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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
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...
You can get it for full price here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dusty-shins-collection
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
>
DIRT WORLD PROBLEMS
EVERY SURFACE HAS it's challenges. Add in the weather, how we approach things...
... changes quickly.
Super mist.
The normally grippy sidewalk we were slaying to meet the rest of the crew, was not only glazed with moisture...
... bright green moss screamed Slow down and do not lean over.
We ain't rookies,
not a problem.
It was so misty, the glasses were tucked away.
The late Fall moon dust covering most of our trails and roads...
- forks
- shins
- lenses
... quickly 3D prints on to everything.
Bombing the first downhill...
- nearly 40mph
- no brakes
- 1 minute
... the dust and pebbles flying up stinging our eyes.
Two choices:
Wear the glasses,
blurry, smudgy vision.
Wear no protection,
smoke your corneas or contacts.
When the sun finally burned through,
I grabbed my glasses from my jersey pocket...
... they were covered in sweat.
lol
Truly, dirt world challenges.
===
These Ugly Sweater jerseys woulda worked well today - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
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Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/99/-10 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THAT FREAKED ME OUT!
IN THE HURRY to get the miles in, sometimes we find ourselves willing to risk a potential short cut to get home early. Which is exactly what I did...
... just before halloween.
Hustling down a new trail.
The night's shadows suffocating the daylight.
A long ladder bridge spans steep canyon walls and the trail...
... whips around and under the bridge!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I was going too fast to even think about it.
Leaned on the tires.
Ducked my head.
Stopped.
Went back up and mastered it at even more speed.
I'd discovered a great way to freak my friends out...
... like finding a killer haunted house.
Gonna be good scare on the next weekly MTB ride.
===
Not as scary as these Ugly Sweaters - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
EXTRA SPECIAL CUSTOM UGLY SWEATER OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
Go here to get started: https://bookdesign.pedalindustries.com/
===
164 lbs/12.3%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
REAL POWER MAKING IS MADE WITH...
Sep 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS I DIVE DEEPER into power meter training I'm noticing a piece of data I haven't paid attention to for years. I figured my cadence is about 85-90...
... and didn't care much about it.
All that has changed.
Because now I have a data point,
and the accompanying insight.
The higher my cadence, the better my power.
It makes sense,
and I'll prove my case in a moment.
First, here's my discovery.
When putting out a certain amount of power, say 250 watts. It is much easier around 98-104 RPMs. My heart rate is lower, too.
I never would have figured this out with out watching my power and my rpms.
Is this true for everybody?
I don't know, but consider this...
... how much faster can you sprint when your cadence is high vs low?
Is that proof?
I think it is.
Here's a thing that bugs me...
... Greg LeMond poopooing the modern generation's high cadence riding.
We never rode like that, they must be on something.
Yeah Greg, they have learned way more about their bodies because they have massive amounts of data unavailable 40+ years ago.
Which brings up the Todcast I did with Tom Danielson.
Tom, I'm guessing you learn all kinds of cutting-edge training when you join a big pro team.
Not really, the teams don't really offer all that much in terms of training. Each racer has to have their own coach and program.
What does that mean for us enthusiasts?
Same thing as always...
... if it's to be, it's up to me...
... to figure it out.
Read the books,
watch the videos,
hire the top coaches,
join the groups and forums.
The next step in this RPM breakthrough is setting up the perfect gearing so I can be in my sweetspot all the time.
Stay tuned,
I definitely have something I'm going to be working on.
---
163.4
8ish hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
REMCO IS A BAD ACTOR
Sep 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE BIGGEST WEAKNESS REMCO HAS is that it has all come so fast, and so easy. He goes from teenage soccer phenom, to pro cyclist in a season...
... and punking the best in the world in short order.
But, he missed something grand today even though he unwittingly set it up perfectly a few days prior.
He should have won another stage win,
after another day dragging a bunch of riders around the course.
He's won twice at this year's Vuelta doing just that,
dropping everybody and soloing in.
He also lost twice,
pulling too much and paying for it.
So, everybody knows he's a beast,
they also know he can over do it and be beaten.
Which brings up the acting,
something he's never had to do because he's so darn good.
IMHO, today was a day to bring out the acting skills.
For mortals and pros,
acting is just another skill in our quiver.
Think of the great Mohammed Ali's
rope-a-dop.
Our version...
I'd pull if I could...
Oh, I'm cramping...
Sorry guys, I'm gassed...
All of that can be communicated...
verbally
facial expressions
and the all power body language
... it's easy,
should be practiced
and used judiciously.
Unfortunately, Remco is probably still too proud,
overconfident.
I can't blame him.
But, that's what I woulda done.
---
162.8
8.2 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Todcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
TIME FOR SECRET TRAINING
Sep 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I LIKE THE IDEA OF SECRET TRAINING. A lot. Like Rocky pounding sides of beef in a giant meat freezer, doing the training solo...
... the weird stuff few are willing to do.
If you have 3 things...
... It's romantic,
and can lead to massive performance gains.
First.
A chip on your shoulder,
considered a chump,
not a champ.
Second.
A shot at the title,
at setting things right,
knocking out the feared competitor.
Third.
Hope.
That's the magic formula:
- A chip on the shoulder
- A shot at the title
- And, hope.
But, who has that?
Sure, maybe a wish to wreak revenge on some rando racer can be conjured up. Given enough time, we can all gain some hope...
... but a title?
So, how do we do it?
How do we tap into that 3-step formula to being insanely ready to Rip On RaceDay?
Here's my plan.
I'm going to shoot for PRing a local climb. It's a big one, and takes me just over an hour...
... can I crack an hour?
Most of the fast guys around here can go, or have gone, sub-60 minutes...
... that's the chip on my shoulder.
Setting the PR would be beyond epic...
... that's the title I want.
Knowing I'm about to start doing the weird stuff, like actually using a power meter in my training...
... that's the hope.
Oh, there's one more thing...
... a date.
I'm shooting for late February, right before my A races.
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free shipping,
click here.
---
162.2
8.2 hrs
Pull Ups Push Ups Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
FAILURE TURNS ME ON
Sep 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IF WE HADN'T ALREADY FAILED TWICE LAST YEAR, I wouldn't be nearly as fired up as I am about next month's adventure. Will we fail again...
... is it just an impossible ride?
Should you do it?
No.
It's way too hard, way too long.
You probably wouldn't make it.
You think you can ride 130 miles in a day...
... over mixed surfaces?
15000+ feet of climbing should shock you into reality...
... the final 2000' up a steep and sandy jeep trail.
Seems doable still?
What about a narrow ribbon of single track cut into the side of a cliff?
Leaving in the dark is easy,
does finishing after dark freak you out?
How will you carry all the food and water needed between only 2 stops?
Where are you going to find someone crazy enough to do it with you?
You'll definitely want, and probably need a buddy. We leave on time, and we don't wait.
Are you good at navigating unknown territory?
Can you fix a likely broken bike?
Still in?
Well, don't say I didn't warn you!
We are a month out.
October 14, 2023
Starting at the shoreline of Dana Point...
... riding on paved roads, gravel roads, degraded and abandoned roads, miles and miles of paved bike trail, a good chunk of single track...
... finishing in the mountains at Big Bear.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/surf-n-summit
---
162.8
8 hrs
Pull Ups Push Ups Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DROP ANCHOR OR DROP BALLAST?
Sep 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S AN UPHILL BATTLE. Somewhere up ahead is the finish line, in the mist and the clouds. I'm so close to smashing my PR...
... the legs and lungs are burrrrrrrning!
I've done this climb many times.
9 miles up.
3300' of elevation gain
There is only one choice to make...
- drop anchor, and quit trying
- drop ballast, and get better
... and it's not an easy decision to make.
Because, the goal has haunted me for years.
To break 1 hour,
up.
To break 1.5 hours,
up and down.
Which begs the questions...
- What is holding me back?
- What can I eliminate?
... there is always something we can ditch to go further,
faster.
---
162.8
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
... FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.
Sep 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I HAD AN EXCITING CALL TODAY. A first-timer, who had just completed his longest ride ever, The MS Ride. He'd done 30 miles...
... and was already looking forward to next year.
What could I tell this oakley-eyed young buck?
I could quote a wise man who spoke the truth about how to be a successful rider and racer.
So I will.
But, before I share the quote let's give it some context because this enlightened being first laid out all the do's and don'ts for his followers on a mountain top...
... commandments, if you will.
Thou shalt:
- Ride hard twice a week, easy the rest of days
- Eat whole foods
- Lift heavy weights daily
- Get plenty of sleep
- Do 1-legged drills
- Weigh in every morning
- Read wisdom daily
- Journal daily
- Drink enough
Thou shalt avoid:
- Bonking
- Alcohol
- Bread
- Soda
- Sugar
What the teacher was laying out for the wouldbe racers was how to build a strong foundation, on rock vs sand.
He summed it all up with this...
Wide is the road which leads to destruction and narrow is the way which leads to PRs and Podiums.
Few understood the advice, or heeded the commandments.
Instead, they did their own thing.
