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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
HE'S MAKING HIS LIST
THE POWER OF A CHECK LIST is awesome. Not ticking the boxes, for that quick hit of dopamine, there is something even better than...
... getting it done.
Which is the point.
For me, the real power is in the creation of a list.
Exploring and considering...
- each and every angle
- what is needed
- what is fluff
... and building an empowering list.
It's harder than it looks.
But, done correctly...
... discipline is replaced with love and urgency.
Checking the box is dessert...
... one we can enjoy each and every day.
===
165lbs/12.5%
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT GOAL SETTING
WRAPPING UP THE YEAR, is a lot like wrapping up Christmas presents. We have these memories and milestones...
... to look back on later.
Gifts to ourselves.
What if we knew what gifts we'd be wrapping up for ourselves next year?
Would we plan our 2026 calendar differently?
Change up our goals...
... if their accomplishment was a given?
Now that you've done that little thought experiment, I'll share this with you.
The biggest accomplishments in my past were never concerned with...
- little details
- strategies
- tactics
... only What.
From there it was just a matter of making it real.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
510 Anti-Oxidant Score
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S NOT A TOUR
Aug 29, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T KNOW ANY FRENCH, BUT I DO KNOW MUCHO ESPANOL. So, let me let you in on a couple of secrets.
First, La Vuelta de Espana is the most entertaining of the three Grand Tours - 3 week bike race. If you're not watching it, check it out... Stage 5 was today.
Second, La Vuelta does not mean it's a bike tour. It literally means The Turn.
Third, El Giro (de Italia) does not mean it's a bike tour. It literally means The Lap
Finally, Le Tour (de France) does not mean it's a bike tour. It literally means The Round.
La Vuelta takes a real whack at turning 3 week racing on it's head,
It gets me geeked up for another lap of daily racing,
To see what they'll do this time round.
_____
165.2
Ride with us: click for info.
OH SAY CAN YOU tmwC?
Aug 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
DUE TO OUR TMWC "SOCIAL" RIDE GETTING FASTER AND FASTER, videographer and speedster Pete started up a C ride: leaving 10 minutes early, at more of a Conversational pace.
If you're offended by words like Casual, Cruising, Chummy, inClusive etc this is not your ride. You'd be better off starting at 630 where those words are used by total liars.
The tmwC ride is full of Chaps - Chicks too, I hope - who like to Chat and aren't afraid to Coast oCCasionally.
Another reason to Choose the C is to use it as an opener for a Competition later in the day. That's what I did today prepping for the ELDO Crit.
I don't always ride C
but when I do,
it's tmwC.
Juniors Series Champs at Eldo
_____
167.4
Ride with us: click for info.
GRA-vul
Aug 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WELL, I DID IT. Pulled the trigger on a gravel bike. Broke all my rules of not getting a bike the same color as the one it's replacing, etc... because, I've never had a gravel bike. My friends all tell me this is going to change my life, but they won't be explaining it to Surfergirl.
I had to... right?!
First, it's going to change my life.
Second, we sponsor The Hardman Invitational and this year I'm doing it.
Third, the next HUNKR, in November, will be a gravel event + 3 more in Twenty19.
But, it's not really "gravel".
Technically, I believe, it's mixed surface: some pavement, some dirt trails, some gravel roads. Being a somewhat mixed up person, this should be right my alley.
Evidence: I picked up my orthotics today. Doc, should I get a second pair for my MTB shoes? What do most people do? Todd, most people just ride road.
Will this bike change my life?
I dunno,
Some bikes are powerful talisman.
Is yours?
_____
167.8
Ride with us: click for info.
THE LAST RIDE
Aug 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IF IT WAS YOUR LAST RIDE, EVER? Would it matter if you knew "this is it"? Or would you mount up like any other day, ride off, smile a bunch, return, put things away. Forever?
Most of us will never know it's our final mile.
We feel certain there will be one more...
One more ride to be a little better,
to effortlessly zip up a climb,
to feel the wind and sun,
to lean into a turn,
to see a friend.
I don't think I'd want to know, I'd just like to know I'm ready... that I fully enjoyed every mile, that the ride was worthy to be my last.
_____
166.4
Ride with us: click for info.
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
Aug 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
HEY DAD, CAN YOU SKIP THE RIDE AND GO ON A DATE WITH ME?
Heck yes!
Hey Dad, got any advice before I head off to school?
Don't kiss on the first date, unless you think it will be really good.
Hey Dad, what should I do winter semester?
Get a job at the resort and get pro at skiing.
Hey Dad, can I get this book? Yes. How about tacos? Yes. How about ice cream? Yes.
Hey Dad, besides family... are you happy with your life?
All I need is a t-shirt, flip flops, a nice bike...
and nights like this.
_____
165.8
Ride with us: click for info.
IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH
Aug 23, 2018
by TODD BROWN
TONIGHT A LOCALLY FAMOUS PRO RACER JOINED OUR RIDE. We'd never met, but I had followed his story battling cancer. In fact, I thought he'd passed away because his updates from mutual friends weren't coming into my FB feed. I saw his jersey, on the side was M. SCOTT. I checked with Frank to verify it was who I thought it was. Yep. So when things slowed down I introduced myself.
Hey, you don't know me but I've followed your story. It's great to see you out riding.
Thanks man. I don't have much power yet.
We small talked a bit more. Then he said, You have a nice pedal stroke, real smooth.
A simple compliment, and it felt pretty dawgawn good. "I have a smooth pedal stroke!" He didn't have to say that... but he did. He'd taken a moment to say something nice that required thoughtful observation.
I see why everybody loves this guy.
_____
165.8
Ride with us: click for info.
