I HATE DOING THE DISHES, and I hate doing pull ups.  Taken individually, they go straight to the back of the procrastination line.

So, how did I do 50 pull ups today?

Before I get there, let me share a few of the countless benefits to doing pull ups.

Posture.
Yep, you my deskboundstaringatglass friend will experience better posture doing pull ups.  I'm not sure if it's the actual pull ups or just the confidence one gets by being a badass pullupper.

Another...

Climbing powerfully on the bike. 
No more sitting back down in defeat after 2 pedal strokes - especially effective when combined with push ups.

More...

Sprinting speedily. 
Grab those bars and feel a bigbrawnyconnection as you unleash your mighty fury.

Back to my hack...

1.  Have a pull up at home, mine is upstairs jammed between a bathroom door.

2.  Do as many as you can.

3.  Unload some dishes.

Repeat until dishes are done and body is smoked.

Here's my breakdown - switching between palms out and palms in.

9-7-5-5-4-4-3-4-2-3-2-2-1 50

All that may sound silly,
or maybe you're just so dedicated already,
possibly you're in love with the T-rex look of many cyclists...

... but if any of that resonates, you really ought to check out the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

But, before you click over there...

My friend BC shot me a text: What's the posse all about?

Honestly, I'm not sure.

Should I join?

No.

Now why wouldn't a want a longtime, raploving pal like BC to join?  For the simple reason he's not sure.  If you're not sure, don't even hover over the link...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... might accidentally click it, but if you're sure you're down for something different then join us.

---

163.8 lbs 
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3078456037

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time. 

THERE'S A CERTAIN MISPLACED CONFIDENCE one can get with a high level of fitness.  I'm unsure as to whether it's healthy or not... I mean it is healthy, well healthy related... I guess it's just ego.

Before you go spiritualbuddhamystic on me... just admit it... you feel it too.

For instance, I remember - distinctly remember - when all the ladies were fawning over my massivefootballstar friend thinking to myself... Yeah, he's cool and has big manly muscles but ladies I can drop him any time I want on a bike.

Or, the time I compared myself to myself to Mike Tyson... Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth/I unleash my sprint.

One of my favorites was the time young Miles joined us on the Saturday Hour of Power... he was quite sure he'd stick it to us and I was thinking... you're sizing us up based on age and you're about to get a lesson in cardiokungfu bikestyle.

Confidence is one of Miles great traits. 

I remember how confident he was that within no time he'd pay me back on the bike - which he did, and I loved.  Better, I remember how confident he was that he'd overcome his visual challenges and turn them into a plus thereby pursuing his dream as part of the US Navy.

It's the kind of confidence that only comes with miles on a bike, or time spent on any endeavor.

The more dense the training, the more dense the the results...ConfiDense.

Of course another definition of dense is stupid, and yes I know it's stupid to compare myself to others... I still do it more than I care to admit.

Want more confidense?

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

You don't even have to wear this shirt to gain confidense... just having it your drawer and seeing it is magical.

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

---

163.8  lbs 
arms/shoulders/legs
8 hours sleep
no time to ride

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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PART OF THE SECRET SAUCE OF A STANDING GROUP RIDE is always riding the same course.  We never detour, never wait and always start on time.

But, not today.

Our detour wasn't to escape the wind, we'd have slept in if we wanted to escape it... and let the record show, a wholelotta the gang slept in... those that were up for the challenge know that sometimes it's hellawindy in a race and a good thing to practice...

... and the rest of us, me especially, were there to say farewell to one of our ride's OGs, Backpack Kevin.

Most of the current generation don't even know him. 
Don't know he was one of the truly elite local MTB racers in the 90's. 
Don't know he used to join us on his work commute, with a loaded back pack and ride us off his wheel. 
Don't know his kindness and always happy outlook.

Jim brought a cake, I brought a TMWC tshirt, the rest of the guys brought their love...

... and that's what I cherish about this little social ride, the love.

If you want to share the spirit of this ride, check out this year's kit

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/our-sample-team-store

If you have a ride of your own and want to appropriate this design, we're down for that too...

For a few days, you can save 20% with this code TEAMTMWCCODE

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/our-sample-team-store

---

164.8
173 Push Ups
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/3071370443

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THERE'S NO WAY I COULD WATCH THE SUPERBOWL without chips 'n Surfergirl's guac.  And things would have been ok if I'd stopped there.  Even better if I hadn't prepped my gord with giant apple fritter to get things started.  But I Suiperbowled myself all dawgawn day... topping it off with bowls of ChicBoomPop with every KC touchdown, such was the state of my handtomoutheyesonscreen coordination.

How much did I pack on?

The better question is how quick can I pack it off?

Before I get to that... I checked in with Littlepants on her progress with the Whole30 diet.

How's that working?

I quit.

Really, why?

I read a book that dieting isn't a healthy relationship to food.

So now what?

Now I listen to my body.

No help from my college kid.

So... let me be completely honest - I'm always honest with ya, just feels extra honest to say that - the only reason I know that poundage and more is coming off is because I just looked at the calendar...

... and in 7 weeks, it's on!

... 7 weeks is all it takes.

... 7 dedicated weeks

... focused on beating my nemesis!

Now, before ya go say... But, Diesel you said PRs were better than KOMs!... 

... I hear ya, and that's true, but for me, and possibly for you, it's a lot more juicy packing my own can of whoopass to beat a guy I know I have almost no chance of beating...

... in fact, it would be a complete miracle if I was within a mile, a mountain bike mile - which is a lot longer than a gravel mile and hellalonger than a road mile - of this cat, such is his godgiventalent and monklikededication...

... so I began this morning, with decent ride on my MTB... because it's time to go all in training the position... and I followed up tonight with pull ups till failure, which I'm doing between paragraphs here... and I'll keep doing it until that deadly day when I shall spring on said unsuspectingnemesis my viciousnastyhomemade can of whoopass..

... sure I could listen to my body like a sweet college kid,
or I can look at the calendar like the ragingdiesel I plan to be...

- here ends another episode of Crazytalk with TheOldDiesel

In honor of such crazytalk, I'm gonna be wearing this tshirt all the time

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

You know the drill, for a mere twenty bones you too can rock crazytalk

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

---

167
50 pull ups
7.75 hrs restless, tossnturn, atetoomuch sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3068563492

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

A FEW CARS AHEAD A LONE RIDER WAIT FOR THE GREEN.  USACyclng redwhiteandblue jersey, USACycling black shorts.

Is it a real racer?

Can't tell, looks like an oldish bike and wheels.

Sure looks lean.

Might be a real one.

The rider shot out Supermanlike, leaving now doubt.  We eased by a lane over, too far to yell... 

... Hey Andrew!

Yep, 98% sure that was Andrew Vollmer.  Known him since he was a stringbean under a giant helmet racing NICA.

I'd heard he and his friend Kevin Vermaerke were in town training.  Closing in on 20, they're both working hard to make it.

Fitting that this week I'd finally gotten around to starting PhilTheThrill Gaimon's book, Pro Cycling On $10 A Day.

If you've ever wondered what kind of life these young pros are living, I highly recommend the book.  Phil is a great story teller... sharing tidbits of truth and wisdom mixed with background info on many riders you may have heard of.

... I tried to write that paragraph above for about 10 minutes... let me try one more time... it's a helluva entertaining book for bike racing nuts like myself.

Which brings me back to young Andrew, training alone... Phil asks the question in his book, What is it about bike racing and loner weirdos?... my answer, maybe that's part of the superpower all racers have... being okay enough with ourselves to enjoy being alone?

Maybe we enjoy the peace?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

I know I enjoy the peace I find logging solo, soulful miles... if you're the same you might enjoy them more clad in this jersey or it's wild child fraternal twin.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

Just for this week, we'll say buy the Peace or Wild Child Jersey, get the socks free use promo code: WILDPEACE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

---

165.2
0
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3067040915

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

SOMEWHERE ALONG THE TRAIL MY SOULBROTHER PETE AND I misappropriated a line from The Man From Snow River.  There's a scene where the young buckaroo cowboy shows up the villains, and the allknowing wise old man says...

'Im n 'is 'orse are mountainbred.

Any time we raced, any time we rode on the edge of oblivion, we'd pump up with our best 'strailyun accents

'Im n 'is bike are mountainbred.

But, it was true. 

We were mountainbred.

It was all we rode.  

At the time, I didn't even own a road bike.  And it showed.

Everything was second nature.... jumping, skidding, turning, no-braking, ridiculous speed... it was easy, flowy and relaxed...

... and the climbing, oh lordy, the climbing was effortless.

But that was then, and today was... painful. 

The first mile or 2 of our 9mile3000foot time trial climb was discouraging. The position felt off.  The power, limited.  It was just a grind.  Not fun.  It had been too long.  

... what am I thinking proclaiming that this is going to be a mountain bike year?...

But, a funny thing happened on the way to the top... as Chris and I climbed and chatted about "life"...

... I started to feel better, I settled in, found my groove, and got a glimpse of that mountainbredness.

... the last 2 miles were exquisitely awful, perfectly terrible... a sensational sensation, confirming this very real fact...

... there is betterness with specialization, maybe not greatness, but clearly to get a lot better it takes a lot more focus.

The great Eddy Merckx encouraged piles of miles, to that I add -> on the bike you'll be racing... only then will it all become second nature, only then will I once again be mountainbred.

