toddblogprofile.png__PID:642f8300-0b96-42d5-8551-889f1d639b6e

TODD'S  BLOG

Subscribe

Email Terms & Privacy

Get weekly digest
Strava Widgets Styling

Get RaceDay Ready


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

Rip On Raceday

 


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday

 


>

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

Rip On Raceday



 


>

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


>

WHADAYA THINK OF UNDULATING TERRAIN?

WE HAVE SOME WEIRD LINGO.  Have you ever heard any body, ever, use the phrase undulating terrain?  Why would they?  When you're motor-powered...

... who cares about the terrain!

Human-powered,
totally different story.

Every bump in the road and trail counts.

The longer we're out there,
the more it counts.

Sooooooooo...

... whadaya think of undulating terrain?

Do you love it?

Or, do you prefer...

  • flat
  • downhill
  • tailwinds
  • straight up
  • headwinds

... lots choices when we roll out.

Me?

Well.

There are times when I'd give my chamois pad for a flat road with a tailwind.

Days when I feel so amazing I just wanna climb and climb and climb.

But, faced with a choice...

... give me undulating.

Ups.
Downs.
Lots a turns.

That's the ride I choose.

--- 

169.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

ACTION WINS EVERY TIME

WHY WAS IT SO MIND BLOWING?  Yesterday's Strade Bianchi race was so shocking to me.  Because, to me, all the pundits...

... missed the point.

Sure, the favorite won.

This was the inspiring part...

  • he told everybody where he'd attack in advance of the race
  • made a decisive attack 81 km from the finish
  • never looked back
  • and won

... who wouldn't want to be able to do that?

What blew my mind 
was what the talking heads missed.

This athlete,
is a racer of action.

He had a plan,
and went for it.

Could it have failed?
Most definitely.

Could he have looked foolish?
For sure.

Could he have lost the race outright?
Absolutely.

Did he?
No.

Because he took action.

You miss 100% of shots you don't take.
- Wayne Gretzky

--- 

167.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

QUESTION: IS THIS A HIGH DEMAND SPORT?

I WAS LISTENING TO SOME GUYS ARGUE about whether or not was their religion was high demand, and it got me thinking is ours?  Are endurance sports...

... high demand?

Yes.
No.

For me, and maybe for you, too...

... its high demand.

Just consider...

  • Training
  • Fueling
  • Resting

... these are the biggies.

They are priceless,
in a sense.

Which is why the are so easy to screw up,
and so misunderstood by lookers on.

We can't put...

  • Training time
  • Good fueling choices
  • Proper sleep and recovery

... on a credit card.

We've got to demand it from ourselves...

... but, is it really demanding when we love the results?

--- 

166.2 lbs 
7 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

THE UNCORKED ZONE

 

IF YOU'RE INTO HOT RODS, then you know what uncorked means.  In simple terms, all that junk that keeps the exhaust quiet and lawful is chucked...

... giving us that ultra loud and mean sound.

We have that racing and training, too.

And, if we're smart, we only hit it every so often.

You know what I'm talking about, right?

Zone 2 is corked.

  • easy to breathe
  • talk while riding
  • and go forever.

Today was not Zone 2.
I was uncorked, a bit.

Allowing myself for the first time in 2 months to stretch the legs was amazing.

The accompanying wheezing and gasping for air…

… I don’t know if it was hot rod mean, but it was loud.

Hadn’t heard that in too long…

… ain’t gonna hear for 5 or so days.

Time to add some intensity the smart way.

Polarized.

If ya wanna solid refresher on this approach,
take a listen to this: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-fast-podcast-triathlon-ironman-cycling-coaching/id1400770015?i=1000596124366

Simply, 80-90% of our training should sound like a Tesla...

... cruising through the neighborhood.

That way we are fresh and ready to get after it like the pic above.

Let the rubber...

...  burn, baby burn.

--- 

166.9 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
56

 


>

RESULTS DON'T MEAN SHIFT

I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE ON THE JOURNEY, but I can tell ya this: whether you're just starting out, coming back from injury, at the top of your game, you're gonna fail...

... if results count.

Trust me on this.

I'm rebuilding.

My fitness is shift.
the skills, off.

I've been at the top and the bottom and there is one reason I was able to climb to max fitness and performance...

... I don't care about results.

I mean I do,
but they aren't the motivator.

Optimizing my ability,
having a blast.

Way more important.

Results are nice.

If they are everything... 

... quitting, giving up, and failure is on the horizon.

Don't let that happen.

How?

Relax.

We can't see...

... the great results in the making.

They're coming.

Guaranfreakingteed.

--- 

166.9 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
57 


>

ARE WE REALLY DOING THIS?

FOSTER GRANTS ASKED ME Are we really doing this? What kinda question is that...

... Dern straight we're doing it!

Was he hoping we weren't?

Was he doubtful we could do it?

By we, I mainly mean me.

Could you?

I mean, we're gonna have a brain damaged grampa who's been off the bike for months do it...

... can you keep up?

Finish?

What's he referring to?

Oh, just the most life changing ride in Southern California...

  • 100+ miles
  • 15,000+' of vertical gain

... some might consider it hard.

Others a challenge.

Most an adventure of a lifetime.

So, if you wanna support the old sack a lycra,
if outrageous calls to your soul...

... sign up.

It's free.
and fun.

Click here for deets and pics.

--- 

167.4 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
9 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
57 

Rip On Raceday

 


>

HOW NOT WHAT

LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE is filled with excitement, fear, and lots of scrapes and bruises.  We press through because everyone we see on a bike...

... has a great big smile.

We want that,
the teacher wants it for us.

Finally we get it.

And, at least in my case, it stopped there.

Hall-ah-freakin-lu-yah!

What
and when
and who with

... were left up to me.

I'll be forever grateful for learning how...

... and the freedom to do it my way.

--- 

168.2 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
56 

Rip On Raceday


>

YOU DON'T NEED AN ALARM CLOCK TO WAKE UP, YOU NEED...

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES I HAVE with our local morning group ride is that it starts at 6:30am.  If it was out my front door...

... not that hard.

It's not.

Takes me 50ish minutes to ride to the start,
which means I'm up at 5am.

Also...

... not that hard.

However, getting to bed at 9...

... is not my standard.

I'm more of a 930-10pm guy.

Therefore, if I don't hit the hay early...

... I'm foggy, at best, the rest of day.

Plus, slower on the bike.

Oh, there's a long list of shift that results from lack of sleep.

What's an athlete to do?

Before I tell, 
you are forewarned...

... this won't make you popular.

You might lose touch with friends, 
or lose them altogether.

We all have a choice...

... live our best lives or live a lower version.

This allows to tap into our superpower...

... set you alarm clock for bedtime.

Every.
Single.
Night.

Or suffer the consequences:

  • Inhibited ability to perform
  • Decreased handling skills
  • Quicker exhaustion
  • Decreased reaction time
  • Difficulty learning and decision making
  • Increased risk of injury
  • Increased risk for illness
  • Poor recovery
  • Memory issues
  • Weight gain
  • Poor balance
  • ... Low sex drive

Like I said,
it might be socially unpopular but...

... wouldn't you rather operate at your optimum?

I would.

---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

MILEMARKERS FOR DUMMIES

ONE OF THE KEYS TO RIPPING LONG RACES is remembering where you are.  Yeah, you're racing.  Yeah, you're clicking off the miles.  But...

... where the heck are you?

And, there's more than that.

  • Are you on track?
  • When is the next stop?
  • Does your support know when to expect you?

So, I always write down on a piece of tape with a sharpie my goals to be at certain locations at certain times...

... and stick it on my top tube.

This keeps all of us coordinate.

More importantly,
it keeps me focused.

The long races, 6+ hours, can be grueling.
They can wear us down to the point...

... of forgetting why we even signed up in the first place.

Looking down at the humble piece of tape,
seeing my goals...

  • engages my mind
  • re-centers my effort
  • keeps me on the pace

... snaps me back to the present moment.

I don't just use this practice for racing...

... I write down everything I plan to do,
and when I plan to have it done.

---

166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No strength work
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

IS IT HABIT OR RITUAL?

THE SATURDAY MORNING RIDE.  We work all week, and with a little planning and luck we carve out some time to ride.  In the beginning...

... it takes some discipline.

Not the riding.

The commitment.

We are working to establish a habit.
For the most part, a good one.

But, that changes over time.

It becomes a ritual.

  • A set time to leave
  • An expected amount of time to be gone
  • The proper dress code observed
  • A dedicated place to meet
  • A consistent slaying of trails, gravel, pavement
  • A flogging of the sinners who are not as fit as they shouldcould be.

Yep, this is our ritual.
Our practice.
Our faith.

We made the jump.

We are far beyond
discipline and habit.

---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
12-0 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

WHAT DOES AI SAY ABOUT TRAINING METHODS USED 100 YEARS AGO?

I PINGED CHAT GTP AND SEVERAL OTHER AI regarding training methods of Belgians 100 years ago.  Why not?  A lot of knowledge is refined, regurgitated or plain ol' forgotten...

... maybe there's something to be rediscovered?

Oddly?
or, maybe not.

The answers across the AI were eerily similar.

I say eerily because who wants to live in a silo?

Anyway, 
here's the bottom line:

It’s important to note that these training methods were not as scientific or structured as they are today. Cyclists often relied on their own experience and intuition to guide their training. However, despite the lack of modern technology and scientific understanding, many Belgian cyclists were able to achieve impressive results using these methods.

Shocking!
I mean, shocking?

When it comes right down to it, is there anything better than...

... relying on our own experience and intuition to guide our training?

I don't think so.

Not when were really into it,
when we really know our bodies.

Me, for instance, I'm rebuilding my fitness.

I realized what a distraction it is to look at the data pouring across my little Wahoo screen.

  • Maybe I should put out more power?
  • Gosh, my heart rate is ____!
  • I've only gone X miles?

So, I fire up the Wahoo,
put it in my jersey pocket.

Time to ride on just experience and intuition...

... same thing I do when racing.

---

166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

THE MOST HUMBLING RACE OF MY LFE

MY PAL PETE AND I DECIDED WE WERE REALLY FIT and that we could do anything with just a hint of training.  Racing bikes was kina ho-hum...

... so we signed up for a 10k running race.

We were so arrogant,
we rode our bikes 15 miles to the start.

We lined up in the back, 
because, you know, we were going to
squash these runners.

Gun goes off.

We quickly move forward.

Up to the top 50-100.

Really running.
Hard.

Suddenly, I notice I'm breathing way too loud.

Uh-oh.

My legs hurt,
my hips hurt,
everything hurts.

And, I'm moving backwards quickly.

Chubby guy cruises by.

Oldish lady...

... did she elbow me out of the way?

Kids are skipping and laughing and disappearing up the road.

But, it was the guy in flip flops who said...

... Hang in there, only 3 more miles...

... that really did me in.

Here's the dill.

On the outside, at the start,
looking at these racers,
I would have bet $10,000 on me and Pete.

Looking at competitors is a poor way to pass judgement...

... it's the inside, the heart, that counts.

 ---

166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I KNOW YOU'RE NOT A LOSER LIKE THIS CAT

I was going to post this and then I went for a ride and decided it was too mean, whadaya think?... 

THERE ARE THREE MAIN THINGS LOSERS DO.  I say losers, in this case, meaning they are literally losing out.  If they persist, then, yeah...

... the other kind.

It always surprises me when people make these very basic mistakes.

Even if they are new, 
I find it,
perplexing.

I think you do, too.

Because, for us,
it's just second nature.

Probably because we have learned the hard way.

Not only that, we try and pass this basic knowledge along to every new rider we can.

Still, they...

  • Forget gear when going to a ride or race
  • Completely foul up their nutrition and bonk
  • Neglect the bike prep only to have mechanical difficulty

... and, we shake our heads.

They are losing out on a more excellent ride.

We deal with it,
they are our friends.

However, if it persists one of two things is gonna happen...

  • We don't invite them any more
  • We leave them behind

... because, well, you know they are....

How's that for setting up a shameless plug on why we do what we do?

  • The RaceDay Bag™ has a built in checklist to make sure we bring everything
  • It comes with a RaceDay Bike Check List, too, so bike is properly prepped
  • And an insane Never Forget Anything guarantee.

... that way my friends are always invited,
and never left behind.

