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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
>
RANKINGS, STANDINGS AND LIDS
Apr 30, 2018
by TODD BROWN
Repost from HUNKR.com
Hey there HUNKR Nation!
I have 3 rad announcements:
First – KASK helmets has developed a special Protone helmet for us in our colors. This is my favorite helmet, it’s comfortable and super-fast. It weighs a scant 215g and uses 3D Dry padding to provide delicious comfort.
Retail is $300… our price $199.99 (stock is limited). Click to order/learn more
Second – The Rankings
We’ve worked long and hard on our rankings systems: Overall Rankings and Series Standings. Coolest part? Well, seeing how you rank! Second coolest part, it’s live. Cross the finish line, and you’ll see how you rank.
The Rankings take into consideration the two most recent seasons. The Series Standings are based on your results in a given calendar year. While the Rankings are a good indicator of how you stack up with your fellow riders, the Series Standings will determine the season’s champions.
Click here to dive in and see how you rank and stand.
Third – June 9th event has been moved to September 29th
I know many of you had June 9th on the calendar already. It really bums me out that we have to change the date, but nailing down a killer course the first year takes quite a bit of moving heaven and earth. GMR will happen, but not this year. We looking at 2 venues, one in Ramona and the other either in Murrieta or Southeastern San Diego. Wherever we end up, I promise you HUNKR epicality.
Phew!… that’s three important updates for y’all. Please forward along to your pals. I can’t wait to see you in September.
Ride On!,
Todd Brown
Click for helmet – Click for Rankings and Standings
_____
172.6
RIDE 4 RWANDA = RIDE OF THE YEAR
Apr 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN ABOUT TWO YEARS SINCE I RACED MY MOUNTAIN BIKE SERIOUSLY. Today, I wonder why I ever left. It was just perfect, and it wasn't a "race" - but it was. As a sponsor of the Ride 4 Rwanda, my plan was to show up early and raise the canopy then putt around and make it a social ride. But, when I rolled up to the start all that changed.
Surrounded by lions, I was ready to go hunting.
The police escort to the trail head just made the urge to kill it that much stronger.
The police escort to the trail head just made the urge to kill it that much stronger.
Some get antsy in a tight pack of mountain bikers racing hard for the double track, and clean trail lines. I don't. I find top level XC racers to be far better bike handlers with far greater spacial awareness than roadies and crit specialists. Relatively relaxed, I slipped up to the top 10.
Staying up front and out of the dust is worth the effort.
Did I peak a week late? I asked. Last weekend's Sea Otter Classic was my target race of the year. I was somewhat disappointed. This was a "ride". I felt great and was right with some of the fastest guys around.. Rested. Smooth. Easy.
You know what else was smooth and easy?... that new drive train. The XX Eagle 10-50 cassette and 32 up front, the new chain and the new GripShifter was buttah. That upgrade along with the dropper-post I added a few weeks made for some very fast riding.
How fast?
This fast.
This fast.
For me, that's amazing. So yeah, probably peaked a week late. Can't really say I'm sad about that because I'm so happy to be back in love with the dirt.
Looking back, I should have expected a good day: I had put in back to back days of racing last weekend; taken it easy all week on the bike; Surfergirl is outta town and it's a been a few days of all about me, and... AND... I had zero expectations. That's a pretty solid formula for a good day on the bike.
What am I going to do with my renewed love of dirt? I think I'll flip-flop between road and dirt on Saturdays.
I had forgotten how great it is to be so close to nature,
to climb so high and see so far,
to be dirty,
with friends.
to climb so high and see so far,
to be dirty,
with friends.
Set your sights on next year's Ride 4 Rwanda...
it's a magical event,
raising hundreds of thousands of dollars so kids can ride their bikes to school and work...
maybe the magic will visit you like it did me.
it's a magical event,
raising hundreds of thousands of dollars so kids can ride their bikes to school and work...
maybe the magic will visit you like it did me.
_____
172.4
(Update on the kooky intermittent fasting diet. If anything, I've gained weight. I'm not sure it matters. One thing I've noticed is I can get up and easily go till Noon without food. On the bike, that means I can go the first hour without any kind of nutrition. It made this morning very simple: get up, get to event, start riding. My second bottle bounced out as I ripped the first single track. I didn't even think of stopping. My energy was great. Shred on! Made it no problem through the first 90 minutes on 1/2 a bottle, topped it off and made it another hour, filled it one more time and felt strong the entire 3 hours.)
THE DREAM GYM
Apr 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I WAS DAY DREAMING ON THE WAY TO MY ACCOUNTANT'S PLACE TODAY. It was all about the ultimate cycling training facility. Here's what I remember just before he woke me up:
Instructed weight lifting
Yoga
Bike Fitting
Nutritionist
Sports Psyhologist
Spin/Zwift machines
Awesome mechanic to do and teach wrenching
Regular group rides
Showers and lockers
What else should we have?... doesn't hurt to dream.
_____
171
I COVET
Apr 26, 2018
by Accounting Bookkeeping
WE'RE COMMANDED NOT TO COVET, but boy do I ever!
How awesome would it be to be out of shape?
To be doughy?
To be unable to ride 5 miles on a bike?
To cringe at the idea of riding up a small hill?
To be clueless as to sports nutrition?
To have no idea about the connection between sleep and performance?
For my lover to worry about me flattening her if I rolled over?
For my kids to let me rest for fear playing would kill me?
Wouldn't that be dawgawn amazing?
I'm not bragging, just stating the facts. I'm the opposite of the above. I've fought hard to be this way. Been teased by my family at get togethers. It's been worth it, and I've loved the battle. But, now it's really, really hard to improve. To move the needle. I'll keep trying, but man I long for the days of every week getting better.
