MY LEGS ARE GLISTENING.

Mine, too!

It was a combination of heat, humidity and good ol' sweat on a beautiful 4th of July morning.

I wondered if the man on the handcycle had glistening arms?
Was the brow on the homeless lady glistening?
... and the wheelchairbound child, would he ever glisten?

Sometimes I think about my cousin whose legs stopped working normally when we were kids.  One day we were running together, and then we weren't.  I didn't understand it then, and I still don't now.

But, it has spurred me not to waste this gift of health.

And the sport I love, whether it's a simple bike ride to the store and back or a massive 70 mile, 5000' slog...

... the one that gave me wings as a puny kid...

... freedom as a teenager...

... therapy as an adult...

... continues to give and give and give.

The great Jim Rohn said:

I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.

Yes, for sure I ride for pleasure... straight up fun... but, I also ride to maximize my health, my ability to take care of me...

... and hopefully a few others along the way.

Which is why it's so easy to say Gotta Ride.

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

Now, if you're having difficulty squeezing in the ride you know you need to do... wearing this tshirt has been known produce glistening legs in 4 out of 5 riders.

Use promo code: GLISTENING

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

---

166.2 lbs 
Ocean swim
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3713659573

I HAVE A RIDE I REALLY LIKE and I'm doing it tomorrow.  My pal Markell is in town from Mesa, so uhcourse I had to invite him... and he had to invite a buddies...

... it should be fun.

The last time I did this ride with outta towners it was a wetmisty mess.  The kind of ride Chris Froome would fall down on.

Which is what my friends did on the roundabout.

But, they are not built like a Praying Manti... so, they popped right up and got on with the ride.

Now, the reason I like this ride so much is it is dawgawn beautiful.

Straight up the coast, from Dana Point through Laguna Beach to the tippytop of Newport Coast.  Followed by a plummet to the tranquil BackBay.  

And up to Irvine where it gets ugly.

It used to meet at a FoodPark off of MacArthur, and it still kinda does at Harvard and Main... 

... 3 rides converge, Kenny and his motley crew from Long Beach and Justin and his henchmen from Canyon Velo, and our merry band of misfits from the southern tip of the county.

Thankfully, it's not really ugly like the old days... where it was just piss and vinegar.  Now it's more of a brofest... plus, we get a few ladies from time to time... which is always bueno.

El WeatherChannel says mucho sun, to the outta towners outta be just fine.

Speaking of fine... it was might fine of Markell to stop by the shop today and pick up gloves and a changing poncho.

He won't need it tomorrow since he's staying at the very fancyshmancy NPCMarriott, but apparently he's been dying to get one for the races back home.

You don't need to drive here to get one, of course you could and I'd sucker you into an ugly bike ride, but you can just order and have it shipped.

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

Use promocode: OUTTATOWN

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

---

166.6 lbs 
PushupsPullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3708230016

STARVA EMAILED ME I'D LOST MY KOM TO PRO PETER STETINA... and that my finefriends is a helluva compliment to... not yours diesely... but the great Coach Brian McCulloch.

But, why did they email moi?

It all started back at the Filthy 50...

... there I was bobbing and weaving through a CharlieBrown dust cloud full of hundreds of my closest friends, pegged to Ty's shwartz, along with the other hitters KenWinston and Jeff Ward...

... and along comes Coach Brian on his gravel bike...

TB get on my wheel!

Instantly I go from pegged to ludicrous speed.  It's all I can do to stay on, but he's my coach and my friend and he's on a mission to get to the front.

This part of the Filthy is flat and a gravel road called BWR Section #4... in other words, it's also part of the very famous Belgian Waffle Ride put on by Sir MMX.

... and we are flyyyy ing...

TyJeffKen, long gone.

The end of the segment is quite rocky and unfortunately for Bri he punctured, graciously cheering me.

So, I got the KOM...

... and Pro Peter snatched it from me today.

Which is pretty cool... I mean if ya have to lose it, lose it big.

Speaking of losing big... my post yesterday about the hurrying... yeah, well, I also hurried the matching socks and the Red is a deeper red than the gloves and matching kit. 

So, I'm gonna blow 'em out.... get 'em while ya can.

They are absolutely amazing socks... and if you've ever had better I'll be shocked.

They're yours for $9.82... all in, shipping included.

Of course, if you want to wait a few weeks for the correct color you can but the price will be $15.99.  Totally your call. 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-knitted-sock

---

164.8
Stretch n Roll
6 hours sleep - trying to force wake up at 5am like old days.
https://www.strava.com/activities/3703232274

WHEN WE WERE KIDS WE JUST RODE, and we'd find jumps and berms and big,round cement drainage ditches... and we'd play on them over and over again.  

That is the secret to going fast.

It's kinda weird, right?

But, It's true.

Playing isn't hurried.

Has no expectations.

And so, we get into a flow.  And things start to come naturally, unforced.  And they get easy. 

Intuitive.

Safe.

... and Fast.

So, the tortoises win the race by not making onesinglebad move...

... in everything they do.

I have to remind myself of this sometimes.  When I get in a hurry... in everything I do.

For example, I was in a hurry to get these patriotic gloves made I didn't make enough and now we are nearly sold out... I wish I'd made more, because I know some people are going to order today.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

Get 'em while you can.

Superlight.

$20 all in... and they'll be yours.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves

164.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
no ride today

I COULD TALK ABOUT ALL THE DRAMA ON TONIGHT'S RIDE, but Josh came over... and he makes me nervous.

How tall are you? 

Like 6'3"... like 155.

Yes, the prototypical build...

... a worldclass athlete...

... and every time he comes over I've got writer's block.

Not because of bike riding skills, he has none.
Nor his surfing skills, which are on a level I only dream about.

No... he's her to see my babygirl... the one who rides bikes and motorcycles and surfs with me.

And that's messed up...

... isn't it...

... shouldn't he have to go on a bike ride with me?  up a hideous, long climb?  down a twisty, nasty, poison oak covered trail...

... on a super crappy bike?

You know I'll be hatching some sort of diabolical plan for that...

No, these Supersoft race gloves don't really help.
No, you don't need the incredible Speed bibs with the specially designed pads.
No, just drink water... this GQ6 is just 'cause I'm older.
Yeah, it might be cold you should take a hoodie, not this lightweight KOM jacket
No, this KASK helmet with all the vents isn't really good protection, you'll be better off this old skateboard helmet.

... ahhh, it's a long list of gear he won't get any time soon.

I need every advantage I can get.

If you're looking for an advantage on your own Josh or Jane... use this promo code before Friday on anything in the store.

The code is: GOAWAY

And it'll save you more than 10%.

---

165 lbs 
stretch n roll
8.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3695883074

YES, I HEARD THE RAINDROPS.  Yes, the road was wet.  No, I didn't expect a downpour.

But, there I was cutting through a warm and balmy wind when the heavy clouds opened up.

And, it felt good...

... instantly I was transported back to 2004, the summer of my first - only - Tour de France.

Little did I know rain was going to be a big thing.  That's what happens in France, in the summer.  And, I mean a lot of rain.

But, it's not the end of the world.  Because, like this morning, it's warm and balmy at the lower altitudes.

I wanted to do 2 things for sure:  ride as many stages as possible, and be on the Alpe D'Huez for the time trial.

As for the first, we rode a ton.  Like, 8 of 10 days and 800 miles.

Famous stages.

My favorite was descending the Col De La Croix de Fer.

We left in the rain, climbed up in the sun and dried out.  Stopped at the top, and bought an ill-fitting t-shirt.  When we came out clouds were gathering.  It was time to go fast.

Just as we got going a team of young Spaniards came flying by.

It was on.

Whether there were 9 hairpins or 90, I'm not sure.  

I am darn sure I've never been more on the edge... stressed my tires more... nor had more fun than that long race to the bottom. 

Carving 180 degree turns hard. 
Slicing fastfastfast bends. 
Stabbing the brakes.

All 20 or so of us jockeying for position.

Not a car in site.

Nothing better.

It's funny how a rare rainy day can bring back a singular point in time.

