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.