I'd love to know every week would show improvement,
lighter,
faster,
stronger,
sexier,
to be like Michael Angelo and be chipping away,
revealing my David...
I covet you who know you can do better,
So do it!
Join me,
it's a lot of fun to be a coveting sinner like me.
IT'S ROUTINE
Apr 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
FOR MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE I'VE TRIED TO CARVE OUT THE PERFECT WEEK. While I'm not Japanese and I'm not a gardener, I read about the care and beauty of the gardens either in Shogun or Zen And The Art Of Archery, and I was inspired about trimming and hedging and fertilizing my weeks to make them perfect.
My weeks have become a routine I perform, beginning on Monday and ending on Sunday. There are smaller routines within each day and even sections of the day. All of these routines I enjoy and savor. Rarely do I add something new without removing something old, stale.
With a brain like mine, the routines are necessary.
I'm not sure what my condition is exactly, but my mind is very active and easily distracted. I see everything and nothing. I think this is why I'm able to go faster than most and return home in one piece - because my mind sees everything and the faster the better. It's also why I have trouble plodding along doing the same thing day after day and why I enjoy working on lots of custom projects for my friends/customers.
Here are a few routines I use to save me from myself:
Riding Routine:
Monday: lunch spin
Tuesday: TMWC
Wednesday: MTB
Thursday: surf
Friday: lunch spin
Saturday: big road or MTB
Morning Routine for M,W, Th, F, S, S
530 wake up
600 put water on to boil for tea
601 write in my One Sentence A Day journal
605 pour tea
606 read
630 meditate
Pre-Race Routine for the night before:
Clean my bike
Pack my RaceDay bag put it next to my bike
Make my drinks, put in fridge with my car keys
Take Surfer Girl to dinner for steak fajitas
A Work Routine:
Monday: plan week, review production
Wednesday: review estimates
Friday: review a/r and a/p
Routines should be beautiful and well thought out, they should give you peace and joy and create consistent positive energy. My dad (damn I miss him!) got mad at me once when i was hauling off to surf without taking care of some chores. I was all loaded up, ready to go and he got me out of the car by saying he'd help me and adding...
plan your work,
and work your plan,
you'll have time to do it all.
What are your routines?
_____
171.6
DESTROYED, BUT NOT DEAD.
Apr 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I FELT JUST LIKE MY BREAKFAST MATES: DESTROYED, BUT NOT DEAD.
They came solo or in pairs. Gray. Worn. Moving slow, with canes in tow.
There was something special going on here. Each one was cheerful, smiling bright. Happy to be alive, to be out moving about... to be at Denny's.
My day, like their lives had aged me.
I rolled out of bed early, but showed up late. Dropped off the back on the way to the "start". Things began nice enough, then turned to hell on the A Loop. The kids kept on hammering, gathered up the Bs and left us.
Our group of "A-" riders went from 7 to 6 to 5 to 4 to 3 to 2. I was 3. After a 50mph downhill I latched on to a decent group of Bs with two of my former A- riders. Soon, I was ejected on the corkscrew.
I limped home with my tail firmly between my seat stays. Live to fight another day, as my dad liked to say.
Maybe we weren't destroyed at all,
Just weathered,
Seizing another day,
Happy for one more
trip to Denny's.
(I destroyed the Ultimate Omelette)
_____
173.6
COLLABORATION
Apr 23, 2018
by TODD BROWN
CHASE GROUPS SHOULD ALWAYS SUCCED, but they fail often.
Different agendas.
Different talents.
Different views.
Work groups should always succeed, but they fail often... too.
Different agendas.
Different talents.
Different views.
We should have caught the leaders on Friday, and we definitely shouldn't have let one guy get away on Saturday.
But we didn't, then we did. And we got beat.
Most of didn't know each other.
One team had 5 guys working together with one leader and a coordinated effort.
Their guy won.
_____
172.4
THIS IS WHY
Apr 21, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THE TICKING SOUND OF THE OFFICIAL'S MOTORBIKE NEXT TO ME WAS SEASONED WITH RACE RADIO... and I ate it up.
The road was ours,
closed to cars.
Race numbers on backs faced me,
nobody watched me,
I clung on.
Lord, I love this feeling...
Getting all I can out of this old body
It's a high,
You can't buy,
even if you try.
But, if you tried
if you put in the time,
you just might find
another you,
something new.
_____
LEARNING TO RACE CLEAN
Apr 20, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY BROTHER-IN-LAW MIKE IS A PHYSICIAN. He taught me to race clean. And, man-oh-man does it feel great!
I don't know why I ever raced or rode dirty. But, I did for many years.
Never again.
Now, I'm a kinda lean racing machine. Which means this morning I got up early, pedaled over to the campground showers and gave my engine a good scrub down. Next, got back to the RV and grabbed the Lemon Pledge and shined up my chassis.
That's what Mike taught me, and he's a doctor.
You don't race dirty do you?
_____
Got 7th today.
_____
no scale on the trip
THE SILLY END OF SEA OTTER
Apr 19, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I WOULDN'T SAY IT'S MY ANNUAL MANCATION, but 4 out 25 years is something... and two years in a row could be a trend.
The Sea Otter Cycling Classic is giant. It's displaced Interbike for new product releases. There is every kind of bike event imaginable. So, everybody makes the migration. That's the business end.
But, I like the silly end.
Reliving Matt's back to back Cat 5 road race wins.
The constant kidding and ripping on each other.
Here's a sample of how serious we take Sea Otter... Andy's virgin run on the ROLL... it never ends.