The TT up AdH was just what I hoped for.  A giant, giant party.  All day... really days in advance... but especially that day.  100's of 1000's on both sides of the road, and the fastest racers alive coming by 1 at a time for hours.

That's entertainment.

I breathed deep and thought of my pals.  We swore we'd go back again.  The closest we got was riding all the stages of the Tour of California in 2012.

That was also the year we got going in the bike biz, it wasn't yet PEDALindustries but we were on our way.  And, it all started with a T-shirt... 

... there's something about a t-shirt that fits amazing, gets softer the more you wash it, and uses an ink you can't even feel.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries?variant=9614988476452

If you're feeling like being reminded of how inspirational this blog can be... well, there's nothing better than our classic stamp logo.

Use code: TDF

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries?variant=9614988476452

---

166 lbs 
UpperBody and Core
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3688614105

TODAY WE VISITED ONE OF MY 5 DADS, the one that helped me purchase the Schwinn LeTour.

At the time, he lived just down the street from Fullerton Bikes - which back then was owned by the Mulroony family, before the Great Mike Franze.

Visiting one day, I ventured over to the shop and fell in love.

She was dressed in red, with shiny chrome evvvvverywhere.

A real looker.

My knees shook.

I had to have her... and being a kid, my natural selling genius was in full form.

Gomez, loved tennis... and we spent a lot of time practicing and playing.  He really wanted to me to learn the game... and for some reason unknown to each of us... he cared and loved me as his own.

There were no bike lanes.
I had to traverse 6 miles of busy streets.
It would be dark on the way home from practice.

Real concerns only a real parent would have.

I countered with Just think how much faster and easier it will be for me to get from school over to the courts.

Using the timetested strategy of never giving up...  we made a deal:  he'd buy it and I'd make payments of $30/mo for 4 months. 

If he knew I'd never play tennis after high school, I'm not sure he woulda done it.

Of the many things Gomez has taught me, it's to play hard and work hard.

He worked his buns off. 

He landed in the US at the age of 5.  His parents split and his mom worked as a seamstress to support the 2 of them in a studio apartment.  He went straight from high school to Korea.  Came home and purchased a gas station with zero dollars... Union 76 believed in him.  With a ton of hard work he parlayed that into Porsche/Audio/VW/Subaru dealerships.

By 3pm every day he was at the club, playing the game he loved.

At my best, I could never get more than a game or two off of him.  He'd say Ya know Toddy, you won't beat me until I'm a hundred years old.

He's 92.

Can't play the game he loves any more.

Unless you count being a dad.

One day I reckon we'll all have to hang up the cleats and helmet for good...

... and even then, won't every day still be a raceday?  I sureasheck hope so.

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

---

164 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3680436662

RIDING FROM SALT CREEK BEACH TO THE TOP OF SADDLEBACK - 83 miles and 10000' of climbing for the data geeks like me - can be awful.

You can...

cramp
crash
flat
bonk
be left fer dead

... and not even care as long as you're with your people.

That part is totally predictable. 

And, it's why nearly 40 boys and girls gathered at dawn.

Because a shared experience that is extremely demanding mentally and physically is a wonderful thing.

If you know anything about brainwashing, you might now that giving a human sugar after an activity you want to reinforce is a powerful control mechanism.  

I only share that because one of the reasons we all keep doing this ride is Chris prepurchases unlimited Mexican popsicles at the general store... 

... and then we all hang out and slowly regather and rehash the adventure to that point...

... now that's a shared experience guaranteed to bond.

Personally, I had a dandy ride chatting with friends I don't see often enough...

... and riding surprisingly well <- that part seemed very unpredictable earlier in the week.

1. I hadn't done any specific training.  In fact, my position has felt so off on my MTB that I've not been riding it much lately.  And, I've been doing lots of flat road riding.
2. At the last moment, I opted to put on new tires I'd never tested... which can be disastrous when hitting 30+ MPH on steep dirt that is packed in and covered with small chips of shale.

At the bottom of the bighideousclimb we lined up at the slowest drinking fountain in the county and patiently filled bottles.

Nobody patiently waited to start the climb.

By the time I got going, I could see my pals way up ahead of me.  

Charging hard.

I charged medium, got into somesortaunexpected groove and slowly started catching and passing.  

There is no way I would have predicted that.

When it happens... ya just gotta say Well, hell, this feels rather fine.

As for those new tires...

... I know the tires I had on there were a year old and worn to the casing...

... but, can I just tell ya how fine they were?

I wasn't even trying to smoke the downhill.  Because, new tires.

I just let 'em roll, and roll they did. 

Carving and gripping and ripping to within 30 seconds of my PR (26:24)... and I wasn't even pressing the issue.

Now... should I have predicted a good run up the bighideousclimb and smoking time on the way down? 

Maybe.

According to Strava my Fitness is pretty high right now.

According to the Continental tire rep the Cross King "can hold it's own on the rowdier stuff" and the Race King is "excellent on fast, hardpack".

At a minimum, I could have been more confident... but, ya know, I've noticed sometimes the days I'm not predicting anything great are the very best of all.

Maybe it's the cane sugar from the Mexican popsicle doing its thing?

As long as we're talking about doing our things... I noticed quite a few of the riders donning SuperLight Race gloves designed by a certain diesel, which always makes me happy.

It's so nice to really feel connected to the bike, protected and cool on hot days.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

If you're digging the blog, maybe ya ought dig into the piggy bank and try this out.  They're a mere $20, signed sealed delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
6 hours sleep - early start
https://www.strava.com/activities/3680436662

I APPRECIATE JON ASKING IF HE CAN ASK A STUPID QUESTION, because there really are stupid questions...

Like do my bib straps go over my jersey?

... but Jon's wasn't.

In regards to tomorrow's heinous undertaking, Creek To Peak: 

What type of bike are you riding?  Gravel?  I'm contemplating joining but have never done it.

Dear Jon,

My MTB.

If my gravel bike wasn’t such a  POS I’d def consider it.   My next gravel bike will not be made of galvanized plumbing pipes...
it’ll be light with some suspension...
then, while slower on a few sections would be faster on others, and possibly faster than the MTB. 

See ya in the morning!

What can you, my fine friend, learn from this question?

1. Like Jon, it's always wise to learn as much as you can about the course and there's nobody better to learn that from than some nut who's donedone it before.
2. Picking the right tool for the job can make a big difference in the outcome... especially on a course such as this - lots a pavement, dirt roads, and a smattering of rocky stuff.
3. I clearly have gravelbike envy.

The tool I'll be using to protect the rocks inside my skull will be the very excellent KASK Valegro...

They claim it has thermo-cooling and advanced ventillation through 37 - THIRTYSEVEN!! - holes.

I claim it looks cool and fits great.

It really is excellent for long MTB rides that start at the beach, cross multiple streams, climb over 9000' in 82 miles and include free Mexican popsicles and Mexican Coke...

... which, ya know, is what Jon was asking about.

You might be asking if there's a promo code, which is not a dumb question.

Use KASK10 before sundown on Sunday.

---

166.6 lbs <- whattheheck?
PullUpsPushUPs and roll them legs
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3674402147

IN ROUGHLY 32 HOURS I'LL BE STUMBLING IN THE DARK, wondering whytheheck I agreed to do this crazy ride...

... about an hour later, I'll see the crew and wonder why everybody isn't there.

It's gonna be that good.

Great riders coming from far away: pros like Brian McCulloch, National Champs like Victor Sheldon, and the restuvus - the people I really love.  Everyone'll be playing it cool...

Oh yeah, I'm just gonna cruise it.

Me?... nah, haven't been riding much.

Let's just keep it conversational.

You know, the usual bullarkey right before it turns into a Road Runner cartoon with nothing but dust fer as far as ya ken see.

Which is exactly why I made sure 2 things are gonna be perfect when I show up:  my brakes and my tires.

I'm gonna need my A game to not get dropped to the point of forgotten... with luck I'll be able to catch up right as they get tired of waiting.  Which is actually good for me, cause it really sucks to start n stop the old diesel... better to keep chugging.

Plus this ride has a 40ish minute downhill that I love to slay, and a fair amount of twisty stuff ya wanna be able to really rail.

