PAY ATTENTION AND YOU START TO NOTICE SKID MARKS ALL OVER THE PLACE.  If you're the one laying down the rubber or carving up the dirt you're tapping into your rebellious side... and if your execution is flawless and graceful... well, that's a helluva feeing.

Carving up the local fire roads on my gravel bike today, I remembered one of the best bike lessons I ever got.  And it was free, from my friend Brett.

Bret had race flat track motorcycles professionally... they're the original drifters... and he was the best skidder I've ever seen.

He kindly let me know I sucked... well into my 30's, 20+ years of skidding...

... and I'd been doing it all wrong. 

Rather than share the many wrong ways... lemme just share the right way to skid through a turn.

The most important thing Brett taught me is to start your skid before you're turning, it's the only way to keep the back end from sliding away below you and leaving on your arse or worse.

Got that?

Start the skid while you're still going straight, then steer through the turn and the back end will come right around under control.

Why skid?

It's fun.

It can be a lot faster way to get through a tight turn off road.

It looks cool.

It kicks up a ton of dirt making it harder for trailing riders to see... I'd never do that.

If you're going to be working on your stylish skidding... wear a good, stylish helmet.

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 5/31)

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

NO ONE IS BORN A RACER.  No one is born knowing how to ride a bike.  Training is like spokes in a wheel.  One spoke is useless.  Many spokes, properly tensioned, make a strong wheel.

We train our legs.

We train our minds

We train our core.

We train our upper body.

We learn basic maintenance.

We study the greats.

We ride with faster and slower riders.

We practice handling skills.

We dial in nutrition on and off the bike.

We master rest and sleep.

Strong wheels roll over all obstacles... and so we attack the race with vigor and confidence that we are prepared...

... and that same preparation rolls into everything we do.

The wide road, the rockless trail... we learn nothing there. 

We seek the fast turn, shoulder to shoulder... the steep, cliffside trail.

Mens sana in corpore sano - sound mind in strong body.

And we know it'd be a shame to not keep that mind protected and that body stylish so we don excellence atop it all.

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 5/31)

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 lbs
Office move
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979

I FELL OVER HALFWAY THROUGH MY FIRST VISION QUEST.  Landed on my side.  Unable to move.  I wasn't hurt, but I was being crushed by extreme heat and an ungodly amount of climbing.  Falling over when I stood on the pedals because my legs cramped simultaneously wasn't part of the plan.

I lay there shocked, such was the speed by which I'd been cut down.

Just hours earlier I'd been full of confidence... thinking all was well, what could possibly derail a great day racing in the mountains with my pals?

It wouldn't be my only disastrous day on a bike.

But, it would define my response.

I would summon the will to finish...

... long after the winners and quitters had gone home...

... a victory of my own.

---

Shiz gonna hit our spokes for sure... and will continue to do so... and so we plan for that...

prepping better
adjusting expectations
persevering
loving what the trails and roads throw at us
turning inward for strength
accepting the shiz
and pedaling on

---

Speaking of pedaling on...  if you're heading out for a big adventure be sure and lube up your body too

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Here's the dealio... buy any one of these products and the second product is 50% off when you use this code:  LUBEMEUP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

—

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.

—

166.6 lbs
Coach Live - ouch! 
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3452950880

They say rules are made to be broken... break these at your own risk.

6.  If you're going to lead, be the last one to lead - win the damn race!

7.  Thy bike may be dirty, thy drivetrain must be pristine.

8.  Always invite the ladies - they're nicer and don't smell - they may politely decline, keep inviting.

9.  Group rides start on time - failure to heed leads to ride death.

10.  Thou shalt not show thy butt crack via thread barren bibs - and if thou shalt be subjected to such offense thou shalt shame the offender without mercy.

Speaking of threads, I found a pile of these superlight socks while prepping for our upcoming move... and I'd sure like to find a home for them.

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

This particular sock was only made in the size OFSM - one size fits most which is 9-12.

So, if you're that size... and you like gray... and have 8 shekels that need a home... that's all it takes to get these delivered to you.

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

---

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.

---

166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll 
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3447809783

PERHAPS THE MOST OVERLOOKED SKILL IN BIKE HANDLING, and the cause of many an ohcrap moment, is the ol' hangloose, holdtight. I think it's overlooked, because it's rarely taught... 

I was reminded of it yesterday when I received this message from PEDALposse member Michael F.

Just got a gravel bike, have had a few break in rides.  I've quickly learned that it's not a simple as pedaling hard.  There are obstacles, you can't just get into a zone (have to look and think ahead all the time).  That said, it's fun (at times), and I know it will become a lot of fun after I develop a more "gravel" skill.  Any tips for a pure road cyclist (no MTB background) looking to enjoy the trails around Santiago Canyon?

First tip is hangloose, holdtight, and it's applicable to all riding.

Your upper body should be loose, your arms especially.  This will let the power of the terrain flow through you and be energizing vs jolting.  Think of your arms as wet spaghetti noodles.

Your hands should have a firm grip on the bars, with noodle arms.

I learned it reading Zen And The Art Of Archery - it's short, and profound... about an American archer who travels to Japan and gets his schooled by little old men, and the secret he learned about recruiting just the right muscles.

Second tip is look as far ahead as you can. 

Your body will remember what to do.  Most people new to riding offroad look straight down.  It's a bad habit that will have you focusing on the obstacles rather than the goals... never bueno.

I learned that from Moses - Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Another reason people perish is because their tires are in terrible shape... and guess what I don't want to move to the new location?

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

Here's the dealio... the one promo code that is better than the PEDALposse code... the buy one get one free code:  CONTIBOGO 

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

---

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.

---

166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3442652996

A LONG RANGE ATTACK USUALLY FAILS, it's often attempted by a racer who is feeling outnumbered or outclassed. And, usually ends up with the attacker being shot out the back.  But, there is one kind of long range attack that if done correctly can reshuffle the deck in your favor.

Here's how I use it.

The last 5-10 miles of any road race are always heated. 

The last 3-5, the adrenalin pump is a pumpin'.

Earlier this year, I pulled such an attack. 

4 miles out.  

I lead into a very fast 150 degree turn and sprinted hard out of it.  There was a little gap, and I kept it at 9/10ths.  As planned, I was caught about a 1/4 mile later.  The charging train blew by me.

When rider X chided me with The race won't be won here, I knew it was mission accomplished.

I slotted in 10 guys back and kept an eye on all the players.  It was a gradual 1-2% grade with a kicker at the finish.

That tactic can backfire.  

They can leave you dangling off the front.  So, go 9/10ths.  If the gap keeps opening while you're getting closer to the finish, you can up it to all out... but it better be a helluva gap.

When that happens it's usually because they know you and think you don't have it and they let the gap get too big.  Which is a really sweet move that I saw executed at LoToJa.  I was keying of the regulars, and they figured Steinfelt didn't have it.  Wrong. He won, we lost.

It works best when nobody knows you, like if you're in town just for the race.  They'll think you're some kook making a bad move... you might be, so be careful.  Usually, they'll chase you down, heckling you... leaving you in the catbird's position, latched on to the back of their lead out trains, forgotten.

While their egos are jousting, you are patiently resting and waiting to unleash your mighty fury...

... always be the last one to lead the race.

But, don't be the last one to check out our close outs... I added a couple of new things today.  Found one of these sweet t's

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

Plus a few other things.

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

 ---

167 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3437267779

A FEW YEARS AGO, I HAD THIS CRAZY DREAM  to start a racing format called HUNKR.  It stood for Hundred Kilometer Race.  I learned the expensive way that race promotion is a tough way to make a buck.  That was the bad part, but I also learned a ton of things along the way.

Yes, we had hundreds of people race...
Yes, the local speedsters - pros and national champs showed up...
Yes, the courses we spectacular.
Yes, an after party.

Yes... terday, I had a few hours midday and ripped around the county.  Just over three hours later I came in super stoked.  On a high.

3ish hours, stomping on the pedals is my sweet spot.  

