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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT GOAL SETTING
WRAPPING UP THE YEAR, is a lot like wrapping up Christmas presents. We have these memories and milestones...
... to look back on later.
Gifts to ourselves.
What if we knew what gifts we'd be wrapping up for ourselves next year?
Would we plan our 2026 calendar differently?
Change up our goals...
... if their accomplishment was a given?
Now that you've done that little thought experiment, I'll share this with you.
The biggest accomplishments in my past were never concerned with...
- little details
- strategies
- tactics
... only What.
From there it was just a matter of making it real.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
510 Anti-Oxidant Score
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CULTURE WARS
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAINING groups. Both extend invitations...
... the similarities stop there.
One culture assures...
- everyone is ready to start together
- there are plenty of stops
- nobody gets left behind
... fairness and concern.
The other demands...
- leaving on time
- no stopping
- no waiting
... rugged individuals.
The group we...
- join
- create
- help grow
... depends on the result we are looking for.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I GET BY WITH A LOTTA HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
Sep 09, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I'VE FOUND THE TOP RACERS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 2 TYPES OF PEOPLE. Friendly and, uh, Notfriendly. Fortunately for me, I have met a lot of friendlies. And, they make all the difference in my life.
This week has been typical of the kinds of help I receive.
Steve took time out his day to help us build out the new office/shop.
Paul saw the sorry state of our lighting and sent his crew over to light us up proper. Haveco Electric is awesome!
John leant his back to help us move the heavy stuff around.
Scott answered my text today...
I hurt myself. Could be bad.
Come at 530.
So here I am in the front office of my favorite Physical Therapist, Scott Moncrief - ProSport PT. Haven't been here since flipping off my 450 at 40 miles an hour.
I can barely walk. Something is extremely jacked in my calf area.
It was tender yesterday, not sure why. Felt better this morning...
... so of course what could be better than a gravel ride?
Probably nothing... until I did this little jump at speed.
Then, it hurt like helk.
Barely made it home.
All the thoughts... will I ever ride again? will I be able to have children? will my family be okay?... all silly, I hope.
What do I think caused it? I've been struggling to adjust to a new pedal/cleat set up on my road bike. The calf has been bugging me for twoish weeks. Like an idiot, I did not listen... did some research this afternoon and the cleat is probably too far forward.
I lay upside down on the table I know all too well.
Scott starts at my heel and works his way up towards the back of my knee.
Slowly.
Quietly.
He gets to the place where Achilles tendon attaches to the two calf muscles.
It hurts.
He starts over.
Silent.
Finally...
Ok, good news. It's not your Achilles. You've strained the Somecrazyanatomyterm. That's where 90% of lower leg injuries occur.
I'm supremely relieved.
He hooks me up to his tech, a cold wrap with electricity pulsing through... leaves me here to write.
The prescription:
Ride easy. Do not get out of the saddle.
Stretch often. Ice often. Do not go for a 5 mile walk on the sand.
Rest... I think I needed that anyway.
I've made the best friends through this sport.
While I'm sitting here my GP Doc Gephhardt comes in. His practice is across the way. He rides and even owns our TMWC jersey, but has yet to join us. He's still my friend : )
One thing a lot of my friends in common is they are part of the PEDALposse... and it ain't just 'cause we're friends.
Check it out -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4035307973
You know it's an honor to be on Scott's wall, and you know you musta done something ya shouldn't have to get there.
The tech!
THAT FLAT OUT...
Sep 08, 2020
by TODD BROWN
A WHILE BACK I WAS ON MY TO MEET THE POSSE AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND ADJUST MY BRAKE. I got going soon enough. The light ahead was green and I was going to keep my speed high and make up that lost time. Then something happened I'll never forget...
... a car traveling about 50mph blew right through the red...
... had I not stopped for that quick adjustment I'd have been in that intersection at the same time as the car. After which... I'd be dead, or worse.
Ever since then I've never minded the little things that through me off my schedule.
The ill-timed flat.
The missed light.
Waiting few seconds for a friend.
Turning back for my water bottles.
It's a long list of things that can keep us off schedule.
I wonder if Joe was thinking that when his 5 year old ran after him crying at 625 this morning making him late to meet the group?
Because it's exactly what I was thinking when I stopped to help Jon with his 3rd and 4th flat tires.
Ya never know.
Just like ya never know how incredibly soft our tshirts are, how they are cut for a fit racer like yourself, what our special NoFeel inks are all about until you own one for yourself.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green
Use promo code SAVE10
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4030504323
THE ODDS OF WINNING
Sep 07, 2020
by TODD BROWN
HAD A CAT QUIT TODAY BECAUSE HE SAID THE ODDS OF WINNING WERE TOO LOW. It kinda bugged me. And, it's still bugging me now. But why...
... because I never quit anything?
... and, when the heck were the odds of winning anything worthwhile high?
Never.
But, there's another reason it bugs me...
... because I've learned far, far more from my losses than my wins. It's the learning from failure that builds PEDALsense... that sense that only experienced riders have and use with heartless cruelty when the race is on the line.
... BREAKING NEWS ...
This just in from reporter BC.
E-Bike Rips Mans Heart Out
It's a sad state of affairs when pedalassist motorcycles (aka ebikes) feel compelled to snag KOMs.
Will this spell the end of Starva? I doubt it. Why you ask? For me, I'm much more interested in my own PRs.
And what of my young padawan? Should he be hacked off at the pedalassist motorcycles snagging his KOMs? Yeah, kinda... for a bit. But, he'll go to bed tonight knowing...
I did it my way!
Which is exactly what the pedalassist moto rider is thinking...
... which is exactly why I say KOMs aren't nearly as important as PRs...
... which is exactly why quitting because the odds of winning are low is such weaksauce!
As the great Churchill said...
... Never, never, never give up!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Does PR Lotion work? Totally.
Use promo code: NEVER
And get save 25% on the PRs Over KOMs tshirt
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Body Surt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4028087324
JRA MAGIC
Sep 06, 2020
by TODD BROWN
EVER GO FOR A LONG RIDE AND COME BACK WITH A SOLUTION? What is it about just riding along that moves us from stuck to problem solved?
I dunno...
... but, I hope you sneak out for a little JRA today.
It'g gonna be hot, so remember to drink.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/3-2-1-hydration-base
This code saves you 20%... product ships free.
Code is LABOR
Every dollar spent gets you an entry into -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4023532148
3 LIGHT STUD
Sep 05, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A BIG BET EVERY WILEY VET PLACES AT SOME POINT ON A VERY FAST RIDE. Take today for instance. We have this hill called Church hill, not 'cause you'll meet your maker there, but there's church at the top...
... and 3 lights separating you from deliverance.
Now, you could skip the reckoning altogether by simply cutting through the golf course on the preceding climb.
But, where's the fun in that when you could try your luck at 3 Light Stud?
This is a gentlemen's game, for the distinguished and wise and Igotnothing among the group.
The colts don't even know we're playing. Every light for them is a chance to load the starting gate and sprint off. They are so full of juice, riding their fancy carbon rigs, perfectly toned legs. Lights are their place to shine.
Today I played it and got dealt a winning hand.
I'd messed up the preceding climb, was tempted to short cut it, but rode on... came over the top and saw the light at the bottom of the hill was red. It's a right hander, and the colts had to slow down.
They jumped hard, racing up the hill.
At a full gallop I took the turn and was about to start sprinting to catch when the second light turned red.
It turned green.
Colts jump with blinders on.
I never slowed and trotted right up.
But, they're charging hard.
I see the sorry sunsaguns that short cut through the golf course popping onto the road ahead... the colts see 'em as rabbits to be caught and devoured.
Damn, I'm thinking.
I'm about to dig hard and that third light goes red reigning in the colts and sunsaguns.
I lope up, light turns green, and easily gallop over the top with the fastest of the herd.
That my friends is a winning hand of 3 Light Stud.
And here's a winning offer.... BuyOneGetOne
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
Use promo code: CONTIBOGO at checkout.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4016908424
DELAYED GRATIFICATION
Sep 04, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MG HAD DECLARED NO ICE CREAM FOR A MONTH. MS got wind of that and gave up beer for a month. I've been on my own quirky dietary experiment.
Is it LeTour...
... Parlez-vouz getyourbunsinshape?
I knew today was going to be a busy one, got after work early and plugged my ears any time anybody wanted to talk about today's stage. I had just the right Friday night in mind...
... dinner with my lady, then off to the garage...
... pop up the iPad, launch the ad-free version of the tour, grab the cleaners, apply the lube, make a few adjustments...
... just me, my bike, and a couple of dudes with funny accents, not a bad way to end a good week.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Is there anything more gratifying than a bike ride? ...... You can get this one delivered to your mail box for less than 20 bones.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
Move Office Workout
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4013315966
YOU GOTTA BE SHIFTING ME
Sep 03, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A COUPLE OF HOTROD SHOPS NEAR THE PEDALindustries EXPERIENCE. The regular, deep V8 rumble is part of the scene down here... with a fair amount of clutch popping and rubber burning at the end of the day.
It's the perfect music as we gear up to ride.
Which brings up the shifter question every racer has to answer...
... not mechanical vs electric, not wire vs wireless...
... those are easy questions. Well, not that easy when you're plunking down a chunk of green. But those questions, are answered once. Then, it's run what ya brung.
No, the bigger question is why it's so easy sometimes to shift into high gear and other times no amount of grinding 'em will help ya find 'em.
Ya know what I mean?
Last week on the big climb when the shift started coming down, I did just that and hung my head in shame for a week.
This week, same dawgawn climb and same shifty feeling in my legs but my soul had fire, passion, power and that final 200 meters was shifting up, standing up, and putting that shift behind me.
