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

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

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

He's a soul rider.

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

Then owned World Tour pros at Dirty Kanza.

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

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

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

No chasing or waiting.  Just riding.

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

Coast along.

No hands.

Save. Our. Souls.

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

... simple enough? 

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

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

I could have taken a nap.

Right...

I felt great.

It was 62 degrees and sunny.

Every turn greeted me with lush greenery.

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

Do you take Apple Pay?

Yes, we do.

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody'd know if I cut it short.

But that's not our style.

You know what is our style?

The PEDALposse.

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

And next week the price is going up.

---

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

ONCE YOU GO DING-DING, you'll never go back.  Why just this morning I was working my way home on a gentrified dirt path... one of those fancy jobbers the developer put in so the buyers could feel adventurous 50' from home.

That's cool with me... folks gotta start somewhere, or they'll never get to where we get.

Bonus, the trails are rarely used and allow me to connect all kinds options from roads to paths to singletrack right on out to nowhere... which is exactly where I need to get this morning.

On my way back from nowhere, on the final dirt path before the paved road home, I came upon a sweet lady.

Ding.

DingDing.

Ding.

Oh... why I couldn't figure that sound... I thought it was dinner time.

She had a lovely, coquetteish smile.

I smiled back.

I love this little bell.  So much better than my teenage superwhistle, or a bunch of HeyTheres.

Ding.

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

This the kind of thing the PEDALposse saves a little more on.

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

The PEDALposse price is going up next week.

---

165 lbs 
arms/shoulders
6.5 hours sleep (not enough)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3224337190

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

YOU KNOW HIGENE IS IMPORTANT, that's why I rinse my legs once a week.  Sometimes, even two times.  Rarely, three or more.

It's all part of my diabolical training... one of the reasons you may get me on a training a ride, but RaceDay be totally different.

Do you rinse your legs?

Errr... do you even know how to rinse your legs?

Not wash.

Rinse.

A rinse ride is where you go out and go real easylike.  
Heart rate, very low.
Power, negligible.
Cadence, high.

It feels like a big, fat waste of time.  But it's not, at least for me.  For me, it's integral to what I do.

Train hard, then rinse.

I usually rinse on Thursdays, after Monday openers and Tuesday hammering and Wednesday tempo/climbing...

... rinse, and repeat.

Keep your power low and your cadence up real high,
Going on a rinse ride gonna have a real, a good time!

You know what else is a good time?

The PEDALposse. 

How good?

Click it out before price goes up next week.

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

---

164.4 lbs 
Yoga
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3220507815

RAIN PLUS SUNSHINE PLUS TIME ALWAYS EQUAL HERO DIRT.  That moist, tacky stuff.  The kinda dirt that turns mere mortals into super heroes.

That's the dirt I love.

It keeps me out past my dinner time.

I can't help it, it's too entreating to be denied.

Every turn is a little faster, the bike leaned a little more.

But, there's something more than the obvious tactile and visual feedback from which confidence flows.

Here dirt is quiet.

Weirdly quiet. 

The kinda quiet you don't even notice, but it's there.  Urging us to go faster...

... and faster ... 

... yes, nights like tonight, I'm deeply in love with Mother Earth. 

Does that make me unfaithful?... I dunno.

But, I do know I'm very faithful to the PEDALposse and excited to move into the next phase.  The price is going up next week.

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

---

165.2 lbs 
30 pullups, 104 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3218807723

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I WAS NEVER MORE SURE OF THE NEED TO BREAKAWAY FROM BRITAIN THAN TODAY.  The Brits have a deep and romantic passion for long, long, long time trials.

They're proud of this.

They measure them in miles, not klicks.

From their governing body website:
Most races are at fixed distances (10, 25, 50 and 100 miles) or fixed time (12 and 24 hours).

10.  Okay, I've done a few of those on Fiesta Island... even nabbed a state medal once.

25.  I'm not TT'r, so that sounds longish.

50. Uh... no.

100.  Are you nuts?

Fixed time, 12-24 hours....

... well, I was thinking about that today as I headed out to do our TMWC group ride... by myself, because that's the thing do to at the moment...

What possesses the Brits to have such a fascination with said competitions? 
Why torture yourself so?  
Didn't Cav' start off doing those?
Or, Wigo?
Or, Froome?
Or, Thomas?

-> Insert sound of screeching brain cells here <-

If it's good enough for those legends, maybe it's not such a bad idea?