The route I'd put together as I went along, linking bike trails and little used roads, had only a couple of obeythelaw stops.  Which left me in the zone the entire way. And, wound up to be exactly 100k.

The Old Clydesdale commented on my Strava post with one word: Hunkr.

Which reminded me of the point of HUNKR... to give people a way to race each other as well as chase their PRs.  Runners do this all the time - sign up for mass start race, train together, then go race and reach for their PR. 

The number one thing I learned is people really like the HUNKR format... we just don't have that in bike racing.

I wish we did.

Will I ever resurrect HUNKR?

Probably.

In a renegade, undertheradar, nopermits, inviteonly, braggingrightsonly, badass sorta format.

Until then, we are closing out the remaining jerseys... practically giving away the classiest event jersey I've ever seen or made... so we don't have to move them to  our new, shiny location.

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

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code.

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

---

166.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A SPECTACULAR FAIL FOR LEARNING.  Whether or not Thursday was a true failure is questionable, the fact I fell off the athletewagon is undoubtable.

Exercise:  lazy walk on beach

Diet: donuts for breakfast, a giant serving of PickUp Stix for lunch, Domino's for dinner, and multiple servings of Oreo ice cream pie while watching Revenge Of The Sith.

Why the fall:  son Shane's bday + all kids in town for Mother's Day = party time.

The failure feedback:  2 lbs heavier than previous morning, and some karaze dreams

Without that feedback from the scale and dreams, nothing would be learned.

Racing, with a number or just amongst friends, has been a great source of feedback.

But, I think chasing PRs has been the best teacher because I experiment more.   

Tinkering with tread patterns and tire pressure,
bike position,
nutrition,
pacing,
apparel,
time of day...
oh, it's an endless list... and chasing a PR is endlessly fascinating... figuring out what is holding me back - often it's the blubber, my homegrown ballast, that needs to be cast off.

Speaking of casting off, we're moving to a new location this month... so if you have a hankerin' for some deals, there are a number of things we are closing out

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

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762

I HAD THIS WHOLE POST ABOUT LEARNING FROM FAILURE READY TO GO, then I read this quote from Egan Bernal who learned from winning.

Bernal:

At the moment, it's a question of having cold blood, focusing on training, trying to do things as well as possible, get to the Tour and then things will fall into place.

That's his answer to the question of who will lead his team... himself, being the reigning champ, his teammate Geraint Thomas the previous winner, or Chris Froome who won before Thomas.

And, I freakin' love it... it's a question of cold blood... ie: getting your buns in gear, the world ain't waitin'.

We ain't waitin' over here either, in fact we're movin'... and rather than move it all, we're puttin' some of it on clearance... can ya help a brother out?

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

No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.

---

166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran Live Workout 
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3421857164

THERE IS SO MUCH CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT ON A BIKE.  I love to admit it, some of the very best is when a friend flies off the trail and lands in the tree below... clipped in, upside down... with a sliced shin.

If you're a rider, and you're tough, and you signed up for said adventures... shiz like that be really funny.  Whether it's you or your pal.

So, there we were laughing our helmets off only last night!

Poor unnamed rider X.

Don't tell my wife, I'll wear pants for a few days.

Copy that cowboy.

Just like that we rode on... bleeding, smashed shifter dangling... doing our thang.

I was reminded of that story this morning when I got an email from my Aussie mate Tony.

Hi Todd,

Every ride where I use your XL RaceDay bag I am reminded of you. ( I always laugh when someone say  SH@T I left my gloves at home and point to my bag).

Yep... that's super funny, and happens all the time.

Reminds me of the time I forgot my kit and raced a crit in surf trunks and a tank top.  Really wanted to win that won after all the shaming.  No luck.

I've laughed a million times thinking about that race.

Even funnier was when my friend got kicked out of a race for doing a towel change in the pits... by the Sheriff!

Too bad she didn't have a changing poncho... hahahaha!

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

You know what they say... Modest is hottest!

Use promo code: CHEAPENTERTAINMENT

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

Pedalposse... use your super code.

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3414501436

WE HAVE THIS OLD IBIS TANDEM COUSIN IT.  The attention to detail is awesome.  From the matching Silca pump to the little forged hand that holds the brake cable.  After 25ish years, it's in good shape... not worn, not rusted.... because we haven't ridden it for the last 10+ years.

Which reminds me of this quote:

We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us.
My choice is to wear out.
-Theodore Roosevelt

While our contemporaries slowly rust out, we are in the big gears.  Charging ahead.  Setting karazy goals.

Which reminds me of this qoute from my distant cousin:

I don't know karate,
but I do know karazy.
- James Brown

Whatever your karaze biking goal is, if you have some base bikefitness you can be karaze ready in 10 weeks.

Right now, I'm working on a new book...10 Weeks To Speed... the premise is you don't need a full-time coach, you just need 10 focused weeks.  

Get out your calendar and sip on that.

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

Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.

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

PEDALposse, remember to use your special code.

---

165.2 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3411138895

SPARE ME THE SHOOT FOR THE STARS HIT THE MOON PLATITUDES.  I want something outrageous, clear and concrete.  

Like PRing Leadville last summer, 20 years after my previous PR.

It's the only way to wring out the best.

This year's outrageous goal... sheesh, my palms just started sweating... but, I gotta do it... gotta commit to something ridonkulous.

Here it is Marathon Nationals... for the win.

November 14th.

Texas.

There.  Said it.

Six months to get in tiptopshape.  Be one with my MTB.

That wasn't so hard.  There's almost a relief, finally putting it out there.  Writing it down.  The trepidation turns to fascination... how to get it done?

One thing I'll be doing for sure is getting my buns kicked regularly by Coach Loran.  Body strength, coordination, balance will be key for a successful day.

If you haven't trained with Coach Loran yet... well, you're probably not in the PEDALposse where her training is included. 

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

I know what you're thinking... she looks so nice and inviting, how could she possible motivate me?

Well... start with the fact she's probably a better bike handler than 99% of riders then add in she's be training people for 15 years.

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

---

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3405159184

PERHAPS THE GREATEST LESSON OF AN EPIC EVENT IS TO TAKE IT MILE BY MILE.  Shtuff happens.  Whether it happens at mile 2 or mile 92 matters not.  Our response is all that matters.

At the original 12 Hours of Big Bear, I started catching up to the leaders on the long downhill. 

It was the first lap.

We were all fresh.

I'd been dropped, but I was back.

Hellyeah boys, I'm here... was all I was thinking.

Poof! tsss... tsss... tsss... tsss... a dawgawn flat tire, and now all I was thinking was...

Hell!

I noted the time.  Fixed the flat in 2 minutes, flat.  

We still had 11 hours and 35 minutes of racing.  I stuck to my pace, about 50 minutes per lap.

By the 11th hour, first place Matt Oran had lapped me and figured no one could match his 12 laps.  He pulled out and watched.  

Second place, also pulled over having completed 11 laps.  Like Matt, he figured no one could catch.  

At 11 hours 5 minutes, I pitted.  11 laps done.  Surfergirl told me the situation.  Poured to packs of table salt into my mouth and sent me off.

We'd started at 7am.   Most of the mountain was now dark, the sunsetting on the other side.  Nobody else as on the course because they'd done the calculation and figured they couldn't get back by 7pm.

Could I make it back by 7pm and complete 12 laps, securing 2nd place?  Everything hurt.  Cramps came and went.

It was just me and DuranDuran, Hungry Like A Wolf... strangely serene.

---

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference

---

Riding that fateful downhill for the 12th time, doing all the mental math, knowing it was going to be very, very close... I knew something else,

if I'd hesitated when it all went sideways, or given up hope, I never would have made it to this moment... in a beautiful forest, 

this beautiful, quiet moment, completely satisfied I'd done all I could do.

---

I crossed the line at 6:58PM, and collapsed.  Numero dos.

---

A lot of folks have been buying this lately.  We got lucky and stocked up before production was halted.

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

Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.