 ---

166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

I USED TO LOVE RAINY DAYS

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN RAINY DAYS were awesome.  Mostly, around here, it meant nobody was riding.  Not me, not anybody else.  Which was perfect...

... if I couldn't ride anyway.

You see the selfishness right?

If I can't ride,
I'm stoked you can't either.

It means nobody is getting in the secret miles.

But, that's hardly true these days.

It's not the trainers,
those have been around forever.

It's the virtual racing,
that is a game changer.

In fact, I know plenty of people who do a fair amount of their riding virtually.

  • It's available 24-7
  • Not hampered by weather
  • All the social connections of a group ride (with right equipment).

Can you blame them?

I can't.

But, I still blame the weather for my own lack of getting it done.

 ---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

CODDLED VS THROTTLED?

YEAH, THE RECOVER IS GOING PRETTY GOOD.  Spoke to my neuroscientist pal, who confirmed my suspicions.  It's good news for me...

... is it good news for you?

Well, yeah, if you taking the Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge.

If you're not, then sit up and pay attention.

Here's what he said.

You're probably doing so well because...

  • you're exercising every day
  • not eating bread
  • staying away from grains
  • not drinking diet drinks or artificial sweeteners
  • eating plenty of veggies and protein
  • getting outside in the sunshine
  • lifting weights
  • getting plenty of sleep, 9-10 or more hours

... right?

I sheepishly said Yes.

Which was mostly true.

But, I gotta cut out all grains and all bread, even my beloved chips and salsa and special sour dough bread.  I've backslid on the diet drinks, those gotta go.  Other than that, I'm mostly on track.

Main thing I need to add is a lot more fish oil.  
Not a problem, I love sardines.

in other words, it's time to practice ALL that I preach.

So, how're you doing?  Yes, you my loyal reader.  How. Are. You. Doing?

Could you tighten things up a bit?

Or, do you need a serious crack in the head like I got to up your game?

Which brings me back to the title of this post, Coddled vs. Throttled?

Here's the dill, for me...

... I prefer to be throttled.

Put me on a ridiculously difficult course, in with the heavy hitters, tell me the honesttogosh truth...

... make me suffer!

Then, and only then, I might merit some coddling.

Maybe it's time for a serious challenge...

... and little coddling 30 days later?

Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge

 ---

165.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I WONDER IF GIRLS DO THIS?

FOR THE MOST PART, we are a healthy lot.  We skip cigars, pass up the bars.  Well, then, where's a cyclist to go to share our struggles, solve our problems...

... shoot the shift?

Dudes,
we ride together...

... and we share, solve and shoot.

That's where we get it done.

What about the lady riders?

Where are they bonding and supporting?

There are so few of them, 
mostly they ride with guys...

... don't think I've ever see an all, or mostly, female group ride.

Is that why so few ladies ride, compared to men?

Are they missing what the guys are getting?

Is that the main reason guys ride?

 ---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

Are You Ready For A Hero's Journey?

I DID A POLE OF THE RACEDAY RIPPERS.  I asked them If they had to pick just one bike what would it be?  They had 4 options to pick from.  What would you answer be...

... you need the options first.

Here they are:

  • Road
  • MTB
  • Gravel
  • One of Each (acceptable though hard to explain to family and friends)

It came down to a tie between two options, evenly split.

33% for each.

Gravel and One of Each.

Why?

Well, what would your choice be?

Back to Why?

I think it comes down the basic human nature...

... we want to go on a journey.

Not just any journey.

One where we are heroic,
in our own minds at least.

That, I think, is the true appeal of "gravel" (such a dumb name)...

... the appeal of a bike that can handle mixed surfaces.

On that type of bike we have incredible freedom combined with the high likelihood of finding ourselves...

... in place far, far away from our predictable existence.

With luck we'll...

  • Shed some blood without breaking bones.
  • Find out we can do much more than we thought.
  • Gain new confidence, skill, and special experience.

... acquire our own superpowers.

Is it any wonder these bikes and events with mixed surfaces are exploding?

 ---

164.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

WHAT TO ASK A PROSPECTIVE COACH

THINKING OF GETTING A COACH?  Good.  You can get better faster by learning from an expert.  Be it a book, a video, a podcast.  Only a human can...

... answer this question.

The answer will instantly tell you if this relationship is gonna work out.

After small talk, after the coach's spiel, when the conversation stalls...

... ask this:

If we were meeting 3 years from now, looking back, what has to happen for you to be happy with my progress?

Trust me, conversation is gonna stay stalled.

Don't say a thing.

Wait for the answer.

Listen to what is said.

Ask yourself...

... Is this the kind of person I want to have a relationship with?

That's it.

I've used the question many times over the years, usually when hiring somebody.  There are lots of variations.

It works.

Learned it from the great Dan Sullivan.

---

162.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
150 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

How To Build Volume 101

IMAGINE YOU'RE STARTING FROM ZERO.  How do you build volume? Are there rules of thumb?  When do you introduce intensity?  Does it matter?...

... can you wing it?

Good questions.

Short answers:

  • Build volume as fast as you can, which isn't going to be very fast if you are starting from zero.
  • There are no rules of thumb, it's ruled by legs and lungs.  Do what you can.
  • Introduce intensity as soon as you want, it ain't going to be much.
  • Yes, it matters.

Long answer.

There are a number of good books on the subject.  Anything by Joe Friel will give you a good plan.  

You don't need a power meter, mainly because you're will not be putting out much power early on.  

But, you do need a heart rate monitor.

In the beginning of the first rides, the heart rate monitor will be exciting.  Then after a few miles, it will dim.  Reality will set in as that heart rate gets lower and lower because you have no stamina built up.  After a few weeks or months, the HR monitor will serve as a governor...

... holding you back.

This is good.

Because if you're tired, you can't do intensity properly.

Introduce the intensity one day per week.  

Don't look at the HR monitor too much, instead get after it.  Could be a group ride you want to desperately hang on to, a Zwift session with same obsession, or simply chasing that mystical PR you want to breatk.

Check the HR data when the ride is over.

Important answer:

  • Pick an event far in the future - you need time.
  • Set an insane goal.
  • Get registered.

Nothing exceptional will come with your training without a date with destiny...

... that's paid for!

---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

Do I Really Love It This Much?

SO, IT'S GONNA WIND UP BEING 8 WEEKS OFF THE BIKE since the noggin took a hit.  If I do the ol' traditional math, that's 8 X 3 (weeks to get back the fitness for every 1 week off the bike)...

... 24 weeks, errrr 6 months?

That's hella long time.

The big question is...

... do I love it that much?

And by it, I do not mean the obvious...

... riding my bike.

I mean being in shape and the...

... feeling of being fast.

If I'm being honest, and I always am with you...

... I've forgotten what that feels like.

Surfgirl said Let's go on a ride today...

... and I jumped at the chance to ride with her support.

How'd it go?

Well, even though I was on my MTB...

... I still easily dropped her.

Nothing new there.

What was new was how hard I had to work to catch her,
huffing and puffing and legs burning...

... at a pace I recall doing for hours, endlessly.

This time it was for about 2 minutes.

Was I surprised?
Disappointed?

Let's just say I laughed out loud when I saw what Training Peaks was showing for my fitness.

37.

Yep, nearly 100 points lower than my all time max fitness just 18 months ago.

Lesson:  fitness disappears, fast.

Lesson:  I'm gonna bring it back, patiently (not my superpower, but a lesson to learn).

Who's in?

---

164.8lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
60 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

TOP REASONS NOT TO LIFT WEIGHTS

THERE IS A LOT OF BANTER about weight training.  We should do it in the off-season, shy away from in the race season.  Frankly...

... I couldn't disagree more.

Weight training is for those who want:

  • stronger bones
  • to build muscle
  • put out more power
  • improved core strength
  • better grip strength

Who want's that?

Year round?

Oh,
well,
me.

You?

Top 3 exercises we should all be doing?

Takes just a few minutes to do a set.

Very little equipment needed: pull up bar, some dumbbells...

... or skip the minor investment.

  • have weak bones
  • look like a T-Rex
  • less power
  • weaker core
  • pathetic grip

It's your body...

... and I'm just a dude, not a doctor!

 ---

164.8lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

CONFIDENCE, WHO'S RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?

IN GETTING CAUGHT UP WITH THE LATEST BREAKING CYCLNG NEWS, I saw an article title and it's bugged me ever since.  Maybe I'm heartless, from a different generation...

... or maybe this guy is just weak.

The title of the article is, They Lost Faith In Me.

Honestly, I can't believe I even bothered to read it.

But, after a week of it percolating as a top article...

... it got me like a slow moving train wreck.

As expected, featured racer blamed his lack of success on the team losing faith in him.

Bro, it's not the team's job to have faith in you.
They are paying you.
Faith is there.

That's my first reaction.

Bro, them's fighting words.
Now go prove 'em wrong.
Create the failth.

Earn it.

That's my second reaction.

What happened to good ol'...

... if it's to be, it's up to me!?

Or... 

... fake it, 'till ya make it!?

In the end, I couldn't decide if I should feel sorry for a grown man having such a pathetic excuse...

... or be ticked off that such lameness made the front page.

Bottom line,
like it or not...

... it's our responsibility to be confident,
and to infect all those around us with such assuredness.

Life,
racing,
everything...

... is more fun, and, oh, ah, successful!

 ---

162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

WHAT HAPPENS IN SIN CITY...

THERE ARE SINS, and then there are things we personally consider sins.  Either way, 'Vegas promise that what happens in 'Vegas stays in 'Vegas...

... is a big fat lie.

Not a big deal.

We are only letting ourselves,
and those we committed to...

... down.

For example, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter's Day because by then...

... most people have thrown in the towel on their resolutions.

Like I said, 
not a big deal...

... unless you want to
improve,
make changes,
stay true to what matters.

If that's on the line,
we can't afford to sin,
and if we do we've got to...

... repent right away, 
and keep moving forward.

So,
how are those resolutions doing?

I had two:

  • Get to bed around 9,
    start day before 6.
  • Get back to race weight,
    under 163.

The only reason I'm mostly on track is due to putting myself in the hospital on Jan 8th...

  • appetite disappeared
  • needed a lot more sleep

... otherwise, I'd be struggling.

Which is better than quitting.
A lot better.

Struggling,
good.
Repenting,
good.
Never quitting,
Best.

Keep up the good fight.

 ---

162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

THE RACERS CREED

WHETHER WE KNOW IT OR NOT, we stand for a few things.  And, it matters.  Because this is...

... how we roll.

The Racer's Creed

  • Access to bicycles - and anything that makes you stronger and better - should be unlimited.
  • Always yield to the In Real Life Imperative.
  • All racing should be free.
  • Mistrust tradition, government recommendations - promote bro-science.
  • Racers should be judged by their racing, not by bogus criteria like KOMs, USAC Category, age, color or gender.
  • You can be free and forever young on a bicycle.
  • Bicycles change your life for the better.

Agree or Disagree?
Lemmeknow.

 ---

165.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

IT AIN'T EVERY DAY YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THIS

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED RIDING?  For most of us, it was a magical time.  Each ride a little further, a little faster.  Each effort...

... a little easier.

No wonder we got hooked.

Still, 
some wonder off.

Is it because the day comes when going further, faster, with less effort is no longer predictable?

Shoot, forget predictable...

... sometimes those days have months between them.

Even years.

I can tell you this, as I impatiently wait for clearance to get back on my bike and start riding again...

... knowing I'll get better every ride keeps me hanging on.

Can you relate?

 ---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

IT'S SO MIXED UP

ROAD BIKES use road tires.  Most of us find a favorite, and that's what we run day, night, rain, shine.  For MTB, it's basically the same formula.  Find a tire we like, run it regardless.  For gravel...

... ugh.

First off, gravel ain't just gravel.

It's gravel and asphalt and single track and rocky terrain.

So, a gravel tire needs to be fast on asphalt, tacky on gravel turns, nimble on techy stuff and rugged on the rockies.

What's the ol' saying?

There's fast, cheap and quality...

... you can only pick two.

But, we're racing.

We want fast, light and rugged...

... and we want all three.

Not gonna happen.

Me?

I'll take fast and light, banking on my handling skills to get me safely through the rugged stuff.

Is that enough?

Probably not.