---

One thing I've always loved from my original MTB days is a superlite fullfinger glove... you know the kind you can wear even on a hot day, the kind that are so thin you forget your wearing a glove at all...

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

I know we shouldcould and onedaymight increase the price on these by 50%, but until then you can get 'em delivered for less than 20 bones.

Crazy, I know. 

---

164.8 
0
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3063107998/segments/75976170969

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I COULD BARELY HOLD MY PHONE.  My arm was quivering.  My chest was too.

What was wrong?

Should I be concerned?

... no.

I was holding the phone at just the right angle to activate the muscles I'd thrashed an hour earlier doing push ups to failure.

160 of 'em, in this order:

36-21-17-12-12-9-8-7-7-6-5-4-5-5-5-4-3–160

... all because Jeff Kabush said you'll never win a mountain bike race if you can't do 50 push ups in a row.

I'm getting closer, because Jeff inspired me...

You know what else is inspsiring?

Riding on a well organized team... if you're on a team, and you need a new canopy or just a new top... the pro canopy special is going, reply to this and we'll get cracking.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/canopies-flags

---

165.2 
160 pushups
7.25 hrs sleep
no time to ride : (

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

RECENTLY I WAS TALKING WITH MY BUDDY WHO IS AN UP AND COMER IN HIS FIELD OF WORK.

How do you do it, perform so well?

I get a lot of rest, plenty exercise, and purposefully relax my brain.

And...

And that's how I can be at my peak at for the few truly important hours of work...

Ah... peak performance, not constant performance.

Yes... exactly!

Makes sense.

Can't always be hammering on the bike.  Everyday can't be all out.  Not all rides, should be races.

One thing I do on my non-peak days to improve my speed  is give my drivetrain a some love with these 2 products:  Wend to clean, Smoove to lube.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

Takes just a couple of minutes, and makes a world of difference.  You'll easily gain 300 watts/kilo... well, maybe not that much... but when you hear that chain spin, you'll be confident in your ability to be a silent assassin.

If you're ready to kill it on the next ride, click here...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

... they won't ship free, for a mere 30 bones, forever...

... and remember, Peak performance, not constant performance.

---

165.2 
46 pull ups
7.25 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3058132343

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

EVERY 20 YEARS OR SO I'M REMINDED of my first real commitment to flying through the air on two wheels.

There a I was, an immortal 9yearold in the back yard.  Tossed the shovel, ready to test my foot-high jump. 

Got up to speed,
Got airborne,
Yanked hard on the bars.
Too hard. 
Smacked my mouth.
Busted my lip and my new front tooth.

My uncle, the dentist, glued on a replacement for what I'd cracked off.  It looked terrible, but I didn't care.

At 14, the parents upgraded me.  New dentist shaved what remained and slid over a poorly matched cap.  I didn't care.

Couple of decades later a better matched cap, which finally gave out a few months ago.

Got my new, cap this week.

Sometimes I wonder if I'd not knocked that chunk of tooth off...
or if I'd not crashed my BMX bike, ripping the skin to my knee cap...
or if I hadn't spent my afternoons delivering 50 lbs of magazines by bike...

If hadn't had those hardships and traumas, would I have appreciated all the highs those two-wheelers delivered...

... would I still be hooked?

It's hard to know, just like it's hard to know why people join the PEDALposse...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... maybe you ought to check it out?

---

163.8
Shoulders/Legs
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3054022297

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

JUST OVER 16 YEARS AGO HALF OF OUR NATIONAL FOREST BURNED DOWN.  The result was a doubling overnight of the mountain lion population in livable habitat. 

Lions roamed the local golf course, peering at playing children.

I continued to do long rides alone in the local mountains.  Sure I'd see a big cat or two, but always from behind... they are generally very shy.

One November afternoon, I was racing the sun back to civilization.  While dismounting to wiggle through a fence line, I noticed a coyote up ahead.  Thought nothing of it.  It was about 1/4 mile ahead on the only fire road leading home.

Coming around a bend I could see it loping down the trail and around another turn.

Still didn't bother me.

At the bottom of a little climb I thought I might have seen it.

Closer.

Wierd, 'must not know I'm here.

Getting near the top, I passed the first single track and though it was a fun one I wanted to go another half mile to the better, faster trail.

I hit the brakes.

The "coyote" turned sideways, perpendicular to me. 

Fifteen feet away, it seemed to cover the width of the road.  Small head on end, big paws underneath, powerful haunches poised to pounce, and the longlonglong tail.

Eyeballs to eyeballs...

... LION.

In a split second I did everything they tell ya not to do.

Turned my bike around,
back to that single track,
up short, steep hill in the big ring,
skidding at the top to make the turn
flying over every rock and rut to safety.

Then I took a breath and thanked God.

A few months later I had an even more bizarre and tragic encounter.  I'll tell ya that another day...

... rest assured I went back to that corner and hit that short hill many, many times and never, ever had the need to brake at the top to make the turn.

Maybe if I'd been wearing these camo socks he wouldn't have seen me...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/camo-sock-sublimated

https://pedalindustries.com/products/camo-sock-sublimated

Of course, that's plain sillytalk... but this promo code isn't SOCKSTODAY.  Use it while supplies last.

---

164
200 push ups
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3051122304

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I'M PROBABLY MANGLING THIS QUOTE, but I like the idea enough that I just gotta share it.  And it starts with shares.  Specifically, Warren Buffet's advice against thumb-sucking when it comes to buying shares.  It goes like this...

If you are fully capable of doing X, do it... don't be a thumb-sucker!

Which I take to mean... if I've got good health, and I don't maximize it in this incredible moment in human history, in this free country... well, I'd be a thumb-sucker.

I reckon that's why I like to have at least one A race a year.  Something to really focus on for 6-8 weeks prior, and also keep me motivated to have great overall health the balance of the year.

... as time flies by, I want to fly with it - fast as I can,
so I rise with the sun,
every day,
and say,
Let's go.

Sometimes that means driving to a beautiful climb, and when I do that I bust out the world famous changing poncho

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

There's no better way to change in public... and there's no better time than right now to order with this promo code:  CHANGEINSTYLE

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---

163.4ish
38 pull ups
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3048224741

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

MOST RACES HAVE A RACE BIBLE.  Most racers skim it, figuring beentheredonethat.  Traveling home today I was reminded of the one time it really paid to read the race bible - it was only a paragraph or two.

I wondered if I could find the old crit course.  It had only been a hundred or so years since I'd raced it. 

It was in Goleta off a road with a funny name.

Glenn Annie Road... That must be it.

Yep.  

Found it easy.

The site of my favorite road victory.  

All because I understood the format and my breakaway companion did not.

Win And Out

What that meant was the first person across the line won, then everybody else did another lap racing for 2nd, and so on down 5 places.

The three of us drove up, Surfergirl with new baby Trev came to watch.  I was pretty sure this was going to be one of my last serious races, and I really wanted to win so I'd have the points to upgrade to Cat 2.

We met up with Andy and Lisa and baby Jasmine... and I'm pretty sure Andy did his own upgrading in a different race.

Fun times.

Back to the winning... these were the days of 100 strong fields and lots and lots spectators.  LeMond was winning TdFs, 7-11 pro team was the American powerhouse, and bike racing on the road was the big thing.

Enough drama for ya?...

Table set.

So there we were, flying around this loop with a number of bends and only one 90 degree turn.  A .7 mile loop - I measured it today. 

It was easy to get out of site if you could get away. 

It was also easy to get shuffled to the back, and the train was so long it nearly stretched the entire straightaway.

There were lots of preems (prizes for first racer on a random lap) to keep the pace high.

I was watching the lap counter, prepping to be in the right spot for the first sprint... the one for 1st.

With 2 laps to go, they gave out a $50 preem and this kid just goes for it... and I roll the dice.

I bank on the field not chasing because they'll want to save it for the sprint, and I put all my money on the other kid wanting the fifty bones.

Honestly, I'm not sure if I've ever ridden faster or smarter in my life... we worked really hard together and as we came around the bend to sprint for the money...

... I faked like I had nothing left and let him pull long and hard for his prize...

... he was gassed, done...

... I looked back, could see I had about 10 seconds and pinned it...

... to this day I remember looking at my Polar (a brand long gone)...

... 207 beats a minute... I felt nothing, no pain, I wasn't even breathing... it was amazing... 

... my favorite win, ever, all because I took the time to read the bible...

Now, before you get all preachy on my and say Diesel you should always read the Bible... just know I haven't raced without a thorough reading in a long time.

Which is easy, because I love reading and learning and sharing...

One of the places where we share what we learn is at the PEDALposse, and if you're into that sorta thing ya oughta check it out:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

A few more pics - Andy hasn't changed... and come to think of it, my hair is back to that style just dyed grayish

lots of easy bends... it was such a great course.  fast and safe.

---

164ish (guess)
no work out
8.2 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3046482524

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

WHEN YOU LOOK DOWN AND YOUR COMPUTER INDICATES 170 bpm, and you're feeling no pain... it can mean a couple of things:

If you're barely moving, you're probably sick... go home, straight to bed, take your helmet off.

If you're really ripping, you're probably on a good day... try and keep your emotions in check, especially if it's early in the race.  Things can, and probably will, change.

Or...

... before we get to that, let me just cut to the chase.

There is one race around here that is tailormade for me... just enough climbing to hurt the pure sprinters, a longfalseflatdecent to discourage the pure climbers, and a 2 minute power climb to the finish. 