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

---

166 lbs 
Core day with Coach Loran
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3399691968

SOMEDAYS ON  SUNDAYS MY LEGS ARE HURTIN'.  After yesterday's peppy jaunt around the county, today is one of them.  Didn't really notice it until a late afternoon walk up a coupla a sets of stairs.

Which reminds me of a question my pal Talley asked.

Do you ride to "get it over with” so you can reward yourself OR is your ride the reward? 

My reply...

I think it's some of both... though, lately I've been riding end of day a lot more... it's nice to look forward to and it forces me to compress the work day, not let it leak into dinner and the evening.

A few years ago I read The 5 Hour Workday, and we committed to it pretty hard.  But, somehow we lost our discipline and drifted back into the 8 to 10 hour workday.

Perhaps this is the right time to recommit?  I'm gonna dig that book back up.

... and run this another day.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder

You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY

... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.

---

166 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3394583609

TRUST IN GOD AND KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY... advice for the ages.  Fighting advice.  And it works for long, vicious and terrible rides... because it means to be prepared to take action yourself... here's how not to do it.

Yes, Zach, this post is for you!

Setting the stage...
The bright sun was balanced with a lingering hint of winter in the early air.  An intoxicating mixture that had Justin returning home about 3 hours later than promised to wifey... and had coaxed Zach out for his first ride in months.

We'd planned to circumnavigate most of the county at a brisk pace.

First stop 60 miles in, then another 40 to get home.

Being the wise old diesel that I am, I had a big drink before I left.  And loaded my pockets with Honey Stinger waffles and a ziploc bag full of 4 scoops of GQ6 powder.. powder which would stay dry in said bag and mix up to power me home.

We warmed up nice enough, but the further we went the harder we ground.  Soon pulls were being skipped.  It was on.

The Anaheim train station is on the route and a wonderful stop, with a cafe and water and bathrooms.  It's beautiful inside. 

I busted out my bottles.  Poured dry powder into bottle one, began pouring bottle two.

Zach looked so sad.

The cafe was closed.

The only working vending machine was stocked with novels of the  50 Shades of Gray ilk.

I gave him a good portion of my dry powder.  Mike gave him a bar.

At which point Justin asked if I had my supply of Salt Sticks... 

We clipped in and Zach mentioned to Justin... 

I feel like all the posts are about me.

Me, too.

Which warmed my heart.

Bring your powder, and keep it dry.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder

You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY

... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.

---

165 lbs 
Stretch
6.5 hours sleep - too excited to sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3387267351

THE PROBLEM WITH TODAY'S BIKES is they are too dawgawn good.  Rare is the breakdown, part failure... shoot, we hardly get flats anymore let alone a busted spoke.

I don't know about you, but my wrenching skills kinda stink... and my wrench collection?... a flippin' mess.

Fearless as ever, I approached swapping out my very worn rear tire on my gravel bike.

No quick release, need a wrench to remove the wheel.

Easy enough, then I removed the tire.

Inside there was plenty of Stan's milk sloshing. 

I carefully disposed of the old stuff.

Popped on the new tire.

Poured in a bunch of Stan's.

Mounted the rest of the tire.

Aired it up.

Jiggled, wiggled, bounced... all manner of movements to get that inside coated with the magic white stuff <- the kind of thing that magically does away with flats and tire changing skills at the same time... here's what I mean...

It was a little tricky getting the wheel situated inside the frame and a dinged the brake calipers somehow.

No amount of fiddling would get it to stop rubbing.

Did I mention I'm a fearless mechanic?... yeah, well, this is the point I should have set it aside and approached fresh in the morning.  But I din't.

Instead, I proceed to... well, I'll cut to the chase... my brake still rubs and the bolts mounting it to the frame are now nearly stripped out.

Ugh...

(Diminished skills + crummy tools) X lack of practice = Bike Down!

Such a drag... I was mounting that tire up to have good romp in the dirt. 

But, there's good news.

PEDALposse member Chris M just moved to town.  And guess what he is?... a pro-fesh-nul mechanic.  And, he's got some time.  And, he's already extracted the stripped bolt... and now we're just waitin' on parts.

Maybe we need PEDALpossePlus... and include service? 

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

---

165.4 lbs 
Live session with Coach Loran - she killed me.
7.5 hours sleep
Got an hour in, but the Wahoo is acting wacko.

HERE ARE 5 RULES TO ABIDE BY:

1. Train at the front of the group.  If you're on a group ride, get your buns to the front... where it's hard, you'll be a lot harder to drop come race time.
2. Always be prepared.  We're hardly Boy Scouts.  But, the Scouts are right.  Be prepared in body, mind, spirit and saddle bag.  The posse doesn't spect anyone to carry parts for them.
3. Thou shalt bend thy elbows.  While riding with the elbows locked my feel good, might even look good in your mind, it's a great way to find yourself splattered on the asphalt.
4. Name thy bike.  Your bike is an extensive of you... give it a name to be known on the records of Starva.
5. Never bonk.  Bonking, running out of food, is the true rookie move... and if done righteously can leave you depleted an in a hole for weeks.

More to come... until then, consider this... the lightest, quietest saddle bag ever.

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

The mini RaceDay bag is super lightweight and durable bag that holds a tube, air cartridge and nozzle, and levers perfectly. 

Everything is snug, sucked up under your saddle, and never rattles around.  Plus, there's room for a couple of bucks and a patch kit if ya like. 

Made from durable 29" mountain bike tube.

Use promo code:  RULES1-5  to save, or your PEDALposse code to save twice as much.

---
166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran #2
7 hours sleep
ride didn't record

I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT HOW WONDROUS PEOPLE ARE AT NATURE.  Half of me is in disbelief that anybody could make such a big deal about seeing a deer or bobcat, etc... and the other half is smug thinking I see that all the time.

But, such is the world we live in.  People sucked so far into their cocoons they freak out at seeing nature.  They've lost their nature.

We on the other hand, are much closer to our wild side.

We are wild.

Wolves.

Eagles.

The thing about animals is they only attack in two instances:  when threatened, and when the kill is certain.  They can't afford the luxury of taking physical risks.  In the wild, there's no back up.

Which just might be good racing advice.  Attack when threatened, or when the kill is certain.

Speaking good advice, now would be a good time to check out the PEDALposse... here's why:  it's been purposely mysterious because we didn't want to many people to join before we had it figured out.

We've got a little more clarity on this wild offer.

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

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

---

166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3373573030

THOUGHT EXPERIMENT:  What if we changed the order of things?

For years, the Tour De France started with a prologue, and over the course of 3 weeks got into harder and harder climbs, ending with a bunch of laps and a sprint in Paris. 

What if they raced it in reverse?

If the start was a bunch of laps round the Champs -Élysées with a giant crowd cheering the racers for an hour or so before they head out to discover who is the best.

Then we'd see fresh climbers slug it out on the first 10 days of massive mountains.

Follow by another 10 days of rolling terrain and sprints.

Ending with short prologue of 8ish minutes where racers are basically riding more than racing and basking in the glory of 3 weeks well done... and finishing fresh ready for a big party.

Would it matter?

Probably more than it mattered that I had the pricing and code wrong for this promo yesterday:

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

The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.

Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic.  There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks.  I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.

So, if you want an early crack at them here you go: 

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

Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.

---

167.2 lbs 
Coach Loran #5
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3368841663

ALL I KNOW IS I WAS ENJOYING A COOL EVENING, COASTING HOME WITH MY HANDS AT MY SIDES AND MY SMILE REAL WIDE... thinking I'm gonna call tonight's post The oldest trick in the book.

Because is there an older, cooler trick than that first time you let go with boh hands... not the first time for onetenthofasecond... the first time you were relaxed, cool as a cucumber?

Well, come to think of it there are cooler times... 

... like riding the Stingray off the curb, no hands...

... like casually pulling off your jacket or vest or warmers and patiently folding to properly fit in your jersey pocket all while rolling along in the bunch, no hands...

... like beating your friends across the city limits sign and celebrating, no hands...