If it really matters, 
gotta pre-run the course,
then pick the very best option...

... not easy,
but, that's what make it fun. 

 ---

164.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups & squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>
THE PERFECT PLACE FOR BIKE RIDING

THE PERFECT PLACE FOR BIKE RIDING

Aug 23, 2023 TODD BROWN

THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CLAIMED the best trail is the one you ride the most because it has the most memories.  I think that's mostly true...

... but, where is the best city?

For mountain biking, I still really love Park City, UT.

Today, for instance, we rode from town.  
70% of the single track we rode
had been put in during
the last 2 summers.

This town is committed.

The thing I like about the riding up here is the lush vegetation and the many areas of dark, moist hero dirt.

Deer Valley is pioneered it all 20+ years ago,
The other resorts have all since joined,
running lifts all summer long.

For road, I'd have to say the best road riding I ever did was in France.  
Long beautiful climbs, with recognizable names
and polite drivers.

For gravel, I have no idea yet.
But, in my dreams there are endless roads with no cars
connected by smooth, flowy single track,
with tall, giant trees,
and little dust.

If you've got a favorite, let us all know.

---

163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR TRAINING IS ON TRACK?

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR TRAINING IS ON TRACK?

Aug 22, 2023 TODD BROWN

A FEW OF US RODE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, the Alpine Loop in Utah.  The main feature is a 9 mile climb, with corresponding descent.  I prefer going from the American Fork side...

... then ripping the many twisty turns through the aspen trees on the way to Sundance.

I have some interesting data from today's adventure.

I've been riding this loop for decades.
The last two times on my gravel bike,
with gravel tires.

Last year, about 6 weeks out from Leadville.
This year, about a month out from Marathon Nationals.

Both times, with my younger and handsomer cousin who shares the same name as me.

Is it fair to use this as a fitness test?
Especially, since we were talking all the way up?
Should we consider his recent shattering of his PR at Leadville?

Yes, to all of the above.

Look at this.

It's safe to say,
my fitness is on track.

Scientific?
No.

Empowering?
Most definitely.

When we are deep in our training, it's important to find little nuggets like this...

... glimmers of hope.

Otherwise, it can seem like we're getting nowhere,
particularly in the months before the A race.

Questions of...

Is this working?
Is this worth it?
Am I on track?
Will this pay off?

... can be slayed,
by simply finding a nugget of proof,
bonus points when they come without trying.

The key is to acknowledge,
file away, and 
keep riding.

This is why we stop at Sundance

Epically perfect day, 
dodged the rain until last 3 miles.

 

---

163ish
7.5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
WHO DO YOU OWE?

WHO DO YOU OWE?

Aug 21, 2023 TODD BROWN

GOT OUT ON THE GRAVEL BIKE IN UTAH TODAY with El Jefe.  Now that he's retired, probably need to change that to El Flojo except...

... he's busy as ever, and doing insanely long races.

He took it easy on me today.

Here's the dill...

  • El Jefe got me into gravel biking
  • The Mocker (cause Tally mocks me relentlessly) got me into road
  • Wood taught me how to sprint
  • Garboon took me MTBing when the surf was dead

... each of these men made an impact on and off the bike.

I owe 'em,
big time.

Who do you owe?

By the way, when we hit the rocky sections and the single tracks, I was more impressed than ever with these Continental Terra Speeds.  

I'm running the 45s now.
28lbs up front,
30 in back.

That's the set up I'm planning to roll at BWR Saturday.

I'm tempted to go a little lower on the pressure because I'm still not hitting the rims from time to time on the rough stuff...

... it's risky, though.

And, I'd rather hit the rocky sections at full speed vs gingerly like hot coal walker at a guru get away.

Oh, and who owes you?

---

163ish
8 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
NO WAY WOULD I ATTEMPT THIS CLIMB!

NO WAY WOULD I ATTEMPT THIS CLIMB!

Aug 20, 2023 TODD BROWN

WHEN YOU'RE FIT, nothing is really scary.  I mean spiders and snakes and power outages can be, however not when a buddy says...

... Hey, let's climb the Grand Teton. 

Unless you have a thing with heights. 

Which I do.

So, I"m not even remotely tempted to join my bro-in-law this week on a 2-day ascent up the Grand Teton...

... at 14,000' high, with rain and high winds and 30 degree temps probable.

He's doing it,
because he's fit from ridin' and runnin'.

If it weren't for my fear of heights I'd do it, too.  

It's just a fact, when you're fit you can say yes to almost anything anybody else is doing.

Which is the way whole point of the racey thing we do...

... to be fit, to do anything.

Sure, we might suffer a bit the next day because we worked some muscles differently.

But, rest assured.
We can do it.

Sometimes we think its about the podium, or finishers medal, or leader board.

It's not.
It's about being capable.

If you're capable or on the path to capable, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

 

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride (tentative)

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM (tentative), some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

163.9
9 hrs
No strength work today
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
STUNG BY BRIAN HEAD ODYSSEY

STUNG BY BRIAN HEAD ODYSSEY

Aug 19, 2023 TODD BROWN

I FELT BAD FOR THE FATHER AND SON who pulled the plug at 6:30. Yes, it was raining.  Yes, it was windy.  Yes, it was still dark.  I almost joined them...

... those two wouldn't be the only ones to DNS, or DNF.

It's wasn't that cold, 48.

The sun was rising,
the rain stopping.

At 7:08 we were off.
Straight up.
5 miles.

I wore a base layer and my KOM Jacket over a Camelbak to start.  It seemed prudent to stay warm, and to have the jacket board should the rain return.

A note here about racing with power...

One of the benefits of racing with power is knowing exactly how hard you are working.  As usual, the bunnies hopped ahead and stayed there for a mile or two, then paid the price of taking it out too fast. 

Not me.

Rather than look at my HR to guide my effort I looked at power.

This was really helpful.

Since this was a 48 miles MTB race,
40 of it on twisty technical single track,
there was no need to chase the bunnies.

MTB racing is basically a mass start time trial.

That strategy wouldn't work on a road race where the speeds are much higher and we must do all we can to stay with the group, in the draft.

... power is a good way to throttle the effort.

For the record, this is a very proper mountain bike course.

Long climbs,
Long, challenging downhills.

We don't have that at home.  

To stand and throw the bike around corners, off jumps and over rocks on a 40 minute downhill takes a different kind of effort...

... I'd never wanted a longer travel bike more.

That's when the wasp stung me on the right corner of my mouth, on the lip.

I hit it hard.

So hard, it hurt more than the sting.

In fact, I wasn't sure I was stung until my lip and cheek started to swell up - see pic above.

While I as debating whether or not I'd been stung, two more got me right above my sock...

... those hurt.

By the time I'm nearing the aid station that part of my mouth is blowing up and completely numb.  Like I'd been given a shot of Novocain. 

  • It's difficult to close my mouth to drink
  • Even harder to chew

Hoping I don't sound like a goof..

Does anybody have any Benadryl, anything for allergies?

Sure 'nuf, the medic does.

Perfect.

This was supposed to be a 4.5 hour race.  

About 5 hours in, I felt sluggish.

It was the last leg and I was limping in.

Did I mention, I woke up at 3 am to the sound of what could only be a wounded bear sleeping above me?  Frustrated, at 4, I went and slept in the van.

Took me 5:51:54.
9th overall,
1st in age.

If you're looking to do some epic riding in Brian Head, these trails are all great...

... make take 3 days vs 1.

Got a few compliments on the kit, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

 

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

164ish?
5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER

HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER

Aug 18, 2023 TODD BROWN

I HIT IT FOR UTAH TODAY.  Last second change of plans, starting with a 48 mile MTB race tomorrow at Brian Head...

... the top of the course is 11,000'.

Not Leadville,
a 1000' lower,
and 56 miles shorter.

A lot, lot more single track.  
Really fun, flowy, bermy stuff through the Aspens.

Which is why I think it will take about 4.5 hours,
hopefully, a little less.

Can't wait!

How'd I get here?

Waking up at the crackodawn and driving 8 hours isn't ideal daybefore raceday prep.

Before doing the openers, and dinner, I decided to check into the AirBnB I'd opted for...

... it was billed as a resort.

Yes, a resort for junk stashed everywhere...

... even in the Shangre-la room.

$40/night,
in a small town,
on the hight plains of UT.

Yes, I could have stayed up at the Lodge in Brian Head, but...

... I figured 6000' was high enough in one day.

Here's the thing.

I love this little town of Parowan, with it's Main and Center Streets, tons of historical buildings...

... and, of course, The Parowan Cafe.

The openers were tougher than usual.  
Lack of O2 for sure.

The afternoon squall brushed by,
cooling of the roads with a light drizzle.

Dinner at the Cafe was on par.

All in all, I'd say this day has been a 10.

I'll be in this kit tomorrow, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

 

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

164ish?
7 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
ARE YOU A BUNNY OR A WOLF?

ARE YOU A BUNNY OR A WOLF?

Aug 17, 2023 TODD BROWN

WE HAVE A BUNNY PROBLEM HERE.  They're everywhere.  And they are super funny.  Darting across the paths and trails, hyperhopping in front us...

... what goes on in a bunny's brain?

Nature is such a good teacher.

If you're a hunter,
you can't be like a bunny.

Hopping off the front of the group,
racing up the first climb, 
to the first corner.

Any bunny can tell ya,
you can't keep it up.

Eventually, the bunnies round here dart off to the side,
where I presume they collapse.

Not the wolves.

Wolves are hunters
they track, wait,
and pounce...

... for the kill!

That's how we need to race.

Let the bunnies do their thing.

It's entertaining,
and keeps the pace high.

Be the wolf.

Observant,
letting the race unfold,
figuring out who the players are...

... who's weak,
who's a bunny.

Then,
and only then,
we make our move.
When we know the kill is assured.

Does it always work?

No.

But...

... it's a helluvalot more fun than being a bunny.

If you're a wolf, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.

.

 

UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.

Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race

Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.

Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City

Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride

Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City

Saturday 26th - BWR

---

164.9
7.25 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
IT'S JUST 10 PERCENT?

IT'S JUST 10 PERCENT?

Aug 16, 2023 TODD BROWN

I THINK I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF HOW MUCH DRAG is added with the 45mm tires on the gravel bike vs the 28s on my road bike.  This includes... 

... the less aero position of the dirt gobbler.

At 18-20 miles an hour, it's about 10% more drag.

About 20 watts.

I was sharing this with a fine young ripper on the group ride last night.

It's about 10%.

Oh, that's it.

Yes.

Not a big deal then.

If that was so, then why was I huffinNpuffin...

... and easily dispatched on the sprint?

Well, first off.

That's about 30 watts when we hit 27-32 miles an hour on the ride.

Which we do,
and wouldn't be a big deal,
if the ride itself wasn't 2+ hours.

Which reminds me of the sage advice I got at a seminar years ago...

... if you'll just save and wisely invest 10% you'll be filthy rich.

Too bad I didn't heed it.

But, I did heed something else, and it seems to be paying off the older I get.

We had this club in college called Goldbrickers.  It was founded in 1917.  We all memorized this unforgettable motto...

... There is always a better way!

That is something I'm constantly thinking about
family,
business,
training and racing...

... the things I care about the most.

Sure, it's only 10%...

... but it adds up.

---

164
7.5 hrs
PullUps PushUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
HALF THE PELOTON DROPPED ON OLD TOWN ROAD

HALF THE PELOTON DROPPED ON OLD TOWN ROAD

Aug 15, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT'S NEVER A SURPRISE WHEN HALF THE BUNCH IS DROPPED.  It always happens.  What always delivers a smile, especially when I'm among the dropped, is...

... how many people are shocked to be there.

Of the 50% who are dropped, I'd guess 10% are caught completely off guard.

The other 40% knew they were,
outmatched,
unprepared.

I was thinking about this listening to Lil' Nas' Old Town Road, with lines like...

     Can't nobody tell me nothin'

     Like a Marlboro Man so I'll kick on back

     Wish I could roll on back to that Old Town Road

... giving clues to how they got there.

Unteachable.
Smokin' cigs, being lazy.
Wishin' things were different.

Who's the greatest coach ever...
What do we need to give up...
What do need to do...

... to be in position to win the ultimate prize?

Racing,
just life in miniature.

Stay Ready my friends.