- Trained as hard as they wanted, whenever they wanted
- Ate good some days, cheated the diet like mad other days
- Had good lungs, but zero strength and weak bones
- Lived in a sleep-deprived fog and poor recovery haze
- Pedaled in squares
- Continually expanded their spandex
- Atrophied their brains and spirits with social media
- Failed to explore their inner genius
- Were constantly dehydrated
We can wander the broad roads...
... or we can take the sage advice of the narrow path...
... they take the same amount of time
and render dramatically different results.
---
162.8
6.5 (back to morning rides, gonna be painful transistion)
Push Ups Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
... KNOW WHEN TO FOLD 'EM
Sep 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS AN 'A' RACE. I'd planned it for months, years actually. Racing Marathon Nats was, and still is, something I've always wanted to do...
... then why was I depressed?
From the moment I paid for the AirBNB and race registration, a dark cloud blocked my normally sunny disposition.
Something wasn't right,
and I knew it.
Once I made the decision to cancel,
the cloud lifted.
Why?
Because I was forcing it. (see below)
Truth be told,
the timing was not good,
the travel and time away daunting.
On top of that, there are other pressing issues that are significantly more important in my personal life that I want to care for.
Was I afraid to race Tinker Juarez and the rest of the ageless studs who line up?
Were the challenges of racing over roots and ruts vs rocks and dust too much?
Did the prospect of not overcoming a cold in time concern me?
Heck no!
I love that stuff.
Give me the best, most difficult...
... so I can be schooled!
So, what now?
It's early September,
a third of the year is left to play...
... and I'm in great shape.
Nothing is next.
The whole point of racing is...
... being in great shape, for life.
---
A note about Forcing It. One of my many grandfathers (bonus of divorced parents) taught me something. He was a gentle and kind human, who was also a lion in business.
The crescent wrench I was cranking on had slipped and started to strip a bolt.
Todd, don't force it.
But, I want it off (my bike wheel).
Well, step back. Get the right tool. Be smooth and gradual with your effort, and the bolt should loosen right up... might need a little WD-40.
---
163
7.5
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE RACER WE FEED
Sep 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A BATTLE GOING ON INSIDE OF ME. A terrible fight between two racers. One is evil and weak and lazy, one is good and strong and determined. My grandson asked me who will win...
... The one I feed.
Is this true...?
The battle, yes.
The convo, not yet.
On the surface, I could tell you how this weekend I skipped the cookies, muffins, ice cream, and most of the chips. That's easy, because...
... I don't crave that junk any more.
I wasn't surprised to jump on the scale tonight and see things are where they should be, even after a funfilled 3 days with the whole family.
Which isn't really the point of my ripped off version of the Cherokee legend, about feeding the wolf.
The point is the racer we pay attention to will get stronger.
A long time ago,
over about a decade,
I'd packed on 30 lbs of blubber,
I was feeding an ex-racer who I hardly recognized.
When I decided it was time to course correct,
I cut out a picture of a favorite racer,
and pasted my head over his,
and taped to my mirror.
That simple act
was so powerful.
Everyday,
I'd see future me...
... and feed the good racer, accordingly.
---
164ish
7ish hrs
No strength training
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT?
Sep 09, 2023
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S VUELTA STAGE WAS NUTS. Remco make the break, and then goes off the front for hours. Hours! Before...
... crying?
Yesterday, he lost 30 minutes.
He lost his chance to be a repeat winner...
... total humiliation.
Some would have packed their bags,
come up with a faux illness.
Shift happens.
Plans go completely awry.
Remco's quote on twitter echoed my grandpappy's oft repeated advice...
... It's not the problem, it's how you handle it.
Why did he cry at the finish?
I can only guess...
- the pain of the massive effort
- the salvaging of the Vuelta by winning another stage
... but, I think it was really this.
To know, he had it in him to ride nearly solo for hours and claim 8 minutes back on the leaders, while everyone else is getting shelled out the back...
... that would truly hurt.
When tires are low,
the headwind strong,
and the plan totally fubar...
... we get up,
put our bibs on one leg at a time,
and ride like the wind, till we are free again.
Thanks for the reminder Remco,
I needed that.
---
164ish
7ish hrs
Push Ups, Squats
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE 3 WAYS TO RIDE OUT OF A RUT
Sep 08, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT WITH RUTS? Some say they are graves with the ends kicked out. I'll tell ya this, when ripping some single track...
... a rut can put you on your lycra in not time.
Which brings up today's ride.
Surfergirl and I got up to Big Bear early, before the rest of the family.
After unloading, I shot out for a structured work out...
... at least that was the plan.
But, then I found myself on Skyline a beautiful fast and flowy trail that traces the highest ridge between Big Bear and the greater LA Basin.
Not a soul out there.
Just me.
Riding where I hadn't ridden for at least 5 years...
... the whole time I'm asking myself...
... Why aren't we up here once a month in when it's warm?
Ruts,
that's why.
Here's how people try to ride out of ruts:
- Ride in the rut and hope for the best
- Trying to ride up the side and out
- Bounce out
For me, the best solution is to bounce out.
If I want to exit on the left side of the rut, I will steer into the right side...
... to bounce off it and out the left side.
Which is what we are doing this weekend.
Bouncing out of our rut,
doing different.
---
163.9
7.5 ish hrs
Pull Ups Push UPs Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
IT'S TRADITION, BUT IT KINDA STINKS
Sep 07, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ARE YOU WATCHING LA VUELTA A ESPANA? The three bicycle race around Spain has an American in the lead, and I'm think thinking...
... it's just such a shame.
Not that Sepp Kuss is leading.
That's super cool.
But, pro cycling kinda lags because there are only trade teams.
Not teams like we have in every other sport.
Therefore, there are no mega-dynasties like the...
- Yankees
- Celtics
- Patriots
... a team to root for year after year.
Now, that would be cool.
Right now, Sepp rides for the trade team Jumbo-Visma.
A super team,
born from Rabobank.
The previous sponsor.
It would just be so much cooler if these teams had decades and decades of history.
It's way cooler for Michael Jordan to play all his years with Da' Bulls.
To build a legacy there.
The history,
legacy.
We can't change that now,
probably never.
But, we sure as heck can cheer for Sepp!
---
163.7
7.5 ish hrs
Pull Ups Push UPs Squats
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DEFLATION AND INFLATION
Sep 06, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS AN OLD JOKE, about how many Masters racers it takes to fix a flat tire. And, no, it's not a joke about being old. It has to do with being...
... something entirely different.
On our ride yesterday, we experienced the rare flat.
It had been so long, we had to chip the rust off the old group protocol for when a flat happens.
- Do we stop?
- All of us?
- Do we help?
- How much?
- Do we wait?
- If so, how long?
- Can we ride super slow?
Concurrently, I was feeling quite flat yesterday...
... as well as the day before, and the day before that.
It happens.
From time to time, I get to deal with the old depression demon. Feeling like there is no air in my life.
Which brings me back to the joke.
How many masters racers does it take to fix a flat?
One, and the rest to watch and mock and laugh.
At least that's how it feels when you're trying to be efficient and quickly change a flat and too proud to ask for help.
The thing is,
just having one friend
do something as simple as...
- hold your bike
- fish out your tube or patch
- check inside the tire for glass
- get the pump or inflator ready to air up
- take your wheel off and help put it back on
... makes all the difference in the world.
Even if you don't want the help,
want to show how proficient you are...
... It is best to receive and to give help graciously ...
... if you want to inflate things back and get going.
---
163.9
7.2ish hrs
Full RaceDay circuit + short jog
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
SPY MOVES
Sep 05, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF BOOKS I ENJOY: business, spy fiction, and wisdom literature. Often, I'll read two or three simultaneously. However, one of them is more...
... applicable to racing.
For me, that's the spy novel.
They're all pretty much the same story...
- Smart spy
- Mission prep
- Dangerous situation
- Axe to grind with the enemy(s)
- Things look really bad until the tables turn
- Throw in some sort of romance for good measure
... and I am a sucker for a good page turner.
It's probably why I enjoy racing so much...
- Register
- Race prep
- Gun goes off
- Competitors self-identify
- Things get rowdy as miles go by
- A hill at the finish needs conquering
- Throw in some sort of podium or PR for good measure
... it's always astonishing how time is palpably different when racing.
It's all stats with Registration.
The bigger the race,
the more unsure the outcome,
the more likely to be beaten into submission,
the better the stories we can tell and the memories to last a lifetime.
Are you planning an A race for the Fall,
or already looking at next year?
---
163.5
7.5 hrs
Full RaceDay circuit + short jog
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WE DON'T SHARPEN THE SAW, WE...
Sep 04, 2023
by TODD BROWN
FROM WHAT I CAN TELL FROM THE COURSE MAP and satellite view, the upcoming A race needs some specific training. No intervals, no huffinpuffin, no long climbs...
... something I haven't done enough of lately.
Off I went,
busting spider webs,
enjoying the sun rise across the hills.
I was in search of turns.
Lot's of 'em.
Sure, I've been riding off road a lot lately. However, much of that has been on the gravel bike and...
... railing turns with flat bars requires a different approach.
It is so easy to lose time in twistyturny single track.
We'll be racing two 19 mile laps, with an infinite amount of turns. Let's say there are 300 turns per lap. If I lose a half a second per turn, that's 150 seconds...