... like ending a long day at the yob with a little spin, cleansing your mind, no hands..

... and the oldest trick, becomes the best trick.  

You wanna no another cool trick?

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

The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.

Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic.  There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks.  I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.

So, if you want an early crack at them here you go: 

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

Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.

---

168.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #4 + 40 pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3364198985

GRAVEL RIDING IS REALLY FUN, brings a ton of adventure and all kinds of freedom on where yer gonna ride that day.  Any turn is a good turn.  Every path brings unknown potential.  But, let's be fair... it's not really racing if it's not dangerous.

Nobody goes crit riding.  

Road racing, means eventually there's gonna be massive risk taking.

CX you might stub your toe or skin your shin.

Mountain bike racing is synonymous with destruction of bikes and bones.

Which brings me to the first gravel racer, the original drop bar ripper, the King of Kamikaze... if you don't know his name, that's a true shame.

Because at the height of mountain biking, with the advent of DownHill this cat was running a disc wheel, an aero helmet, a skin suit, and looking smooth and planted while drifting turns at 50+ mpg.

That my lads and ladettes, my fellow parishioners of the church of the crank, is real gravel racing...

.. the rest of it is gravel riding, and it's super fun...

... but I can't stop thinking about the racing, the gravel type.

I reckon that's why I prefer my speedy KASK road helmet.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone

This is by far, the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn.  And, I use it for everything road, XC, and of course gravel... 

... and you know I'll be wearing when I go gravel racing!

You can pick it up here: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone

And you can save if you're part of the PEDALposse.

---

166lbs 
stretch and roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3359288764

FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CONNECT A 100K GRAVEL COURSE AROUND DEEZ PARTS.  Finally got 'er done today... and it was a roughie.

I started too late, getting scorched by the midday heat... but, the course is so rad it didn't discourage me.

Here's why:

Starting from the sandy shores of the Pacific, I rode the 62ish miles and all but 5 or so were either on paved bike trail, gravel road or sweet single track. 

The route includes water crossings, beautiful old oak trees, tall grass and wild flowers... plus a large bobcat, a gazillion rabbits, and 2 red tail hawks.

There's 5000' of vertical gained, and it's mostly packed in the middle 30 miles.  These are not gentle climbs, these are make you want to walk climbs.  

Why have I been on this quest?

Did you read that part above?  JK... I dunno, it's just in my nature to figure out fun courses.  Plus, Jeff is coming to visit and he's been bugging me to ride gravel for 10 years... gotta show off our stuff.

I learned a few more things along the way.

• Carry lube.  On these long gravel rides if there's water crossings, it's a good idea to carry a small tube of lube.
• Low pressure, mo' betta.  I rode 35lbs in the rear and 32lbs up front.  
• One of those dorky boxes on the top tube would be handy for carrying extra food... I had 7 waffles jammed in my left pocket.

Questions you may have, should you choose to join us on an official Gravel Goon:

Do I need a gravel bike?  No, an MTB would be great.

Can I ride a road bike?  Doable with exceptional bike skills and a bombproof back.

Will you wait for me?  Probably not.

Will you have aid stations?  When it's official, fo' sho'.

What should you eat?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

The other thing I learned/practiced was how to use a GoPro.  For my bday I got myself one... inspired by my friend Jose who takes such amazing pictures.  I asked what he used and he clued me in.  

I ran into 4 friends on the ride - Justin, Robot, Mark and Chris (pictured)... it's not as good as riding together, but it's darn nice to see the fellas.

---

165.8 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3353469209

A FEW MONTHS AGO A FRIEND ASKED IF I'D COACH HIM TO RACE THE LEADVILLE 100.  So, I fired off an email every day... with homework. 

Some of the information is tactical for Leadville. 

But, more importantly, the letters reveal nuggets which may be applied to any ride or race likely to leave nothing but the residue of who you are when it's over.

If you're planning to get your head handed to you at Dirty Kanza or BWR... or, just want to do an epic attack on your local mountains, you need the Leadville Letters.

For example...

Every Friday and Saturday you need to experiment with your food to find out what works for you.  Do not leave this up to the last couple of weeks before the race, or worse, the week of.  Figure it out early, then tinker with it.

Be the person people ask, not the one who’s unsure and ready to try something new on race day.

Okay, here is exactly what I eat and drink...

... revealed in the Leadville Letters are 20 years of mining racing some of the hardest more ridiculous courses in the western US, pure gold.

These letters will be shipping in June, and can be ordered here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-leadville-letters

However, if you're part of the PEDALposse no need to order as they're included with your subscription.

Not a member of the PEDALposse yet?

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

166.2 lbs 
Coach Loran #2 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
No ride.

MICKEY'S MESSAGE:

I learned my core is useless. Video #3 kicked my butt but will be back for more. 

Jake's take:

Loran kicked my butt (again) this morning btw :) never used the rubberband before but wow that hurt so good :)

Chris' crushing:

Week one was with the "I've got this I'm a strong competitive cyclist" attitude.  After the 3rd day I could hardly walk.  Quads, abs, sides were so wrecked I had a hard time getting in and out of the car, walking up stairs, and getting up off the couch.

IT STARTED OF AS A CHALLENGE TO "EVEREST" IN A WEEK - climb 29,029 feet.  But, doesn't 30k sound a lot better?  It did to me, when I started.  Then it didn't sound so good 3 days ago when there was still 12k to go.  And it sounded worse last night as the sun was setting.  And, even more worser this afternoon when I still needed over 4,000 feet.

But, you know... get done with work early, lube up with PR Lotion, 70 degrees, sunny...

... 3 hours later, and I'm at 5k for the day...

... and 31,834' of vertical in a 7 day period.

Yes, I know the cool kids all do that Everesting in 1 day.  On the same climb.  And I applaud them loudly.

I just wanted to do my own challenge.  And, 30k in 7 days sounded plenty epic.

The first day was on the road.  The second, fifth and sixth on the MTB.  The third and seventh gravel bike.  The fourth day I rested.

I learned a ton... which I shall share more of tomorrow.

For now, I'm stoked to have accomplished a new PR.  I've never climbed that much in a week.  And, I know my food strategy was spot on.

Which reminds me how poopular this special has been... and maybe you're on the fence about it and you know we are shipping immediately...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3338986707

HAD A CAT NOTICE MY WEIGHT'S BEEN GOING UP.   TBH, it kinda freaked me out that people actually look at that.  Made me think I should stop posting.  Made me wonder why folks actually believe I'm posting real stats.  Then... I hearkened back to the day I first posted my weight.

It was in high 170's.

Now, It's in the mid 160's.

And that's f'real weight... when I first wake up.

And it's every day.

Because the only way to tell how what I'm eatin' is affectin' what I'm weighin' is by weighin' every day'n.

How'd I do it?

1. Weigh same time, every day.
2. Record it on an app.
3. Tell a friend, or 1000s like I do.

If you're serious:

1. No bread or baked goods
2. No packaged foods
3. Lots of fruits and vegetables and nuts

Keep it real...

1. Cheat once a week - I cheat on Sunday
2. If anybody asks if you're on a diet... No, I'm an athlete.
3. Have fun with it.

And to that cat who commented... yeah, I typically gain a few pounds after a big day like Saturday - 7 1/2 hours, 80 miles, 10,280' of vert.  And I cheated a lot on Sunday.  It'll be gone soon... and thanks for calling me out, that's why I post it.

Speaking of food, I'm gonna roll this promo one more day because it's been very poopular... and maybe you're on the fence about it and you know we are shipping immediately...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

166.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3334068092

IN 2005, I WAS 75% THROUGH MY CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING SUPER-D.  Totally in the zone.  I'd just block passed a dude that just wouldn't get outta my way, and wanted to put as much distance as possible between the two of us.  Carving through the trees, I came to a very steep drop with a ladder to help with traction.  I was going too fast.

At the bottom of the ladder, my suspension compressed completely. 

My body kept moving.

Head first into the dirt.

I was stunned.

Covered in moon dust.

Nothing was broken - bones or bike.