There's a lot I can do to make up speed on a mountain bike, but none of it works if my brakes are splashy and my tires soggy.

I need those to things more than anything else to be perfect.  Can't be wondering if they're gonna work...

... which can happen if:  
the brake lines have air in them, or haven't been bled recently;
the knobs on the tires are worn down and/or starting to tear.

Therefore, Sparky got a brake bleed, new tires and mostly new pads. 

I say mostly new because all the local shops are sold out but my good pal Robot came through with some takesoffs... now that's a friend... the shops were also sold out of the mineral oil needed for the bleed and he had that, too!

Waiting until today to figure all that out was a rookie move.  And so is putting on a new tire brand and tread pattern - new to me.  But, sometimes it's good to be a rookie... approach things with that sense of wonderment.

Anyway, Saturday is shaping up to be a good one.

For sure I'll be rolling with the goods:  GQ6, Salt Stick tabs and Honey Stinger Waffles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bodycare

Buy any 2 items and the 3rd one is 50% off, if you quickly.

Personally, I'm gonna roll with the GQ6 hydration, the Salt Stick Chews, and the Honey Stinger Waffles.

Oh... the code is: Creek2Peak

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bodycare

---

164.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #6
7 hours sleep
ran outta time to ride.

ON SATURDAY WE'LL BE DOING CREEK TO PEAK, riding from Salt Creek beach to the top of Saddleback.

Conceived by a man referred to as The Gentleman, you know it's anything but gentle, kind or polite.  It's so insanely hard, that only a handful have done all 5 editions.  And, I ain't one of 'em.

Here's why...

82 miles.
9300' of vert.
... and typically 100 degree heat

All for a free popsicle at the loneliest General Store in the county. 

No prizes
No raffle
No finisher medals

... and...

No waiting for slow pokes.

Like all cult events, this is building... and I expect this to be the largest yet... a buncha yahoos with a hankering for dust, sun and lots of sweat.

Which is why I am tapering, maybe not a full Leadville taper... that woulda started last week, and last night was a far cry from a coupla openers... but, a mini-taper nonetheless... 'cause I'llbedamned if I'm gonna get left fer dead.

Here's what I'm not gonna do:

• Not ride
• Not stop rolling
• Not pause my Coach Loran core workouts

Those would be rookie mistakes, and I ain't a rookie.

What I'm gonna do will be discussed in next month's Camp Fire Stories which will be mailed to the PEDALposse.

How committed is The Gentleman?... check this text.

Now, I know you're probably not the type of person who wants to get stronger than everyone else.  You're probably who only rides.  And, you're likely not interested in sprinting or climbing better... because if you were, you would have already joined the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

164.8 lbs 
PushUps/Pullups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3667163082

Here's the route for Saturday's ride... we leave at 6am... and you're invited... 550AM rider meeting at Salt Creek State Beach Park https://www.strava.com/activities/2510045648 

I FINALLY GOT A NEW AERO HELLMET... what was I waiting for????????

My previous aero helmet was the Giro with the face shield.  It looked cool, was rather hot... and was appropriated by my oldest when he came down with a serious case of I wanna race bikes... never to be seen again.

Yes, I know aero helmets are on par with aero wheels in terms of speed gains.

Yes, I know aero helmets cost a fraction - 10% - of aero wheels.

Yes, yes, yes... I dough kno' whattheheck I was thinkin'... why the hellmet did I wait so long?... so much speed to be gained for so few doll hairs.

If there was ever a ride to test it it was tonight...

... we were shedding riders from mile 0, blitzing the campground at 30mph, the gaggle of geese in full flight...

... and I felt pertty dern good, making all the breaks that mattered and surprising myself in the long, long, long sprint - not a V, but def in the hunt.

Is this scientific?

Hardly.

The science has already been done... aero helmet = aero wheels.

It's just me lettin' ya know my new aero helmet feels extrasuperfast, has great cooling properties, and makes me look even sexier - not easy.

If there's a knock, it's that you can't flip your glasses upside down and slide into the helmet.  

This is FRO - For Race Only...

... and it's fast as hell.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Of course, I chose black... 'cause black shoes and black helmets make great kit frames.  No black isn't hotter, especially when you're going this fast.

Now remember...  fast wheels are $3000, fast helmet is $300... speed gains, according to pointy heads, are about equal... costs not even close.

Also remember... that if you're part of the PEDALposse, you save 25% with your special code. 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

If yer not part of the PEDALposse, use SAVE10.

---

163.8 lbs 
Coach Loran #6 + pull-ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3661995029

ROCKY (OUR HEAD OF DESIGN) ASKED What's our mission statment?. I must have had a blank look because he followed it up with... Some blog post somewhere?

I didn't hesitate...

... which is odd, because I've never written it out...

Our mission is simple:  help you have the best RaceDay ever.

That's it.

If we're making it, it's because it makes RaceDay better.
If we're selling it, same.
If we're doing it...

That's the mission we've chosen to accept, make RaceDay better...

... maybe that's what inspired me over the weekend to design this hat?

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

I really do believe that.

Every day is RaceDay.  

What I did yesterday - rest and relax with family. 
What I did today - early spin, put food on table, Coach Loran workout
What I'm doing tomorrow - pushups/pullups, hustling at work, and a frisky 50 miles
What I'm doing the day after...

... you get the idea, it all matters and builds on itself - the training, resting, working, dressing, lubing, wrenching, socializing, etc...

... to make the actual RaceDay great - there's no point to it if the family ain't into it, the table's bare, the body weak, etc.

I like reminders like this in the form of a hat.  For less than 20 bones you can have one, too... just remember, not shipping for a few weeks - gotta get 'em made.

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

---

163.8 lbs 
Coach Loran 43 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3654153384

I TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES WHEN I RIDE.  Some of them are decent.  Some I hot up a bit.  Some inspire what I'm going to write.  Some support what I rode.

Take this pic... the low sun, making the long wheels.

Capturing that moment, of riding at the end of a long day. 

I specifically remember this one from a month or so back.  It had been long... early start filled with some rather unique challenges.  Not impossible, but not easy.  I was grinding as the day came to a close... really hustling... I wanted to get out and clear my head before heading home for the evening.

Sometimes it's better to get a ride in before turning in.

This was one of 'em.

And the long shadows were both reminder and reward for a day well spent.

An industrious day, on and off the bike.  If you've felt that way, maybe you'd like to sport the softest tshirt on the planet... just to kick around in.

I know TBD Racing loves this t-shirt because we are making a bunch with their team logos.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-shadow-t-available-in-5-colors

Comes in 5 different colors, sells for $19.99 and shipping is included.

Unless you use promo code: LONGWHEELS

(PEDALposse use your special code to save even more).

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-shadow-t-available-in-5-colors

---

165
Stretch n roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3651974250

LATE AS USUAL, I carved through the elementary school... my 4 minute saving short cut.  Sliced the b-ball courts, skirted the empty lockers and jumped the curb to cut across the silent parking lot.

On the main street, a lone rider approached in the opposing lane.

A hoodie, no helmet.
Jeans, no lycra.
E-power, not woman power.

I flashed the peace sign.
She flashed a smile.

We knew.

We knew we were onto something.

We knew.

We knew though our rides were going to be very different it di'in't matter.

We knew...

... and we rode on into the morning, smiling.

With some effort, I managed to catch the guys... we rode hard and met up with the rest of 'em, and then rode a lot harder... then we peeled off and rode easier... alone again I slowed it down a bit more.

Still smiling.

That was the first leg of my triathlon...

... the second was a healthy surf sesh with the family...

... the third leg was the toughest of all...

... forcing myself to wake up after picking up my book and promptly going comatose.

It's been a long time since I'd napped that hard.  Probably needed it.  Definitely.

Some days are pretty hard charging, like today. 

Others are pretty darn relaxing, like tomorrow. 

But, no matter what they're all RaceDays to me.  

All have a purpose.

None go to waste.

Every Day Is RaceDay... and if you're of that ilk, then ya just might like this hat.  It won't ship for about 2 weeks because I just got the idea to make 'em t'nite.