... well over 2 minutes each lap.
That's hard to make up.
What if I gain 150 seconds/lap?
Also, hard to make up...
... but not for me.
Fortunately, there is a great playground not too far from home.
Take a look.
Here are a few of the tricks to taking the turns fast...
- lean the bike early
- get on the side lugs
- play with tire pressure
- play with suspension settings
... these little things add up.
Because I was focused on the turns and riding at a low effort endurance pace, I also focused on my pedal stroke.
For racing offroad, especially MTB racing, keep the power down throughout the pedal stroke is key to cleaning the steep, loose, and rocky sections.
The great Stephen Covey, preached sharpening the saw before starting to cut.
For us, that means...
... sharpening the skills before starting to rip.
---
This is my favorite MTB cornering video
---
163.5
7 hrs
Quick RaceDay circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE AWKWARD PRICE OF GETTING GOOD
Sep 03, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HAVE YOU GOT A REPUTATION YET? Have you put in enough time, spent enough cash, dedicated the energy to stand out? Do friends and family introduce you as...
... Oh, this is the bike rider, triathlete, runner who...
... accomplished a feat they can't fathom doing, ever.
Something we think of as easy, normal and a good sign of physical health...
... not a big deal, just fun and enjoyable.
Or, maybe it's the evergreen question...
Are you still riding, running, swimming?
... you'd think they'd know by now.
But, here's the question I really have,
Is it that we are out of balance?
Because, when I look back on the last 20 years, I'm significantly more satisfied with other accomplishments...
- We've raised a family
- Become grandparents
- Started a business from scratch
- Built a following of 11,000+ readers
- Taken care of aging parents
- Devoted time teaching youth
- Served those in need
- Put on the last legit road race in the county
... yet, somehow I'm still that nut who likes to ride and race bikes.
Which is exactly how I was introduced multiple times at a get together last night...
... awkward.
---
164.5
7.75 hrs
No strength training
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
THE TRAINING IS DONE, THE STRATEGY ISN'T
Sep 02, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A FEW IN THE ALLIANCE ARE DOING LOTOJA next weekend. The training is done, nothing to do now but taper, recover, travel, and...
... go over the strategy.
Here's how I did it,
and what I'd do different.
At just over 200 miles,
it is the longest sanctioned USAC race in the country.
Fueling is the biggest issue.
I'd have something solid for breakfast. Back in 2017, I started my day off with a can of sardines and half a can of black beans. Whatever you choose, I'd get some protein and fat in, along with calories.
Because of the altitude, I would stick with a 1 bottle/hour strategy. In that bottle, I've have 250-300 calories. Plus, I would eat something solid for another 150 calories. I'd stay away from gels, mainly because they don't do me right.
That's 400 calories an hour.
How to get the fuel in, and when.
You'll want a disposable feed bag with supplies to get you from stop to stop...
... toss your bottles and trash, and grab you bag without stopping (assuming you have support).
Beware.
There are multiple sections at each feed zone. Coordinate with your team, and be vigilant of knuckleheads coming in and out. Stupid place to crash, and it will happen...
... but not to you!
Load your bottles and pockets, toss bag responsibly.
My team met me at Montpelier, Afton and Alpine. I took neutral support at Wilson - liquid, I had food.
Now for pacing.
Ideally, you will never touch the front of the group until the finish line.
That's the dream,
it's not gonna happen.
Here's how it will likely go down.
Everyone will be all geeked up, and roll out fairly fast. Nobody will be feeling pain, because they are all ready and rested. Let the bunnies do their thing, stay in the top 15 riders...
... only go to the front if you are simply rolling through.
Spend no time up there.
Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies will do the work.
The first climb around Preston, will hurt a bit...
... because bunnies still be fresh.
Hang on, without killing yourself.
You'll want to be drafting over to the start of the Strawberry climb.
It's a long climb,
not as hard as it looks on the map.
Bunnies will blow,
go your pace,
push the top.
The drop to Montpelier is fun and fast,
you won't want to be alone and you
won't want to wait for slow climbers.
At this point, you pretty much know who you'll be riding with the rest of the day...
... except for one thing.
Those who skip the early calories are gonna start to suffer.
Not you!
Right?
With luck, you'll be with a good group,
have a working pace line,
and maybe a bunny.
Let that bunny work.
Clothing.
The start can be cold.
Tubesocks with toes cut out for your arms,
newspaper inside the jersey for chest,
are likely all you need.
Dispose of responsibly - Preston.
Make sure your team is carrying rain and cold weather gear.
It's high altitude and things change fast,
stay warm.
The only thing I would do different,
is familiarize myself with the competitors,
and not foul up the finish like I did here: https://pedalindustries.com/blogs/feed/lotoja-mocha-choca-lata-yaya
LoToJa is truly a oneofakind experience.
Highly recommend.
If you win this year, you'll be getting one of these RaceDay wallets... with a top secret code for a special RaceDay Bag™.
- 400 calories an hour
- Stay off the front
- Know thy enemy
---
163.8
7 hrs
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
EVERYBODY WANTS TO QUIT?!
Sep 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
DOES THIS HAPPEN TO YOU? It happens to me. A race is getting close, training volume is up, schedule is crammed, body is tired...
... and I want to pull the plug.
Happened just this week.
Here I am 3 weeks out from my A race,
a bucket lister I've had for a longlong time,
and I'm thinking about potentially pulling the plug.
Why is that?
Better question...
... How often are we close to achieving the dream and we quit?
We're tired.
Unsure of the outcome.
Doubting we can pull it all together.
Another better question...
... When and why and how do we push forward?
Me.
I thought of you,
because I made a public declaration.
I looked at my giant calendar,
and saw the goal I'd written in red sharpie.
I palmed my custom raceday wallet,
considering all I'd put into making this happen.
I met up with the Alliance on zoom,
and the shame of even considering quitting gutted me.
If you're like me...
... I need reminders, accountability and support.
But, here's the thing.
It's normal to want to quit, have doubts, feel overwhelmed...
... which is why most people quit before,
right before, the breakthrough.
Don't be normal.
Be true!
---
163.9
7.5 hrs
PushUps, PullUps, Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DISTILLING THE MISSION
Aug 31, 2023
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT 7 YEARS AGO, I started blogging daily. Prior to that I wrote sporadically, for myself and made it into VeloNews and Competitor Magazine. I'd always ask myself when done...
... Does this make me want to ride my bike?
If it didn't,
I junked it.
Sometimes it would take me hours to write just a few paragraphs.
I got better,
faster.
Our mission has been upgraded,
refocussed.
The question I now ask myself is...
... Does this make me want to be true and rip?
I believe that being TRUE to what really matters
should come first and then,
we can Rip On RaceDay.
We have truing stands for our wheels because when they are out of round they are slow, and potential dangerous.
In the stand, we can check the tension of each spoke. Typically, one, or a few, have become loose and need to be tightened up. In the process, it's common to back the tension off as well.
Sometimes we can find our life spokes out of tension.
We might neglect a relationship
or skip the over life's spiritual and mystical elements
or overtighten on chasing more stuff for our might empire.
I've distilled for us,
to this...
... Be True AND Rip!
---
165
6.5 hrs
0 Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HIDDEN BONUS OF THE GROUP RIDE
Aug 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A LONG STANDING TRADITION. We don't wait for anyone, ever. If the ride starts at 630, few are there much earlier...
... no one is there at 6:30:01.
It's called respect.
Here's the bonus.
Knowing we are leaving on time, is a fantastic opportunity to practice race day.
- Prep
- Warm up
- Get to start
Which is great when things are normal.
But, shift happens.
Kids keep us up,
work is busy,
traffic.
More often than we'd like,
we are riding late...
- Prep
- No warm up
- Race to the start
... just like how many races commence.
We aren't doing ourselves any favors,
if we aren't prepared for the races,
which are full gas,
out the gate.
Sometimes, it's just good to throw the clothes on, grab the bottles, shove the glasses and helmet into place...
... get out the door,
pedal like heck.
---
Many, nearly all, off road races I do - MTB and Gravel - have staging corrals. It pays to get their early, to line up at the front. Even if I warm up, I'm gonna be standing 15-30 minutes before the gun sounds. I'm back and forth on if the warm up helps.
---
166.1
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
60 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHAT SCARES MOST PEOPLE ABOUT RACING?
Aug 29, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S KINDA SAD WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT. For every one person that signs up for a race, there are thousands of riders who don't sign up. I think I know why...
... because they know.
What do they know?
A lot of things...
- themselves
- their abilities
- their schedules
... which they claim precludes their participation.
The truth is...
... racing is hard.
But, they know the real challenge isn't their desire, ability or schedule.
In fact, signing up is the easy part...
... finishing is what scares the shift out of them.
We are different,
completing what we start,
seeing it all the way through...
- planning
- training
- packing
- travel
- warming up
- jockeying for position
- and pushing hard till we cross the line.
... we are finishers.
---
I was going to leave it there, however it's worth asking the question...
... How can we encourage more people to have an A race?
---
165.6
7.75 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
ONLY MY DIRECT COMPETITORS SHOULD DO THIS
Aug 28, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AFTER 10 DAYS OF TRAVEL, I was looking forward to getting back into the routine. You know, the one that separates the wannabees...