---

165.3
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
I MAKE THE MISTAKES THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD CRY

I MAKE THE MISTAKES THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD CRY

Aug 14, 2023 TODD BROWN

GOOD THING YOU'VE GOT ME.  Whenever things go awry I let you know because I don't want you makin' the same mistakes.  You might still, but... 

... maybe you'll learn and fix it faster.

Take today.

I'd managed to bang out some good work,
and was ready for a beautiful
evening ride.

Three minutes from home, I'm thinking...

Did I check my derailleur battery?

No.

Should I?

Yes!

... dang.

It's red.

Turning back goes against my core beliefs.
Our dad drilled it into us...

... A Brown never turns back!

I could have ridden on.
It was probably barely red.
But, what if it stopped working?

I remembered the night J took a tumble off the side of a local single track.
Busted his shifter right off...

... and was stuck in granny gear for 40 minutes.

It took him forever to get anywhere.

For sure, I didn't want that.

Decision made.

Normally, I'd swap one out with the other bikes and be on my way.

Not this time.

My steeds are down at the local bike shop waiting for service.

I'd have to wait while my 1 battery charged up,
which worked out great.

My new shoes, which I purchased specifically for the MTB, needed an eversoslight adjustment in the cleats.

Moral of the story?

Always check your batteries...

... the night before your planned ride.

If you're purchased a RaceDay Bag lately, then you should have this handy sticker.

---

164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

Aug 13, 2023 TODD BROWN

EARLY SATURDAY, on my way to meet the gang, I blasted through a quiet park.  Cars and trucks were pulling in, people were piling out with their...

... pickleball paddles in hand.

I've played a few times.
It's pretty fun.
Like tennis.

Is it just me, or did pickleball rise at the same time e-bikes rose?
What does that mean?

Anyway, these guys and gals are all piling out to meet and play their new found love.

I'm cool with that...

  • exercise
  • camaraderie
  • learning something new

... it's just nor for me,
not right now.

I decided a long time ago I'd rather be my best at 1 thing...

... than okay at many.

Even then, 
I'm not 100% committed to a segment of cycling.

My cross training involves...

  • paddleboard surfing for balance, core and time with Surfergirl
  • long walks in deep sand for massage my feet
  • cross training every day for strength

... all activities that bolster cycling.

My food choices tilt towards what an athlete would chose when going for lean vs bulky...

  • whole foods
  • lots of protein
  • little to no bread

All decisions compound over time...

... and determine our destiny.

Where do you want to go?
How quickly do you want to get there?

---

164.5
8.5 hrs
no strength work
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
I HIT THAT DUDE HEAD ON!

I HIT THAT DUDE HEAD ON!

Aug 12, 2023 TODD BROWN

I WAS PROBABLY GOING TOO FAST, heading back to the coast on an urban gravel road.  It was midday and hot, not too many people out.  I was mostly alone...

... and so was the dude I collided with.

Generally, I'm pretty conservative on blind turns.

Was I on this one?

I'd left home just after 7am, on the gravel bike.  

Hit some dirt on my way to CV...

... a local group ride, stocked with local hitters.

According to the data, I registered new power numbers from 1 min to 20 min.

It felt like it.

The junior ahead of me on the La Paz climb (featured in the '84 Olympics), kept looking back to see if I was going to die...

... such was my breathing.

30 minutes later, at the high point of the ride I peeled off and...

... climbed higher on dirt.

At the top, I switched on my Incredibell to serve as an early warning...

... incoming missle.

This little bell works pretty darn well as long as people are in front of me.

It does not work around corners.

So, there I am.  

Most of the climbing out of the way...

... letting those big 45mm tires gobble up the dirt, dust and ruts.

Around a blind turn, there is this dude.

Cutting the corner too tight.

I dive further inside, to my right.

HE DOES, TOO!

I lock the rear, kicking it to my right to change trajectory and try and get by him on the outside.

No luck.

Oh shift!!

Yardsale.

On my butt, 
my back,
helmet.

I laid there for a sec...

... maybe for dramatic effect.

He popped up worried he'd killed me (2nd time today).

Super apologetic.

We dusted off,
shook hands,
rode on.

All good, just a few small flesh wounds.

Until...

... I got to the next climb.

It's steep.
Loose.

I wanted to cruise, downshifted, and promptly threw my chain into the spokes.

Oh, yeah...

... that dude's front tire went right into my derailleur.

I now officially have zero bikes to ride.

  • Road bike, rear brake pressure.
  • Gravel bike, bent hanger.
  • MTB, suspension prep.

Good thing tomorrow is the day of rest.

---

164.8
7 hrs
no strength work
60 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
WHY I WANT TO HELP YOU RIP ON RACEDAY

WHY I WANT TO HELP YOU RIP ON RACEDAY

Aug 11, 2023 TODD BROWN

SOMETIMES WE FORGET WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO.  This week my friend Bart challenged me to answer a simple question...

... Why do you want to help people rip on raceday?

Weirdly, it was difficult to answer concisely.

My first take...

Because I know if people will pick an A race, just 1 race a year, everything changes and improves:  nutrition, sleep, training, etc.

... he wasn't impressed.

It's something deeper, think about it.

When FB served me this memory today I realized a few things:

  • I've been helping people rip on raceday for decades
  • Not as a coach, or mentor
  • As a friend

When I sent the post card above to my pal Jeff in 2011, it was just after his 9th Leadville.  He's had crazy, life changing experiences out there on that 100 miles MTB race...

... and hasn't always been able to finish, it's hard and shift happens.

The following year, 2012, we were going back to complete his 10th race and get...

... the coveted 10th Giant Buckle.

Not easy.

The card I sent said this on the front:

Out With A Bang 2012!

On the back:

Let's get your PR!

A year later, we met up on the road to Leadville and he pulled out that card.  I'd forgotten about sending it to him.

It's been on my desk for months!

He really went all in that year.

  • Hired a coach
  • A nutritionist 
  • Arranged work so he could train

His family was super supportive of his quest.

How'd it work out?

PR, 8:12!
On the podium (2nd I think).

I tell you that, because I want you to know where I'm coming from when I say...

... I want YOU!, to Rip On RaceDay!

There is no better feeling than setting an outrageous goal,
going all in to accomplish it,
making it reality.

I have experienced it many times on and off the bike,
during endurance races and personal challenges.

Riding fast is something I've been blessed with,
and I love helping other people discover what they can really do...

... on a bike.

That is why I created the RaceDay Ready Challenge...

... I want to see you have the same experiences Jeff and I have had.

PS It is easy to get hung up on the podium, or winning, or paid events.  They are awesome, and the podiums are a bonus.  However, I have had just as much of a thrill when Pete and I spent 6 months to get our PR up Harding Truck Trail.  

Just us, on a given day.  

We didn't break our goal of going under an hour,
but we shattered our previous bests...

... still gives me tingles.

---

164.5
7 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
BURNING MATCHES

BURNING MATCHES

Aug 10, 2023 TODD BROWN

A BIG PART OF RIDING FAST is feeling fast. There are a lot ways to do that, but here is one that is often discounted...

... looking awesome!

Yep.

Don't tell me you don't check yourself out before you saddle up, when you hit the bathroom, or...

... when you ride by giant windows!

It ain't right or wrong,
it just is something
we all do.

Why?

Because we are human,
want to feel fierce,
and be adored.

Want an easy way to take your style to the next level?

Accent what you have.

Yeah!

One year, I wore a red helmet, red gloves and red socks...

... at every race.

It was, and still is, a signal to my brain that it was time to...

... Rip On RaceDay!

This shift matters.

For a limited time, when you purchase a pair of gloves...

... you can get matching socks for FREE.

We have lots of colors.

What's your favorite?

Do you have a suggestion?

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

No code needed, savings calculated automatically at check out.

---

163.8
8 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
DOING THE WORK?

DOING THE WORK?

Aug 09, 2023 TODD BROWN

HUSTLE CULTURE SAYS Respect the hustle, work culture says Do the work, Grind culture says I'm just grinding, to which I say...

... What the heck are y'all talking about?

Is there something special we don't know about?

You know what I think it is?

I think, and I hope I'm wrong, it's just a way of saying...

... Look at me,
it's a freakin' miracle,
I'm actually focused on accomplishing something.

Shouldn't doing great work be our default?
Setting big goals be the norm?
Being unrealistic common?

I know it is for you,
because you're reading this.

What's our phrase then?

Keep challenging yourself.

Every day,
in every way.

Run,
Bike,
Swim,
Work,
Family,
Social,
Mental,
Spiritual.

---

164.3
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
MOTORPACING MADE EASY

MOTORPACING MADE EASY

Aug 08, 2023 TODD BROWN

I'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH THE GRAVEL BIKE, and I've come to a few conclusions you might find noteworthy.  These little outings...

... have been flirting with road rides.

It's a lot like all the benefits of motorpacing.

Because of the extra drag from the jumbo treaded tires,
the larger gaps between gears,
and the more upright position...

... I am forced to ride a lot more efficient.

Staying much closer to the rider ahead, in the best draft position possible is key to hanging on.

The faster the speed, the more exaggerated the effort needed to stay with the group.

At 27-32ish mph, our speed tonight, its a lot more challenging than when I'm on my road bike.

A lot of that has to do with the gearing of my gravel bike:  38 x 10-52.

This gearing forces me to spin faster or slower than I might if I was on my road bike.  In a sense it is less efficient...

... but, it's forcing me to be more adaptable and flexible with my cadence.

What's the point?

  • To make the ride harder
  • To force me to be more efficient
  • To help me prepare for upcoming races

Will it be helpful?

I dunno,
I think so. 

I played it a bit conservative tonight, saving just a bit to make sure I didn't get dropped.

Going forward, I think I can roll the dice a little more on this Tuesday afternoon ride.

---

164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
A FEW MORE THOUGHTS ON MY TIRE CHOICE

A FEW MORE THOUGHTS ON MY TIRE CHOICE

Aug 07, 2023 TODD BROWN

THE ODD THING ABOUT MY TIRE CHOICE FOR SATURDAY'S RACE was that I'd never ridden the tire before.  I mean I had, and I'd loved them, but never ridden...

... such a giant tire.

Not on a gravel bike.

Back in my day,
why we'd roll them
1.75" Ritchey World Cup SpeedMax tires.

Almost exactly the same width as the 45mm Continental Terra Speeds I mounted for Saturday's 50 mile gravel race, with noted and feared rocky sections.

I'd forgotten about those Ritcheys...

Heck, we railed 
and ripped,
all trails.

Rocky,
Smooth,
didn't matter.

... in the late 90's those 1.75s were my go to for epic rides and races.

Here's the the thing, after the race I was rolling along on pavement next to a guy who outweighs me by at least 40lbs.  Were were on identically spec'd BMCs...

... and I was rolling away.

Not exactly scientific, but confidence yielding for sure.

This afternoon, I hit a well traveled dirt road I've ridden many times.  It's always pockmarked from horse hooves, and just bouncy enough to be annoying.

Not today.
Not on these 45s.

It was smooth and enjoyable.

For my next unscientific tests, I'll be hitting a few road group rides on this set up.  

There's a point to all of this, so I'm glad you stuck around.

As much as I disagree with the idea of rocking 2.4" MTB tires for XC racing,
I disagree with as going skinny as possible for gravel racing.

I think it's always faster to error on the side of comfort vs rigidity...

... taking that edge off, 
leaves us fresher,
and sharp,
and fast.

That's just me.

What's your preference?

---

165.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

 

View Details
HAVE WE FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?

HAVE WE FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?

Aug 06, 2023 TODD BROWN

YESTERDAY'S RACE WENT PERFECT.  From start to finish, I felt amazing.  And, from the looks of my competitors, even though we'd put in massive efforts and were exhausted...

... most of us had the same look.

Dirt,road.
Young, old.

All of us were happy,
and smiling.

How could that be?
How could there be joy in so thoroughly flogging ourselves?

You know the answer to that

Here's the real question...

... is that the key to fountain of youth?

If so, why?

Unequivocally, yes.

Why?

Because it's child's play.

The great Dan Sullivan says (warns?)...

... As you age you must continually get younger friends.

For most people, that isn't relevant.
For us, it is.

If we don't, we,
the active,
the childish, 
the energetic,
will find ourselves alone.