_____
no scale on the trip
TIMES THEY AREN'T A CHANGIN'
Apr 18, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MIKE PUTS TOGETHER A SPREAD OF EVERYBODY'S DATA AT THE END OF THE YEAR. I'm not sure how I got on the list or even why he does it, but it's pretty cool to see the year to year changes.
Or not not much change in my case.
The last 4 years are remarkably consistent.
The last 4 years are remarkably consistent.
I give myself about about 10 hours a week. The miles and average speed picked up a lot in the last year as I've ridden more on the road. I've dropped from 6 days a week to 5 because I"m a little burned out and I need the recovery time. It looks like I've cut back on my climbing a bit, think that's been the shift to road more.
Is it time to change things up?
| Distance Miles |
Time hours |
Elev Gain feet |
Rides | Avg miles/ride |
Avg time/ride (in mins) |
Avg climb/ride (in feet) |
Avg climb/mile (in feet) |
Avg |
2017
| 8,950 | 547 | 594,101 | 265 | 34 | 124 | 2,242 | 66 | 16 |
2016
| 8,090 | 538 | 588,189 | 259 | 31.2 | 124.6 | 2,271 | 73 | 15.0 |
2015
| 8,205 | 520 | 657,411 | 252 | 32.6 | 123.8 | 2,609 | 80 | 15.8 |
2014
| 7,972 | 571 | 610,476 | 295 | 27.0 | 2069.4 | 76.6 |
_____
169.8
BIKES ARE BIKES
Apr 17, 2018
by TODD BROWN
SOME BIKES ARE FASTER THAN OTHERS.
Some athletes are faster than others.
No bike is fast without a rider.
Train harder.
Sleep more.
Eat better.
Go
Ride
Your Bike!
Sometimes that's all it takes...
_____
Lately, numerous people have asked me how Charon Smith can be climbing so well. I'm no expert, but... Look at him - 3rd place at San Luis Rey RR. He's got the full pterodactyl going - giant legs tiny upper body. Do you see any gut there? I don't.
I'm inspired.
Are you?
_____
Your bike's prowess
is a reflection of you.
is a reflection of you.
FOOLISH PRIDE
Apr 16, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T GET TOO MANY FLATS. You could say it's a source of pride. But, I've had two in the last month, which makes 4 in the last year. Not bad. One of the consequences of flatting so infrequently is my flat changing skills aren't so hot.
In the old days of mountain biking, flats were so common that simply being quick at fixin' would bump you up a couple of spots by then end of a race.
Road racing is too fast, and drafting too key for a quick change to save your race... except, last summer it saved my LoToJa... I guess if the race is long enough a quick change can still help ya.
Anyway, I flatted tonight. I took out my phone to see if Surfer Girl would rescue me, but no answer. The phone is protected by a Rokform case with a crazy magnet and I stuck it to the electrical box in case she called while I fumbled.
But, I didn't fumble.
I was pro again.
Didn't even need a lever.
Just ripped that out tube out, checked for thorns and glass, shoved the new tube in and rolled the tire back on with my bare hands.
I was so excited and proud of myself I quickly jammed all my mess back in my pockets and happy-pedaled home.
Of course, as soon as I tried to upload I figured it out. No need to worry: a black case on a dark green box, at sunset... no one would notice it.
That magnet, it's a source of pride too.
Foolish.
_____
174.2 <-- this is not the trend I am looking for
HIGHLANDED
Apr 14, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THE SUV GAVE US PLENTY OF ROOM AS IT PASSED ON AN EMPTY COUNTRY ROAD. The weeds growing beneath the oak tree canopy smelled nothing like the weed inside the Toyota Highlander. Weaving through the turns, irony lingered.
That's country life for ya...
A few homes here and there.
Fewer cars.
A hungry coyote loping along the yellow line.
... and Pete and I, scouting an epic HUNKR course.
Mike saw my Strava upload, What did you think?
I think it's an amazing area. Beautiful. A combination of Silverado and Mojeska Canyons. Gentle, twisty rollers with an occasional heckuva pitch to get over. Much of the course is shielded from the sun by old, friendly trees. The road surface is glassy, minus a couple of miles that are "privately maintained". There are a total of 3 stop signs: two right hand turns; one four-way stop.
The school I thought could work for the Start/Finish is perfect, except it lacks parking. The ranch across the street has a field with potential.
Is it going to be an easy course?
Is it going to be fast?
Is it going to hurt?
All I can confirm is you're going to get high and smile all the way down.
The School
The playground
The ranch
_____
172.4 (intermittent fasting?... more like intermittent fatting so far)
TOMORROW SHOULD BE FUN
Apr 13, 2018
by TODD BROWN
TOMORROW PETE AND I ARE GOING TO RIDE A POTENTIAL HUNKR ROUTE.
First I tried to map it with Google.
Then, Bierman told me to use Garmin. Great idea. With Garmin, it's easier to map and you get the elevation too.
That's where my tech adventure ended and Pete stepped in to download the route onto his Garmin - I'll learn that another day.
Here they are:
Lap 1: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17959442
Laps 2&3: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/17959347
Andy lives down there and says it should be epic.
Stay tuned.
_____
171.4
THIS LITTLE LADY
Apr 12, 2018
by TODD BROWN
SHE RIDES A 1200CC DUCATI SUPER BIKE, HER COACHING TREE SPAWNED ALDON BAKER, her athletes have won countless State and National titles, plus she has a Masters degree in kinesiology.
She's tiny.
She's full of life.
And everybody, completely underestimates her.
Because she's a girl?
I dunno.
What I do know is that if you ever get a bike fit from her it will change your life, forever. Especially if you've had a bike fit from someone else. It will be so radically different you won't know how to appreciate it... until you go for you next ride.