In fact, it turned out to be a pretty darn fun and hard ride. MikeZ entered the course about 30 seconds ahead of me. 

I passed him as quickly and definitively as I could.
But, that gap wouldn't grow. 

Then, he did the same to me. 
But, that gap wouldn't grow.

I made one final pass before The Wall.
But, that gap wouldn't grow.

... and that was okay.  It pushed us on.  Just having each other within 30 or so seconds made things a lot more funner.

Jorge saw our hi-jinx, went and gave it a shot and texted this

Who knows? We just might develop some championship grit if we keep this up.

There was one thing I was missing this morning, and that was my PR Lotion.  For sure, next week I'm lathering up.

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

I hope MikeZ and Jorge aren't reading this, and I hope you get out and chase some PRs.

Use promo code: FREAKINDIESEL

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

---

164. lbs 
50 PullUps
7ish hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3213860103

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

---

Here’s a quick update on things over here with regards to the restrictions we are under:

1. We have answered the call by the government to support essential needs and retooled our workflow to help produce breathing masks medical professionals need – more info.
2. All InStock Orders and Partially Complete Custom Orders are shipping from our Sales office.  I’m personally taking care of that.
3. All pending Custom Orders and Pre-Orders are ready to print – this is 80% of the work.  As soon as we are allowed back online, these jobs will be completed and delivered.
4. The design team is working remote and continuing to prep files for production once we are given the go ahead.

Stay safe.

PETE AND I FOUND THIS KID TO CUT OUR HAIR.  His exuberance for life and hair was magnetic.  He grew up with Brian Lopes, and recycled his stories for us.  But, the best part about this kid was his constant, and I mean constant, use of the phrase...

...Right on!...

Hey man, how's the riding?

Super good.

Right on!

And the family?

They are great.

Right on!

Everything ended with Right on!

Dudes being dudes, Pete and I started saying Ride on! to everything he said.

How's are the ladies treating you?

Oh man, my girl is sweet.

Ride on!

And biz?

You know I love what I do.

Ride on!

Years, decades?, later, we still work it into our conversations with each other.

How's was your trip?

We had a blast.

Ride on!

Did you take your bike?

No, just surf and wife time.

Ride on!

My son sent a text early this morning.  

Back to my normal schedule!! After sleeping in all last week, it feels great to be up before the sun again! Sticking to a schedule is huge—the experts were right!

He's right.

It's time to get back on schedule.

Tomorrow, I'm doing TMWC.  Not with the crew.  Not wise.  Not cool.  By myself.  Back on schedule. It's time to...

... Ride on!

PS... have some fun, work Ride on! into your lexicon.

---

164.6 lbs 
100 pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3211898739

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT I'M HAPPY FOR YOU.  
I wish nothing but the best for you...

... dawgawnit, it was so great to see so many people out riding bikes this weekend.

They were in every shape and size.
Cruisers
Foldables
BMXrs
and 10 Speeds

A few, like us, working out the base miles, continuing to pull back on the bow with the calendar cleared and no target to hit.

Most, with that goofyEinsteingrin, falling back in love with the wind on their face under their own power. 

My favorites are the kids fulla spunk... the young kids who just realized this sport might just be better than love itself... boys and girls with...

... helmets high, high, high on their foreheads,
runnin' shoes on platform pedals,
grabbing the bars like the bike just might get away...

... I love your energy

My daughter will be joining your throngs. 

She's gonna do a triathlon, not an actual organized triathlon.  Surf for an hour, ride 16 miles, run 3.  Her own numbers.  Her own race.

Where'd you get that idea?

I heard about this girl who trained for a half-marathon and on the date of the cancelled event she just went out and did it.  So, I'm going do my own triathlon.

Here's my chance to get her off to a good start, because she oughta know.  Give her all the pointers a loving DieselDad can give.  Starting with getting her bike dusted off and teaching her the basics...

Maintenance
Nutrition
Handing
Positioning
Helmet placement

Which begs the question... 

Should I just head on down and race the Sagebrush Safari on my own?

Maybe a few of us can drive down separate, do a time trial start.  Set a few course PRs, maybe even get a big cup... could be the start of something new.

Ya know what else could be the start of something new for you?  The mysterious and secretive PEDALposse...

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

... I'm here, to remind you,
to check it out.

---

165 lbs 
Yoga
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3208761197

MORNING GREETED ME WITH MUCHO WORK.  By 10am, I had gone from PJs to kit.  A few more things to do... and at 1215ish I finally got out to stretch the ol' legs... and rest the ol' noggin.

