https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WITH ALL THY FITNESS, GET...
IS THERE MORE TO RACING, than racing? Well, yeah. Of course. A lot more, the only question is are we taking advantage of the opportunities. As the wise one said...
... With all thy fitness, get adventurous.
By that, I don't mean in a racy way.
The point is to go somewhere,
do something new,
unattempted.
We've got the fitness,
which too few people actually have,
so we can accomplish what most cannot fathom to attempt.
So, what's it gonna be...
- Ride across the country
- Travel to a remote destination
- Run the Grand Canyon rim to rim
- Go from hut to hut in Colorado
... pick something.
What's holding us back...
- A tour guide
- Language barriers
- Support in case things go wrong
... nothing that can't be solved.
Do it.
---
166.7
7 hrs Sleep
Pullups and Pushups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
82
Tell us about it.
>
H0W ARE THEY SO EXPLOSIVE?
OK, WE GET IT THAT PROS ARE FASTER. Right? But, how they heck are they so explosive without racing? Asking for a friend, myself, and...
... anybody forced to train alone.
We gotta know.
- Personally, I enjoy the solitude.
- Others don't near other riders or group rides
- And, then there's those who's with uncooperative schedules
How are the outstanding pros doing it?
Not racing,
showing up and slaughtering their competition.
Intervals?
Well, personally I can't stand intervals for more than a few weeks without...
... wanting to take a hammer to my bike computer.
Riding and racing with the teammates?
That makes a little more sense, but only a little. Who wants to drill or get drilled by their trusted allies?
Way more rested?
Mmmmmaybe the non-racing leads to a more rested and ready body?
Healthier?
Because they aren't traveling so much:
- They aren't picking up colds and flues.
- They aren't eating whatever they can find.
- They aren't taking such large risks as when racing
E-racing?
Are they just getting on a trainer and duking it out with the online competition? If they are, don't they need to have fake profiles for privacy as well as less fitness?
Virtual racing?
Setting up race course segments on Strava and trying to beat the PRs?
I dunno, for me...
... ain't nothing like the real thing.
---
166.2
8 hrs Sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
GETTING PUSHED AROUND IN THE GROUP
THE RIDE WAS GETTING SPICEY. The pace increasing considerably, and the terrain going from flat to sawtooth. The legs were screaming, and...
... and I was moving backwards.
Then, it happened.
Just before the apex of quick power climb,
just when I needed it most...
... my pal, The Gambler, gave me some pedal assist.
Yep, he had the gaul to put his paws on my lycra and pushed me some.
And I loved it.
It was just the right amount
to keep me on.
Sly enough I quietly thought and hoped...
... Maybe nobody noticed.
That's thing about needing help.
When we could really use some,
we don't ask.
Good givers, like The Gambler, don't ask...
... the just give.
Without making a big deal about it.
---
165.8
9 hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
SHOULD WE LEARN TO TUMBLE?
LIKE MOST OF US, we have a group of regular riders. So far, 3 of the 10 of us have broken bones this year. One hit a tree skiing, one crossed wheels today...
... and, well, you know my saga.
I was off the back over the top,
and rolled up on the mishap.
If you're a real rider,
you've broken your collar bone.
Ok, I don't know if that's 100% true.
But, I have broken one,
while riding.
So, it's common.
And I gotta ask...
... Should we take tumbling lessons?
Would it help?
Would it keep us from doing the natural thing vs...
... rolling out of danger?
Maybe, sometimes.
Not a guarantee,
perhaps a skill worth...
- learning
- practicing
- investigating
... got a thought on this?
---
166.7
7.5ish hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
82
>
IS THIS THE BEST RIDE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
IMAGINE A RIDE THAT FEATURES all the beauty and wonder of Southern California. The beaches, the shaded prairies, the tall forests with ski runs...
... covering all of it in a single day.
Oh, and almost no traffic.
Impossible you say.
Not.
100% possible.
It took us years to scout it.
Here are some pics from 2023... route below.
Here's the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3216181932420212282
It's 120 miles, 15000' of climbing.
We start at Doheny State Beach and wind up in Big Bear, refueling at convenience stores and restaurants along the way.
It's almost all dirt most to Corona, then a 35-mile bike trail across the Inland Empire. At the bottom of the mountains, we jump on an abandoned logging road, and it's nearly all dirt to the top, and down into Big Bear.
Epic.
Insanely epic.
Are you game for the ride of the year?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
Some of the FAQ's from a Zoom call yesterday.
Logistics:
1. Where to stay Friday Night? Dinner plans? Stay as close as you can to Dana Point, where we start… it’s only a few minutes drive to my house. We’ll have dinner at my place and go over last minute specifics.
2. Ride start time? Official Start is 6am, I highly recommend slower riders leave earlier to make sure we all get to Colton at the same time for the flat 35 miles across the Inland Empire – much easier in a group.
3. Where can we store bags? My van… Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
4. Confirm - unsupported? Any plan B options for repairs, crashes, etc.? It’s self-supported, be prepared.
a. Anyone we can hire to assist? Is there a way to transport overnight bag? Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
5. Big Bear
a. Anyone staying the night? TBD on this.
b. Transporation back to Orange County? TBD on this. Some ride back, some Uber back. We need a final head count.
5. Snow blocking trails? Currently yes, but it’s getting warmer and it’s a south facing climb, we should be fine.
People
1. How many people are coming and their capabilities? Unknown, people always commit and don’t show, others never commit and just show up.
a. We are locomotives not goats:). Likelihood of creating riding groups of different speeds (any forecasted pacing / finish times)? For sure start early, and KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD A ROUTE to your device. Any regrouping points? One for sure, in Colton at a convenience store… depending on pace, we might all meet up at Seven Oaks restaurant about 1/3 up the climb… some of us will do some extra climbing and single track at end of 35 mile bike trail, others will go straight to the climb, which is why we might end up there at roughly same time.
Nutrition
1. Where are the nutrition and water stops? ONeil Park is about 2 hours in, a campground with water and bathrooms. Do NOT dillydally at any stops. Next stop is Colton, about 4 hours away. These are my estimates for your speed.
2. Water stops on the final climb or is two bottles sufficient? At Seven Oaks restaurant, we can get water, soda, hamburgers, fries… depending on heat, 2-3 bottles. My bike holds 3.
3. Nutrition recommendations? 300-400 calories per hour. Whatever you like and sits well in your stomach. I like CarboRocket, 333 calories/bottle.
Equipment
1. Tire recommendation? I am running Continental Terra Speed 45s, with 32lbs in the rear, 28 in the front. Lots and lots of sealant before we roll.
What are the gravel sections like? Pretty nice, a little more rutted from rain run-off, but totally 100% ridable and fun. There’s a little single track where trail is currently flooded close to the start.
2. Other gear that would be helpful (e.g. hydration pack, lights). Lights for sure, early start, and maybe a late finish. Be able to carry 3 large bottles worth of water. Get a BLACK mosquito net, bugs can be nasty… we learned the hard way that the white nets reflect light which was blinding as the sun was setting.
3. Clothing recommendations? (Temp change to expect)? May is a tricky month, I’ll carry my KOM Jacket which is great for wind and water and small enough to go in my Barrito Bag … my bike will have a Barrito for the KOM jacket, and food and drink mix supplies in my Day Ripper bag. Only other item I’d carry would be arm warmers… but highly unlikely we’ll need them. My Wahoo died 30 minutes from the top… bring a battery booster.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
Pushups and Pullups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO BE...
I POLLED THE RIPPERS and 100% of them lift weights or do resistance exercise year round. Well, I was shocked by that. I had no idea if we rubbing off on each other...
... just hope.
In the beginning, after our first day with real weight, we often echo the great Cheryl Crow song...
... God, I feel like hell tonight.
Why do it?
- Strong bones
- Good posture
- Improved ability to handle challenges
Why not?
- Takes time
- Potential to get hurt
Here's my current program,
takes about 15 minutes.
- 6 pullups
- 18 pushups
- 10 shoulder press
- 5 pullups
- 15 pushups
- 6 squats
- 4 pullups
- 12 pushups
- 20 toe raises, 10 heel raises
- 3 pullups
- 9 pushups
- 10 curls (vanity muscles)
- 2 pullups
- 6 pushups
In other words, mainly pullups and pushups with something extra to break up the sets.
The focus is on large muscle groups.
In Natural Born Heroes: Mastering the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance, there's a strong emphasis on tendon strength being key to true athlete prowess. We develop that moving heavy weight with large muscle groups...
... the stuff we need to be fast.
For the bar...
- Jump up to the bar, and let yourself down slowly.
- Use a pullup assist machine
- Giant rubberbands
For pushups...
- Figure out hand positions that are comfy on the shoulders
- It's cool to start on your knees
Squats...
- Do air squats and put that arse in the grarsse
- Go half way down
Start somewhere,
just start.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
HOW TO OVERCOME INJURY
I'VE BEEN ASKED TWICE TODAY if I had any feelings of Why me? after my brain injury. And, how did I overcome that? Well, good questions because...
... we all gotta battle through the shiz.
During the darkest days, I only had one thought.
How can I fix this?
We've all been dealt multiple bad hands over the years, and if we think about it...
... we often come through them stronger, better.
It never seems like it at the time.
Our challenges, I believe, are our challenges, for a reason.
As rotten as they appear...
... they are personalized gifts.
If they weren't for our benefit and didn't totally suck,
they'd be easy to overcome,
requiring little effort,
personal growth,
or change.
With that in mind, I set about studying and researching how best to recover from this unplanned set back.
There's plenty of improvement still to be made...
... and that's exciting as hell!
---
166.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
GIMME SHELTER
THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE A TAILWIND to blow the group to pieces. The palms were bending, for sure...
... this one was gonna hurt.
It's counter intuitive.
But, it goes like this.
Alone, a tailwind feels nice.
A chance to tap lightly on the pedals and fly along.
In a group, it's whole different game.
The strong go to the front and drill it.
'problem is, there's no draft,
no place to hide,
no rest.
Which is exactly how it went down today.
Three of us were rotating.
Hard pulls.
It felt terrible,
and great.
Nobody else was pulling through.
I didn't blame 'em,
it was hard as heck.
I glanced back...
... gap was 30 feet.
Then 300 feet.
Then, a slight bend in the road,
an every so tiny gap opened, and...
... I was ejected.
Just couldn't close it.
No draft.
How was the ride back up the coast into the wind?
Well, alone it woulda been a bear.
In the group, much easier.
Sure the brief moment pulling through stung a bit, then...
... it was right back to the shelter.
So, there you have it.
Tailwind, get on the front and get a gap.
Headwind, take it easy, nothings getting away.
---
168.4
9ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
DO LESS, AND OBSESS
CAN'T GET THIS CONCEPT OUTTA MY MIND, not because I've never considered it, because it's so darn rhymey. I coudn't say it better...
... Do less, and obsess.
Maybe I just needed to hear the message?
The idea of having 1 (one) 'A' race a year has always turned me on...
- It's more fun to have one focus
- dive into the nittygritty
- get granular
- geek out
... that's the shift I love.
Yeah, I might end up with a bike that's not good for much but a particular course,
training that is so specialized as to be worthless for everything else.
But, that's the point.
To be so singular,
to be uniquely prepared.
Then, and only then, I might have a chance...
... and that's all the hope I need.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to treat...
... all other races as distractions at best.
Places to test...
- equipment
- strategy
- training
... nothing more.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to commit...
... to training blocks and weight lifting.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to see...
... the big picture.
To do less,
and obsess.
---
168.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76
>
HE'S TRYING TO KILL ME
THE POOR WOMAN WAS RED IN THE FACE, if looks could kill her guide/date would be dead. They'd just cleared a very overgrown jungle and were now pushing their bikes up a rocky stretch...
... who could blame her?
Who could blame him?
Sometimes our sense of adventure...
... is total nonsense.
I could only laugh.
Don't kill him here, you need to get home first!
They had a ways to go.
We have about 5 weeks to prep for the SurfNSummit.
Yeah, it's far.
Lots of climbing.
But, still I'm surprised at how many people misjudge what it takes.
Some, think it's just impossible to complete...
... usually my most fit friends.
Others, show up with what appears to be no business attempting it...
... but, hope and the desire to do something epic.
It's one of those Henry Ford moments.
Whether you think can, or think you can't...
... you're right.
So, if you think you can ride 100+ miles with 15,000+ feet of climbing...
... click here to check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
168.2
9ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76er
>
AN OBSERVATION ON UNEVEN POWER BETWEEN LEGS
ONE OF THE SETTINGS ON MY POWER METER shows the power put out by each leg. It can def ovewhelm for an entire ride, because we can...
... freak out about data we don't like.
It's on one of my Wahoo screens.
I see it from time to time on a ride.
Consciously trying to even out the power was annoying the heck out of me.
One leg was always stronger, unless I reallyreallyreallyreally focused.
Then, I had an idea.
Something to try,
that I used to do.
This came to me when I noticed standing and climbing,
power was always 50/50.
Hmmmm.
What's the difference?
Then I noticed,
same thing when it got steep and I really had to put out some power.
Well, that was nice to see...
... somewhat calming.
Hmmmm...
... how to do that all the time?
Welp, this is just an observation.
It might not work for you.
Meter could be mismonitoring, but this makes all the difference in the world...
... when I consciously focus on pedaling with the heels down.
What?
Really?
Yes.
What I think is happening is I'm eliminating a dead spot along the top of my pedal stroke...
... gonna verify with my genius bike fitter, Ashley.
---
167.3
8ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
THE WHAT AND WHY OF A PROPER EZ SPIN
I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE LEGS TO COME AROUND, which means I had to actually dedicate myself to do some easy spins. Because, like most of us it's just...
... darn hard to go easy.
Or, is it just me?
First off, what constitutes an easy spin?
Two things:
- Low effort
- High rpm's
How low?
Very bottom of Zone 2, or anything in Zone 1.
How high?
90-100+ rpm's.
Why?
Well, one of my early coaches called it a Rinse Ride for a reason.