What's the diff?
Why the shift up 'steadda down?
The Seals say Embrace the suck!
Forever more I shall...
Embrace the shift!
And as we head into a brutal heatwave this weekend y'all probably think I'm cacrazy for encouraging you to order the incredible KOM jacket. But, trust me it'll pass and the leaves will change and you'll be wanting this gem and we don't keep much inventory which means ya might have to wait a few weeks and that would be a drag when you coulda grabbed one now with this top secret code.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238917668
There are a number of reasons this is my go to layer:
- It's wind and water resistant membrane keeps me dry and warm.
- The fabric is super thing and the jacket will fit in my jersey pocket.
- We call it the KOM because it's the perfect thing to pull out after a long climb and faced with a long decent.
If you're looking for just the perfect jacket... and you will be, tuck this promo code away... the code is TWOTAILS...
... but don't wait too long, this fabric is imported from Italy and we had a heck of a time securing a few rolls.
And you team racers... yes, we can make it in your colors.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.4 lbs
PullUps PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4008573585
IT AIN'T PAYBACK IF IT AIN'T MALICIOUS
Sep 02, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I TEND TO RIDE WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE ABOUT THE SAME SPEED OR A LITTLE FASTER. So, when my dear friend CM was gone last weekend and let me know he was going to be gone again this weekend... I shoulda known.
Tonight is our standing dirt date...
... and it was clear I was in trouble on the very first tiny bump of a hill.
My legs were barking from a smashing TMWC yesterday... and CM, who missed it, was just chatting me up like it was nuthin.
On our first longish climb things got a little too quiet. As you know, quiet rarely precedes joy.. And in this case, no doubt it was my own doing. I couldn't talk. It was all I could to keep up.
He was putting the hurt on me pretty good...
... and I have to admit if Surfergirl dragged me out of town two weekends in a row I'd be laying down the power pretty heavy myself: one, because I'd be rested; two, because I'd miss another weekend of riding.
Anyway, I'm sure this has never happened to you... but, if it does just remember it's not malicious... you are a little tired, your pal is not... you will be recovering the next few days and slaying the weekend, your pal won't...
... it's not payback if it's not malicious.
Towards the end of the ride, it appeared we'd misjudged our adventure by about 20 minutes. The shadows were getting too long, dusk was on us good.
We hit this 2ish mile gravel segment, really pushing it. CM on the front, like a locomotive. I took a weaksauce pull and he came charging back around. Then I gave it a good tug... because I remembered this would be a fun segment to get.
We got close.
We'll get it next time... maybe on a week when we've both been out of town and are rested.
One thing is for sure, it's always good idea to bring the blinkies - regardless of the time of day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
We just got another shipment of these in. The Lils and the Mids. They're really awesome little lights, with 330 degrees or visibility. Plus they are lite.
Anyway, you might be wanting some lights as the days start to get shorter... use this promo code: LIGHTS.
For what it's worth, my friend RS just ordered a second set. According to him You always recommend really good stuff.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.8 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4003822943
A TALE OF TWO RIDES
Sep 01, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MY PAL JM HAS BEEN SLOWLY CARVING AWAY HIS PAST SINS, looking to release his inner Roglic. It started with not even riding with us but just being on the course the same day. The last few weeks he's been steady on the B... finishing higher and higher amongst the playahs.
Today... well, today he got faked into doing the A.
Apparently the Bs left early, and when he showed up he figured we were the Bs.
Well, we wound it up slow but kept winding and winding... and poor ol' JM is thinking...
What are these guys doing on the B ride?
Why is the B ride on fire today?
This really hurts.
And I'm thinking...
Dang JM is feeling pretty perky.
And pulling through like a boss.
This really hurts.
Of course all this was pieced together in the afterglow, when the endorphins have come and gone and all that's left is good laugh...
... because what's funnier than being faster than your pal who is just gonna kill ya in a couple of months?
Speaking of the next couple of months, we are now entering the shorter days. Soon will be searching for our layers and there is no better tool for the job of keeping warm than the KOM jacket.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238917668
There are a number of reasons this is my go to layer:
- It's wind and water resistant membrane keeps me dry and warm.
- The fabric is super thing and the jacket will fit in my jersey pocket.
- We call it the KOM because it's the perfect thing to pull out after a long climb and faced with a long decent.
If you're looking for just the perfect jacket... and you will be, tuck this promo code away... the code is TWOTAILS...
... but don't wait too long, this fabric is imported from Italy and we had a heck of a time securing a few rolls.
And you team racers... yes, we can make it in your colors.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627
THE LEAST FAULT NEWS
Aug 31, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE PIQUED FOR POLITICAL POOP... well this is gonna skewer yer ego, 'cause if there's one thing you can't fake it's a steep as helk climb or drop on dirt.
All... and I mean ALL... other Stravabobava is most likely fauxing fake.
That KOM along that road where the wind blew hard as helk one day.
Fake.
That KOM SoandSo set starting at the back of the group and surfing to the front.
Fake.
I ain't even gonna give ya more ideas and temptations that mightcould lead your Stravasoul carefully down to helk.
But, I'm gonna say... the dirt lies less.
Still lies.
Just lots less.
It's really hard to fake a KOM on a 10% up or down trail. Around here... the only way to really do it is if the trails are perfect then get washed out and never repaired.
Now this is not some veiled attempt to get ya to buy a super primo gravel bike or radiculous MTB.
It's just a reminder there's no point in fretting over things fraught with faux.
Especially when you could be out riding something wrought by Swiss geniuses.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/bikeshop-fourstroke-01-one
Whoops... how did those pictures get in there? Must be some sort of bug.
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
PushUps/PullUps
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627
OH... IT'S ON!
Aug 30, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WELL, IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR... FINALLY! The most geeked up, pumped up time of year for riding road bikes is right now because: LeTour.
You don't even have to watch to get caught up in it.
But you will.
Well, I will.
I love it because it kicks off my 6 favorite weeks of the race year. First Le Tour, for all its history and the forthcoming drama.
When Pinault crashed today... man, those frenchies really know how to whoop up the Allislost! sentiments. I don't relish his crash. It sucks, fo sho. But, I do love the overemotions on display.
Soon there will be a Whatthehellishedoing squabble among some team of supertalents. I'm picking Dumoulin on this, which I xpect Primoz (such a cool name it's like a combo of a villain's name and a winner's name) will shut down.
Of course, someone will think Sagan is longinthetooth... only too find out he just keeps getting craftier.
Back to the frenchies... I'm not sure who will be the great frog hope this year? Freakin Alaphillipe last year was so awesome. I've loved that cat since he came over as a tadpole to rip of the ol' ToC. Anyway, who will it be... Julian again... that would be so, dang, fun... he's got all the emotion sans the fatalism.
Teams Colombia look ready to: defend in the form of Bernal, attack in the form of EF, and agitate in the form of Astana... and then there's Senor Numero Segundo Para Siempre aka Nairo. Ya know if he was able to hang around and finally figure it out I think there'd be a lot fans giving him the lovin' he deserves for being so dawgawn dogged.
And what of us, I mean US? Just gimme one day with Neilson or Sepp in a long break for the win... and if together in the break... oh I'd watch that over and over and over.
Back to my claim you won't have to watch it to get caught up in it... every single ride you do for the next 3 weeks will have a whole bunch a geeked up riders who fell asleep the night before watching Le Tour, which they'd already watched in the morning while fauxtending to be on a Zoom call, and they will have visions of glory under their Oakleys.
Just hang on... let 'em pull for glory until there ain't no more... and give 'em the Sagan afterburners for the win.
Then be sure and take a few days off because we all know La Vuelta es lo mejor!
What does lo mejor mean? The best.
What's the best part of PEDALindustries?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
163..6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3989067579
RESPECT YOUR ELBOWS
Aug 29, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THE YOUNG PRO PULLS THROUGH AND IMMEDIATELY FLICKS HIS SMOOTH ELBOW. The wily veteran, with the wrinkly elbow, just laughs. And while these fun and games are going along...
... the ex-pro proceeds to mock us all...
Flying by at about 100mph, his aero aluminum antique chops through the air. Like scared geese we lift off to chase. I'm about 1000 guys back in no time.
It's an impressive move from a pretty cool cat who hung up the numbers to raise the kids and pay the bills. I like this part of the ride, when we roll through his part of town and he reminds us all he squash us at his leisure.
Speaking of leisure, I overheard AE say that since he's moved to town he no longer wonders what he's going to do on Saturday because MG has taken over the job as cruise director and basically tells us all what we're going to do.
Speaking of MG, I was reminiscing when he first moved in and didn't know his DuraAce from his quick release. The good ol' days, I could drop him at will.
Speaking of Will, I saw him gathering a group of riders this morning doing something I am too selfish to do. He's been rounding up guys that kinda ride and useta ride and wanna ride and patiently showing 'em cool routes around town.
Speaking of going around, I've noticed quite a few creaky bikes of late... some of them finding their way into our destination... and I've learned a sad truth. With the incredible backlog of service in most shops people - the less mechanically inclined, like yours Diesely - are letting things go too long. My fine friends, these little creaks can turn into irreparable damage. Git yer bikes serviced at your local shop.
Speaking of bike service, if yer local you can make an appointment here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-wrench-calendar
Yeah, I know it's really odd to make an appointment for your bike. Even stranger to be met by the mechanic and taken care of within an hour or so - most of the time. But, you know... we do things different over here.
Speaking of over here... we've painted and scrubbed and beautified the unit next door. We'll be there next week.
Speaking of next... at the end of next month we're going to be giving away 3 loaded with goodness RaceDay Bags™. Have you entere?