A stunning Spring day.

Everyone was out.

And I had a plan hatching... why not ride up and hit all my 5 favorite climbs in Laguna Beach?

There's the celebrated "7 Sisters".  Seven climbs from sea levelish to a thousand or so feet.  Grades of up to 25%.  But, 3 of the climbs, for me, just aren't that interesting.

So, my plan was the "5 Bros".  5 climbs, just as redonkulous, but with better views and suckyouin architecture.  For the locals:  Alta Vista, Temple Hills, Skyline to Top of the World, Summit Dr to Del Mar to Moulton Meadows Park, Sea Island to Isle Vista.

5000+ feet of climbing in perfect weather by myself.

The legs never tired.  

With no reason other than cleaning the climbs, I found a blissful rhythm.  

An easy sweat bounced off my Wahoo.

I was working, but it wasn't work.  Just joy, at the end of a challenging week.

A verse came to mind, from the Book of The Old Diesel:

If you don't trust me by now... then for heck's sake, trust Emil.  He's a cool cat.

A WEEK AGO WE WERE GOING FOR A CERTAIN, GUARANTEED VICTORY.  Then, we weren't.  Someone hit the brakes, hard!

But, I think we are in a better race now. Maybe you can help?

Nationwide we have health professionals that need a mask to wear over the limited supply N95 masks, which must be changed after each patient visit.

Our factory, as of last night, can only make essential products.

We need to get the word our to the health professionals that we have answered Governor Cuomo's call to supply reusable fabric masks...

... which will help keep our people working.

Getting the word out, that's how we win twice.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/fleece-breathing-mask

THIS IS A FLEECE MASK, which is what Gov Cuomo called for, today, 3/20/2020.

Fleece masks have been shown to be on par with surgical masks for virus protection - 75%.  The N95 mask is rated at 95%.

The CDC recommends changing the N95 mask after each patient is seen.  With the current shortage of masks, medical personal are keeping the N95 on and changing a reusable mask like this between each patient visit.

Our fleece masks should be washed between patient visits and can safely be washed with chlorine.

Here is information from Oxford Academic
-> https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/54/7/789/202744

Of course, we can make them custom with your company logo.

Please forward to any medical professionals you believe are in need of these masks first.  

Our current capacity is 200/day.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/fleece-breathing-mask

May all our races end in victory.

_____

164.4 lbs 
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3201478353

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

OH, YOUTH.  THE VIGOR.  THE UNBRIDLED PASSION. 

The first time it felt so good.  The starter said Go!, and I went, and then it was over...

... premature acceleration.

The next time out, surely I'd gotten a handle on things...

... I led right up until the finish line.

Next I tried the long range attack...

... only to drop my bomb a good half mile from the mark.

If you've ever hung your head in frustration at never timing your max just perfect, then this post is for you.

Yes, you, regardless of age or experience, can do better.

You may never win, but there's no reason to misfire your big fire.

So, here are 3 things you gotta do:

• Be a warrior: practice sprint, by yourself.  Go find a nice straight road with at least 4 well spaced light posts.  Roll into the first one at 70%, shift and go faster until the second one, shift and go 9/10ths until the 3rd... here is where the warriors displace the weekenders, go all out to that fourth post.  It's gonna burn, you're gonna wobble, the lungs will be searing and the slobber sloshing.  Be a warrior.
• Own the lights.  Don't just lazily clip in and yawn your way back up to speed.  Grab those bars, snap those cleats, and get to ramming speed as quickly as possible.  
• Latch onto the best.  Those first two will help you with this one.  Find the fastest wheel in your group - a skill you need to hone in and of itself.  Now, every time there is a sprint get on that wheel.  Superglue yourself.  And watch... don't even try and come around or win... just latch on.  Notice how he gets up to speed, how he out maneuvers the others, and how far out he launches this final effort.

These 3 practices are still practiced by yours Diesely, because they work.

Want more?... well, here's the place...

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

I know, it's a little unclear.  There's a reason for that.  For those who join, it's real clear.

---

164.4 lbs 
200 push ups
no ride todau

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I SNAPPED OFF PRS YESTERDAY, HO-HUMISH.  It's pretty easy to do around here, where nearly every ride spouts countless segments.  Rarely is it worth the time it takes to investigate the digital trinkets.

The real PRs are legendary...

Like our local 9 mile, 3000' dirt climb up Harding Truck Trail.
Or the Alpine Loop in Utah
Or Mount Lemon in Tucson

Since there's no organized racing at the moment, and since 99% of Strava segments are plain silly, now is the time to lay hold on that elusive PR.

