I had a blast and anybody could do that and make a fat living...

... well, that is exactly the promoter who is working night and day to make sure you and me have a blast on said day.  There are sleepless nights, countless hours of prep and worry and concern.  Umpteen fruitless sponsor meetings.  Spouses and friends that are tapped to pitch in with major - and I mean major - volunteer hours.

If by some miracle these saints who dedicate so much of their time, talents and energy manage to get some momentum and actually make a nickel or two...

... well, bygolly, give 'em hug and a hallelujah because they sure as heaven deserve it.

Such were my feelings after a wonder outing at the Cactus Cup, because I sureashelk had a wonderful time.

Can ya imagine doing all that then having Covid cut your registration by 75%?

So, if you're lucky enough to do a terrific event this year... track that promoter down, give 'em a hug and a thanks and get the word out...

... Helluva race at ____________!

And, if you're looking for a way to support these fine peeps.. then get one of the very fine RaceDay Bags™ or other gear we made for them.

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

 See ya there next March!

---

161 lbs
Matt's Boots again
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4212781213

THE FINISH LINE COULDN'T COME SOON ENOUGH.... nah, the finish was never coming.  The cramps started just after I missed a crucial turn, which happened just after I got snapped off the back, which happened a little too quickly after the start.

Now lest you think this is some pathetic woe is me post... 

... it ain't.

First, it's good to get whacked... and boy did the locals whack me.  From elbows out at the start to turning the screws as the heat beat me down while seemingly making them go faster.

Second, it's great to be involved in an activity that requires I maximize my health... gotta take the very best of care of me to have fun.

Third, I'm here with my pals.  Some I've just met.  And we just spent the afternoon on the porch talking about nothing. 

Yeah, these are the results I'm looking for... inspiration, max health and fine friends.

Of course I wasn't thinking about any of this during the final miles.  

All I could think about was the ice cold CocaCola in the van.  It was going to be so cold.  So wonderful.  The smooth bubbly sugary formula kept secret for centuries was drawing me in like a moth to light...

... even passed a few on the way in...

... that's how much that Coke was pulling me.

Can a Coke even be properly appreciated without feelin' the burn?

Questions like this can only be answered by us... me and you.  And, if you were here I'd a had a bottle for ya to join me like the rest of the fellas.

Cheers!

Since you aren't here, how about a deal on water bottles?

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---

? lbs
Matt's Boots again
terrible sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4208089324

THERE WAS A BIT OF RIBBING WHEN THE FELLAS SAW MY BATMAN PJS.  But, I'm used to it.  We all are.  We're riding around in what many consider undies... 

... am I right?
... are they right?

As the Batman says:

It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.

We're lunching now and the nervous energy is eatable... heavily seasoned with trash talk.  Yummmmmm...

I'm first to go off on the TT. 

The almighty WeatherChannel says it'll be 99. 

I haven't told the fellas that I purchased a couple of bags of peas to wear under my jersey while I warm up.  I think staying cool until the last second is going to be key.  Sneaky of me, I know.

I'm not planning to take a bottle.  It's a 20ish minute effort with a million (literally) turns and undulations.

Matt asks what I'm doing...

Writing the blog so I can get to bed early.

What happens if you don't write it?

pause... 

I'll die... my life is a Twilight Zone.

Time to throw on the number plate... as y'all know, that's when the shizgetz real.  Nice, unflappable ToddyB becomes...

... The Old Diesel...

... I should be really rolling about 20 minutes into this thing.

In the meantime, I'll be selling the fellas hard on a solid 1 hour warm up... on rollers in my van with door shut so it feels cool when they get out.  I need every advantage I can get.

... oh man, I forgot how hard TTs are. 

I am pretty happy with my run. 

Caught my minute man about 15 minutes in... took longer than I'd have liked for him to pull over.  I struck my pedal on a rock on the only real climb.  So... I figure I lost about 20 seconds between the dude and the rock.  But, that's racing.  Everybody probably had something.  

I most pleased with staying well within my limits.  I should feel really good tomorrow.

As far as the race between the fellas... we are all within a minute, in order of our age.  Tomorrow's gonna be fun.

Now for some steak for me...

... and maybe some of the good stuff for you if you'll be riding in the heat any time soon.

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Tomorrow, since it will be a very difficult course to eat on I'll get all my calories via my drink.  3 scoops per bottle.  

And, to combat any heat induced cramps I'll be letting the chewable saltstick chew melt under my tongue... I carry them in a special case which you'll get with your purchase.

You'll get 50% off the second item with this promo code:  HOTINHERE

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---

? lbs
Matt's Boots
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4204190806

AT SOME POINT I'VE GOT DECIDE IF THIS IS A BIKCATION OR A RACECATION.  Now, if I was traveling by myself I'd drive a little longer for some better food... but, I'll be dawgawned if I didn't find my two hands with a firm grip on a Big Mac at 12 Noon in the middle of the Arizona desert... 

