Todd's Blog

RIDE REPORT:

• Was so excited to ride hard today, I could barely sleep.
• Woke up early, still left late.
• PR'd getting to the meet up.
• Had a genius idea on the way home....

Put on your biking clothes.

What.

Kit up, and ride towards me.

Why?

Because we're gonna go to Moulin and indulge ourselves.

Okay!

Now why in Todd's name would I invite Surfergirl to crash my Tuesday tradition of riding with the fellas?  What could I possibly be thinking?

It's pretty obvious, really.

1.  I ride the last 40+ minutes alone on Tuesdays.  Most of the time I'm so smoked one would hardly call it riding.  I'm barely able to turn the cranks. 

2.  Most Tuesdays, Surfergirl isn't surfing.  She has a beautiful bike that needs riding.  Her pace will synch up nicely with my slog.

3.  We both enjoy delicious croissants smothered in goodness.

But, for sure there was one more reason...

... I knew I could bribe into listening to the blowbyblow of the ride.

You're gonna think I'm just trying to sell a bill of good on this next part, but you'd be wrong.  What I'm going to do is try and convince you to do what I did this morning... because I really do want the best for you.

Not only was I excited.  Not only did I spend a good 20 minutes a day on my legs with the HyperVolt.  Not only was I off the bike Sunday, and riding easy yesterday.  

TBH, I do the above almost every week any way.

But, this morning I did something I hadn't done since I was ramping up the intensity for Dirty 30 way back in November...

... and it's the reason I left a little late for the ride.

I would put a picture here, but I don't want to give it away to the speed readers.  This is really good info, just for you and me.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/my-top-secret-secret-weapons

You'll want to use this promo code:  TRADITIONS

Sometimes I put the promo code on the product page, but not this time.  This time it's just for the careful readers.

PS... is Surfergirl invited next week?  Hellyeah, it's a great tradition.

---

162.6 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4647650387

I HAVE TUNNEL VISION.  Is it bad?  I dunno.  Want proof?  I can't find a darn thing, even when it's close enough to kill me.  Is it curable?  I'm not sure I care.  It took a long time hone it...

... and it's served me well, manymany times.

For example... One day, after climbing up for a couple of hours, we gathered at the top of the Trabuco trail.  Preparing to shred the tight shaley single-track that skirted the super steep mountain side... I was pumped, raring to go.

12ish minutes later, after the more challenging portions, I waited for my pals.

RiderX rolled up.

All that cactus was freaking me out.

Where?

Up there.

Hmmm.

So were those giant, jagged boulders all over the place!

Really?

Yeah, I had to stop a bunch.

Oh...

I wondered if we’d ridden the same trail?  I wasn’t being a tool; just hadn’t seen any of it.

That's when I self-diagnosed Tunnel Vision... and I knew exactly how I got it:  repeated exposure to challenging situations.  The only way to ride 'em was controlling my mind, focusing solely on the ridable parts of the trail.  Never even considering the dangers or threats.

It’s not always easy...

... especially as I get older and continue to ride with younger and younger cats.  My vision, literal vision, isn’t as sharp.  The reactions are a little slower.  When my vision expands I have to recenter myself, remind myself to see only the good stuff...

... but, it's worth it, like all superpowers.

One disadvantage to riding with said confidence is rolling up on other riders, hikers, runners, strollermoms, etc...

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

... which is why I love this bell.  I wouldn't say it's going to drown out the headphones you can hear from a mile away, but most folks hear it from a good distance and appreciate the cheerful chime.

Use promo code: TUNNEL

You'll save and get free shipping!

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

---

163.6 lbs 
PushUps and PUllUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4642930993

ON A RECENT RIDE, WE WERE DISCUSSING ALL THE LESSONS WE'VE LEARNED AND THEIR PARALLELS OFF THE BIKE.  Is it all the time we spend doing bikey things that the world starts to look so bikey?  I found this amazing statement in a book I just finished...

... and I naturally applied to bicycle racing.

The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated.  The mind is the athlete, the body simply the means it uses to run faster, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better.

To really get the impact of the above statement, you'll need to read the book.  A movie was made, but ya know... the book is always better.  