THE BUMPS
Aug 22, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE REALLY ARE BUMPS ON LIFE'S ROAD. Sometimes we get thrown off course. Ryan was thrown pretty good a few months ago... and he inspires the heck out of me. Not only is he back on his bike, he's been busy at the factory creating a brand new product...
... and it got me wondering...
How many innovations in cycling spring from the "day job"?
Ryan's day job is Sticky Bumps - a premium surf wax known worldwide. On the side he combined his wax know how with his passion for two wheels and created the first ever "rub-on" chain wax.
But that's not news. This is... the Spectrum colored wax. The pictures tell the story.
But here's another story.
Ryan's mom and dad started the business 50 years ago. They show up for work every day, along with his sister. A true family business.
And here's the story to remember.
His dad leaned over,
It changed Ryan.
He's different.
Perspective.
What matters.
It changed Ryan.
He's different.
Perspective.
What matters.
May we all be blessed with great support and tremendous courage when life's bumps throw us.
PS... Here's a promo code for 50% off at WEND: wendsocials
_____
166.8
166.8
Ride with us: click for info.
WHO WON?
Aug 21, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WHO'S GONNA WIN TONIGHT? That's the question on everyone's mind. Me? You? That girl? Someone new? Same old crew? Who, who, who?
Someone will win.
How will you handle it? Congratulatory? Puffed up in pride? Humbly?
Does everyone else lose?
What about the first time racer that finished in last place?
The guy who started the season 10 lbs heavier?
The lady who PR'd the terrifying decent?
The parents who got to bring the kids made it a family outing?
The promoter who covered her nut and a little more?
The boy who met the girl of his dreams?
The vendor who delighted a new customer?
The charity who rallied a slew of evangelists?
What about you,
how'd you do?
167.6
Ride with us: click for info.
TOMORRODAY
Aug 20, 2018
by TODD BROWN
EAT CAKE, BINGE NETFLIX AND SKIP THE WORKOUT... 'cause I gotta a hankering to give you a beat down!
Eat right, sleep plenty, do the work... 'cause you gotta hankering to be your best.
What we do today puts us one revolution closer to who we'll be when it counts.
_____
169.6
Ride with us: click for info.
RIDE ON MY FRIEND
Aug 18, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ENERGY, HUMILITY, KINDNESS, GRACE, TEACHER, PATIENT... the kinda guy you want to hang out with, who makes you want to be a better human. That was Fritz.
He was my first custom cycling gear customer when I started the company. We had been friends for many years prior. He believed in me, encouraged me. Got on me when we got it wrong, championed us as we grew and got better.
The past few weeks my spider sense had encouraged me to give him a call. But, I didn't. Wrapped up in my own busy-ness. Pathetic really, how are my senses so dull?.. and now my friend is gone.
Dave called. I was on a date with my Surfergirl. I texted, Can I call you later? He texted, Fritz died, heart attack. I called Dave immediately, and he filled in what I had missed.
I cried.
Fritz' sweet Carol passed 2 weeks prior due to cancer. This had been a very long battle and we talked about it many times, about life and death and what lies beyond. We shared our faith.
They were lovers. His tender concern for her and life without her was obvious. I believe it broke his heart.
God, I'll miss his smile,
his sandy voice and perfect beard.
Ride on my friend,
ride on to the arms of your love.
Ride on my friend,
ride on.
SHE TOLD ME TO WRITE THIS
Aug 17, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT'S ALL ABOUT ME MOST HOURS, MOST DAYS. Most Friday nights I wanna take it easy, turn in early because I'm pooped by the end of the week. And, I wanna make sure I'm rested for the one thing (I think) I can control, the one thing that keeps me hangingon: riding with the fellas.
But, here I am in the passenger seat on the way to Harrah's to see Snow Patrol. Tell them Snow Patrol is great riding music, she says.
For sure we're gonna hit some traffic,
be on our feet all night,
get home late.
For sure,
I'm still getting up at 6.
_____
167.8
Ride with us: click for info.
THIS BIKE'S FOR YOU
Aug 16, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT AINT EASY BUYING A NEW BIKE. So much to consider:
Brand
Shop
Color
Components
Road
MTB
Gravel
Electric shift
Electric motor
... budget.
But is budget really a consideration? When you figure out everything on that list, and trust me that's the short version, does budget really matter? On a purchase that will give you years of bliss, health and adventure?
Is your bike gonna fit your budget,
or is your budget gonna fit your bike?
Make it happ'n Cap'n
_____
168.8
Ride with us: click for info.
THE TRAIL NEVER TAKEN
Aug 15, 2018
by TODD BROWN
RIDING ALONE, WITH NO AGENDA, I DROPPED IN ON AN UNKNOWN SINGLE TRACK. Traversing along a steep slope the trail gently twisted downward.
Each turn revealed a slightly steeper section. Nearing the bottom things got so steep I disgracefully dismounted from a controlled skid.
A 50' walk of shame followed... one I'll ride next time.
The trail never taken
might never be forsaken.
SPONSORS
Aug 14, 2018
by TODD BROWN
RACERS WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT RACE PROMOTERS. Race promoters would be nothing without racers AND sponsors. Sponsors hold the key to a promoter's long-term success.
No sponsors,
no promoters,
no racers.
no promoters,
no racers.
Know sponsors,
know promoters,
know racers.
know promoters,
know racers.
Want your sport to grow? Meet and thank your sponsors. Meet your promoter and thank her for making it happen. Meet your fellow racers... sponsors want and need a vibrant community.
_____
168.8
Ride with us: click for info.
FEAR OR FAITH
Aug 13, 2018
by TODD BROWN
LITTLE KIDS REMIND US THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO RIDE YOUR BIKE. You can have faith all will end well. Or, you can fear all will end badly. Most of the time you'll be right.