You're faster.
You're comfortable.
You feel better than you've ever felt.
She's been my fitter, coach and friend for over 20 years. She coached Trevor. She helped Shelby recover from a dance injury. And Saturday she's going to help Shane rebuild his knees so he can run again.
Eileen is family, and I truly love her and her wonderful husband Bill and their superstar race dog Mackenzie.
I guess I'm just grateful she's part of our lives. I can't imagine bike riding without her... and we've never even ridden together.
These are the friendships that make our cycling family beautiful.
_____
172.6
INTERMITTENT FASTING
Apr 11, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ALL MY FORMERLY LEAN FRIENDS ARE NOW SUPER-EL-SKINNEO. They're fasting intermittently.
It's not intervals on your bike. But, it is intervals.
The idea is go to 16-18 hours without food. So, eat dinner at 7pm and don't eat again until 11am. It's not that hard. I did it today. Ate up until 9pm last night and didn't eat until 1pm today. Surprisingly, my energy was awesome to the point of my padawan making note of it.
I wasn't hungry at all. But, I did forget to take my vitamins this morning.
At 12pm, I hopped out for a quick 30 minute bike ride. I'd already started my day with a single rotation through the weightlifting routine.
At 1pm, I ate. We went to The Habit where I probably blew it. Santa Barbara burger and onion rings and a DC. But, they say you can eat a ton during the 8 hour window.
We shall see.
(There are ton of videos to watch - who know's if any of it's true.)
_____
172
THIS IS US
Apr 10, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THIS IS US, AT THE START.
Chipper and eager,
Fist bumping and
G'mornin's.
Chipper and eager,
Fist bumping and
G'mornin's.
Tongues out,
Heads hanging,
Gassed and trashed.
This is us, at the end.
Heads hanging,
Gassed and trashed.
This is us, at the end.
LUNCH RIDIN'
Apr 09, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WHY DIDN'T I DO IT SOONER? It's just the best thing, EVER!
I been startin' my day early for years. In the dark.
Readin'.
Exercisin'
Showerin"
Breakfastin'
Gettin' ta work.
Readin'.
Exercisin'
Showerin"
Breakfastin'
Gettin' ta work.
But, I have discovered a new routine.
Wakin'
Readin'
Workin'
...
Ridin'
Quick Lunchin'
...
Workin' summore.
Wakin'
Readin'
Workin'
...
Ridin'
Quick Lunchin'
...
Workin' summore.
Ya have to be brutally guarded with your time to do it. But, turns out there are others that like riding in the sunshine and can keep to a schedule...
... guys like Chris who popped down to join me today.
... guys like Chris who popped down to join me today.
Who knew?...
Am I last to the party?
Really, are you lunch ridin' too?
Am I last to the party?
Really, are you lunch ridin' too?
_____
172.6
IT RUNS IN OUR FAMILY
Apr 07, 2018
by Accounting Bookkeeping
A FEW TAKES, THE FIRST IS AGAINST SURFER GIRL'S ADVICE.
On race day, it's pretty obvious we're all part of the same family - The Gottapu's.
Toddy Gottapu.
Andy Gottapu.
John Gottapu.
To be sure, we have sisters too... but that wouldn't be polite.
_____
Speaking of sisters. How about Lori doing her first USAC race?... not the best part... How about her winning?... still not the best, at least for me... check this: 2 miles from the finish she runs over a tack and can hear the sealant coming out her front tire. Naturally, she goes all out before the tire is flat and drops everybody while she's at it!
_____
This dude kept edging over on me. There was nowhere for me to go so I gently touched his hip to let me know I was there. He kept coming over, I was less gentle. He came over harder, I'm bigger so back he goes. Then he drops the F bombs and threats. I laughed.
That's racing.
___
Props to Celo Pacific for putting on San Luis Rey RR. What a classy group of racers they are! If you missed it, do it next year.
____
Saw some HUNKR t's. Lots guys wanting to know the next course... and quite a few votes to bring back the Boulevard course as a HUNKR race. You like?
_____
171 <- that could 'splain the dropping
Lori's medal and tack
trophy wife checking in with Old Diesel:
JUST RANTING
Apr 06, 2018
by TODD BROWN
HAD A CUSTOMER DROP BY TODAY AND START RANTING ON TERRIBLE SERVICE AT A BIKE SHOP. I know the owner, and I know he tries hard to please everybody
His top complaint was, If you're one of the cool guys you get great service. I guess I'm not.
On a very related note, I've just finished Lady Gaga's Monster Loyalty. She's a marketing genius and the book is very insightful. The main takeaway is that she focuses on the 1% that are rabid fans - make them feel like rockstars and insiders and they'll bring in the other 99%.
What's that have to do with my customer - who happens to be great?
Well, there's no point in focusing on your 1%,
if you're not going to take care of the rest of their posse.
_____
170.4
SAN LUIS REY RR
Apr 05, 2018
by TODD BROWN
BY THE WAY, I'M RACING SATURDAY. It's a great course, just not a great finish for me anymore.
Hill? was all she said.
I'd like to be disgusted at her quick conclusion. But, she's right.
Pre-her, SLRRR was a great course for me. The climb was still there, but it went higher then did a harrowing plummet back to sea level. My Avenir computer reported 61mph.
That's fast. Great for me. The skinny dudes may have left me behind but after that romping descent was followed by about 5 miles of -1% downhill. Which means the Young Diesel was back on, rested and ready to bring home the hardware.
It's also dangerous, and someone eventually had a very bad day.
So they re-routed while I was away doing my dad/mtb years.