If we are really doing it correctly,
our legs feel all clean and springy because...
... we rinsed out the crud.
Why else?
- It's good on the brain
- Takes the pressure off, simply relaxing
- Great time to catch up with friends and chat while spinning
How long?
45-90 min seems about right.
The things we think about when we're just spinnin' ez.
---
166.9
8ish hrs Sleep
Just PullUps and PushUps today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73
>
EVER HAD THE CRUD BEAT OUT OF YOU, FOR REAL?
GROWING UP, we fought a lot. We were too weak to do much physical damage, but there was plenty of pride and shame on the line. It's not much different now...
... when we race.
If we truly get the crud beat out us by...
- the course
- the competition
- our worse, ourselves
... there is only one question.
Did we really get it beat out of us?
Or, are we destined to get pummeled over and over again because...
... the crud is still there?
Is our diet a joke?
Do our handling skills still stink?
Does our bike squeak and wobble?
'Cause if that crud is still there, then...
... it's not beat out of us.
We've just learned to live with mediocrity...
... and that's just plain cruddy.
---
167.8
8ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER ROAD PEDALS FOR OFFROAD?
WHEN I WAS PRE-RIDING LEADVILLE a while back, the phenom who would shatter the course record floated by me as I labored. He made it look so easy...
... was it the pedals?
99% of MTB racers,
dismount on that course.
There is no way they'd sport road shoes and pedals,
even though they are...
- Lighter
- More aero
- Offer better contact and efficiency
... because once fouled they're VERY difficult to get engaged.
Gravel,
is another deal.
Unless we are pushing the boundaries,
ripping single track,
slaloming sand...
... we're not going to dismount.
The only time would be if crashed,
or unclipped to rutter a turn.
In most gravel races,
that's not likely.
So, should we run the road set up offroad?
I have multiple friends who roll the dice in local XC races...
... and even the long, epic stuff.
It almost always works out great.
Worth the risk?
Up to you.
Worth testing?
100%.
---
167.6
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TRAINING BIG BLOCKS?
A QUESTION CAME UP LAST NIGHT ON OUR ZOOM CALL. Have you ever trained big training blocks like Keegan Swenson just posted. Good question...
... does it work?
Maybe.
Here's what I can tell you from personal experience.
18 months ago, I was prepping for my insane time goal at Leadville.
I was really committed.
Holed up in Breckinridge all by myself,
for the month prior.
It's easy to be selfish with the time,
when you're by yourself.
The race is in August.
In July, I did..
- 20 hours
- 22 hours
- 25 hours
... a lot more than my normal 10-12 hours a week.
It was very race specific training.
Lots of Zone 2.
Recovery
was key.
I came out of that in awesome shape,
and had the best race
of
my
life.
Does it work for everybody?
I have no idea.
But, I'll definitely do it again when prepping for a once in a life quest.
----
168.9
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
73
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THINGS TO CHECK FIRST...
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT CAN MAKE OR BREAK a race, the chief being the bike. Bikes don't win races, but they sure can make things a lot harder...
... or a lot easier.
As I went through my checklist, I found a few issues:
- Rear brake pad smoked
- Sealant dried out
- Battery low
It's kinda nice to have brakes that work, especially with a ripping downhill like Saturday's.
The course should be in pretty good shape, but that doesn't mean a small wire or piece of glass couldn't be a day-ender without sealant.
And c'mon...
... ya can't ride these modern bikes without good batteries.
And, I'm not just talking about the derailleur batteries. Many of the shifters have their own small batteries.
I have made the mistake of not checking the shifter batteries.
Heck, I didn't even know about them until the start of the Filthy 50 a couple of years ago. I didn't warm up, just saddled up and headed to the start.
Typically MTB XC start... everybody pinned to get to the single track first...
... I got there last.
Shifter was dead, I was spun out and then spit out.
15 minutes later, with some help from the mechanic on site, I was back at it.
Which is exactly why I came up with the RaceDay Bike Checklist, and made it into a sticker.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
For about a year now we've been shipping the stickers out with each RaceDay Bag purchase. They're great for tool boxes and benches.
Here's a link to check 'em out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
----
168.7
8.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
71
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE HEROIC MOVE
THERE'S A LOT OF GREAT RACING GOING ON. Locally, regionally, internationally. Sometimes we witness the unfathomable attack from impossibly far out, other times...
... a second or third wind, for the win.
By inches.
We shouldn't be impressed.
I'm mean,
it's cool.
We all cheer.
But the truth is the victory was secured long ago.
When nobody was cheering.
It was dark,
lonely,
cold.
The alarm was more drill sergeant, than fan.
In those moments...
... the heroes make their moves.
If we're lucky,
we witness the results.
---
169.1
9ish hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
72
>
IT'S LIKE THE SUN GOING UP ON ME
40 DEGREES, 80% HUMIDITY ain't nothing. Combine that with a dawn start, the sun hidden behind the hills, and, well, when you're going 20+ mph in your underpants...
... it's bonechilly.
I left the knee warmers behind.
No vest.
No jacket.
Just arm warmers,
a base layer,
skull cap.
It's risky,
we might freeze,
this is how we do it...
... when we know sunny times are ahead.
So are they?
Whether we are enjoying the longer days,
recovering from an injury,
just getting back at it...
... we hope and plan for...
- better fitness
- decreased fatness
- all things to improve
... it's a process.
And, we know it.
Just like the sun coming up,
we imperceptibly rise to the occasion.
That's how today was for me.
Still got dropped,
but made it a little further.
I'll take it.
Here's a snapshot of where things stand.
There's nothing like a good fitness journey.
How's yours going?
---
168.7
8ish hrs sleep
10 Pullups 30 Pushups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73 (per training peaks)
>
MY DUMBEST PREDICTION YET
PARIS-ROUBAIX IS SUNDAY. I can't wait. It's always so fun to watch, and such a battle of machine, mind, and bike handling. Lots of drama, and this year...
... is starts before the famed Arenberg Forest.
The forest is always crazy.
Mud.
Cobbles.
A massive battle for the front ensues for those who want the best chance of getting through with the lead group...
... unscathed.
This year, the organizers decide a chicane right before entering the forest would be a good idea.
Less dangerous.
I looked at the layout.
Here's my prediction.
Rather than racing for the forest entrance to avoid carnage...
... they will race to the chicane.
And...
- have plenty of lycra on the pavement.
- or in the barriers
- or both.
... I hope I'm wrong.
Then, we have to wonder, at least I do, what is the point of racing?
Call me crazy, but I think part of it is to show bike handling prowess.
We're still gonna see it with the chicane.
Just seems like a little chicanery...
... to appease, who?
---
169.1
8 hrs sleep
15 Pullups 50 Pushups 40 Shoulder Press... no legs today.
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
BLOOD. WORK.
DON'T BE LIKE ME. Because I never get sick, I never go to the doctor. Which meant I never had my blood work done. You're too smart for that...
... here's why.
By regularly getting the blood work done, we have a baseline for "our" normal.
I don't have that.
When I had the brain injury a few months ago,
things changed.
The brain is our command center, telling the body what to produce and control and do, etc.
A brain injury often causes issues with how the body is regulated.
Today, we reviewed my blood work which was drawn a few weeks ago.
Some markers are out of range - too high on some, too low on others.
Bad news is...
... I have no reference point of "my" normal.
Could be genetic, could be from the injury.
Good news is...
... we know where I'm at, and have some corrective measures to take.
Bonus, most indicators are positive for my body, and with my overall health.
Dr. Cory King, my functional health doctor from Encinitas, went over it all with me.
Nothing too scary...
... but definitely areas to not ignore.
Things like cholesterol levels, vitamin levels, etc. that can have negative effects if left untreated.
So, we'll chock this up as another blessing from my brain injury.
Regardless of your awesome health.
Find out where you are at,
things can probably be improved.
Consider this a gentle and loving nudge from me to you...
... get the blood work done.
---
169.4
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHEAT CODE
HERE'S A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. Okay, maybe it's not all that dirty but it is secret and fact is it's...
... a cheat code for life.
There's a reason we get out and do our thing.
Sure, it's great to be in shape.
Have that come what may attitude.
Fact is, even though the fitness is great...
... there's something better.
- The problems we solve
- Ideas we come up with
- Freedom to think
We often, nearly always, return...
... renewed.
Ready
To
Kicka$$
Even when,
especially when...
... we've rung out our body's energy supply.
---
169.1
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
STRUGGLING WITH WEIGHT... TRY NOT
SINCE MY AWESOME START TO THE YEAR, knocking myself out and spending a 5 days in ICU, my metabolism has changed. This is not uncommon, given the standard protocols...
... and now I'm pissed.
I didn't ask for this, and that is not the problem.
I haven't asked for a solution.
I have forgotten my own wisdom.
Well, on the eve of my bday, yesterday, I was asked...
... What do you want?
Get my lycracovered buns back in fighting shape.
I went to bed with a question...
... How do I get back to my normal, leanish self?
I woke up with an answer.
A book recommendation appeared on my Kindle.
Feast., Fast. Fit. by Fred Duncan.
It wasn't new information for me.
Heck, I preach it.
It's worked in the past.
I believe it will work again.
The lesson?
It isn't get on the diet train...
... it's ask the right questions,
and expect answers.
- How can I get lean?
- How can I climb faster?
- How can I stay cool in the blistering heat?
- How can I complete a century without bonking?
- How can I reduce the drag created by my bike and body?
Try not.
Ask or ask not.
---
170.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THOU SHALT CARE FOR THY HANDS
TAKING CARE OF THE HANDS is importante. Road, is pretty straight forward. So is MTB. Gravel, well, it's got it's own challenges...
... what can we do?
I've seen plenty of ruined hands...
- brutal gripshift blisters
- palms filled with asphalt gravelly stuff
- a thumb's skin pealed from under the nail past the first knuckle
... all of it could have been spared with gloves.
Personally, I prefer very lightweight fullfinger gloves.
But, that ain't gonna help on the gravel bike.
No suspension.
What can we do?
I double wrap my bars with a good soft tape.
- helps with vibration
- displaces pressure points across a wider area
I was reminded of how great this is just last week.
It'd been a while since I'd ridden the roadie, been riding the gravel bike on and off road a ton.
As soon as I got going the bars felt weird.
Sharp.
Oh yeah, the single wrap bar.
It's lighter.
More aero.
But, I'd never go back to a single wrap on the gravel bike.
---
170.5
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WHICH NUMBERS ARE WE CHASING?
THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE between the kinds of numbers some of us focus on putting up. Some chase big power numbers, while others chase small numbers...
... what's the corresponding motivation?
You know.
Are we more interested in the low numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd...
... or, increasing our own personal power numbers?
Do we need everybody to see us on the podium...
... or, are we thrilled when we privately snag a new PR?
We can go out to the race,
or we can design our own incredible adventure.
We can train to beat everybody,
or our training can help us live our best lives.
They're not necessarily mutually exclusive,
there are four seasons for a reason.
---
169
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
IS IT TIME TO STOP BINGING?
SATURDAYS ARE MY DAYS. All week long, I look forward to getting up early and rolling out with no particular plan but wasting time via hours in the saddle...
... I call it binge riding.
Not today.
It was raining
When that happens on the 6th day of the week,
my day,
I'm typically grumpy.
This time,
I was looking forward to it.
Why?
Honestly, I'd been binge riding too much.
Too many days in a row spent
slipping out after work
staying out too long...
... the time change being my enabler.
I was unconsciously due for a break.
Some call it overtrained...
... overbinged is more accurate,
for me.
---
168.2
7.5 hrs sleep
Lots of pull ups, pushups and squats.
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
68
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE OL' WHAT IF YOU KNEW...
THESE TWO PUNKS SHOWED UP TO MY HOUSE, and dragged their dear ol' dad out for his favorite thing. Riding MTBs with them...
... that wasn't the best part.
Sure, it was fun to keep up with 'em.
Mostly.
Then, completely overdoing it at Cheesecake factory.
The best part was dropping by the Audi store...
... and hotrodding around in a $70k RS3.
So.
Dang.
Fast!
It's good to get in the dream car, and throw it around some corners...
... to keep the dreams alive.
But, what if it wasn't a dream.
What if...
... you knew you could PR any segment, win any race?
What would it be?
If we don't know,
can't quickly answer the question..
... likely not going to happen.
But,
what
if
we
knew...
... then,
what would we do with today's training?
---
1680
7.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
JUST BECAUSE IT'S FREE MEANS...
SO MUCH INFORMATION, and so much of it free. Free is a weird price, because we know it's gonna cost time and there's probably...
... an ask down the road.
Don't be fooled.
Sometimes the really expensive stuff is great,
sometimes it's terrible.
Same for free.
Price is a signal.
Should we be swayed?
I recently got an offer to save 30% on a $6000 frame.
6K!!!...
... must be awesome.
Maybe.
But, how do we know?
Really?
The glossy magazine ad?
The pro riding it to a win?
It can be frustrating.
When it comes right down to it, most of us...
... are swayed by our friends' reviews.
Like these -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/reviews...
... which I'm extremely grateful for.
---
168.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DOES YOUR DOG BITE?
THE GREAT INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU encounter with a dog is classic. The dog is off leash, he asks Does your dog bite? The answer is, No. He bends to pet the dog...
... only to have the dog viciously latch on to his hand!
I thought you said your dog does not bite?
That is not my dog.
I thought about that since Surfergirl has...
- demanded
- pleaded
- asked
... that I let her track me on my rides.
I feel like a dog on a leash.
The Jason Bourne in me wants none of that.
There's nothing to hide,
when I ride.
But, really?
She does have a point.
I often venture into the wild.
Signs with warnings of mountain lions and snakes about.
Trails are often treacherous to the bike,
and potentially me.
Humans few and far between.
If, if, if I should need a rescue,
which I never have...
... I'll just need two things.
A cell signal...
... and a friend who cares.
It's kinda romantic when ya think about it,
guess we're doing all right.