Just listen to the way people talk, the things they dwell on, the words their loved ones use as they head out for a ride.
Don't believe me?
Okay.
Don't...
believe me.
_____
169
Ride with us: click for info.
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Aug 11, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MORE THAN ONE COMMENTED ON MY SVELTNESS THIS MORNING. I'm trying another kooky diet, slight inspired by MikeyG and a Tim Ferriss podcast: only fruit till Noon every day... I add a few handfuls of nuts if I'm not satiated.
That's in addition to my other whacky breakthrough for lunch: El Pollo Loco Leg Lovers - 3 legs, salad and broccoli... this takes a while to eat, and leaves me feeling full for about 30 minutes. Weird. So I supplement that largely with carrots and celery with peanut butter.
Then there's dinner: lots of vegetables.
Oh, and sardines are in there 3-5 days a week for added protein.
You might think the same as my brother when I told him of my latest adventures in food:
Bro, sounds like you're just hungry all the time...
... and that's partly true, but I've found it easy to do now that I'm about a month into it.
You do get what you pay for... I pay for a lot of fruits and vegetables at Costco. As empty nesters this was previous folly, but now I can mow through most of the food before it goes bad. (I know #firstworldproblems).
There's another pay off too... I'm down about 4lbs, about .5lbs a week. I just might make the college weight, which I was last down to in 2002.
But, the real pay off came today: I felt wonderful on the bike.
The pain of skipping a few crappy calories,
Is nothing compared to the joy of a scrappy day with the crew.
Is nothing compared to the joy of a scrappy day with the crew.
THIS OLD FOOT
Aug 10, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY KNEE HAS BEEN BUGGING ME. Coach looks at me and my feet and says Todd I've been telling you for years to get orthotics. What are you waiting for?...
Heck if I know... to be crippled? So dumb.
Who should I see?
Dr Chin, in Irvine.
Skipping past the issue of seeing a "Dr Chin" for my foot I hop on over to see him.
Instantly, I get why she recommends him. His demeanor, intellect and experience are what we all hope for any time we need medical attention. Even better, HE'S A BIKE RIDER TOO!
He gets me, totally.
We talk about how feet work, the intelligent design of the human body. It's no accident Todd.
I ask how he got into the foot business and he tells me he started out as an engineer for a defense contractor... got involved in a side hustle helping deaf kids hear... realized he'd be happier healing people than killing them.
All the while he makes casts of my feet from plaster. He explains why plaster is so much better than standing on pressure points or laser scanning for the impressions. He shows me what the finished product will look like in 10 days.
There's a story of man who became a World Champion simply by taking care of any injury right away.
Over time, his competitors all trained themselves through pain and out of the sport.
Eventually his long-term plan paid off.
I hope I'm not too late...
to ride in his shoes.
_____
167.6
Ride with us: click for info.
BEHIND THE COUNTER
Aug 09, 2018
by TODD BROWN
EVERY NOW AND THEN I GET A CHANCE BEHIND THE COUNTER AT THE LOCAL BIKE SHOP. I don't try and get there, but in the course of conversation I'll hear Come over and take a look... such a sweet sound.
The reason for the invitation is I've asked a million questions and it just becomes easier to show me what they're looking at on their computer screen. I'm not trying to wear the person down, I'm just curious as heck as to what's available to me and my conservative budget.
I really should resist the invitation because it nearly always ends up with me wanting something either they can't get or I don't want to spring for.
Tonight it was a beautiful aluminum "gravel" frameset.
I said, I'll take it.
He said, Sold out.
I said, Only on the West Coast.
He said, with a hesitant hiss, I'll call in the morning.
He said, Sold out.
I said, Only on the West Coast.
He said, with a hesitant hiss, I'll call in the morning.
To be nice, he made that offer knowing that it's most likely sold out on the East Coast too but they just haven't updated the internal inventory.
Though I know the outcome is almost always the same, It's still a sweet feeling to be on that side of the counter. Every now and then we find a gem. So I'll keep asking, they'll keep inviting, I'll keep going.
_____
167.6
Ride with us: click for info.
RACING SPEC
Aug 08, 2018
by Accounting Bookkeeping
WOULD IT MAKE SENSE TO CREATE A SPEC BIKE CATEGORY? A racing category where everybody raced on the same limited spec bikes? Something like this: 18lbs or more: metal frames, handle bars, seat rails, rims; 1 X drive train; a mixed surface bike good for road and gravel... something you could purchase for a couple a grand or less.
What if your bike race wasn't an arms race?
More of a Pinewood Derby race?
Good idea?
_____
168.4
Ride with us: click for info.
GROUP RIDE RULES
Aug 07, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOT OF TALK LATELY ABOUT SOMEBODY TAKING CHARGE OF XYZ GROUP RIDE AND LAYING DOWN THE LAW. It sounds a little harsh, so few people step up to do it. I started having a chat before our weekly Tuesday morning ride, and now I invite someone each week to have the chat for me.
Passing the baton shares the responsibility and keeps us all engaged for the day we might be called upon.
I'm printing this out so I remember what to say, what's important. Who knows, you might read it one day... for that, I thank you in advance.
It was not easy the first time,
it was embarrassing,
it's easy now,
because our ride is a lot better...
for me, and everybody else.
YOU LOOKING AT ME?
Aug 06, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THE COLD, HARD GAZE NEVER CEASES. It's not intimidating anymore, just menacing. Always judging me: frail and weak, knowing I have no interest in our daily duel.
It's of my own doing. I jammed her in the bathroom door so I couldn't get away, couldn't weasel out. Any other place and... outta sight, outta mind.
She stands and waits, and I usually obey by hauling myself up and down 'till exhaustion sets in.