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

The hat will ship for free if you order within 30 minutes of reading this.  For less than 20 bones you can sport this hat... just remember, not shipping for a few weeks - gotta get 'em made.

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

---

165 lbs 
Surf
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3644936331

AT SOME POINT TOMORROW MORNING THINGS WILL GET DICEY.  Not on the way up the coast.  Not up the 20ish minute climb.  Not the lazy run around BackBay or up the river trail.

No... about 2 hours in, we'll connect with the oftenfearsome Food Park ride.

The pace will go from spirited tempo to rather quite very extra frisky.

From shoulder to shoulder chatter to bar banging silence.

At that point, I'll do something that early on seemed death defying... but, now seems commonplace and comfortable...

... cement surfing, with whirling pedals an inch or so from the unforgiving curb.

I can't even tell you when it went from Oh shyte, hang on! to Excuse me, pardon me, just moving up here... don't mean to be a bother. 

But it did happen. 

And, it's been a handy little tool in the handbag of handy ways to move up in the pack.

Of course, ya have to be confident to do it... which is why a prefer to ride with fullfinger gloves.

Not just any glove.

But a very lightweight glove, one you don't even know is there except for the fact that the connection from hand to bar is even better than bare skin.

It's tackier.

Firmer.

Like this glove.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

It comes in lots of colors and consistently earns praise like this...

... okay, so we're out of XL Orange.  We'll make more... but, at $20 - including shipping - you can see why we're temporarily sold out Neil's faves.

Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

Use promo code:  CURBAPPEAL

---

164.8 lbs 
Pushups Pullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3638912593

COUPLA DAYS BACK CRAIG DROPPED BY THE SHOP TO WORK ON SOME CUSTOM KITS, at the same time Matt was hustling in to change before our ride.  Me thought, then me said...

You two cats should meet each other, one of ya's builds fancy houses and one ya sells fancy fire places fur fancy houses.  Matt, meet Craig... he's new in town.

And right before my eyes I saw the smooth, confidence Matt displays on the bike in action doing his day thing.

Rather than be PeppyPete asking How many fire places da ya need? 

He asks Who do you use now?

So and So

Oh, yeah those guys are pretty good, they're located way up in LA right?

That is a masterclass in not being desperate. 

Desperation stinks.  It's like skunkstench... and ya just want it off a ya and gone.

PeppyPete races, too.

He's that guy jumping all over the place.  Chasing ever attack, leg stretch, and false twitch. 

PeppyPete is impatient... and while peppy at the start, always finishes as...

PoopedoutPete.

MasterfulMatt on the other hand, is very, very tough to beat... on the bike, and at work...

... just like how he slyly transitioned to Well, if you're looking for a local guy I do about 90% of the biz down here...

... he whips me about 90% of the time.

If you're got a little PeppyPoopyPete in ya, find your local MasterfulMatt and just watch him go to work... and ladies don't let the names fool ya, there are plenty of PeppyPoopyPenelopes and MasterfulMarcias as well.

Things MasterfulMattandMarcia do:

• Eat from the 4 Magical Food Groups
• Workout off the bike
• Use proper recovery tools and techniques

All things we focus on in the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

165.4 lbs 
Pullups Pushups Stretch Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3636573549

I READ THIS ARTICLE IN MOUNTAIN BIKE ACTION ABOUT THE BEST TRAIL EVER.  The author, Doug Bradbury?, argued that the best trail was the one you rode the most because it's the one with most the memories.  He was convincing.

Tonight I took my longlostpal Jeff on nearly all of the Gravel Goon route.  Which I love.  But, I didn't want to oversell it because of the above mentioned argument.

We chatted up on about 30 years of life.  Where the rest of the killers had ridden off to, family updates, and rehashing some truly epic racing and living.

All the while connecting path after trail after dirt road after paved sections through some of the prettiest parts of our urbanrural terrain.  

Crossing streams.

Riding under a tall jungle canopy.

Circumnavigating a lonely pond.

Returning with the endless big blue expanse to our west.

More than once Jeff commented on the spectacular natural surroundings.

Was it the reminiscing?

Or, the Gravel Goon course?

Who cares... when you make friends for life, and ride again, all options are the best ever.

For a few minutes we sat on the bench in front of the shop.  It was a little like one of those dumb I love you man beer commercials.  Kinda funny, I know.  But, it was awesome too.

We grabbed out changing ponchos... and like a commercial for you my dear reader Jeff said I love the things you come up with.

So... if you're looking for something to buy yourself, that none of your longlostpals have, look no further...

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

Watch the video, it's some of our best work... showing how to change in public, at the races, with your fans waiting for your Sharpie...

Use promo code: RideOfTheBeholder

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

165.4 lbs 
PushUps and PullUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3632129324

TODD, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF LANCE ARMSTRONG?  I get that question all the time, and I bet you do too.  My answer has changed over the years, has yours?

Did he commit grievous acts?

Furshur.

But, these aren't among them:

Inspired millions to get off their arses and ride bikes.

Lifted the entire, worldwide cycling industry to new heights.

Gave hope to hundreds of thousands, millions?, of folks battling cancer.

Displayed a level of preparation and specialization never before seen at LeTour.

Brought in new sponsorship dollars to US Cycling... giving so many a chance to earn a wage and race here and abroad.

Rode a wave of incredible luck for years - avoiding horrific crashes and terribly timed mechanicals that have brought down so many would be champions.

If you weren't positively affected by at least one of those, you missed a great ride.  If you didn't learn from at least one of those and apply it to your life, you missed a great lesson.

Lance Armstrong, like all professional athletes, was an entertainer. 
Nothing more, nothing less. 
It's just entertainment. 
That's it. 

Watching athletics can be great, and intoxicating.  But, in the end, professional sports are nothing more than ways to entertain the people - us - sponsored by companies looking to sell something to somebody - us, again.  

Pro athletes aren't curing cancer, aren't feeding the downtrodden, are rarely in the trenches, etc.

They are amusing us... inspiring us to be better athletes ourselves... taking better care of our bodies... allowing the rest of us to better serve society.

Without our health we are nothing.

Did L.A. cheat?  Absolutely.  Was I bummed?  Not really... I remember going to my first Lakers game and watching Magic and the rest of 'em sprint all out the entire game.  I knew right then pros are on something... and I didn't care.  Nor did I care watching the monsters in Raider's uniforms.  The entertainment was too good.

Lance's big sin?

... being a complete horse's ass to a whole lotta people - truly rotten.

And isn't that a lesson in itself?

Be nice...

... and chase your PRs.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

If you're really going after a PR, get the t-shirt to remind yourself and the lotion to improve yourself... trust me, it's a game changer... and the T and Lotion are 20% off this week.

Use promo code:  PRsRULE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

---

164.8 lbs 
Coach Loran Video #5
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3626958513

IF THERE'S ONE THING I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE ON IN THIS CRAZY WORLD, it's that we ought to drink more water.  When we get up... and all day long.  But, that doesn't mean we need hydration mix every time we ride.

Lately, just to prove a point to myself... I've been rolling out for a decent ride - 90 minutes today - on an empty stomach and nothing more than a water bottle with... water.

Imagine that.

Cheap.

Simple.

And no residue to clean upon return.

That's for a lovely, jaunt through the countryside on el gravel bike.

Side benefit... I feel this practice trains my body for the moments I miscalculate my caloric needs, or miss the refuel spot, or get to the the store after it closes.

90 minutes seems to be about my limit. 

That won't be the case tomorrow where I'll be looking to push hard.  2-3 hours on the gas.  

I'll be adding 1.5-2 scoops to each bottle of my favorite mix.

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

Use promo code SAVE10... and you'll save 10% + get free shipping.

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

Unless of course you part of the PEDALposse.

---

165.6 lbs 
Coach Loran Video 5 - shoulders and balance
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3618977731

SHE WAS JUST A TEENAGER WHEN MARY SHELLEY WROTE HER TALE.  200 years later we continue to read it, watch it, and act it out.  Where do these thoughts originate, and why do they haunt us still?  Why do we risk creating our own monsters?

For instance, my mountain bike.

