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Todd's Blog
THE PRICE OF ADMISSION
• TODD BROWN
YOU DON'T WANT TO RIDE WITH FASTER RIDERS? What's wrong with you? Really, I mean that sincerely. Riding with faster riders, getting destroyed by them, is like going to Harvard or Stanford for free...
... it's the best education we'll ever get.
The trick is finding the faster riders, because if we can find the right cats to ride with they will...
- Make us suffer
- Serve us humble pie
- Leave us for dead
... but the best ones, if we keep coming back, will see our tenacity and desire to improve. They will teach us the inner secrets. Trust me, they want to teach us...
... once we prove we're ready to learn.
For example, years ago I was riding with the great Nelson Vails.
I was in full fanboy mode. Drooling all over myself, stuttering, dumbstruck and awestruck all at once.
Hi Nelson, I'm Todd.
Todd...
Yeah.
Hold onto your bars like this. Always have your fingers looped. Riding with your hands lazy on the bars is risky. You hit a bump, hands slip... and then you lose control, and maybe take us all out.
Yep, there I was acting cool... and a real pro and Olympian took the time to teach me something simple. I've never forgotten it.
At a minimum, I make sure I have good control on the bars. Always.
We may not be racing every day, but we should be practicing our racing every ride.
Yes, you can have this mostexcellent trucker hat delivered for less than the cost of a new BMC.
$24.95
Shipping is included.
---
166.9 lbs
Beach walk
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5144174641
I SWORE I'D NEVER HUNKR AGAIN
• TODD BROWN
PEOPLE KEEP ASKING, When is the next HUNKR? HUNKR broke a lot of rules at the time. It was a road race, but it was mass start. There was a huge purse, with equal payout for Men and Women. Every course was exactly 100k, so there were lots of ways to win...
... overall, age group, and the most glorious -> getting a PR.
We had a lot of fun, including singing the National Anthem a cappella winding through hundreds of racers on a live mic.
Why did we stop?
It's really hard to put on a first class race.
Will we do it again?
Yeah, I'm thinking we can, we should and we must.
Will it be better?
It'll be different, and probably better. You know me.
When you show up for a HUNKR the prime directive is to snag a PR, then beat your best friend, then win your age group, then win the overall.
To do that, you're going to need your drivetrain to be as free of friction as possible.
My go to is WEND.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax
Start with a clean, non greasy chain.
It's a liquid wax and it goes on like this, one drop at a time.
Then I massage it in with my fingers so it looks like this.
Then, and only then, do get on my bike and get haulin' boodwah!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax
Use this promo code and save 10% and get free shipping... code is HUNKR.
---
164.9 lbs
30 Pull ups 60 Push ups
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5137454711
OUR NORTH STAR
• TODD BROWN
WHAT IS OUR NORTH STAR? What is it that gets us out riding each day? Eating like athletes? Getting proper sleep? Doing what many consider insane and impossible...
... of our own free will?
Do you know what yours is?
I know what mine is.
It's racing.
Always has been.
And, not a lot of racing.
Just a few big ones a year.
Often just one.
It's scarier that way. To think you'd spend a bunch of time and effort, an entire season going for it on only one race. Yikes!
Here's what it doesn't take:
- Hedging
- Extra effort on inconsequential races
- Riding a prescribed, focused routine year-round
- ...
Having that one or two big races sets the direction and keeps me on track and gives me hope I can pull it off.
That's it.
What does that have to do with clear water bottles that are easy to squeeze and gulp down liquid when you really need it?
Well, sometimes these big events are actually really long. If I play my cards right Surfergirl will come crew for me. In those cases, I've been known to mix up 8, even 10, bottles the night before.
I'll put numbers on them so she knows which ones to give me at which stop.
That's one reason to have clear bottles. Plenty of space to sharpie on important info.
Another is sometimes it's nice to look down and easily see how much liquid is left. There are times we need to drink faster, and times we are drinking too fast. Having a good visual can be helpful.
You maybe asking yourself... How the heck is he selling these bottles for such a low price if they are so great?
Which is a great question, How can I sell these bottles for as low as $2?
Just click the link and watch the highly entertaining video.
---
164.5 lbs
Paddleboard in the morning
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5134471558
IS THAT YOUR ELBOW OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE ME?
• TODD BROWN
YES, I JUST DID THE ULTIMATE NASTY MOVE. It was a punishing battle to the top and the wide road was about to turn into a narrow, twisty single track. With zero chance to pass for miles, there was only one thing to do...
... ride full speed for the entrance.