There are rewards. I can do 1-2 more when my body weight is lighter; I feel strong when I sprint; I can still bunny hop when I need to; and I reckon it helps with the surfing.
Most mornings she's evil and cold,
occasionally encouraging,
that's why I love her.
_____
171
Ride with us: click for info.
YOU CAN DO ANYTHING
Aug 04, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE THINGS YOU LEARN ALONG THE WAY, MAXIMS TO RIDE BY. Eric quipped this nugget about 60 miles into an 80 mile ride, as the heat of the day peaked:
You can do anything with Dr. Pepper and a Snicker's bar.
I'd been thinking that very thing for at least an hour as I suffered trying to hang on to CV... just a little longer and you'll be to AM/PM in no time...
A blast of cold air hit me as I walked in. Straight to the soda station. 42ounce cup full of ice and smothered in Doctor P. Open wide. Pour it down. Fill it again. Repeat.
The cold and sugar and caffeine
coursing through my limbs and core,
like spinach in PopEye's arms...
I can do anything.
_____
168.2
Ride with us: click for info.
ELDO
Aug 03, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WHAT HAS TO BE THE LONGEST STANDING RACE SERIES IN CALIFORNIA IS RIGHT HERE ON THE OC/LA COUNTY LINE. I could be wrong, but I think it's been going uninterrupted for at lest 30 years, maybe 40. I ventured on out there this week, about 28 years after my last run on the classic 4ish turn layout.
Imagine this: a 2 mile loop, through a beautiful park, set aside just for bike racing on Tuesday nights. No cars, no other park goers. No lights. No stop signs. Just you and your bike and other fellow racers.
It was better than I remembered, because I distinctly recall these surly geese all over the place wandering onto the course just as we'd be winding up for the final sprint. They've either moved on or been lassoed and sequestered.
Rebecca and the rest of the crew start things timely and run a proper race. The road is in good enough shape - a few cracks, but swept clean of any glass or debris.
I'd like to say the packs have grown over the years, but they've shrunk. That might be a good thing. I remember 200-300 per week in the early part of the year as racers jockeyed for series honors. The two lane road was wide enough, barely.
No geese + smaller fields = good place to test out racing
Tuesday we had plenty of room to maneuver. I tried out the 40+ - SuperDave recommended that vs 1-2-3s after our unOFFICIAL TMWC that morning. It was great to see a few familiar faces: Mario, Charon and Kenny.
The USAC official that used to help out at the Great Park series was on hand to make sure it was all legit... these guys are so generous with their time.
Someone had given me a heads up that Monster would get a winning break at the end. About 25 minutes in... did I mention you get to race for an entire hour!... AWESOMESAUCE... Mario and another guy got it going. Right up until 2 laps to go they stayed 20-40 seconds ahead of us. It was so fun to measure the distance, make the calculations, and wonder if they'd ever come back.
Afterwards, as the shadows lengthened and the breezed cooled I took a long easy spin around the course. Mainly I thought of Andy and Marty Schmidt and how much fun we had back then as newlywed knuckleheads.
Who knew ELDO would still be going,
and so would we OLDOs?
Bags we are making for the Series winners and anybody who wants to purchase one.
_____
169
Ride with us: click for info.
PANCAKES
Aug 02, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT A GOOD PANCAKE. At just the right temperature just the right amount of crispiness, real melted butter and real maple syrup... well, is there anything better?
Maybe.
The pancake flat ride around the Back Bay of Newport Beach was pretty darn awesome this afternoon. While points inland seared, the coast was a moist 77 tempered by an easy breeze.
The route, if ya haven't done it, is a mostly car free, buttery smooth bike trail along a beautiful wildlife refuge my grampa tried to dredge for waterskiing way back when...
On a weekday, things are quite.
Many birds, few people.
A place to glide and think and savor.
Which I did.
I rode by Grampa's place,
thought about our bike rides together,
Facetimed Mom, his little girl...
told her I love her.
_____
167.2
Ride with us: click for info.
INVITATIONS
Aug 01, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY BUDDY IS A RACE PROMOTER. He doesn't always see eye-to-eye with the highest level competitors. I get it. The top racers are tops because their committed and driven to win... that angst winners often have can spell trouble for a race promoters and the "regular folks" racing and riding at a lower level.
Invite 'em all to have fun,
be respectful,
ride hard.
be respectful,
ride hard.
You can always uninvite 'em.
That's how we do it. We make the invitation, often. Rarely is the uninvitation ever extended because the expectation has been consistently set in a fun and respectful way. Everybody has a good time while givin' all they got on the bike.
You're invited
to have fun, ride hard, be respectful...
and be the sheriff when needed.
(It aint easy, it's necessary)
to have fun, ride hard, be respectful...
and be the sheriff when needed.
(It aint easy, it's necessary)
_____
168
Ride with us: click for info.
unOFFICIALLY
Jul 31, 2018
by TODD BROWN
unOFFICIALLY, WE MIGHT BE ONTO SOMETHING. When 20 somethings text each other, Hey, my favorite skate company Welcome just posted this picture... Isn't that your dad's event? And when kids as cool as these two cats ride with us each week I gotta think...
maybe we are...
nah, we totally are.
nah, we totally are.
Getting together each Tuesday for our little social ride keeps most of us mostly sane and mostly fit year round. We depend on each other to be there, and we are.
But, making it special once a year with an unOFFICIAL timed ride and unOFFICIAL prizes and unOFFICIAL raffle and unOFFICIAL gear gives a lot riders who otherwise don't officially race a goal for the summer.
And that's really what it's all about... giving ourselves permission to have some fun and celebrate each other's talents and friendship.
This year was the first time a true "regular" has won the unOFFICIAL. We've had pros drop in and win and we've had up and coming high schoolers join us off and on and win the day. But, today Cheyne, with some help from his good friend Kevin in the finishing straight, got the win like he does most weeks.