I grabbed my bike, left my Oakleys in the dirt, and proceeded to shred the rest of the race course.

I won a 25 minute long race... by 7 seconds.

Forget the glorious ending... racing or not, if I'd laid there and slowly dusted myself off, found and cleaned my Oakleys, taken a "deep breath"... I eventually would have gotten back up to speed.  

Instead, I harnessed my Angrinalin.  Anger +Adrenalin.

Any hesitation and overwhelming power would have been lost.

May the Angrinalin be with you.

... and my you get back with great stories to tell.

I'm still rolling with this promo because, well... seems like people are digging it, and maybe you're on the fence about it but now that you know it's been working pretty good and we are shipping immediately you'll go for it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.

Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.

Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box.  The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

167.6 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3329019229

THREE DAYS INTO MY 7 DAY QUEST TO CLIMB EVEREST, and my legs a pretty sore.  5000' Thursday, 3000' Friday, 10,000' Saturday.  Took today off, per my plan... well, kinda took it off... did a 4 mile hike with the family, totally worth it.  That leaves 11,000' more, Monday-Wednesday.

I think the biggest factor causing pain is my poor route choice.  Too many 12-18% pitches.  

But, when time is a constraint... straight up and straight down is a heckuva lot faster.

My Rx is for the pain is stretching and rolling, and if I had the fancy compression bootlegthingies I'd be using that too.  

Rolling the legs, if they're fresh is nothing.  If they're sore... oh man, that really hurt.  But, it's a strange hurt because the more I roll the better I feel.

The question now is do I break up the next 3 days into an even 3000' ride... or 2k tomorrow, 3k Tuesday, 4k Wednesday... or 5k, 2k, 2k?  Some of that will depend on the work days, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to leave a bunch to be done on the last day, in the middle of the workweek.

What's not in question is the fuel I'll be using as I get back at it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3324127075

I'D LOOKED FORWARD TO TODAY ALL WEEK.  When I woke up the streets were wet.  When I left it was raining.  Five miles in the streets were dry.

So, that's how you're going to play it Mother?

The rocks at the first water crossing were gone, blown out by the gushing water. I charged it.  Knee deep.

The mist kept coming down, but the soil was good.  Lots of sand.

The second water crossing splintered into 5 different bottom bracket deep streams.

My drive train was smoked.  Screaming in the low gears.

Messaged CH.

You home?

Yep.

Got lube?

Yep.

See ya in 5.

It's weird to bum lube off a friend and not hug or shake hands... especially when he went to town on my chain, then handed me the lube.  I'd need it.

Seeing he was kitted up...

Where ya headed?

Up Harding - a local 9 mile gravel road climb.

You?

Trying to connect the Gravel Goon and nab 8000'.

Ride safe.

Roger that.

I was only two hours in.  2000' done.

Where we are the dirt switches from sandy to clay quickly.  Sandy can be ridden in a flood.  Clay... oh man, if it's been wet clay can clog your rig and have you walking in right quick.

The next 90 minutes I gained another 2000' but I had to forgo the Gravel Goon course... too much clay.  Close by, at this point was Harding.

Why not?

Plenty of sand there, and plenty of climbing.  Plus, I'll run into Chris on his way down and we can keep an eye on each other as we rip.

On the way over, I saw Tooch coming towards me... Hey Steve!

I hadn't been up Harding since '19 when it was graded.  It was terrible then, too soft.  But, all the rain had packed it and it was like a freeway.  No problem for my gravel bike, HVY MTL.

3000' feet of climbing later, I finally ran into Chris.  He was prepared.  PEDALindustries KOM jacket for the heavy mist, neck gator.  Me?... oh just my Camo kit.  50 degrees.  And time to plummet.

He gapped me on the way down.

We rode side by side up Old Mojeska, me in the gutter, him on the center line.  Talking.  Man, I've missed riding and talking.  I need my dude time.

We parted.  Him to rougher MTB trails... and I still had 30 miles of mostly gravel ahead of me.

I could see a blue sky to the west, where I'd be going. 

The trails were dried out.  Quite a few families were out.  Riding and hiking.

Ran into Joe... he was sporting a classic TMWC kit, and he reminded me I still owe him the 2020 kit.  Sure will be nice to fire up the factory soon.

9 hours after what looked like an unpromising day, I returned.  80 miles.  10, 280' of vert...

... and that's a great end.

Speaking of starting... is it time for you to start up your PEDALposse subscription?

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

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

---

164 lbs 
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3318769837

IS GET BACK! THE BEST BEATLES SONG?  Get back to where you once belong!

I dunno.

But, I dig the beat. 

It's just a charger, a steamroller of a groove.  And that's exactly what I'm gonna need manana, bright n early.  So I'm playin' it on repeat while I get HVY MTL ready.

'Cause I'm getting back in the saddle for a long 'un.

It'll be day 3 of my 7 day challenge, and it's gonna - gotta - be the biggest of the 6 of 7 days I'm planning to ride.

 8k of climbin'... nearly all off road, on the gravel rig.

Nutrition will be the biggest factor determining when my body starts singing... 

Get back, Diesel

Here's how I'm gonna handle it:

Decent breakfast of fruit and nuts.

2 Scoops of GQ6 in 24 oz bottle per hour
1 Honey Stinger Waffle per hour
2 SaltStick Fast chews per hour

That should last me 6-7 hours... 300 calories/hour always bueno.

The waffles will be in my left hand pocket, 2 ziplocs with 4 scoops of GQ6 and a tic tac box with the salt chews in the middle pocket, phone and wallet in the right pocket.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code:  GETBACK.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies

---

165.2 lbs 
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3312205069

I HAVE THIS FRIEND, I shall call him by his real name because he deserves to be shamed.  Who knows... maybe he'll quit texting me and do something with his life.

Jeff texts or calls me every couple of months.

It always starts out the same.

Hey man, what's up?

Just doing my thing.

Check out this bike.

The first time he did this... let me interject, I once loaned him a bike for over a year... I thought he was finally gonna do it.  Actually plunk down the bones.  We looked at a lot of bikes.

Anyway fast forward 10 years... he pulls it on me again yesterday. 

Yes!, at least 10 years!!

Can you imagine not riding for 10 years, just talking about.  Thinking about it.  For what?  To save a couple some bucks?

Bikes are so good now, you can easily get 5 year of top performance out of a proper bike.  10 or more if you're not racing.

So Jeff... Jeff, Jeff, Jeff...

If you spent $5000 on a really, really nice race bike.  And rode it for 10 years. It would cost you $0.73 per day. 

Seventy-three cents a day, Jeff!...

... 73 pennies a day for more fun than any amusement park, wonderful health, and terrific friendships with people like me.

But, not me.

Not now.

Don't you dare text or call me or lead me on one more time Jeffrey Chavez!

I don't want to see or hear you until you ride up on 2 wheels of our own.

Ya hear?!

Phew... that felt good.  

You know what else feels good? 

The secure feeling of knowing there is nowayinheck your wallet is gonna fall out of your jersey...
The reminder that yes you are a badassbikerider every time you grab your wallet...

... you can only get that with incredible, the oneofakind RaceDay wallet.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet

I came up with it for one of our local rides called Swami's Wednesday Worlds.  A ride of the most ferocious kind.  The kind Jeff will never be on because Jeff is all talk... but the kind you might be on if you ever come visit.  And if you do, you'll need our I.D.

Use promo code: JEFFISCHEAP

Or if you're in the PEDALposse use your personal code.

---

165.6 lbs 
Stretch and roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3308097196

ONCE UPON A TIME I HUNG OUT WITH DR. DENIS WAITLEY.  By that time, I was already a fan of his audio book the Psychology of Winning.  And, I'd heard him recite his classic poem Someday I'll many times.

But, what really stuck with me was his retelling of the great American skier Bill Johnson, and his gold medal quest... specifically a statement Bill made one month prior to shocking the world. 

Bill was a nobody.  23 year-old punk.  Racing an event no American had ever one, neverever.  But, he qualified for the Olympics and here's what he said...