I was confident the extra effort was worth it for two reasons:
- one, if I was faster downhill there's no reason to be stuck and unable to pass;
- two, if he was faster why let him go first and put time on me?...
... that's racethink.
How'd it work out?
Well, it was the right thing to do. Even though he caught me half way down, the last portion of the single track was an awful steep climb. I had a good gap the rest of the race.
But, I've seen the same thing go really wrong when the downhill skills aren't even close to being equal. Where the battle is won by a much slower descender and said descender will not move over, then is when things get ugly.
What's the protocol?
It comes down to confidence and class.
Confident descenders will always push to be first into the single track. Less confident descenders will back off knowing they'll make it back as soon as the climbing starts again.
Classy racers move over if they're going to be causing a bottle neck for anything more than a minute or so.
Tonight, it was just a practice race amongst friends.
All good.
You know what else is good?
Having all your gear at the start of the practice race. Which we all did, because we all have RaceDay Bags™.
In fact, we all had custom RaceDay Bags™ with team graphics.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
We made some sweet bags for local races. They use the bags for VIPs and raffles.
Did you know 9 out of 10 racers love custom RaceDay Bags™? (it's really higher, but you wouldn't believe me if I put the real number).
Did you know our minimum order is 1 bag?
Do you have a friend who you want to blow away with a custom bag?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
It'll be the most fun you've had in years.
---
165.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5129032607
THEY JUST AREN'T AS GOOD
• TODD BROWN
THE RAIN WAS DRIFTING DOWN AS I ROLLED ONTO THE DARK STREET. It was not supposed to be raining. I checked the app again. Cloudy, it said. Cloudy my Chamois Butt'r covered...
... I kept going anyway.
Because it rains on RaceDay. And when it does, I love it! I know a good chunk of the cats will DNS, and another chunk will DNF...
... because they don't ride in the rain.
The harder things are, the easier it is to get a win or top result. Since a lot of cats just won't ride...
... rain,
... heat,
... dark,
... ice,
... you name it...
... they won't do it and we will, therefore we have a HUGE advantage.
Do hard things.
Get results easier.
That's why they aren't as good...
... when it gets hard.
Sometimes it's hard to get someone's attention, which is why I like to use this fancy bell.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
It's beautiful, so is the sound it makes... so much so that people turn around with a smile and bow graciously to let me by.
Use Promo Code: BELL
To save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
---
166.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
6.75 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5120221218
YEAH, I'M TOTALLY IN2 THAT.
• TODD BROWN
ONE OF MY FAVORITE TWEETERS DISCOVERED PELOTAUNT. He thinks he's a bike racer now. I'll let that slide for the moment for the simple reason that he was going off on Zone 2 training today...
... and how it burns fat better than anything else.
Further, he shared a very deep dive into Zone 2 by Dr. Peter Attia, also notabikeracer, who has done exceptional research in this area...
... but, that's not why I ride Zone 2.
At least not the fat burning part...
... I ride Zone 2 for the mitochondrial part.
That's the part that builds our aerobic capacity. Our engine. Our big, throaty V-8s that carry us on our own personal victories.
Just do a search on Zone 2 if this is new,
If it's old hat, consider this...
... could more Zone 2 be helpful?
Speaking of helpful, you might appreciate this recommendation regarding tubeless 28s for road.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli
I started riding them instead of Continentals about 6 months ago. I love 'em. They are quieter, ride smoother and seem to hold up really well.
Plus... drumroll... they are in stock.
After that I started riding the Pirelli gravel tire. In my opinion, there's nothing faster on the road or dirt.
I know it's not the deepest tread, but I'm only running 28-30 lbs in 'em. The hook up plenty good. Their only fault, and I'd say it's only a fault if you're really on the slicing edge of corning is you really have to lean them over to get the edge to grab. But, if you've got the skills they hold plenty fine.
If you're down to try them out...
... I'm down to share this code with you: ZONE2
Use it and you'll save 20%, just because I really want you to try 'em out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli
---
166.2 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5114477365
THE UNSLAYABLE DEMON: FIGHT AT YOUR OWN PERIL
• TODD BROWN
IT'S THE DAY AFTER. Our bodies are healing, but it feels like things are getting worse. Yesterday's hint of physical and psychological pain is now an exclamation point and we are left wondering...
... what if I'd...
... specifically trained and tapered?
... made repairs a week before rather than the day before?
... left earlier, arriving relaxed and rested?
Losers dwell on the What Ifs.
Winners learn and move on.