When endlessly fascinated with something,
like we are with
these races, 
or business,
or writing...

... we don't retire,
we keep getting better,
closer to our maximum potential.

(Sometimes I feel I need to explain that sentiment.  If I knew what I know now, and had the time I have now, I would have been waywayway faster than I am now.  Now, I'm just a lot closer than I've even been to my potential.)

Stay young my friends.

 

 

---

165.3
8 hrs
No Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
WHICH BIKE WAS FASTEST?

WHICH BIKE WAS FASTEST?

Aug 05, 2023 TODD BROWN

THE QUESTION FOR THOSE REALLY INTO IT WAS, would a mountain bike or a gravel bike be faster at the Tour De Big Bear Gravel Race.  The serious cats had pre-ridden and made their decisions...

... I committed to honor the spirt of gravel.

Can I say that without making someone getting lycra hurt?

Of course.

Grab some fries and let me splain it.

The best part about gravel is it is all spirit. 

There are no rules.

Riders think there are...

  • hipster mustache
  • monochrome kit
  • no coordinated teamwork

... there aren't.

I saw everything today...

  • Gravel bikes
  • CX bikes
  • MTBs
  • Wild kits
  • Boys
  • Girls
  • Camelbaks
  • Excellent teamwork 

... and lots of rocks in certain spots.

Not everywhere,
but, enough in certain spots
to shred tires,
cause crashes, 
and, in my case,
bounce bottles out of the best cages in the world.

I'd estimate about 50% of our time was spent off road,
even though there was a little more mileage on the pavement.

As I said, there are no rules in gravel which is why it's a little hard to explain to friends and family.

I rode 25 miles on pavement,
19 or so on gravel roads,
the rest on singletrack.

Look at the results.

1st MTB
2nd MTB
3rd Gravel (lil ol me)
4th MTB
5th MTB

I'd guess about 10% of the bikes on course were MTBs.

Here's why I think gravel was the fastest today.

My friend Eric won, on his MTB.
About 6 minutes ahead of me.

My friend Tim and I and one other came in together.

Generally speaking, Tim usually beats me on races under 3 hours.  Eric always beats me into the ground.

Seeing that we came in not far behind Eric, and that the gravel bike was a lot faster on the last 4ish miles of pavement...

... I think I made the right choice for me.

They would get away from me on the rocky sections,
we were about even on the flowy single track,
and I'd catch back on any time it was 
smooth or paved.

My set up:

  • BMC URS - a gravel bike for rowdy terrain
  • Continental Terra Speed 45mm Tires, 32 lbs rear, 30 lbs front
  • 2.3 water bottles of 2 scoops of Skratch 
  • 2 Honey Stinger Waffles
  • 5 Salt Stick chewable tablets
  • Kask Protone Helmet
  • PEDAL industries Aero Jersey and Pro Bibs and Race Socks and Race Gloves.

What would I do different?

Not much.

I've thought about rubberbands or something for the bottles, but seems like a hassle and these bottle cages from Arundel rarely let me down.

Nutrition was perfect, even with launching the mostly full bottle.

For me, the spirit of gravel is the versatility of skills that is required
in the bike handling and equipment set up.

The unknown,
the adventure.

---

165?
6.5 hrs
No Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
LET'S STOP CALLING IT RACEDAY

LET'S STOP CALLING IT RACEDAY

Aug 04, 2023 TODD BROWN

RACEDAY, I love it.  Everything about it.  The months of training, the weeks of bike prep, the openers the day before, the startline jitters, the first pedal stroke, the finish line, the afterglow...

... so, let's stop calling it RaceDay.

There is a much better title:

Inspired Testing Day. 

Why?

Well, think about it.

We always have our most inspired and epic efforts on raceday.  Nothing brings out our best than...

... the energy of the masses getting after it.

It's a test to see how well we do against others.
They feel it.
We feel it.

The leaderboard shows it.

What the leaderboard doesn't always show, never shows really...

... is what was left in our reserves.

A whole lot.
Not much.
Nothing.

Nothing is always the goal for me.

To know we gave all we had to give,
regardless of circumstances,
is the test.

We're the only ones that know...

  • Everything was perfect
  • Nothing worked.
  • Work took out a bunch of training
  • The derailler malfunctioned
  • The baby was colicky 
  • We got sick the night before
  • yada, yada, yada

... and it's best to keep it that way, to ourselves,
unless asked.

Hard to do,
but, still the best policy.

So, whenever your next race is, 
I hope/pray/trust all goes perfect for you...

... either way, I know I'll be inspired if you let me know how it all went down.

Is it really R.I.P. for Rip On RaceDay?...

... nah, just wanted to try an inspire ya to give it everything.

It's your test.

---

165
7.5 hrs
No Strenght
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
DO YOU TAKE NATURE BREAKS WHEN RACING?

DO YOU TAKE NATURE BREAKS WHEN RACING?

Aug 03, 2023 TODD BROWN

MY FRIEND KEVIN ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO WAY TO WIN LOTOJA, without being able to pee off the bike.  You know, coasting.  He'd shamelessly practice the technique...

... in the most awkward places.

Wind, people.  
Didn't matter.

But, here's what does matter...

... that we take the nature breaks.

Not those.

These.

Actually in nature.

The last couple of weeks, lots of my friends - maybe you! - have been posting pics of their rides in the mountains, and it is reminding me of...

... the amazing summer I had last year.

6 weeks in Colorado and Utah.

High up in the trees, mostly boondocking on side roads.
The solitude,
quiet...

... and lack of reception.

Completely unplugged,
however brief,
is a blessing.

Tomorrow, I'm heading up to Big Bear and I'm planning to boondock,
hidden in the forest,
under the stars.

Saturday, it'll be game on for a 50 mile gravel race.

They've changed the course multiple times.  My pal Eric has pre-ridden it and assures me a mountain bike will be faster...

... so I put some 45s on my gravel bike.

I wish y'all luck this weekend, and if you have to pee...

... I wish you even more good luck!

---

164.8
7.5 hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Aug 02, 2023 TODD BROWN

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED I'M DIFFERENT.  You are, too.  We all are, and I don't mean that touchyfeely We're all different and special kindacrud...

... endurance athletes are nuts!

We do epic shift, and live to tell about it.

That we know,
but do you know how to harness
the general populations's mocking and obvious jealousy?

Make it public.

Oh yeah, I've heard of that.

What have you heard?

That if I make a public pronouncement I can do better.

Do you do it, have you done it?

Oh no, I'd never to that.

Why?

It's weird, and kinda scary.

Which is my point precisely.

Making a public statement of what we want to accomplish is weird, and super scary.

You know the story of the crabs in the bucket?

They're all in there.  Trapped. And one of them gets the idea to climb out.  Just as he's about to escape their prison the other's pull him back down.

Why?

Because of the...

If I can't have it, you can't either

... thinking that stinks up everything, everywhere.

The thing about it is, though

We are truly different.
We aren't crabs,
or crabby.

And, when we make public statements of what we want to accomplish...

... yes, for sure the crabs will try and do their thing...

... and we will have so much more power
and commitment
and joy...

... because we are running, riding, swimming scared we will fail.

And that my fine heartrate monitoring friend...

... is a true public service announcement.

Those unwitting, dimwitted 6-legged demons in our heads...

... serve to push us to our best performances ever.

I've already stated I'm trying to win marathon nationals next month.

What if I fail?

Big deal.  
It's just a bike race.
And, I'm a million times better for making the effort.

Here's another public service announcement:

I'm looking for 1000 athletes who want to achieve their best A race ever in 2024.

Deets to follow.

---

164.3
7 hrs
RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
YOU'VE NEVER RACED AGAINST ME

YOU'VE NEVER RACED AGAINST ME

Aug 01, 2023 TODD BROWN

I REMEMBER A BIZ MEETING ONCE, with another cyclist at his office.  We were working along, getting things done, and he looks over at me...

... You're so mellow.

It felt like a put down.

tbh, kinda weird.

Another day, this same gent and I went for a ride. 

He was killing me up some of the climbs, really hotting things up.  I could tell it was enjoyable for him.  

Later, we lined up at a local race.

Afterward, he pedaled over and stopped and said:

I didn't know you could do that.

Oh, thanks man.

There was so much I could have said.

I never told him the truth.

But, I'll tell you...

... because it might help you rip on raceday.

The truth is, when I'm racing...

... it's not me out there.

It's TFnB.
A totally different person.
A calculating, heartless punk with a very short fuse.

Surfergirl knows this,
understands this alter ego,
I actually think she likes that side of me...

... in small doses.

The truth is Alter Egos can be incredibly powerful and effective.

Here's the scary thing,
I think TFnB is who I actually am,
and the mild-mannered marketer is my Alter Ego I work so hard to develop.

Either way, 
we're all playing some kind of role,
might as well play the one of the dominator when it comes to racing.

It's a lot more fun.

---

164.5
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
YOU NEED TWO THINGS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE SPRINTER

YOU NEED TWO THINGS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE SPRINTER

Jul 31, 2023 TODD BROWN

I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE AMAZING CAREER OF MARK CAVENDISH.  So many fabled victories and championships over such a long career...

... how does he do it?

It seems like every year, some new rocket launches into the pro ranks.
Blowing everyone away,
then disappearing.

I think I have it.

If you have these two things you will win races.

Guaranteed.

  • You are new
  • You are fast

Why?

Well, it's not enough to be fast.
Lots of racers are fast.

However, to be new.

That is different.

The other sprinters don't know you yet.
They may have heard of you.
Seeing is where it's at.

When I see you sprint, I start to learn your tendencies.

  • How far back you like to start
  • What speed you like to roll from
  • How you take the corners
  • Which teammates you trust
  • Can you take bumping

etc.

Just look at all the sprinters of the last 5 years.
They jump on the scene.
Get some wins.
Start losing.

Not the greats.
Not Cav.

The wins don't come as often,
but, they keep coming.

I think it's that he's more professional,
and the rest are just winging it.

For me, it seems like all the science has been to the climbers.

Sprinters are an after thought.

The big brains of the sport are nothing like the lore of the great pitchers in American baseball.  They study each batter, know them inside and out...

... it's the same with the batters on the pitchers.

Maybe the teams do study the up and comers, I dunno.  It just seems like an afterthought.

And then there's Mark.

I'm guessing, I'm betting...

... that cat takes nothing to chance.

Not only that, I'll wager he's thought of
a hundred ways to win each sprint
he rolls into for himself
and his competitors...

... maybe it's these two things, then?

Know the enemy and know yourself,
in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.

- Sun Tsu

---

164.8
7.5 ish hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

 

View Details
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE FINISH?

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE FINISH?

Jul 30, 2023 TODD BROWN

THERE WAS THAT SOLO BREAKAWAY, 30 years ago in a business park.  Me, off the front, seeing the highest HR I ever recorded, crossing the line first, no pack in sight, wife and baby there...

... I remember that day.

But, does it stand out for the family?
Or, the friends?
Should it?

You know what stood out to me at this year's Tour de France?

This interview of the winner, Jonas Vingegaard...

What do you want your daughter Frida to think of you when she´s older, say 25?

Just that I was a good father and that I was there for her when she needed me.

It sounds simple.
Cliche.
Trite.

But, heres the thing.

He'd just crossed the finished line after a huge stage of climbing
He'd just secured his second TdF victory in a row, against the oddsmakers.

He'd conquered the best,
and put the doubts to rest.

And his answer was calm, 
unscripted,
pure.

This cat gets it.

Family first.

Yes, we train.
We do a race or few a year.

This keeps us fit to provide,
bonds us to likeminded athletes,
makes us better than we might otherwise be...

... because we choose active and athletic over sedentary.

It's not the end goal,
it's the means to being there when they need us.

At dinner tonight, we were discussing the fact that busy people work out more than non busy people. Some study had shown this.

Why?

Because they are busy and have to plan their days,
and get the workouts done quickly. 

The earlier, 
the better.

---

164.5
7ish hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
BEST RIDE OF THE YEAR WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT

BEST RIDE OF THE YEAR WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT

Jul 29, 2023 TODD BROWN

TODAY WAS THE BEST RIDE OF THE YEAR.  I probably say that every week, but I don't usually add this...

... it was a huge disappointment.

Due to my terrible mechanicking last night, the road bike was KIA.