Don't fret, I haven't given away the punchline or even a hint of what the book is about... just a piece of what us bikey people stow might in our minds when we find the going particularly rough.

Believe in yourself.

The mind is the athlete.

The body the means.

Tomorrow, I'm going to wake as I have for the past 20ish years and read Dr. King's famous speech.  If you've never read it start to finish, click here.  Afterward, I'll review the dreams I have for 2021.

Then, I'll head out for a ride.

It's one of my favorite rituals.

So, if you're trying to reach me...

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

I'll get back to you as soon as I can... no doubt I'll be wearing this super soft shirt with the not so cuddly message.  

Use promo code: PEEKAY

And you can get this shirt delivered for $17, all in.

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

 ---

164.4 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
http://strava.com/activities/4638188185 

THERE'S A LOCAL SINGLE-TRACK I'VE PLAYED ON PLENTY OF TIMES CALLED T AND A.  I'm not sure what the T and the A stand for or what the phrase T and A means...

... but, I know I got a lot of T and A today.

For example:

Training at Altitude,
we spent about half the ride over 5000'

Together and Alone,
we started together until Andy couldn't contain himself any longer and rode on ahead.

Trailblazing and Advice,
we did some serious trailblazing and were advised to stay helk off the private property.

Traction and Adrenalin
there's nothing like the adrenalin rush you get with the traction of fat tires carving pavement.

However, the best T and A of the day was by far...
... all the trails and asphalt we covered.

It was a perfect day for riding all kinds of surfaces.

Of course, our tails were still lit with lights.  It's just an easy safety measure.

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

These lights last a long time and have nearly 180 degrees of awareness.

Use promo code TANDA

to save on any of our lights.

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

 ---

164 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep

FRIDAYS, WHEN I CAN PULL IT OFF, AND I TRY TO PULL IT OFF EVERY FRIDAY, I like to sneak over to a little out of the way place where nobody knows me.  You know, the kind of place where your people don't hang.  One you can ride to, prop up your bike, get a snack...

... and do nothing.

Doing nothing ain't as easy as it sounds. 

My preciousphone is with me for snapping pics along the ride, and it's hard as helk not to reach for it.  So, I turn it off.

After a few moments, the urge to grab it goes away and the colors and sounds of this part of town become more vibrant and distinct.

I used to bring a note pad and jot down ideas, but I don't like that any more.  

Doing less makes the stop so much more enjoyable.

It's addicting...

... and a great way to start the last day of the work week, fresh and creative.

... and roll in to tomorrow's suretobeblistering ride rested and ready.

Since this promo did so well, I'm going to extend it through the weekend.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

My all around favorite is the Protone.  If I had to chose one that would be it.  The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there.  The Utopia is most aero.  The Rapido is a good all arounder.

Use promo code:  GoChar

To save 20%.  Code expires on 1/16/21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

164.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4625406198

YEAH, BUT YOU LIKE IT... is a complaint/comment I often get from, well, everybody.

I'm going for a giant ride.

I wish I could.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I'm want to head to work early today.

I wish I wanted to.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I'm diving in deep on this history book.

I wish I did that.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I know you get the joke.  You probably got it first time, but not everybody is as sharp as you.  Just like not everybody can do what you and I can do...

... and it grand to love what we do so much it ain't work at all?

... to get all the benefits of working out, without working at all?

... to really work hard on something because we love it?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic

These gloves remind me of how lucky we are.

Not because the are super lightweight and can be worn year round, on and off road.

Not because Jimmy proclaims: Todd, these gloves are like glue on my grips.  I love 'em.

Not because they have tactile thread for snapping quick pics with touch screens.

It's those colors.... if you're into that sort of thing, use this promo code:

 ITAINTWORK

That code wills save ya 15% through the weekend.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic

---

164.2 lbs 
Paddle
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4622214102

APPARENTLY WE HAVE SOMETHING OF A REPUTATION.  People are concerned, even scared, they won't be able to keep up.  Then, they don't show up...

... tonight a brave soul took a chance.

Maybe it was the ride description?  Gravel adventure, friendly pace.

Maybe it was her new bike itching to get dirty?

Maybe the timing was right?

While the rest of us were whining about this and that prepping to start riding, Char just came right out with it...