The new course is still awesome, still beautiful. The crazy drop is gone and rather than a loop we race an out and back, starting and finishing on the lower slopes of the climb. That -1% false flat is now proceeded by the +1% to get to the turnaround. The laps are 14 miles long.
I'm going not to win, but to have a good day.
The last 2 years I've cramped on that final climb.
I just wanna hang on and finish strong.
And, that's okay.
The last 2 years I've cramped on that final climb.
I just wanna hang on and finish strong.
And, that's okay.
_____
171.6 (not where I wanted to be)
SAN LUIS REY RR
Apr 05, 2018
by TODD BROWN
BY THE WAY, I'M RACING SATURDAY. It's a great course, just not a great finish for me anymore.
Hill? was all she said.
I'd like to be disgusted at her quick conclusion. But, she's right.
Pre-her, SLRRR was a great course for me. The climb was still there, but it went higher then did a harrowing plummet back to sea level. My Avenir computer reported 61mph.
That's fast. Great for me. The skinny dudes may have left me behind but after that romping descent was about 5 miles of -1% downhill. Which means the Young Diesel was back on, rested and ready to bring home the hardware.
It's also dangerous, and someone eventually had a very bad day.
So they re-routed while I was away doing my dad/mtb years.
The new course is still awesome, still beautiful. The crazy drop is gone and rather than a loop we race an out and back, starting and finishing on the lower slopes of the climb. That -1% false flat is now proceeded by the +1% to get to the turnaround. The laps are 14 miles long.
I'm going not to win, but to have a good day.
The last 2 years I've cramped on that final climb.
I just wanna hang on and finish strong.
And, that's okay.
The last 2 years I've cramped on that final climb.
I just wanna hang on and finish strong.
And, that's okay.
_____
171.6 (not where I wanted to be)
HANGING ON
Apr 04, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I'M NOT SURE WHERE I LEARNED TO HANG ON. But, I'm glad I did.
It wasn't from tennis, which I played through high school.
Nor from riding my Stingray all over town.
BB guns had nothing to do with it.
Somewhere as a kid I learned to hang on.
Past the initial pain.
Beyond the wretched aches.
Through the final infernal burns.
What's so great about hanging on?
On the others side is goodness.
A stronger you, a stronger me.
Not a crowd, only the best.
Then things get better.
Easier.
Hanging on is a known.
Our personal fortune teller.
Climbing a big mountain and getting gapped...
hang on.
Totally out of synch with a loved one...
hang on.
Pushing the company to a new level...
hang on, hang on, hang on
Soon you'll crest the top and enjoy a new, wonderful ride...
... if you'll just hang on.
(Actually, as my fingers wave and click across the keys I know exactly where I learned it. Surfing big waves. To catch a big wave you have to paddle for all your worth to get up to speed. An hesitation and you'll either miss the wave and get pummeled by the next wave coming or you'll be going to slow to stand up and get sucked "over the falls" and held under the ocean until you think your head will explode. So you paddle and paddle and paddle until you catch that beast and you stand up and own it. These days it's pedal and pedal and pedal.)
_____
CONNECTING THE PEEPS
Apr 03, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ON THE WAY TO TMWC, JAKE ASKED ME HOW I MET HIS NEW BOSS GREG. We were college buddies and we met as Brickers, a club on campus. One year I was elected the Social VP. Part of this entailed planning epic parties with a sister club... and the best part of that was deciding which girls lined up with which boys for the party.
I guess I'm still planning epic parties, and lining people up.
HUNKR, epic... and getting epic-er.
My buddy Andy is getting new trailers for his trucking business made at Baghouse which is a sponsor of HUNKR and owned by my friend Chad.
TMWC has been called the best morning ride in OC.
Jake would have got his new job anyway, but it is a curious thing how we connect with people if we'll just open our mouths.
Does it make a difference if people are referred or have a common, friendly connection?
Would the rides/races be any fun if we weren't all there?
What's in a reputation?
Would the rides/races be any fun if we weren't all there?
What's in a reputation?
_____
BORN TO RIDE A BIKE
Apr 02, 2018
by TODD BROWN
People ask me why
I never find a place to stop
And settle down, down, down
But I never wanted all those things
People need to justify
Their lives, lives, lives
Yes we were born, born
Born to ride a bike
Time was on my side
When I was riding down the street
It was so fine, fine, fine
A Stingray and canvas vans
It's something I need to occupy
A mind like mine
Yes we were born, born
Born to ride a bike
Save the dates: HUNKR 6/9, 11/10 – TMWC 7/10
171
BENEFITS OF SHOP RIDE
Mar 31, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE REASONS WE STARTED THE SHOP (SATURDAY HOUR OF POWER) RIDE was so that the young guys could get home to their little kids. It turns out it's good for the old guys, too.
I'm home 2-3 hours earlier. At 9:45.
Because it's a "shorter" ride I'm fresher.
Which give me time for others besides myself. This is not my default.
Today I had time and energy to help a friend move her things from storage to a new apartment. Then, had more time and energy to mentor a young, high school MTB racer. Plus, a bit of time to help around the house.
These things made me happy
(in ascending order)
riding with my pals
helping a friend
giving back
(in ascending order)
riding with my pals
helping a friend
giving back
_____
I'LL PUT MY MONEY ON HARD
Mar 30, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF I HAD TO BET WHICH RIDE WOULD HAVE STAYING POWER, I'd put my money on the hard ride every time.
There are lots of nice, cosy, chitchat sorts of rides all over the place. I've never seen one last.
It's the rides and races that make you see stars and huff-n-puff slobber all over your top tube that stick around for generations.