Is it an epic climb?
A pancakeflat TT?
The Everest Challenge?

Or, maybe it's just a ridiculous ride like the one I'm looking at, so far and hideous it'd never be done again... The surf of San Clemente to the peaks of Big Bear - A Surf N Summit?

With all the racing being shoved off to the fall, it's a good reminder that the only race that matters is the one against our 2nd best.

So what's it gonna be?
What are you going to go after?
What's gonna keep your fire stoked?

While you're thinking about that, consider this... if you love these posts, you'll probably love the PEDALposse too.

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

I know, it's a little unclear.  There's a reason for that.  For those who join, it's real clear.

---

165 lbs 
arms/shoulders
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3196215427

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

THE SITUATION I'M ABOUT TO DESCRIBE ACTUALLY HAPPENED, only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Motorpacing:  the ages old training method of riding right on the fender of a motorcycle to work on your speed or riding right on the bumper of your team car to catch back up to the peloton.

This wasn't motorpacing.

This was Todderpacing.

I was late, going all out to catch the fellas... and uh-oh, there's one of 'em now... fixing a flat, nearly done.  We get 'im situated and I look into his eyes... we both know I'm a wee bit faster than him and there's only one way we're gonna catch...

You've got to stay right on my wheel!

Okay.

Todderpacing, named after some weirdo, is where the stronger friend goes to the front and the slower friend hangs on.

It's a great way to train for each friend.

The Todder, the rider on the front, must go right at his maximum without dropping the friend.  This requires keeping the power very, very even and smooth and picking the cleanest of lines through turns.  

The friend, the rider hanging on, must stay pegged to the Todder's rear wheel.  Any gap opened up and the friend will be ejected.  The friend must also resist pulling through when feeling rested - often called premature acceleration -  as this will cause the friend to tucker out and get ejected.

Todderpacing is a fine way for two friends of unequal speed to train together and have a ball.

I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend you check out the PEDALposse.

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

Especially since we changed the look...

... and might I add, especially if you enjoy these emails and want a deeper connection to what we're up to.

I know it's sounds mysterious, but there's a reason for that.

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

---

163.6 lbs 
Yoga
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3192041677

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

IT'S PRETTY EASY FOR ME TO WHINNY THE LIST OF CYCLNG MOVIES DOWN TO 3.  Frankly there just aren't many to choose from.  That said, there are a few I love.

First, the classic, Breaking Away.  This was my introduction to passionate cycling.  I found it while I was in college.  I was already dating my bicycle, but here came the love affair that has never ended. 

Best line:  I want something American damnit, gimme some french fries! ... I loved that line...

... and boy could I relate to parents that didn't get it. 

My dad made an emergency visit, as cycling had her finger wrapped around my heart.  He was concerned at my weight loss - 162.  All the time riding indoors as snow fell.  Clearly I'd gone mad.

What possesses us?

It's nearly impossible to describe, but it's very obviously and purely romantic.  

Second, A Sunday In Hell.  Is there anything more better than Roger De Vlaeminck and Eddie Merckx pulling up to Paris Roubaix in their own sports cars with multiple bikes mounted to the top?  Both of them gushing with style and confidence.

Their crews anxiously greeting and fawning over them.

Of course, De Vlaemink is on a Gios... the same electricbluewonder I scraped my summer savings to buy in '86.

This documentary is so pure and honest and brutal in the truth of what it means to race.

Third, and don't hate me... well, you can... but...

Third, for me, is the first Rocky movie.  Yes, Rocky! 

From the training scenes to drinking raw eggs to ultimate underdog status... this movie epitomizes why I love the build up as much or more than the racing, and why I love the finish as long as I know I gave it my all.

Silly as it is, it is just amateur racing after all, but on more than one occasion of an epic Leadville or Vision Quest or LoToJa I've crossed that finish line and yelled Susie, Susie, Susie... so glad she's put up with me all these years.

So, there you have it.  As you toil from home and wonder what to do after you've ridden a ton while "working remotely", you can always dig into these classics.

And... if you need to load up on nutrition you know I've got ya covered.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

Use promo code FILLERUP to grande

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

164.4 lbs 
50 pull ups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3188728452

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

I love winning and will do all I can to beat you.  And I mean all I can.  I'll out sleep you, out rest you, out pullups you, out eatbetter you, out maintainmybike you, out health you...