... I'm worried I won't keep up, y'all are so fast.

I wasn't worried for one second about her chances, because when we say gravel adventure, friendly pace... by golly, we mean it!

For someone whose an accomplished track racer like she is, jumping on a gravel bike is easy.  Riding on a wide gravel road is no big deal.  That's why we took her straight to our local single track; the twisty one, with a few burgeoning rain ruts...

... so she'd have an adventure, be challenged and improve.

We all had a blast, witnessing one of the most glorious sunsets in recent memory.  There's just something about this kind of ride for forging friendships.

It's a mystery to me, this jumping to conclusions.  We may have a reputation for being a heartless bunch, but we sure ain't cruel.  That's the problem with myths I guess...

... or maybe the power of myths.

Whatever it is, I'll continue doing my best to set each ride's expectations. 

If the description is easy, it's probably gonna be too easy and I'll end up being half-wheeled the entire ride... which means you probably won't be invited back. 

If the invitation says adventure, expect to be challenged... and encouraged.

If the there is a speed warning, we ain't waiting so make sure you know you're way home.

It's good to mix up the rides, and the people you ride with.  Join us or join someone closer or start you're own ride.  Just keep your head up to the ride description...

... starting with the ever excellent KASK Helmets

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

My all around favorite is the Protone.  If I had to chose one that would be it.  The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there.  The Utopia is most aero.  The Rapido is a good all arounder.

Use promo code:  GoChar

To save 20%.  Code expires on 1/16/21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4617351551

BE CAREFUL, IT'S WET OUT THERE! said the voice in my head.

It's hard to shed the mom's voice... at any age.

But, it wasn't in my head...

... her concerned pronouncement shrieked down from her room... in our home.

Shyte!... next thing I knew I was wondering if my jersey matched my bib and if I needed to get her permission to be home late after playing at the office all day.

... and worst thing is...  she's going to read this between now and the time I get home from tomorrow's ride.  She reads them all.  She's my No. 1 fan for heck's sake.

I'm doomed.

Which only means I'm going to ride even crazier, and be home later.

Just kidding, because...

Our daughter also has a room at our AirBNB... which she will be vacating at approximately 2pm to drive back to school - 2 states away.

... ya know what I'm gonna say...

Be careful... blah, blah, blah.

---

Can't wait to load up my new Wild Child RaceDay bag... they're in production now.

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

It's gonna go perfect with the kit... and I don't even need my mama to help me pick it out.

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

_____

164.8 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4609750855

THE 4200' CLIMB WE DID SATURDAY REINFORCED A TRUTH.  The lookout was high, high above.  It was tiny.  White.  Barely distinguishable.  Within 5 minutes, nothing had changed.  After 10 minutes I could see the hotel where we started looming large.  Shortly thereafter, I realized how important it would be to control my mind...

... because things weren't changing.

The hotel still seemed close, and the lookout far away.

I hadn't prepared mentally for this kind of climb at all. 

For 45 minutes we ground out the miles.  Some pitches were 20%, and the average was just under 10%.  We stopped talking.  Andy would ride ahead on the very steepest sections, I'd work my way back to him when the climb backed off.

All the while, the hotel still appeared large and the lookout nothing more than a small white box.

This is what I call clawing the climb.

Staying on top of the pedals, maintaining a sustainable pace, never slowing down. 

Clawing our way up the climb vs cracking and letting the mountain claw our souls.

Suddenly, the perspective changed.  

The hotel now seemed minuscule and the lookout a giant white beacon towering above the pine trees.  The grave grasp of the hotel was released and the magnetic pull of the lookout unleashed.

15 minutes later we stopped at the summit.  The view was clear and beautiful and worth every clawing pedal stroke.

I love that feeling of clawing and clawing until where I started is far, far away and the destination seems inevitable...

... which is why I often wear this shirt.

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

To inspire people to get outside, put their phones away, connect with the physical world.

If you're of the same mindset, use promo code: CLAW

... and save 20%

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

---

164.8
Stretch PushUps PullUps
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4604145336

THE BEST RIDERS ARE EASY TO PICK OUT FROM THE PACK.  You just have to know what you're looking for...

... and it's not their fancymatchy kit or unobtanium rig.