... from the gottabees.
The Cowboy Strong stuff.
When traveling,
- push ups are easy to do
- pull ups if there is a local playground
- squats are weakly replaced with air squats
- and just plain for get doing the awesome nordics
I warmed up with some light jogging,
mixed with some side shuffles,
and jumping jacks.
Normal stuff.
The sled felt great, even with the legs still a little tender. Taking those big steps and pushing all the way through the ankle and foot was wonderful.
Shoulder presses were a little shaky towards the end.
I really feel when I skip the upper body stuff.
Squats. Sometimes, after a break, I'll drop down some lbs. Not today, and it was just fine.
Then, the nordics. I could feel the tension in my hammies. Did my 5 full reps, but something didn't feel rightw.
When I moved on to the box jump, and lowered myself to explode up...
... the right hammie was barking loud.
Dang.
Pulled muscle?
I wasn't sure, so I didn't even attempt the box.
The rest of the circuit was fine.
During a light, very light, spin this evening everything felt fine.
Still, it could have been a major set back...
... which is why I encourage all my direct competitors to skip the weights for months, then hit 'em hard...
... I need every advantage I can get.
I'm just kiddin',
be careful y'all.
Lift daily,
don't skip,
if you do, take it easy the first few days...
... because we gottabee strong to Rip On RaceDay!
---
165.1
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
A FEW KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BWR UT
Aug 27, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THIS WAS MY SECOND BWR UT. I'd intended to do AZ in Feb, but it lined up with Tucson Bicycle Classic. I postponed to CA in Apr, but was too tired from Sea Otter...
... I wasn't intending to do UT.
But, I read about all the new single track.
Plus, the weather looked good.
And, it was paid for.
Did I get my money's worth?
I lined up a lot earlier, so I had a shot at hanging with the lead pack. To do this, get in the corral as soon as it opens, and be among the first 30 to get through the tunnel.
Not easy.
Once through the tunnel,
the dust was up,
rocks flying.
The pros started to push the pace,
I started sliding back.
A gap opened,
I didn't care.
We formed a second group, which included the Floyd Landis himself and a few pro women.
Racing across the gravel, we could still see the lead pack.
For some reason, they slowed a bit when they hit the pavement again and we were able to latch on.
Not only that, it was only mildly leg searing up the gentle drag before the left hand turn back onto gravel...
... and another 2 tunnels.
This was chaotic.
Everybody charging at 30+ to get to the tunnel first.
Rookies locking up the brakes,
before the dark abyss.
Now for the long straight, mostly smooth direct shot to the foothills west of town...
... where the rollers begin.
I was so happy to be there.
While everyone is still pumping adrenalin and trying to keep up...
... I drop anchor and go my pace.
I have a plan.
After the rollers is a some fast double track,
with rocks and ruts and sand.
Remembering my race a few years back,
I was sure I'd not only catch the stragglers,
but, I'd make up a ton of time and positions.
15-20 minutes later, we are through Aid 1 and I'm back with the Landis group and other strong riders...
... taking pulls and pushing hard.
This was really nice.
Roll through,
roll off.
The next section started with an abandoned trail to a raised cow gate. I made sure I was second through there.
We were gone.
From 15 riders,
down to about six.
My watts were around 250,
right at my ride all day limit.
The next major feature of the course was the new single track.
I love it.
The first bit was fast and flowy,
got held up a bit,
not too bad.
Grabbed a water bottle,
what I needed was a lot more calories.
The next section was quite technical for gravel bikes.
Moabstyle rock features with blue dots,
wood bridges over sand.
So fun.
The 45mm Terra Speeds were working great,
so was the 20mm of travel in the rear triangle.
Passed a ton more guys.
Onto the pavement back to town, I connected with one other rider from DC.
We were working well together,
we thought.
Then, two caught us from behind and were going so fast we almost didn't catch.
Here's the thing about BWR...
If you are a good descender
and good bike handler
you make up time.
When the strong roadies get back on the road,
they will reel you in.
Jump on.
Eventually, we got popped.
The big dude, who won 45+, was just too strong.
First to go was DC,
I was next,
then blue.
There was one more rough dirt section.
As I rolled onto the pavement I could see blue.
I tried to go by too fast for him to catch.
No luck, he caught on after a half a mile or so.
We swapped leading.
No one behind,
or in front.
My last race on this course, I got turned around and lost a 3-up sprint.
Not this time,
first up the curb onto the grass wins every time.
Here's what I know about the BWR UT:
- Get to the first tunnel up front
- The other tunnels, pray for the riders ahead to make it through
- The major, big group drafting is over at the rollers, settle in.
- Work on your descending and technical skills.
- Run the big tires, lowest pressure you dare (28 and 30 for me).
- For the Wafer, a hydration pack and 2 full bottles would be ideal.
About that nutrition.
Because the promoter is handing up pure water, no electrolytes, I believe it's probably best to carry enough liquid, laced with massive amounts of sugar and salt, to make it the entire distance.
I found it hard to eat during the last 90 minutes, which I needed to do since the bottles only had water. I tried, but it was just too fast and challenging to do easily.
Also, sometimes the heat and altitude mess with me. My breathing gets shallow, and not even drinking is appealing.
Which lead to the awful precramping feeling.
Fortunately, I had about 15 salt tablets on me and was munching them down like candy.
From that list above, I'd say the two biggest things I saw cost people time were...
... weak handling skills, and dehydration.
This kind of racing is a blast.
All the savviness of surfing a surging peloton,
with the romping, skidding and sliding of MTB riding.
For that reason, I believe the winners represent the most complete riders.
---
162.4
9 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THE TRUTH AND THE RIP OF RACEDAY
Aug 26, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HOW DO WE SCORE A RACE? At BWR, they have this massive wall of live results. It is easy to see how everybody finished...
... but, how did we really do?
Per the board, I had an insanely good day.
10th over all in the Wafer, and won my age group.
That's the truth of the matter,
or, the Truth Score.
The question I have for myself,
that all of us have for ourselves is...
... did we Rip?
Bare with me, I'm still working through this.
The Rip score is based on did we do all we could do,
and it's a lot more than did I ride as hard as I could.
Generally, that's a given
What I'm more curious about is,
Did we take care of everything so we could do our absolute best?
I scored my ride today a B+.
In the plus column:
Bike prep
Work squared away
Family on board
Race weight
Body ready, given it was a big training week
Objectives met
Made new friends
Cleaned all of the techy singletrack
In the minus column:
Poor choice of accommodations and poor sleep, no a/c
Poor nutrition last 90 minutes of race
I'm gong to dial this in during the coming weeks, and put some numbers to the metrics that matter most.
It's too easy to let the results determine how we think and feel about the outcome, when often they reflect very little of our accomplishments.
A good example is my pal Matt.
Normally, he does the full distance at BWR. This year he'd opted for the shorter Wafer, and was thrilled with his finish...
... because he finished strong after knee replacement.
Or, my friend Andrew.
I don't what his expectations were,
but it was clear as the skies were blue,
his wife enjoyed the day and he was happy she was there.
Or, Jessica who introduced herself to me.
She had caught all the way up to first place and was making the other girl struggle to hang on...
... only to get dropped on the final dirt section.
Why was that a win?
It was her first gravel race,
and she is excited about learning
new skills required to ride fast off road.
As far as I'm concerned,
those three racers,
ripped it up!
Tomorrow I'll be able to share some of the key take aways from today's race.
It's good to be home.
---
163ish
6.5 hrs
No strength work
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
MY BWR PREP
Aug 25, 2023
by TODD BROWN
AS FAR AS PREP GOES FOR TOMORROW'S RACE, I'd have to say I'm doing pretty good. Some things could be better...
... but the requisite goofy mustache is on point.
The rest, well...
- I got here late, only to be that guy who thought he registered but didn't.
- My taper was not the best - 10 hours and 10,000' of climbing this week.
- My tires - yeah, i'm stoked to see how the 45s romp off road
- Nutrition - just prepping bottles and food, 100 grams carbs/hr
- Helmet - opting for the slightly more aero Protone
- Kit - the new Among The Wolves design and updated pattern, etc
- Sleep - lastnights storm was like a rock concert in the van - not enough
- Work - worked too much today, not enough rest
- Friends - got lots of 'em here, can't wait to rub elbows.
- Waffles - the legendary pre-ride carbs are on my mind already.
What does all that mean?
It's been a heckuva week...
... tomorrow will perfectly top it off.
Good luck y'all!
---
163ish
7 hrs
No strength work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
THERE ARE NO DNF'S IN THIS RACE
Aug 24, 2023
by TODD BROWN
EVERY RACE HAS RIDERS that DNF, DNS and DQ. It's inevitable. In fact, just last Saturday I saw a rider get DQ'd. And, you know what?...
... I wasn't the least bit sad he was disqualified.
Here's why.
At the Brian Head Odyssey the hand you a finishing card with your place and time on it.
Since I'd been keep track of who was around me when we started, and pretty darn sure of where I stood with my age group...
... I was somewhat shocked to see I'd finished 2nd.
For those of you keeping score at home, you already know I own the largest collection of 2nd place finishes in the world.
So, I wasn't shocked, shocked.