... but, for me it's never been about the gold trinket.  Oh, I like 'em and keep 'em and even frame 'em... because they are a bold reminder that it's always been all about my health... that on a given day I had my optimum athleteness

Social 
Mental
Physical
Spiritual

Our best health is a must to deliver our best results in any situation. 

For me that means my best...

Rest.
Focus.
Strength.
Nutrition.

And I get that by preparing to race my bike.  

Aren't we fortunate to have found a great, lifelong sport and path to great health?

As the most interesting man in the world says, Stay healthy my friends!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ride-your-bike

For the month of March 2020, buy one get one, use promo code RIDEYOURBIKE

... and give it to a friend, or have a back up for yourself.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ride-your-bike

---

165 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3187309177

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

I'M FEELING QUITE HAPPY GO LUCKY THIS WEEK.  In spite of rain every single day, I managed to get in 7 rides in 5 days.

Kinda like a Hobbit...

... you know first breakfast and second breakfast.

Dodging the rain showers - they were hardly storms - I squeaked in a couple of twoadays.

Today's were great... sticking with the food theme, it was a family sandwich.  Ride in the morning, meet the kid's for lunch, ride in the evening.

With projected midday rain, I grabbed HVY MTL - my gravel bike - and followed a new route to get things started.  That bike has really opened up a whole new world of rides.  It's a more creative kind of riding, following the pull of any trail or road or sidewalk that needs exploring or curb that needs jumping.

For better or worse, with the unpredictable weather, I'm tending to do more soul riding than structured training.  Scratch that, it's definitely for better.  

After surfing the roads and trails around town on HVY MTL, we checked out a new condo the kids are looking at leasing.  It's closer to us.  It's so fun to be part of their lives.  Feeling very lucky about that. Then we showed them the nearby tasty Greek food at Surfin' Souvlaki.

Chris and I met at the bottom of the San Juan Trail at 3pm.  All single track, straight up for an hour.  30 minutes back down.  The top was in the clouds, cold and misty.  Chris pulled the plug after 1 lap.  I went for another..

... it turned out to be the best ride of the week.

When I got back near the summit the cloud had cleared. 

A full sky.

Not a rider around.

Irresistible peace everywhere.

And little ol' me.

Covered in it,

Like the misty dew drops, gently cleansing my soul.

Yep, I'm feeling very lucky.

But, it wasn't luck that kept my water from launching out as Sparky and I were were shredding hero dirt.

No, that bottle stayed put because I have the best water bottle cage ever.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mandible-bike-cage

WHAT WE SAY:

Been racing these cages for 8 years.  The same cages, taking them from bike to bike.  Nothing - NOTHING - holds a bottle like the Mandible.  If you're racing the bumpy stuff, this is the only cage to get.. Not because it's crazylight, because it works.

Weighs a scant 28 grams.

WHAT THEY SAY:

Mandible is the top Arundel model; its grip is the strongest of all Arundel cages. It's great in extreme situations. Mandible cages have weathered the Grand Tours, the Spring Classics, Worlds, all of it. Durable and elegant.

Here's the dealio... we're putting in an order on Tuesday, will ship about a week later.

Use promo code FRODO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mandible-bike-cage

Note... I was going to hold off on ordering these until we moved to our new location, but ya know... the rain's gonna stop, the snow's gonna melt, and I'm wanting the best for you.

 ---

164.6 lbs 
Yoga
8 hours sleep - git yer sleep!
https://www.strava.com/activities/3183292600
https://www.strava.com/activities/3184107987

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

THERE'S THIS WEIRD THING THAT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN AN "A" RACE GETS CLOSE.  I don't know if it's the pressure I put on myself or if it's focusexhaustion.  But, it's real.  And, I must deal.

Am I weird?

Yes, Old Diesel... you are weird.  We all are, and we love it.

Oh, that warms my fit and strong heart.

So, here's my deal... I just don't have the fire to get out and ride as the A race approaches and gets more and more real.  The rides seem like drudgery.  It takes conscious commitment to go out and do them...

... but, I do go out...

... and guess what?...

... once I'm out there, within a mile or 5, I'm in the groove and wanna ride all day.

Why is the Sagebrush Safari an A race for me?  

Well,

• The fastest guys in my age group are gonna be there
• The course is fantastic, and while I will lose big time on the opening 7 mile climb
• The descents are ALL perfect for T.O.D - fast and flowy

... "So, you're saying I've got a chance"...