It's been fun for me to see these two growing up, getting their careers going, buying houses... being men... and being very humble about their talents.
Yeah, we're onto something...
I don't know what it is,
but it is,
and I dig that.
Results for today: https://replaytiming.com/results/2018-tmwc/#1_83769B
Special shout out to Kevin Wayt for getting up early and handling the timing chips, and for Steven and Shelby for handing the swag. Bowl of Heaven was super tasty, Replay Timing got the results up in real time... and we had some great gifts from Monster Energy, a local sunglasses company, Rock N Road, Two Hubs, G2... and cash for the top ladies from PureRide.
The final mile is awesome, can't way to see Jim's entire video.
Pete's Video
Big Mike's Video
_____
170.2
Ride with us: click for info.
I'M TAKING TUESDAY OFF WORK
Jul 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
SUPER DAVE, THE HARDEST WORKING MAN AT THE BIG "S" SLOTTED IN NEXT TO ME.
Todd, I'm taking Tuesday off next week.
Woohoo!
Because next Tuesday is the silliest, easiest, socialest ride of the year: The unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships. It's just a bunch of clowns, clowning around who want a free t-shirt.
So, of course Dave's taking the day off.
Which is probably what we both should have done vs shattering speed records up Laguna Canyon this morning.
Wind-aided? A touch.
Pack-aided? If you call the few that made it a pack.
Did we KOM? Did a group of men, aided by wind go fast enough to snatch the KOM from...
Even though the research on pack dynamics (that's a very worthy link from Frank there) show the peloton is much more efficient than perviously thought? MUCH! Did we beat Brandon's time?
No.
We are not worthy.
We are not worthy.
But we are worthy of some fun...
so we're taking Tuesday off.
Are you?
Think about it here... https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tmwc-registration
_____
169.4
Ride with us: click for info.
STRONG ENOUGH TO BE MY SPOKE?
Jul 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT AIN'T LIKE I'M SOME KINDA BEAST, so why ya gotta let me down this mornin'? Like a dutiful servant I bowed before my steed. Grabbed and twisted that spoke outta the way. Opened up the quick adjust on the brakes and backed the cable as far as she'd go.
Then I limped home.
Coulda begged Surfergirl to bail me out, but wanted to see how durable this wheel is.
Ran into David and made him turn around a keep me company for a coupla miles.
Limped up the hill.
Shop says I threw the chain into the spokes once upon a time... yep, I do recall that.
Lesson learned... if that chain goes into the spokes, that bikes into the shop.
Thanks to Robert at RockNRoad LN.
Gosh I broke my spoke today.
The tears of rage I cannot lie
I'd be the last to help you understand
I'd be the last to help you understand
Are you strong enough to be my spoke
Nothing's true, and nothing's right
Don't let me be alone tomorrow
'Cause you can't change the way I ride
Don't let me be alone tomorrow
'Cause you can't change the way I ride
Are you strong enough to be my spoke
Lie to me, I promise I'll believe...
_____
168
Ride with us: click for info.
THE GREATEST
Jul 26, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MAN, THAT DUDE IS TALL! Wait. No way. That's Reggie Miller. On a mountain bike. Racing!
I was star struck. Here was a guy I loved to watch play basketball. A guy my dad and I cheered for at UCLA. Here he was tonight at Pedal Fest.
Hey Greg, that's Reggie Miller right?
Yeah!
Is he cool about meeting people?
Totally. Super nice guy.
So I strolled over, put my hand out and introduced myself... and we talked about bikes and racing.
Me and Reggie.
Something in common.
Bikes.
I thought about telling Reggie how much we loved to watch him play, especially the greatest 9 seconds I've ever seen... and watching him taunt Spike Lee. But, it's pretty clear he'd rather talk about bikes.
Some days I miss my dad more than others. Today is one of them. He would love this story.
___
Side Notes: We spent the day in Santa Clarita meeting with city council and facility managers about our next HUNKR and Revolution Bike Fest... I think it's going to be very special. Pedal Fest, Greg Flanagan's weekly MTB race, was our last stop... Greg has been a great help up there. His race course looked really fun... I wish I'd been prepared to race with Reggie.
IT'S WAS NEVER ABOUT THE RIDE
Jul 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL, LONG-RUNNING GROUP RIDE IS A CORE GROUP OF FRIENDS. There's joy in riding together, in the meet up.
No one asks what they can do for the group, they just do it.
They figure out where they can make their contribution, and make it.
Whether on or off the bike if there's a need, they fill it.
Through life's ups and downs,
week after week,
ride upon ride,
friends.
_____
168.4
Ride with us: click for info.
OH MY EPICALITY
Jul 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ANYTIME YOU RIDE OVER 100'/MILE YOU'VE HAD A HILL OF A DAY. That's my barometer. 60 miles, 6,000' of elevation gain... that's a heck of a day.
Lots of guys are training right now for Leadville... 100 miles, 12,000' of elevation... 120'/mile. That's tough.
But, tomorrow's stage of the Tour is going to be insane.
40 miles.
10,000 feet.
250'/mile
I can't wait.
Look at that course. Straight up, straight down, little flat, straight up, straight down, straight up.
That's 3 hours of hell for all but one rider tomorrow.
The winner will have had a hill of a day.
Who will it be?
_____
170.4
Ride with us: click for info.
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR DRIVING
Jul 23, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I had countless drivers safely move on by today and the day before that and and the week before that and the month before that and the year before that and the decade before that.
Just like the driver that scared the crap outta me, they hustled on by never to be seen again. I can't thank them, can't high five 'em, can't thumbs up 'em... Heck, I don't even know if they saw me!
And those drivers that cut it a way too close...