I can't tell you the number of OhCrap moments I've had riding looking backwards...
... which is just like dwelling on the What Ifs.
What if the price of a Hypervolt dropped to $299?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
Would you get one?
Or, would you keep wondering if you're aching muscles really would recover if you had one?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
---
163.8 lbs
Hypervolt
9 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5110691303
EVERYBODY IS SO NICE, WHEN THEY HAVE A HATCHET IN HAND
• TODD BROWN
YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY A GRAVEL BIKE TO APPRECIATE WHY GRAVEL EVENTS ARE GROWING SO FAST. And, brining a mountain bike to race is not like bringing a knife to a gun fight...
... in fact Brian Scarbrough took 3rd today on an MTB.
To be honest, you don't event need to do a gravel even to get it.
You just need to show up and check it out.
The vibe is friendly, comradic, even collaboratory.
People are antsy at the start, but that's because these are always an adventure. A wide skillset is required: good road skills, good dirt skills, good repair skills.
There is always some pileup you just can't believe,
Like today.
I'm jamming along in a sweet, ripping pack and I see this gal nearly go down. I'm talking bounce off her seat, land on the top tube, vector off course and save it.
But, she wasn't done.
You'd think...
Unbelievably I see her do it a few miles later. This time she doesn't save it and goes flying off a hill. Total yard sale.
I stop.
She's giggling. Trapped in her crumpled bike.
We try and get it working, Stem recentered. Front brake fixed. But, then I saw the twisted derailler.
Bummer.
Anyway, these are the kinds of things you see... and maybe experience.
Which is why there is a party at the end...
... with people hanging out...
... and rehashing it all...
... which is also why you might want to check out the gravel scene.
Our finisher's award?
A hatchet.
Personally, I thought that was risky. There were a number of heinous climbs where I was mentally cussing Sam, the promoter. The cramps were hitting me hard.
Fortunately, they were rewarded with some very fun and twisty slot canyons.
At that point I was hitting my supply of Salt Stick tablets hard.
Cramps came on.
Tablets chewed.
Cramps gone.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
The nifty thing about what we do is we included a little plastic container with a pop top. It's perfect for keeping in your jersey pocket and popping as needed,
Trust me on this... for less than $19, you just might save your next race.
Ships free, too.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews
---
? lbs
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5104539643
THE LAST SUPPER OF SORTS
• TODD BROWN
A SMALL GROUP OF US GATHERED OUTSIDE OUR CAMPSITES FOR BBQ TONIGHT. Only one guy knew everybody, but it didn’t matter. In the morning at 8:15am, we will all sing the National Anthem and then Sam Ames will explain the many ways he has concocted to destroy us over 80 or so miles of the Rock Cobbler gravel race...
... it feels more like a reunion or revival than a race.
In fact, the thing I like about the Rock Cobbler... besides the whacky courses with things like riding through residential homes - yes through the living room... is that it's not a race.
I mean there's numbers. There's timing.
But don't be fooled.
The numbers are there because Sam wants a headcount on all the destroyed riders who didn't make it in.
Same thing for the timing, it's so that one of his hired hands can look you in the eyes and say...
I'm sorry son, your race is done.
Which is probably why the last supper tonight was so enjoyable. A final chance to bond with other crazy cats.
Speaking of crazy, can you believe it's April?
Can you believe we are actually back to doing events?
Isn't cool that the race calendars are starting to solidify?
Yeah, you probably are wanting one of these now, right? So you can plan out your mighty A races.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
They're giant. 50" tall x 24" wide. The weeks start on Monday, end on Sunday.
Use promo code ROCKCOBBLER to save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
164.8
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5099185474
HOW TO DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR RACE WATCHING EXPERIENCE
• TODD BROWN
WANT TO MAKE YOUR TV BIKE RACE WATCHING A WHOLE LOT MORE EXCITING? The best way, the way that is the most fun, is actually about to start happening again. If you do it right, it's like planting a seed...
... and seeing a giant tree burst forth.
For example, while standing on the side of the road at the San Dimas Stage Race a few years ago I watched a kid flying off the front of the Cat 3 race.
It didn't look like he was really trying.
Everybody chasing was in tatters.
He was 15.
Brandon McNulty solos in for the win. Remember that name folks. We're going to be seeing more from him.
What you want to do, whenever you can, is go to the big amateur races nearby. Of course, you'll want to do some racing yourself.
Just remember to stick around and watch the 15-18 year olds.
Because when one of those kids goes off to Europe, and they will, and lead a European stage race it makes the watching a million times better.