Nor is it a question of ectomorph vs endomorph.

Don't let pack position fool ya.

The confident knowitall bark ain't it either.

Chiseled muskulls?  Forget about 'em.

Sunglass arms over helmet straps?  Nope.

No gloves?  Gloves?

Elbows bent, hands relaxed yet secure?  Good guess...

Shaved legs? puuulllease...

It's the spin.

The spin, I tell ya!

The truly great riders have an unmistakable grace in their spin.

Easy.

Smooth.

Effortless.

Unchanged whether a recovery ride or a legripping charge.

They pedal in circles, meaning their is pressure on the pedals all the way around.  They press down.  The bottom of the stroke is like scraping mud off your shoe bottoms.  Pull up.  Forward across the top.  One continuous motion.  No dead spots.

A smooth pedal stroke is an indication of a well-trained athlete.  Someone who's not relying just on natural talents but who has put in the effort the learn proper pedaling technique to maximize their potential.  AKA, the kinda rider we all aspire to become.

Want to know if you have dead spots?

Go to a flat road.  Shift to a very easy gear.  Unclip one pedal.  If there is a point in your pedal stroke where you are pedaling air, that is a dead spot.

One legged drills are a great way to get rid of the dead spots and pedal like a pro.

Do these on your easy days... and remember, Every Day Is RaceDay™

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats

Use promo code SPIN

to save 20% on all headwear through Tuesday, Jan 12th.

---

164.6
Walks
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4601756678

SEVEN YEARS AGO MY SON TREVOR DID A SUPER GNARLY RIDE.  For sure, I told myself, I'll do that ride in a couple of weeks.  It took seven years, but it was totally worth it... 

... up Harrison Grade, down Palomar, with a lot of snow riding thrown in for good times.

I'd share the pictures, but I was so excited to get going I left my preciouspet iphone in the van... so, let me paint the picture.

At 8am, on a gorgeous winter's day, we left the Harrah's Casino in Funner, CA. 

The first 5 miles were mainly downhill.  

It was 35ish degrees.

I was donning just my kit and the KOM jacket.  Andy was dressed similarly... because we dress for the ride and not the rollout.

Within 18 minutes we turned right to start the climb, and thaw-out.  Each of us on BMC URS gravel bikes... Andy had just picked his up.

Nate Harrison Grade is an 8.5 mile climb with 4200' of vert... with some pitches close to 20%.  And, it's all on dirt.

Nearing the top I spotted a patch of snow on the embankment.  Then more patches.  Followed not by water, but black ice.  It was exquisite.  Cool, cool air while we climbed at a decent pace through the pine trees to the lookout.

A lot of people have done that climb.  Some famous, some very fast.  Most head on over to the store and then drop down Palomar.

Not us.

Andy had scouted a route that would take us down to a frozen pond then back onto dirt roads that would pop us out at the famous Palomar Observatory.

Now you might be thinking, how are we going to navigate a forgotten road with snow patches up to 50 feet long and 8 inches deep when everybody knows Andy doesn't ride with electronics like phones or bike computers and The Old Diesel left his phone in the van...

... slowly would be the answer.

We didn't care because we were out for an adventure.  We picked our way up the next climb, making a few wrong turns along the way.

Finally we came to a snow patch that was at least 100 yards long, down a pretty steep road. We figured we were probably close to the next major road.  But, we weren't sure.  We'd been riding for 3 hours we were running out of time.

We played it safe and turned around.  

Forty minutes later we were at the top of the south side of Palomar mountain.  

This is a paved road we have gone down many times.  It's famous to the locals, and to anybody who has followed the Tour of California.  There are about 40 or so turns.  Some are high speed sweepers and some of the turns nearly turn back on themselves with a recommended speed of 20 mph.

It's also a rough road.  

Plenty of cracks to rattle your bones and your nerves when your going faster than most cars.

We weren't racing it.

The sensation on the gravel bikes was dramatically different than on road bikes.  The big 40mm tires at low pressure give all kinds of confidence...

... like PRs all the way down confidence.

That surprised the heck out of me... to upload and see I'd PR'd it all the way down the mountain without trying.

Speaking of turns, turns out we were about a 1/2 mile away from the road we were looking for when we turned around at the big snow field.