Just shocked that someone had passed me.
It seemed impossible.
But, then I got to thinking of the time I spent hunting down Benadryl at Aid 2; and a pump at Aid 3.
So, maybe.
But, it was 2nd by only a minute after nearly 6 hours of racing.
I'll be honest, it bugged me...
... not a little.
As we're about to get the podium he realizes he must have cut the course...
I might have cut the course?
Hmmm, well, I don't remember you passing me.
Yeah, I'm not sure.
Did you check your mileage?
40 miles.
Well, it is a 48 mile race and I did recored 47.9 miles.
But, that's not the point.
The point is that there are always racers who Did Not Finish, Did Not Start and DisQualified...
... except in one race.
I took lunch to a friend today.
He's recovering from surgery,
there have been complications,
jerk of a doctor told him he'll never ride again...
... terrible thing to say to an athlete.
And, I'd never bet against this total stud.
Then, I met another friend who let me know he'd just found out he has cancer...
... probably not a big deal, but might be a big deal.
Wouldn't bet against him either.
The world is so much better with these to pals o' mine.
Which brings up my point.
We will all finish the grandest race of all...
... none of us knows how far out our finish line is.
Race hard,
Do good,
Every
Day.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
THE PERFECT PLACE FOR BIKE RIDING
Aug 23, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE WAS AN ARTICLE THAT CLAIMED the best trail is the one you ride the most because it has the most memories. I think that's mostly true...
... but, where is the best city?
For mountain biking, I still really love Park City, UT.
Today, for instance, we rode from town.
70% of the single track we rode
had been put in during
the last 2 summers.
This town is committed.
The thing I like about the riding up here is the lush vegetation and the many areas of dark, moist hero dirt.
Deer Valley is pioneered it all 20+ years ago,
The other resorts have all since joined,
running lifts all summer long.
For road, I'd have to say the best road riding I ever did was in France.
Long beautiful climbs, with recognizable names
and polite drivers.
For gravel, I have no idea yet.
But, in my dreams there are endless roads with no cars
connected by smooth, flowy single track,
with tall, giant trees,
and little dust.
If you've got a favorite, let us all know.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
Push Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR TRAINING IS ON TRACK?
Aug 22, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A FEW OF US RODE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, the Alpine Loop in Utah. The main feature is a 9 mile climb, with corresponding descent. I prefer going from the American Fork side...
... then ripping the many twisty turns through the aspen trees on the way to Sundance.
I have some interesting data from today's adventure.
I've been riding this loop for decades.
The last two times on my gravel bike,
with gravel tires.
Last year, about 6 weeks out from Leadville.
This year, about a month out from Marathon Nationals.
Both times, with my younger and handsomer cousin who shares the same name as me.
Is it fair to use this as a fitness test?
Especially, since we were talking all the way up?
Should we consider his recent shattering of his PR at Leadville?
Yes, to all of the above.
Look at this.
It's safe to say,
my fitness is on track.
Scientific?
No.
Empowering?
Most definitely.
When we are deep in our training, it's important to find little nuggets like this...
... glimmers of hope.
Otherwise, it can seem like we're getting nowhere,
particularly in the months before the A race.
Questions of...
Is this working?
Is this worth it?
Am I on track?
Will this pay off?
... can be slayed,
by simply finding a nugget of proof,
bonus points when they come without trying.
The key is to acknowledge,
file away, and
keep riding.
This is why we stop at Sundance
Epically perfect day,
dodged the rain until last 3 miles.
---
163ish
7.5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHO DO YOU OWE?
Aug 21, 2023
by TODD BROWN
GOT OUT ON THE GRAVEL BIKE IN UTAH TODAY with El Jefe. Now that he's retired, probably need to change that to El Flojo except...
... he's busy as ever, and doing insanely long races.
He took it easy on me today.
Here's the dill...
- El Jefe got me into gravel biking
- The Mocker (cause Tally mocks me relentlessly) got me into road
- Wood taught me how to sprint
- Garboon took me MTBing when the surf was dead
... each of these men made an impact on and off the bike.
I owe 'em,
big time.
Who do you owe?
By the way, when we hit the rocky sections and the single tracks, I was more impressed than ever with these Continental Terra Speeds.
I'm running the 45s now.
28lbs up front,
30 in back.
That's the set up I'm planning to roll at BWR Saturday.
I'm tempted to go a little lower on the pressure because I'm still not hitting the rims from time to time on the rough stuff...
... it's risky, though.
And, I'd rather hit the rocky sections at full speed vs gingerly like hot coal walker at a guru get away.
Oh, and who owes you?
---
163ish
8 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
NO WAY WOULD I ATTEMPT THIS CLIMB!
Aug 20, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WHEN YOU'RE FIT, nothing is really scary. I mean spiders and snakes and power outages can be, however not when a buddy says...
... Hey, let's climb the Grand Teton.
Unless you have a thing with heights.
Which I do.
So, I"m not even remotely tempted to join my bro-in-law this week on a 2-day ascent up the Grand Teton...
... at 14,000' high, with rain and high winds and 30 degree temps probable.
He's doing it,
because he's fit from ridin' and runnin'.
If it weren't for my fear of heights I'd do it, too.
It's just a fact, when you're fit you can say yes to almost anything anybody else is doing.
Which is the way whole point of the racey thing we do...
... to be fit, to do anything.
Sure, we might suffer a bit the next day because we worked some muscles differently.
But, rest assured.
We can do it.
Sometimes we think its about the podium, or finishers medal, or leader board.
It's not.
It's about being capable.
If you're capable or on the path to capable, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride (tentative)
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM (tentative), some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
163.9
9 hrs
No strength work today
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
STUNG BY BRIAN HEAD ODYSSEY
Aug 19, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I FELT BAD FOR THE FATHER AND SON who pulled the plug at 6:30. Yes, it was raining. Yes, it was windy. Yes, it was still dark. I almost joined them...
... those two wouldn't be the only ones to DNS, or DNF.
It's wasn't that cold, 48.
The sun was rising,
the rain stopping.
At 7:08 we were off.
Straight up.
5 miles.
I wore a base layer and my KOM Jacket over a Camelbak to start. It seemed prudent to stay warm, and to have the jacket board should the rain return.
A note here about racing with power...
One of the benefits of racing with power is knowing exactly how hard you are working. As usual, the bunnies hopped ahead and stayed there for a mile or two, then paid the price of taking it out too fast.
Not me.
Rather than look at my HR to guide my effort I looked at power.
This was really helpful.
Since this was a 48 miles MTB race,
40 of it on twisty technical single track,
there was no need to chase the bunnies.
MTB racing is basically a mass start time trial.
That strategy wouldn't work on a road race where the speeds are much higher and we must do all we can to stay with the group, in the draft.
... power is a good way to throttle the effort.
For the record, this is a very proper mountain bike course.
Long climbs,
Long, challenging downhills.
We don't have that at home.
To stand and throw the bike around corners, off jumps and over rocks on a 40 minute downhill takes a different kind of effort...
... I'd never wanted a longer travel bike more.
That's when the wasp stung me on the right corner of my mouth, on the lip.
I hit it hard.
So hard, it hurt more than the sting.
In fact, I wasn't sure I was stung until my lip and cheek started to swell up - see pic above.
While I as debating whether or not I'd been stung, two more got me right above my sock...
... those hurt.
By the time I'm nearing the aid station that part of my mouth is blowing up and completely numb. Like I'd been given a shot of Novocain.
- It's difficult to close my mouth to drink
- Even harder to chew
Hoping I don't sound like a goof..
Does anybody have any Benadryl, anything for allergies?
Sure 'nuf, the medic does.
Perfect.
This was supposed to be a 4.5 hour race.
About 5 hours in, I felt sluggish.
It was the last leg and I was limping in.
Did I mention, I woke up at 3 am to the sound of what could only be a wounded bear sleeping above me? Frustrated, at 4, I went and slept in the van.
Took me 5:51:54.
9th overall,
1st in age.
If you're looking to do some epic riding in Brian Head, these trails are all great...
... make take 3 days vs 1.
Got a few compliments on the kit, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
164ish?
5 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER
Aug 18, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I HIT IT FOR UTAH TODAY. Last second change of plans, starting with a 48 mile MTB race tomorrow at Brian Head...
... the top of the course is 11,000'.
Not Leadville,
a 1000' lower,
and 56 miles shorter.
A lot, lot more single track.
Really fun, flowy, bermy stuff through the Aspens.
Which is why I think it will take about 4.5 hours,
hopefully, a little less.
Can't wait!
How'd I get here?
Waking up at the crackodawn and driving 8 hours isn't ideal daybefore raceday prep.
Before doing the openers, and dinner, I decided to check into the AirBnB I'd opted for...
... it was billed as a resort.
Yes, a resort for junk stashed everywhere...
... even in the Shangre-la room.
$40/night,
in a small town,
on the hight plains of UT.
Yes, I could have stayed up at the Lodge in Brian Head, but...
... I figured 6000' was high enough in one day.
Here's the thing.
I love this little town of Parowan, with it's Main and Center Streets, tons of historical buildings...
... and, of course, The Parowan Cafe.
The openers were tougher than usual.
Lack of O2 for sure.