The last 3 years, it's be an A race for me and I've had magical days, but this year's plan is for MTB and I almost skipped it.

I'm glad I didn't.

A slew of really good racers aged up, and we had a good-sized group of 40 or so.  There was lots of probing and attacking.  I covered a few, until I started to feel some cramping coming on.

About 20 of us came into the final 2 minute climb, and I managed to get my self into perfect position on the wheel of last years' winner who was on the wheel of the best climber around. 1-2-3.

We ripped up the bottom, shed everybody and hit the flat before the final rise.  It's all big ring, and fast.

At this point my cramps hit hard and my legs seized up. 

150 meters to go.

1st and 2nd were gone.

Ya know the feeling when there's nothing in the legs and you're just begging them to turn over.  Pleading.  On hands and knees... and they just don't want to go

I looked back... the guys were coming hard... I looked down... the legs were cramping hard... I looked back... they're closer... I looked up... the line was farther away... I sputtered across the line.

3rd.

So yeah, the 170 no pain... I no idea I'd be on a fine day..

Once the delirium was gone, I pulled up Strava... had to know, were we fast?

The data show we hit the bottom just as hard as last year, 1:14... but this year I had nothing for the sprint.

The difference, the prep.

But, the only reason I got up that first section so darn fast and was still able to hang on for a podium...

... I believe...

... in my heart of hearts...

... was PR Lotion... I really do believe that.  

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

Have you tried it yet?

If not, please do... it's a game changer.  We ship it for free, and just for the next few days, you can use this code AMPSAVE10.  Trust me on this.

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

Go get some.

---

164 (guess)
no work out
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3043071623

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I'VE BEEN THINKING HOW RACING IS A SNAPSHOT OF LIFE.  Probably because tomorrow is the first race of the year and I'll be on this emotional rollercoaster....

Maybe that's why I like racing so much... it's one reincarnation after another, each with a chance of doing a little better...

...kinda like chasing PRs, which inmybiased opinion is way cooler than a KOM.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

If you're into superduper soft t-shirts, designed to fit athletes who know the PR code, well you might want to use promo code PRsRULE and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.

That's right... get this incredible warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsRULE... code expires 1/28/2020.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

---

163.2
no work out
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3039164791

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

QUICKIES... we do custom bags for a team called Getting It In Cyclists.  I like that, because sometimes I'm squeezed for time but I still get the ride in.

Like today.

I knew I had a bunch a stuff to do, and I knew I wanted to loosen up the legs before the first race of the year on Saturday.

Laid out my stuff last night.
Feet never touched the floor, right into the socks.
Slipped on the clothes, slipped out the door.
Back in 90 min.
Outta the shower before Freddie could cry the final line...

'Cause we are the champions

... and champions figure out a way to get it in.

Speaking of getting in... a lot of my pals got into Leadville via the lottery this week.  Which reminded me I need to finish my book...

How To Win The Leadville Trail 100 MTB Race

The book covers the many secrets I've squirreled away after 6 successful BigBeltBuckle finishes.

It's the kind of read the Posse will get just for being part of the Posse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

163
100 pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3036739174

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THE COROLLARY TO YESTERDAY'S MESSAGE, using OPP (Other People's Power) to coast across the finish line first, is UFP.   

Attention wheelsuckers...

Racing using OPP takes great patience because early on we're all high as kites on adrenaline, caffeine, and a whopping emotional load of manifeelgreat.  

It's an art to hold back your inner Kraken.

For this reason, you must calm yourself and do all you can to look like idontgotit.

Got that?

That's racing... and just one idea on how to win.  It is not wheelsucking.  I mean it is, but it's purposeful.

Now the corollary, UFP and where to get it.

UFP is Up Front Power...

... and you get it by getting your buns to the front of the group...

... often.
... until it burns.
... and you wanna quit.

... then, you'll have UFP, which is what you're going to need to lead across the finish line when it truly counts.

Train up front, 
Race smart.

If you're into racing smart, ya really ought to check this out

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

164.8 lbs 
Legs/Shoulders
7 hours sleep
no ride

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

WE ALL KNOW THE POWER OF O.P.M., other people's money.  Some of us know about Other People's Power.  Fewer know how to harness its magic. 

On Saturday, I'll be racing.  Most likely a road race, though the call of the dirt is strong....

My mobile mechanic stopped by last week.  It had been a while.  Before he got started, I could see this catatethebird smile... he couldn't contain himself...

I took you advice.

Uh... which advice?

About LoToJa?

Yeah, which part?

(I've given this kid so much advice... mainly because he listens.)

About not working.

Oh yeah... the old, Only lead across the finish line trick... and?

I won.

You won!

Yep.

This advice works exceptionally well at LoToJa - a 200 mile race across 3 states to Jackson Hole WY.  It works because:

1.  There are a lot of people who are all geeked up and can't control themselves, and they are more than willing lead for miles and miles.
2.  See #1.

There's just no reason to get in their way. 

You'd be a fool to steal their glory.

Let 'em have it...

... and for heck's sake, be the last one to lead (ie:  win the darn thing!)

It's not the only way to win a race, but it's definitely a handy skill to have should the situation present itself.  Just takes a fair amount of patience and fakery.

... I wonder if I'll be able to use it Saturday...

One thing I can use Saturday is my Wild Child Socks

https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

If you're feeling wild, you might want to ship them to yourself for free with promo code: THEOLDDIESELFREESHIPPING... just do me a favor and only get the socks, well, unless you want something else to ship for free...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

---

I JUST FINISHED THIS VERY USEFUL BOOK, it was agitating and illuminating right up to the end... when it went against everything I know about behavior.  I'm not a doctor, but I to play one at PEDALindustries from time to time.

Book:  Willpower is a super power.

Diesel:  Willpower is useless, environment is the super power.

... we're heading into late January and most people have already been derailed from the New Year's resolutions... 

Maybe if they had a few structures in place to support their goals they'd have a chance.

For example, and this is just me, if my goal is to be fast on my bike here are a few things that matter:

Weight.
If there's ice-cream within 100 yards, I'm eating it.  Therefore, no ice-cream in the house.

Intensity.
By now most of you know I'm not a dosomeintervals guy, I'm a ridewithpeoplewhoarefaster guy... that's why I do our Tuesday morning "social" ride, because they beat the heck out of me every week... a beating I could never self-administer.

Rest.
I rest every Sunday, and I've been doing it for decades... consequently, training is not on my calendar and none of my pals even try to invite me.

Willpower is useless.
No one can babysit a cup cake without eventually devouring it.
Toss the cupcakes.

I'm guessing that's partly why y'all read the daily Diesel, because it reinforces your cycling environment.  

One question I have is, are you ready to up your environment?  If you are, click here...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

MY CODER CALLED ME AT 8AM ON A WEEKDAY.

What's up?

You on a ride?

Yep.

You're so lucky.

No, I'm not.

Of course, that's false and true.  I'm incredibly fortunate.  Unbelievably.

He knows that.

I know that.

What was my coder doing calling me at 8am... all excited?

His time saving code was working beautifully.

I haven't yet finished Dan Kennedy's No BS Time Management, but the biggest take away so far... put a clock on every wall, don't let time slip by.

Which is profound to me.  

Every single ride my bike computer is showing me my moving time...

... and that's all I care about.  20 miles with a headwind take a lot longer than 20 with no wind.

When I look at my weekly stats I'm looking at hours not miles.... most weeks I'm going for 10 hrs, but this week I wanted to get a little more in before I taper back next week prepping for Saturday's race.

When I plan my week, I carve out blocks of time... and riding is always blocked out. 

Healthy Diesel =  Lucky Diesel.

Back to that time saving code...  we've automated much of the process to add personalization to RaceDay Bags.  You can check it out on our stock designs here:

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-raceday-bags/products/patriotic-raceday-bag

We'll be rolling out to all the team bags this week.  If we haven't gotten to your team yet and you're ready to order please email help@pedalindustries.com.

Speaking or rolling out... be seen with 330 degrees of retinasearing illumination.

These lights sell out all the time, but we have a few left - I'm sure they'll be gone within a few hours of launching this.

... if you click the link you can see how much I car about your safety.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-mid-cobber-wrap-around-taillight

---

THERE'S ONLY ONE THING I LOVE MORE THAN PERFECT RIDING WEATHER, and that's rotten riding weather.  Because I know the rest of the world is warm and snuggly, while I'm out.

Obsession makes it so easy.

There's no decision. 

Time is set aside.

Gear up.

Ride.

No motivation needed.

Yes, I heard the rain as I slept.  Yes, the roads were wet.  Yes, it was extra cold and dark. Hell yes, I geared up and got out... for the most part I had the roads and paths to myself.  

Totally worth it.

Speaking of worth it, if you're into the kind of things we're into then...

... check it out:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

I'VE BEEN SLACKING LATELY... not goingtofailure-ing nearly enough.

At my home gym today, I just kinda wallowed along.  Did the exercises until I was slightly uncomfortable.... couple of these, and a few of those.

I thought about my daily 20 pull up/60 push up thing and it occurred to me it was time to change it up.

Time to gotofailure.

For hecksake, the racing season starts next Saturday and I haven't ridden hard for months.

Sooooooo, whatdoesitallmean?

It means, Tuesdays and Saturdays are back on! 

No more hiding in the back.  

Get to the front.

Gotofailure.

Why not everyday?

Not productive.

What about my pull ups/push ups everyday?