Click here -> Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Body Surf
6.5 hours sleep (stayed up late watching Euro Vision Song Contest with Surfergirl, my bike widow.)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3983267627
WHAT TO DO WITH BAD ADVICE
Aug 28, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I FIND PEOPLE WANTING TO GIVE ME ADVICE ALL THE TIME. Most of the time they have with zero experience in what I do. Here's how I handle it.
The worst advice starts with Don't...
I say this for the very simple reason we can't see negatives. Don't think of an elephant. You see it right? Ever heard this... Don't crash?
Did this have anything to do with the reporter who quizzed young Remco Evenepoel before his last race?
Don't you think the treacherous downhill will be a factor?
No, I do not think the treacherous course will be a factor.
Well... he came around a tight corner clipped his pedal on unmarked outcropping and fell off a bridge. Pelvis broken. Season over.
Yes!... I AM justsaying... ignore it, run from that wellmeaning fool.
Other bad advice begins with You should...
Now, if this is coming from your highly paid cycling coach regarding your cycling it's probably good. If it's coming from your wellmeaning ________, do the opposite, especially if it's racing advice.
I had a wise old friend say you should just ride on feel. Go fast when you want, easy when you want. Listen to your body. I was young and stupid so I listened. Then I showed up to the next race and got shelled.
So there you have it.
Ignore the Don'ts and Shoulds from those who shouldn't advise what they don't know.
Here's what I do know...
... next month the PEDALposse will be getting some very sweet gloves in the mail to match the very sweet socks they got this month.
If you're into getting sweet surprises and other goodness each month click here:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
161.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3978230412
NOW FOR SOMETHING REALLY BIG
Aug 27, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE THIS CONSTANT CURIOSITY ABOUT MY FELLOW RACERS, pretty much anybody I meet... and it goes like this...
When's your next big race?
Am I asking because I'm nosy? Is it that I'm trying to find a training partner? Or, perhaps figure out if we're going to be battling it out?
No.
I'm just generally curious about what is driving them... and I'm always on the lookout for a new epic race.
Plus... I've found people with big challenges on the horizon are the people I relate to the most, they're de facto PEDALposse.
My friends at TBD Racing have one big race a year, and they all train for it together. LoToJa. A 200 mile blast from Utah to Wyoming.
My friend Tommy has done Leadville 10 years in a row.
My friend Chad loves to go to Sea Otter.
The big event is one of the things I believe in... not as a deity, but as part of the secret to lifelong fitness.
There are two others: a weekly discipline and being an athlete.
I'm going to dive into all 3 of these in next month's Campfire Stories - the printed on real paper monthly letter I send to the PEDALposse along with a special gift.
If you're into that sorta thing...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
163.4 lbs
Pullups/Pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3975841462
SHE'S SO HEAVYYYYYYYYY
Aug 26, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I'M IN THE ZONE I LIKE TO GROOVE TO THE SAME SONG OVER AND OVER. But, no headphones on the bike for me. It's in my head. Loud!
At work this morning it was I Want You (She's So Heavy) by Los BayAhtLays. Over and over and over.
Was it because Coach Loran's video #6 destroyed me hours earlier? So much balancing with a heavy focus on shoulders...
... staring at the red blossom in my backyard, on 1 leg, bent over, doing reverse flies with weights my shoulders were firing. But, I didn't let go even as the weight got heavier and heavier...
... all the while Loran is whispering Fnd your focal point.
I was reminded of the power in having distant focal point again this evening... we were ripping single track on the gravel bikes and this trail had a number of skinny bridges - pic of one above.
If there's one thing I've learned...
... do NOT...
... under any circumstances look at the bridge itself as you ride across...
...or worse...
... the perilous threats off the sides...
... panicking and crashing are nearly always the result.
Like Coach Loran's video #6, finding a focal point beyond the challenge is the proven path to success.
If you're into that kind of thing, then maybe you'd be into the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3971337029
SOME DAD I AM...
Aug 25, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MY SON SHOWED UP FOR A BIKE RIDE TODAY. I was excited to get him on a gravel bike for the first time, and he was looking forward to riding something other than a mountain bike.
He brought his gear in a funny little back pack.
We changed.
As we're talking and putting on our socks I grab my shoes.
He grabs his... ooops!
No shoes...
... and I'm thinking, how could I gear him up with everything but the bike and not include a RaceDay Bag™?
What kind of dad am I?
We had a good laugh... just like old times.
I loaned him some running shoes and mounted up some platform pedals. Off we went... just a dad and his boy.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags
I'll probably get him this new design called the Royal Racer. And, customize it with his name. If you want to get one with your name or your kids name, let me know... I'll do Free personalization on any bag for the first person to raise their hand via an email.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/raceday-bags
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459
THE PYRAMID OF POWER
Aug 24, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHETHER OR NOT YOU BELIEVE IN THE FOOD PYRAMID, here's a pyramid you can believe in: The Old Diesel's pyramid of power.
I came up with this years ago, and it's pretty simple.
Could you get more scientific? For sure.
Could a high level coach like Brian McCulloch or Jeanna Miller do better? Yep.
Will this do in a pinch? Be good enough for most? Make a helluvalotta sense? I think so, especially if you have no idea what you're doing.
The pyramid is 10-30-60.
10% of you time should be in the Imagonnadie range.
30% in the Icoulddothisforawhile range.
60% in the Icandothisalldaylong range.
Of course, I could break that down into heart rate and power zones. And, I might. But, before I get there it's critical to think of this as big blocks vs every ride is 10-30-60. For that my dear pedalertothemedaler would be assured failure... and it's precisely what most newriders do.
On just 2 of my days I'll hit that Imagonnadie effort. For me, that's Tuesday and Saturday. And even then, it's only a fraction of the ride. Let's say I'm riding 10 hours a week. That means no more than 1 hour total will be in the Imagonnadie/redzone/zone5... for me that's north of 175bpm.
By default I'll also pick up a fair amount of Icoulddothisforawhile miles on the way up and way down to maximum effort. The other place I'll get that is on Wednesdays. Wednesdays are my tempo days, and they're usually dirt days as well.
The other days of the week I'll be at the Icandthisalldaylong pace. Easypeasy miles. The ones most fools skip. I get these miles in on Monday and Friday for sure... warming up and cooling down on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday... and if I ride Thursday.
More than half of my time is in zone1 and zone2.
What few understand or know is that it's in zone2 that your body will build more capillaries, not in 3, 4 or 5. It's in zone1 that your body recovers and can actually get stronger.
For most of you wily veterans of wheel this is a ho-hum review... but, you might find it a helpful way to share with the newriders.
Tomorrow is Tuesday... and if you read last Wednesday ya might recall I was a little hacked off with myself for being a wheelsucker that last few weeks/months. I went easy today. I skipped my usual 2-3 mile Sunday walk in the sand yesterday.
Right now I gotta getta to sleep.
Because we all know tomorrow we gotta ride hard!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
You can get this shirt, delivered!, for a mere 20 bones.
Or a lot less if you're a member of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3959446037
TOP 3 REASONS NOT TO GET A GRAVEL BIKE
Aug 23, 2020
by TODD BROWN
HERE ARE MY TO 3 REASONS NOT TO GET A GRAVEL BIKE:
- You don't want new adventures in your life.
- You like the limited options of a road bike and/or MTB.
Top 10 reasons to get a gravel bike:
- You love riding road, and want to get away from cars.
- You love riding road, and want to improve your dirt skills.
- You love riding road, and want to expand the route options around town.
- You love riding road, and want to jump curbs.
- You love riding road, and want a play bike for easy days.
- You love riding dirt, and want to ride to it faster.
- You love riding dirt, and want add road skills to your repertoire.
- You love riding dirt, and want a new challenge.
- You love riding dirt, and have a lot of smooth trails and gravel roads.
- You love riding dirt, and want to ride more of it.
Explaining the fun of gravel riding has been challenging to say the least. I'm not sure why that it is. Maybe it's because those who know me know I'm a little off to begin with, know that I tend to see things differently, have my own quirky approrach to life.
I dunno.
All I do know is... if I had to choose just one bike, it'd be the gravel bike.
You know the old joke... jack of all trades, master of none?
Well, the gravel bike is jack of all rides, master of fun. I don't know why that is, exactly. Is it the wrongness of fatish tires on the road? Drop bars on the dirt? But, I do know...
... if you're into adventure and big smiles, gravel is a lock.
For fairly obvious reasons I named this bike The Highlighter... and it's often the highlight of my day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
Because it will take you to places like this
Which just might be a lot closer to home than you think...
... and that's a pretty cool thing....
... to find out there's a whole other network of roads and trails that are too tame for MTB and too challenging for road.. just right for a morning jaunt or an all day escape.
Gimme a jingle when you're ready... in the meantime check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459
THE MILESTIME CONTINUUM
Aug 22, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A SECRET SKILL WE DEVELOP AS ALLCONSUMED CYCLISTS SQUEEZING EVERY MOMENT OUT OF LIFE:
The milestime continuum.
This is where, unlike normal humans, we are able to calculate how long it takes to ride somewhere down to the second. And, equally powerful, we are able to end our rides at exactly the right time.
Which is exactly what I was doing this morning while falling further in love with my new BMC URS...
... I wanted to stop at my happy place, Trabuco General Store, 2 hours in, for a Mexican Coke and a Mexican popcicle...
... it was so hot and I was in a bad way.
I pulled up and saw a gent and his sweet BMW moto.
That's a beautiful bike. Have you taken it up on Saddleback?
Yes, it's not as good as it looks on that dirt.
Well, it look like a lot of fun,
It is... do you ride?
I used to, in the desert, with the kids. But, not lately.