Did I give them the benefit of the doubt?
Was I wearing bright enough clothing?
Were lights flashing on my bike?
Was I obeying the law?
Dehumanizing each other leads to the worst atrocities known to human kind.
It's not about the who's right.
It's about us.
All of us.
Hey man, thanks for giving me plenty of space.
I really appreciate your driving.
VIEWS
Jul 21, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ON A STUNNING CLIMB HIGH ABOVE LAGUNA BEACH, ONE OF THE CREW COMMENTED: I'd have to win the lottery to buy a house up here.
Silently, I doubted anyone with a million dollar view up here had actually won the lottery.
Another commented: Want a million dollar view? Buy a bike.
I guess that's what is so addicting about the bike. The simple pleasure of pushing up a climb and the satisfaction at the summit.
We get there.
We stop.
We view.
It takes work.
_____
170.4
Ride with us: click for info.
I WANNA PUT ON MY, MY, MY...
Jul 20, 2018
by TODD BROWN
DAD, I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH YOU SPEND ON YOUR BIKING CLOTHES!
Really...?
Yes, really!
Well, if you're going to a big dance how much is a dress?
Uh... a few hundred dollars... I guess.
And the shoes?, And the hairdo?, And the nails?
Well, see here kid... This is what I wear to my dance:
The jersey and bibs,
my dress.
The helmet,
my hairdo.
The gloves,
my nails.
And these fine I-Tal-ian shoes...
These are my BOOGIE SHOES!
my dress.
The helmet,
my hairdo.
The gloves,
my nails.
And these fine I-Tal-ian shoes...
These are my BOOGIE SHOES!
Wanna help me pick out an outfit for tomorrow?
_____
169.8
Ride with us: click for info.
JUST FOR FUN
Jul 19, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND KIM PUTS ON A HUGE ROLLING PARTY EVERY YEAR CALLED BIKE VIRGINIA. She's just a plain fun person, plus she rides and she surfs... so yeah, we're friends. But, the thing that really sticks out to me is the way she's arranged her life. It's unlike mine, probably unlike yours.
Is it doable?
Yes, she's doing it.
Could you do it? Could I?
Check it out.
She and her husband live in an RV at a top surf spot on the East Coast. In the winters they come west and live in a smaller RV - tiny, really - and surf and ride in our sunny warmth. He just needs a laptop, she just needs a phone. It's a lean lifestyle, and it's also very liberating. They rented their house out years ago, with the idea they'd try it for a while. It's been a while. And they love it.
That gives her plenty of time to think of new, fresh ways to Bike Virginia. It's not a race at all. Everyday is fully supported with riders choosing multiple routes - long and short, spunky and leisurely. Lots of food trucks to fill 'em up. Great camping or lodging. Sounds like a customizable party to me.
Could I do that lifestyle?
I think so, my lady not so much. Maybe one day I'll husband up and try it out.
How 'bout you?
_____
170.2
A GARAGE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS
Jul 18, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WHAT'S IN YOUR GARAGE COULD CONVICT YOU. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
A few that might shrug the evidence of their life.
But me?
You?
Probably not.
It's bikes and boards,
helmets and wetsuits
shoes and fins,
lube and wax...
We're guilty,
we play.
That's our garage above. It's tiny and packed.
Sometimes I get garage envy.
Some of my friends, oh man. Their garage floors you could eat off. Their toolsets match the best bike shops. And their quiver of rides... exquisite. One friend has a walk-in washing bay for his bikes.
It's not coveting so much as admiration for my friends' creativity in building out their garages. It's also admiration for their contributions to society; each one has done something amazing in the marketplace. I truly appreciate what they've accomplished as I struggle along building my own dreams.
How do you plea?
Guilty your Honor: of playing, of staying active and strong, of maximizing our body's potential.
... and the best part?
It's that you're my peers, and I couldn't think of a finer jury to go through life with.
GIRLS ON FILM
Jul 17, 2018
by TODD BROWN
LOOK IT'S GIRLS, ON BIKES, IT'S PRISCILLA AND URSULA! Yes, the girls are starting to do TMWC again. I don't know if these are shake down runs for the unOFFICIAL that's coming up in two weeks or just coincidence.
Maybe it's because PureRide Cycles is putting up cash for the top 3 ladies?
But who cares?...
It's just great to have them join us for our little social ride. They bring balance to the World.
We're gonna have some fun in 2 weeks.
CeeDub will be using his active chips to time us,
Bowl of Heaven will be feeding us,
and the winners will be getting new awards this year.
Ya never know... maybe you'll make it to Peter's video.
_____
172.6
AN OLD TRICK
Jul 16, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T HAVE MUCH, SO IT'S NOT SAYING MUCH WHEN I SAY IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD... but, It took everything I had to leave it in the small ring this morning.
I had to.
My legs felt great.
4 days on Catalina left 'em fresh,
but I wanted to save that feeling for tomorrow's TMWC.
Leaving it in the small ring is a great reminder to take it easy. You start shifting that chain down in the lower cogs and it takes a lot of shifts to go fast. Which is when the reminding comes in.
...
It's funny how I really can't get away from the bike even when I don't have a bike. We were off on a family reunion with water and snorkeling and paddling and sailing on our minds.
On the way out of Peedro (localspeak) the domes atop PV reminded me how fun the Donut Ride can be and that I need to get back up there.
On the Island you can rent bikes to get around. You can also ride on all the fire roads, going from one end to the other... but, bring your own bike would be my recommendation.
On the way back, the lady across the row started talking about Brian and Joy McCulloch and the Redlands bike race. We're doing some gear for their Big Wheel Coaching... small world.
...
So, we're back.
I'm rested, and fatter.
It'll still hurt tomorrow.