The granddaddy of OC is Como Street, a ride so old the street doesn't even exist anymore. And the original riders... forget about it... they were WWII vets. But, what they started roars every Sunday. In another lifetime, me and a 100 other guys were "going long". This was late 80's - black bibs and bright jerseys. Local pros and visiting pros would show up and cut us down.
It was terrible.
And awful.
And we loved it...
... because it truly tested us. Told us where we stood. Pushed us beyond anything we thought was possible. It was before HR monitors and Power meters. You knew you were going hard as hell because all you could hear was you... blowing up.
So, when I posted this "If you are looking for an easy ride tomorrow, this isn't it" I knew I'd get takers.
For some of us,
only legendary rides
will help us comprehend
the legend inside.
_____
WELL, THAT WAS CLOSE
Mar 29, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IN 28 SECONDS MATT'S CHAIN WOULD SKIP SENDING HIS REAR WHEEL 6" INTO THE AIR. We were in the final wind up for the Market Ride sprint. We'd come roaring down the train overpass on to the very long, very straight finish.
There's always a prevailing wind coming off the ocean to the left. The sprint train lines up on the white line and the winner often gambles with life itself blasting up the fence line to the right. It can get ugly real fast.
The charge was on and Matt and I were winding it up from about 10 guys back. Up front, legs were seizing. They were going 20mph, we were closing in on 35+. Matt was behind green guy, I was behind Matt. A perfect spot. One of us should get the V.
Big Reyes blows and I have to go around his left and end up windy side of Matt. I know he likes to swing left, so I'm planning to launch right and accelerate in his and green guys' wake on the leeward side.
---> I hate talk about crashes. Hate watching the videos. Hate any talk of danger. What you think about you bring about. Two nights ago on this same ride Jim and his chain skip. He lost control of his bike. Went down on his face. Mike ran him over and crashed too. The picture above shows the goriness. It was the talk when we started out. <---
So there I am.
Unleashing my once-mighty fury.
His chain skips.
His wheel jumps up 6" and sideways.
I shut it down.
He stays upright.
I roll across the line,
ahead of him and smile...
just like I saw it in my mind.
_____
IT WON'T BE LONG
Mar 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
AROUND HERE THE TRAILS ARE PERFECT.
The dirt is in great shape, not too dusty.
The days are getting longer.
And, the spring greens haven't take over yet.
But they will, and soon.
Tonight as I rode, tall mustard week slapped my knuckles.
I figure we have maybe two more weeks until Spring does it's thing and the trails disappear for a few months... until the summer sun scorches them and the hills turn to brown.
That's life.
Enjoy it all.
_____
BIRTHDAYS DONE RIGHT... AND... WELL?
Mar 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
BIRTHDAY BIKE RIDES ARE ALWAYS FUN. Two birthdays were celebrated on today's ride. One I'm pretty sure was successful.
It was Joe's birthday,
and he started the day on The TMWC.
and he started the day on The TMWC.
It was Chad's wife's birthday,
and he also started the day on The TMWC.
and he also started the day on The TMWC.
Dudes on bikes
doing things dudes do.
doing things dudes do.
DON'T I KNOW YOU?
Mar 26, 2018
by TODD BROWN
YOU LIVE AND RIDE IN THE SAME TOWN WITH THE SAME DUDES AND DOLLS.
You know their colors,
their bike,
their helmet,
their style...
their bike,
their helmet,
their style...
You know their love status,
and kid status...
and kid status...
You know how work is going,
or not going...
or not going...
You know what their bike calendar looks like,
and any potential personal conflicts...
and any potential personal conflicts...
But, could you pick them out of a line up...
at Costco?
at Costco?
_____
THE GOOD FLAT
Mar 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WE'RE STAYING AT MY OTHER BROTHER BRANDON'S FLAT. Downtown San Diego. Gas Lamp District.
It's flat here, unlike our town.
From my perch, the tree top jiggles in the breeze. Quiet people walk and buildings hum.
It's early.
Single cars stop and move on.
We're going to pop down to ground level where we hope to find two of the many free bikes that roam the streets.
Then, gentle-pedal to breakfast.
_____
IDK
30TH TIME'S A CHARM
Mar 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THIS IS GONNA BE QUICK BECAUSE WE’RE CELEBRATING.
Ain’t it fun to upload a ride you’ve only done a handful of times… like 3?
I got 96 cups today on Swami’s A loop.
LOL.
Was it really that fast? Am I just slaying it today? IDK. But it's fun to do those rides and see so many cups. I'll dig into it later.
Usually, we do Swami's long... parking at Oceanside.
Today, I woke up in San Diego's Gas Lamp District. On purpose.
Susie and I are celebrating 30 years of me falling short of her expectations and her exceeding mine. Naturally, I got up and went for a ride that had the potential to leave me pooped. I was going to do the Pre-Ride which is harder than Swami's A and leaves at 6:40, but that seemed even stupider.
I shot over to the top of Torre Pines. Parked across from Scripps Green Hospital, where I parked so many times during my dad's final days. Thought about him a lot. Got to Nytro just in time.
Did the ride.
Uploaded.
3rd time's a charm for cups.
30th time's awesome.
Feeling lucky.
30th time's awesome.
Feeling lucky.
_____
IDK
DROPPED NEVER FELT SO FAST
Mar 23, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU CAN GET DROPPED LIKE THIS, DO IT! It's so stinking fast and fun. I resisted forever, because it seemed like an awful idea. But, it's not. You'll be PR'ing and Cupping as soon as you get dropped.
My neighbor is a fireman, and he looks like SuperMan and he's married to WonderWoman... oh, and he's super fast downhill on a MTB. So, based on his good looks and awesome wife I take whatever tips he has.