Just two dudes geeking out on two wheeled stuff.
I go in, gather my supplies. Note, I've been doing this routine a couple of times a month for nearly 20 years. So, when I go to pay and realize I've forgotten my RaceDay wallet and their ApplePay isn't working and I ask...
Do you trust me?
No.
... I'm slightly hacked off, but mainly sad... that sad you get when you've been melting in the heat because you started late because you wanted to hang out with the fam even though you knew it was going to be a scorcher and now you've got miles to go with no sustenance kinda sad.
Dejected, I squat on the bench and think why not?
Do you have Venmo?
No.
Darn... I forgot my wallet and...
No problem.
5 minutes later we're at the same table and we proceed to male bond over motos and bicycles and living in the foothills and raising kids and what we do for work and ...
Last year I rode from here to Yellowstone. 1018 miles.
How many days?
1.
That's incredible.
Where did you ride your bike from?
San Clemente, mostly on dirt roads.
That's incredible.
I guess the point of all this is it's just darn hard not to love people who get around on 2 wheels.
But, I know you're wondering how I'm going to pay Leo if he doesn't have Venmo?
Well we also talked about the book I'm currently reading Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. That seems like a better thing than a few dollars... especially for a guy like Leo, an engineer and rider of huge distances.
Of course this messed up my larger plans for the day, requiring an adjustment in the milestime continuum... speeding up and shortening the distance.
One thing for ya gotta have this time of year is the big bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
These are my favorites... special topsecret coating shields the bottle's innards, it's like drinking from glass.
$20 for 2, free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3951358459
IRRATIONALITY IN THE AGE OF
Aug 21, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I THINK ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IS UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF COMPLETELY IRRATIONAL EXPECTATIONS.
Take our customer Dallas.
He calls up today...
Todd, I turned 70 this week and I rode 70 miles. Can you believe that?
Yes...
None of my friends get it. I picked up this bike thing a few years ago.
Well...
But, my new riding buddies get it. They even rode with me, and had a nice birthday cake surprise at the end. Can you believe that?
Heckyes I can believe that!
Ask most sexagenarians if they'll be able to ride 70 miles on their 70th birthdays and they'll think you're crazy.
It's not irrational to think you can ride 70 miles on your 70th... it's irrational to think this wonderful gift of a human body isn't made for it, it's irrational to think that letting yourself go is the way to go, it's irrational to think being out of shape is going to have you in shape when the grim reaper comes knocking.
I see all these severely out of shape people ripping around on ebikes thinking they are doing a body good.
Fools!
I mean... it's good to get outside, get away from the dawgawn screens that captivate our turningtojelly minds, yeah... that's all good.
But...
... it's irrational to think you can't do a helluva a lot more...
... and downright pathetic.
I suppose I should put a disclaimer in here for all all the reasons an ebike is acceptable - like Parkinson's, etc. And that's true, there is a place.
But...
... well this reminds me of a story my deardead dad told me about trying to decide between a MercedesBenz and a Porsche - he was single and trying to score a lady, and it worked, then he got a famvan - the Porsche salesman said this...
Yes, the Benz is nice but if you have the balls to really drive and live dangerously there's nothing like a Porsche!
... to which I say...
The ebike is nice, but if you have the balls to go for maximum health there's nothing like racing a bicycle under your own Godgiven power!
Can I get an Amen?
In honor of Dallas turning 70 and riding 74 miles, who changed his life there's a promo on the changing poncho... 'cause guess what Dallas bought himself for his bday?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Yeah... you know he's committed to driving to races and great rides if he's getting the extra famous PEDALindustries changing poncho.
Use promo code: DALLAS
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3945713684
LOVE AT FIRST BIKE
Aug 20, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THE FIRST RIDE ON A NEW BIKE IS LIKE ___________?
First kiss?
A first date?
Wedding night?
There's so much build up... and no matter how much research you've done, how many people you've talk to, how persuasive the brochures are... you're really not sure what you've gone and done right thing.
As alluring as the shiny paint and fancy wheels an all the other bells and shifters are, there's always a bit of trepidation before that first ride.
What if it's not a bundle of awesomeness?
What if we aren't a match?
What if....
Such were my thoughts tonight as I took my first pedals on my new BMC URS (unrestricted).
I'll do a full write up after I get a proper bike fit. For now, let's just say...
... I got lucky!
There will be a lot of fast graveling.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-fast-curved-bill?variant=10683321516068
if I was to get a tattoo this would be it. RIDE FAST right across my knuckles. Until I do, this is one of my go to hats.
It ships free.
Yep for a mere 20 bones you can prep your significants for the inevitable tattoo.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-fast-curved-bill?variant=10683321516068
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Morning Surf
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3943403778
IF YOUR NAME IS JEFF... POUNDING BIRD BEAKS... AND A YELP FOR HELP
Aug 19, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IF YOUR NAME IS JEFF AND YOU COME FOR A VISIT WE COULD DO A KILLER GRAVEL RIDE. Like today, where we pounded a bunch of bird beaks... and heard the sadvoice yelp for help.
Do you have to be named Jeff?... no, but it's definitely trending.
Does it have to be a grave ride?... no, but why not?
... But, T.O.D. you live in a surf town, with lots of pavement and bike lanes, and ripping single track how can you have good gravel too?...
I know. It's a heavy burden. But, it's all true. We have a lot of good gravel adventuring around here... and 2 out of 2 Jeffs highly recommend it.
If you've got the guts, I'll take you on an epic like today - link below.
But, beware the bird beaks!...
... these nasty things can create all sorts of havoc - torn tires, cracked rims, burped air pressure - but, generally they're easy to avoid.
What is a bird beak?
It's a rock buried in our hard as cement clay dirt with 1-3 inches sticking up. They'd don't give at all when you hit 'em, just a giant shockwave up through your extremities and out the vents in your helmet or your mouth in the form of Ouweeeee!
Chris, The Wrench, joined us... it's always good to bring the chief mechanic along. But, how could a man of his skills could be so hilariously unlucky?
There we were, 4 hours into our ride. We'd covered 50ish miles and just under 5000' of vert. Oh, and it was nearly 100 degrees.
Even though we'd stopped for the traditional Mexican popsicles and Coke... It's possible we were slightly fatigued.
I mean, that'd be normal right?
Anyway, we'd just cleared a section of bird beaks and were winding our way through a thicket when the clay turned to sand.
I made it.
Jeff made it.
Chris... Chris?... Chris... you okay?
Note, it's rarely a good sign when you think you heard a crash, you call out for your pal, and you hear nada.
Chris... ya alright?
No.
I have to imagine at that moment The Wrench is thinking something like this...
Howtheheck'd I get here?
How'm I gonna explain it?
Is anything broken?
Are ants crawling all over me??????!!!!!!!
I'm not even guessing on that last part.
These things are generally very funny when nothing is terribly amiss. But, you tell me... ever seen anything like this?
He's landed in such away that the bike was wedged in the branches and pinning him down... on top of a very busy ant colony!
Of course, you wondering... will he ever walk again?... and that's a big hellyeah! many a customer had their twowheeled lovers serviced by him today.
A big phew on that!
I meet a lot of great people out riding or bond to them through riding. Jeff and I met way back in college, but really bonded later over bikes. Chris and I met after he joined the PEDALposse and moved to town.
Do you have to join the PEDALposse to do any of the above?
No, but you should...
... and if you haven't clicked the link lately, I think we're better at explaining what it's all about.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3937464640
DUELING BANJOS SACK THE OLD DIESEL
Aug 18, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IT ALL STARTED NICE ENOUGH, like the dueling banjos of Deliverance. Just a couple of yahoos on the front of the group half wheeling each other, egging each other to sprint it out... only thing is we weren't a sprinting we was just hustlin up the road to catch the B's.
But those yokels kept at it.
From light to light, corner to corner.
And The Old Diesel started to get a little tuckered.
Soon 'nuf, the ride's over and we've all gone our separate ways and I'm slogging along all by my lonesome... like that feller whos wonderin what jus happend?
Only it goes back a few months now, maybe... years?
Whenthehell did I go from hungry hound out for the kill to some hootenanny wheel sucking his way to mediocrity?
Is there a worse feeling than this... than the feeling that ya just spent the whole, entire workout on the defensive... playing it safe... on a group ride! Fer crying outloud... that's a shame is what it is.
It was those damd dueling banjos... those young guns hitting it hard at every opportunity.
To which I can only say one thing.
There's gonna be some pig squealing next week.
But, there won't be an chain squealing because I've found me a new wax based lube that I luuuuuuuv.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
The thing I like about this lube... besides the fact that it's a wax, because I love waxbased lubes... it lasts a long time, and the bottle is just perfect. The nozzle is about the same width as a chain link. I just rest it on the chain and hit each link one at a time and it seems to drop just the right amount to coat each and every link.
If you haven't heard of Wend here's the downlow. This product is created by Ryan Dahl who's family owns the largest surf wax manufacturing company in the world, famously known as Sticky Bumps. Ryan is the bike racer in the family, and he used the company's resources to develop this top notch product.
I know it's cliche to say made by bike racers for bike racers... lame!... but it's not... it's made by surfers for bike racers... and we all know crosspollination is where it's at!
Use promo code: WEND
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3931479877
FAKE BIKES
Aug 17, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHAT COULD YOU EXPECT FROM A TEAM OF NORTH AMERICAN COWBOYS? Not one single person on the 1986 7-11 bicycle racing team had a lick of Tour de France experience. Not the riders. Not the directors. Not the owners...
... and not the bicycle manufacturer, Murray.
But, they weren't even Murrays.