Right now McNulty is doing just that at the Itzulia Basque Country.
I've also seen Chris Horner killing it at Sea Otter, and he's now killing it with race analysis on his poorly named The Butterfly Effect. https://youtu.be/6L9MXywRCZg
If you plan on doing some racing, now's a good time to plan getting a new bike... if you're in the market.
As you know, it's hard to get a new bike. We are putting together our season order for 2022 BMC's. Bikes ordered now will be available between now and September.
Check out their site https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/ . It's not showing 2022 models, but will give you an idea of what's coming. Let me know what you want and I'll get you the details.
---
164.8
Morning Paddle Surfing
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5093955578
THIS (THIS RIGHT HERE) IS HOW WE DO IT
• TODD BROWN
IF I COULD OVEREMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDING WITH OTHERS, believe me I would. I can't. It's impossible. I've tried. But, there are still riders who insist they'll get better and improve by Doing my intervals man! They're wrong...
... and I think they know it.
There's nothing better than rolling out with a group of riders with the goal of whooping up on each other, because nothing pushes us like chasing a rabbit and not being caught if we are the rabbit.
The challenge, of course, is getting the ride going if you can't find one.
There are 5 keys:
- Start on time.
- Leave from the same place.
- Do NOT wait for anybody, ever, as a group.
- Keep inviting.
- Keep doing it.
The last two are the secret sauce. It's not gonna happen over night. It will take commitment and promotion. Keep inviting everyone you meet and keep doing it.
We've started this new MTB Hot Laps on Wednesday nights. It's still small, and we don't want it to get too big. Max 20. Tonight we had 8.
I know we'll get it where we want it.
I wonder how many other movements and traditions are started like this?
I bet you can name a few.
Just like I'll bet you'll go a lot faster if you lather up with PR Lotion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
And, I'll even wager you'll want to get in on this deal... which includes FREE Shipping
Purchase AMP PR Lotion by 4/9, and we'll include 2 of the Clearly Awesome water bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
---
164.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5088257980
THE SNEAKY ART OF HEADSET ADJUSTMENTS
• TODD BROWN
FOR SURE YOU DON'T WANT A TIGHT HEADSET. It makes steering difficult and riding with no hands dangerous if not impossible. But it doesn't stop there, because if you're a coy rider...
... it's really fun to mess with someone's head.
Would I ever do that?
In a race?
Well, yeah. For sure. Sometimes ya gotta dig deep...
... inside your opponent's helmetcovered head.
I think it was in some LeMond book where I read about faking tired when feeling good and it's equally sneaky twin faking good when feeling terrible.
Then there's faking like you don't know what you're doing so racers steer clear and don't pay you any attention.
It's endless really, however we were talking about some of our favorites last weekend and I shared one that can be really devastating.
Will I share it with you?
Sure... why not.
We're friends.
It's this one, and it only works on a really long and miserable day. The kind of day I might have this weekend.
Just imagine you're 80% into the race. Conditions are very challenging. Wind. Dust. Heat.
It's just you and one other cat.
Trust me this works better than you'd think.
Hey, how are you feeling?
That's it.
Just leave it hanging.
No need to follow up.
That cat heard you and is thinking...
It's not like popping their tire. It's more like a pin hole, and the air slowly starts to seep out.
Which is one reason I've switched completely to tubeless tires. Because with tubeless tires and sealant no pin hole is gonna slow us down. Glass and grit and rocks. I laugh at them now. Well, not totally... I just don't fear them like I did.
On the road, I'm loving the Pirelli P Zero SLs.
Gravel, the Pirelli Cinturato.
MTB, Continental Cross King up front and Race King on the rear.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
We have a whole slew of tires in stock.
Use promo code TODDSTIRES
To save 20%... the code expires 4/8/21.
---
166.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.4 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5080277077
3 THINGS YOU DON'T WANNA BE DOING: BURPING, PINCHING AND ROLLING
• TODD BROWN
I PLAY WITH MY AIR PRESSURE CONSTANTLY. I test low pressure vs high pressure, to try and figure out the optimum for the kinds of conditions I'll be racing on. There's no easy answer...
... though the trend towards lower and lower pressure is winning me over.
But, you can go too low. Even with the tubeless setups I'm riding, there's a point of negative returns.
The problem is there's only one way to find out if you've gone too low...
... and that is going to failure.
What kind of failure?
It ranges from burping to pinching to rolling.
Burping is landing so hard some of the air in your tire escapes.
Pinching is hitting a sharp object so hard the tire gets pinched against the rim and tears.