---
168.2
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW MY LITTLE PRACTICE LOOP TOOK ME DOWN
I SET OFF TO POUND MY PRACTICE LOOP. The profile is jagged, lots of single track, and...
... I'm trying to crack 90 minutes.
Today's failure is why it's so important to practice racing.
Here's the dill.
This course is very hard to stay fueled on...
... almost impossible to drink, forget about eating.
Which meant I was tuckered out, with 4 miles to go. The last 30ish minutes are pretty dern steep.
With about 20 minute warm up,
winging it on 1/2 bottle and 100 calories was a weak effort.
Just not enough.
Strava called a Massive Relative Effort,
giving the workout a score of 192.
I'll try it again in a couple of weeks.
This time with 400 calories,
and 30 ounces of water,
in a Camelbak.
There just isn't time to suck on a bottle,
the bladder hose is easy to grab,
and once in my mouth,
handsfree.
Ya can't figure that out without simulating what ya might be racing...
... in real world conditions.
---
169.1 lbs (dropping some of these will speed things up, too)
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
SPEED AND BRAKES, NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS
THERE'S A TECHNICAL, ROCKY SECTION on part of a local trail. First-timers walk it, new riders use a slow approach, locals...
... let it rip.
They know something.
Speed makes it much easier to glide over the the treachery.
It's counterintuitive.
Disc brakes are the same way.
They rub.
We pry 'em apart and reinsert the wheel.
Soon into the ride they are rubbing again.
Why?
The pads are worn out.
You'd think they would stop touch the disc or barely work when running thin.
That's the way rim brakes work when the pads are worn down.
Not discs.
Counterintuitive.
Which why we alwaysalwaysalways check our brake pads before a race...
... so we hit the tricky stuff with speed.
---
167.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DO YOU D.H.T.?
WE MAY NOT BE PRO. Our equipment may be lacking, our preparation woeful, our focus far from singular...
... which makes it all the more impressive.
When we, you and me...
... Do Hard Things.
Just like the pros,
but on a whole other level.
They level up,
get a pay check.
Our objective has nothing to do with money, and...
... everything to do with commitment.
Here's the cool part.
People see it.
Our family, friends, work associates, neighbors, etc.
They get inspired.
Maybe not to ride 100 miles or run a marathon or do an Ironman.
Doesn't matter.
The ability to D.H.T. can be applied to anything...
- changing diapers in the middle of the night
- studying instead of clubbing
- making 100 cold calls/day
- working 80 hrs a week for a season
- pushing a car off to the side of the road
- leading volunteers to repair after a disaster strikes
... once we learn we have it within us.
---
169.1 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WE NEED A METRIC FOR THIS
THE FIRST TIME I SAW SHIMANO'S INTEGRATED SHIFTING, dubbed SIS, I knew there was no chance in a sprint without it. Sure we'd perfected the lost of art of...
... sprinting, letting go of the handlebars with one hand to shift.
But, what was the point?
It was useless.
Shimano changed the game, all because...
... Gripshift had changed the game.
Gripshift morphed into SRAM.
Shimano gave us electric shifting.
SRAM did it better with wireless.
How is that my new Kindle got me thinking of this?
Simple.
Kindle changes the reading game.
Which got me thinking about another game changer, Training Peaks.
It's pretty cool.
All kinds of data.
But, one metric is missing and would...
... be so funny to have.
A measurement for how bad a ride sucks...
- Freezing rain
- Frying pan heat
- Mile long hike-a-bike
- Gail force headwinds
- Countless mechanicals
... indicating our badassness for getting it done,
not quitting.
For example, we rolled the dice this morning on a 38% chance of rain.
No big deal, right?
3 hours in, we face another hour of driving headwind and relentless rain...
... the suckometer was needling past halfway.
- Hands were edging towards inoperable.
- Too wet and involved to eat carbs
- Feet sloshing
Not terrible.
But, somewhere on the ride data it woulda been nice to see...
... the badassometer read out.
Just fer fun.
See where the day's suckiness ranked against other such rides over time.
Time to go back the Kindle...
... under the blankies.
Me still cold.
---
167.9 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
LEARNING TO RIP FROM MARCH MADNESS
BALL AND STICK SPORTS are typically concerned with, and built around, offense and defense. How do we...
... apply that thinking to our endurance addictitions?
Do we have offense?
Defense?
Yep.
Offense
- Riding, running swimming time
- Weight lifting
- Racing and competitive group rides
- Upgrading equipment - new, shiny stuff
- Hiring a coach
- Fine tuning the bike fit
- Developing our handling skills
Defense
- Recovery work
- Sleep
- Proper nutrition
- Accountability partner(s)
- Equipment maintenance
- Stretching
- Allies to work with when falling behind
And before you say I've misplaced one of those, we all know...
... the best defense is offense and visa versa.
That's not the point.
The point is to figure out...
... how to incorporate a great offense and defense in our limited time.
---
167.8 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
TWO OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES
THERE TWO MYSTERIES THAT SCIENCE can't explain. AI doesn't have the answer, either. But's they are facts just the same. For example...
... why do beginners get all the flats?
Riddle me that one LycraMan.
You know it's true.
You know if you invite a new, excitedtobethere, rider along, there's gonna be a flat.
Waywaywayway more often than the experienced riders will experience.
Makes no sense.
Just like why more bike shops don't have a comfy couch to wait for that...
.... just a few more minutes...
repair.
Maybe a coffee table showcasing
- A colorful catalog of their favorite products
- Samples of their go to sports drinks or things to chomp
- Gotta have tools to check out
I was thinking of another mystery as I swapped out my worn disc brake pads...
... why more of us don't learn the basics of maintenance.
---
168.7 lbs (the struggle is real)
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
63
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE PRIDE CYCLE QUEST
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THAT YOU'RE PROUD OF? Could be anything, but let's stay on point with athletic endeavors because it's important...
... to harness this concept.
The Pride Cycle Quest.
It's also dangerous,
if we let it get the best of us.
For me, at least, it's all about the quest.
Can I do it?
And, it's a cycle...
- Pick the outrageous result to chase
- Train for it.
- Do it.
... and pick another quest.
I don't really care if anybody else thinks it's cool,
so few understand us anyway.
It's internal.
Am I proud of that result?
It's only dangerous if we are chasing likes and kudos and cheers...
... from the world.
It's not about that.
It's about the quest.
It's personal.
I'm happiest when I have at least one per year.
That's my cycle of pride.
---
167.9 lbs
7.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHASING GHOSTS
PATHS BECOME TRAILS, trails become roads, roads become highways. It's evolution, and underneath it all are the ghosts...
... who got it started.
We think we're blazing a trail,
when we are really just going along with the crowd.
I was thinking about the day my longgone granpappy came to watch me race a criterium.
It was all new to me.
We wizzed past him every lap.
But, the laps were long...
... and he could barely see at that stage.
Afterwards, he told me how it was years before, when he was young.
I thought it would be in a velodrome and I'd be able to see you entire race.
Clueless me had no idea velodrome racing was the only bicycle racing 100 years ago.
Prior to that, it was racing bicycles long distance, on dusty...
... gravel roads.
In other words, we gone from...
- gravel
- to velodrome
- to road
- to bmx
- to mtb
- to gravel
... so why is gravel "new"?
It's not.
We're all just chasing ghosts who've gone before.
---
168 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THIS AIN'T NO TIME FOR FOOLING AROUND
WHAT IS THE BASELINE? The minimum effort to do and consider the week a win? It's important to have the least acceptable effort in mind...
... and make it happen.
Riding in the rain will make you think things like that.
Like, why the heck am I doing this?
Which is exactly what I was thinking as the skies opened an hour away from home.
Because I made a plan.
A public commitment.
Accountability.
Yesterday, in the sunshine and 72 degrees I committed to do the following this week:
- 15 pull ups, 50 push ups, 10 squats daily
- Ride 14 hours this week
- Drop 3 lbs
Easy to do when the weather is good,
and the day lazy.
The public commit was to the RaceDay Rippers,
who also hold me accountable each week when we check in.
I'm two months out from my next quest, the SurfNSummit.
The plan is on my RaceDay Calendar.
Some say Show me your calendar and I'll know what important to you...
... and yes, Date Night better be on there each week.
We have a few of the Giant RaceDay Calendars left, and you can save 25% since a quarter of the year is nearly past by using promo code:
CAL25OFF
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2024-giant-raceday-calendar
Here is the code:
CAL25OFF
Nod to the great Talking Heads for the inspiration
This is ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no time for foolin' around
---
168.9 lbs
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
59
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW TO STAY SLOW...
IT'S SUPER EASY TO STAY SLOW, and just as easy to stay fast. To stay slow, do what your slow friends do and...
... expect to get fast.
The problem with actually getting fast,
nobody gives you credit.
For the most part, they can't see or appreciate, and will never know...
... how hard we work.
And, we've got to be okay with that.
To commence,
recognition be damned.
To be fast, do what you fast friends do...
... and expect to get fast.
Do.
Expect.
168.4 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
58
>
WWDGD?! - 25 WEEKS TO GO
I FELT GOOD ENOUGH THIS WEEK TO DREAM of getting my fitness back and setting unrealistic goals. Is there anything better than that? Getting to a place to...
... dare to go for it.
After pushing hard for nearly 3 hours, we had a choice.
Take it easy or do the hurtful climb?
500' in a mile doesn't sound like much...
... unless it's the last climb of a fast day.
We were gonna skip it, and then Love Watts yelled...
... WWDGD!
Huh?
What Would David Goggins Do?!
There was no choice at that point, because all of us have streeeeeeeeetch goals this summer.
It was fine.
Slower than I'd like...
... but, compared to last week waywayway better.
And so the journey begins.
The countdown to Gravel Nationals.
Here's where I'm at.
You can see my fitness score at the very bottom.
Down from over 50%, 18 months ago.
Weight, 168ish.
Up 10 lbs, 18 months ago.
Vision is still messed up.
Way off from what I considered one of my few advantages racing off road.
Can I be ready September 8th, 2024?
It's gonna be fun,
and frustrating.
WWDGD?
Go for it.
Every
single
freakin'
opportunity.
168.2 lbs
8 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
60
>
WHEN THE RACE PLAN GOES TO HECK IN A HANDLEBAR
IT WAS A ROUGH START, things weren't going smoothly at all. It was causing a lot of stress and internal turmoil. Energy I'd hoped to reserve for...
... more important sections of the event.
Ayyyy, what to do?
What I always do...
... but, forget to do.
Think of of the things going right...
- I felt good
- I'd started on time
- My prep was perfect
... other words be grateful for the good.
My energy shifted.
I calmed down.
Focused on getting down to business.
Wound up having a spectacular day...
... at the office.
Tomorrow's race should go a lot better, and if it doesn't...
... I know what to do.
168.2 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
600 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
YOU INSURED FOR THAT?
WELL, THE BILLS ARE COMING and I'm thinking about you and me. For years I've looked at health insurance as lame. Struggled mentally, sometimes economically...
... to pay that everlarger bill.
Why?
I never get sick.
Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I see a doctor.
I'm already doing all they would recommend to get better...
- eat good
- skip sugar
- get plenty of rest
- and workout regularly
... why would I spend the $ on insurance?
It feels like I'm being duped.
Well, there are these events called...
... accidents.
They happen,
and are almost completely unplanned.
So, yeah, my bills are coming in and I'm happy as being at the to of the podium at my A race...
... 'cause it looks like almost all of it covered.
Sucks to be out 1000s...
... but, way better than being out 100s of thousands.
Just putting this out there 'cause I love you...
... get covered, if ya ain't.
====
Side Note: has anybody tried insurance for bike like BikeInsure? Asking for myself, just found out about 'em
167.2 lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
DO YOU LET POWER OR HR DETERMINE YOUR HARD VS EASY DAYS?
I HADN'T WORN MY HR MONITOR FOR DAYS. It wasn't working consistently, so I left it parked in the drawer. Until today, I gave it a shot and it actually worked...
... it got me thinking about the levels of easy.
There's so easy...
- I can barely feel the pedals
- I can sing a song
- I can easily talk
- I am not sure
... and maybe a few more levels.
My goal today was to ride as close to the top of my Zone 2 as possible, without going over...
... the I'm not sure range.
I wasn't sure, because my heart rate was bouncing at the top of the range. Meanwhile...
... my power was definitely over into a higher range quite often.
This is how I trained for decades, when I just had a HR monitor.
What's more important then...
... HR in Zone 2 or Power in Zone 2?
I'm gonna say, for me at least, HR is more important. It is more reflective of how all systems are working given the effort and absorbs the little efforts when the terrain or other elements require a few more watts.
Here's a real world application.
When I'm racing something epic, like Leadville, I'm going off heart rate for my pacing, and using the power meter to keep things in check when I have to dig a little deeper to close a gap or clean a technical uphill section.
The reality is, for peak performance on the long efforts...
... it's good to have both.
If it's a short race, under an hour, well, you know...
... put the dadgum gadget in the back pocket and race on feel.
Same for a long day of adventuring, who cares about the data when we're out there.
Enjoy the ride.
We can analyze later.
---
168. lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
57
>
SHOULD WE DO A HUNDRED RACES IN A YEAR?
YA WANNA GET GOOD, be a boss, strike fear in your frenemies, be the maker of things that happen...
... instead of wondering what happened?
Race.
A lot more.
100 times/year.
Think I'm crazy?
Think it's immmm po siiiiii ble?
Then don't do it.
Don't even try.
Keep wonderin',
misreading the moves.
Or, commit.
Do:
- 2 zwifties
- 2 local races
- 2 group rides
- 2 of your own personal courses for PR
We all have 52 chances a year,
to race twice a week.
No excuses.
Nothing but upside.
Heck, even a brain-damaged guy like me can do it.
This week...
- hammering my xc race loop Tuesday
- group ride on weekend
... slaying myself today, getting crushed by the fellas Saturday.
Gotta start somewhere.
Gonna do what hurts and what I'm comfortable with.
Twice a week.