No, what these cowboys were riding into town were custom built frames by soontobe famous Ben Serrotta. Ben got no credit. Murray, the team sponsor ponied up to be on that frame.
How good were they? Good enough for Alex Steida to rope the first yellow jersey by any North American. Yep, and at the peak of Lemond's hayday. In fact, Lemond would be the first North American to win the Tour de France that same year.
And... I reckon that's a good way to prove the point that it's what's on the inside that counts.
Nobody knew the truth.
Nobody knew how well American criterium racing would pay off for the team.
Nobody knows I'm doing push ups and pull ups tonight.
Nobody knows I'm saying no to Chick-fil-a right now, even though it smells so good and my daughter keeps offering me some of her shake.
Nobody knows...
... exactly what the PEDALposse is all about except those who check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3926596531
I HOPE THAT SOMEONE GETS MY...
Aug 16, 2020
by Bold Commerce Collaborator
I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TSHIRTS WE'VE PRINTED UP IN THE LAST YEAR... probably because some troll made this uninformed comment on a fun video we made:
Instead of making fun of people like that, put your efforts into helping them be better prepared for riding or racing !!!
And, I'm thinking... Oh my dear little clueless troll... what do you think we are doing every, single, day?
What trollypoo missed is the focus of the video was this guy getting geeked up on our product and making fun of himself!
But, back to our message(s) which I crammed into the above graphic... it's really our (mine and yours) message to the world.
Ride your bike.
Be healthy.
Do you best.
Every day.
It's not a panacea... but, it's a helluva good place to start... and a lot of fun...
... like this video:
If you happen to get inspired by that cinematic masterpiece and want to get a RaceDay Bag™ for yourself or a friend...
Use this promo code: OURMESSAGE
... and add a t-shirt for Free.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch and Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3923516697
POST RIDE TREATS
Aug 15, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IN OLD TIME MOVIES THE ACTORS WOULD GO FROM FLIRTATIOUS TO DISHEVELED IN BED SMOKING A CIGARETTE signaling they'd just had a good roll in the sack. Around these parts, bike riders go from kitted up to disheveled and mowing down pastries chugging their favorite liquid... signaling we've just had a good roll through the citycountrytrails.
It's a favorite ritual of mine, and I like it alone.
On Saturdays.
After goodbyes.
Recently I found a place with bomb breakfast burritos. So much more than a waif pastry.
I order... well first I make sure to grab my chair and table on the busy sidewalk...
A blondie always asks Traditional or vegan.
It feels a little like a question of morals...
Traditional.
It's only a question of calories for me.
Then I wait... longer than you'd think. But, I enjoy the anticipation. Do they make them from scratch when ordered or just heat up something made earlier in the day? Don't know, don't care. It's that good.
Today as I was savoring my burro, I met P. He's a government contractor who cares for the wounded from Los Altos to Pendleton to San Diego. Super good dude.
Where'd you ride?
Up here and over there.
I used to ride a lot... never could get comfortable with the shoes and being locked in.
Yeah, it's tricky.
Now I swim.
After a good while chatting and people watching - I find tourists to be highly entertaining - I head home.
At some point, I realize my wallet is missing.
This isn't just any wallet. It's my RaceDay wallet, and I know there's no way it fell out of my jersey. I check everywhere around the house. Nada. Then it hits me... I must have left it at my stop. And I'll bet good ol' P found it and turned it.
High Tide Coffe, this is Nick.
Hi Nick, it's Todd... I think
Hey brother, I have your wallet.
See ya in 5.
I pull up on my scooter.
Nick?
Todd.
Yeah, thanks so much.
Who found it?
Bethany, it was on the chair.
High Tide Coffe... good burritos, great morals!
I guess the only negative on the RaceDay wallet is it's made from bicycle inner tubes and it's a little hard to see. On, and it's super soft. And quiet. Meaning, if you lay it down on a black chair while eating an amazing breakfast burrito you might forget it after being in culinary euphoria.
But, that's it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets
I know a lot riders prefer a sandwich baggie or some other plastic thingy to carry some cash, ID, and CCs... but, there's really no comparison.
Use promo code: HIGHTIDE
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3918273749
DO AFFIRMATIONS WORK?
Aug 14, 2020
by TODD BROWN
CONCURRENTLY, SOME OF MY RECOMMENDED SUMMER READING HAS INCLUDED TWO BOOKS THAT TOUCHED ON THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS. Affirmations are kinda weird, and near as I can tell nobody is quite sure what is going on... but, I've had unusual experiences, and I know I'm not alone.
Here are a few examples:
A while back I was a pretty decent MTB XC racer but mainly because I was exceptionally fast downhill. I remember thinking how cool it would be to have a racecourse that was just the downhill part of XC... a few years later Super-D was born, and I was winning Nationals.
Not long ago, I had the goal of beating the perennial champ at LoToJa.
Then, last year my outrageous goal of besting my 20 year old PR at Leadville.
Coincidence? Luck?
One explanation explored in each book was that affirmations give your subconscious something to work on and you start to notice things that would help you accomplish your goal...key point, acting on those things.
I think that's probably true.
The other superpower(?) I think affirmations can give us that neither book touched on is confidence. I've noticed that when truly big goals start to become real I can get nervous and start to doubt myself. But, when I've been steadily affirming my goals I'm significantly more confident as the changes begin to take place.
At least half of ya are thinking Bullsheets and no doubt the other half want to know the mechanics of how to do it... and I'm not even sure half of you are correct.
So before y'all go hating on me or begging me for the secret sauce... here's a quote from our young local Kevin Vermaerke who today announced he'll be racing with Team Sunweb next year:
"Taking the step up to the WorldTour is something I have been dreaming about and working towards since I first started cycling."
... that's all there is to it.
What are you dreaming about?
I'm dreaming about a few new kit designs... if you dream of designing new kits, then make sure you're signed up in...
... the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway...
and if you are signed up be sure and share it to increase your odds of winning over $1500 in product and cash.
---
163 lbs
SurfSesh with my ladies
7.5 hours sleep
No ride today.
THE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE I LIKE
Aug 13, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND RB POSTED UP SOMETHING AND IT GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THE TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE I LIKE. Don't get me wrong, I love everybody... but there's a helluva a big difference between liking and loving. And I don't like a lot of people.
But, I do like athletes and hard workers.
There are my people... the people I get, understand and want to hang around with.
It's partly a respect thing... I respect people who take care of their bones and flesh, regularly ringing out their best. I respect people who have a dream or passion or vision and are getting after making their best contribution.
I don't respect sloth.
Nor do I like it.
Does this make me a bad person? Probably. Do I care. Not really.
There are plenty of hardworking athletes like RB to keep me endlessly fascinated with what's possible in life.
Just like I'm endlessly fascinated with PRs
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
If you're into PRs, you might want to use this promo code: PRsRule.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
SurfSech
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3909872148
THE NUMBER 2 THING TO MAKE YOU FASTER ON A BIKE
Aug 12, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YES, THE GREAT EDDY MERCKX KEPT CYCLING EXCELLENCE SIMPLE WITH HIS FAMOUS PILES OF MILES method. But, don't be fooled into thinking riding and only riding will make you a better rider. It's critical to have a number 2, too.
Almost any number 2 will work for the simple fact that cycling is such a limited range of motion.
If you haven't done a few sprints around the field catching a frisbee lately... or done any kind of side to side accelerations, you're gonna be in for a big shock when you go to show off your superfitness. Sure, you'll outlast everybody... and the next day you'll feel like you've been in a car wreck, or worse, you might actually be in traction of some sort - like my bro-in-law who tore his achilles at the family turkey bowl.
Such is the nature of this greatest, numberonest sport of ours.
It's awesomely limited.
Meaning you've got to have a number 2, and almost anything will do.
I like surfing and paddleboarding for the the balance and core work and upperbody strength. My pal JC plays tennis. PV still does all his gymnastics. NM likes her running and hiking. AS does serious construction on his house.
The list is endless.
There's another benefit besides better overall strength and fitness. Number 2 will work on your brain. Giving you new ways to solve problems on the bike - you'll see things different. When the bike training gets a little stale - and it does - you can increase your number 2 and keep your fitness.
This year I've added a number 3, which has made numbers 1 and 2 even better... coach Loran has helped make my core much stronger and I see the results standing on the pedals for long periods of time while I climb, in my stability when sprinting, and my ability to pop up fast when surfing.
We work out live at 7am on Wednesday mornings... you can join us on Instagram.
Or, you can use the Coach Loran exclusive videos that are part of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3905260995
ONE SMALL STROKE FOR MAN, ONE GIANT SPRINT FOR MANKIND
Aug 11, 2020
by TODD BROWN
NOBODY GETS ELON'S SPACE-X LIKE WE DO. For example, the final minute of our terrible penultimate climb is called Blastoff. While I was more of a bottle rocket than a 4ofJuly today, I had nonetheless begun my countdown hours before.
Like a real astronaut.
Because our arena of competition is so vast - the entire planet Earth! - we have weird things no other sports have. First timer BL reminded me of this on the ride.
Meet me at the corner at 602.
That's a weird time.
I know, but that's when we get there and you don't want to be late or you'll miss the ride which leaves at 625.
Of course, for brevity, I left out a whole bunch of other minute markers.
Dinner by 7.
Prep bike and bottles.
PJs by 9.
Stretch and roll.
Sleep by 930.
Wake up 5.
Dressed by 530.
Out the door by 538.
Meet the locals at 550.
All of which when done right gets me to the launch pad on time, to be reminded of all the sinning I did last night eating pizza and wings and ice cream with my childrens.
None of which would be any fun if the rest of posse wasn't doing their own countdowns... getting their spacesuits on, putting Tang in their bottles, air in their tires...