The afternoon squall brushed by,
cooling of the roads with a light drizzle.
Dinner at the Cafe was on par.
All in all, I'd say this day has been a 10.
I'll be in this kit tomorrow, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
164ish?
7 hrs
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
ARE YOU A BUNNY OR A WOLF?
Aug 17, 2023
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE A BUNNY PROBLEM HERE. They're everywhere. And they are super funny. Darting across the paths and trails, hyperhopping in front us...
... what goes on in a bunny's brain?
Nature is such a good teacher.
If you're a hunter,
you can't be like a bunny.
Hopping off the front of the group,
racing up the first climb,
to the first corner.
Any bunny can tell ya,
you can't keep it up.
Eventually, the bunnies round here dart off to the side,
where I presume they collapse.
Not the wolves.
Wolves are hunters
they track, wait,
and pounce...
... for the kill!
That's how we need to race.
Let the bunnies do their thing.
It's entertaining,
and keeps the pace high.
Be the wolf.
Observant,
letting the race unfold,
figuring out who the players are...
... who's weak,
who's a bunny.
Then,
and only then,
we make our move.
When we know the kill is assured.
Does it always work?
No.
But...
... it's a helluvalot more fun than being a bunny.
If you're a wolf, check this out... if you like it, send me an email and if you can answer the secret question I'll get you a special code.
.
UTAH FRIENDS - I'm coming up, here's my schedule - hit me up if you want to join us.
Saturday 19th - Brian Head Endurance Race
Tuesday 22nd - Alpine Loop from AF side at 7:30, mandatory Sundance Cookie is on me.
Wednesday 23rd - Afternoon MTB Park City
Thursday 24th - Afternoon Heber Road Group Ride
Friday 25th - openers in Park City time in the AM, some sorta dinner together in Cedar City
Saturday 26th - BWR
---
164.9
7.25 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
IT'S JUST 10 PERCENT?
Aug 16, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I THINK I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF HOW MUCH DRAG is added with the 45mm tires on the gravel bike vs the 28s on my road bike. This includes...
... the less aero position of the dirt gobbler.
At 18-20 miles an hour, it's about 10% more drag.
About 20 watts.
I was sharing this with a fine young ripper on the group ride last night.
It's about 10%.
Oh, that's it.
Yes.
Not a big deal then.
If that was so, then why was I huffinNpuffin...
... and easily dispatched on the sprint?
Well, first off.
That's about 30 watts when we hit 27-32 miles an hour on the ride.
Which we do,
and wouldn't be a big deal,
if the ride itself wasn't 2+ hours.
Which reminds me of the sage advice I got at a seminar years ago...
... if you'll just save and wisely invest 10% you'll be filthy rich.
Too bad I didn't heed it.
But, I did heed something else, and it seems to be paying off the older I get.
We had this club in college called Goldbrickers. It was founded in 1917. We all memorized this unforgettable motto...
... There is always a better way!
That is something I'm constantly thinking about
family,
business,
training and racing...
... the things I care about the most.
Sure, it's only 10%...
... but it adds up.
---
164
7.5 hrs
PullUps PushUps Squats Nordics
20 minutes recovery
80 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
HALF THE PELOTON DROPPED ON OLD TOWN ROAD
Aug 15, 2023
by TODD BROWN
IT'S NEVER A SURPRISE WHEN HALF THE BUNCH IS DROPPED. It always happens. What always delivers a smile, especially when I'm among the dropped, is...
... how many people are shocked to be there.
Of the 50% who are dropped, I'd guess 10% are caught completely off guard.
The other 40% knew they were,
outmatched,
unprepared.
I was thinking about this listening to Lil' Nas' Old Town Road, with lines like...
Can't nobody tell me nothin'
Like a Marlboro Man so I'll kick on back
Wish I could roll on back to that Old Town Road
... giving clues to how they got there.
Unteachable.
Smokin' cigs, being lazy.
Wishin' things were different.
Who's the greatest coach ever...
What do we need to give up...
What do need to do...
... to be in position to win the ultimate prize?
Racing,
just life in miniature.
Stay Ready my friends.
---
165.3
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
I MAKE THE MISTAKES THAT MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD CRY
Aug 14, 2023
by TODD BROWN
GOOD THING YOU'VE GOT ME. Whenever things go awry I let you know because I don't want you makin' the same mistakes. You might still, but...
... maybe you'll learn and fix it faster.
Take today.
I'd managed to bang out some good work,
and was ready for a beautiful
evening ride.
Three minutes from home, I'm thinking...
Did I check my derailleur battery?
No.
Should I?
Yes!
... dang.
It's red.
Turning back goes against my core beliefs.
Our dad drilled it into us...
... A Brown never turns back!
I could have ridden on.
It was probably barely red.
But, what if it stopped working?
I remembered the night J took a tumble off the side of a local single track.
Busted his shifter right off...
... and was stuck in granny gear for 40 minutes.
It took him forever to get anywhere.
For sure, I didn't want that.
Decision made.
Normally, I'd swap one out with the other bikes and be on my way.
Not this time.
My steeds are down at the local bike shop waiting for service.
I'd have to wait while my 1 battery charged up,
which worked out great.
My new shoes, which I purchased specifically for the MTB, needed an eversoslight adjustment in the cleats.
Moral of the story?
Always check your batteries...
... the night before your planned ride.
If you're purchased a RaceDay Bag lately, then you should have this handy sticker.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY
Aug 13, 2023
by TODD BROWN
EARLY SATURDAY, on my way to meet the gang, I blasted through a quiet park. Cars and trucks were pulling in, people were piling out with their...
... pickleball paddles in hand.
I've played a few times.
It's pretty fun.
Like tennis.
Is it just me, or did pickleball rise at the same time e-bikes rose?
What does that mean?
Anyway, these guys and gals are all piling out to meet and play their new found love.
I'm cool with that...
- exercise
- camaraderie
- learning something new
... it's just nor for me,
not right now.
I decided a long time ago I'd rather be my best at 1 thing...
... than okay at many.
Even then,
I'm not 100% committed to a segment of cycling.
My cross training involves...
- paddleboard surfing for balance, core and time with Surfergirl
- long walks in deep sand for massage my feet
- cross training every day for strength
... all activities that bolster cycling.
My food choices tilt towards what an athlete would chose when going for lean vs bulky...
- whole foods
- lots of protein
- little to no bread
All decisions compound over time...
... and determine our destiny.
Where do you want to go?
How quickly do you want to get there?
---
164.5
8.5 hrs
no strength work
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
I HIT THAT DUDE HEAD ON!
Aug 12, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I WAS PROBABLY GOING TOO FAST, heading back to the coast on an urban gravel road. It was midday and hot, not too many people out. I was mostly alone...
... and so was the dude I collided with.
Generally, I'm pretty conservative on blind turns.
Was I on this one?
I'd left home just after 7am, on the gravel bike.
Hit some dirt on my way to CV...
... a local group ride, stocked with local hitters.
According to the data, I registered new power numbers from 1 min to 20 min.
It felt like it.
The junior ahead of me on the La Paz climb (featured in the '84 Olympics), kept looking back to see if I was going to die...
... such was my breathing.
30 minutes later, at the high point of the ride I peeled off and...
... climbed higher on dirt.
At the top, I switched on my Incredibell to serve as an early warning...
... incoming missle.
This little bell works pretty darn well as long as people are in front of me.
It does not work around corners.
So, there I am.
Most of the climbing out of the way...
... letting those big 45mm tires gobble up the dirt, dust and ruts.
Around a blind turn, there is this dude.
Cutting the corner too tight.
I dive further inside, to my right.
HE DOES, TOO!
I lock the rear, kicking it to my right to change trajectory and try and get by him on the outside.
No luck.
Oh shift!!
Yardsale.
On my butt,
my back,
helmet.
I laid there for a sec...
... maybe for dramatic effect.
He popped up worried he'd killed me (2nd time today).
Super apologetic.
We dusted off,
shook hands,
rode on.
All good, just a few small flesh wounds.
Until...
... I got to the next climb.
It's steep.
Loose.
I wanted to cruise, downshifted, and promptly threw my chain into the spokes.
Oh, yeah...
... that dude's front tire went right into my derailleur.
I now officially have zero bikes to ride.
- Road bike, rear brake pressure.
- Gravel bike, bent hanger.
- MTB, suspension prep.
Good thing tomorrow is the day of rest.
---
164.8
7 hrs
no strength work
60 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHY I WANT TO HELP YOU RIP ON RACEDAY
Aug 11, 2023
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES WE FORGET WHY WE DO THE THINGS WE DO. This week my friend Bart challenged me to answer a simple question...
... Why do you want to help people rip on raceday?
Weirdly, it was difficult to answer concisely.
My first take...
Because I know if people will pick an A race, just 1 race a year, everything changes and improves: nutrition, sleep, training, etc.
... he wasn't impressed.
It's something deeper, think about it.
When FB served me this memory today I realized a few things:
- I've been helping people rip on raceday for decades
- Not as a coach, or mentor
- As a friend
When I sent the post card above to my pal Jeff in 2011, it was just after his 9th Leadville. He's had crazy, life changing experiences out there on that 100 miles MTB race...