Yes, the graveyard of discarded parts has been robbed and bolted together to form one of my many Frankenbikes.

Ugly, maybe.

Crude, perhaps.

Criminal, that's a bit much.

Thankfully, it does not haunt my thoughts nor is it trying to kill me. But, it does get some queer looks.  Even some snobbery.  I care not. For it's my mine, built by me, for me.

Have you done the same?

Or, have you had the joy of ordering a frame and specing it out just the way you want it vs the factory?  

Wheels
Group
Brakes
Saddle
Cockpit
Paint
Decals 
Bottle cages
Chain
Bar tape

Custom is so dern fun... it's what makes the PEDALindustries world go 'round... making custom bags and apparel for our friends... and ourselves.

But, for some reason... I just love framing it all with a black helmet, black gloves and black shoes... even black socks.

If you're looking for a new and amazing helmet... look no further than the KASK Protone.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/frankenbike

Order it now, using promocode: FRANKENBIKE ... and order the gloves and socks for free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/frankenbike

---

165.8
Walk
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3616402096

I GOT SO HIGH I LOST MY MIND YESTERDAY.  It didn't dawn on me until I unloaded my bike very late last night.  And, there was the evidence.

My water bottle had been crushed by the the dense air when I returned to sea level.

But, it was too late to make a course correction.

By then I'd eaten tacos and burritos and ice cream all day.  Very falsely assuming I'd been in some sort of caloric deficit.

True, we'd climbed nearly 7000' that morning.

False, we'd burned 80,000 calories.

Which reminded me of a quote I read earlier this week:

Routine, in an intelligent man, is a sign of ambition... decide what you want or ought to do during the day, then always do it at exactly the same moment every day, and passion will give you no trouble. - W. H. Auden

Yesterday...
... didn't start off with my morning rituals - had to pick up MD, the M.D., too early.
... didn't end with a blogtime story - fell asleep with laptop on chest, too late.

Meanwhile, I wasn't shocked when MD, the M.D., geared up only to learn he'd forgotten his gloves.  I whispered to myself...

Bro that's exactly why we created the RaceDay™ Bag...

... to making loading up a routine.

Just in case he's reading this, hoping he made the blog, I'm pointing out that the Black bag is $10 off at the moment and if he uses promo code SAVE10 it's even less.

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

Yep... if you've ever showed up to a ride and realized you forgot something maybe your routine sucks as bad as mine did yesterday.

Use promo code SAVE10

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

---

164.8 lbs 
Lay on beach
5.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3609585689#kudos

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE MERE WHIFF OF IN-N-OUT BURGERS MEANT I'D WEIGH A GOOD 10 LBS HEAVIER IN THE MORNING.  And, when I rode by one today I could feel the call... burgers, fries, shakes... but, it passed... like a humming bird.  There.  Then gone.

Why?

Welllllll... I've focused realllllhard on my magical 4 food groups:

Power shakes
Nuts
Veggies
Fish

If, when, I stick to that... the blubber melteth away... as noted in my dropping weight which is approaching battle conditions.

What's weird is those 4 food groups are so clean ya don't really crave anything else.

How.  Ever.

I'm meeting fellow posse member MD, the MD, for fun and frolicking on Palomar tomorrow... and I know for a frenchfried fact, we're gonna go right past the devil's palm trees on the way back... in a weak and famished condition.

No doubt MD will see me in the morning and think I need a hamburger or 3.  Then he'll ask how I did it.  What exactly is in those 4 food groups..

... to which I'll say, it's coming in this month's PEDALposse package.

So, if you're in the PEDALposse stay tuned.

If you're not... we'll it ain't like ya ain't been invited to click here:

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

163.4 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3605483560

RECENTLY A BLOKE RODE UP AND LET ME KNOW I WAS COMPLETELY FULL OF BULLSHYTE.  That I didn't know what I was talking about.  I agreed... I mean what you do with a hostileclosemindedknowitall?  

I was so dejected... so depressed... so besides myself... oh no... someone doesn't love me... hahahaha... now that is some real bullshyte.

But, ya know it got me thinking on Why The Caged Bird Sings - the book I was giving away last Fall.  In that wonderful story is a scene with little Maya and her grampa.  She asks why some people hate others so much, and he responds so beautifully...

... They don't know us.

Someone who I'd never met before stopped by the shop today.  

I feel like I know you, he said.

Really?

Yes, because I read your little stories.

I smiled.  

It was refreshing to meet a new friend and learn a little more about each other.  

Isn't that what it's all about?

Who knows if I'll ever build a bridge to that other bloke.

In the meantime, it'd be a shame to let a good hater go to waste...

... especially when I get messages like this daily.

So here's the deal o' the day... buy GQ6 and we'll include a bottle of Salt Sticks.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/whycantwebefriends

Use promo code: WHYCANTWEBEFRIENDS 

---

162.8 lbs 
Pullups and Pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3600958128

THE FIRST WHACK WAS TO MY RIGHT FOREARM.  A little blood drawn.  The next was on my left elbow.  More red stuff.  Followed by a direct hit to my right knuckles.  Right through my superlight gloves.  The final attempt would been the worst, right in the face but I ducked just in time.

It'a artichoke thistle time.

And they're out in force.

'Not sure I've ever it seen this bad.

I don't mind it much. 

I mean, if ya ain't bleeding ya ain't trying when it comes to MTB riding.  And trust me there are plenty of opportunities to bleed around here.

Could they be avoided, sure if I slowed down.

Where's the fun in that?

What's fun is ripping around after a long day working, when it's cooled down some...

... with a firm grip via my superlight gloves.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

Lots of color options, all delivered for $20 including shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3595984174

I HAD BEEN IN AIRPLANE POSE FOR A LONG TIME THIS MORNING, starting to wobble, recentered my focus... 

... me thought, this reminds me of cycling...

... there it was...

... all the discipline to remain calm, control my breathing and focus on a point ahead was just like focusing on the wheel of a much stronger rider trying to drop me or on my heart rate when chasing a PR on a long climb...

... I held the pose longer, got steadier and felt stronger...

... the burn turned exquisite.

Little did I know that fleeting hmmmm would ring true tonight.

Our semi-tame group ride has developed a nasty habit of hauling@$$ from the getgo... and with a raging tailwind to hook onto... the group was quickly blown to bits, and there I was...

... holding on for dear life, trying to remain calm, control my breathing and focus on EasyE's butt as we bridged across the gap.

His man pullllllls.
My oldman pulls.

In one of Starva's paradoxes, the weakest of the break of five snagged the KOM.... yours Diesely.

===> Stop the presses... I was just notified by our digital overlords that EasyE now owns the KOM... balance has been restored to the Starvaverse <===

Did the yoga help me get across?

Maybe.

If ye be into finding speed and power off the bike, if thy soul yearns fer more let me introduce you to Coach Loran, Queen of Core, Princess of Planks and my thriceweekly nightmare.

She's part of the PEDALposse... and helps us be strong and hearty on and off the bike.

Check it out:  

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Yes, she rides... one of the more gifted descenders you'll ever meet.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

164.4 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3591114713

THERE ARE A LOT THINGS I CAN HANDLE but one of them isn't having someone else ride my bike.  That ain't the kind of swinging I'm into... and before you go wondering what kind of swinging I am into, there's only one kind... swinging my bike off the lift at Deer Valley.

Which is exactly what I hope to do at some point this summer.

And if it ain't there I hope it's at Mammoth or Big Bear.

All three?

It's weird that I'm totally down for riding a lift up to rip down a mountain, but heartily against e-bikes for those in good health.

Hypocritical?  I dunno.

There's just something thrilling about getting up the mountain under my own power when there's no lift, and checking out all the trails while being hoisted when there is a lift.

Maybe when it comes down to it, I'm just too lazy to worry about one more dawgawn thing to charge in my life...

... other than life it self?

It's the time of the month I always feel badly for the non-PEDALposse readers who missed out on what we're up to in the Posse.

People like Charlie who are about to make a sizable purchase and coulda saved a ton by joining... like $100.

People like Skyler who are so obviously weak in their core... coulda been training with Coach Loran.