... yeah, Elon, you're cool... but we're launching multiple times a week.
You know what else we're launching?... our retail kits. We have a very limited selection of inventory. I expect this will sell out, but don't let it worry your pretty little helmetcovered head. We're making more all the time.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits
These are our famous Speed Jerseys and Pro Bibs.
I shouldn't do a promo code, because I know they're going to sell out. In fact, I won't. But... if you're a really clever girl, you may have remembered the secret code that always works - SAVE10... don't tell JJ, my CFO... keep it on the downlow.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/instock-kits
---
165 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/389796963
DIETS THAT DON'T SUCK
Aug 10, 2020
by TODD BROWN
EVERY NOW AND THEN I COME UP WITH SOME KOOKY BODY HACK TO LOSE WEIGHT. Sometimes it’s something I’ve read or heard about, sometimes it’s just the mad scientist in me. The inspirations generally come in the Fall, when the riding is down and the waistline is widening. It’s this time of year when the weirdness pops up and strikes.
Previous hacks include:
The Excedrin PM Diet – eat normally* and take a few PMs around 9 to knock yourself out and not be getting up to eat in the middle of the night.
The Drink A Lot of Water Diet – drink enough water and you end up eating less because sometimes you think you’re hungry when your actually thirsty.
The Yogurtland Diet – eat normally during day, have a tiny dinner with a trip to Yogurtland as a reward.
The Sardines and Beans Diet – start the day off with a can of sardines and 1/2 a can of black beans… the key is to go big protein to get the day started.
The King-Queen-Prince Diet – this is a giant breakfast, decent lunch and puny dinner before 7… this is probably the healthiest and the one I fail at most easily.
The Salad For Dinner Diet – eat normally and have a giant salad for dinner… I like this one the most, but I’m lazy and don’t always want to make a giant vegetable salad.
With a few races looking likely... Is it time for… The Haagen Dazs Diet? – giant bowl of oatmeal with nuts and fruit for breakfast, mid-day snack, a protein laden lunch at 3pm, and a pint of Haagen Dazs just before bed.
Don’t laugh, they all work.
They may not all be healthy,
But they sure are fun.
Almost as fun as busting out the RaceDay wallet... because it is made from real bicycle innertube and always makes me smile.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets
This is the best ride wallet ever for one very simple reason: it stays put in my jersey pocket.
There's something about the grippiness of the tube against the jersey that keeps it so secure.
If you're looking for a very stealthy wallet, that is perfect for riding, and unlike anything your nonriding pals pull out, this is the ticket.
We can also make them for your race team, or any organization.
Use promo code SAVE10.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-wallets
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3892974624
THE WIDOW'S MIGHT
Aug 09, 2020
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF YA MAY KNOW THE STORY OF THE WIDOW'S MITE. That's not what this is, this is about the widow's might... specifically my bike widow's might. Too many a Saturday starts with me out early for a long bike ride and ends up with me comatose on the couch.
So I changed things up.
Took my widow to the mountains for some DH runs, then camping and stargazing. No cell service could be the best thing ever... nothing to do but talk and listen and appreciate this beautiful planet.
At dawn, I snuck out. Set up for some breaky... read till the sun hit my pages and warmed up enough for her to stick her head out.
Time to hike.
We found the PCT, often referred to as the Perfect Cycling Trail... though the Pacific Crest Trail is anything but bike friendly or legal. Still.. it is a beautiful trail and would make for a great ride.
A funny thing happens when you drive a van around with huge bike related logo in the middle of the forest... random riders ask for help. I felt like a regular mobile bike mechanic.
First up, young Jake needed a #2 allen to tighten his shock actuator.
Second, old Ryan who had ridden his brand new bike for a total of 5 minutes and busted the chain. He's knew to the sport, and I explained that while it had been at least 10 years since I'd had a chain break... in the early days of MTB riding you'd never, ever venture off without a chain breaker because a busted chain was a regular occurrence. Had him patched up in no time.
And this is where the widow's might comes in... I'm just happy to help... and before Ryan can leave she's all
Dude, do you know about the race day bag?
So, I grab mine and 'xplain it.
He grabs his and proceeds to make a great demo video... all marketing masters would say I'm committing a bozonono by sending you away to watch this video because you might not come back and read the rest of this riveting post about the widow's might... but, who cares... this is good stuff, just clic the pic.
Now, it's possible she would have done that anyway...
... but I dunno...
... she's pretty into me right now...
... and that's mighty worth it.
You know what else is worth it don't you... mocking everybody who busts out a duffle bag for their riding gear, or worse... LOL... a trash bag!
If you are not yet converted to our evil ways... well, shame on you!... either use this code SAVE10 or get your buns over to The Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
? lbs
Relax
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3889038813
MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES
Aug 08, 2020
by TODD BROWN
MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES
TODAY WAS LIKE STEPPING INTO THE BATTING CAGE, but for mountain bikes. All I could think of was my one friend in town who always says I'm not going with you, you're too fast.
Whether or not that is true, one thing is for sure... there is no better place to improve MTB handling skills than at a ski resort.
Hop on the lift, survey the mountain, reflect on the previous run, do it again.
Want proof?
I got none.
Except this... the first few runs I was quite rusty. Not feeling it. Trepidatious. The soil is much sandier than home, the light was different... and TBH, I taint been shreddingthegnar much lately.
And, don’t tell her, but riding with Surfergirl requires totally different moves. A lit’l slow. After a few runs, she was ready for a break which meant it was time the The Old Diesel to open it up a bit.
Within another run I found my MTB legs.
The next run was even better.
I got to know the mountain, the soil, figuring out the most funnestest run... and ripping it over and over.
That’s the point.
You can’t really do that with any other bike racing skill... except maybe at the track, which would probably bore me to death. Me being me.
The downhill part of a mountain bike race is a lot like a sprint. Guts and speed make a big difference.
And with the lift... you get to practice miles and miles of descending in just a couple of hours... plus, the whole time you’re pretty fresh.
Speaking of fresh... my nethers are doing quite fine after taking my own advice from yesterday... thankyouverymuch...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...
Use promo code: COMMIT
And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.6 lbs
Relax
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3884913519
COMMIT. DON'T THINK!
Aug 07, 2020
by TODD BROWN
TOMORROW SURFERGIRL AND I ARE GOING TO AN MTB PARK - her choice - and I expect to find some steep entries. These are often preceded by a gentle ho-hum trail... only it looks like the trail ends and you're going to go flying off into the tree tops.
The natural thing to do is roll slow... then you have a choice...
... stop because you're unsure...
... or roll with confidence...
... what you cannot do, EVER!, is think about it with one wheel over the edge or worse both wheels.
You must commit to quit or ride it out.
If you commit to ride it you have one (1) objective...
... to stay laserfocused on the trail ahead.
Do not look down.
Do not try and stop.
Do not look at all the boulders and other hazzards... the shiz that can do ya in.
Your vision must be only on the trail, on the goal, on the prize.
Feel free to apply liberally to any and all quests for greatness.
You know what else I'll be applying liberally tomorrow?
Chamois Butt'r, for a coupla reasons. One, I hoping they have a great burger/bbq so she can eat and I can shred a little longer. Two, after we ride we'll be driving up to Big Bear Lake for some RnR... in other words, no shower right after.
I've found a healthy dollop of the Butt'r to be excellent at protecting my special purpose on those days I taint gonna be hitting the shower right quick.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
While I won't be needing the PR Lotion to keep up with 'er, I'm including it with the promotion...
Use promo code: COMMIT
And when you order anything from the link below the 2nd item will be 30% savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3878789094
BACK TO THE DATING SCENE
Aug 06, 2020
by TODD BROWN
RIDE LONG ENOUGH AND YOUR BELOVED XYZ IS GONNA BE SHELVED. And, it's gonna stench and be quite a shock. Like having your lover move on out. Unannounced.
For the 2nd year in a row my goto pedals have been phased out...
... left me single...
... and there tain't no Tinder for forlorn cyclists.
That's the bad news.
The good news is...
... there's a reason the old the is old, it's old.
There are a lot of new options.
Fortunately, Chris The Wrench had a set of Durace ace pedals to take dancing tonight.
Like all good blind dates, I was a bit nervous.. But, within a few minutes I felt dramatically more connected to the bike... like a lot.
So, of course, I threw out the Imgoingslowtonight and stomped around on 'em a bit.
It's just a first date, but I'll be dawgawned if I didn't feel a bit of chemistry.
Kinda feels like I got lucky tonight.
Are you looking for some luck?... maybe a snappy, lucky green tshirt is just what you need... made from our softest cotton, printed with special inks you cannot feel...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/stamp-logo-pedalindustries-white-and-kelly-green
... and cut to fit an athlete's body, like yours.
Get it now with this code: LuckyGreen
You'll also get a bunch of entries into the lottery for the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.2lbs
Stretch N Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3876434455
THERE RIDES THE PEACE TRAIN
Aug 05, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I'D LIKE TO ROLL OUT, meet the posse at the corner. Go through town and have all the crazy cats that ride bikes join us in a big train. Roadies, gravelers, MTBrs, beach cruisers, commuters, BMXrs... boys and girls, olduns and younguns... all of ya's!
... and just ride...
... to nowhere in particular...
... maybe a big park, with a healthysized barbecue, and hire Cat Stevens to come sing with us.
I can't imagine a better group of people.
Can you?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace
When Joe designed this kit I couldn't tell what was below the word PEACE.
What is that Joe?
It's peace in every language.
Ah... yes, of course.
I've been wearing this kit a lot lately,
Now I've been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come.