PS It was my first time camping on Catalina, it won't be the last.
PSS if you're planning on doing the unOFFICIAL TMWC please sign up now or we'll have to pull the plug.
_____
173.6
2018 unOFFICIAL TMWC Fundraiser
Jul 11, 2018
by TODD BROWN
JOIN US ON 7/31/18 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO BECOME AN unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Champion!
Most weeks "it's just a social ride" Once a year, it's a fundraiser... and a chance to have some fun before work.
We have a 4 rules:
1. Have fun!
2. Obey the law.
3. Make a friend.
4. Have fun.
... if you can abide by that, then come on out.
Entry and details are here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tmwc-registration (kids are free)
Meet us at the park on the corner of Oaktree and Antonio in Rancho Santa Margarita.
We ALWAYS leave on time, 6:30AM
MASTERY
Jul 10, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU CAN'T MASTER 1 WHEEL, how can you master 2?
Most of us start with a two-wheeler plus 2 training wheels, then yank 'em off as soon as we can.
Once we get the 2 wheel thingy figured, we start ridin' wheelies... riding as far as we can on just the back wheel.
A few learn to ride a unicycle
I bought one summer when I was 15 and bored. It took a week to master, hanging onto the raised garage door and going back and forth. Some days I'd ride it 2 miles to school with my backpack. It did not help me with the ladies as I'd hoped - shocker! But, I did learn it's easier than it looks, it just takes practice and patience.
There's a lesson there,
somewhere,
somewhere between 4 and 2 and 1,
to keep it simple:
Practice and Patience.
_____
170.8
TIMING THE CARBO LOAD
Jul 09, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IS IT TOO SOON TO CARBO LOAD FOR SATURDAY'S RIDE? It's tour season, and I'm as geeked up as the next guy. Saturdays are the days when I roll out with Phil and Paul playing Jiminy Cricket. I can't afford to fall flat or bonk.
Proper prep involves a lot of TV watching, website reading, social media fomoing. Which requires a lot of brain power. But, at the end of the day... well, it's the end of the day. I'll need sugar to keep the synapse snapping.
Then, we've got the actual night before. Friday night. Whatever carbs I've burned with the above activities combined with the immense concentration required to properly taper will have to be further counteracted and overloaded with even more sugar.
It's Monday night.
Too soon to crack open the pink cookies?
_____
172
THE ANYWHERE RIDE
Jul 07, 2018
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S RIDE WAS JUST WHAT I NEEDED, AN ANYWHERE RIDE. We met at 7am, like normal. But we really didn't have a plan. And that was the point, to ride anywhere the guy on front chose to go.
So often we get in the rut of "this route" or "this ride". There's nothing wrong with a rut, unless you're on an MTB and don't know how to get out... then things can go bad, not that you'll die... but, it is true that a rut is like a coffin with the ends kicked out.
Anyway, off we went with no particular place to go. All we really knew is we wanted to stay on the coast where it was cooler.
Turns out, when you ride anywhere you can end up everywhere. I didn't know there were so many back alleys and underpasses to wiggle through, away from traffic. For some it was all new, for others a chance to share secret stuff.
Sten took over through Laguna on the way back and pointed out every sweet surf spot in town.
We should do more of this in the future... see you at 7 for...
A few hard efforts,
and whole lot of JRA*...
to anywhere.
* JRA = just riding along
_____
168.8 (probs dehydrated)
WATER
Jul 06, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY HEART BROKE AS HE TRIED TO SHARE THE WATER WITH ME. I encouraged him to drink more. All of it. The ice was melting fast inside the insulated bottle.
It was 111 degrees,
I was the idiot on a bike ride.
He was trying to survive,
collecting cans and bottles.
No english.
No spanish.
But sounds,
yes, sounds for sure.
I was the idiot on a bike ride.
He was trying to survive,
collecting cans and bottles.
No english.
No spanish.
But sounds,
yes, sounds for sure.
He emptied the bottle,
I rode home.
I rode home.
a fire burns in the distance
_____
170.2
WEIRD.
Jul 05, 2018
by TODD BROWN
FIRST THIS HAPPENED: HEY, TODD BROWN! The sun was behind him so I paddled over and he said, It's Bobby G.
Oh man!... it's been so long.
Yeah, I wouldn't have recognized you except I see you on FaceBook. Social media is so weird. I thought you lived in Colorado because you always post bike riding?
Nope, right here.
Still surfing.
Yep, but mostly riding bikes unless it's good like today. The bike is always good (always plugging the sport!)
We caught up on life after high school - family, kids, work. I told him I always think of him when I surf this spot because of a terrible crash he had on his skateboard on the trail that leads to the beach.
(I didn't tell him I think about him at least once a week when I ride my bike past that corner... that would be weird.)
Actually, what would have been really weird is if you told us way back when that we'd still be surfing and riding bikes and skiing (he's a big skier) when we were this crusty.
Next, I texted SurferDan thanking him again for the magic surfboard he made me. He replied he was in town. Get over here! He stopped by, checked out our current set up met some of the crew.
In the process, Dan said he quit riding his bike.
If you know Dan you know that's just silly. Then he clarified it, It's been a week and it always seems weird when I don't ride for a week... as if I gave it up.
I wrapped up the day with a very windy spin. It was a spindy, I guess.
Sometimes weird things happen,
other times nothing happening is weird.
____
170.8
BEYOND BEHOLDIN'
Jul 04, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY BUDDY BRETT IS A VERY UNKNOWN BIG SHOT IN THE CYCLING WORLD. When he comes to town, I listen. His stories about past and present cycling, the ones you will never read, always deliver. They are backed up by his massive collection of memorabilia: The Horton Collection.