Which left the gravel bike,
for a superfast
road ride.

I'm gonna tell ya right now, because there's a lesson I learned, I had a strategy in mind.

In order to compensate for the additional 3lbs of bike weight,
greater rolling resistance of the fatter tires,
and the wide gear spacing...

... I knew there was only one thing to do.

Even then, the ride was really hitting me hard.

I'd find myself constantly wishing I had more gear options,
either completely spun out,
or grinding away.

When the group would accelerate, I would too.
In slow motion.

It was so hard.

Miraculously, I was hangin' on.

Yeah, I got lucky on a couple of lights.
Yeah, I took the one short cut.

Somehow, against my hopes and wishes, I made it to the final 20 minutes climb to the highest point of the ride.

Not last.
Not first.

What made the ride so fun, after all that suffering, was hitting the gravel options on the way back home...

.. slidin' the turns, dustin' up the shins.

The dessert portion of the ride.

So, why has it so disappointing?

Well, I reallyreallyreally dug deep to hang on.

I was just dawgawn sure I'd logged a much harder effort than the same ride two weeks ago.

Look at this.

The efforts are veryvery similar.  

A little less Threshold than 2 weeks ago, 3 minutes.
A lot more Tempo this week,  31 minutes.

Max heart rate 5 bpm higher this week, 175.

I thought I'd have a lotlotlot more Threshold, not less.

It just seemed, waywayway harder...

... because it was so much more difficult to be efficient.

So, what's the lesson?

Hang on, 
never lead,
surf the groups energy.

While I was faux wallowing in my Skratch recovery, I noticed something.

According to the Starva Lords, both rides were Historic efforts.  
Two weeks ago was a 272,
this week was a 327.

Not, too shabby after all... 

... I think I'll be doing this ride dirty again, soon.

---

164.8
7hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
CONSISTENTLY HONEST.

CONSISTENTLY HONEST.

Jul 28, 2023 TODD BROWN

IT'S BEEN A LONG WEEK.  Got a ton accomplished.  Was looking forward to a chill Friday, but had a few family emergencies...

... I'm tired.

Then, popping new brake pads onto the roadie I somehow managed to ruin the brake line pressure.

No brakes.
No bike.

If I'm honest, feels kinda like my life this week.

No breaks.

It would be so easy to sleep in tomorrow.  
Bag the slated ferocious road ride.
Putt around on the MTB.

But, I shan't do such thing.

The gravel bike is in good enough shape to make it to the group ride,
and maybe hang on for bit if I'm prudent with my efforts.

Which means there's all the potential in the world that it's a harder effort than I'd planned...

... and that's what I wanted to share with you.

The number 1 way to keep the fitness over the years isn't...

  • a great coach
  • a super group of friends
  • a supportive spouse and family

... it's consistency.

Plain ol' day after day getting after it.

While others relax,
get satisfied with pretty good,
we press forward, pedal after pedal.

It's that simple,
and easy...

... if you love it like we do.

---

164.5
7.5 hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

 

View Details
THE HARDEST PART ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT IS...

THE HARDEST PART ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT IS...

Jul 27, 2023 TODD BROWN

DROPPING SOME LBS ISN'T REALLY THAT HARD, no harder than the 99 lb weakling trying to pack 'em on.  What makes it hard is...

... how long it takes to see results.

But, there is a secret to dumping some ballast
and I practiced it today.

Be a little hungry.

Don't bonk.
Don't famine, then feast.

Be a little hungry.
You won't die.
It'll be okay.

The problem, I have found, is when I'm working but not completely wrapped up and focused on something...

... then I get bored, or impatient.

Today, for example, we were jamming on samples for our upcoming release of new apparel.  All of us were focused on making sure all the fits are perfect.  Making this and that small adjustment...

... all of the sudden, it's 2:30.

I'm hungry.

Our ancestors didn't pop over to the fridge,
didn't have a jar of cookies,
a pantry of goodness.

The were hungry,
often.

The thing about hunger, that' I've found is after a number of days, maybe a week, I get used to it...

... and it's super helpful if an A race is on the calendar. 

A good number to shoot for is 1 lb/week,
with the lowest weigh in the morning
PRIOR to your big weekend ride.

We can adjust to fewer calories quicker than we think if we simply...

... arrange our environment to be less calorie obvious.

Stay (a little bit) hungry my friends.

---

164.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
THIS IS SO OFFENSIVE

THIS IS SO OFFENSIVE

Jul 26, 2023 TODD BROWN

WE HAVE TWO CHOICES:  play defense, and be apologetic; or, play offense and point out all the reasons we are right...

... and they are wrong!

RaceDay is every bit as much a mental battle as a physical one.

Let's go to war!

This is what being RaceDay Ready is all about.  

We can't rip,
if we aren't offensive.

Here's what I mean.

The only thing we should be focusing on when we line up,
is all the work we put in to get to this point.

During the 10-Week RaceDay Ready Challenge we do a lot of activities that are easy to...

... skip
discount
overlook.

Do that at your own peril.  
Ok, not peril...

... but, detriment
or loss.

How do I know y'all aren't doing it?

  • You click the Off Track button on the Challenge emails
  • I see it all the time during the Alliance calls.

Why aren't y'all doing it?

  • Because it's hard, and
  • I haven't stressed it enough or done a good enough job selling it to your minds.

For examples...

  • Some of the benefits of journaling every day is to calm our minds, flesh out our thoughts, figure out how to make life, work, family and fitness work.
  • By reading daily, I've added all kinds of tricks to my warchest on and off the bike.
  • Cowboy Strong has made me a lot stronger, my bones and tendons and muscles.
  • Stretching and massaging daily has put torn or sore muscles in the past.
  • The Giant Calendar has my family and team onboard with what I want to accomplish and what I want to help them accomplish.

... I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

Yes, it's wonderful to toe the line knowing we rode X miles...

... it's a game changer to bombard our minds with the countless little things.

A wise man once said...

... By small and simple things are great things brought to pass...

... and we all wanna be passing vs being passed.

---

165.1
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
THE CULT OF PERSONALITY

THE CULT OF PERSONALITY

Jul 25, 2023 TODD BROWN

TOOK A MOMENT TO PUMP WITH LIVING COLOR, Cult Of Personality is still relevant today.  Even for us...

.. who worship endurance.

And it got me thinking about who we are and who we aren't.

We chase fitness to be better at all things,
not sacrifice what matters most.

We revere epic efforts because they energize us,
not discourage us.

We honor the spartan approach of individualism, strength and ruggedness,
not sameness, mediocrity and timidity.

We seek outrageous goals and efforts,
not easy street.

We are about bonding, respect and friendship,
not leaving behind the one.

We search out designs that reflect our warrior's spirit,
not the bland and boring.

We believe in being strong and capable to move heavy things,
not just on the bike.

We invite, encourage, and share our joy for ripping with all,
not ignore, give up on or hide our secrets.

If you're looking for some vintage ripping from the 80s click the pic...

 

---

166.5
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
WHAT MY DENTIST TAUGHT ME ABOUT STRETCHING

WHAT MY DENTIST TAUGHT ME ABOUT STRETCHING

Jul 24, 2023 TODD BROWN

DENTISTS.  They are all the same.  Nice people, pearly smiles, friendly.  The kind of people you'd like to hang out with...

... except for that SOB who had me in the chair.

The nice ones, all love to tell the same joke.

Floss the ones you want to keep.

Later in life, much later than I'll admit, I hacked the toothbrushingflossing chore...

... which is what we must do to maintain things.

But, that's not what I learned about recovery.

Or, is it?

Brushingflossing never ends,
so I grab my toothbrush, put on paste and snag the floss...

... then I get into the shower.

By the time I'm done brushingflossing I'm ready to get out.

Stretchingrecovering never ends either,
so I put on shorts, grab the hypervolt...

... and watch YouTube for 30ish minutes.

Because...

... I stretch the muscles I want to keep highly functioning.

About that SOB.

I was 11.  Parents recently divorced.  Feeling alone.  Life sucked...

... and Dr. Turd hits a nerve while numbing.

Not once.
Not twice.
Three (3) freakin' times.

No apologies.
No timeouts.

Most physical therapists are real nice, pearly smiles, friendly people, too...

... but, what if Dr Turd has a sibling?

Stretch those muscles,
hit 'em with the hypervolt or something similar, get a massage...

... if you wanna keep 'em ready for Ripping On RaceDay!

===

166.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
THE DEADLINE.

THE DEADLINE.

Jul 23, 2023 TODD BROWN

DEADLINES ARE SO POWERFUL, it is shocking how much we can accomplish when time is constrained and we are given...

... the date with destiny.

Isn't that the best part of racing anyway?

A date,
a deadline
to be super fit.

On such and such a date I will be as ready as possible, as close to my maximum potential as I can be.

There is only one problem,
and, therefore, one challenge.

The challenge is to be as close to our best as possible,
the problem is we don't have a deadline...

... until one day,
we are dead.

Which is how I'm feeling today.
Wiped out.

Yesterday's ride was massive,
Historic according to Starva.

I was deconstructing the effort on the major climb, Harding Truck Trail.

My PR is 1:03,
set 10 years ago...

... when it was an official race,
on a cool and misty morning,
with nothing to carry up.

I was 10 minutes slower yesterday...

... in scorching heat,
with bottles and gear to last 3 hours
and over 30 miles and 2500' of warm up.

Does that count for the 10 minutes slower?
Fatigue,
Weight,
Heat.

Oh, and new shoes that aren't 100% perfectly dialed in yet?

Could I do a 1:03 again?

I don't know,
but, I'm pretty darn sure I'm
a lot closer to my potential now than I was 10 years ago.

One more problem, my potential is degrading...

... and my deadline is getting closer.

Time to move faster.

166
8 hrs
No Strength Training
30 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

Jul 22, 2023 TODD BROWN

THE GENTLEMAN PUT ON HIS 9TH ANNUAL Creek To Peak mountain bike ride.  For some, it's Leadville prep, for others it's an epic adventure...

... either way it's memorable.

Because it always stings.

He pinged me the night before.

Let's ride over?

Isn't it far enough as it is?

Yeah, let's get some bonus miles.

And, be even more sleep deprived.

Yeah.

Okay.

I tossed and turned all night,
wanting to maximize the limited sleep stressed me out.

At 430am I was in a fog,
and the fog had rolled in.

Which meant it would be a very humid day,
not cool.

Wahoo says max temp was 111.

That was at the top the 5600' peak, 
7000' of climbing done,
50 miles ridden.

I don't think it was actually that hot, 
but it was hot.

We had another 26 miles
and 2600' of climbing
to finish the ride.

 

We mostly stuck together, 
until the 13 mile climb
with 4500' of gain.

Then it blew to pieces.
Almost all of us suffering alone at our own pace.

To begin, there is a brief, fast downhill about a mile in and it proved to be catastrophic the Nicest Guy.  

One minute he was upright.

15 minutes later,
he's in a helicopter on his way to ER.

If you're into prayer, send one up for Mark.
If you're not, send him some good vibes.

I missed all that, being just a minute or so ahead.

Maybe that's why we were all so alone and strewn across the mountain?

Yes,
and no.

The heat was oppressive causing a few riders to bail out,
and more to turn around before the top.

But, the view!

We huddled in the shade of the signal towers and the turbulence of their air conditioners...

... until all that were gonna make it,
made it.

There was a time I would do this climb and the ensuing downhill 2-3 times a month.  

It's that good.

Unfortunately, in 2018 (I think) a lunatic got mad at his neighbors and burned the forest down.  It was supposed to be closed for 3 years for rejuvenation.  

Then, Covid.

Now, it's back open. 

Mostly all in tack and epic as ever.

The thing we ALWAYS look forward to is the delicious Mexican popsicles at the 100 year old general store.

I couldn't wait.
So hot.

We regrouped there.
From 20+, down to about 10.

The Iversons were amazing.  Not only did they meet us with water and supplies at the bottom of the big climb, they also met us at the store with...

... ice for our bottles, lube for our chains.

All that faced us was 2 hours of trails,
and the terrible and hideous climb
up Shea.

Half a mile or so,
20% pitches.

Did I say the Gentleman planned this awful ending to the ride?
Can't believe I keep calling him that.

When I finally made it home,
Little Pants was facetiming Surfergirl.

Look at Dad.

What happened to you?