Rolling is the worst. That's where you land or corner so hard the tire rolls off the rim and a terrible crash ensues.
One friend burped his tire after overjumping a landing, missing the gentle slope and hitting the side of the berm that followed.
I pinched ripping over a section of mini tombstones.
My was able to keep riding. You can do that on a burp, but it slows you down until you put in more air.
I had to stop and jam a plug into the tear before filling the tire back up with CO2.
I'm not sure what pressure my friend was running, but I was down to 18lbs in the rear tire. For me, over that harsh terrain, that was too low in my 2.2 MTB tires.
When doing this kind of testing we have to be very precise.
Can't go on feel.
Can't be using different pumps.
That's why I use a digital gauge. And why that gauge is either by my floor pump or in my RaceDay Bag™.
It makes a difference.
This is the one we trust.
It's compact, and very reliable.
Use Promo Code: AIRCHECK
---
166.9
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5074751057
JUMPING THE BIGGEST GAP
• TODD BROWN
THERE IS THIS HUGE GAP WE ARE TRYING TO JUMP. To get across we've got to be moving fast enough, with the correct attitude and enough altitude, to land it safely...
... and keep shredding what lies ahead.
But the biggest gap we'll ever jump is the one from our nature to our potential.
It takes real guts.
Deep commitment.
Patience and practice.
Jumping anything is one of the best feelings ever because of the fear and danger and giant reward when we land it.
My nature is ice cream and tv.
My potential...
... that's the only path I want to ride.
Every day,
every single day,
really is raceday.
I just love these hats.
- They are light, and cool on my sweaty, post ride helmet head.
- Motivational to me and all those who see it.
- A secret code only we understand.
Not a hat cat?... then maybe this hat isn't for you, but for a friend who is.
---
166.9 (definitely been letting my nature rule my diet this week, ugh!)
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5071162285
TAKING TURNS.
• TODD BROWN
OUR LITTLE RACE CREW HAS BEEN KEEN TO CORNER BETTER ON MTBs. Enter better, carve better, exit faster. Playing with braking evenly between front and rear, and just going heavy on the rear brakes to whip the bike around turns...
... to no brakes at all.
A wrong turn can be corrected. A missed turn can be catastrophic.
An unnamed rider (gotta protect the innocent) and I were quickly slicing and dicing a narrow, twisty path. I took the sweeping left berm high, he shot inside and low to slip by me...
... no brakes for either of us...
... the trail wound sharply back to the right, my tire compressed and the nobs gripped as I leaned over...
... dust was flying up from his skidding rear tire as he went off trail, down the slope, and over the bars.
It was a soft landing.
This ain't basketball, where a miss is just a chance to shoot again.
This is what we do to get better. We play, we take chances.
But you know what blows me away? It's how we learn to rely so completely on our equipment. I mean the brakes, I'm modulating them with one finger. Those tires, they're 2" wide with 20lbs of air...
... and then there are the gloves, a very thin layer of perforated leather covered with much, much thinner lycra.
That's it: brakes, tires, gloves.
Which is exactly why I never skimp on my equipment. There are too many variables to assess and address when on the edge, and no bandwidth to contemplate product failure.
Of course all this was discussed over tacos and Cokes...
... because if we're not reviewing the wrong and missed turns we'll just keep making and missing them...
... and some landings are harder than others.
In case you missed it, we're supporting jeremy's effort to raise Autism Awareness through the weekend.
We'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% of the sales on any glove and sock purchases.
To make it extra sweet for you use this code to get matching socks for free. This is a worthy cause... be sure to order the gloves and the socks and use this code:
BuyGlovesGetSocks
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166.9 (too much cake)
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5063581918
ROUND AND ROUND
• TODD BROWN
I KNEW RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING, right from the start, this was gonna be a great day. Weather perfect, check. Apple fritter waiting for me in the kitchen, check. MTBs ready to rip, check. Jeremy doing 54 1.5 mile laps for Autism Awareness...
... on a super fun loop, CHECK!
When we dig into the secret sauce of a successful charity event, there are a key ingredients but only one that really matters.
Is it the course? Well, yeah it's good to have a course that is fun and interesting.
Is it the awards and recognition? For sure, a lot energy gets put behind being the top fundraiser or finisher or whatev'.
Is it the after party? Always important.
What truly matters is that the person doing the fund raising is the type of person others want to get behind. Kind, generous, friendly...
... and heart in the right place.
I'm fortunate to see a lot of people doing rides as fundraisers, either as participants or organizers. In every case, the most successful ones are the coolest people you'll ever meet.