Oh... I know you're askin'...
... Why 100 times a year?
Because, every race is different.
We'll see a lot of different situations.
We're trying to see 'em all, or have a reallyreallyreally good feel for what is going to happen.
Simple as that.
Experience counts.
Get some.
It's free.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
55
Are you ready to Rip On Raceday?
>
NOT GONNA LIE
WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO, I had one thing on my mind. Not after first being knocked out, not after the morphine and other meds wore off, days after being home...
... I wanted to say one thing.
Not gonna lie.
I was hurting.
Stunned.
How could my crazy good health take such a drastic turn in seconds...
... this wasn't what I had planned for 2024.
8 weeks later, I'm improving.
I'd leave it there, but...
... not gonna lie.
I'm nowhere near where I was just prior, nor 12 months ago, nor 2 years ago.
I'm off.
I can work 4-5 hours,
then my brain needs a break.
I can ride my bike,
but I have no power,
off-road vision is shift.
I can talk to friends,
until I can't.
Something even more weird happened though.
Something few will admit or acknowledge or maybe even notice...
... when I took that blow to the noggin' it felt like my spirit left my body.
There's a disconnectedness.
I know things aren't quite right.
Will they return or is life just going to be different?
Not gonna lie...
... this is new territory.
Now, I'm being as honest and transparent as possible in all I do.
My friend battling cancer taught me that,
the freedom of being honest.
Yes, I hid it from Surfergirl that on one of my first bike rides alone I was going down the road and thought I saw 4 ducks crossing the road in front of me...
... it was just two,
that's troubling.
Not gonna lie.
I kept riding.
Lying to myself it was all good,
hiding the truth if asked.
What is easier, being honest with ourselves and those around us or pulling the lycra over our eyes and theirs?
To remind myself of my new commitment...
... I made a special kit, see above.
That's the kind of thing I was looking forward to in 2024.
New designs,
new patterns,
new fabrics.
The good newsy stuff.
If you're into the rawness of honesty, maybe you'll like this too.
It's patterned after one of my all-time favorite Porsche's.
Check the full kit here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ngl-collection
Use this promo code on this kit to save 30%: NGL30
Code expires on 3.15.24.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
HE SWITCHED TEAM, AND IT...
TODAY AN AMERICAN WON PARIS-NICE, an 8-Day stage race in France. A youngun, 25 years old. He'd never done it before, and wasn't picked as a favorite...
... except he picked himself.
A long time ago.
When riding for a less professional, less scientific team he was spending his own cash on equipment and training to up his game.
Something the top teams covered and pursued relentlessly.
He jumped at the chance to upgrade to the current dominant force in European road racing this season.
Would it matter?
I'd say it is clear.
What's interesting is how many of are trapped like a monkey...
... failing to let go, when we know we should.
Not only did he upgrade his team and training, but placed a huge bet on himself in a daring and startling breakaway with fellow US racer Brandon McNulty.
When you are a pro...
... winning actually is everything.
Way to go Mateo Jorgenson.
---
168.4 lbs
9 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
53
>
HOW TO GET FASTER FOR DUMMIES
APPARENTLY, LOVE WATTS FORGOT our commitment to go easy on the way up the coast. Which meant we had time to do the biggest climb I've done this year...
... 2 hours and 2000' of climbing for our "warm up".
At the usual time, riders flocked in and we were off.
It felt good to do my first group ride of the year...
- to see the guys
- get whooshed along
- and see some higher power numbers
... until the first overpass.
Where I was off the back.
Caught on at a light.
Off again.
On again.
My breathing and wheezing needed a muffler.
On the next power climb, normally 2ish minutes...
... I needed an extra minute or three.
They were gone.
Yeah, they are nowhere near as fast as I am...
... they're a heckuvalot faster.
Am I good with that?
Yeah, they've always been faster than lit'l ol' me.
Now I just need patience to close the gap to where...
... they are less faster.
So, here's the plan that I've used many a year...
... pick a spot beyond where I got popped today.
Make it just a little further each week.
Corner by corner,
Hill by hill.
Progress > Perfection
---
167.6 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
IT WAS ABOUT THE TRUTH, NOT ARMS RACE
I HATE TIMETRIALS. I mean, I like 'em, but, yeah, I hate 'em. It's not because I'm not great at 'em, and trust me I'm not. It's because...
... they hurt so dang bad.
Not only that, it's...
- lonely
- painful
- humbling
... is there anything more truthful than getting passed by your minute man?
No drafting.
No wily cunning.
Nothing matters except...
... who is the strongest,
and who can suffer the most.
Oh, wait, one more thing matters...
... who's got the most money to afford the most advanced gear.
When everything tiny thing adds time and seconds matter...
... it can turn into an arms race.
I'm okay with that to a point.
Butttttttttt, don't ya think participation would rise...
... if we raced Merckx-style?
At least at the amateur level?
On our road bikes vs tt bikes?
With road helmets?
And "normal" road wheels?
And... you get the point right?
As much as I hate/love a tt, I truly appreciated Tucson Bicycle Classic for making their tt be done on road bikes the last to years.
It's just a lot more fair/approachable/inviting...
... and equally miserable for all.
That's the truth.
Side note: I think I love XC MTB racing because it's basically a mass start time trial. The terrain naturally and quickly separates us.
---
168.4 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
51
>
WERE YOU AS DORKY AS THIS?
WHEN I WAS JUST GETTING INTO THE SPORT, I was such a dork. A small percentage of you will disagree, maybe even swear at me, but nothing says...
... stay clear, like a mirror.
I know, I know, some of us are damaged and can't look over our shoulders.
Too stiff,
crap balance.
I was neither of those.
I was a spry young newb.
Excited to ride and race.
And my girlfriend of the time wanted to get me something cool.
I quickly mounted the mirror to the end of my handlebar - see pic above.
I thought it was rad.
Perfect for the high speeds and shoulder banging of crit racing,
which I loved.
Rather than turn my head and telegraph my plans,
I could take a peek at my mirror.
Nobody else thought it was cool...
... and they made an obnoxious and clear point of it.
If my hairy legs,
questionable bike handling,
roadrashed arms and legs weren't a give away...
... the mirror, made it clear.
I was not to be trusted in the bunch.
Here's the dill.
They were right.
Because let's face it, anybody focused on the past...
... doesn't have a shot at a winning future.
---
167.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
50
>
I DON'T ALWAYS RIDE IN THE RAIN...
I COULD SEE THE STORM BREWING. Like a crazy fool, I rolled out anyway even though I was certain to...
... get caught in the rain.
Trust me, I am a fair weather rider.
Gimme 70 degrees,
and a lite breeze.
So why ride?
Two reasons.
One embarrassing.
One legit...
- Poorly executed work day
- It rains on raceday
- Commitment
Yeah, I had all this work scheduled and a timeline to follow....
... and, well, ya know, things didn't go as planned.
That's 1.
Since it does rain on raceday, and I've never let that stop me from lining up...
... it's good to practice from time to time.
That's 2.
And I committed to myself to get my slothful self back in shape.
That's 3, a bonus.
So which one's embarrassing?
- crap planning
- useless prep
- silly commitment
Well, I dunno about you...
... but, I'm cool with
- keeping my commitments,
- being prepared for all conditions,
- even when things don't go as planned.
---
167.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
50
>
IT FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME!
I WOULD CLIMB ANY MOUNTAIN, ride across the stormy sky. It seemed like I'd waited a lifetime, spent so much time in recovery...
... it felt like the first time!
The MTB.
Like it never did before,
like I'd opened up the door.
Finally!
What is it?
I guess it's just the rawness of nature,
bringing out the rider in me.
Dawgawn I'd missed it.
Carving turns,
wiggling up technical sections,
brushing the thistles,
hanging my lycra off the back in the steeps.
Why today?
Well, to be honest, today was a breakthrough on my vision.
The double-vision I've been dealing with was greatly diminished.
Partly time.
Partly exercises for my eyes.
One of you loyal readers,
one of us,
took the time to share with me a gift for everyone.
Tools for increasing our eyesight,
the kind we need to quickly assess the best way to rip it up off road (on road, too).
You can check the tool out here: https://www.readbetweenthelions.org. Go to the K-12 program.
It's free.
Thanks Rick!
Makes me wonder what else we can learn from each other?
Speak up y'all!
Let's get betterfasterstronger...
... together.
Have you checked out https://pedalindustries.com/pages/rip-on-raceday-network?
(yeah, this post is a nod to Foreigner)
---
168.2 lbs
9 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
48
>
IT ONLY TOOK ME 10 YEARS
Jun 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
WHEN THE PROMOTER OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MID-WEEK MTB RACE came over to say Hi last night he jumped on my lap. Then, noticing I had the Race Leader jersey...
... Did you win the series?
Yep.
I'm the same age as you were when you began coming out here.
No way!
Yeah, it was then that you started to get back into racing.
He's got a good memory.
So do I...
... years of getting whacked by the fastest cats in the county.
Malcom Gladwell famously said it takes 10,000 hours to be great at something. Others have said 10 years...
... I'd have to agree, at this point.
But, what is interesting to me is along the way, through all the learning, struggling and juggling, it doesn't seem like much progress is being made. Here a little there a little, 'till one day we wake up...
... hardly recognizable to our previous self.
To outsiders it seems like overnight,
so all of the sudden,
outta nowhere.
But, those who travel the lonely road to explore their potential know different...
... they know what it took.
The victories are nice, the journey getting there is better...
... whether or not a podium is climbed.
PRs > KOMs
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Until I write the book, I'll keep encouraging you to take my 10-Week Challenge...
... it only took me 10 years to figure it out.
What are you waiting for?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready-how-and-what
Sparky Sprocket made my night... came over to introduce himself and thank me for writing The Way of The RACER because it inspired him to come out and race, and do a triathlon... nothing better than that : )
160.7
6.25hrs 78% (always hard to sleep after an evening race)
Body Water 60.%
4 Rounds of Strength Circuit
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
MY MONEY IS ON THE VAMPIRE
Jun 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
I DON'T KNOW IF HE'LL WIN THE TOUR DE FRANCE FOR SURE, but I'm pretty confident he'll do better than his lauded teammate. I mean, he smoked him last year...
... so why not back him for the overall win?
He climbs like he has wings, and he looks like a vampire.
He's awfully young, you say?
I say... Whotheheck cares, he's got vampire strength!!
... and, his team is going all in on climbing, leaving Dennis and bringing Kuss.
Plus, everyone's gonna have to watch the Slovenians.
All, he has to do is act like No One Of Consequence, and be patient...
... like a heartless, bloodsucking vampire.
Who are you backing for the win?
Tadej is the obvious choice, but gimme your best 2nd choice.
---
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Speaking of the obvious choice...
... have you added these superlight and airy gloves to your wardrobe for the Fourth?
You are going to be properly patriotic that day aren't you?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
161.d
8 hrs 87%
Body Water 60.8%
1 Round of Strength Circuit
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
NO ONE OF CONSEQUENCE
Jun 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN at a race amongst strangers. Some go The Hulk route, dancing and prancing menacingly loudly during the warm up and on the start line...
... I prefer the tact used by Dread Pirate Roberts.
In fact, I even had my favorite line from the pirate printed on my special one-off kit a few years ago...
... No One Of Consequence.
That's exactly what you want the competition thinking when they look over at you.
If you are friendly, humble, meek,
If you point things out and ignore the Hulks,
If you pull through at the correct pace vs gapping everyone,
If you ham it up on the hard efforts with your tongue hanging out...
... competitors will automatically take you off the predator list.
Then, you move in for the kill.
---
The thing about the Dread Pirate Roberts was he had all kinds of skills and tricks...
... if you're up for a challenge to learn some of mine Click here.
---
163.9 (Fatter's Day)
7 hrs 81%
Body Water 60.9%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
NO POWER METER NEEDED
Jun 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
YOU DON'T NEED A POWER METER. You don't need a coach. It's June, the days are long, kids out of school...
... and something great is on your calendar.
Everything is getting easier.
Right?
No.
Not really..
Actually, not one bit.
It only seems easier because you have developed a super power...
... persistence.
A power meter can be helpful,
a good coach transformative,
as long as you persist...
... in carving your own personal greatness.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Isn't it great to live in a country where you can do that?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
162.3
9.5 hrs 88%
Body Water 60.8%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
L' GO MY LEGO
Jun 18, 2022 TODD BROWN
HE DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING BY IT. Was just trying to be nice, helpful. I've done the same thing, and met the same response...
... Get your hand off my back!
It happened while the group was charging up an 8 minuteish climb, culminating with The Wall. And it's a wall.
But this was a bit earlier, when the speeds were still in the high teens...
... and I was quickly moving backwards.
I didn't want the help, not because it's kinda humiliating (yeah, I'm proud that way) but because it's the end of a big building block week. Lots of miles, lots of lifting...
... the legs are heavy and I wanted to enjoy all the pain.
Not be ripped off from a push,
by a guy,
on an
ebike!
That's part of the big week experience, big heavy, big pain...
... big push through it.
Sounds like I'm having a baby.
But, that's kinda what a big build period is...
... giving birth to a shiny new you.
Each week is a like a lego piece, a block to build on. Another one next week, then the real racing starts on 7/4...
... can't wait!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Speaking of 7/4...
... you know what gloves and socks I'll be rocking at the Firecracker 50!
You are going to be properly patriotic that day aren't you?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
162.8
7 hrs 73%
Body Water 61%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
NOTHING LAST FOREVER
Jun 17, 2022 TODD BROWN
NOTHING LAST FOREVER. Why is that so hard to remember, especially when racing. Not the tallwind blowing us up the road, not the highhigh climb pounding us into submission...
... it all will change.
I was going over race strategies with a friend today who was mentally rehearsing his planned training ride tomorrow. He's prepping for Leadville.
I'm gonna charge every hill as hard as I can.
You shouldn't do that.
But, I want to.
Yeah, you and every other sparklypuppy with fresh legs on raceday. You do that and you'll be blown to pieces on the second half of the race.