- Cat Stevens, Peace Train
Maybe we'll do a Peace Train ride soon... maybe you need this promo code to push yourself over the edge: PEACE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
165lbs
Coach Loran Live today
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3871222528
SOMETHING ELSE
Aug 05, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT THIS TIME OF YEAR, it's never the same day, we have our unOFFICIAL TMWC which, for me, is just a helluva an excuse to rally the troops to get outta bed very early and race around our course with us.
Our numbers go from 30ish to 100+.
We don numbers.
Raise money for the local high school MTB teams.
Set PRs and course records.
But, more than anything else we look into each others and see more than Strava could ever tell us. We see our friends, We see ourselves. We see the goodness that we represent... mostly dudes, a few ladies... hard working, family loving... people that care about each other, and who I've personally counted on in tough times.
It's our religion I guess.
And I'll miss it this year.
BIKEDARS AND BARBEQUES
Aug 04, 2020
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT ABOUT US? About when we see another rider? It's so weird. Anytime I'm driving around town and I see another rider in a proper kit and I'm like... Do I know that cat?
I can't help it.
Sometimes it's embarrassing.
Surfergirl is like... Do you know that cat?
Most of the time I don't, but more than you'd expect I do. If that makes sense.
I guess what I'm trying to explain is we have this inner bikedar and it goes like this...
Do I know that cat?
Yes/No?
Do I like that cat?
Yes/No?
What kinda bike is that?
Rad/Bad?
Can I beat that cat?
Probably/No way?
... in a matter of seconds we determine if we know somebody, scan their gear, size up their talent, and file it away... and the best part is nobody, and I mean nobody else in the car even has a clue of what we're up to... hahaha!
So, when we were at the beach tonight having a little family BBQ on a stretch of sand that is heavily traveled by all sorts of riders... and I'm just chatting away with the family... and my bikedar starts beeping like crazy, I look up and see all my pals heading home the group ride, and I quickly do that calculations...
Yes
Yes
Rad
Probably
I don't think any other sport is quite as nutty as this... because what other sport do you see people practicing as you go about your life?
I dunno.
But, I do know that the Knog bells are just outstanding with a quality sound and a very stylish look. This time of year with all the peeps along our bike trails they come in darn handy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
If you're in need of one of these gems, we've got a few in stock and can ship them right away.
Use promo code: BIKEDAR
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
164 lbs
Stretch N Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3863650030
DO THIS AND YOU'LL NEVER SLOW DOWN
Aug 03, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO I READ IN VELOSNOOZE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GREAT KENT BOSTICK. He was prepping for the '96 Olympics at the ancient age of 43. I was 30ish and all ears, wanting to be fast again some day... as my dadbod expanded like my hero Fred Flintstone's.
What could it be?
Surely it was impossible, nothing a mere mortal could do.
Four years prior, in the middle of summer, on a hot Utah plain, I saw Kent decimate the pro field in a road race all by his lonesome... I was there to pick up some points towards the realm of a lowly Cat 2... he was there for the cash. A pro. Nearly 40.
It was unheard of.
So was going to the Olympics at his age, and the national news picked up on the story.
Even Velosnooze couldn't foul up this interview. They were drooling over themselves for this exclusive, and from what I could tell then Kent was just a humble dude who loved racing and wasn't ready to give it up.
So... here's the secret:
VN Kent how have you stayed in shape all these years, and kept the fire going.
KB Well, I really like racing... and I ride hard twice a week year round.
VN What about the off season.
KB There is no off season.
And that stuck in my mind like Excalibur in the stone. The very idea that simply riding hard twice a week could hold off father time was so simple, even I could do it.
And I did.
Rarely has a week passed that I haven't ridden hard on Tuesday and hard again on Saturday. And, I've found to be rather magical.
We call our ride the TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships), and have a lot of fun with it. Check it outl
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
One of the guys ordered an XL kit only to realize he's a medium, doh!... so, if you're looking for an exceptional XL kit at 40% off shoot me an email quickly... there's onl 1 of these.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
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163 lbs
Pullups/Pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3858530251
THE 2 TYPES OF BIKE PREP
Aug 02, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE 2 MODES WHEN IT COMES TO BIKE PREP. One I'll do tonight, the other I hope to do sooner rather than later.
One is shameful.
One is zenful.
Tonight's bike prep will be a quick check of the tire pressure and drivetrain freshness. It's late, I wanna hit the hay.
The other is the day before a race bike prep... A full detail, going over every single part. Checking for anything loose or worn out. Anything that could fail.
One is often rushed.
The other is slow, careful and thoughtful.
When you want to hurry something that means you no longer care about it.
- Robert Pirsig
One thing I never want to hurry is my recovery which involves stretching and rolling and sleep and food... and which I'll cover in my next CampFire stories, which is part of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
WHY IT'S FOOLISH NOT TO RACE.
Aug 01, 2020
by TODD BROWN
EVERYBODY RACES. Because everybody loves the feeeeeeeling, the sensaaaaaation of having a future that's better than their past.
Let that sink in.
Deep.
A few of my friends have been laid up this year, their racing back to full health. Some others have never pinned a number or ridden in a group, but I pitty the fool who tries to beat them to the top of the hill. All my pals are uploading as soon as they get home to see if they got any cups. Many of us live, truly live, for the next big epic race.
Why just this morning Chris donkeykicked up the last climb.
I dig that... because I'm already hatching a plan to pay him back next ride.
That plan hatchery is what I'm talking about. It's what makes saying no to cake and ice cream easypeasy. It makes doing push ups and pull ups before jumping in the shower seem normal.
Sometimes, a lot more lately, I have to redefine the race... adjust to circumstances I can't control... but I never start the day without a race in mind.
I guess it's why I love this hat so much...
http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
... which you can score for 40% off when you enter the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway.
http://www.pedalindustries.com/giveaway
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3849634430
I'M A LOCAL LEGEND... LAAAAAAAAAME.
Jul 31, 2020
by TODD BROWN
DID STRAVA JUST BECOME THE KING OF PARTICIPATION TROPHIES? Sheesh. It works like this, if you ride a segment more than anybody else for a month you're the Local Legend.
Is there a weaker, lamer metric to track?
C'mon Strava... who's in charge over there? Some punk who had a graduating kindergarten ceremony? A kid who's soccer team never one a game but made sure everybody got something like Most Improved At Trying Hard?
How many of you are the Local Legend of the only way to get out of your neighborhood?
That ain't for us.
We're for PRs... preferably unaided by wind and groups... but PRs nonetheless.
... for winning actual races... climbing up on an actual podium.
... for smoking our pals to the city limit signs.
The only legend we want is to be known for being committed to doing our very best. Every. Single. Day. And we don't need no stinking trophy for that, because we know it and those around us know it. It shows in all we do.
This is why I always say PRs are better than KOMs.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
Get the word out.
Get free shipping.
Get yourself some savings when you use promo code: PRsRule
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
161.6 lbs
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3843862446
THINGS WE FLICK
Jul 30, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT OF FLICKING IN THE WORLD. Some flick boogers, all flick light switches. Cigs get flicked out car windows, buttons on jeans get flicked open, and snakes' tongues flicker... and a few of us, flick our elbows.
That's the kinda flicking I was witnessing tonight on the ride.
Poor ol' sap stuck on the front of the group in a horrendous amount of wind. Tired. Starts flickin' the elbow for someone to pull through.
Nada.
But, he's not a poor ol' sap... he's BigTom, of the strongest guys on the ride, and we're all just laughing at him.
From 10 guys back I mosey up to the front thanking him for being such a sucker as I roll by.
That wasn't very nice... but, that's the kinda friendly stuff we do.
Sometimes no amount of flicking will get ya any help. Sometimes ya just have to stop pedaling and force people around ya. I've done it many a time to my friends and frenemies.
I've seen some really cool friendly things this week at the biz.
One friend took advantage of that ridiculous buy the gloves get the socks deal last week and sent them to a friend. The friend upon receiving them decided to pay it forward and sent it to another friend.
I felt kind of like a florist on Valentine's Day... writing notes like Cronk love you and Chris wants you to look sharp on Tuesday.
If you're into that kind of thing, the code will still work through 7/31.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
There are lots of combos if you like to be matchymatchy.
So go ahead and use the promo code from last week: SEERED
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry
161.8lbs
Stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3841335052
SOMETHINGS YOU JUST CAN'T TEACH
Jul 29, 2020
by TODD BROWN
YOU CAN'T TEACH CYCLESENSE. As we descended down towards the stop sign it became apparent one rider was going to go straight and the rest of were turning. My cyclesense could feel it a few hundred meters or so prior to the impending doom. But newguy wasn't feeling it, nor was mr.goingstraight. For me, it was like watching a slow motion train wreck... finally at 50 meters I couldn't take it, and blurted out something like...
Watchwereyoufriggingoinghesturningandhesgoingstraight.
The only way to develop cyclesense is to ride a lot.
Fortunately for me, one of my best friends is kinda like Mr. Magoo... totally absentminded and after nearly taking me out many times on a ride I not only explicitly tell him we're turning, but I also use hand signals. All those near misses developed my cyclesense for the above scenario.
Cyclesense like a superpower that you forget you have until you get around a rider with an undeveloped cyclesense.
The problem is how to tell whose got it and who doesn't.
Here are a few tells:
- Arms locked straight
- Sprinting like a puppy, wasting energy
- Poor fitting gear
Not that looking stylish, having good form and playing it cool are a guaranty you'll live to ride again... they aren't.
Nor is casually asking How long you been ridin'?
Really the best way to know is to develop your own cyclesense by riding a lot. Trust me, it will rarely lead you astray. In groups, on treacherous trails, in traffic, on gravel... it all strengthens and combines to protect you.