Todd, I have dropper that would fit your hardtail.
But Matt, I'm a weight-weenie XC dork. Besides I'm pretty fast.
No you're not. You need this post.
Okay, here's a hundy... I want it back if this doesn't work.
I had one of the first droppers back when I was racing SuperD. Even at a meager 4" drop, it was an unfair advantage. A game changer. But, now I'm said leg-shaving XC dork. Why would I want a dropper.
Well this isn't just any dropper. It's hydraulic, made by Bontrager for downhill and enduro racers. It really drops... a full 150cm. When I first hit it I felt like I was riding a kids bike.
The first ride was weird. I'm used to leaning on my seat in the turns but the seat is so far down I don't feel it. I'm also used to hanging my buns off the back on the super steep stuff (and wondering if I'll get stuck back there) which really unweights the front wheel.
But, I got used to it quickly.
Now I LOVE it.
It's revolutionized my riding.
I'm flying down stuff, PRing and big Cupping the sections. It's so much more fun. The bike is much more balanced because my center of gravity is so low.
Wanna go faster?
Get dropped.
_____
Save the dates: HUNKR 6/9, 11/10 – TMWC 7/10
170.8 <-rain-related weight
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Mar 22, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF I GO TO YOUR SHOP WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? That's a pretty fair question to ask of any bike shop, any business.
How that question is answered is a good indication of things to come.
We are known for X and we're amazing at it.
If I'm in the market for X we'll make a love connection... you'll my best friend, and I'll be your best customer.
If I'm not... isn't it a lot better for both of us to move on?
MONSTROUS
Mar 21, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT'S BEEN A MONSTROUS WEEK.
... It's only Wednesday.
So, I mashed the pedals.
ripped the trails,
chased the sun...
the shadows swept me up
and the monster went to bed.
ripped the trails,
chased the sun...
the shadows swept me up
and the monster went to bed.
HUNKR #2 - OC '18
Mar 20, 2018
by TODD BROWN
SATURDAY, 3/17/18, WAS HUNKR #2. Could our second edition be better than the first? Months out confidence was high, but as the day approached we were all apprehensive regarding the weather. If it rained it would be an epic day, if not it would be awesome.
Either way, it would be a who’s who of Southern California cycling: Olympians and World Champions Amber Neben and Thurlo Rogers, national champions Rahsaan Bahati and Charon Smith, ex-Continental Pro Jon Hornbeck… I’m sure I’m missing names… let me just say their participation is humbling and gratifying and a tiny bit nerve-racking – we want to deliver a professional product for them.
The idea that “normal” people… really, what’s normal about racing your bike 100k?… nothing!… it’s so outrageous truly normal people don’t get it… yes, the idea that normal people get a chance to line up right behind the talented riders at the front is what makes HUNKR special.
The FUNKR team competitions were even more popular this year. We had more teams in more categories going for top level prizes like Shimano Durace pedals (for the entire team).
With some creative thinking we managed to simplify the start from last year while still using the private roads only available to HUNKR. This was a huge improvement.
Mother Nature didn’t seem to care that we had so many stars ready to race, so many improvements. 50% greater participation – over 22% of whom were female (that’s huge).
Each day showed rain.
Each day didn’t actually rain much at all.
Packet pick up at Shimano headquarters was dry. A beautiful Mazda signaled where to go. Many competitors were so excited they were arriving hours early.
By 4pm we were ready to get them checked in. The line was long, but quickly got up to speed. It was fun chatter as racers met up… a lot friends saying high to friends. After they were checked in they were able to see historic Shimano product as well as all the new shiny gear we drool over.
We went to bed hopeful. We woke up around 4:30 to get an early start. A 4 hour squall moved through and flooded our parking lot in the wee hours of Saturday morning. Ugh.
We had a contingency plan, and put it into action. The backup parking was a mile down the ride. It would prove to be a nice warm up for the racers, and a chance to see part of the private roads they’d soon be racing on. Part of the contingency was pushing the start back 15 minutes.
By 8:30 the racers were in their respective corrals – they lined up based on projected finishing time, fastest up front. 8:35 final instructions were being given. Passion poured through the group. 8:40 we all sang the Star Spangled Banner a cappella. 8:44:55 the 5 second count down and final instruction…
HAVE FUN!
What could be more fun than racing with over 300 of your closest friends?
Because we are always racing for 100 kilomters, there is a race within the race which is “How fast can I do this?” TJ Eller posted:
“I went 26 minutes faster than last year: a substantial improvement that I’m very proud of!“
How did he do this? No doubt he trained, set goals, etc… but somewhere out on that course he made some friends. Together they were all working hard. For sure, chasing the riders ahead, and desperately fending off the riders from behind played big parts.
Those riders ahead included the main bunch. Over 50 riders came through lap 1 together. On lap 2 it became 40ish. Andy Schmidt reported, “It was the fastest race I’ve ever done. Guys would attack and we’d bring them back. The pace was tremendous and never let up. It was so fun! ”
The drama is in the details… heading out for that last lap in the lead group were the best of the best, many flanked by teammates: Methods to Winning, Cannondale, Davis Phinney, Freakshow, Red Monkey with a hungry pack of lone wolves ready to tear up the final kilometers.
Just before the turnaround 4 riders went clear and blasted out of the tunnel. They had 15 seconds on the bunch by Cook’s Corner. Present were pro/ex-pro racers Coulton Hartrich, Stefano Barberi, Marco Arrocha and 17 year old local Andrew Vollmer.
This is Andrew’s home climb. Nobody knows it better.
Stefano knows what it’s like to launch a long range attack. Last year, he was off the front the final two laps only to be caught and passed in the final meters.