.... hmmm....
Not hmmm, you want to be humming because that freshness is gonna fade into superstaleawfulness.
What should I do?
The first thing we should do is remember nothing lasts forever.
Not the pleasures,
nor the pains,
of racing.
We need to embrace the pain and grind through it...
... and embrace the pleasure and make it last.
These are superpowers only those on the edge of personal paramount performance learn to harness.
---
You know what else doesn't last forever? Riding buddies. The great Chris is moving away in a few weeks, today was our last ride together...
... cherish your friends, they will eventually move on too.
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
162.3
7.8 hrs 88%
Body Water 61%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
AIMLESS MAN MAKES DISCOVERY!
Jun 16, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE RIDING with no particular place to go. While aimlessness is looked down upon in general...
... on a bike, it's the best.
Like today.
My only objective was to find the roughest trails around so i could further refine my suspension set up. The goal is to max out the travel once on every ride...
... that's the full party mode.
Best tracking through corners,
smoothest ride,
max speeds.
So, when I came across a sign for a new2me trail that read Everything's Getting Worse...
... I couldn't resist.
It's newish,
quite skinny,
carved into a steep hillside,
with very tight switch backs,
culminating in controlled skid through a slot canyon...
... perfect.
Aimlessness wins the day, yet again.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
You know who wasn't aimless? Benjamin Franklyn, maybe the best autobiography I ever read.
Just another reason to rock the red, white and blue next month...
... are you ready?
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
160.7
7.75 hrs 83%
Body Water 60%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE 3 Ps OF REAL ATHLETES
Jun 15, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'D BE LYING IF I DIDN'T TELL YOU I LOVE ATHLETES MORE than non-athletes. We are kin. I get you, no matter your sport...
... I just do.
But, something has changed these past few years.
It's not the same.
I still enjoy watching pro athletes perform, but not nearly as much as I have enjoyed probing...
... the very edges of personal potential with my comrades.
Out here, on the edges, time is precious.
More precious.
Limited.
Cutting the fluff, time spent watching (anything but our closest family and friends), has been instrumental...
... to learning what is possible and what works.
That's why I love the real athletes, why I connect with them at the dinner party, why we bond while waiting in line...
... we are on the same path to paramount personal potential.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
Isn't it wonderful to be free to pursue this path...
... and the positivity that spills into everything else we do?!
I cherish their vision and bravery, and look forward each year to feel the spirit of the 4th.
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
Want to go faster? Click here.
160.2
7 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.2%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
COMPELLING STORIES.
Jun 14, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO COMPELLING. My friend Alex, after making tens of millions gives away all his secrets for free. My friend Mike, on a deep and expansive personal spiritual journey, shares everything he's discovering...
... and then there's ThinkMTB Dave.
He fell in love with mountain biking later in life, while running a crazy enterprise.
Just like that, the entire company got free kits and entries into all the local races...
... he could see the benefits of healthy recreation.
Now Dave is rounding up all the local mountain bike clubs so we have a unified voice in government and stewardship over the lands.
What is compelling about these three friends is their zeal to improve the lives of as many people as possible because...
... they feel compelled.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
It reminds me of a group of people in the late 1700s till the mid 1800s-ish.
Who felt compelled.
I cherish their vision and bravery, and look forward each year to feel the spirit of the 4th.
Buy the gloves and socks... socks are free at checkout.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
162
7.3 hrs 75%
Body Water 59.8%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
POWER TO WAIT
Jun 13, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO IMPORTANT POWER RATIOS. The ever popular power to weight, and the less well known power to surface area...
... the both take time to develop.
Let's cover power to surface area first.
The more upright you are, the more shift you have flapping around in the wind...
... the more surface area you have ssssslooooooowwwwiiinng youuuuuu dooooooooowwwwwnnnnn.
You've got to reduce that, while increasing your power by:
- getting a proper bike fit to maximize your power and position
- getting aero apparel
- getting an aero helmet
- shaving that forest on your legs you were so pubecently proud of
- testing positions by timing yourself freewheeling a local hill
... and that's just the surface, and only regarding your body in terms of aero.
As for power to weight, thou must weigh thyself daily.
- first thing in the morning
- after you potty, trim your nails and strip
It is the only way to get a grasp on your diet and how it effects your weight. It's immediate feedback...
... you'll either smile or have a little chat with yourself about how you can and will! do better.
And, don't be spouting off about how light you are after you just finished a hundy and didn't drink or eat enough...
... that's cheatin' yourself.
Reduce your surface area,
reduce your weight...
... you are instantly faster.
Well, not instantly. It takes time, so get after it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
Want a kickyourbutt challenge?
Do what I do.
I know it works.
This is exactly what I do.
And, you can upgrade for a whopping $7 and I'll send you a Customizer you can use to create the workouts for the next 10 weeks...
... all you have to do is enter how much you can ride and how many pushups you can do, the Customizer will do the rest.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready™-10-week-challenge
---
163.3
7.5 hrs 80%
Body Water 60.3%
Pull Ups + Power PushUps + Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
IT'S BETTER TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS
Jun 12, 2022 TODD BROWN
MY BETTER HALF BUSTED ME. Perfectly angled on the couch, feet up, reclined, eyes half open...
... The Daufine drama unfolding.
Another bike race is on?
Uh, yeah.
And you're just gonna lie there and watch it?
There was a lot I could say at this point.
Such as the rule of if standing, sit
if sitting, lie down,
if lying, sleep.
I sure as shift wasn't gonna tell her I already knew who won!...
... though she probably suspected as much.
It's true.
While it's nice to be surprised and on the edge of our saddles...
... I prefer to know how it ends in advance.
Then, I can watch exactly what the winner did to get it done. For me, that is more interesting...
... because that's how I like to race.
If it's actually an A race, that rare beast that comes along once or twice a year, I've often visualized every single thing that's going to happen...
... from Monday of the week before until crossing the finish line.
I have found that makes all the difference, and the sooner I start that process the better.
It's why I created the RaceDay Calendar. That giant year-at-a-glance tool I use to plan the year's races, vacation, and work.
It's why I love the Reminder Wallet, printed with my A race goal.
It's how I developed the RaceDay Bag™.
Everything we do at PEDAL Industries is about supporting your vision for RaceDay.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
It's why I'm sharing the RaceDay Ready Body, Mind, Soul Challenge™...
It's the general plan I've used and perfected over the years.
Are you ready for the challenge?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
---
163.4
8.2 hrs 100%
Body Water 60.5%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SHORTCUTS CAN BE GOOD
Jun 11, 2022 TODD BROWN
HAVING PREVIOUSLY LAID OUT A GREAT XC COURSE, I was looking forward to ripping it up this morning. It took me just over 2:20 the first time in Zone 2...
... how much faster could I go unmuzzled today?
20 minutes faster. But, there's one small problem.
In my haste to get back early, I'd skipped downloading the route and exactly where to go and wound up deviating off course.
That's why I hate shortcuts...
... we don't realize the true win.
It doesn't matter if we cut the
- course
- gym time
- ride time
- maintenance
- sleep
- diet
- intervals
- ...
... cut any of it and we rob ourselves of ultimate victory. Either by not completing the goal, or missing the goal be not being completely ready.
Here's the good news, we can do it again...
... and do it right.
By repeating the course many times we'll get faster through as we memorize the course and experiment with set up, pacing, nutrition, etc.
Memorizing and experimenting are paramount for personal greatness...
... there's no shortcut for that.
Actually, there is one way to compress the time needed for mastery...
... hire a coach.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
I'm not a coach.
But, I have prepared a pathway anybody can follow with my RaceDay Body, Mind Soul™ 10 Week Challenge...
... and for most, it's gonna be a helluva shortcut.
It's the general plan I've used and perfected over the years.
Are you ready for the challenge?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-body-mind-soul™-10-week-challenge
---
162.3
7.2 hrs 83%
Body Water 60.8%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Jun 10, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER BOMBING A LONG, ROCKY HILLSIDE TRAIL ABOUT 18" WIDE we came to a stop. What a charge! I'd had so much fun...
... my friend was panting and pale.
That cliff was so steep!
I guess.
Did you see that jagged boulder?
Maybe.
What about that crazy cactus?
I think so.
Same trail, entirely different experience.
But why?
Simple.
Vision.
I'd focused on where I wanted to go, he'd focused on where he didn't want to go.
There's a lesson there.
I hope you see it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
Did you see the 3 checklists I made for you?
- The RaceDay Bag™ is a checklist with it's labeled pockets.
- The RaceDay Bike Checklist™ starts counting down a week or so out.
- The RaceDay Body, Mind Soul™ is my daily checklist.
You can download them here, for free:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
---
162
7.5 hrs 80%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN TO WAKE UP, PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Jun 09, 2022 TODD BROWN
A FEW YEARS AGO, I was having lunch with the great Joe Friel. I'd paid to fly him out and have him speak to a select group...
... and I learned a lot.
Probably more than anyone, because I had him to myself.
How much sleep should we get Joe?
As much as you need.
How much do I need?
Well, let me make it simple for ya.
Ok.
I don't use an alarm clock, I get up when I'm done sleeping.
Dang. Simple. Advice.
But, what about raceday? Then we do need to set an alarm, we do need to be up and going through our routine.
Here's how I do it:
- Saturday is my mock raceday.
- Friday I go through the motions of prepping bike and gear.
- Friday night I experiment with different foods.
- Saturday I wake up at the same time I'll be waking up on raceday.
- Test out what I'm planning to eat on raceday.
- Start riding when I plan to start riding on raceday.
The rest of the week, I'm mostly following Joe's advice.
If anything...
... we need an alarm for when to hit the hay.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
I have 3 checklists:
- The RaceDay Bag™ is a checklist with it's labeled pockets.
- The RaceDay Bike Checklist™ starts counting down a week or so out.
- The RaceDay Body, Mind Soul™ is my daily checklist.
You can download them here, for free:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-ready/products/raceday-ready-checklists
---
160.8
7 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.3%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BE YOU.
Jun 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE'VE ALL DONE IT. Maybe not you smartypants. But, we have been mid-ride, or worse mid-race...
... and shift happens (or doesn't).
Unbelievably, I received 2 shocking race reports in the last 24 hours...
... freakin' rookies didn't charge their batteries.
One of them was racing Unbound and had miles and miles to go.
I can't let this happen to you.
So, here's my solution.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-checklists
A checklist for your Bike...
... yeah, you're gonna love it.
Heck, I got so inspired I created one for your Body too!
It's free...
... for now.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready-checklists
---
162.2
5.75 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 40 Power PushUps + 40 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE WHITE JERSEY IS A BOOBY PRIZE??
Jun 07, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER FURTHER THOUGHT, maybe I'm not such a fan of the White Jersey awarded to the best young rider. I suspect it represents the old heirachy...
... and the kids have figured it out.
Tired of banging on the door when they saw there power numbers were just as good as the established pros, they have been bursting through for a few years now...
... making road racing much more exciting.
Much, much, more.
Retrospectively, it looks like the White Jersey was given to placate the youngsters with talent...
... telling them to wait their turn.
They ain't having none of it.
Freakin' kids are awesome!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
They are ready.
Are you?
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
162.2
7.25 hrs 85%
Body Water 60.6%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
BETTER TO WON AND LOST THAT NOT WON AT ALL
Jun 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EYES. There he was front and center on the VeloNews home page. Young Kevin, who used to ride with us. Except he's a man now, pulling a paycheck...
... racing bikes in Europe.
He's extremely disappointed because he lost today.
And, I love that.
He was in the winning break at the Dauphine, narrowly missing the victory...
... which is gonna sting for a bit.
But, he won...
- by being in the winning break
- by taking the White jersey
- by racing pro in Europe
He lost a chance to win his first pro race, but it's just a matter of time because...
... he's put himself in a position to win.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
You can't win if you you're not in a winning position.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
162
7.5 hrs 87%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SCIENCE BEHIND CHEAT DAYS
Jun 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
IN HIS BREAKTHROUGH WORK, The Four Hour Body, the great Tim Ferriss reveals his support for the idea of Cheat Days...
... where you ditch the regimen.
I loved it.
It backed up everything I loved about my Sunday rituals. No bike, lots of rest and lots of treats...
... a time to return from the mountain, so to speak.
While it is nice to mow down a pint of ice cream or half a pie, I have also found there are two terrible consequences:
- Any cravings I may have conquered the preceding 6 days are reactivated, not satiated. Almost worse than before.
- The 6 days of progress are followed not by 1 day of regression, but 3-4 days to get things back to where they were.
Cheat days are awesome, if you're into continuing to struggle with cravings and stunting your progress...
... otherwise you're just cheating yourself.
BTW, you can eat whatever you want on a big ride... the pic above is 4 hours and 6000' in.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Need someone to hold you accountable?
A plan?
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161.8
7 hrs 78%
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
40 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WHEELSUCKERY?
Jun 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
AT SOME POINT ON TODAY'S RIDE things got goofy. It was the final 20 minute leg pulleroffer. Quads barking, kids hangry...
... not much left.
I like this ride for it's jumpiness.
But, it can wear even the fittest timber down to swirling sawdust.
Pulls get skipped, wheelsuckery abounds, tempertrantrumitis flares...
... which always cracks me up.
But, apparently it isn't funny to the great gravel gawds of Unbound who are actually on record that sitting on ain't part of the gravel racing ethos...
... because only the strongest should win.
Really?
Since when are tactics not part of racing?
Tactics can be a strength.
A superpower.
On a training ride, unhitching the unwilling should be practiced mercilessly...
... because in a race, it's gotta be done.
Conversely, training rides are a perfect place to master latching to faster riders and conserving till you're fingers are bleeding...
... because in a race, it might have to be done.
Which brings me back to today's comic relief...
... don't get mad, get off the front.
That eventually transpired today.
Touché.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Being not the most talented, I've had to learn to be crafty...