Pull ups till failure Monday.  Push ups till failure Tuesday.  Leg stuff Wednesday.  Pull ups till failure or surf Thursday.  Push ups till failure Friday.  If I can still walk after an epic ride, more leg stuff Saturday.  Sundays?  Rest.

What is failure?  Well, it sure isn't one set and done.  It means going till failure, resting and doing 40% of my previous set, till I can't do more.

On the bike failure?  Riding up front like a boss.  Attacking often.  Getting dropped and chasing back on.

You know what Tom Watson, founder of IBM, said?  

You want more success, fail more often.

One failure you don't ever want to have is showing up at the race or ride without all you gear, which is exactly why I created the RaceDay Bag.

This text from my buddy Scott cracked me up... straight from his team meeting.

I actually tested and created the PRO RaceDay bag for his triathlon team... but, he's been focused on kids for a few years and hadn't seen it. 

And, I've been focused on creating something new.  So, if you're into new things...

... check this out:  

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

164.4
Gym
7 hrs sleep
no ride today

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

YESTERDAY I EYED A NEW TRAIL, connecting to a road I recently discovered. Figured it would lead to awesomeland... this morning I found out, and the whole time I was thinking how much I hate my friend B---.

Man I hate B---.

Diesel, do you really hate B---?

No, I detest him.

Really?

Can't stand his guts.

Why, if he's your friend?

Because he is always pushing me, showing me new ways to do things, and letting me suffer through it, laughing while I'm drowning, totally calling me out.

And that makes you hate him.

Hell yes it does.

But, he's your friend.

Yes, he's a real friend.

The first part of the trail was really, really, really steep. 

Really, if it wasn't tacky this morning I doubt I would have cleaned it. 

At the top, I oriented myself and went off to find a slew of new roads and paths... kinda like a good friend - pics below. 

Mostly, I ride alone. 

For the sanity, me thinks.

Nearly always I'm sneaking up on some runner or hiker or walker.  I used to give a polite Hi There.  But, I didn't always work.  Then I'd do my loud whistle, which usually scared the heck out of 'em. Now, I just love my little bell.

You can get one for as little as $19 and change, shipped free.

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

If you're looking for some style and a classy way to pass, get one.  Comes in lots of colors.

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

AS I RULE, I NEVER EVER "WIN" THE TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.  This is directly due to the fact the guys and gals are a bunch of bloodsuckinggoodfornothingscoundrels! While I am a complete gentleman.

Ergo, my "attack" today had not a snowball's chance in hell.

Except... it was freezing.

Literally.

32 degrees.

You know what happens to a bunch of weatherwimpy Californians when it's cold? 

The move slow.

Then slow down.

So there we were... freezin' our hands and feet off, barely moving up the steady climb, 5 miles from the finish line.

And I'm thinking Dawgawnit if we don't pick it up we might die out here.

Off I go, knowing those bloodsuckinggoodfornothingscoundrels would soon jump across, rest on my wheel, then leave me for frozen.

But, the gap kept growing.

Soon they were outta sight.

They were either feeling sorry for me as it had been forfreakingever since I won the day or they were too cold to care or I just had game today.

No matter what, there was a simple fact:  at some point, they'd start charging.

And another simple fact:  I wasn't waiting.

Beat 'em by 38.3 seconds.

I feel so bad.

To make it up to the guys who missed out today, I'm extending for a few more days the promo code cut off to order the kit we designed for our ride.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

Here's the code:  TEAMTMWCCODE

It saves you 20% and expires soon.

Oh... almost forgot one last secret to crushing their hopes this morning... my legs were lathered up in PR Lotion... so let's do this:

Buy AMP PR lotion and save 30% on Brisker gloves.  USE PROMO CODE BRISKPR.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pr-brisker

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pr-brisker

IT FEELS WRONG TO SAY... but, we have a bunch of badass ladies in the posse.  It's true.  And it's not just because they are fast and fierce... they have their own style, and I LOVE IT!

A thousand years ago, I'd look at the pro women times and figure that's about how fast I'd cover the same distance.

Surfergirl likes to remind me of the time I learned that wasn't exactly true... we were at the Napa World Cup and reigning champ Paula Pezzo rode by.  At that point, I'd been riding the course at a leisurely pace with Surfergirl and girlfriends.  When Paoula rode by I said...

Uh, I'm gonna speed up and see what course looks like at my pace.

Sure...

Yeah, you know gotta practice my moves...

Whatever...

So yeah, in fanboydork mode I started following those shiny gold bibs.  I was totally on the limit as she gracefully slipped out of view.

Yeah, the course is pretty tricky, hard to find a good line...

Not as hard as the floor is going to be tonight

Anyway, today one of the ladies asked... 

How come no Ladies version of the PRs Over KOMs t?

Cause I'm a self-centered idiot.

No you're not.

I know... I'm totally awesome, but I just don't think sometimes.  So here ya go!

Love it!  Thanks Diesel.

No prob, thanks for speaking up.

Ladies, this is the same getsofterthemoreyouwash cotton and the same cantfeeltheprint inks.  You're going to love it

PRs are better than KOMs.  Any fool can grab a KOM, but only a master can grab a PR... and only a master knows if the public PR is legit.

Use promo code PRsOverKOMs

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

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

This t-shirt is going into production Monday, shipping around the 27th.

Remember to use promo code PRsOverKOMs and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.

That's right... get this incredibly soft warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsOverKOMs... code expires 1/17/2020.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

---

166 (uh, oh)
20 pull ups/60 push ups
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3009458098

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

WHEN WE LIVED AT THE BASE OF SADDLEBACK, I'd roll out early and do the 35 mile loop by myself.  The summit is 5600' higher than home.  It was not uncommon to go hours without seeing a soul.

Completely confident.

No cell service.

Alone.

It didn't seem like a big deal...

... perhaps it should have, two competent adult men have been killed in the area in recent years.

One by a cougar. 

One by a storm.

At the time, I always went with a prettygoodsize pack:  100oz of fluid, plenty of bars, tubes, tools, spokes, space blanket, rattle snake bite kit, whistle, windbreaker, beanie, warm gloves, zip ties, duct tape, very sharp knife, matches... and a kitchen sink for good measure.

I could, and still can, do nearly any trailside repair.  It's not nearly as necessary now, the equipment is so much better.

There's a certain confidence knowing you can take care of yourself.  You know it.  Those around you know it, too.  You're in the pictures, where others only see them posted later... wondering why they weren't invited.

I wish I had our new KOM jacket back then.  It's much lighter and packs up much smaller and fits snug vs the old parachutestyle windbreaker.

When it dips into the 30's the KOM jacket is the ideal outer protection to wear over a base layer, jersey and arm warmers.

Which means I have to make you this hot offer... buy either the black or the hi-viz yellow KOM jacket and add arm warmers to you order. 

Use promo code KOMLAYER to get the arm warmers free.

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

Click here: 

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

Add the jacket and warmers to your order.

Use promo code KOMLAYER and the warmers are free.

PS... watch the neat trick I teach in the video, you'll see it when you click on one of the jackets... you'll thank me later for this one.

---

165.2
0 pull ups/0 push ups
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3006513114

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

 IT'S 11:21AM ON A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY.  I should be just about done with an epic getoutandride morning.

I'm not.

Are you sick?

Nope?

What gives?

Me.  I give.  I surrendered to the busyness god and chose to have a normalpeople Saturday.

You?

Yeah.  I know, felt like I needed it.  Slept in.  Hung out with Surfergirl.  Did some writing.  Heading over for some overdue housekeeping at our interplanetaryheadquarters.

Nah... c'mon, you gotta be pulling my leg...

Nope.  True story.  But the best part... the best part is I'll soon be rolling out in 65 degree weather vs the 40 degrees at 7am.  Satisfied?

Totally.

I felt suprisingly stale when I finally got out for a ride.  For sure I had made the right decision.

Eventually the legs came around and starting firing... managed to snag a few PRs - no wind or peloton assist.

PRs are better than KOMs.  Any fool can grab a KOM, but only a master can grab a PR... and only a master knows if the public PR is legit.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

This t-shirt is going into production Monday, shipping around the 27th.

If you're into superduper soft t-shirts, designed to fit athletes who know the PR code, well you might want to use promo code PRsOverKOMs and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.

That's right... get this incredibly soft warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsOverKOMs... code expires 1/14/2020.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

---

Dear Old Diesel,

I just finished I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.  Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Random reflections… amazing writer, incredible story, I don’t think things have changed that much – just different, which bothers me

I kind of feel powerless – I’m not sure what I should do differently

Again, Thanks for recommending, JG

Dear JG, 

I don’t want to overthink this response... so, I’m going from my gut... knowing nothing about your personal life...

... stop watching the news and go make a new friend – color don’t matter.  Everybody needs a friend.  Be the change you want to see.

Love ya man!, T.O.D.

---

164.6
0 pull ups/0 push ups
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3003148253

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

YES, I HAVE A UNICYCLE and I can most certainly ride circles around you.  Not figuratively my fellow member of the PEDALposse, literally... in a fun, playful way.

That's what unicycles are good for.

They are not good for actually getting anywhere, though I did ride it backpack-laden to high school for a year... it was more fun and cheaper than driving.

But the uni's I want to chat about are the other uni's... I'm betting you have at least 2.

I do.

My work uni: cycling-themed t-shirt and flipflops. 

My riding uni: caressing and perfectlyfitting fabrics drenched in a sexy design... feel fast, ride fast is a real thing!