Last night he told me of one of his projects to have 4 custom steel frames made by 4 famous builders. It was a collaboration with Campy, showcasing their newest 10-speed group set.
That's cool, but this is the juicy stuff.
He's had many famous and not famous riders come by and sent them around the test loop which features a down hill, a flat, a climb and a roller. He's then asked each of them, Which is your favorite?
There is no clear cut winner.
From Adams to Zabel, the answers are as wide ranging as the riders themselves. Which got me thinking...
If beauty is in they eye of the beholder,
Then so are the solutions to our challenges as a country.
Dividing ourselves between us and them is not going to deliver the best answers.
Let us behold each other,
Appreciate each other,
Love each other.
Honor each other.
Listen to each other.
____
169.6
THIRD TIME'S A CHARM
Jul 03, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I'VE WRITTEN TODAY'S POST 3 TIMES. The first two were all about me. This one is about us. You and me. We have this pact. We've agreed to ride bikes together.
Some of that riding is racing, most of it is just riding along.
We hold each other accountable with unsaid, silly goals to be the first to the City Limits sign. And that's why I love you, because you make me better.
Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th,
our freedoms are real.
Today Iet's celebrate the 3rd,
You, me and our community.
____
171.6
THE unOFFICIAL... WILL BE... 7/31/18
Jul 02, 2018
by TODD BROWN
YOU'VE GOT 4 WEEKS TO GET YOUR BUNS IN SHAPE. On 7/31/18 The unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships will be held.
You may ask what happened to doing it on the 10th?
.... Life.
Mainly my life happened.
Brownie been busy.
So, you may ask what's magical about the 31st?
Here's what's magical, whether or not you admit it, LayTurDayFranz is going to get you geeked up.
If you're like me, you'll pay for the app to watch it in the morning live, at lunch on repeat, in the background at the Interplanetary HQ, and fall asleep to it at night.
If you're like me, this is your favorite time of year to ride road because the weather is warm and the sun rises early and sets late.
If you're like me, it's fun to have an event on the horizon that's not too close and not too far away and not too hokey and not too serious.
What makes the unOFFICIAL different from the regular every Tuesday social ride?
The unOFFICIAL is a fund raiser for local high school MTB teams.
We time it.
We eat acai bowls after.
We have awards... because who doesn't like awards.
All that takes time to plan, and I've got some now.
Why do I have more time now?
Because we've finally got our US kit production up and running, cutting our production time from 6-8 weeks to 2-3 weeks.
Is it really all about you Todd?
Heck no, it's all about you.
So get your buns in shape.
Let's get geeked up and have some fun!
... stay tuned for registration, it'll be open soon.
____
172.6
SHOULDA, WOULDA, COULDA... BLAH, BLAH, BLAH
Jun 30, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I'M SUCH AN ARROGANT DORK! Because I was leading the series, and because I was undefeated, and because I was too lazy to check the points system I totally disrespected my competition today. The result: I lost the championship by 1 measly point.
I deserved to lose, and they deserved to beat me silly.
Even the above is arrogant... so let me try and sanitize the scent, like I did at the finish.
Fellas, great racing today and congrats on the fast finishes.
Was something wrong with you Todd?
Nope. You guys were better today.
That's the truth.
It's also true that I rode too hard the last 10 days, didn't taper. And it's true that I had a rough night. And it's really true that I didn't bother to check how the scoring went, thinking it was like other series where wins count so heavy that my lead was unassailable.
I should have:
Rested,
I knew I was tired after the 6 races at OverTheHump.
Pre-ridden the course a few times,
it's technical and I lost a lot of time being cautious.
Looked at how the points are awarded,
That alone would have set up the previous 2 weeks.
It's arrogant to think that would have mattered, but if I'd taken those measures I'd at least know I gave it my all. I did give it my all today, but I have those little things nagging at me... making me wonder and thinking... I coulda, woulda, shoulda.
I'm also really grateful. I'm grateful to the Non-Dot crew for putting on a really fun race series. I'm grateful to have good health, and to have friends that are also healthy and able to race and still have fun. I'm grateful to do as good as I did, 'cause I had no aspirations when it started... these guys are animals. I'm grateful for the County of Orange for allowing the races. I'm grateful for all the volunteers.
But, I'm most grateful to have been served up a big slice of humble pie.
I was starving for it.
Everybody ready to play.
Come on turd, get those wheels off the ground!
Cool shot.
Pizza never tasted to good!
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170.6
IT'S NOT MAGIC
Jun 29, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS TRULY MAGIC TO WATCH HIM PLAY. Friday nights with me and Chick Hern and Magic Johnson... Showtime! But, for me the magic wasn't the winning, wasn't the teamwork, wasn't even his unbelievable skills.
For me, it was watching a man maximize his talent. Magic was doing what he was born to do. You could tell he loved it, you could tell he worked at it every single day. And, WOW, was it fun to watch.
It's no different than watching a kid take off the training wheels and take those first few unsteady pedal strokes. Soon, little Betty rips around the street smiling from ear to ear. And, WOW, is that fun to watch.
What's magic?
Practice.
Passion.
Do it, make your magic...
... we all want to see it!
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169.8
WHICH CAT ARE YOU?
Jun 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MANY YEARS AGO USA CYCLING, OUR SPORT'S OVERLORDS, CREATED CATEGORIES FOR RACERS. We start as Category 5 on the road, 4 off-road and work up to Category 1, then on to Pro. I have immensely enjoyed the competition and "catting up" over the years.
But, I was thinking there are other categories that some people just rock:
Smooth, easy to ride behind
Points stuff out
Fun to talk to
Pushes me to give a little more
Can fix anything
Knows where the good food stops are
Great route planner
You probably have a few of your own. I'd love to know what they are... it's always good to try and cat up some more.
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170.4
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