... which is what I'm teaching this cat.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
160.7
5.5 hrs 52% (yes I suffered because of this)
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
NO TRAINING, REQUIRED
Jun 03, 2022 TODD BROWN
I'M GONNA MAKE IT REAL SIMPLE FOR YA. You're doing too much. Probably way too much...
... let's fix that.
Here's a filter you can use:
If it ain't Hellyeah!, it's no.
For examples...
Would you like some cake?
No.
Would you like to stay out late partying?
No.
Would you like to go for a killer ride tomorrow?
Hellyeah!
What merits a Hellyeah! depends on who you want to be and what you want to accomplish.
What merits a No is everything else.
It's simple.
Not easy.
Train it.
No...
... and it'll be a big Hellyeah! on RaceDay!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Like Leif.
He's training for a big Hellyeah! at Leadville this summer. Watch the video.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161
7.5 hrs
Body Water 60.4%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
PLANNING 101
Jun 02, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOMEONE ACTUALLY ASKED ME HOW TO PREPARE FOR A RACE. That happens all the time, and I am generally free with the advice. Not this time...
... the race is next weekend!!!
What should I do to prepare for Giro Di San Diego next weekend, 100 miles 8000'?
Pray.
I mean, what can you do 10 days out?
Not much.
If it's an A race, your prep should have begun months ago and you'll be tapering the next 10 days.
If it's a B, you'll probably just train through it on your way to the A race.
Things you should do:
- Get a RaceDay Calendar™ and commit!
- Get my 10 week RaceDay Ready plan (give me 10 weeks and I'll get you ready)
- Get your bike prepped, I have a checklist for you.
- Get your travel plan in place, even if it's a short drive, figured out
In other words, get your shift together...
... you paid good money to line up, get your money's worth!
Don't believe me? Watch this.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
Want a sample of the program Leif is on?
Just get this kit.
- The beautiful PEDAL R kit, made from imported Italian fabrics. So good you'll thank me after the first ride.
- A customized for you 10-week RaceDay Ready Plan
- 20% savings on everything we make and sell.
- Early access to our famous and challenging rides.
- Entry into our RaceDay Ready Strava Club where you can ask Todd anything.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
161
7 hrs
Body Water 61%
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
HOT IN HERRE
Jun 02, 2022 TODD BROWN
TWENTY DAYS TILL THE SUMMER SOLSTICE, and it's already starting to heat up around here. Should you be lucky enough to ride midday in the sweletering goodness...
... it's like a twofer.
- You are riding while the rest of us are grinding
- Good stuff happens in the heat.
Whether or not you're riding in the heat of the day to try and acclimate before some hideously hot event, here's the science:
- Blood plasma will increase. More plasma means better cooling, better nutrient distribution, protection against dehydration.
- Resting heart temp will be lower.
- You'll sweat earlier and more vs waiting until you're too hot which keeps you cooler.
- Left ventricle of heart strengthens, pumping more blood faster.
- Cellular adaptation, on the individual level to better withstand heat stress.
Yeah, this is what I tell myself when I'm caught out in the furnace...
... alone.
It's my self talk ain't sciency, it's like this:
All those fools in the air conditioned enclaves...
... and I am working!
HOW TO STAY FOREVER YOUNG
May 31, 2022 TODD BROWN
SOME OF YOU HAVE FIGURED OUT WHERE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS, not just healthy and badassly on the bike. And, it warms my heart almost daily...
... to see your vitality.
If you haven't figured it out yet, it's right there hiding in the picture above.
See all those racers sprinting for the line?
They're kids.
In Europe.
And, that young man on the far left is from around these parts. His dad has ridden with him and coached him since he was a wheel high. His high school put together a NICA MTB team. Then he was recruited to race with Roy's LUX development team...
... yep, all kinds of oldsters have been around Luke's development.
If there is one piece of advice I can give you who are searching for the fountain of youth...
... it's with the youth.
Get around them.
Sponsor them.
Mentor them.
The blessings are undeniable in the countenances of those who donate their time and resources to the youth...
... they are younger and more vital than their peers.
It's undeniable.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lux
We donate bags to all the kids on the team.
If you'd like to support the team, use PROMO code: TEAMLUX
You'll save 10% and the team will earn 10%.
Or, if you'd like to donate directly or become sponsor: luxcycling@gmail.com
Stay young my friends.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lux
---
160.9
7.2 hrs 97%
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
TOP 2 HIDDEN BENEFITS OF ZONE 2
May 30, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS A HUGE BUZZ ON POLARIZED TRAINING, as there should because it's backed up by science. What isn't backed up by science...
... is hidden.
We need to be intentional about the obvious hidden benefits.
First, do your Zone 2 with your friends. Because it's a conversational pace, having a friend(s) a long will allow you to connect in ways we used to before the invasion of our digital gods.
Second, because we spend (should spend!) so much time in Zone 2 it can get monotonous unless we spice it up with efficiency challenges like:
- cornering
- braking
- jumping
- drafting
- eating
- drinking
- form
- pedal stroke
- aerodynamics
- etc
These are cornerstones of superior athletic accomplishments...
... camaraderie and efficiency.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets0
That's where the money is.
Speaking of money, there is nothing better to being on a ride or simply remember who cool this sport is than this nifty wallet made from innertube.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
162.2
6.2 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps + 20 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT ABOUT JAI?
May 29, 2022 TODD BROWN
JAI HINDLEY WON THE GIRO TODAY. Nobody was watching him the first week, some watched him the second week...
... what a scene this week!
How could a race 3 weeks long
come down to the last 3 miles
with 3 seconds between
the top contenders?
If you missed the whole thing, go back and watch the final big climb on Saturday. There is no better drama than months of prep and weeks of racing come down to this...
... one man was significantly better than the rest.
Man?
Honestly, looks like a boy.
Better than rest?
You'd never know it looking at him, there's sense of ego or I'm better than you, he looks like a kid who's just having a good time.
It's been a long, long time since I've seen such amateur joy at the pro level...
... maybe the first time.
Maybe that's what happens when nobody believes you've got it in you?
Maybe it's a result of enjoying the experience vs stressing to perform?
Maybe Jai knew what no one else did...
... he was ready to have the ride of his life?
Are you?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Well, be sure to change in style before and after your grand day.
These changing ponchos are awesome for changing before and after, and wiping down your body and bike after.
Use promo code: PONCHO
to save 20%.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
8.25 hrs
Body Water 61.1%
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IF IT AIN'T FIXED, BREAK IT
May 28, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE ENDLESS FASCINATION THAT IS PERSONAL PERFORMANCE has led me in a new direction. Today was evidence it's working. I've previously dabbled and tinkered, but...
... I had to break the molds to get the results.
Yes, plural.
Molds I've broken this year.
Suspension. I've pretty much shied from messing with suspension over the years. This year, I had the suspension refreshed and revalaved for my specific weight. Then I took the time to test it and dial it in the past few weeks, adjusting sag and rebound well outside of the recommended factory settings...
... I've never had a more dialed in rig.
Weight training. Like most sheeple, I commenced lifting weights each "offseason", quickly blowing it off. This year I committed to lifting every single day...
... I've never felt stronger.
Polarized training. About a year ago, I started experitmenting with polarized training. I had good success, accomplishing last summer's major objective: Silver Corral at Leadville for '22. This year, fulling embracing the concept...
... I've never felt fresher.
There are more broken molds laying around here, stay tuned.
In the meantime, what was so successful about today's ride?
A darn respectable time on our local big climb, all in low zone 3 and after just over 2 hours and 3000' of climbing getting over there. Then I spun around and ripped the downhill which was majorly socked in and difficult to see, getting a PR on the entire up/down segment... look at that fork for reference.
I also stuck to my nutrition plan and consumed: 6 bottles of doubleserving Skratch, 3 Paleo bars, 1 Clif bar, 1 Mexican Coke, a portion of Zack's Stinger waffle. And I felt great all day.
Oh, and a slewful of PRs on a number of DH sections. That is really good news, because it's taken me a while to get comfortable on the MTB after so much gravel riding.
Doing the math: I climbed as much today, 12,000' as the looming upcoming race. I did it on a 20 mile shorter course, in 6:48. That leaves me 1:12 to cover that 20 flat miles, which would be about 17mph...
... it's gonna be really, really close to my 8 hr goal.
Might have to find a few more molds to break.
If y'all are looking to break some molds of yer own, there's nothun bettah than a giant RaceDay Calendar to motivate ya.
It takes gigongous cajones to take a Sharpie and write yer goals so everyone can see.
One place to see the entire year's events.
- Weeks are set up Monday- Sunday, because the weekends matter to us.
- Large area on top for top annual objectives
- Weekends and Holidays are highlighted as well as the time changes
- Plenty of space at the to bottom for detailing your vision for the year.
How HUGE?
27.5" Wide X 48" Tall.
What's it made out of?
We are using the same durable fabric we use in our RaceDay Bags™. This will create an enduring record of what you planned and accomplished each year.
Best racing investment you'll make all year.
---
162
6 hrs
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
TRUING OUR WHEELS
May 27, 2022 TODD BROWN
STRAIGHT AND NARROW IS THE WAY which leads to life. That line is preceded by Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction. And is followed by...
... few there be that find it.
What does that have to do with racing, Diesel?
What doesn't have to do with racing?
I ain't here to be preached at.
I ain't here to preach.
Why the scripture, then?
Racing isn't the end, it's part of being a well-rounded superstar.
The race is to be a well-rounded. social, mental, physical, and spiritual. Physical is just one thing we are after. By focusing equally on all four of these components...
... we will be true.
True wheels are faster, stronger, essential to ripping.
Be a ripper.
Be true.
---
Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the goodness in our community. Those of you who take time to say hi and give an encouraging word to me and to the rest of us really do make a difference...
... that's the social side of well-rounded.
Here's some more goodness from friend Amber, Olympian and 2X World Champion...
https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/
I just finished it, and gotta say I gotta little tearyeyed when it was over. We are all facing hidden battles all the time, this is a story of perseverance and patience. Truly inspiring.
Get the book here: https://nebenpx4.com/product/when-shmack-happens/
She'll wearing our superlight race gloves and socks at Unbound next weekend... along with a gorgeous kit we made for her.
They come in a rainbow of colors...
... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.
And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161
7 hrs - 78%
Body Water 59.9%
0 Pull Ups +10 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
ON THE WEIGH
May 26, 2022 TODD BROWN
SINCE IT'S ALL A NUMBERS GAME, it make sense to figure out what the numbers are. There are power to weight numbers, hours, miles, laps...
... and then there's water.
Not just how much we're drinking per hour, but how much is in our body.
I was reminded of this by Dr. V, our local health wizard.
You should post your water numbers on the blog.
What are those?
The percent of your body that's water.
How would I know that?
Get a proper scale.
Ok.
I'm usually X% and always jealous of you know who, he consistently checks in at 66%.
Ordered it.
So, what have I learned in the past week or so of weighing?
I have a lot of improvements to be made. My hydration could be better by 8-10%. My body fat registers at the highest end for athletes.
Seeing the actual numbers takes the guesswork out and gives us something we can measure...
... what gets measured gets managed.
Saturday I'll be doing an epic training ride. Can't wait to compare the morning weigh in to the post ride weigh in. I'm going to be super diligent on my 1 bottle/hour rule, more if the heat is excessive.
I can manage some improvement.
Can you?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Measuring sheds light on our situation, so might as well blow out these lights.
There are a few Medium Front lights and a few more Small Rear lights. They provide nearly 360• of visibility, and they're super light weight.
This promo code will expire on Saturday, or when we run out of the lights.
Code is MEASURE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
160
7.27 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 59.7%
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps + 30 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
May 25, 2022 TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE SECRETS TO GOING FAST DOWNHILL is not thinking about it. Huh? Turning my focus to MTB racing...
... I've had to think about this.
The fastest among us aren't thinking,
analyzing,
fretting.
But, how do we get in the zone?
We have to think about it, for a bit.
In my case, after months and miles of graveling on the gravel bike I retarded my Road and MTB descending skills.
For example, on gravel bike I ride a lot of difficult trails en route to gravel, everything is slower.
No suspension + skinny tires + high pressure = slow.
Slow because it's so much rougher. Every rock and root is magnified...
... the largest effect has been on my vision.
I'm not looking far enough ahead when on the fast and fierce MTB bike which smoothes everything out. Consequently, I'm having way to many Oh $#!2! moments.
That thought solidified - look as far ahead as possible - takes effort. It's breaking a bad habit.
Once a bad habit is broken, we no longer think about it.
We are in the zone.
Going fast(er).
Confidently.
There are a slew of other things to think about when ripping off road. This is a great place to start: https://youtu.be/8y6ocZHpLoE.
Think about it.
Work on it.
Rip it...
... without even thinking about it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Ever heard the term...
... Grip it and rip it!
If I wasn't constantly being stopped by the locals wearing these gloves and socks, I wouldn't be so passionate about them.
They come in a rainbow of colors...
... nothing better than matching gloves and socks.
And, there's an unbelievable offer, just click the link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
161.2
6.39 hrs (still not sure about this app)
Body Water 60%
0 Pull Ups +3 0 Power PushUps + 6 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
10 minutes reading + Journaling
WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
May 24, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE'S JUST NOTHING QUITE AS SATISFYING AS WHEN IT ALL COMES TOGETHER. Probably because it's so rare...
... it's Pavlovian.
Consequently, we keep coming back to the races.
Like tonight.
It all clicked for me.
I remembered the race was only 2 laps, lots of good sleep prior (contrary to what the app is saying), bike set up was spot on, work was extremely smooth and productive, arrived plenty early...
.... had a really good race.