... for the first time since snagging a podium at SLR. 18 months ago.

Then it was a matter of reward, along with the McFlurry, for pulling off something I'd failed at 4 years in a row.

Today, well, it was just going with flow.

Is it going to make a difference over 3 days of racing?  Doubtful.

But, it is just a funny thing how the more people we add to the trip the longer we take and the collectively dumber we get.

It took us about 4 hours to get out of Sprout's tonight.  We were only getting food for tomorrow.  We have enough to survive a few years.

By myself I'd be more nimble.

Precise.

Quick.

But, ya know what... I'd be by myself... 

Not getting turned around while preriding the course when we arrived.
Not cramming 7 of us around a 5 person table for dinner.
Not RoShamBowing for the master bedroom.
Not laughing at nonsense.

... not answering questions like this:

Are you a singer or mantra guy?

Huh?

Do you sing songs when you race or have a mantra?

Songs for sure... like Kanye's Stronger...

Which I immediately cranked to 10, knowing he hates rap.

Yeah, it's a bikcation for sure... and when McD's is on the menu, and we dilly and dally for hours I just gotta remember...

That that that that don't kill me only makes me stronger.

Maybe I am a mantra guy after all?

For sure, I'm a PR Lotion guy.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

Yes, over the next 3 days I'll be doing multiple applications.  Even for tomorrow's 20ish minute TT...

... 'cause let's be honest the bragging rights each night are what it's all about.

Order now, the shipping is free but the bragging rights ya gotta earn... even on a bikcation.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

---

161 lbs
StretchNRoll
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4200542505

SOME RISKS I'M WILLING TO TAKE, others I'm not.  We're all that way, and I'm sure we're all completely justified for our ways of thinking.  That said, we are on bicycles, traveling at a good clip... and, well... sometimes I get to wondering...

... Whattheheck are ya thinking!

Is it just me?

Here are the opposite ends of the spectrum:

New superbike <--->  Old bucket a bolts

Riding a pristine paved road with no one around <---> Charging down a mountain

Somewhere in there we all demonstrate our risk tolerance.

Me personally,

I'd slowly ride a rusted out bucket of bolts down the boardwalk on a sunny summer day with an easy breez, no prob... but, I'd never trust it with my life. 

I'd charge trails that would be tough to walk down or up, and tuck a nice paved road at 50mph on a new superbike... and love it.

But, those cats who throw down a few Benjamins on a Walmart whip or a Craigslist cringer then head out and go Full Send...

... oh man, you've got my attention... not sure about my respect... but my attention for sure...

... and I'll probably speak up,
get shut down
and uncomfortably settle in
like some creepy voyeur...

... wonderin' how they approach the rest of their lives.

But that's not how we roll, right?

Nope, we take some risks for sure... but we leave nothing to chance.

Especially not our helmets.

Good news is, right now, during the Giro, you can get these beautiful helmets with some sweet savings.

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It can be used on any helmet to save 20%

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---

161.2 lbs
StretchNRoll
7.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4194433376

DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT.  I'm totally biased, plus I'm ripping all kinds of PRs the more I get settled in.  And, don't believe the marketing hype.  Just look at the scoreboard.

But, before you look at the scoreboard...

... let's remember one thing when it comes to mountain biking...

... ADVENTURE.

Yes, yes, I love my road riding.  And, of course, the freedom and creativity of gravel bikes.  But, nothing makes me feel like a warrior out for adventure than my mountain bike.

Riding off into the wild where bad things can happen and nobody is around to bail ya out has a certain, how do you say... Imabadass... about it.

We sense that from the moment we put on our shoes which are heavy, and lugged, and dusty, and scraped up.

Personally, I'm not too big on protective gear and I've got plenty of dents and scars to show for it.  Fact is, I kinda like seeing a little blood from time to time.  Makes me feel alive.

Dropping down a rutted shoot with the front wheel about to break loose and the rear wheel skidding and clinging... launching off a knob at speed and flying 10'... leaning to nearly horizontal riding a berm in a turn... these are sensations only mountain bikers know.

Which brings me back to that scoreboard... ya see, that bike I've been ripping PRs on downhill sections is the very same bike that was ridden to a World Championship over the weekend... and Jordan Sarrou made it look easy.

Easy and in control are the exact feelings I've been having on this bike.  The geometry is perfect.  The bottom bracket height is just right.  The dropper post is excellent.  The twin-loc makes climbing a dream... ahhh, such a great bike.

The kind of bike that you want to take on adventure, be a warrior on, experience nature and all her many ways trying to kill you.

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This is the one I chose.

And I'd love to help you get one if you're into adventure and danger.

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Oh... and I almost forgot to mention... our superlight race gloves were developed expressly for this type of riding.  They fit tight, are made of real leather, and provide a fantastic tactical connection between warrior and bike.

I had no idea the white gloves would be top sellers.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves/products/superlight-race-gloves-white

---

161.4 lbs
PushUPsPullUps
8 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4190343937