I can't wait to go back and complete the route and really charge down Palomar.

For sure I'll bring my preciouspet with the Trail Forks App... and of course the KOM Jacket which once again proved the perfect tool for keep me warm on the downhills and tucking neatly away on the climbs.

Use promo code KOMLAYER to get the arm warmers free.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900

Click here: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900

Use promo code KOMAdventure

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.

---

166.2
Sunset Paddle
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4594406407

IT WAS ONLY AFTER TWO MILES OF HIKING WITH LOCKED UP/CRAMPING LEGS THAT I LEARNED HOW TO RIDE VISIONQUEST.  At the time, I was well beyond miserable.  The 90 degree heat, swarming horseflies and circling vultures were overwhelming...

... I just wanted it to end.

Weeks passed out at the giant parking lot where we did crit races until I finally learned how corner and carry my speed vs sprinting out of the corners to catch back up to the group.  The humiliating final sprint resulted in elation for some and a sagging head as I crossed the line last again.

 ... I just wanted to be in the hunt.

I reckon y'all have stories like that yerselves...

... and ain't it a curious thing how unimaginable results can come out of trying experiences.

Why just the other day I was thinking about the time I lost my ID on a bike ride, which lead to the dandiest wallet ever.

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

What is so awesome about this wallet is how in keeps everything tight... and keeps me from carrying a million cards and such... PLUS!, it will not ever in a million years fall out of your jersey pocket.

Use promo code UNIMAGINABLE

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

---

164.6
PullUps and PushUps
8.2 hours
https://www.strava.com/activities/4588040510

IT WAS A SATURDAY LIKE ANY OTHER SATURDAY...

Hey.

Hey.

I so tired, stayed out way too late.

Me too, musta rode 500 miles already this week.

Hey.

What's up?

Ugh... ate way too much over the holidays.

Me too, first word outta Rocky's mouth when he came back was Did you put on weight?

Hey.

Damn its cold.

I hate it went it's cold, takes forever to warm up.

And with that we set 200 PRs and stole 23.5 KOMs.

We would have stole 24, but Jeff Gibbons wasn't with us to pull us along with his new secret weapon.

Who is Jeff Gibbons?

Oh, just the luckiest guy in the world...

... winner of our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.

I hope Jeff is a regular reader.

Thank you all for participating... here's a promo code for free gloves with your next PR Lotion purchase.

Purchase the PR Lotion and the Gloves and use this code at check out

IJUSTWANNAWIN

You're Awesome!

---

164.8
Stretch/Plank/Hypervolt
7.8 hrs
no ride

I'M ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY RIDERS WHO COME PREPARED WITH PROPER TOOLS FOR A QUICK FIX... which covers most of us.  And we should.  We are  better skilled than 90% of riders out there at doing a quick fix.  We're racers dawgawnit, and ain't got time to waste...

... I'm even more impressed by those who carry toolkits in their heart.

On a winter's day, long ago, shivering as we all bombed Live Oak Canyon, I heard the dreaded pssst pssst pssst of a rather rapid slow leak.  I knew I was in big trouble.

Standing slack-jawed as the group rolled on... panic set in.  It was the bottom of the canyon, I was shaking, couldn't even close my hands.  It was so bad I'd had trouble coming to a stop.

Big Craig pulled up.  

Slow leak, can't get the tire off.  Fingers are done.

No prob.

He stopped, because he carries a set of tools in his heart.

We've all done the same thing, slowed or stopped to help a rider out...

... now seems like a great time to bust out the most important tools:  charity, patience and kindness.

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

We make these in the here in the UNITED State of America.  By hand.  From innertubes... 

... and ship to you for a mere 20 dollah.

Check 'em out:  https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag

---

164.6
Stretch/Plank/Hypervolt
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4579928464

MY CRANK LENGTHS ARE 172.5 AND 175.  Which means the diameter around the circle my feet travel is at most 350mm or just under 14" in 'merican.  Hardly a stretch for my 32" inseam...

While I was not riding today I still managed to move a lot of weight in a short amount of time.

I did a 50 pullups today, it's about an 18" move from extension to head above bar.  All told I pulled up over 8000 lbs.