My rarelyworn uni, aka dressupchurchfuneral uni:  black slacks, black tie, black flipflops, white shirt.

For many, my work uni is a play uni... I get that, but we are having a lot of fun over here and our work uni is... howdoyousay... apropos?  

Most people don't care about t-shirts. 

For them it doesn't matter that the cotton gets softer and softer the more you wash it.  They don't care that we've developed special inks that you can't feel on the t-shirt.  It's not a big deal if the fabric is cut for an athletic fit.  And, they certainly don't wear t-shirts secret with warrior codes.

But that's what this t-shirt is... a secret warrior code:  PRs are better than KOMs.  Any fool can grab a KOM, but only a master can grab a PR... and only a master knows if the public PR is legit.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

This t-shirt is going into production Monday, shipping around the 27th.

If you're into superduper soft t-shirts, designed to fit athletes who know the PR code, well you might want to use promo code PRsOverKOMs and t-shirt delivered to you for $18.

That's right... get this incredibly warrior t-shirt delivered for $18 with promo code PRsOverKOMs... code expires 1/14/2020.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/prs-over-koms-t-shirt

---

165.2
20 pull ups/60 push ups
7;5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2998898355

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THAT DAMN BAR.  It's been owning me for about 6 weeks...

You're too weak!

You don't have time!

Haven't you had enough?

Well, NO MAS!

A new Diesel is in town... I strode up, grabbed it by the grips and rattled off... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,, 6,,, 7,,,, ugh!

Beaten, but undaunted, I dropped and rattled off 21 push ups... I always do 3 times as many push ups as pull ups.

My daily number is 20 pull ups/60 push ups.  To date I can't do them in a row... but, I could do a lot more before... oh how it pains me to say this... before quitting.

The shame of it all.

Quitting.

Maybe it was just pausing?... nah... that sounds even weaker than quitting... Oh, look at the little baby he paused...

Anyway... why do I do them?  First, Geoff Kabush said if you can't do 50 push ups, you'll never win a mountain bike race.  Second, pull ups are really good for building outofthesaddle sprinting and climbing strength.

---

Which reminds me, some of the strongest riders I know get the pleasure of dropping me every Tuesday morning on our social ride.

Whether you're a local and join us regularly, want a piece of iconic SoCal memorabilia or have your own Tuesday ride... ya gotta love this design ace designer Joe came up with.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

Don't miss this offer.

Here's the code:  TEAMTMWCCODE

It saves you 20% and expires at mid-night on 1/13/2020.

Meanwhile... if you're looking for a beautiful kit design, letmeknow.

---

Speaking of missing... did ya catch this new addition yesterday?

Dear Old Diesel,

I had so much energy when I rolled up to my driveway and then crashed hard after I showered. Ice pack on my head and heating pad on my neck!  What do you do for recovery?

Thanks, NM

PS... I thought it was just a social ride...

Dear NM

My go to recovery is a handful of amino acid tablets as soon as I walk in the door.  Followed by a quick shower.  Then a smoothie with protein power (sometimes 2 of these if it's a hot day)... and I'll usually eat a few handfuls of mixed nuts or macadamia nuts as well.

- T.O.D.

PS... It's not just a social ride... that's how we sucker you in

-> gotta question for The Old Diesel?  send it to help@pedalindustries.com

---

164.8
20/60 <-- hell yes I did!
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2996079355

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IT MATTERS, THE ORDER WE DO THINGS.  And, I'm constantly tinkering with how best to start the day.

But, the reason for a particular way to start the day might make it more powerful.

For example... first we put on our socks, then our riding shoes.  First we prepare our drink in the bottles, then we load them into the cages.

Well duh! 

Yeah, I know... but check this one out.

For many years, when the kids were small and at home, I'd get out and ride my bike first thing.  The reason was to be sure I got my workout in.

The last four or five years, I've gotten up to read something uplifting then planned my day then got the ride in.  The reason being... honestly I can't remember the reason.

Over the weekend, one of my nowadultkids shared his new routine:

Dad, I get up and put my running shoes on and go for a run first thing.  Every day.

Since when?

1/1/20

Then what do you do?

Come back, meditate and review the day ahead.

Why in that order?

Because it's easier for my brain to wake up while I'm running.  Then, when I return I'm alert and have a better session meditating and clearer view on what I'm going to accomplish.

How's it going?

I love it.

So, I checked with another of my nowadultkids.

How do you start your day?

Wake up, and I'm out the door walking to the gym in five minutes.  Listening to a podcast.

Really?

Yep.

Then...

Then, I crank the workout jam music and get after it.

How long you been doing that?

3 years, since I started working.

Why?

It just works... I'm just ready to crank at work.

Do you ever skip?

Never.

I'm a whole 3 days in... and gotta tell ya, I think the punks are onto something.

Here's the secret sauce, 'cause we've got gear...

... I get it all prepped the night before, the bike is by the front door and all the gear is laid out and ready.  All I have to do is grab my bottle from the fridge and start pedaling.   

Come back, straight to the shower for no more than one song, quickly fuel my body, then purposely fuel my mind for the day.

---

Should this ride first ask life's questions later approach tickle your fancy, you may need a warmer glove.

Here's the dealio... buy a pair of Brisker Gloves and when you add our SuperLight gloves to your order you save 25%.

The promo code is:  RIDEFIRST

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves



https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

 Buy the 100% Brisker gloves and a pair of our SuperLight gloves and save 25% with promo code: RIDE FIRST

---

164.4
0/0
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2993294182

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

--- 

Dear Old Diesel,

I had so much energy when I rolled up to my driveway and then crashed hard after I showered. Ice pack on my head and heating pad on my neck!  What do you do for recovery?

Thanks, NM

PS... I thought it was just a social ride...

Dear NM

My go to recovery is a handful of amino acid tablets as soon as I walk in the door.  Followed by a quick shower.  Then a smoothie with protein power (sometimes 2 of these if it's a hot day)... and I'll usually eat a few handfuls of mixed nuts or macadamia nuts as well.

- T.O.D.

PS... It's not just a social ride... that's how we sucker you in

-> gotta question for The Old Diesel?  send it to help@pedalindustries.com

MY BUDDY WAS LAMENTING HOW CROWDED HIS GYM IS RIGHT NOW.  Apparently it's a storm he weathers each January.  Not us.  The biggest storm most of us are weathering is...

... whether or not the covers are going to keep us trapped in bed.

The roads and trails and trainers are open for business and there's plenty of unused capacity.

---

Speaking of unused capacity... apparently my pals Pete and Dave had some unused friendhelperness...

My tire sprung a leak shortly after the group got going... I pulled over and so did they!  yes! 

Like a well-trained F1 team we had her lifted, swapped and dropped in seconds... allowing us to easily catch back on for the meatypainy part of the ride.

That was cool.

---

Speaking of cool... I roped in new a rider for today's edition.

Her take after being dropped:  hard ride, cool people.

... she'll be back.

---

Speaking of being back... ace designer Joe is back with a beautiful kit celebrating our weekly group ride The Tuesday Morning World Championships, aka TMWC.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

Normally, we don't share this code with the unwashed... but, over the years, we've shipped the annual TMWC kit across the country - heck out of the country.  So, why not share it with all of ya's?

Here's the code:  TEAMTMWCCODE

It saves you 20% and expires at mid-night on 1/13/2020.

Meanwhile... if you're looking for a beautiful kit design, letmeknow.

---

165.4
0/0
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2990484694

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE UNDER THIS ROOF THAT WANTS AN ANSWER TO THE SELECTIVE NATURE OF MY MAGICAL POWERS.

When it comes to my bike not working I'm able to summon my genie, or so it seems.

The shower controls and the only I can do is call Nick the plumber.

My electronic shifting went out 1 mile into Saturday's ride.

Tomorrow is my favorite road ride, and as of 7pm I hadn't touched the bike.

I Googled changing the batteries.

SRAM's website says it's a 5 minute job, I multiplied by 10 and figured I could do it myself.  They say peel back the brake hood and do the job.  This is where my time started adding up because I'm so damn weak in my hands.  My genie assured me I could get it down.

It seemed impossibly hard.  I checked with Mike, who'd just replaced his.  He has the newer model, which from his description seemed like any toddler could handle.

15 minutes later, I'd removed 1 battery.  ID'd as medical battery 2032.  Checked my RaceDay Bag - I usually have 1 in there, which I did, but not the required 2.

Quick trip to the store for batts and all said it took me an hour and ten.

Do I dare google shower controls?

---

How much do I love our Tuesday ride? 
Enough to summon the genie.
Enough to have done it for 17 years.
Enough to create kits just for the ride.
Enough to invite everyone I meet to join us.
I sucker 'em in, tell 'em It's just a social ride.

This year's kit is going to look so sharp.

If you're looking to get new designs for your team, we'd love to help you out.

---

Almost forgot... Teams!, now's the time to get your canopy ordered... because we have the ProCanopy Special going:  top, frame, roller bag for $799. 

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/canopies-flags

---

165.4
0/0
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2987680523

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I'M AN OMNIRACER, not a monoracer.  Meaning, I'll race Road and MTB and Gravel.  Life would be more clear if I was a monoracer, but I'm not.

I like 'em all...

... surprised?

Today I busted out the new paper calendar for 2020 and went surfing to search events listed on SoCalCycling, USACycling, TeamBigBear, QuickNDirty, RaceOC, Epic Rides, LT100, DirtyKanza... 