... and hasn't always been able to finish, it's hard and shift happens.
The following year, 2012, we were going back to complete his 10th race and get...
... the coveted 10th Giant Buckle.
Not easy.
The card I sent said this on the front:
Out With A Bang 2012!
On the back:
Let's get your PR!
A year later, we met up on the road to Leadville and he pulled out that card. I'd forgotten about sending it to him.
It's been on my desk for months!
He really went all in that year.
- Hired a coach
- A nutritionist
- Arranged work so he could train
His family was super supportive of his quest.
How'd it work out?
PR, 8:12!
On the podium (2nd I think).
I tell you that, because I want you to know where I'm coming from when I say...
... I want YOU!, to Rip On RaceDay!
There is no better feeling than setting an outrageous goal,
going all in to accomplish it,
making it reality.
I have experienced it many times on and off the bike,
during endurance races and personal challenges.
Riding fast is something I've been blessed with,
and I love helping other people discover what they can really do...
... on a bike.
That is why I created the RaceDay Ready Challenge...
... I want to see you have the same experiences Jeff and I have had.
PS It is easy to get hung up on the podium, or winning, or paid events. They are awesome, and the podiums are a bonus. However, I have had just as much of a thrill when Pete and I spent 6 months to get our PR up Harding Truck Trail.
Just us, on a given day.
We didn't break our goal of going under an hour,
but we shattered our previous bests...
... still gives me tingles.
---
164.5
7 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
BURNING MATCHES
Aug 10, 2023
by TODD BROWN
A BIG PART OF RIDING FAST is feeling fast. There are a lot ways to do that, but here is one that is often discounted...
... looking awesome!
Yep.
Don't tell me you don't check yourself out before you saddle up, when you hit the bathroom, or...
... when you ride by giant windows!
It ain't right or wrong,
it just is something
we all do.
Why?
Because we are human,
want to feel fierce,
and be adored.
Want an easy way to take your style to the next level?
Accent what you have.
Yeah!
One year, I wore a red helmet, red gloves and red socks...
... at every race.
It was, and still is, a signal to my brain that it was time to...
... Rip On RaceDay!
This shift matters.
For a limited time, when you purchase a pair of gloves...
... you can get matching socks for FREE.
We have lots of colors.
What's your favorite?
Do you have a suggestion?
Go here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
No code needed, savings calculated automatically at check out.
---
163.8
8 hrs
PushUps PullUps Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DOING THE WORK?
Aug 09, 2023
by TODD BROWN
HUSTLE CULTURE SAYS Respect the hustle, work culture says Do the work, Grind culture says I'm just grinding, to which I say...
... What the heck are y'all talking about?
Is there something special we don't know about?
You know what I think it is?
I think, and I hope I'm wrong, it's just a way of saying...
... Look at me,
it's a freakin' miracle,
I'm actually focused on accomplishing something.
Shouldn't doing great work be our default?
Setting big goals be the norm?
Being unrealistic common?
I know it is for you,
because you're reading this.
What's our phrase then?
Keep challenging yourself.
Every day,
in every way.
Run,
Bike,
Swim,
Work,
Family,
Social,
Mental,
Spiritual.
---
164.3
7 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
MOTORPACING MADE EASY
Aug 08, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN EXPERIMENTING WITH THE GRAVEL BIKE, and I've come to a few conclusions you might find noteworthy. These little outings...
... have been flirting with road rides.
It's a lot like all the benefits of motorpacing.
Because of the extra drag from the jumbo treaded tires,
the larger gaps between gears,
and the more upright position...
... I am forced to ride a lot more efficient.
Staying much closer to the rider ahead, in the best draft position possible is key to hanging on.
The faster the speed, the more exaggerated the effort needed to stay with the group.
At 27-32ish mph, our speed tonight, its a lot more challenging than when I'm on my road bike.
A lot of that has to do with the gearing of my gravel bike: 38 x 10-52.
This gearing forces me to spin faster or slower than I might if I was on my road bike. In a sense it is less efficient...
... but, it's forcing me to be more adaptable and flexible with my cadence.
What's the point?
- To make the ride harder
- To force me to be more efficient
- To help me prepare for upcoming races
Will it be helpful?
I dunno,
I think so.
I played it a bit conservative tonight, saving just a bit to make sure I didn't get dropped.
Going forward, I think I can roll the dice a little more on this Tuesday afternoon ride.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
A FEW MORE THOUGHTS ON MY TIRE CHOICE
Aug 07, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE ODD THING ABOUT MY TIRE CHOICE FOR SATURDAY'S RACE was that I'd never ridden the tire before. I mean I had, and I'd loved them, but never ridden...
... such a giant tire.
Not on a gravel bike.
Back in my day,
why we'd roll them
1.75" Ritchey World Cup SpeedMax tires.
Almost exactly the same width as the 45mm Continental Terra Speeds I mounted for Saturday's 50 mile gravel race, with noted and feared rocky sections.
I'd forgotten about those Ritcheys...
Heck, we railed
and ripped,
all trails.
Rocky,
Smooth,
didn't matter.
... in the late 90's those 1.75s were my go to for epic rides and races.
Here's the the thing, after the race I was rolling along on pavement next to a guy who outweighs me by at least 40lbs. Were were on identically spec'd BMCs...
... and I was rolling away.
Not exactly scientific, but confidence yielding for sure.
This afternoon, I hit a well traveled dirt road I've ridden many times. It's always pockmarked from horse hooves, and just bouncy enough to be annoying.
Not today.
Not on these 45s.
It was smooth and enjoyable.
For my next unscientific tests, I'll be hitting a few road group rides on this set up.
There's a point to all of this, so I'm glad you stuck around.
As much as I disagree with the idea of rocking 2.4" MTB tires for XC racing,
I disagree with as going skinny as possible for gravel racing.
I think it's always faster to error on the side of comfort vs rigidity...
... taking that edge off,
leaves us fresher,
and sharp,
and fast.
That's just me.
What's your preference?
---
165.5
7.5 hrs
1 RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
HAVE WE FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?
Aug 06, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YESTERDAY'S RACE WENT PERFECT. From start to finish, I felt amazing. And, from the looks of my competitors, even though we'd put in massive efforts and were exhausted...
... most of us had the same look.
Dirt,road.
Young, old.
All of us were happy,
and smiling.
How could that be?
How could there be joy in so thoroughly flogging ourselves?
You know the answer to that
Here's the real question...
... is that the key to fountain of youth?
If so, why?
Unequivocally, yes.
Why?
Because it's child's play.
The great Dan Sullivan says (warns?)...
... As you age you must continually get younger friends.
For most people, that isn't relevant.
For us, it is.
If we don't, we,
the active,
the childish,
the energetic,
will find ourselves alone.
When endlessly fascinated with something,
like we are with
these races,
or business,
or writing...
... we don't retire,
we keep getting better,
closer to our maximum potential.
(Sometimes I feel I need to explain that sentiment. If I knew what I know now, and had the time I have now, I would have been waywayway faster than I am now. Now, I'm just a lot closer than I've even been to my potential.)
Stay young my friends.
---
165.3
8 hrs
No Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
WHICH BIKE WAS FASTEST?
Aug 05, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THE QUESTION FOR THOSE REALLY INTO IT WAS, would a mountain bike or a gravel bike be faster at the Tour De Big Bear Gravel Race. The serious cats had pre-ridden and made their decisions...
... I committed to honor the spirt of gravel.
Can I say that without making someone getting lycra hurt?
Of course.
Grab some fries and let me splain it.
The best part about gravel is it is all spirit.
There are no rules.
Riders think there are...
- hipster mustache
- monochrome kit
- no coordinated teamwork
... there aren't.
I saw everything today...
- Gravel bikes
- CX bikes
- MTBs
- Wild kits
- Boys
- Girls
- Camelbaks
- Excellent teamwork
... and lots of rocks in certain spots.
Not everywhere,
but, enough in certain spots
to shred tires,
cause crashes,
and, in my case,
bounce bottles out of the best cages in the world.
I'd estimate about 50% of our time was spent off road,
even though there was a little more mileage on the pavement.
As I said, there are no rules in gravel which is why it's a little hard to explain to friends and family.
I rode 25 miles on pavement,
19 or so on gravel roads,
the rest on singletrack.
Look at the results.
1st MTB
2nd MTB
3rd Gravel (lil ol me)
4th MTB
5th MTB
I'd guess about 10% of the bikes on course were MTBs.
Here's why I think gravel was the fastest today.
My friend Eric won, on his MTB.
About 6 minutes ahead of me.
My friend Tim and I and one other came in together.
Generally speaking, Tim usually beats me on races under 3 hours. Eric always beats me into the ground.
Seeing that we came in not far behind Eric, and that the gravel bike was a lot faster on the last 4ish miles of pavement...
... I think I made the right choice for me.
They would get away from me on the rocky sections,
we were about even on the flowy single track,
and I'd catch back on any time it was
smooth or paved.
My set up:
- BMC URS - a gravel bike for rowdy terrain
- Continental Terra Speed 45mm Tires, 32 lbs rear, 30 lbs front
- 2.3 water bottles of 2 scoops of Skratch
- 2 Honey Stinger Waffles
- 5 Salt Stick chewable tablets
- Kask Protone Helmet
- PEDAL industries Aero Jersey and Pro Bibs and Race Socks and Race Gloves.