Oh, just a little ride with my pals.

---
166
6.25 hrs
No Strength Training
20 minutes recovery
No minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

We are all about Ripping On RaceDay via motivation, products and events.  We manufacture (almost) all our RaceDay Ripping products in the USA, on demand.  Sign up, train up and Rip It Up In Style, because Every Day IS RaceDay. 

View Details
ARE YOU FAITHFUL?

ARE YOU FAITHFUL?

Jul 21, 2023 TODD BROWN

HAVING A COACH IS GREAT.  A good coach provides a process and a plan.  As far as I'm concerned, coached or not...

... having a process is critical to success.

As long as we have two things:

Faith.
Patience. 

What is this Sunday School?
Patience?
Faith?

Yes.
No.

This is Ripping On RaceDay School.

Following a process takes faith if it's new to you.  Especially in the beginning because a good process will start out with the fundamentals.

Legendary bastketball coach John Wooden began every season teaching the players...

... how to put their shoes on correctly.

Can you imagine superstars, anxious to play with the greatest coach and teammates starting with something so basic? 

Which brings up patience.

Without patience even the most faithful can get frustrated.  Over time...

6 months,
a year,
more,

... is when an excellent process yields massive results.

This is all on my mind because someone who knows me well, called me out for talking about intervals.

You hate intervals.

I know, but I'm faithful to the process. 

(by the way... if you haven't figured out that these posts are my daily kick in the lycra for myself... well, now you know)

---
166 (yes, I'm hacked off at this reading)
7.5 hrs
Squats Pull Ups Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

We are all about Ripping On RaceDay via motivation, products and events.  We manufacture (almost) all our RaceDay Ripping products in the USA, on demand.  Sign up, train up and Rip It Up In Style, because Every Day IS RaceDay. 

 

View Details
WHAT YOU DIDN'T LEARN IN FIZIKS

WHAT YOU DIDN'T LEARN IN FIZIKS

Jul 20, 2023 TODD BROWN

YOU DIDN'T LEARN THIS IN PHYSICS, and I doubt you learned it in anatomy, and I really hope you aren't winging it. This is for the professionals...

.. at least it is if you want to maximize you life!

Life?

Yes, your cycling life.

Forget the added benefits of greater pedaling efficiency,
the superior comfort.
Those are nice.

In fact, they are game changers.

But, if you're winging it you wouldn't know what you're missing out on.

Not only will you have weaker power output,
all kinds of back and knee issues,
you will dramatically shorten 
your cycling life.

Because...

... your parts, your body parts, are going to wear out faster.

Which is why, when I purchased some new shoes - I do love my Fiziks...

... I went straight to my PROFESSIONAL bike fitter.

I did not pass go.

But, why did I get new shoes?

Honestly, I'm a little spoiled.
Okay, a lot.

I have 3 bikes.

1 MTB
1 Road
1 Gravel

I have been using the same shoes for gravel and MTB for quite a while, and I was noticing I was never 100% comfortable.

If I set up the shoes for the MTB, it was just a little twitchcausing on the gravel bike and vice versa.

So, I splurged.
Got the latestandgreatest MTB shoe.

I'm going to dedicate them to MTB, since that is my most important racing for the foreseeable future.

They are lighter and comfier than that last version,
can't wait to get 'em dirty tomorrow.

So, there's the physics/anatomy lesson.
Extend your cycling life.
Get a bike fit.

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

Did you know these sexy socks are Buy One (pair) Get One (pair)?

Make you order 2 pair, the discount is applied automatically.

Make you order 2 pair, the discount is applied automatically.

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

 

---
165.4
7.5 hrs
Squats Pull Ups Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
WAIT JUST A MINUTE, GIVE ME A MINUTE, AND OTHER MISTAKES WE CAN AVOID

WAIT JUST A MINUTE, GIVE ME A MINUTE, AND OTHER MISTAKES WE CAN AVOID

Jul 19, 2023 TODD BROWN

WE WERE TALKING ABOUT PREP FOR LOTOJA, a 200 mile bike race from Logan, UT to Jackson Hole, WY, through Idaho.  Because it is a legit...

... sanctioned USA Cycling race.

I did it in 2017 and had an outrageously memorable day on the bike.

One of my best.

Here's how I trained.

My theory was that it would be nearly impossible for anyone to breakaway early and stay away...

... it's just too far.

Therefore, while I did some long rides in prep, my longest was 120.  And, I only did that once.  Most Saturdays, were 70-90.

On those days, I made sure to keep my overall pace high when riding alone...

... and never lead or get dropped with the group.

My focus was on endurance AND 1-3 minute power.

I figured if I did all I could to conserve, and never pulled until the final selection, I would have the power to withstand any efforts to get away by other racers...

... those 1-3 minute pushes towards the top of a climb.

It takes a certain mindset to sit in,
especially when we are trained,
tapered and ready to slay it.

A discipline, really.

That was my plan, and it totally worked.

I sat 10-15 or so riders back the entire time, rotated through and off the front as quickly as possible when, andonlywhen, necessary.

Over the final pass, we pushed hard and snapped off the final group of deadweight.

8 of us,
riding strong,
all pulling through.

We wouldn't be caught,
we were gone.

Then, tragedy struck me.
A flat tire with 55ish miles to go,
led to one of my all time favorite efforts chasing.

35ish miles.

The deets are here https://pedalindustries.com/blogs/feed/lotoja-mocha-choca-lata-yaya.

The point is this, most longasheck races don't come down to endurance...

... but, 1-3 minute power.

Are you training that?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

 

21-Day Challenge.png__PID:12cd7199-9951-4e8c-a33c-f4e9e8e6f442

---
165.2
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured

View Details
THEIR LOWER BODIES ARE JUMBO

THEIR LOWER BODIES ARE JUMBO

Jul 18, 2023 TODD BROWN

SOMETHING IS UNIQUE AT JUMBO-VISMA.  I noticed it last year, while appreciating the spinning legs of the great Primoz,...

.... then, earlier this year as Wout the awesome ripped it up.

Today, it was confirmed.

Yes, I suppose it could be an optical illusion created by the bibs and socks.  But, I don't think it is.

What I think, and I could be hyperaware because I've spent so much time with additional workouts, is that...

... these athletes are building stronger and more complete legs.

All of them look buffer from the hips down.

Now, how would they do that?

Assuming they are actually developing stronger bodies from the hips down, always an iffy prop to be assuming, maybejustmaybe they are doing something like I am...

  • Sled
  • Squat
  • Hip flexors
  • Nordics
  • Box jump
  • Heel and Toe raises

... they are probably more pro about it.

To me, these athlete's legs look a lot stouter than their competitors...

... especially Jonas The Killer, today.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

Whadayathink...

... are they in line with my Cowboy Strong philosophy.

Learn about by taking the 10-Week Challenge.

21-Day Challenge.png__PID:12cd7199-9951-4e8c-a33c-f4e9e8e6f442

---
165.9
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
NOT EVERYBODY GETS THE POINT (TO POINT)

NOT EVERYBODY GETS THE POINT (TO POINT)

Jul 17, 2023 TODD BROWN

THERE IS AN INTERESTING PHENOMENA regarding racing distance.  I've noticed a number of my friends are unable to visualize...

... the difference between a loop and a point to point race.

And, it bugs me.

They don't bug me, my inability to present the facts clearly is what bugs me, because...

... I want them to join me on an adventure never to be forgotten.

Almost all of these friends have completed the long and hideously challenging BWR San Diego which covers...

... 130 miles, 10,500 feet of climbing, 52 miles of it off road.

Here's the thing, though...

... BWR is a loop, and they get it.

Start here, wind up completely smoked in the same place.

BUT, when I invite them to do a point to point ride (not a race) of very similar distance...

... their heads explode.

I think I know why, and here it is.

Consider, if you roll out in the morning and ride 80 miles and finish back at your place, you've gone 80 miles.  At the same time, if you considered riding 80 miles to visit a friend in the neighboring county...

... well, you'd give that a lot of consideration because Who wants to go that far?

And, I think this is what's happening when I say...

Let's do the Surf N Summit.

What's that?

We ride from here to Big Bear (local mountains).

What?!

Yeah, it's like BWR but way more memorable.  Same distance, lots of nice gravel roads and bike trails.

No way, it's too far.

... which is the part that bugs me.

It's the same. exact. stinking. distance,
with a little more climbing,
NOT at racepace,
an adventure.

In other words, it has huge potential for being a fantastic day on the bike...

... plus, I have fun things planned for your driver/pickerupper to do while we ride.

Check it out here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-challenge-10-14-23

---
167.1
8 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details
IT'S A LUXERY FOR SURE, BUT WORTH DOING...

IT'S A LUXERY FOR SURE, BUT WORTH DOING...

Jul 16, 2023 TODD BROWN

I'D SAY NONE OF US WILL EVER EXPERIENCE the thrill, challenge, pain and heartache of a grand tour, but one of our local kids, Young Kevin...

... is riding for DSM in the Tour this year.

So, Iet me put it a different way.

If you ever have the time, money and wherewithal to do a stage race...

... do it!

I mean it.
It will be one of the best racing memories ever.

I imagine big multiday rides like RAGBRAI deliver a similar sensation.

Get up.
Ride your guts out.
Clean up, check over bike.
Recover, recover, recover and do it all again.

It is truly my favorite type of vacation,
with the dudes,
geeking out.

And, watching the tour right now I'm trying to imagine what is going through everybody's heads.

One year, we completed all 8-9 stages of the Tour of California.  
We got up early, and rode the same course.
I was wrecked for racing,
the rest of the year.

The tour kids have now been at it for 2 weeks.
Tomorrow is a rest day.

But, here are the two heads I'd like to be inside.

On Twitter, I commented on a post that Tadej's attacks were getting less and less fruitful.  Nobody agreed with me...

... in fact, they disagreed with me.

The two subsequent days have shown the attacks to be useless.
In fact, he lost a second.

In 36 hours, that is going to change radically.

My prediction:

Jonas increases his lead.

Either way, Tuesday's stage is going to be riveting.

There are 10 seconds between 1st and 2nd.
And, 19 seconds between 3rd and 4th.

Two, twodog races.
Epic.

Which brings me back to why stage races can be super fun vacations...

... the drama,
the lead changes,
even for amateurs, is the best.

---

I've done these:

Cactus Cup - MTB
Tucson Bicycle Classic - Road
Leadville Stage Race - MTB

Need to find a grave one for next year... the one in Oregon looks epic.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

 

21-Day Challenge.png__PID:12cd7199-9951-4e8c-a33c-f4e9e8e6f442

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

---
165.6
8 hrs
0 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
I HAD A PEACEFUL, EASY FEELIN'...

I HAD A PEACEFUL, EASY FEELIN'...

Jul 15, 2023 TODD BROWN

YOU KNOW WHAT'S REMARKABLE?  Our hearts, and I'm not being touchyfeely here...

... our hearts are legit amazing.

This happened.

After riding at a good clip for 30 miles to meet the group, and then blasting another...

... 25 miles full gas.

We regrouped at the top of the final climb.
Filled up bottles, emptied bladders.
Dropped back down to sea level.

My heart, which had been pinned at 160+ bpm for nearly an hour...

... slowed right back down,
and I felt damn fine.

We spun along chatting, the Eagles softly playing in my mind.

I honestly felt like I could do it all again.

It was short lived, 
when we hit the next bump in the road my legs...

... straight up scolded me.

But, that's our hearts.

These amazing muscles that let us do all kinds of fun stuff, like...

Ripping On RaceDay
or Group RideDay
or PR day.

Riding home along the coast, throngs of beachgoers where frantically trying to find parking spots close the sand.

Then I remembered the pic I saw yesterday of beachgoers from the 50s, lean and fit... 

... I was glad so see 'em getting out today and enjoying the summer weather, 
simultaneously hoping they'll do a little more running and swimming,
and a little less barbeque and chips...

... gotta care for our hearts,
and inspire others to care for theirs, as well.

Maybe not at the kooky levels we enjoy...

... or, maybe they'd like that peaceful,
easy feeling we get
after slaying it.

---

Did you see this reader's only code?

Save $25 on any order over $100.
50 uses available.
Expires Sundee.