Then I penciled all the ones that have potential (put 'em in pen for Feb so you could read 'em in the pic).

Will I race 'em all?  Maybe.

To win?  Not intentionally - but it's been known to happen... something about the pressure being off... many I'll use as an excuse to see my friends, to test product, to test ideas, etc.

The only "A" so far is Sagebrush Safari a classic MTB XC race - end of March.  I've never done it, and I know the course is challenging and the competition ravenous.

There's a slim chance I can get into Dirty Kanza, which would be another A... if not, I'm thinking Cascade Classic stage race as an A... they are both end of May.

Valley of the Sun stage race has potential to be the focus in Feb.

Sea Otter in April is always fun - I love the circuit race... and they added a gravel the next day... then I could do the MTB, which I've never done there.

The only other potential A is MTB XC Nats... I'd planned to do MTB Marathon Nats but turns out I have a family conflict that weekend... so XC - my weaker of the two - might be it.

The point of sharing this info is putting the all the races on a paper calendar does the magical thing and certain events start to pull on me more than others.

I think it's the paper.

Physically handwriting it all.

Makes it real.

That's how this omniracer sees.

This process is part of a book I'm working on,  The Racer's Life.

Who knows maybe I'll calendar it in and finish it this year.

---

On the calendar for tomorrow is the last day of the Conti BOGO

 Use promo code CONTIBOGO to get 50% savings on Continental GP 5000s and Terra Speed when you buy 2 or more tires.

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

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

The code CONTIBOGO expires Monday, the 6th, I'll put the big order in on Tuesday and your order will ship in about a week. 

---

163.4
0/0
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2985492498

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

HOW MANY ROOKIE MOVES CAN THERE POSSIBLY BE AT THIS POINT?  This one is so not pro.

Ugh.

So there we are, carpooling down to the start of today's most excellent ride.  It's a beautiful morning, and I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends in San Diego.  The fellas are all geeked up, and we're covering topics I shan't never write about.

Innocently (or was it?), MG said last time he did the ride his shifter battery failed.

Note:  not the derailler batteries, which I check every night before I ride... because I'm not a rookie on that anymore.

The shifter battery?

Yeah, the one in each brake lever. (we are both running SRAM wireless)

Hm... didn't even know I had one.  Going on 3 years, and I've never touched it.

Yeah, I was surprised... I've only had the bike a short time.

I'll have to check that out, I say to myself...

... you know where this is going right?  Can ya feel it?  Well, I couldn't.  I was in my happy place, with my pals about to get destroyed on the most vicious ride around - Swami's Long.

Sure nuf, one mile in and my shifting is nil.  Well, not nil... it was just like MIke's only working on the right shifter and every time I tested it I'd go down a cog and never up.

At least I was stuck in the small front ring, and small back... no that does not make it less of a rookie move.  It's just a consolation prize for being the loser of the day. 

Shyte!  I gotta turn around guys.

I splain the sitchyashun.

They go on to play... shedding tears as we part.

I go on a tear, nabbing PRs all the way home.  Grab my gravel bike, HVY MTL, and hit it hard. 

Is there light at the end of my rookie tunnel?

Probably not.. good thing, 'cause if I wasn't out making these mistakes you might make them too.

---

One of the reasons I was PRing the rest of the day - yes there was just a little anger in the legs - is the wider tires I'm running at lower pressure.

Threw the 28s on my road bike and the 40s on my gravel bike.

The science says wider tire with lower pressure is not only faster but more comfy...

... the Old Diesel says Yep, based on perceived exertion these wider tires are more better...

... guess we better do a BOGO so y'alls can test me on this.

Use promo code CONTIBOGO to get 50% savings on Continental GP 5000s and Terra Speed when you buy 2 or more tires.

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

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

The code CONTIBOGO expires Monday, the 6th, I'll put the big order in on Tuesday and your order will ship in about a week. 

---

164.4
0/0
6 hrs sleep - no bueno
https://www.strava.com/activities/2981813822
https://www.strava.com/activities/2982564991

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

"IT DOESN'T GET ANY EASIER, YOU JUST GO FASTER"
- Greg LeMond

Does this really need an explanation?

How about a challenge then?

What blondie is trying to say there is that the effort we put forth doesn't get any easier... meaning we are just into riding hard... and with more training that same perceived exertion sees us going ever faster.

My challenge is this... not only doesn't it get easier - the racing and such at higher levels - it actually gets harder because the quality of the racers is that much more better.

It gets harder, and you go faster, and it's awesome
- T.O. Diesel

---

One of the reasons we go faster is we get smarter about our equipment choices, and I gotta tell ya... I'm really digging the wider tires I've been riding.

Threw the 28s on my road bike and the 40s on my gravel bike.

The science says wider tire with lower pressure is not only faster but more comfy...

... the Old Diesel says Yep, based on perceived exertion these wider tires are more better...

... guess we better do a BOGO so y'alls can test me on this.

Use promo code CONTIBOGO to get 50% savings on Continental GP 5000s and Terra Speed when you buy 2 or more tires.

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

The code expires Monday, I'll put the big order in on Tuesday and your order will ship in about a week. 

---

164.8
10/30
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2978756786

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY... ride with eagles, KOM with eagles.

Or... you're the average of your 5 fastest friends

Or... birds of a feather race together

Or...

Well, it's only total BS when a an old diesel like me KOM's a segment ridden and raced by thousands.

THOUSANDS!

True, I was racing right along with birds of a feather.

But, I was more like the sum of my 5 fastest friends.

Further, I see order has been restored to the Stravaverse and an actual pro, John Janneck, has unseated me... if only by a second, it is more juster for him - more jester for me.

Or is it?

I mean, it was me. 

On my bike. 

Under my own power. 

Whipping up on the Nation's Number One Beast and his Legion teammates and a quiver of other national and state champions.

Therefore, let it be known that for about 2 minutes yesterday I was a total badass on my bike due almost entirely to the presence of my most excellent and fast friends... even if they weren't trying I was blowing away my previous times.

Let it also be known... this truism is a real thing.

The faster our friends, the faster we ride.
The better our friends...
The kinder our friends...
The wiser our friends...

... the more 'er we are.

---

Or was it the Jailbreak kit?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak

Want to see a great finish by the Nation's Number One Beast? 

164.8
back in the gym
6.66 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2977227707

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

TAKE ME TO A PARTY AND I'M A WALLFLOWER.  Take me on a bike ride and I'm like... 

Hey I'm Todd, what's your name?

That's weird, right?

Fact is, I'm just not that excited to meet most people... I don't know why.

But, I love meeting bike riders... and I do know why.  We're just cool people, at least I meet a lot of cool people out riding.  It's easy to break out of my natural introverted self.

On the annual Newyearsdaytakeovertheroads ride, I saw a bunch of my riding friends from LA area, where the ride starts, and made some new friends.

I had no problem grabbing a Gatorade and seeing the 2for$3 asking a guy to join purchases with me.  He knew my name, I was embarrassed not to know his.  Then he refused my offer to Venmo him the $1.50.

I stuck out my hand, and got his name... Robert.

Thanks Robert!

When the ride got back to the coast and the LAs headed north, a new rider joined us heading south.  

Stuck out my hand...

Hey, I'm Todd.

I'm Brian.

Turns out Brian works at the Canyon USA Showroom in Carlsbad with my "bro" Freddie JMZ - you ever meet Freddie and you'll get the bro ref.  Brian's somewhat new to our riding locale... we traded numbers and I added him to our local chat group.

---

Aside from breaking out of my social shell riding... I made the ChainGang kit because this is going to be a breakout year for PEDALindustries.

I was surprised how many people were digging it on the ride, but more so when I stopped for a snack.  Dude that could be a body double for Hulk Hogan comes out and says... 

Man, I love that outfit!  

No, I didn't educate his Hulkness that the proper term is kit because that would be uncool... and bike riders are cool peeps.

---

One thing is for sure... when you're breaking out you want to be as light and fast as possible.  The Mini-RaceDay Bag is perfect for holding the bare necessities tight and aero under your saddle.

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

And this is your chance to break our bank because for some reason the shipping is free on these right now... can you believe that?  

A killer storage solution for $19.99 that ships free?

Yikes... I better get that changed, but until I do... have at it.

---

165.4 
0/0 (lazy)
6.66 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2974157112

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

TONIGHT, ON THE EVE OF A NEW DECADE... I'll be depriving myself of my much needed handsomesleep.

I'll wake up too early.

Stumble around.

In a fog.

And that is my biggest failure of 2019 - not getting enough of this free magical elixir.

Will be 2020 any different?

It's not gonna be off to a good start.

I will for sure rise early to ride with 500 of my closest friends as we take over Pacific Coast Highway.

Want to go faster?

Sleep more.

Want to react quicker?

Sleep more.

Want to be smarter?

Sleep more.

Want to lose weight?

Sleep more.

Want to look better?

Sleep more.

Want to....

...sleep more.

---

This is the point where I include some sort of cool product I've found to enhance the riding experience... you know that.. and you're probably wondering how's The Old Diesel gonna work that in...

... well, I just did my darnedest to sell myself (and you) on sleeping more...

... and it's free.

No promo code needed.

---

165.4 
0/0 (lazy)
7 hrs sleep
Quickie - https://www.strava.com/activities/2971162086
Family Ride - https://www.strava.com/activities/2971810449

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

I CHANGED MY WALLPAPER YESTERDAY.  Not in the house, on the phone.  Scrolling through the many options, I chose two recent pics... my wallpaper gives me away.