With the 150 pushups I did, my head moved about 12".  I'm not sure how to calculate the total weight pushed.

The 150 shoulder presses I did was with 15 lbs hand weights, which a total of 4500 lbs.

The growth we experience on and off the bike is mostly achieved through many small movements...

... often with our hands and feet, so keep 'em protected in style.

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

Right now, you can get socks free when you purchase gloves.  Put them both in your shopping cart and go to check out.

Use this promo code:  SMALLMOVEMENTS

Why these gloves and socks... because I said so and because I created them just for you and me.

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

---

165.4
50 pullups 150 pushups 150 shoulder presses
7 hrs
no ride today

---

165.4
50 PullUps 150 PushUps 150 ShoulderPresses
7 hrs
no ride today

LAST WEEK WAS A BIG ONE.  18 hours in the saddle.  It's a lot for a young tike such as me.  It was part of my plan.  Not only did I have the time, but the weather was incredible all week.  Now for the rest of my plan...

... proper recovery.

First off... let me point out that my week starts on Monday, not Sunday.  So, if you happen to get your hands on my calendar you'll notice it's special that way.

The 18 hours started Monday and ended Saturday.  It's the following Monday night now, and I'm not riding tomorrow... not Wednesday.  Maybe Thursday?

Which is quite a few days off for a regular5dayaweekkindaguy.

Mainly, I just thought it would fun to do a giant week and take a good chunk off.  Let the body recover...

... until the mind can't stand it no more.

Changing it up kinda thing.

Speaking of changing it up.. the ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway has ended.  We'll announce a winner via this very blog this week... a new contest will launched around the 15th - and I dropped a big hint of what will be involved up above. 

Wondering what we're giving away next time?

We'll it won't be the amazing KOM jacket.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900

Because the contest won't end for a while and you probably need a primo jacket such as this right away.

Use promo code: 9THDAY

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900

---

165
WEIGHTS
8 hrs
no ride today

LATELY I'VE NOTICED A NEW HABIT OR TENDENCY IN MY APPROACH TO THINGS.  If there's a way to make it more uncomfortable I'll do it.  And, it feels great.  For example, I've been rolling out very underdressed lately...

... just a jersey and bibs in the 40s.

Or, walking barefoot across very sharp rocks vs the smooth path.

I wasn't really conscious of this until yesterday.  After an extremely hot bath, akin to a smoking hot sauna, I rose and turned the shower on pure cold...

... it took my breath away, WimHoff style...

... deep, rapid breathing went on for at least 2 minutes.

Truth be told, I think we can get too comfortable.  Overbundled in the cold, overairconditioned in the heat.

It's not good.

Racing can go sideway real fast.  At altitude, the weather can dramatically shift in minutes.  We can travel to an unfamiliar locale and bring all the wrong gear.  And so on...

... the point being we need to train for the bad situations.  We don't want them, but we want to be ready for them... knowing most of our competitors won't be prepared, we can thrive when the situation becomes misearable.

Riding through that cold on 1/1 in just my jersey while my pals were bundled up I wasn't concerned.  I knew in an hour it'd be warmer.  Instead I concentrated on feeling heat in my hands and feet.  It's weird, but with practice I seem to be getting better at it.

What does walking on sharp rocks have to do with bike racing?  Not much, except gaining confidence at handling adversity.  

But, the hothot bath to chilly shower tied it all together...

... I felt damn alive!

It was invigorating to say the least.

After I went to work on my latest creation which should be ready for primetime in a few more days.

In the meantime, if you're inspired at all to start or finish in the cold and dark...

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

Use promo code: LIGHTS

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

---

165
Stretch HyperVolt
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4562945088

WHAT A BUNCH OF SUCKERS... all those cats who are fired up to start new habits.  I'm like the Grinch watching all the little Who's down in Whoville with their new gym clothes and new gear... maybe even a bike or two.  They're spending this weekend hatching their plans for a fit and healthy 2021...

... go get 'em.

They have no chance.

None.

They gonna fail.

Big.

But not us.

Because we've got a superpwer to keep us on the straight and narrow. And, they know it.  That's the part that drives me nuts... they know our superpower, even ask about.

Hey man, what's new?