It's kind of a numbers game:
- 7-8 hrs of sleep
- 161.3 lbs - down 3 from last week
- Tire pressure lower - 19 rear, 17 front
- Suspension, maxed out my sag to 30% and slowed the rebound way down
- lots of sales always energizes me
- arrived 2 hours early
- 1 application of PR Lotion
- 1 water bottle, 2 scoops of Skratch
- leisurely 40 minutes recon of lap
- 3 trips to the bathroom
- 1 honey stinger gel 10 minutes before start
- start line with 4 minutes to spare
- 1st into the very early off camber 170˚ loose and dusty turn
- 1st onto the hill
- 1st onto long single track descent
- 1st into the melee merge with the beginners/intermediates
- Est Power Ave 231, Max 1035
- Ave Speed 14, Max 33.5
- Ave HR 171, Max 179
- 11 miles
- 2 laps
- 1st
The good news is no one racer has yet to dominate. It's been a jumble every week...
... which means lots of fun ahead.
The bad news...
... I'm not sure where I can improve.
Thank Dog for Pavlov.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Speaking of Pavlov, a good marketer (like me) knows it's good when things sell out, and we're gonna sell out of the special offer...
... free personalization.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
161.3
7.23 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
0 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE RACE
May 23, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE SHORTEST RACE POSSIBLE turns out to be the best race possible. While all the money is behind the Tour de France, Unbound, Leadville, nobody starts there...
... they start small.
A Strava segment, a city limit sign, a group ride, a local weekday race. This is wherewe are born...
... and grow from there.
Social bonds are formed, knowledge is gained, skills improve, talents are discovered...
... focus leads to fascination.
George reminded me of this on Saturday's group ride.
Todd, I feel faster than ever.
You do?
Yes, I'm not, of course, because I'm way past my prime.
Tell me more.
I feel more confident, closer than ever to my potential.
That's wonderful George!
The race to be great is a long one, a personal one, the best one...
... it starts with the shortest race possible.
It's up to us to continually encourage our friends, and Yes! our competitors, to join the endless fascination to be our best. They might be hesitant, that's where we remind them...
... if you want to know something, you have to do something.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Just like if you want to know the joy of giving the best gift ever, with the recipients name printed on the bag...
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (11 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
6.8 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
65 minutes reading + Journaling
LET THIS SINK IN
May 22, 2022 TODD BROWN
EVERYTHING MATTERS WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE. Every little thing. It all adds up...
... to combine for a great day.
Here's one you might never have considered.
For years, I would head out to the garage the night before the ride and make sure everything was ready to go. That's a good practice...
... but, it could have been a little bit better.
How?
Well, the garage at night is perpetually cold. Which means the chain is cold, as well as the chain lube. Which means, when you apply the lube to the chain it doesn't penetrate as well as it could if it was warmed up a bit.
But, who wants to take a blow dryer to their chain and risk damaging any carbon parts?
The solution:
- Let the lube and the chain warm up in the afternoon sun.
- Clean the chain and the pulleys
- Lube it with the good stuff.
- Work it in.
- Let sit.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
These are the little secrets we come up with prepping for race day...
... you're not keeping this secret are you?
The fact that you can get one of these in stock designs personalized, for free.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (18 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
7.7 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DAY RIPPER
May 21, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE LOW CLOUDS EVENTUALLY BROKE FORTH. Not rain, but not fog. Somewhere in between. Enough to dirty the lens, not enough to soak the socks...
... no better weather for ripping!
Woke up groggy, took forever to get out the door, and really didn't have much of a plan other than trying to find the local speedsters on the CV ride. Of course, right about the time I wanted to catch them I really had to pee, tucked in behind some bushes...
... I could hear the gaggle of geese freewheeling by.
Perfect.
Chasing, which is what I was hoping for.
I wanted to be pushed hard today. It's the last week of a 3-week build, and I wanted to go really deep.
Mission accomplished, highest fitness I've ever seen on Strava.
Things are percolating right along for a summer of racing.
Part of seeing that peak fitness has been my commitment to polarized training. A lot of zone 2, plus 2 hard days a week. The 2 hard days can be back to back or bookend the zone 2 work, it doesn't seem to matter. All that matters is that I don't go hard more than 2x a week. I'm hiding this in a long paragraph so the skimmers don't see it. It's just for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
This might be for you, too...
... or someone you know.
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 (25 left) bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
163.8
6.37 hrs (still not sure about this app)
0 Pull Ups +0 Power PushUps + 0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
SMALL DISCIPLINE
May 20, 2022 TODD BROWN
DINNER AT 8 they yelled as they drove by. These weren't strangers, they know me well and they know i'm really focused on 1 goal this summer...
... I could feel a hangriness comin' on.
It's just a small thing, pushing back the dinner hour by an hour.
But, I'd been doing small things all day.
- Small chainring for 90 minutes
- Small weight sessions for breaks.
- Small portions for breakfast and lunch.
I could feel a greatbighuge step backwards coming on.
At 6pm, they looked at me and said Dad, you look like you need a few Brookside DarkChocolate Acai and Blueberry flavors...
... not even the berries, just the favors!
Ok, just a few.
They're good aren't they?
Kinda.
Want a few more?
Sure.
Feeling better?
No, hand me the bag!
Okay, small lie there.
But, you get the idea small things can give us big results when applied consistently...
... on the scale, too, if we don't demonstrate some small restraint.
Small note on my personal life: The daughter and soninlaw are visiting for a month and want to make sure y'all know how strong and smart and fit they are.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Which is a nice lead in to Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
162.4
6.36 hrs (I don't know about this app, pretty sure it was closer to 7.5)
0 Pull Ups +20 Power PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
3 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER
May 19, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE FASTER ON RACEDAY. Some of them are obvious...
... these aren't.
- Clear your calendar. You gotta work, we all do. If it's an afternoon midweeker, clear the afternoon - start earlier, work longer the next day, etc. If it's on a weekend, clear out Friday afternoon. The emotional energy of work needs to be saved for the race.
- Sleep dope. Get an exceptional night of sleep the night before the night before and a really good night of sleep the night before.
- Eat hearty. Afternoon midweekers need a big late lunch. Epic weekenders require a ton of food the day before. You aren't a wrestler or boxer, you don't need to cut weight the day before. Load up.
- Bonus... this ties in with #1, get there early. Real early. Cut the stress out of rushing, waiting at registration, hustling to warm up etc... this should be a zenlike moment, a warrior slowly preparing for battle.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
Of course, it all starts with the RaceDay Bag™...
... because you can't race proper if you aren't geared proper.
With Father's Day coming up, how many of you have been dropping hints? How many of you have a father that would love this lifechanging bag?
The bags are never on sale, but how about this...
... use promo code ADDNAME and we'll personalize your bag for free.
** Code must be used by 5/31, available to the first 50 bags only ***
This is a special link to a hidden collection of our stock designs with the option for personalization.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/custom-name-bags
---
161.8
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
70 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD?
May 18, 2022 TODD BROWN
IN MY CULTURE we talk about having high standards all the time. Even judging each other based on our choice to keep the standards high...
... or let 'em drift low.
The benefit of high standards, of course, is everything is much easier.
I was reminded of this on my ride today when I saw the above sign.
No horses
No rollerblades
No e-bikes
No kooks
Enjoy
The builders of this brandnewsupersecret singletrack definitely have some standards they expect to be honored.
In this light, standards are a lot like commandments. They can be used as guideposts and ways to measure our commitment and progress.
For example, if our standard is to satisfy hunger a Big Mac and fries will do. If our standard is to eat like world-class athletes we would look down on that choice and...
... opt for something inline with our standards.
Eating like an Olympian makes going fast on a bicycle a lot easier than eating like Michael Moore.
During the final miles of the ride, the sun was setting and a father and son sped by on their e-bikes. The dad yelled...
... Sorry, I know we're cheating.
I smiled, gave him a thumbs up.
We have different standards, that's all.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Some people have modesty as a standard, and you know what they say...
... modest is hottest!
The changing poncho promo code is active again, it's PONCHO.
It'll expire Friday at midnight, save you 20%.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
162.9
5.8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
May 17, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE WE WERE, blitzing the same course as last week. Really getting after it, I was right behind two world champions, Brian Lopes (MTB DH) and Jeff Ward (Supercross)...
... little ol' me hanging on tight.
Then, I blew 3/4s of the way up the only climb.
Not blowblow, but uncoupled form the dynamic duo.
All I could do was watch them bridge up to the younger group of Experts that started infront of us.
That was my plan!
Well, that didn't work.
What did work was
- taking 50 seconds off last week's time,
- arriving early for a nice leisurely warmup,
- racing with no computer (tracking it on the Apple watch)
- feeling good after Saturday's 100 miles heat stroking adventure
- pounding a bottle of Amp Recovery Mix
- the bike was flawless
- saying hi to so many friends I haven't seen since last season
- delivering the canopy top to my friends at Linked Cycling (gotta do some work out there),
- setting my canopy between La Habra Cyclery (who gives RaceDay Bags™ to their VIP customers)
- and Crank Bros (who's pedals and wheels I love)
What can I do to improve next week?
- My diet was awful over the weekend, I can improve that and come in a bit lighter
- Better sleep Monday night, it was good not great.
- Positioning, I gave up spots too easy and had to close gaps the first half of the first lap... gotta be meaner, LOL
- run the Wahoo mounted, I generally like to race these short races on feel but giving up 3rd place to Robb hurt - kudos to him for brilliantly riding his 2nd lap faster than his first
- The website had a pretty major meltdown today and was stressing me out all afternoon - still is - that'll be fixed by then.
I call this Review and Repeat, which is covered in the 5th chapter of my book.
Will, a race promoter back East, purchased 3 books Sunday and shipped them to 3 different people.
That makes me happy.
Have you read it?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
164.9
7.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SATISFACTION GAURANTEED.
May 16, 2022 TODD BROWN
THERE IS SOMETHING ASTONISHINGLY SATISFYING IN MY GARAGE. A nice rack, some decent tools...
... and I bike to work on.
It doesn't matter what level of mechanicry you have reached.
If you can fix, do it yourself.
If you have a hunch, see it through.
If you can kinda handle it, attempt it for sure.
It doesn't take much in terms of tools to be able to do the basics:
- Change a tire
- Add sealant
- Fix a flat
- Adjust your brakes
- Tighten your headset
- etc
Just tonight I noticed a slight wobble in my front disc after giving the wheel a spin. Zing, zing, zing as it spun around.
I used to have a really cool tool for bending a disc back into shape, but I accidentally sold it.
What to do...
What could I use to grab hold of it that didn't have sharp edges or grooves...
... a crescent wrench!
Just like that, I straightened it out.
The level of satisfaction is instantaneous...
... the level of confidence will last a life time.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
166
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 Power PushUps + 15Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
2DAY'S MASTERCLASS
May 15, 2022 TODD BROWN
TWO OF THE LAST THREE DAYS OF THE GIRO showed a level of mastery few attain. There is no hack that we can employ...
... this takes years.
As noted by the great Sun Tzu...
... Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
On Friday and on Sunday, the winner of the stage was distanced. Gapped. The announcers let us know things weren't looking good at all.
How very wrong they were.
Koen and Jai, rode right up to their very limit. Rather than going beyond a sustainable pace chasing the leaders they held strong to what they knew they could do...
... kept clawing their way back.
To victory!
There are 2 ways to acquire this skill:
- Intervals
- Racing
That's it.
Just riding around ain't gonna do it. Your limits won't be exposed.
And, as Uncle Harry says...
... A racer's gotta know their limitations.
Do you know yours?
You must know.
No guessing.
Imperative.
Most people don't, because it hurts reallyreally bad.
Most people race first, then seek to win.
It's Monday, what are you going to win this week?
- Ride
- Race
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Hydration
- Maintenance
- so many ways!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Hang on to your goals this week, make 'em happen.
Use some gloves if it helps.
I like these.
Lots of colors to chose from, and...
This month is buy the gloves and socks, and the socks are automatically free at check out.
No code needed!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.8
8.4 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
OF COURSE WE'LL DO IT AGAIN
May 14, 2022 TODD BROWN
WE FAILED TODAY. The plan was to ride from the surf in Dana Point to Summit of Big Bear. 135 mile, 16,000 of vert. That wasn't the problem...
... 99 degrees with a slight tailwind was devastating.
No relief.
I've wanted to do this ride for decades but never really figured out a good route, or which bike, or who'd be willing to attempt it.
Then, gravel became a thing and I'll just pause right here...
... the route is epic.
Lots of gravel, a stealth 40ish mile bike trail to skirt you mercifully through urban sprawl, hidden roads through gorgeous neighborhoods...
... and some singletrack to keep it real.
The beautiful bouquet of enthusiasm for adventure began to wilt around mile 70. Convection-style heat, blacktop...
... scorched and dry and dead land.
I made a major blunder in Loma Linda. We should have stopped for cool liquids but I was certain we were only a few miles from our rendezvous. It was infernal...
... so hot, I'd forgotten we rode to the start and added a good 6 miles.
These miles turned out to be all uphill.
Starting with a slick and dusty hiking trail and connecting to a supersmooth tarmac climb though custom custom dreamhomes...
... it should have been a wonderful climb.
We pulled in, ruined, to find the van waiting and willing.
Frozen Oreo icecreams, cokes, chips, got us resuscitated us. After a lengthy stop, we got after it just in time to hit another wonderful climb...
... at 2pm.
Couldn't be hotter.
I could tell we wouldn't all make it. There was no point in one soldering on for hours.
We made the call.
Surfergirl performed a perfect rescue, showering us with icecold treats. We began the long journey back home.
You'd thing we'd be quiet.
Ashamed.
Not our style, and our ladies know us oh so well, as evidenced by this message
Why do it again?
- It's an absolutely incredible route
- Insane Zone 2 training, ave HR 129
- It's on the Calendar..
... therefore, it must be completed.
We're targeting late Fall, to avoid the insane heat that scorches the I.E
Sunrises at 7, and sets at 6.
We'll roll at 5 with lights to assist.
We have all the stops figured out, it will be supported.
Yeah, we've thought it through.
Here's what we were able to accomplish: https://www.strava.com/activities/7143784639
How about you?
Are you gonna make it to the most grand challenge of the year?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
You'll need to put it on your calendar.
Did you know we can make these with your team graphics and pre-populate with your team's A events?