No family shots.

Or goals for the year.

Just images I dig.

The home screen (above) uses a background from a recent betweenthestorms quickie, where I found a new "Closed To Public Access" road that gave me great access through town. I chose it because it reminds me to be aggressively adventurous, it has a lot of black and the app icons are easy to read.

The lock screen is from a recent day on the local single track.  I edited the crud out of it on my phone, and though I have no skills or training I like the way it turned out.  It makes me smile.

Taking pics has been a pleasant addition to my riding and writing as I think they help tell the story of this crazy sport we all love... many of the people I follow take really cool pics as well and inspire the heck out of me to ride new places.

---

One of the things you want to have when traveling to a ride is our changing poncho... makes it easy to change any where, and makes for a nice way to wipe the mud off bike and bod.

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

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

I have this fantasy of pulling up to a race and seeing an entire team changing into their kits while wearing matching changing ponchos.

Send us your art and we'll mock your team changing poncho.

-tb 

167.2 (high of the year - not good)
0/0 (lazy)
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2968567228

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IF YOU'RE LIKE ME - which you aren't because I'm totally into riding, racing and socializing on bikes in the reverse order I just spouted them off which is really weird - then it's time to put down the biggiantunattainable goal for 2020.

If you're like me - which you aren't because I took fattening up for the winter literally for all 12 of the Christmas Days starting on Thanksgiving never skipping a day until today - then your first goal might be to start carving off the lard by eating less and riding more.

If you're like me - which you aren't because I blew off the training and the stretching and the gym work the moment the kids pulled into town and can't touch my knees let alone my toes - your second goal might be to take a yoga class.

If you're like me - which you aren't because I spent my meager xmas funds on everybody else forgetting to save a couple a bucks for myself - then you might be dreaming of a new bike.

If you're like me... wait... what... you're like me?

Really?

You're gonna set some ridiculous goals?

Let's do it.

Today...

... 'cause the ruckus is gonna start early on 12/31, and we'll be worthless on 1/1, and probably back grinding on 1/2...

Personally, I'm leaning towards some big gravel event - not sure which one - and a stage race - either Gila or Cascade Classic.

How 'bout you?

---

Whatever I end up doing, the main focus is always about feeling fast - doing those things that make me feel fast on a bike.  The old standards are weighing less, looking sharp, and having a clean rig.

Which is why I always say:  Feel Fast, Ride Fast.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/feel-fast-ride-fast-available-in-5-colors

And why I think you really ought to try out Smoove chain lube... so much so, that if you buy the t-shirt you can get the lube for 50% off using code FEEL SMOOVE.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/smoove

Buy a Feel Fast.  Ride Fast t-shirt get Smoove for 50% savings use promo code FEELSMOOVE.

-tb 

165.6
0/0 (lazy)
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2966945663

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

TODAY WAS JUST LIKE MOST SATURDAYS when we were a young family.  Up before the sun for a quick ride and back for breakfast with the kids then off to do something fun.

In fact, it's been that way all week with everybody in town.

It's nearly impossible to have a routine.

All my stuff is missing, and I'm sure it's the kids fault.

How the heck did I get anything accomplished back then?  

On our hike, we reminisced about all the winter weekends in the desert camping and riding motos.  These were the maintenance months and years.  Winter bike riding was mainly Monday-Friday, very early.  In the summer, I'd usually have one big mountain bike race to train for.  It was good life balance and kept me in decent shape.

I notice the kids' routines are similar, but their things.  Hitting the gym or surf early on a Saturday morning before breakfast and family time.

Some of them even ride bikes... my favorite rides.

---

Since they've been visiting I think I've worn the Wild Child kit at least 3 times.  Inspired by having them home?  I dunno... 

...but, I do know the socks are in production and they're going to be really cool.

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

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

I'll post pics as soon as they're done.

Ride your bike!, tb

164.6
0/0 (lazy)
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2963104924
https://www.strava.com/activities/2963781698

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

OF ALL THE PLACES ON EARTH, I have to imagine this is one of the easiest places to be AGOG.

We have miles and miles of wide roads with wide bike lanes, bike paths, dirt roads, and lots of single track.

All of which has a tendency to produces riders like me:  decent road racer, pretty good mountain biker.  

What I mean by AGOG is this...

You take the  pretty good skills many of the riders have around here and put them on a gravel bike and all of the sudden their prettygoodness turns them into A God Of Gravel - AGOG!

Just give 'em a gravel bike and they are instantly at the top of the food chain.

---

I was thinking about that, how when we develop talent in a variety of areas and combine them often we get 1 + 1 + 1 = 4 or 5 or 6.

Most top performers have developed a number of talents that when put together give them super powers.

For example, I remember Hakeem Olajuwon crediting growing up playing soccer with his fantastic footwork as an NBA All Star.

Once you learn how to see it, it's everywhere...

Anyway, it's just something I was thinking about on my ride today...

... which is why it's necessary for me to carve out the time to ride regularly.. and I have no problem saying Can't make it, gotta ride!

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

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

... cause who knows, maybe I'll take my passion for cycling gear and combine it with my manufacturing skills and my design skills and start company called PEDALindustries?... ya never know.

164.6
0/0 (lazy)
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2960633013

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

BRETT AND I MET UP TODAY FOR MEXICAN FOOD... We meet up most years for a Christmas lunch, where he regales me with his latest meeting with cycling big shots.

Today he shared the crazy story of scheduling a $4,000,000 print press for a very small run of limited lithos on paper that cost $12/sheet.

The plan was to print them early then have a nice trip to Europe where Bernard Hinault and Roger De Vlaeminck would then personal many of them and sign the rest... as would the original photographer.

Ah plans... in a nutshell, they printed a month behind schedule and the planned working vacation turned to a world championship race against time.

One offshoot was asking Hinault who he admired as a kid racer... his answer:  Merckx.  Another was discovering cycling gear openly hanging to dry in Hinault's house.  In other words, the gods are a lot like us... fan boys (and girls) who wash their own clothes - just a helluva a lot faster.

Want more proof of their humanness?  

They also have their spouses do their bottle handups. 

In this heretofore unpublished photograph, De Vlaemicnk's wife is caught in running in high heels extending a bottle of champagne.  Roger's reaction when he saw the pics:  Nice legs!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/roger-de-vlaeminck-1971-tour-de-france-limited-edition-of-500

If you want one of these beautiful lithos, I'll cover the shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/roger-de-vlaeminck-1971-tour-de-france-limited-edition-of-500

_____

166.6
0/0 (lazy)
8 hrs sleep
no ride today

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

INSERT WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE THIS TIME OF YEAR, now imagine you're totally into the thing you're into, and your dear one has been trying to get you just the right gift for a decade or so... and pretty much given up.

Sound familiar?

Surfergirl gave up getting me just right bike gift long ago, in a decade far away.

As I result, I've been known to put a package or two under the tree for me from her.

But this year, she rolled the dice and made something really cool... that I would never do for myself. 

She hijacked my Instagram and made these cool tiles representing highlights of my year on wheels:  winning Tahoe, PRing Leadville, along with a few others.

They are really cool, and have double stick tape for hanging/placing on a wall... which I shall do at the PEDALindustries lair.  

https://mixtiles.com/

The other surprise was Collegegirl insisting on getting in the water... not a surprise like, I'm shocked, but more of a Wow, she's finally hooked and that's gonna make Mamma very happy.

I hope your celebration was a hit too.

---

That thing for me?... Fizik foul/cold weather booties.  

TBH, we can get away with toe warmers nearly always... but there is the occasional low 30's morning which these would be perfect for.

Gave 'em a test this morning... and Toddystoestoasty.

Even managed to get caught out in the rain... and Toddystoesdry.

They're mostly sold out at the moment, as soon as we have good stock we'll round up a sweet deal on 'em. 

We have have most things back in stock in a couple of weeks.

In the meantime, if you're wanting to give the gift of PEDALindustries but not sure what to get may I suggest the gift cards?

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

Keen shoppers will use SAVE10 through the end of the year.

 _____

167 - oops
0/0 (lazy)
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2956198846

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THE FELLAS RIBBED ME PRETTY GOOD THIS MORNING.  For the past month or more, every Monday night in our group text I confirmed I was a solid 50/50 for our Tuesday morning ride.

I missed 'em all.

We've been busy.

So last night, figuring we were shutting down the office for a few days, I confirmed I was definitely in.

Stayed up late dusting off the road bike,
fixing a flat,
affixing the lights,
making my drinks,
stacking my snacks,
laying out all the layers,
going down my list and checking it twice.

Yep, I was geeked to see the freaks...
they are ya know,
for sure...
up every Tuesday well before the sun,
40ish strong in the fair weather months
20ish stronger in the dark and cold winters

... you get the idea, these are my guys (and occasional gals) and I was looking forward to a long ride and talking about the holiday plans and who's in town and what they were looking forward to and you know... 

Up at 520, out the door at 540.

Right on time.

Half a mile from home... did I mention it rained all night and the roads were still slick and it was dark?... I hit the lone piece of glass in the road.  Sliced my new tire.

Tsssst, tsssssst, tsssssssst.... I came to a stop.

Rats!

Turned around, coasted downhill, rushed inside, through everything on the gravel bike and gave it all I had.