And the rest of ya's... cause this week we're shipping out the first Campfire Story to the Posse.  Campfire Stories are a behind the scenes look into how we do things at work and play. 

In this issue I'm diving deep into the details of how we are navigating the virus using a cycling skill you may or may not have.  Miraculously, we have thrived as the government has shut down our factory, our supply chain has been wobbly at best, and a host of other challenges you too may be facing.

Oh, and the Posse will also be receiving a sweet, exclusive t-shirt.

I'll probably never do this again, let someone jump in after the 1st, but things have been so kooky lately it seems like the right thing to do.

If you join before Friday, June 12th, you'll get this month's mailing.

Check it out:  

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

164.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3583102426

I PICKED UP A PAGE TURNER AT THE LOCAL USED BOOKSTORE FOR A WHOPPING $1.  How could I resist when browsing the first pages I learned the protagonist was an endurance junky?  Plus, it seemed like a helluvan easy way to escape for a few hours today.

It wasn't just an escape I was after... it was a chance to study the pacing, details and drama in this style of writing.

Where Teddy Roosevelt's autobiography is a ton of tempo miles.

This book is like a sprint workout, or a short crit.

We met up with CH at the beach.

He also had a book, by Hunter S. Thompson.  I quizzed him on it... he said it's his beach book, and just reads sections randomly.

Books aside, we got down to talking about training.  The families tuning us out.

He stunned me.

He's riding nearly twice as much as me.

It seemed impossible.

Then we broke it down, day by day.  

Basically, he just rides a little longer each time.

We compared notes on our recent groups rides.  Each of us is struggling to have some kind of pop in the legs.  Neither of us are Zwifters. 

I chalk up our sluggishness to too much Roosevelt and not enough Forsyth.

Speaking of bargains... check out our closeouts.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs

---

165.4 lbs 
Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3580587395

USUALLY ON SATURDAYS I LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT THE BIG RIDE AND ADVENTURE.  And I had intended to do that today... especially after racing to the meet up only to get this text:

Don’t know if you left.  I couldn’t roll out into rain when I know it’s going to be sunny this afternoon. 

'Cause nothing's better than getting up at the crack o' dawn, gearing up, leaving your dry and warm confines, hitting the drizzle and pressing on because you committed to be there... 

... and nobody's there.

At that point, there was no turning back... sure my socks were getting soggy, sure the clouds were trapped along the coast by the mountains to my right, sure I had 30 miles to go before meeting the other group, sure they too might opt for the sunny afternoon...

... sure as hell, I was going.

And I was going to come home full a fire and rant about why so many people suck at racing in crappy weather and why I love it... rant about how much better the few of us out here in the road spray were than the sleeptards who stayed in bed...

... but, then the rain stopped.

The rant stopped...

... and in the cool morning air I made my way up a 20 minute 1000'+ climb overlooking the Pacific Ocean where a sunburst lit the big blue.

Gawd, ain't nature the best soul balm ever?!

---

The nice thing about the rain today was the temp... it was warm.  Which meant my Superlight race gloves were just fine.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

They're $20 with shipping to your door.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

164.8 lbs 
nada
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3573800069

AS MY FRIEND SCOTT LIKES TO SAY, we are moist robots.  Easily progammable.

We know this.

And it's easy to prove.

Eat junk, ride junk miles, get junk sleep... go race.

Eat clean, ride specified workouts, get good sleep... go race.

Which will be our better race?

Do I have DaddyDaughterDonutDay?  Yes, of course.  No need to be prudish about it...

... just be directionally correct in body, mind, soul and friends...

Excellence in.  Excellence out.

Want more?

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep - kids
https://www.strava.com/activities/3565728064

IF YOU'VE NEVER HAD YOUR ARMS STRETCHED STRAIGHT OUT, hands gripping the grips, sternum planted on your saddle, front tire knobs bending and breaking, and the rear tire a slidin and a swinging... 

If you've never hit 60+ on a mountain road, wondering just how much heat those carbon hoops can handle as a bend is running up fast...

If you've never banged bars in a full gallop for the line...

If you've never loaded up at sunrise and returned at sunset covered in dust, salt, and blood... 

Maybe it's your playlist?

Not with earpods... the one that's playing all by itself, 'cause you nearly blew the windows out on the way to the ride or before leaving the house.  

Stuck in yer head.

That playlist.

Is

it

in

spiring...

... on the bike...

... everywhere?

Here's one a mine, the Winged Wolf.

What's yours?

And as long as were discussing things we don't know about each other... should I be flattered or surprised by the this phrase which I hear several times a week?

I gotta be honest, I didn't think your gloves would be good... but I really like 'em.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

I know what it is... we should be charging a lot more.  It's a psychological thing.  So, look for the price to raise soon... until then, they're $20 with shipping to your door.

Join the believers.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

164.8 lbs 
Stetch
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3561095993

TONIGHT, AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK... after a spritely gallop along the coast... after a 1000' extracredit climb... I sat on the bench outside our shop.

Alone, I bathed in the racing and retreating streaks of sunlight.

I felt clean and complete.

Fortunate beyond words...

... I didn't move for quite awhile.

I couldn't.

I thought of Major Taylor who's biography I'm reading, and who loved his enemies.  Of Gandi, who encouraged us to be the change we seek.  

Earlier in the day I'd called a friend who lives near LA.  We're different generations, different colors.  We're dads who love our families.  We're bike riders, who encourage others to ride.  It was good to catch up.

I think that's one of the things I miss most about not having much of a commute... time to call friends who are far away, just to say Hi...

... it always turns to bike riding at some point, because bike riders are my people...

... and my people gotta ride.

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

These tshirts are the softest thangs you'll ever put on... and after one wash you can't even feel the ink.

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

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3555882278

SOMETIMES YA JUST WANT A QUICKIE.  Like today.  Up early.  Quick change. Out the door... riding into a beautiful rising sun.

But, sometimes ya oughtta take a moment to look over yer twowheeled pleasure craft.

Which I didn't.

Nor did I notice my tires were a bit splashy <- Jason Bourne quote there.

Not until I'd climbed rather high up above town on the rutted fire road... and I didn't even notice it on the climb.  Traction was quite good, as you'd expect with low pressure.

No, it wasn't until I was downbound on a trail called Kamikaze... coming up just short on a bunny hop... that I realized I'd forgotten to air up.

Now I was air down... burped out about 20 pounds.

Unridable.

Texted Frank who lives nearby... nada.

Called my lovely, quarantined daughter, who quickly rescued me with a pump... but alas, it was more damaged than I could do roadside.

I never curse the gods upon the rare mishap... too many times I've come upon tragedy, thinking If this or that hadn't a happened, that coulda been me.

My loss is your gain... 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/terra-speed-700x-fold-protection-tr-black-chili?variant=31454091608196

Use promo code CONTIBOGO and when you buy 2 or more tires they're 50% off.  You'll enter the promo code at check out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/terra-speed-700x-fold-protection-tr-black-chili?variant=31454091608196

(Yes, it works on all tires.)

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3547625925

I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO RACING, the more you can bring to the race the better.  Could be better wrenching skills, could better on course support, could be a dedication to chess...

... could even be Teddy Roosevelt's autobiography, it's stuffed gritty teaching tales... from boxing with secret servicemen in the White House to frontier justice to liberating Cuba.

Teddy had an approach to apprehending armed criminals, who often possessed great fighting talent.  He noticed they always had a moment of hesitation before pulling the trigger.

... I knew just what to do, and I did it first...

... and that my friends sums up most of my racing tactics.

It's not complicated.

Knowing what needs to be done.
Doing it first.

There are a ton of places to apply this principle in a race.

Know.
Do.

Here's something you oughta know... PEDALposse members save 25% on all purchases, custom or instock.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

165.4 lbs 
Rest
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3543726943

WHAT ARE THE BEST BIKE RIDES?  Adventures with friends.  With all the warm feelings of finally being back together after months... something was bound to happen over the course of 45 miles with 7000' of vert in our local forest.

For examples...

One crank falling off

Two bleeding legs

One tumble in the moon dust

A fair amount of cramping

And, a complete detonation on the final climb.