Oh, you know working, family stuff and some bike riding.

Are you still racing?

Are you still breathing air?... yes, of course.

I'm only that sassy with my closest friends.  But that's the gist.  

They work out.
We work towards a goal, endlessly fascinated with what's possible.

They've got the Resolution Virus 21...
... we've got the vaccine.

• Find an event, virtual if that fills your tire.  A distant date.
• Make it big as you dare.
• Get ready for it.
• Do it.
• Have fun.
• Learn from it.
• Make it lifestyle.

Let's go do some vaccinating!

If you're lucky enough to have some infected riders, be sure you prescribe the good stuff.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/do-epic-stuff

And we'll include the beanie of your choice... just remember to order the beanie

and use promo code: DOSOMETHINGEPIC

This offer ends Monday night... don't you dare ask me to extend it. 

use promo code: DOSOMETHINGEPIC

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/do-epic-stuff

---

165.2
Stretch HyperVolt
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4556672526

TODAY WE RODE TODDY'S NAUGHTY NEW YEAR'S RIDE.  Named such because I liked the sound of it and I knew for sure NYE was going to be a massive calorie consumption the likes of which would require a helluva ride to work off.  With any luck, someone would be hacked off that it was too long or too hard or too big.  But that's not what turns me on...

... what turns me on starts off with my standard disclaimer

We leave on time,
bring our own food and gear,
know how to fix your bike and
find your way home.

... I like company on epic rides, I don't like babysitting.

Selfish... maybe? 

I view it as looking out for the good of the group.  Did we stop for Mark when his tire was losing air?.. yes, of course.  One guy having one mishap is not a ride killer... but, stopping can quickly get out of hand.  Ergo the mean and heartless disclaimer.

What turns me on even more is hearing...

I didn't even know half of those trails

... I'm a cruise director at heart.

The most local of locals snacked on delicious newtothem singletrack.  Andy drove up from Oceanside and couldn't believe all the gravelness we have.

How did I accomplish such a feat of novelty?

It's part of one of my most top secretest of training secrets. 

The one nobody believes in. 

The one few are willing to do, ever. 

Yeah, that one. 

Do you do it?

Do you ever get on your bike and poke around the edges of town?  Wander down unknown roads, alleys, trails, etc. 

For some reason, many riders can't fathom the idea of riding nowhere for long periods of time.  

Here's how to do it:  Ride with absolutely no idea of where you're headed.  Be hellbent on not doing the same old ride.

Here's when to do it:  On the easy days, the recovery days and the long slow distance days.

Here's why to do it:  Your body and mind need and crave rides like these.  

Here's what do do when you find some good stuff:  invite your friends to come join ya... have your own disclaimer... and a helluva day.

And after a day like that, I like to wear a beanie like this

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock

If you're in the PEDALposse we're shipping you this very sweet beanie - the graphite version.

If you're not... well for a mere $20, all in, we'll ship it one to ya... army green, navy, graphite or black.  You chose.

Quantities are limited.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock

---

166
Stretch n HyperVolt
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4551089377

DIESEL, DO YOU SMOKE AFTER SPRINTING?

I dunno, I never checked.

Yea, that's an ode to the great Austin Powers when asked if he smoked after sex.

But, ya know it's the silly time of year when most of us write down all the things we want to get done in the coming year...

... neglecting to recognize all the wins we had this year.

My wins:

• First grandchild
• 32 years of marital hard times, challenges and beautiful bliss
• Kids are all wonderful adults

• PEDALindustries survived... for a business that is event driven there ain't been much a tailwind this year... so, yeah, proud of that.
• Launched another successful product, the Changing Poncho
• Launched the PEDALposse
• Starting to figure out promotion through contests

• Snagged a podium at my only road race
• Had a great trip to Cactus Cup and learned a lot
• Mission accomplished at Dirty 30

• Mentored Rocky from shipping to design to running production
• Launched a bike shop with Chris

• Had a chance to connect with 10s of 1000s of wonderful people like you via this blog.

Planned for wins next year?

Stay tuned... 

... it's gonna be good.

Maybe even better than this...

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

In case you do smoke after sprinting

use promo code: 21WINS

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

---

162.6
Sunset beach walk
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4545917334