Through the weekend, we'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% on any glove and sock purchases.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.8
Quick PullUps and PushUps
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5057715675
THAT ANNUAL EXCUSE TO DO WHATEVER THE WE WANT
• TODD BROWN
ONCE A YEAR WE GET ASKED THAT QUESTION: What are you going to do on your birthday? I mean, really? C'mon. Is it even a question?..
... those that know me best ask different questions.
Who are you riding with?
What time are you riding?
Where are your riding?
When will you be back?
... but nobody asks Why are you riding?
If they did, it's Because I can.
Learning to ride a bike is like a right of passage. It was hard to take those training wheels off and go...
... and then it wasn't.
Suddenly we were free to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, with whoever wanted...
... kinda like a birthday every day.
So, yeah, I'll be riding my bike tomorrow.
With my friend Jeremy, who is riding for Autism Awareness. He's riding 54 1.5 mile laps because 1 in 54 children develop autism. That's the kind of guy I want to ride with. Total stud.
In celebration, I'll make an additional donation 30% of any glove and sock purchases through the weekend.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164.8
Stretch and Plank
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/505293047
THE FASTEST WAY TO IMPROVE
• TODD BROWN
DID YOU EVER NOTICE HOW DIFFERENT WE ARE? Not you and me, us and them. The pros. There's the Godgiven differences, can't do anything about that...
... but what about the things we can do something about?
Let's leave buying speedier equipment aside for the moment. Too obvious.
Instead, take this insane workout from Nino Schurter. He's a multi-time MTB World Champion and he's showing all the world, even us verymortals, how to be strong. It's a 27 minute workout. Who doesn't have 27 minutes? Watch here.
Here's another. Chris Froome's shedding of 20 lbs and going from zero to hero. We can get a glimpse of how he did that. Cutting the carbs, upping the protein. It's very straight forward. Who couldn't drop a few lbs by skipping a few carbs? Details here.
Do they tell us everything? No.
Should we do all they do? Doubtful.
Could we get better by studying what makes us different? Hellyeah.
Which brings me to my point. My pal Bart, in the 5 years of I've known him, has gone from a sub-9 hour Leadville guy to a card-carrying professional body builder to a champion calf roper. He's nuts...
... but he has a method we could all use more.
When he sets his mind on something he seeks out the very best people that he can find and studies everything they do. He hires the best mentors he can find. This singlemindedness and alignment with the top pros allows him to do in a couple of years what most people never accomplish in a life time.
Wanna get better?...
... that right there is a very solid formula.
But, don't it all go to your head or you might not be to fit that expanded cranium inside one of these amazing helmets.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
If I had to pick one, it would be the Protone for sure. Light, aero, super comfy.
Use this promo code to save 10% and get free shipping.
MENTORS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
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165.3
Lots of pullups, pushups, squats and shoulder presses today - Nino style
7.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5047341440
I DID THIS BECAUSE I WAS HUNGRY, RIDING IN A FARAWAY LAND
• TODD BROWN
THIS IS JUST ONE OF THOSE FREE ADVICE THINGIES about a little hack I came up with last week while riding ill prepared. Starving. Near bonking. I had a couple of bucks. There was a store...
... but I was missing the mandatory you know what.
Rats!
The sign was quite large indicating it was definitely required, and the crowd of people enjoying savory snacks had plenty of willing witnesses.
I had to comply...
... but how?
Surveying my my gear I did the obvious. Grabbed a glove, stuck it on my nose, draped the opening over my mouth, and held it in place with my Oakleys.
Just like that, I marched in and got my fix.
Hopefully you won't find yourself in a similar situation.
You're smarter, I'm sure. Better prepared, for sure.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
You probably roll out with a few waffles just in case... which I did, just needed more.
Use promo code FARAWAY
To save 10% and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
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166.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5038178322
THE NOT SO EASY ANSWER OF WHEN TO RIDE WITH A GROUP
• TODD BROWN
THERE ARE REALLY TWO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING A RIDE IN. If I want to go for a quick spin or if I'm trying to cover a lot of ground who is in my peloton makes a huge difference. In fact, the quick spin...
... is best done alone.
However, getting someplace far away fast can be lot easier in a group. But, not just any group.
If I'm the strongest, it's likely to take even longer to get where I want to go than if I were by myself.
If I'm the slowest, I risk getting left behind.
The fastest way is with the right mix of riders.
Who we ride with matters.
Which is why we created the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription
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165.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5034768100
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