But, the worst...

... the one that had howls of pain ricocheting across the canyon...

... I won't soon forget.

Our final decent was on The Luge.  A trail with huge berms and jumps and nasty braking bumps... offering chances to fall off a cliff to one's death.

Which is exactly what those screams sounded like.

They were coming from a young lad of 12ish years on his own adfriendture with his big brother and another buddy.  He was the last rider in their trio... all riding on crappy bikes and adrenalin.

He'd fallen 15' and landed in a cactus plant. 

We formed a huMan chain and yanked him out.

Scared and shaken.  

He'll be fine, and have a story he can tell the rest of his life... which no doubt will get better with time.

An adfriendture.

---

Apologies to today's tour guide, MG.  I thought his prediction of 4 hours was nuts.   He insisted we'd push each other. 

Perhaps it was his pep talk... This is a drop ride, so keep up!

Some pavement to get to the dirt

Blackstar climb

Above the clouds

MG taking care of JM wounds

Easy E watching the kids take off

To the rescue... EasyE grabbed the kid... the man below started to slip and I grabbed him... much steeper than it looks.

Pink

Camo

Never pass up a Mexican coke and popsicle

But, you can't have an adfriendture unless you actually ride your bike.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

Use promo code: ADFRIENDTURE and have this tshirt delivered for under $18.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

 ---

165 lbs
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3537861535

TOMORROW SORTAKINDA MARKS THE FIRST DAY TOWARDS MY QUEST, the quest being MTB Marathon Nationals.  I'll be meeting the fellas, and from what I've spied on Starva there will be pain.

Legs will be chopped off.

Arms turned to noodles.

Throats singed.

Lungs burned.

Eyes gouged.

Ears... will be filled with the shrieks of misery.

My fastest friends are meeting for an It'll take 'bout 4 hours ride.  I looked at the estimates, and from what I can gather I'd have to PR every segment of the route to be able to do it under 4 1/2 hours.

There's nothing like a good thrashing to get the motivation going... motivation to train, eat, rest right proper.

So, I'll ride to the pain.

Raise your bottle if you're with me... and repeat it... To the pain!

Of course I won't feel all the pain because I'm gonna lather up with a heap of PR Lotion... as I'm sure all these cats will.  Times like tomorrow I regret sharing all the secrets.

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

If you're gonna be riding To the pain! soon... click on this link and enjoy the extremely entertaining video.

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

Ships free in USA.

---

165.4 lbs 
Coach Loran Live - tons of upper body
6.5 hours sleep - crazy dreams
https://www.strava.com/activities/3531092335

My inspiration for this post

I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE REST OF COUNTRY IS DOING, for that matter I'm not even sure what most of my friends are doing.  But, I do know this... I have popped into the local group ride that is resurfacing and holyguacamole! some of these cats are in serious fighting shape.

I was quite shocked last week.

And stunned this week.

Serious speed from the getgo, and like an old diesel I've been, shallwesay, a touch slow in ramping it up.

I checked the soontobeexpensive Starva and according the Fitness/Freshness report my fitness is good and my form is bad.

This is the result of riding like Goldilocks - neither too easy nor too hard - just riding tempo all the time.

Not riding hard enough to need an easy spin, not spinning easy enough to pound a hard ride.

After being smacked by the Bigbadwolf a few times... I'm ready to search out some speed.

To inspire myself I printed up a new green - for sprint speed - tshirt.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green?variant=34486613999777

It comes in a lot of colors... the imprint is our Stamp logo.
We use very special inks, and once you wash this shirt you'll never feel the ink.

If you use promo code WATTSUP at check you'll get this T deliverd for under $18... or under $15 if you're part of the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green?variant=34486613999777

---

164.2 lbs 
Pullups, Pushups, Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3528552294

I REMEMBER CHRISTMAS 1990.  Surfergirl presented me a Merlin Titanium Bikes catalog... with 10 crisp Benjamins inside.  Twoooo Wuv.

I never got that bike... yes, I would have been part of the cool kids.

Instead, I plunked it down on a pure sprint machine.  A cherry red aluminum Cannondale.  Integrated shifting in the brake levers - imagine that, no more reaching for the downtube shifter midsprint!

Harsh ride.

Fast.

Raced that bike all up and down the coast the next 2 years.  The pinnacle of my crit career.

I rode aluminum for a long time... then carbon... and I'm back on an aluminum sprinter at the moment.

Not as harsh.

Very aero.

Fast.

But, I'm starting to dream of Ti again. 

The Moots YBB concept has always intrigued me.  First, as a Leadville rig.  It's very simple.  No linkage.  Limited travel, using Ti's properties with just a spring up at the seat tube.

They are now offering an even more limited travel version on their gravel bike and I'm giving it some serious thought.

For most graveling, suspension isn't really needed.  But, we tend to go a little cray-cray around here... poaching a fair amount of single track and plenty of rough terrain.  And, I'm thinking some suspension would be pretty slick.

The YBB frame with the Lauf fork could be just the ticket for my inner gravel goon.

It's only money?... nah, it's a helluvalotta fun!

Some wonder if the PEDALposse is worth the money...

... well, all I can tell you is riders keep joining... some for the savings, some for the training, some for the monthly surprise... check it out:

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

165 lbs 
Yoga & Roll
6.5 hours sleep - kids up late
https://www.strava.com/activities/3523417093

I'VE NEVER BEEN ON A GROUP RIDE I DIDN'T LIKE, here are my rules when I'm the newguy

11.  Speak when spoken to.

12.  Pull my fair share

13.  Be Steady Eddy, not Freddie Showoff

14.  Stop if there's a mishap, be helpful.

15.  Point shtuff out.

It ain't that hard to be a likable rider... or person... which you probably are if you're reading this...

... and if you're reading this, consider joining the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

167.2 lbs (I keep telling myself it's time to get serious)
Coach Loran Live + Pullups
8 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3517821786

I WOULD NEVER DO THIS FOR A FRIEND:  put him on my favorite race bike, give him a brand new kit, slightly used helmet, new gloves, new socks, and barely used glasses. 

I'm just not that kind of friend, but I am that kind of dad...

... because if junior likes it, well hotdiggity - whatcouldbebetter?!

At the top of a twisty and tricky single track were three dads, and 3 little kids.  Shane and I cleared the last pitch of rocky trail, huffing and puffing.  It felt damn good, and everybody knew it.

This is the special stuff - spectacular view, prime weather, out in the wild for an adventure.

All the dads thinking... I hope he likes it.

Even me... thinking it for the 1000th time... and maybe this time it will stick.

Not only did I give him all that gear - not the bike - I introduced him to the goodness of Chamois Butt'r...

... but not the miracle that is PR Lotion, that is something I'll keep a secret... 'cause I'm gonna need every edge I can get if it sticks this time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

 You my friend, if you have yet to try PR Lotion or the Butt'r, may use this promo code to save 50% on the second item:  LUBEMEUP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

165.98 lbs 
Pullups and Pushups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979

THERE ARE RIDERS WHOSE LUNGS ARE SO HUGE AND LEGS SO POWERFUL that they achieve perfection on two wheels to which no ordinary rider will ever attain.

There are other riders who cannot ride with any skill or power at all.

In between come the mass of riders of ordinary ability, who if they choose can become solid riders... even accomplished racers... through dedication to regular training, proper diet, and focused recovery.

I belong to this third group, the workers and hustlers... the industrious.

PEDAL... Industries.

And... if you working hard on and off the bike you probably like saving big bucks whenever possible... like PEDALposse member MS in AZ

Have you been dreaming about a new helmet for the summer season?  Got a few bones burning a hole in your jersey pocket?

Save 20% with promo code: KASK20

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Today, May 25th 2020, is the last day of the KASK helmet sale.

PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3506576127

THERE'S A LEGEND AROUND HERE ABOUT THE GREAT D.M... how great?  Well, when John Tomac would come and visit DM would thrash him on the bike... really take him to the shed.  Yeah, that great.