“I don’t even know why everyone else is here,” he said. “Everyone else can fight for second.”

Denis used that story to demonstrate how the reticular activating system works. 

In his words...

The reticular activating system performs the unique function of filtering incoming sensory stimuli, sight, sound, smell and touch. And determining which ones are going to make an impression in your mind. It decides from moment to moment what information is going to become part of your world.

In our biking words...

We go, where we look.

His conclusion...

Concentrate your attention on where you want to go, not away from where you don’t want to be. Because you’ll always move in the direction of your currently dominate thoughts.

Our biking conclusion...

Look only where we want to go.

Speaking of going places, are you going to ride with the PEDALposse?

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

---

166.6 lbs 
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3305351474

I HAD A ZOOM MEETING TODAY, and 1 great lesson.

It was work related.  Before we even got started, dude had the gears to state I'm outta here in 30 minutes.

We cranked, hyperofocused, for 30 minutes.

At the end, I asked...

Where are ya off to?

Gotta go for a bike ride.

Sheesh... I didn't even know he was a rider let alone a master teacher in using time constraints to get a lot done.

He totally gets it.

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

It's not that I'm a selfish pig, well I might be but this tshirt isn't proof of that... this tshirt is proof I know I'm a heckuva lot more productive when I'm getting the ride in...

... and you can get it delivered to your door for under $20 with this promo code: 

ZOOM

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

167
Pull Ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3298166546

AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE THE OLD CROTCHETY GUY, I gotta tell ya... the road racing in the 80's, pro and amateur, was a million times more exciting than the last 10 years.

First the pro, because gotta save the best for last.

I was youtubing around last night and pulled up Greg LeMond's amazing time trial. 

Now, the thing that's not amazing is all the manufactured drama.  They did that back then because the entire race was packaged and shrunk for American's into a 2 hour special. 

So... if you can get past that, the actual story of a guy making up 50 seconds by averaging 33.89 miles an hour for just under 27 minutes is stunning.

But, that was just the start... 'cause youknow how youtube can getyou.

Next thing I know I'm watching all these classic battles of that era.

And here's the difference... those guys would make crazy, riskitall attacks.  Just bonkers.  Unlike today's tres boring powermetermetered approach.  The were like boxers throwing one haymaker after another.

So good.

The video quality isn't that good, but dang... that drama is delicious.

And amateur racing of that era compared to t'day?

Well, first there was only road racing and track racing... which really means only road racing.

With only one outlet, and an American World and Tour champion, and the 7-11 team doing their thing... road racing was nuts.

Imagine this... it's unbelievable when I think about it... but, true.  No internet, strictly word of mouth and a few flyers in bike shops... crits with fields of 120 Cat 3's would sell out, consistently.  

Road racing was so hot...

... but, we were not.

Most of us were in our 20s and had not clue how to train or ride etc.  We were simply in love with the sport and digging the adrenaline rush.

And... like the pros... we were swinging for the fences ourselves.  Team work was nonexistent.  Everybody wanted to win, wanted the glory.

Yep, the drama was just flippin' awesomesauce back then.

The fact that there was so much energy with just one outlet was the big difference.

One that hasn't changed on the road is the need for a stealth back under the saddle.

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

That, right there, is the mini-RaceDay bag.  It's made of MTB inner tube, and cinches down with a fat piece of velcro.

Developed by yours bikely because I can't stand listening to thing rattling around.

Fits the basics:  tube, cartridge, levers, and a couple a bucks.

Completely silent.

This is lowtech at it's best.

And you can get it delivered to your bike stand for less than 20 bones.

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

---

167.2 lbs (the horror)
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3294015788

The one thing you can control in life is your effort.
- Mark Cuban, owner Dallas Mavericks

The moment I read this tweet, I knew I had to share it.  

But why?

Because that sacred early morning ride is one of the few events I can control?

Because the connection between effort and results on a bike is so much more obvious than other sports?  Lots of people regularly make a lucky shot, non-existent is the lucky sprint.

I'm not sure I can put into words why that statement resonates so strongly with me.

But it does.

Deeply.

In a satisfying and disturbing way... like that picture that vacillates between the old lady and the young lady.

Which reminds me why I like these lights so much.

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

They are very lightweight, and very disturbing.  I run them front and rear, day and night. 

And I know people see me... they're that alarming.

Use promo code: EFFORT

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

---
164.8 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3290108448

ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR, I used to ride to San Diego and take the train home.  It was 80 miles down, 20 miles home.  A nice century, and an easy pace.  An all day adventure, sunrise to sunset.

The amazing thing about that ride was not the ride itself, though it is splendid.

It was the fitness I'd have the following week.

L.S.D. - long, slow distance - can be just the thing for S.F.R. - short, fast riding.

In fact, I don't think it's ever failed me.

And, it's always fun.

So, with my diabolical plan hatched for next week's riding with predicted sunshine, I dropped some L.S.D. on today's ride.

I'd tell ya right now what my plan is, but I gotta make sure the weather is gonna be a willing partner.

Speaking of willing partners, I'm stoked that PEDALposse member B.L. is going to share his app with us some upcoming challenges... with prizes, too!

If ya haven't checked out the PEDALposse yet, there's no time like Easter to give yourself a treat.

Here's the link: 

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

---

165.6 lbs 
20 pullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3286554616

NOBODY GOES TO LEADVILLE, KANZA, LOTOJA because it's easy.  We go because it's hard.  And we know, no matter the result on the given day, we're gonna be a heckuvalot better for it.

So, when the messages started coming in this morning...

• Coach Loran kicked my butt
• That was brutal, I'll be cursing you tomorrow
• etc

... well, it made me just giddy as all getout!

It's so easy to make things... easy.  To keep the bar low.  To make your kids' breakfast when they're 17, but there's no lasting joy in it.

It's the big gran fondo, the impossible century, the 10 mile climb that gives us, me for sure, joy... because they require a lot, and the deliver incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

But, you know what the real benefit is?  Yes, I know you do.  It's the confidence we gain that...

I can do hard shtuff.

... I can climb that mountain, I can lift that for you, I can stay focused when it's all goingtoheckinahandbasket... because I've done it before and I'm prepped to do it again.

Which brings me back to Coach Loran... she's prepping the PEDALposse to be stronger than ever, on and off the bike.

If you're into that sort of badassery, what are you waiting for?

Join us ->https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---> Live reading of this post 

---

164.8 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3280878185

IT'S RAINING EVERYDAY, but it's not raining all day.  And the part that is raining, has hardly been worth calling rain.  In fact, the app calls it 25% chance of rain.  And this week, that's meant the streets are wet but the top tube isn't.  Which isn't really riding in the rain.

Riding in the rain is when the glasses are bubbled, the gloves are soggy and the socks are swimming.

I'm good with the bubbled glasses.

And I don't really mind soggy gloves.

But once the socks ares swimming, I'm done.  It must be some primordial warning... 

... yer feed er wet, yer gonna die!...

... because I can pretty much ride in all kinds of treachery:  freezing temps, hail, snow, the dead of night, 110 degree heat, ferocious winds... but I know my miles are numbered the moment I feel the tops of the socks start to drown.

It's only a matter of splashing and drenching until it works it's way inside my very expensive shoes and the warning bells start to sound and the legs start to congeal.

Then the very sad trumpets sound, and the little diesel that could calls it quits.

But, not this week.  

This week the rain drops fell on my matte black KASK helmet... and I loved it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Normally, I'd insert a promo code here.  But, there's no discount on these unless you're part of the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran killed me - film on the 11th
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3273817672

I PURPOSELY ROLLED OUT TONIGHT WITH NO BOTTLE AND NO FOOD.  I know myself, and if I'd rolled with food and drink I would have ridden a lot longer.  That's one type of cycling governor.  

Sure enough, about 60 minutes I started to get real bonky.

Bonking is never a good idea.  It can do lasting damage to your muskels that can take weeks to recover from.  But, this was a baby bonk.

... back to the plot of this email.