Or, just get this one shipped right away.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars™
---
164
4.39 hrs (just too dang excited)
0 Pull Ups + 0 Power PushUps +0 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
0 minutes reading + Journaling
COWBOY STRONG
May 13, 2022 TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU EVER SHAKEN A COWBOY'S HAND? I'm not talking about one of them weekend line dancers, I'm talking an honest to gosh working cowboy. Like my cousin...
... it's like shaking hands with a telephone pole.
They are hard, strong and immovable.
It can be intimidating for most of us, because we instantly realize we are so pathetically weak.
But, real cowboys, for the most part, are skinny and lean...
... and they don't go to the gym.
I was reminded of this by my friend Jim, who was originally Don's friend Jim Fromthegym. He was complaining about gaining weight since he started lifting weights.
How do the cowboys do it?
Strong, yet sinewy.
They are constantly lifting and working physically throughout the day, which is what I've been preaching...
... to my apparently deaf choir.
Yes, lift weights...
... but, lift like a cowboy vs a musclebeachboy.
How?
Simple.
Heavy weights.
Low reps.
Daily...
... by daily, I mean throughout the day.
Get up, do a set.
Get some work down, do a set.
Don't drive to the gym.
Don't get sweaty.
Don't pump up.
Just be cowboy strong.
Which reminds me of how to handle your bike like a cowboy, maybe I'll share that some other day.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The point is to be RaceDay Ready™.
Which is what the R stands for.
This PEDALindustries R kit comes with magical properties:
- 20% Savings on everything all the time
- Access to the RaceDay Ready™ Strava Group where you can ask me anything.
- Plus, the beta version of my RaceDay Ready™ 10 Week Program
- and more.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
---
164.2
8.2 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 Power PushUps +5 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT GETS MEASURED
May 12, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER THE RACE TUESDAY EVE, I commented to Bob that I think having a remarkable night of sleep was the magic trick I needed. He whipped out his phone...
... it turns out I've been lying to ya, for years.
Not on purpose, pure ignorance mixed with a little hope that I was doing it right. This convo cleared that up.
I've been measuring my sleep on my watch.
I got one of those.
With this app, AutoSleep.
I'll get it.
Well, I got it.
Measured the last two nights. It's ugly. Truly.
Currently I have 27% of Sleep Debt. That's because I slept terrible Tuesday, 5:10. And, rotten Wednesday, 6:25.
In my head, I was guessing I wound up in bed at 1130 and got up at 6. But, the app is counting sleeping not lying.
That's the bad news.
The good news is we all know what gets measured gets managed.
That's why we upload to Starva, why I weigh myself daily, report in how much reading and writing and recovery.
Tracking our stats ultimately leads us to tracking down and stomping our competition, PRs, etc...
... if you're into that.
I am.
There are lots of ways to track sleep. I'm using Apple Watch and app, there's Oura ring, Whoop.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
The app treats sleep like a bank account. I like that.
Do you like this?
It's the perfect size whether you're out for an all day ride, or just want something sleek and light to slip into your pocket.
There are 2 slots for cards and cash, one shows the top of cards, the other is deeper.
Made in USA, from inner tube rubber.
Did I mention it's the perfect size?
Or, that we can make 'em with your team logo?
Such a great gift!
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/raceday-wallets
---
163.1
6.25 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 Power PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
SHIFTY RACES ARE GOOD, TOO
May 11, 2022 TODD BROWN
THINGS DIDN'T GO AS EXPECTED AT THE RACE LAST NIGHT. While I arrived plenty early, felt wonderful on the warm up, and ripped off the front on the first lap...
... I made a big booboo on the second lap.
It was my fault.
Let me preface it all with this bit of truth from the allegory of the olive tree. The master of the vineyard, wanting to preserve his trees ordered his workers to dung the ground. In other words...
... without pig shift trees were gonna die.
So it is with racing, if we aren't blundering or worse from time to time...
... there would be no growth.
My blunder?
Trusty Mike came through and told us it was a 3 lap race. The announcer said it was a 2 lap race. For some dumb reason 3 stuck in my head, and I didn't mind turning over the lead as we finished the second lap...
... until the cat I was stalking sprinted for the line.
It was too late for me to do anything.
I burned in that shifty thinking by completing the third lap anyway. Apparently, that wasn't enough because when I related the idiotic episode to Surfergirl she reminded me...
... you've done that before.
Some lessons we get to repeat, until we master.
Which is the point.
Mastery.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
How do you like the red glove, red sock combo to go with the red helmet and red R on the kit?
If you're into to looking sharp, this month's buy the gloves and socks special is awesome.
Just put the gloves and socks in the shopping cart and you automatically receive the socks for free.
Buy Gloves, Get Socks.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.5
5.5 hrs (so hard to sleep after evening races)
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
25 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY
May 10, 2022 TODD BROWN
SAN DIEGO COUNTY MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST COUNTY ON THE PLANET for getting after it on road bikes. A stunning coast line, a rich field of challenging talent, bike lanes...
... and the best weather on earth.
It's where I received the sage wisdom from a crusty wrench in a small, passionate shop on PCH...
... It takes 3 years to know what you're good at racing bikes.
At the time, I was living in a small studio in Pacific Beach. A hotbed for jazz, kids and fooling around...
... fancying myself a stage racer
The beach town knew I was odd, with my shocking blue Gios and Campy Record.
Didn't care a bit.
Rode at dawn, worked my first job hard, and lived for the SDBC Saturday ride.
Typical younggun, all spice no calories.
I'd spurt ahead, get laughed at.
Spurt ahead, get dropped.
Chase, survive.
Loving it.
Learned I wasn't a stage racer at all, it was crits and circuits for me. Still is on the road.
So, I was thrilled today to see some new designs come through for the famed squad that taught me so much back then.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/sdbc-san-diego-bicycle-club-store
This is the second time we've updated their designs on our gear.
Y'all all know it's my long standing dream to see an entire team in their changing ponchos, post race, yacking it up, dropping their bibs.
It's a great time of year for the changing poncho...
... who wants to wiggle around in their car when you could stand loud, proud, and modest?
If you fancy ponchos for your team, let me know.
If you want a stock design, go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Use promo code: PONCHO by friday.
Yes, the code works on stock designs or your team's custom design.
---
164
8.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +15 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM RUNNING
May 09, 2022 TODD BROWN
RUNNING HAS A LOT OF CROSSOVER WITH CYCLING. Legs, lungs. Sprinting, enduring. Shoes, shorts. Winners, losers. And, of course...
... all runners eventually come to the bike.
They just don't know it.
But, there's something a lot of cyclists don't know and that is that running books are by and large much better reading than books on racing bikes.
Better stories.
Better insights.
Better performance data.
Maybe it's because more people run?
The latest find is by the U.S.'s half-marathon record holder, who also held the U.S. marathon record. His name is Ryan Hall...
... and his younger brother is a local slayer on mountain bikes.
The book is called, Run The Mile You're In.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Once we cease to be impressed by the size of our challenges, our ability to overcome them grows exponentially.
- If we want to change our results, we've got to change our hearts.
- The way to become mentally tough is to believe you are mentally tough
If you're into the spiritual side of endurance racing you'll enjoy this book.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
Running is also great cross training, and the SuperTech T is perfect for that.
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
164.3
7.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 30 PushUps +10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
50 minutes reading + Journaling
SHOULD YOU RAISE YOUR BARS?
May 08, 2022 TODD BROWN
DEPENDING ON YOUR RIDING STYLE, BIKE AND FLEXIBILITY you might want to change your bar height. Lower can be faster, put in you in a more aero position...
... but, bars too low can be slow.
Are your bars too low?
Maybe.
Not those bars on your bike.
Your performance bars.
Mine have been and I can't get this thought out of my head...
... the hardest bars to raise are our own.
For example, I know to hit my most audacious goal for the summer I've got to shed a few lbs. There's just no way to reach the speeds I want unless I'm lighter.
Basic physics.
But, when I checked the scales last night and saw I was set to have a light weigh in this morning...
...what did I do?
Grabbed an extra bowl of dessert.
So weak.
Rather than get to that next level, I chowed myself right back to where I've always been.
It's one day, I'll recover...
... but it's one day closer to the start line.
Stay strong my friends, and raise those bars.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
The bars I care most about are my PRs, which is what this summer is all about.
And, we've certainly raised the bar with the SuperTech T
Use promo code: ToddsFaveT
... and you'll save 20%
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/supertech-ts/products/prs-podium-tech-t
---
163.7
7 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 0 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
150 minutes reading + Journaling
TRIBE VIBES
May 07, 2022 TODD BROWN
CLUBS, TEAMS, CREWS, POSSES, TRIBES. They draw us in. Call to us. Until it's too late, and we find ourselves high on a brutal climb...
... bonked.
Such was the fate of two young adventurers we came across this morning.
9 miles from the bottom.
3400' climbed.
There they were.
Dismounted...
... not discouraged.
Garage sale bikes.
Handmedown gear.
Decades earlier I'd collapsed on this same climb. On a similar day, Brad and I had foolishly joined Jeff and Eric.
They were Cat 1s out for a good time on a big climb...
... I think we were the entertainment.
We never made it to the top that day. Instead, we pulled over and enjoyed the view, joking about what a dumb idea it was to try and keep up with those cats...
... it would be years before I would try again.
Eventually I found my tribe, or they found me?
Encouraged me. Loved me. Looked out for me. Taught me...
... what it took to be good.
That's the vibe of our tribe.
Being good.
Even great.
Our best us.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
The R stands for
- Race
- Ready
- Rewards
Get the kit if you want to represent.
You'll also get 20% on everything we make.
* Note: this is for ambassadors, not to replace your current team.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-raceday-ready-kit-2022
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164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
NEVER, EVER DO THIS WITH YOUR COMPETITION
May 06, 2022 TODD BROWN
OCCASIONALLY AN ACTUAL COMPETITOR SHOWS UP ON A GROUP RIDE. I'm not talking about somebody that is going to push me, I'm taking about that rare time...
... someone I might actually be battling with in an A race is present.
Generally speaking, most of us have our club or team or posse or crew we train with. With these cats we are giving it our all. Together we go to a big race and we're either working together...
... or taking on all comers.
A year or so back, this cat used to show up from time to time on our group ride. We'd be slogging it out, hurting each other as much as possible...
... but, I neverever showed all my cards.
There is no advantage to proving how strong you on a training ride.
If a direct competitor is there...
... always hold something back.
Always.
And, if you are visiting one of your competitor's rides to scope their fitness they might do the same to you.
Why do you think the pros feign nursing knees, stomach bug, etc leading up to the Tour de France...
... then show up and slay the competition?
They aren't ill.
They are prepping, building their engines in private.
That's pro.
Be pro.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
You know what else is pro?
Having a super slim wallet to carry the essentials when riding or out on the town.
We make these out of MTB innertubes.
The part I love is that it's so grippy inside my jersey, it's never going to fall out.
It's all I use...
... keeps me from carrying around a brick on nonsense in my pocket.
Plus, it's proof I'm committed to fitness...
... people dig that.
No promo code on this one... it's a mere $24, and ships for free.
And yes, we can put your team logo on there.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets/products/raceday-wallet™-2-0
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164
8 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 20 PushUps + 0Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WHY DO WE WEAR HELMETS?
May 05, 2022 TODD BROWN
THE FASTEST I'VE EVER GONE ON A BICYCLE WAS 63 MPH. I was helmetless, drafting a loaded diesel down Parley's Canyon on I-80. Aboard my Cannondale touring bike...
... shorts, t-shirt and shades.
Of those who latched on at the top of the steep decline, I was the last to get popped. When I finally pulled off, it occurred to me...
... that wasn't too smart.
Had I flatted or hit a wheel-destroying pothole or had a rock been thrown up at my face...
... a helmet wouldn't have saved me.
So why wear one?
Simple answer: there are plenty of lower speed oopsies where a helmet makes all the difference.
Better answer: a sexy helmet looks cool and makes us feel fast.
Best answer: the helmet serves as an unstated reminder that racing is a mental game, as much as it is physical.
At some point...
- it's going to hurt
- things are going to go wrong
- we are going to doubt our abilities
... if we aren't mentally tough, we aren't going to make it.
We must create mental helmets to protect us from the false and weakening beliefs trying to get inside our heads.
Personally, I like a good rapper name. A WWF moniker. Dubbing ourselves with powerful titles...
... to remind of us of who we really are.
Years ago I fell in love with MTB racing, quickly learning I wasn't the best at the shorter more vicious efforts. My talent lie in keeping my speed up, blasting through technical sections, eating and drinking and rolling right by competitors at the end of much longer races...
... bearing down like that heavy diesel I drafted long ago.
I'm The Diesel.
Unstoppable.
Who are you?
Whats's your power?
Where are you strongest?
When will you unleash this strength?
How will you remember when all seems lost?
Why?
Why not?
Nobody else can do this for you.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
Of course we all wear helmets all the time.
Especially on insane rides that are likely to fail, like the inaugural (that' ambitious) Surf-N-Summit.
We aren't driving, we're riding.
On gravel, single track, and pavement.
If you're in, or thinking you're in...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit
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162.7
6.5 hrs
0 Pull Ups + 10 PushUps + 5 Heavy Squats
60 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
PUT THE LOAD RIGHT ON ME
May 04, 2022 TODD BROWN
AFTER A LONG DAY, it ain't always easy to get out and ride. We're tired. Maybe a little beat down...
... carrying the weight of the day.
There in the poorly lit garage is refuge.
Some say everything has a soul.
Science says everything is in motion.
I say there is nothing like the whisper of a bike...
... Put the load, put the load right on me.
We wade through our gear, check the lens is clean, and reluctantly roll off.
Sluggishness slips away.
Our load is lifted.
We are free.
Just wind.
Wheels.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
What a gift.
If you have a friend with a load, maybe they need the ease of the worldfamous RaceDay Bag™.
Send 'em a gift card.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
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164
7 hrs
1 Pull Ups + 40 PushUps + 10 Heavy Squats
30 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