Caught the fellas half way through the ride.

It was just what I needed.

At the finish, we gathered and wished each other well... and one of my pals said...

Ya know, I'm glad you finally made it back out... we were afraid Definitely! is the new 50/50.

---

The house is quite now.  We've been to Gramma's and back.  Our marrieds are with the outlaws and those still here are a sleep, like babies.

I'm up, doing my Santa thing... definitely!

---

It's hard, well impossible, to see the new KOM Windbreaker I wore this morning.  It was perfect.  No wind gets through, all I had on underneath was a jersey and arm warmers.

This video is pretty cool where I show how it neatly fits in my back jersey pocket.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black

If you can ride now, this jacket is made for you... if you're snowbound for a bit, this jacket will get you out sooner.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black

 _____

164.6
0/0 (lazy)
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2954015303

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IT'S IN THE CONSTITUTION SOMEWHERE, or it oughta be.

Jefferson clearly wrote:

“Believing with you that bike riding is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of bike riding, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between bike & State.” 

"the free exercise thereof"... 

... the key to such free exercise, in my experience, lies in the hour a man, woman or child is willing to rise...

... which reminds me of what fun I've been having annoying my college girl.  Such a sleepy head. 

She made a good point today, though I doubt the schooling had any baring on the observation:

Dad, you live to annoy me.

Yes, yes it does bring me great joy.  Especially since my ride was rained out this morning.

Which basically means, I'm keeping you alive.

---

She's partly right, but what really keeps me a live is feeling fast and riding fast.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/feelfast-deal

And when you're riding fast it's wonderful to have the very tactile feel of our superlight race gloves

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/feelfast-deal

To give ya a little inspiration, use promo code FEELFAST and when you buy the t-shirt you'll save 25% on the gloves.

Both the gloves and the t's come in lots of colors.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/feelfast-deal

 _____

165.6
0/0 (lazy)
8.5 hrs sleep
rained out

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

THE LAST BOOK I READ - RESONATE - said this book would change my life:  I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.

If you're into life changing books, stay with me as I critique myself in a bike riding way.

What I learned:  generally, I had no idea how far we'd come as a nation nor did I have an inkling of where we'd been.

Sure I read Tom Sawyer, and ate popcorn watching A Time To Kill.  But, those stories allowed me to sit comfortably in my chair and be entertained.

Maya's book is different.

First, she writes with immense creativity and economy... and I love that style.

Second, she set me right down in the eyes and heart of an innocent and beautiful child who is witness to too much ugliness.

Third, she changed the way I understand and feel the history of many of my friends.

Collectively we have remade our country.  There is still much to do, but at this point it's personal work that needs to be done.  The heavy lifting is largely complete.

Let me bring it back to our bikin' world... I was shocked at myself yesterday. 

It is seems so easy to be provoked by a stranger who is just being a tool rather than let it go.  And I wasn't alone.  This stranger got under a lot of skin in a couple of turns.

How?

He was slower and our group was roaring through a dicey singletrack.  I asked to pass he said No and then clogged the trail.  Just a dude being a tool.  Elbows out, I made a less than dainty pass.  

It didn't have to be that way.

I was quick to react terribly.

Others did the same.

It happens with cars on the road... guy passes too close and I'm ready to kill.  It's nasty... and I'm not sure where it's coming from.

I'll spend more time meditating on this as I ride... making a conscious effort to be more forgiving and loving.

Because in the end, we are all caged in some way... and we'd be a lot better off singing.

---

Rather than sell ya some nifty cycling gear, I'm going to gift 10 of these books.  If you'll read it, get it.  On me.  Free.

It's not a Festivus gift, just a gift from one cyclist to another.... and no, I'm not going to pay you $20 for a book report like I do my kids.  However, I'd love to read your thoughts when you're done.

It's short.

Here's the link: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/why-the-caged-bird-sings

 Peace.

MONTHS AGO ME THOUGHT, Diesel ya oughta ride all day on the shortest day of the year.  Right?  If you're ever going to ride all day - sunrise to sunset - this would be a good one.

Things were lining up with spectacular weather before a week of solid rain.

So, for sure this is gonna happen.

Up at 530.

Rolling by 630.

7am is the official sunrise today, but the ride I'm doing starts at 8, twenty miles up the coast.

On the way up this cat whips around a corner and soon we are chatting about the glory days... the mighty Ziggurat loop with world class regulars like Gold Medalist Steve Hegg, RAAM winner Pete Penseyres, and many state, national and world champions.

We lament the bland all black bikes and kits that dominate the scene today... which he very obviously was fighting back on.

I made it to the start with 20 minutes to spare.  Which was cool, as it gave me time to make a few adjustments to my rig and unload some of my pre-dawn hydration.

The new tires I'm testing out are surprisingly fast on and off the road.  For example, aside from arriving early, later in the day I managed to PR a massive and steep dirt drop called Mathis - locals will be impressed that I did it on the gravel machine.

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

... okay, so let me tell ya about the group I was meeting up with:

1.  The invite clearly stated:  we're riding tempo, download the course, we love you but we ain't waiting.  

2.  The supreme leader's Strava handle is Bikenut.  He's a beast on the road and on the dirt.  And while I was rolling giant 40s, he was on his road bike with 25s.  #skills.

3.  The followers are all certified nuts with huge talent and huge nuts for going fast.

With a touch feely welcome, 30 or so set off. 

The first climb 20% were gone.

Another 30% either flatted, dropped off or quit by mile 19.

Meanwhile, I'm constantly asking myself when we are going to ride tempo, or if I even know what riding tempo means anymore.

About 30 miles in (50 for me) some trail bunny stops Bikenut and the flirting begins.  Next thing we're all in a group picture and they are trying to trade phone numbers. 

This is also a literal highpoint on the ride and as we crest P.I.D. I can see home.  And I come down with a case of Seeyafellasitsbeenfun, because I'm thinking my daughter is home for the weekend and the other kids might be around too.

It wasn't all day, but it was plenty:  80ish miles, 8000ish of vert.

Next year!, or maybe sooner...  I'm addicted, and not recovering.

---> this is a subliminal message, pay no attention: Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION <--

I am addicted to other things... and just yesterday learned something you should NEVER do.

I love Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle

https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr-eurostyle-8-oz-jar

But I did a BozoNoNo and put their Embrocation on my knees before applying the Butt'r.  If ya didn't know, the Embrocation is meant to heat up your skin for cold weather riding.  And well, if ya put it on then apply the Butt'r to the region of your special purpose... uh, FIRE!

TMI?

Probs... but back to my other addictions.

I'm also addicted to AMP PR lotion... which should also NOT be applied before the Butt'r

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

 and Honey Stinger waffles

https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-variety-pack

Which you can apply to your watering mouth at any time, as long as you have washed your hands after appling Ebrocation and PR Lotion...

... to celebrate the fiery start to my weekend, you can join my addictions with this extraspecialspiffy offer:

Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION. 

Ride your bike!, tb

_____

164.6
0/0
6 hrs sleep (wife's fault : )
http://strava.com/activities/2947798036

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

FIRST THERE WAS CHANNEL SURFING... in it's original form was Grampa asking me to get up and change the channel for him... then websurfing...  then liking and swiping... and it finally hit me why gravel riding is so very hot right now... 

---> this is a subliminal message, pay no attention: Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION <---

... the reason it's so dawgawn popular is because of what the internet (a worthy post on the topic) is doing to our brains...

... we can't focus, can't finish what we start, can't remember a thing....

... a gravel bike lets me (and you, too!) start on the paved road, connect to a dirt road, poach a single track, jump a curb...

... it's truly a terrain surfer... and like all surfing it's muy addicting.

If we have to be addicted to something, I can think of worse.

But, I won't.

I am addicted to other things... and just this morning learned something you should NEVER do.

I love Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle

https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr-eurostyle-8-oz-jar

But I did a BozoNoNo and put their Embrocation on my knees before applying the Butt'r.  If ya didn't know, the Embrocation is meant to heat up your skin for cold weather riding.  And well, if ya put it on then apply the Butt'r to the region of your special purpose... uh, FIRE!

TMI?

Probs... but back to my other addictions.

I'm also addicted to AMP PR lotion... which should also NOT be applied before the Butt'r

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

 and Honey Stinger waffles

https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-variety-pack

Which you can apply to your watering mouth at any time, as long as you have washed your hands after appling Ebrocation and PR Lotion...

... to celebrate the fiery start to my weekend, you can join my addictions with this extraspecialspiffy offer:

Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION.

---> this is a subliminal message, pay no attention: Buy Chamois Butt'r and PR Lotion and get the Honey Stinger's Free... use promo code TODDSADDICTION <--- 

Ride your bike!, tb

_____

165
20/60
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2945299709

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

IT'S LATE.  I'm tired. Just wanna chill.  Put my feet up.

But, I don't.

I change.

T-shirt.  Board shorts.

And I slowly start my work out.  Don't want to at all.  Not even a tiny bit.

But, I do it because of you!

Knowing for a fact that you have resigned, that you're resting... it gives me energy.

My push ups are deeper, my pull ups cleaner, my kettle bell kettler...

Oh yes Father Time... you ain't gonna catch me!

...

Hey PEDALposse... you're not on the couch are ya?  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/off-off-off-on

Please, please, please say no... but, just in case y'all need some inspiration get this t-shirt.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dhdwear/products/off-off-off-on

_____

165.4
Gym Work
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2942399225

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.