Governors are things that limit what we want to do.

The awesome Joe Friel, in The Cyclist's Training Bible,  dedicated a big chunk of his message to figuring out our what he calls our limiters and what to do about them.

An obvious limiter is power to weight ratio.  If you have a low power to weight ratio climbing is going to be hard.

Coach Loran and I were talking about this today, because she's lost 16 pounds using her Fit56 program and she can't believe how much better she's climbing.

The other side of that is getting stronger. 

And, as I've talked about lately... not only is getting stronger easier than you think - 2-4% of your day - but it's not just about getting those gnarly pistons below your hips more stouter, there's much speed to be gained by strengthening our core and upper body.

Position on the bike can be a limiter.  

Pro bike fitters will tell ya, a proper fit can get you 10-15% more power.  Even if they're off by 75%, a 2.5-4% gain in power can easily be the difference between winning and losing.

Equipment can be a limiter. 

Going from clunky wheels to aero with ceramic bearings can to anybody from zero to hero.

Then there's apparel... is that jersey a parachute only a drag racer could love?  There's a reason our Speed jersey looks like it's made for a prepubescent punk.  First, it's made from the finest Italian yarns that have massive stretch capabilities.  Second, it's made to be skin tight... no flappy crappy.

Did you know... 
Studies show...

A good aero helmet is on par with a good set of aero wheels in increasing your speed?... and heckuva lot less of an investment.

Did you know...
I looooovve KASK helmets?

I always thought they looked super cool.  Then my buddy John got a job at H2 and started repping the helmets.  He had a sample in his car.  I tried it on...

... it fit perfectly.  Really.  Like, put it on and never take it off.  Which is exactly what I did.  I'm not sure how John handled his next few sales calls, because that was his only sample and I wasn't giving it back.

 I've worn my Protone from crits to Leadville to LoToJa.   Same helmet, for 4 years.

That's quality.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Normally, I'd insert a promo code here.  But, there's no discount on these unless your part of the PEDALposse.

---

165 lbs 
Coach Loran's Abs/Back/Gluts
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3273817672

WHEN I WAS YOUNG WARTHOG - when he was a young warthog! - I wondered if my biker legs would easily carry me up the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest.  

I read Into Thin Air as prep for Leadville.

I thought I had a grip on it.

Today I spent 1 hour on Everest... by that I mean I explored what it would be like to do the Everest Challenge - 29,029' in 1 day.  I climbed 2800ish feet in 1 hour.  

The gradients were too steep to climb seated, or at high cadence.  And, too tricky to relax on the decent.

So many questions surfaced:

Best average gradient?
Best time of day to start?
Best nutrition strategy?
Long 30-60 minute climb?
Short 12-20 minute climb?
Where is a shaded climb?
Where would the wind be light or favorable?
What gears to run?

After that first hour of dedicated climbing, I meandered home and knocked another 1600ish feet.

I think I could average 2000'/hour, which would mean 15ish hours.  That would be 6 hours longer than Leadville and LoToJa.

It would be a massive challenge.

To start, I'm going to knock out 29,029' over the course an upcoming week.  Even that will be about 50% more climbing than I've ever down in a week and nearly 3X my average week.

I don't know if there's a PR tracker for that...

... but I do know our t-shirts get KOMs for being the softest t's on the planet.  Trust me, these will be your all time faves.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts

Today, and only today, it's buy 1 get 1 free.

Here's the code: 1day

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts

I've surprised myself quite a bit lately... and I think it has everything to do with a slight change of habit.  The old ways are being replaced by new ways.  The curious thing is according to the nerds at Strava my Fitness is quite a bit lower than it was in January, when I getting ready for the first race of the year.

Yet, I've snagged a number of PRs.

How can this be... an old diesel getting better?

Well, here's one way to PR... and I can't 'splain it.

With all the rage about fatter tires and lower pressure being faster... why the heck am I faster on my gravel bike on a lot of fire roads than on my MTB with fatter, softer tires? 

That shouldn't happen.

But it does, a lot.

Here's another way I've been PRing... the last coupla weeks, as I've scouted a 100k gravel route that I'm calling the Gravel Goon, I've hit trails near our old place where we lived 5 years ago.  5 years ago, I was 10 lbs heavier and a whole lot weaker.

Less weight + more strength = more PRs.

But, the biggest difference is the change in training during the last month.  No group rides, which is how I traditionally get my intensity in.  Which means... while I've been putting in some pretty big weeks, I've been building my base... growing my capillaries, my aerobic capacity.

While I haven't been chasin' PRs, I have snagged quite a few.

Long live the PR quest!

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

A WISE MAN ONCE SAID, 

Our hearts define who we are.

He's not a bike nut, like us.

Nor is he much an athlete, that I know of.

But he's right.

We'll only go as far and fast as our heart permits...

What we consume...
How we spend our time...
Matters...

... those with big hearts make it big.

And so we train hard, eat right, dial in our rigs that one day we can produce a good result in a bike race...

... but we also must rest.

For me, that means taking at least one day a week to get off the bike.  True rest.  Unplugged from all distractions.  I choose Sundays...

... and early mornings,
to put some a that chickensoupforthesoul kinda stuff in first... before anything else, like the news and socialmedias.

Every race requires a healthy heart, especially the human race.

---

If you're lining up for big race, or riding indoors and sweating it up good, well, let me recommend a proper lubing for the area of your special purpose...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Did you know it comes in all these flavors?

Did you know we ship it for free?

Did you know you can get it for 50% off when you purchase PR Lotion at the same time?

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

Yep... get game changing performance with PR Lotion and keep your other area of performance nice and buttery.

Use promo code:  LUBEMEUP

And you'll save 50% on the Chamois Butt'r

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

164.6 lbs 
stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3260058023

IS IT EASY TO RIDE 100K? 

No, not really.  It takes a lot of hard work just to be able to ride far and fast.  But, it's worth it... it's a feeling like no other.

Effort brings rewards.

I was rewarded today with a gorgeous sunset during another go scouting the Gravel Goon ride.  I had to stop, such was it's pull.

Maybe it was the endorphins, being 40ish miles into the ride?

Or, the grassy single track that seemed to lead right into the clouds?

Whatever it was it was, it was more that just a sunset.  It was something I needed at the end of a full week.

Those the rewards we get which make the effort worth it.

Along the way we get other rewards, like knowing how to make that 100k ride more enjoyable.

For instance I really like Chamois Butt'r for long rides.  It's magic for nether regions in tip top shape.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

Did you know it comes in all these flavors?

Did you know we ship it for free?

Did you know you can get it for 50% off when you purchase PR Lotion at the same time?

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

Yep... get game changing performance with PR Lotion and keep your other area of performance nice and buttery.

Use promo code:  LUBEMEUP

And you'll save 50% on the Chamois Butt'r

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup

---

165.6 lbs 
strech
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3256339681

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

COACH LORAN KICKED MY BUTT AGAIN TODAY.  Yep, we hit the gluts and abs hard.  She said something off the cuff, but I thought it was super profound.

It's 20 minutes Todd, 2% of your day... everybody's got 20 minutes.

I had to do the math.  It didn't seem right.  But, it's right.  20 minutes is 2% of 16 hours of wakey time.

And you know what's cool about that?

That 2%, spent wisely can equal 2% or more faster on the bike.  

Where do I notice that strength?  On the long climbs and long rides.  Sprinting up little climbs, or just straight up sprinting.

Strength equals speed.

Where do you find another 2%?  I find it either first thing in the morning, or in the evening when I unwind.

Or you could just be a lazy sloth.

Don't!

Anyway, Loran and I are spending more than 2% of our days creating videos so you too and get some free speed.

They'll be included with the PEDALposse.

---

164 lbs 
Abs/Gluts/38 pullups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3252006572

THEY'VE GIVEN UP ME, and I can't blame them.  Have they given up on you, too?  Back in the beginning, it was easy.  But, now it's just impossible.  I'm too far gone.

When I first got the bug...