The code is: KNOWFUN

---
165.6 (gotta get this down)
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
KNOWLEDGE VS WISDOM VS FUN

KNOWLEDGE VS WISDOM VS FUN

Jul 14, 2023 TODD BROWN

KNOWLEDGE IS KNOWING HOW TO RIDE AN E-BIKE, wisdom is knowing that holding the throttle and softpedalling...

... isn't gonna get you fit.

Knowledge is knowing you need to eat after a ride,
wisdom is not consuming twice the calories you burned.

Knowledge is knowing you need to drink after a ride,
wisdom is knowing water and sugar and protein is all you need.

Knowledge is knowing you need to stretch,
wisdom is doing it every day.

Knowledge knowing how many hours you rode,
wisdom is knowing how to maximize your time.

Knowledge is wearing proper riding attire,
wisdom is knowing how to regulate your body heat.

Knowledge is knowing how to read,
wisdom is knowing how to read the race.

Knowledge is knowing what to pack before a race or ride,
wisdom is doing it the night before.

Knowledge is thanking you for reading,
fun is giving you...

... $25 off anything you order,
this weekend,
over $100,

... wisdom is limiting it to the first 50 readers who place their order.

The code is: KNOWFUN

---
166
7.5 hrs
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
I HAVEN'T LOST A RACE IN 10 YEARS

I HAVEN'T LOST A RACE IN 10 YEARS

Jul 13, 2023 TODD BROWN

I HAVEN'T LOST A RACE IN 10 YEARS, and I've raced a lot.  10-20 times a year, not including the group rides...

... which are basically races.

How do I do it?

Well, it goes back to a major breakthrough I had back then.

No matter how the race goes down, I win.

Here are a few examples of wins by learning...

  • to fuel a lot more calories/hour
  • save the power for the sprint
  • control my weight to make it over the climbs
  • get tubeless to avoid flats
  • arrange my work to be rested before race
  • to train with better riders and toughen up
  • arrive to start plenty early to be calm and conserve energy
  • find foods I like to be better fueled
  • add salt to avoid cramps
  • make friends instead of foes

... make RaceDay Bags to be better organized.

My losses have become pure gold and taught me so much.

As the great Ernie Hemingway said...

There is nothing great in conquering,
there is greatness in learning to become better.

Which I have distilled to...

PRs > KOMs.

---
164.2
7.5ish hrs
Pullups, Pushups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
WEEK 3 OF HAVING A COACH AGAIN.

WEEK 3 OF HAVING A COACH AGAIN.

Jul 12, 2023 TODD BROWN

I HIRED A COACH.  It's been about 2 years, since I had one in my corner.  That one lasted a couple of years.  Prior coach to that was on and off over a number of years...

... mainly off.

I have a problem with structure.

As the great Jack Nicholson said in The Shining...

... All work and no play, makes riding dull and not a joy.

Today, was my first workout with a power meter in about 4 years.

I pushed back on this request, and the coach pushed this gem back at me...

Yeah, you old school guys have been successful doing it the old way.  I get it.  But, my ways are new school and very effective.

... so I got the pw, who wants to be called out like that?

When I reported I had it installed he said...

Oh yesssss
Now we can get going!

... and I'm thinking, bro we've been going for 2 weeks.

The workout drills were pretty straight forward and I had a good idea of what amount of watts I was supposed to hold for set amounts of time...

... and then I experienced the truth of a power meter.

When you commit to hold X watts for Y time,
your HR starts climbing,
breathing accelerates,
pain increases.

What am I hoping to accomplish via this new training?...

... learn some new tricks, reach some new heights.

Because here is one thing I know for sure, 
we can learn reading books and watching videos...

... a world-class coach can speed all that up, and I'm in a hurry.

---

Regarding that pic above, during one of the interval sessions I was blasting along, holding down that power through a turn that had been booby trapped.  Normally, I would have slowed up a bit...

... maybe I don't have to hurry that much?

---
164.7
7ish hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details
OVERNIGHT UPDATE

OVERNIGHT UPDATE

Jul 11, 2023 TODD BROWN

AHHHH, THE OLD We're updating your OS tonight message from our digital overlords.  Well, it got me thinking...

... What would I like upgraded tonight?

Here's the short list:

  • % body fat lowered
  • new XC race bike
  • power meter on all bikes

Instead of that I'll probably get this:

  • coyotes howling and waking me up
  • my bladder waking me up
  • an email from an African princess in distress

Which brings up this...

... what can we really upgrade and why, how, when should we do it?

Lots.

But, the changes won't happen overnight which means a lot of peeps won't be bothered to...

... do the little things that matter.

I list 'em all out in the RaceDay Ready 10-Week Challenge.

Have you taken it?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

Have you heard of...

The See Food Diet?

The Cowboy Strong approach to weight lifting?

Sleep Doping for recovery?

This and more is revealed, and it's all free.

21-Day Challenge.png__PID:12cd7199-9951-4e8c-a33c-f4e9e8e6f442

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-ready

---
165.8
7.7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details
9 OUT OF 10 DOCTORS RECOMMEND

9 OUT OF 10 DOCTORS RECOMMEND

Jul 10, 2023 TODD BROWN

A BREAKTHROUGH REPORT WAS JUST RELEASED BY THE CRR.  After a study of 100,000 endurance athletes over 20 years, there is indisputable evidence...

... how races are won and lost.

In 98.6% of the cases, the peer reviewed conclusion is that poor preparation is the leading cause of failure on RaceDay.

Researchers were shocked by the sheer number of athletes who neglected to show up with their equipment in excellent working order and... 

,., horrified at masses who straight up forgot something.

Often essential.

Asked by this reporter...

What is it about the study you found most revealing?

Well, it's tough to say.

Why?

Well, you'd think after all the time, money and effort these competitors spend prior to the event that being prepared would be obvious.

Is there any link to what's happening?

Just one, and it's quite tragic.

Do tell.

Well, the closer the racers they get to the finish line the stupider they are?

Kinda harsh isn't?

Yes, most definitely, but not as harsh as the reality that all of the time, money and effort...

... should have yielded a much better result.

What can be done?

We recommend all endurance athletes have some sort of checklist, on their bike or toolbox and on their gear bag...

... for many, it's their only chance to maximize their results.

Reporting live from The Center for Ripping on RaceDay, this is The Old Diesel.

Now that the science is settled...

... if only there was a company that had checklists like that.

---
166.9
7ish hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats, Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF

HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF

Jul 09, 2023 TODD BROWN

HEADING INTO THE 2ND HALF OF THE YEAR, and wondering if it could possibly be as good as the first.  As far as the racing goes, not likely... 

... not just because there are fewer races.

When we throw it in the big chain ring in January, it's hard to be excited in July.

That's a warm clime thing.

But, it's still a thing.

So, how do we stay motivated all year long?
Hard to say.
Why stay motivated all year long?
Hard to say.
Is that even a good idea?
Hard to say.

But, I'll try.

We can stay motivated all year long by having an A race or event once or twice a year.
By being consistent, we never really fall all that far out of peak fitness.
It's a good idea because our overall health will be excellent.

So, why is the second half of this year likely to be less fruitful than the first half?

I'm not sure,
but I think it has to do with a lack of training with purpose.

Gonna have to change that.

---

167.1
7.5 hrs 
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
30 minutes journaling and reading

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details
GRAVEL, RACING.

GRAVEL, RACING.

Jul 08, 2023 TODD BROWN

APPARENTLY, AND THIS COULD BE CORRECT, I haven't done the right gravel races. For that reason, I have yet to catch...

... the gravel racing vision.

I'm told If I select better gravel races I'll learn the truth.

The right gravel races are the closest thing we can get to a real European road race.

Rather than a typical US road race, with lots of slow riding and a few hard moments, the right gravel racers are hard as heck right from the start.

Bike handling skills are tested at every turn.

There's no rest, 
just constant fighting for position.

Now that
sounds like
a whole lot of fun.

Want to know which ones I've done?
Can't tell ya, don't want to hurt the promoter's feelings.

Want to know which ones I'm planning on?
Me, too.

For next year, I'm thinking...

the BWRs
gravel nationals
Best of Both

... got any suggestions?

Because racing over mixed terrain...

 

... is how I'd like to mix it up next year.

---

165.4
7 hrs 
No strength training
30 minutes journaling and reading

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details
REALLY, EVERY DAY?

REALLY, EVERY DAY?

Jul 07, 2023 TODD BROWN

BECAUSE EVERY DAY IS NOT RACEDAY, FOR ME.  I hear that phrase nearly every day.  At some point, someone will walk in and notice my hat and mid-conversation justify whatever thing they want to slack off on...

... clarifying they aren't racing every day.

Fair enough. 

Nobody is.

I mean those cats racing around France are for three weeks.  But even they aren't racing every day. 

The sprinters scratch and claw over the steep stuff and barely make the cut.

The climbers scamper to the front on a sprint stage only to clear out when it things get feisty.

Some days RaceDay is just doing the bare minimum...

... expending the least amount of energy.

Other days RaceDay means sleeping in and getting a massage...

... recovery is an overlooked superpower.

So, yes, Every Day Is RaceDay.

Don't waste 'em.

They compound.

---

167
7.5 hrs 
Pushups, Pullups, Squats, Nordics

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

View Details
THE NCL'S FLAMEOUT

THE NCL'S FLAMEOUT

Jul 06, 2023 TODD BROWN

I READ TODAY ABOUT THE DEMISE OF THE NCL. What else would I do when I've programmed myself to take a break from training this week?...

... but, nitpick someone else's effort.

Am I wrong?

The NCL.

I heard about it,
but not enough to be interested.

Maybe because the main thing I heard was that Legion, the dominant crit racing team in the USA, had no interest in being part of the NCL.

Anyway, when I read they were flaming out during their first season I thought I'd check out their website.

What NCL offered:

With a vision to make bike racing more understandable for the average American, they came up with a format experienced racers couldn't easily understand.

If you can't get Legion, you can't get sponsors.  The NCL sponsor list looks like something a local promoter would be slightly ashamed of.

Their values are weak, bland and tired:  diversity, equality, sustainability, community.

The promotional video's top hits were crashes, which I think stemmed from a poorly laid out course.

What would have I done?  
This, because I'm not on my bike right now:

Keep it simple, the existing crit format obviously works as it's the last bastion of US road racing.

Do whatever it takes to get Legion involved.  They have the money, the fans and the sponsors.

Values: badass racing, enough money for racers to make a living, grassroots racing feeders to the league, race on restricted bikes so it's a level playing field and affordable to race.

Promotional videos shot from cameras on every bike, on every helmet, on every corner, from every angle featuring the insane handling that allows pros to corner and rub shoulders without crashing.

The real innovations should have been in payouts and promotion and equipment.

Which NCL do you think would survive?

Nobody Cares without Legion vs gNarly Crit League

In the end, to me it looks more like some smart people figured out how to rip off professional ball players' hard earned cash...

... and that's shame.

167.1
7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details
NICE JAI FINISHES FIRST!

NICE JAI FINISHES FIRST!

Jul 05, 2023 TODD BROWN

IS IT TOO LATE TO CHANGE MY PICK TO IN THE TOUR?  I mean Tadi looks tired, Jumbo's strategy is amateurish, and that friendly bloke from down under...

... is a proven savage.

But, here's NOT the question:

Why do people, me included, overlook Jai Hindley?

He gets no respect...

... and he uses it to his advantage.

All the time.
Over and over.
To massive success.

I remember watching the Giro, and the commentators are like...

Yeah, and Jai Hindley is riding well.

... meanwhile, he wins the darn thing.

And even then, journalists be like...

... Oh, he got a little lucky.

How many times do we have to witness this? 

Which is also the wrong question.

The right question is...

... How does he do it?

How does he get underestimated time and time and time and time and time again, like today at the Tour?

I think I know.

He just looks like a super nice kid,
who is humble and friendly,
just happy to be there.

Let's be honest.
I'll be honest.

Everybody, especially me, loves to find a reason to hate on our competitors,
Or build them up into Goliaths.

It's just a lot easier to marshal all our energy and focus to defeat, or be prepared for, an unlikeable, braggadocios, cocky, sunuvagun....

... and hard to best a kind, harmless Jai.

---

166.3
7.7 hrs
Pull Ups, Push Ups, Squats
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling 

Podcast:

 

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries

https://twitter.com/pedalindustries 

 

View Details