You know what else will protect you and look stylish?
A fine, fine helmet from Italy... whether you need an aero, all around or offroad specific solution these are my faves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Sometimes there's nothing like a new helmet.
If you think there one in your future, check these out...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Use promo code SAVE10, unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the super code:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3836258720
WHAT A DUMMY!
Jul 28, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I THOUGHT I WAS SO SMART... I'd meticulously prepped for this morning's ride. Bottles made and in the fridge. Clothes laid out. Glasses cleaned. Chain freshened and waxed. Pump by bike. Lights mounted. Computer snapped in. Derailleur batteries charged.
What could go wrong?
5am alarm was set, and I snapped right up with pleeeeenty of time to thoughtfully get ready. Meandered about the house drinking, dressing, curling my hair and putting on my make up.
Right on cue, I grabbed my bike and rolled easy. I had 12 minutes to get to the start, and I planned to use all of them. You know get a nice warm up, enjoy the quiet and emerging light of day.
It was so peaceful when to my horror I looked down...
... no water bottles!!!!...
... shiz, shiz, shiz... there's no way I could make 62 miles, 5000' of climbing with the ferocious beasts I call my friends sans the good stuff.
3 minutes from home.
Whipped the bike around. Raced back home. Clickityclacked into and out of the house... and set a PR heading to the start. Chased the fellas hard for the first 20 minutes.
I was warmed up, oh was I warmed up!
During those first 3 minutes I realized the days are getting shorter. It was actually dark when I left. No prob, because I was lit up with my snazzy front and rear blinkies. Fact is, if wasn't so smugly admiring my genius at being ready and prepared with charged lights I might have realized I was missing the bottles.
If you're days are getting shorter and you're need of some lights - I run 'em daytime, front and rear - check these out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
The thing I like about these is they provide 330 degrees of light... others can see me at almost any angle.
Pretty cool.
Here's a cool promo... save 20% while supplies last or until 7/31/2020.
Promo code is: LOADBOTTLES
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
163 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3827689845
YOU SHAVED YOUR WHAT?
Jul 26, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I VIVIDLY REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I SHAVED MY LEGS. It was like cutting down my manhood. A slow, torturous cutting. Not because it hurt, but because I was a virgin.
Should I trim first?
Shaving cream or soap?
Shower or tub?
So many doubts... first and foremost being, how much ridicule am I gonna endure from the guys.
But, these are things we do when we're passionate. And there's a lot more peculiarity about us, hence the ceaseless questions:
You rode how far?
You're eating what?
You're going to bed now?
You spent how much on a bike?
... and my favorite...
... is that really fun?
In my world, where it's Hell yeah or No, I no longer care what is said or questioned. I know for a fact...
I'm younger
healthier
and a helluvalot more fun than my contemporaries.
Which I think is the whole point of Emerson's essay titled Self-Reliance. If you've never read it, read it. I wish I'd found it a hundred years ago. It's free on the web or a couple of bucks in print.
Here are a few gems:
- Trust thyself.
- Envy is ignorance... imitation is suicide.
- A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work, and done his best.
- Society everywhere is in a conspiracy against the manhood of everyone of its members.
- Be a nonconformist.
- I must do all that concerns me, not what other people think.
- If we live truly, we shall see truly.
- Nature suffers nothing to remain in her kingdom which cannot help itself.
- God is here within.
- He does not postpone life, but lives already.
- With the exercise of self-trust, new powers shall appear.
- Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.
Maybe there's one you can put to use this week... me, I'll be doing all that concerns me and PEDALindustries.
It was that very thought that got me cranking out July's Campfire Stories for the PEDALposse...
... if you're in to being on the inside of what we're up to, check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
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162.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3816711706
IS IT MORAL?
Jul 25, 2020
by TODD BROWN
TO LIE OR NOT TO LIE, that is the question. I mean, what do you do when you want the new rider to join you on the big ride that will most likely see them ejected at some point... hopefully later than earlier?
C'mon, it's a fun ride. Everybody's real friendly. There's a couple of rollers. It's mostly downhill with a tail wind.
vs.
C'mon, it's the hardest ride around. Dudes are all pros. The climbs will sear your lungs. You'll wish you'd never woken up, or even owned a bike.
Really, what do you do?
That came up today as new guy Adam trembled at Mike's description of Tesla... it's a 2ish minute power climb designed to eject all the wheelsuckers.
Just stay on Todd's wheel.
I'm not sure if that's a compliment or a put down... I think it means I know how to get up it with the least amount of energy spent, that I have no jump in my legs, and will usually find myself in the right spot to slowly slide back and grab the last wheel that's gonna make it as they roll by.
Anyway, that was Adam's mission.
But Adam is a feisty stallion with a decent jump and off he went... halfway where it levels off and speeds up a lot, I'm looking for that last wheel to take me to paradise and it's Adam... and a gap is every so slowly opening.
Now here's some real friendship.
Rather than pull through and close that gap, I'm just yelling like a kook...
... Don't let them go Adam!
And I'll be dawgawned if Adam didn't find something extra and git 'er done.
Which brings us back to the moral dilemma... to lie or not to lie. And if you're gonna lie, which way?
After a serious rehashing we decided some will rise to the occasion of an horrific description while others do much better a dramatic understatment.
Me personally... I like to oversell a grueling effort for the simple reason I don't do guilt. Kind of a You were warned thing.
But, that's me.
I'm always inviting. Always overselling. Always hoping newb will make it or be so dawgawn inspired they'll do what it takes to make it next time. My friends ain't quitters, don't back down and don't lie nearly as much as me.
One place I'm a total Boy Scout is in product endorsements. Sometimes I regret sharing all the secrets, but only when I see them go to waste by giving up. So, if you're commit to squeeze every bit out of your potential know I've got your back.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose
We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.
Same goes for the delicious GQ6.
When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code:
LAZYNLOOSE
And it all ships F R E E.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry
162.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3812407009
LAZY AND LOOSE
Jul 24, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE DAYS TO MASH ON THE PEDALS, TIMES TO DANCE ON THEM, and moments like this morning to simply let the legs fall, no effort at all.
Don't touch the brakes.
Just coast.
Far.
Let any nasty residue of riding or life melt down through the cranks to the tires to the earth. All that's left is a rested, carefree rider.
Times like these which are so lazy, my body is so loose afterward often precede the most vicious of efforts.
So, when the text came in for an invite to ride included...
... possibly add 10 miles and/or change the spot for our 2nd water stop...
... I knew one thing for sure, that was code for restup buttercup... to which I say...
Lazy and loose today, for tomorrow we slay.
Which means it'll be hearty breakfast of PR Lotion followed by a GQ6 chaser.
Because there's no way I'd try and hang on to these hooligans without my magic lotion and secret potion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lazynloose
We've yet to see a single person send their PR Lotion back... they just keep ordering.
Same goes for the delicious GQ6.
When you order them together you can add any pair of socks or gloves for FREE... only if you use this promo code:
LAZYNLOOSE
And it all ships F R E E.
Every $ Spent = 1 Lottery Entry for Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ Giveaway
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3809865225
STEVE'S INFECTED. BOB'S GOT IT. AND NOW I DO TOO.
Jul 23, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING SINISTER GOING AROUND. Last week I noticed Steve had it on the Tuesday ride. Sounded awful. This week, same ride. No Steve. But, sho nuff Bob had the same thing going on. And tonight, it hit lil ol me.
I think we'll be alright... just need to see the doc.
These dawgawn bottom brackets on all our bikes have gone to shiz. Creaking and wheezing and clickityclacking.
Is there anything more annoying?
The thing about it is... I usta be able to fix it meself. But somewhere on the way to newerbetterfaster my skills crept away. A slow decline, not a thief in the night. More like ants making off with a cookie.
Good thing we've got a doctor in the house. Literally. Chris has been operating on newerbetterfaster bikes for 25 years... he just moved to town so we set him up in our store, which is starting to look kinda like a bike shop.
Weird. I know.
But, everything we do at PEDALindustries is about scratching our own itch... RaceDay Bags™, Superlight Gloves and Socks, Changing Ponchos, The Speed Jersey...
... and the PEDALposse, which is kinda like an ambassador program where you save a ton of coin, get access to special gear and of course the lovely Coach Loran training videos... if you're into that sort of thing...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
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162.4 lbs
PullUps and PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3806737263
LIVE AND LET DIE
Jul 22, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF MY FAVORITE COVERS IS GNR's RENDITION OF LIVE AND LET DIE... it's on my pump up to race play list.
When you got a job to do
You got to do it well
You got to give the other fella hell!
But, when does that job start?
At the sprint
The start line
Packing the night before
Tuning things up 2 weeks out
Laying base miles months earlier
???????
I was thinking about that this morning at 7am when Coach Loran was giving me hell...
It hurt.
A lot.
Legs quivering, core screaming, shoulders on fire.
... the only way to give 'em hell is go there first, which is why I always invite y'all to join us LIVE on Instagram at 7am Wednesday mornings.
The other thing was thinking about was how I like to frame a flashy kit with black gloves and black socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
It's funny how people come to us for one thing and are surprised at how good we are at another.
My pals Justin and Chris were talking, Justin knows us because we do the kit for his team every year and Chris via his team RaceDay Bag™...
Ya know PEDAL's socks are pretty awesome
And so are the gloves
All I can say is...
We're working pretty darn hard over here to make the gear we can't find and desperately want.
So go ahead and use the promo code from yesterday: SEERED
... before my accountant says we're seeing red.
Buy the gloves and socks together, with the code, and the socks are FREE.
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164.2 lbs
Coach Loran LIVE!
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/no ride today
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