What would I do different?
Not much.
I've thought about rubberbands or something for the bottles, but seems like a hassle and these bottle cages from Arundel rarely let me down.
Nutrition was perfect, even with launching the mostly full bottle.
For me, the spirit of gravel is the versatility of skills that is required
in the bike handling and equipment set up.
The unknown,
the adventure.
---
165?
6.5 hrs
No Strength
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
LET'S STOP CALLING IT RACEDAY
Aug 04, 2023
by TODD BROWN
RACEDAY, I love it. Everything about it. The months of training, the weeks of bike prep, the openers the day before, the startline jitters, the first pedal stroke, the finish line, the afterglow...
... so, let's stop calling it RaceDay.
There is a much better title:
Inspired Testing Day.
Why?
Well, think about it.
We always have our most inspired and epic efforts on raceday. Nothing brings out our best than...
... the energy of the masses getting after it.
It's a test to see how well we do against others.
They feel it.
We feel it.
The leaderboard shows it.
What the leaderboard doesn't always show, never shows really...
... is what was left in our reserves.
A whole lot.
Not much.
Nothing.
Nothing is always the goal for me.
To know we gave all we had to give,
regardless of circumstances,
is the test.
We're the only ones that know...
- Everything was perfect
- Nothing worked.
- Work took out a bunch of training
- The derailler malfunctioned
- The baby was colicky
- We got sick the night before
- yada, yada, yada
... and it's best to keep it that way, to ourselves,
unless asked.
Hard to do,
but, still the best policy.
So, whenever your next race is,
I hope/pray/trust all goes perfect for you...
... either way, I know I'll be inspired if you let me know how it all went down.
Is it really R.I.P. for Rip On RaceDay?...
... nah, just wanted to try an inspire ya to give it everything.
It's your test.
---
165
7.5 hrs
No Strenght
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
DO YOU TAKE NATURE BREAKS WHEN RACING?
Aug 03, 2023
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND KEVIN ASSURED ME THERE WAS NO WAY TO WIN LOTOJA, without being able to pee off the bike. You know, coasting. He'd shamelessly practice the technique...
... in the most awkward places.
Wind, people.
Didn't matter.
But, here's what does matter...
... that we take the nature breaks.
Not those.
These.
Actually in nature.
The last couple of weeks, lots of my friends - maybe you! - have been posting pics of their rides in the mountains, and it is reminding me of...
... the amazing summer I had last year.
6 weeks in Colorado and Utah.
High up in the trees, mostly boondocking on side roads.
The solitude,
quiet...
... and lack of reception.
Completely unplugged,
however brief,
is a blessing.
Tomorrow, I'm heading up to Big Bear and I'm planning to boondock,
hidden in the forest,
under the stars.
Saturday, it'll be game on for a 50 mile gravel race.
They've changed the course multiple times. My pal Eric has pre-ridden it and assures me a mountain bike will be faster...
... so I put some 45s on my gravel bike.
I wish y'all luck this weekend, and if you have to pee...
... I wish you even more good luck!
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups Squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Aug 02, 2023
by TODD BROWN
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED I'M DIFFERENT. You are, too. We all are, and I don't mean that touchyfeely We're all different and special kindacrud...
... endurance athletes are nuts!
We do epic shift, and live to tell about it.
That we know,
but do you know how to harness
the general populations's mocking and obvious jealousy?
Make it public.
Oh yeah, I've heard of that.
What have you heard?
That if I make a public pronouncement I can do better.
Do you do it, have you done it?
Oh no, I'd never to that.
Why?
It's weird, and kinda scary.
Which is my point precisely.
Making a public statement of what we want to accomplish is weird, and super scary.
You know the story of the crabs in the bucket?
They're all in there. Trapped. And one of them gets the idea to climb out. Just as he's about to escape their prison the other's pull him back down.
Why?
Because of the...
If I can't have it, you can't either
... thinking that stinks up everything, everywhere.
The thing about it is, though
We are truly different.
We aren't crabs,
or crabby.
And, when we make public statements of what we want to accomplish...
... yes, for sure the crabs will try and do their thing...
... and we will have so much more power
and commitment
and joy...
... because we are running, riding, swimming scared we will fail.
And that my fine heartrate monitoring friend...
... is a true public service announcement.
Those unwitting, dimwitted 6-legged demons in our heads...
... serve to push us to our best performances ever.
I've already stated I'm trying to win marathon nationals next month.
What if I fail?
Big deal.
It's just a bike race.
And, I'm a million times better for making the effort.
Here's another public service announcement:
I'm looking for 1000 athletes who want to achieve their best A race ever in 2024.
Deets to follow.
---
164.3
7 hrs
RaceDay Ready Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
YOU'VE NEVER RACED AGAINST ME
Aug 01, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I REMEMBER A BIZ MEETING ONCE, with another cyclist at his office. We were working along, getting things done, and he looks over at me...
... You're so mellow.
It felt like a put down.
tbh, kinda weird.
Another day, this same gent and I went for a ride.
He was killing me up some of the climbs, really hotting things up. I could tell it was enjoyable for him.
Later, we lined up at a local race.
Afterward, he pedaled over and stopped and said:
I didn't know you could do that.
Oh, thanks man.
There was so much I could have said.
I never told him the truth.
But, I'll tell you...
... because it might help you rip on raceday.
The truth is, when I'm racing...
... it's not me out there.
It's TFnB.
A totally different person.
A calculating, heartless punk with a very short fuse.
Surfergirl knows this,
understands this alter ego,
I actually think she likes that side of me...
... in small doses.
The truth is Alter Egos can be incredibly powerful and effective.
Here's the scary thing,
I think TFnB is who I actually am,
and the mild-mannered marketer is my Alter Ego I work so hard to develop.
Either way,
we're all playing some kind of role,
might as well play the one of the dominator when it comes to racing.
It's a lot more fun.
---
164.5
7 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups and Squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
YOU NEED TWO THINGS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE SPRINTER
Jul 31, 2023
by TODD BROWN
I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE AMAZING CAREER OF MARK CAVENDISH. So many fabled victories and championships over such a long career...
... how does he do it?
It seems like every year, some new rocket launches into the pro ranks.
Blowing everyone away,
then disappearing.
I think I have it.
If you have these two things you will win races.
Guaranteed.
- You are new
- You are fast
Why?
Well, it's not enough to be fast.
Lots of racers are fast.
However, to be new.
That is different.
The other sprinters don't know you yet.
They may have heard of you.
Seeing is where it's at.
When I see you sprint, I start to learn your tendencies.
- How far back you like to start
- What speed you like to roll from
- How you take the corners
- Which teammates you trust
- Can you take bumping
etc.
Just look at all the sprinters of the last 5 years.
They jump on the scene.
Get some wins.
Start losing.
Not the greats.
Not Cav.
The wins don't come as often,
but, they keep coming.
I think it's that he's more professional,
and the rest are just winging it.
For me, it seems like all the science has been to the climbers.
Sprinters are an after thought.
The big brains of the sport are nothing like the lore of the great pitchers in American baseball. They study each batter, know them inside and out...
... it's the same with the batters on the pitchers.
Maybe the teams do study the up and comers, I dunno. It just seems like an afterthought.
And then there's Mark.
I'm guessing, I'm betting...
... that cat takes nothing to chance.
Not only that, I'll wager he's thought of
a hundred ways to win each sprint
he rolls into for himself
and his competitors...
... maybe it's these two things, then?
Know the enemy and know yourself,
in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.
- Sun Tsu
---
164.8
7.5 ish hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE FINISH?
Jul 30, 2023
by TODD BROWN
THERE WAS THAT SOLO BREAKAWAY, 30 years ago in a business park. Me, off the front, seeing the highest HR I ever recorded, crossing the line first, no pack in sight, wife and baby there...
... I remember that day.
But, does it stand out for the family?
Or, the friends?
Should it?
You know what stood out to me at this year's Tour de France?
This interview of the winner, Jonas Vingegaard...
What do you want your daughter Frida to think of you when she´s older, say 25?
Just that I was a good father and that I was there for her when she needed me.
It sounds simple.
Cliche.
Trite.
But, heres the thing.
He'd just crossed the finished line after a huge stage of climbing
He'd just secured his second TdF victory in a row, against the oddsmakers.
He'd conquered the best,
and put the doubts to rest.
And his answer was calm,
unscripted,
pure.
This cat gets it.
Family first.
Yes, we train.
We do a race or few a year.
This keeps us fit to provide,
bonds us to likeminded athletes,
makes us better than we might otherwise be...
... because we choose active and athletic over sedentary.
It's not the end goal,
it's the means to being there when they need us.
At dinner tonight, we were discussing the fact that busy people work out more than non busy people. Some study had shown this.
Why?
Because they are busy and have to plan their days,
and get the workouts done quickly.
The earlier,
the better.
---
164.5
7ish hrs
0 cross training
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
Podcast:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
https://www.instagram.com/pedalindustries
https://twitter.com/pedalindustries
https://www.youtube.com/@pedalindustries/featured
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