I remember the handlebar mirror my girlfriend purchased for my racing bike.  She thought it would help me see what the others were doing while I sped to victory.  Seemed like a good idea to me too... oh, the shaming that followed.

Then there was super cool Italian pro team jersey my mom got me, it was so bright and colorful... all the cool guys mocked me, again.

So, I got smart and put together a list of gear that would be nice to have for a gift.  And that worked pretty well while things were not so technical. 

But, the more passionate I got for cycling the more impossible it became for me to wait... and forget surprising me with just the right thing.

Alas my pickiness for awesomeness led me to today... to a family who truly loves me and gets me...

... a wonderful time around the dinner table, and a stack of dark chocolate bars and other treats.

I'm a lucky man.

Oh, and what did I get myself for my birthday?

A few hours scouting out a super rad gravel route.  Even came up with just the right name:  GravelGoon.  And plunked down $12 for the URL.

Who knows, next year I might even invite some friends to ride it with me on my special day?

If your family is anything like mine, well they might just want to get you a gift card.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card

---

164 lbs 
yoga
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3247838416

NETFLIX HAS THIS GREAT DOCUMENTARY RIGHT NOW CALLED A LIFE OF SPEED: The Juan Manual Fangio Story.  Fangio won multiple championships with 4 different manufacturers:  MercedesBenz, AlfaRomeo, Ferrari and Maserati.  He raced F1 well into his 40's. 

That will never happen again.

Unlike bicycle racing, today race car success is much more about the car and the team behind the driver... some say it's only 5% the driver.

For us, it's much more about the athlete.  I'd say it's athlete first, team second, then the equipment.

We all know FitDiesel much faster than FatDiesel.  

One thing I've noticed with all the upper body and core work I've been doing is that I can climb endlessly out of the saddle.  It's truly remarkable.  I never realized the reason I would sit down on a climb and spin had so much to do with how pathetically weak I had become.

Do you pushups and pullups... and stay tuned because this month we're launching our first work out video.  In less than 2% of your day, you're gonna get your butt kicked... and lover every minute of it.

Which brings me back to Fangio.  Several times he repeated the following words...

You must always strive to be the best,
but you must never believe you are.

On the surface it's easy to say, Well yeah.  But there's real gold there.  If ya think about it...

You must always strive to be the best, 
but you must never believe you are.

... World Champion gold.

Part of being the best is looking for opportunities to win.  An open gap to shoot, an inside line to take... 

... so, while things have been slowed down on the cycling side of our biz, we are all hands on deck making fleece face masks.  

https://fleecefacemasks.com/

We launched a fleece mask specific site today.  We have plain colors in stock, ready to ship... and yes, we can make them in your team colors too.

https://fleecefacemasks.com/

---

164.6 lbs 
Legs/Shoulders/Abs with Coach Loran
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3244667247

.MY FAVORITE ROCKY VILLAIN IS CLUBBER LANG.  He's so raw and terrible and confident.  The movie version of Tyson.

While Rocky is cruising along knocking out tomatocanhasbeens, Clubber is beating people senseless.  

Rocky's manager knows Clubber will crush Rocky, so he dodges the fights. 

But Clubber is coming, and finally confronts the ItalianStallion in public with the greatest makeyouhatehim quote ever:

Hey woman! Hey woman! Listen here: since your ol' man ain't got no heart maybe you'd like to see a real man. I bet you stay up late every night dreaming you had a real man, don't ya'? I tell you what, bring yo' pretty lil' self over to my apartment tonight and I'll show you a real man.

Rocky gets destroyed.

But that's not the point.

We all have Clubber Langs in life.  Whether that's a racing nemesis or a ferocious headwind or a climb that's always a little too long... it's the Clubber Lang that brings out our very best.

Only Clubber could teach Rocky this lesson..

Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are!

I WAS RECENTLY READING AN "IT'S THE BEST" ARTICLE... in a bike mag.  When I read this type of article on subjects I know a little less about I just take it granted...
Well of course that's the best droptop sports car under $30k with 4 tires... 
and, Clearly that's the best Enduro motorcycle with wide ratio gearing made for Dakar...
or, this is the best singlestory layout for high desert living...

I'm sure that really is the best gravel bike for under $3500 made by a major advertiser in said mag.

And, I guess that's the point...

... when you actually know yer stuff,
the articles turn out to be pure fluff.

It's been said that the best bike out there is the one we're riding, but I'll go ya one better...

... the best bike out there is the one I'd be saddest to lose,
the one I'm least likely to sell off.

Which is the weird, irrational part... for me anyway, the bike I'd want to keep most is the one that I...
Shelled out the fewest bucks for
Have never won anything on.
Ride most often
Treat the worst
Can count on.

It's a trust thing... and I trust it to deliver good times, at all times.

Kinda like trusting me when I say the PEDALposse is going up next month

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

---

165.2 lbs 
100 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3235008439
https://www.strava.com/activities/3236854224

TOM CURREN WAS THE BEST SURFER OF MY GENERATION, and he didn't care a whit for his sponsors.  I remember my bikeracing friend Bill, then a big shot at Quiksilver, ranting that Tom was a terrible athlete to front the brand.  Bill liked LeMond. Tom was no tightly wound euro... he didn't seem to care about winning,.. didn't show up for the people paying the bills.  He showed up to surf.

He became a 3-time world champion... soul surfing.

Colin Strickland reminds of Curren.  A man cutting his own path.  He turned down an opportunity to race the classics for  Jonathan Vaughters.

He's a soul rider.

And he used that soul riding to dominate  the Red Hook Crit Series.

Then owned World Tour pros at Dirty Kanza.

Yesterday I gave my soul a good cleanse... here's my Rx:

Load up with plenty of fuel,
a gist of where you want to go,
and let your loved ones know you'll be back before dark.

Take the route less traveled, at whatever pace your feelin'.

No chasing or waiting.  Just riding.

Ease off the pace a bit and bust out some real food.  A waffle, a PBnJ, dried fruit, salted dates with almonds.

Coast along.

No hands.

Save. Our. Souls.

Who knows there just might be a championship or PR up ahead.

You what else is up ahead, a price increase on the PEDALposse.

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

I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my...

---

163.6 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3232871708

TODAY'S RIDE WAS EPIC:  killer loop, fast times, incredible weather.  And, I think it had everything to do with the six (6) hours I spent warming up. 

Not exactly pro protocol, on a trainer in front of the team motorcoach in just my bibs, sweating with a gold chain swinging back and forth... this was something much better.

Get up early, skip breakfast, load van with boxes, meet kids at their new place, unload van, drive to old place, load up van, unload at new place, back to old place for a final load, unload at new place, eat 4 slices of pizza...

... simple enough? 

TBH, I was pretty pooped out... but I really, really wanted to figure out this new loop I'd plotted in my head all week.

By 3pm, I was on HVY MTL ready for a 100k of dirt, gravel, water and good 'ol asphalt. 

I could have taken a nap.

Right...

I felt great.

It was 62 degrees and sunny.

Every turn greeted me with lush greenery.

I wasn't sure of the General Store would be open, given the lock down, but it was my halfwayish point and I'd need fuel... it was.  I grabbed a Mexican Coke and some Reece's Peanut Butter Cups.  Stood 10 feet behind the couple in front of me... my mouth was watering, the Coke looked so refreshing.

Do you take Apple Pay?

Yes, we do.

... if only their Apple Pay reader worked, silly me forgot cash.

You know what, it was such a wonderful afternoon I didn't even care.  I'd be fine. 

2 bottles with 2 scoops of GQ6 and 3 Honey Stinger Waffles was prefect for 4 hours, 55 miles, 5500' of vert.

But, I was hellbent on going a full HUNKR (100K ride)... and that last 7 miles took at least another 3 hours.

There's just something about sticking with the commitment... no matter how tired, no matter bonked.

Nobody'd know if I cut it short.

But that's not our style.

You know what is our style?

The PEDALposse.

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

And next week the price is going up.

---

164.6 lbs 
Lifting Furniture
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3229812993