DM, the story goes, had demons... he was once so far off the front of a local MTB race, that he startled the course marshal high up on the mountain.  The marshal didn't think racers would be there for at least another 15 minutes,.. but out in the middle of nowhere he hears a voice coming at him...

You think that hurts?  That's nothing!  Nothing, I tell ya... Quit whining you baby!  That's ain't pain... you're not even trying...

Now that's an enemy, self-conjured or not, pushing DM... getting every ounce of energy out of him.

The great JO once explained how he goes all out from the start of an MTB race... he pictures in his mind that the competitors are trying to get his family and therefore he must crush them... and so he does.

I've been known to line up at the start and just pick someone to hate on... then tell myself some ridiculous story to get fired up!... and if they're not in the hunt, I have no problem training my lens on the next sonofagun.

So, yeah, love your enemies... 

... especially the nice once that smile as they rip your legs off.

Which reminds me of Coach Loran, and how she laughs during the workouts she knows are killing us...

... looking for someone to hate because they make you feel weak?  Look no further than Coach Loran... her workouts are part of the PEDALposse subscription.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

165.4 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.15 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3500359736

OKAY... TBH, YOU CAN'T REALLY MAKE WATTS WHILE YOU SLEEP, but you sure the heck can lose them.

Check out what happens when we get less than 8 hours of sleep:

Time to physical exhaustion drops by 10-30%
Aerobic output is significantly reduced
Faster rates of lactic acid build up
Reductions in blood oxygen saturation
Impairment of the body to cool itself through sweating
Weight gain through loss of hunger control
and... wait for it... a whopping100% increase in risk of injury

... and that's just the athletic stuff, there's a whole bunch more... but, who cares about max performance on AND off the bike?

Well, I do.

So when my much smarter and much faster friend MG suggested Why We Sleep last year, I put it in the reading cue.

Result:  I've upped my average night of sleep by about 30 minutes - as many have noted, the very act of reading the book will send you straight to LaLaLand.

What won't send you to LaLaLand are the many options of the Wild Child Kit.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

This is the Peace option, which I commissioned the great Joe Y to design for us... ya see I had a sneaky feeling we might need a bit more peace in our lives in 2020.

If you're wanting to spread peace use this code: PEACEOUT

The code works on everything in the store... but check out how snappy this kit looks.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.2 lbs
Pull-ups
6.5 hours sleep - not my best night.

https://www.strava.com/activities/3496092166#comments

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL... who's the fastest of them all?

Let me see here... let's see... well, according to the actual score board... why...hmmm... well, it ain't you.

Are you sure Mirror?

Yep, quite sure... looking at the podium picture here.... it's def not you.

Well, Mirror, what about that one KOM I got?

Checking... checking... checking... ah yes, found it... yes, you did have a KOM on that one forgotten loop that only one other person ever rode... but, looks like someone stumbled upon it and stole it... no email on that?

No Mirror, no email.

Are you sad?

Yes, kind of.

Don't be.  You were never even in the running for fastest.  But, you're still the fairest... and ain't that the best? 

I'm not sure what inspired the above... maybe it's the awareness for ESPN's upcoming Lance Armstrong tell all?  

But, I am sure this is a fairly awesome offer that is ending in 4 days...

... my favorite helmets, huge savings.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

KH ordered a Protone for himself... ''cause of course we always think of ourselves first... then sent this text

Now, you may not have an old helmet that fits like a giant, sad mushroom on top of your head like KH... but if you do... this is a helluva deal...

Save 20% with promo code: KASK20

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Sale ends on 5/25.

PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran Live + pull-ups
7 hours sleep

https://www.strava.com/activities/3491440093

KUDO TO YOU... there's a lot I like about Strava, so much so that I've paid for their service for years simply to support them... 'cause honestly, I couldn't make helmets or shifters outta their premium offer.

But, the thing I like most is it to take a few minutes from time to time and comment on a friend's outstanding ride.  There's a lot of this going on on the Stravs and it's pretty darn cool... probably the best part, all that positivity.

I'm not sure if forcing people to pay for "their most popular feature" is the right way to go... but that's essentially what they've done by hiding all the segment times but your own and the top 10 should you not have the 5 bones a month they want from ya.

I think a choice ala Spotify to have paid/adfree or free with ads would be cool... even as a payer, I wouldn't mind seeing really relevant ads from time to time in my feed.  For sure kids, the budget conscious, and others would opt for the free with ads version.  

Without a quality free version, will Strava's domination of segment data be hollowed out?... leaving just richguy data?  Will another platform come forth?  Will people move to Garmin's app?

Time will tell...

... speaking of time, I'm really loving the longer days and the chance to ride long into the evening...

... and when I do, I roll out with 2 water bottles like this

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

 Which you can have delivered to your door for a whopping... sit down before I tell you how much this is going to set you back... I mean, you know we haven't been able to make bottles for 10 weeks now right?...

Use promo code:  KUDOS

Code expires after the next 10 sets of bottles have been ordered... except for the PEDALposse.

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

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

165.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3485751504

A FULL 18 MONTHS INTO MY PROFESSIONAL RACING CAREER... start young enough and it's impossible not to have this dream, for every single ride is faster and further... I met what seemed to be an old crusty cat running a forgotten bike shop, he was probably mid-30s.

He sagely whispered, It takes 3 years to find out what kind of racer you'll be.

I thought, Whatever dude, I'm going to race that big thing in France.

Many times I've considered his statement.  He meant I'd find out if I was a road racer or crit racer or circuit racer, for those were the choices at the time.

Surely I'd be a pro on the road... actually, I wound up a decent amateur on circuit courses.

But, maybe he'd meant something deeper?... for I'd learned a secret.

After the races, there are more races. 

Each race presenting new challenges, requiring new skills.  A chance to improve.  To find harder races, against faster competition.  To set larger goals that butt up to the impossible, and get after it.

Sure, wanting to win... but more importantly, knowing that each race leaves me a better version of myself...

... eagerly awaiting the next race.

The next chance to strap on my helmet and see who I've become.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3480225660

I LOVE MY FRIEND Kevi.  I was shocked to see him in December.  Shocked, I tell ya.  Here was a man who once weighed a scant 155... tbh, I didn't even recognize him when he rolled up to me... in fact, I cleared the area for fear he'd take me out like a lone bowling pin.

But this is what I love about him... he has more determination and will power than any person I've ever met.

He ordered a few kits... after squeezing into an XXL top and XL bottom, and I mean like hold your breath squeezing.

Then he started getting these dern emails from me.

Bought some PR Lotion.

Started riding hard again.

Noticed my weight... he knew I was 20 pounds heavier when he lived 'round here.

Got inspired.

Read about my passion for graveling.

Set a financial goal to merit a new bike.

Ordered Large kits a couple of weeks ago... down about 50 pounds.

Got the new gravel bike... giggled like a kid.

Shot me a message today... Can we change to Medium kits?

Did I feel bad pointing out his huge potential energy?  Nope.  I love him... want him to be around a long time.  We've got a lot riding to do.

And now that he's joined the PEDALposse, I can't wait till he starts seeing the benefits of Coach Loran's workouts...

... just hope he doesn't giggle when he drops me next time he's in town.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

I'm not going to promise you the same results as Kevin... I don't know if you have that far to go, or if you have that kind of drive and determination... but, I will promise you a proper butt kickin' by Coach Loran... the kinda thing that will have you feeling S-T-R-O-N-G on and off the bike.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3474731048

MY FRIEND JEFF JUST LOADED UP HIS BIKE AND WENT FOR A LITTLE 322 MILE JAUNT... sleeping trailside from 11pm-5am along the way... and didn't even invite me, or anybody else.  

Did it alone.

On forgotten gravel roads.

In bear country.

It's the kind of thing I only dream about or threaten to do.

Which reminds me of the most compelling advertisement I've ever read, placed by the great Ernest Shackleton... captain of the aptly named Endurance.

What calls men and women to engage in such quests is one thing.

Why aren't we all so engaged is another.

What are we waiting for?

Should I ever heed the call of the wild, what some may consider lose my mind you, bank on me going all in on style and efficiency from head to toe.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner.   Perfect fit.  Great airflow.

And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.

---

166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446