And that's the kind of thinking that gets The Old Diesel fired up - shootin' smoke out the pipe.  The fact it's hardly a given I'll do well, but that I have a chance.

I love that.

When we were young and just getting started SurferGirl found this song, Don't Disturb This Groove.  She played it over and over.  On days like today, it's on my mental sound track.  It just pops up and reminds me...

... once I'm in my groove...

... their ain't no stopping...

So I grab a kit that matches the groove of the day.

Today it's this kit, because Sagebrush Safari is right on the Mexican border... and while it's too high for cactus blooms, there will be plenty of soul searching in a race like this.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

This is a limited edition kit, and we have not yet hit our 100th kit.

Use this promo code: MYGROOVE ... and the matching socks and t-shirt are free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

---

163.6 lbs 
Yoga
7.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248/posts

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

SO THIS MORNING, THE OL' WEATHER APP SAID CLEAR SKYS 'TIL 11.  I looked out across the horizon (we are on a hill and I can see 70+ miles when it's clear) and it didn't appear so good, but apps never lie.  Any hour in, and it's really coming down.

It wasn't the workout I wanted, but 'twas betterthen nuthin'.

Tonight, in between doing my pushup sets, I'm laying everything out for an early morning spin...

... even though the app says rains a comin' again.

I figure the app owes me, right?  And will pay me back with an unpredicted dry spell.

Who's to say if I'm being foolish or faithish by preppring, all I know is...

... luck comes to those who are prepared.

Part of my prep is picking out the right glove for tomorrow.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

I've been using these gloves all winter, and I really like them.  Today, in the downpour the were perf.

Should you have a little faith in yours foolish, use this promo code:  FAITHISH

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

---

164.2 lbs 
100 push ups
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3177292591

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

PARIS - NICE IS THE FIRST PRO TOUR RACE I'VE WATCHED THIS YEAR, and it seems like a good time to weigh on which teams did a good job on their 2020 kit design.

I'm only going to talk about the top 3 team designs, because the rest are terribleboring.

INEOS - unique colors, clear who the title sponsor is...

These cues of course are not surprising because they are the same eyecatching cues used when SKY exploded onto the scene.  We instantly know which team, and who is the sponsor.

EF - bold colors, first to introduce the fade so many teams have followed... 

Vaughters has a history of bringing in a new design element going back to the early days of his Garmin-Cervelo team with their argyle.  And, I really like what they are doing with the punchy colors and fades.

What you may not know is our designer Joe - creator of the Wild Child designs and others - designed those early kits for Vaughters.

MCLAREN - I know it says Bahrain, but who cares... McLaren man! 

Here are truly striking colors with design nods to the Formula 1 team.  This is my favorite kit for 2020.  I'd like it even better if they could ditch the rest of the sponsors cluttering things up.

What does any of that matter?  Well, not at all unless you're looking for a kickash kit design for your team.

Keep these 3 things in mind:

• Bold Colors
• Striking design
• 1 main sponsor/team name

Even if you have a legacy color, or legacy elements there are ways to tell that story visually that will allow you to stand out.

Sponsors like standout designs, fans like stand out designs... and crew wants that too.

Here's a little side note, business story.

We use to offer free artwork, it seemed like a good thing to do.  But, the problem was it took forever to wrap up a project.

Now we charge, and the projects are not only better designed but done in record time.

No matter what business you're in...

... when people pay, they pay attention.

Here's another one, and it's a lot more relevant to this post...

... when you feel fast, you ride fast.

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

We're going to close this design out to make room for our upcoming move.

Use promo code BENIECE...

... and you can have this T delivered for $12.

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

---

164 lbs 
31 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3176063259

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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

NOBODY EVERY WON A RACE DRAFTING.  The only way to win is by being in front.  Leading.

Which means taking chances.

Sure we can sit and hide and conserve.  

But, sooner or later we've got to lead or we'll never cross the finish line first.

Which means work.

Working out what it takes to be the leader at the only moment that counts.

Is it sprinting for the win?
Breaking away?
Out cornering?
Out climbing?

There's a million ways to win,
all of them require risk
and commitment
and vision.

None will be accomplished in someone else's draft.

Nor with a rotten drive train,

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

This is my go to combo.  Wend's Wax-Off chain cleaner and Smoove's wax-based lubricant.

Super easy, super fast and super clean.

Save with promo code:  OUTTAMYWAY

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

164.2 lbs 
Legs/Shouders/100 Pushups
8 hours sleep
rained out

TODD brown      888-308-0005      PEDALindustries

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