By the top, Marco had lost the group.
They were now 3 against 30 with 10 miles to go. Most of it was downhill, favoring the group. But, there was a tail wind… negates much of the big group’s advantage.
At the finish line we saw 3, then 1, then the bunch. They roared onto the private roads out of our sight.
We could only wonder.
It seemed impossible to stay away.
But, it’s a technical finish with rises that would seem easy at the start and now had to be stinging their legs.
Who would win HUNKR #2?
1st Place Coulton Hartrich
2nd Place Stefano Barberi
3rd Place Andrew Vollmer
15 seconds later Marco came in for 4th.
15 seconds after that teenager Ama Nsek won the bunch sprint for 5th.
The top women were able to finish with men in the main bunch – we don’t have a good photo of that, as they came through in a swarm.
1st Place Chrystal Anthony
2nd Place Amber Neben
3rd Place Larissa Conners
4th Place Esther Walker
5th Place Rhonda Quick
How fast are these racers? They covered 100k, 62 miles, with 4000′ of climbing in 2 hours 35 minutes, an average speed of 24.5 miles an hour. That’s blazing speed.
But, HUNKR isn’t just about the fastest or the equal cash pay out for men and women. It’ s about racers like the father and son duo of Eric and Vincent Ngheim, who battled the course together in 4 hours 23 minutes and teenage brother and sister Luke and Sarah Swan. It’s about 22% of our riders being female… we aren’t to our goal yet, but we are far closer than I had imagined we would be.
In the end, it’s about friendly competition. We are so happy with the HUNKR Nation… as a whole, you are a classy bunch we are thrilled to be part of.
There are lots more pictures for you to check out and download free from MSD Photography here.
We look forward to seeing ya at HUNKR 3 on June 9th.
_____
Save the dates: HUNKR 6/9, 11/10 – TMWC 7/10 -
170.2
FRIENDLY. COMPETITION.
Mar 19, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY BROTHER RECOMMENDED THE PODCAST BUSINESS WARS. At the end of the saga between Nike and Addidas the narrator concluded with how much better each company has become because of the other.
The are hardly friendly.
In fact, they're ruthless.
The same kind of ruthless my son Trevor was yesterday playing chess. I've practiced for a month. He hasn't looked at a board. It's tax time, and he's a CPA.
I planned to kill him. How better to spend his carefully carved out play time?
I was dead in 60 seconds.
That hurt.
But he was such a graceful killer I didn't care. I could only be proud of his actions and happy for his instincts. Indeed, I was grateful for his taking time out to teach me a lesson.
And yes... I look forward to laying waste to him on our next bike ride.
Want to know what you're trying to improve?
Take a look at what you're reading and listening to.
THE EARLY BIRD
Mar 18, 2018
by TODD BROWN
(Reposted from an article I wrote on HUNKR.com)
I'VE NEVER NEEDED AN ALARM ON RACE DAY. I always set it, but sleep is evasive the night before. The bigger the event the more alarms and the less likely I'll sleep deeply or need them. Nothing is bigger for me than HUNKR.
There is nothing I want more than to have HUNKR go off without a hitch. Months go into the preparation, and the daily percentage of time devoted to HUNKR goes up as until the final day of 100%.
Yesterday was an awesome day for HUNKR - 50% more racers - 22% of whom were women (that's huge), a who's who of Southern California bicycle racing, and a dude on an elliptical bike.
We had to fall back on a few contingencies... the main one being our parking lot turned to mud by a late night squall. We had planned for them and things worked out well. I'm very proud of our production team. We all worked so hard.
Our volunteers were amazing. Some drove down from LA just to help out. They were all so proactive and caught up in the energy of the day. When promoters say they couldn't do it without volunteers that's true, because volunteers bring their time AND their energy AND their experience. They aren't punching a clock, they are there to serve. It's humbling.
As I pulled up the corral flags,
the wind was blowing and the sun was setting.
It was just me.
Alone at the starting line.
Reflecting on how this concept began.
Grateful for those who caught and supported the original concept.
It felt like we have some momentum now.
I drove home,
and slept
and slept
and slept
_____
Save the dates: 6/9, 11/10 – TMWC 7/10 -
170.2
WE CAN'T ALL BE WINNERS
Mar 16, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WE CAN'T ALL BE WINNERS,
and that's what makes winning so sweet.
and that's what makes winning so sweet.
However you define winning,
I wish you the best of luck to everybody tomorrow
and an epic tale to tell.
I wish you the best of luck to everybody tomorrow
and an epic tale to tell.
ISN'T GREAT THAT SOME THINGS ARE HARD?
Mar 15, 2018
by Accounting Bookkeeping
IF RACING WAS EASY WOULD EVERYBODY REALLY DO IT?
... and if they did, would it still be easy?
... and if they did, would it still be easy?
If finding time to train was easy,
would everybody do it?
would everybody do it?
If eating like an athlete was easy,
would everybody do it?
would everybody do it?
If getting enough sleep was easy,
would everybody do it?
would everybody do it?
no
no
no
no
but you will,
and so will I.
and so will I.
WHERE'S THE RACING?
Mar 14, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I KNOW A LOT OF MY PALS LOVES ZWIFTING. The courses are cool, and the pros have laid down fast times which allows my pals to see how the measure up. Time crunched, weather trapped friends keep the fire burning for when it's time to get outside.
Outside is real.
HUNKR is real.
My pals will be on the same course as real pros, at the same time, up to the same challenge. This Saturday we'll have...
Pros,
Olympian
and World Champions lining up.
The pros will be racing for cold, hard cash... well it will probably be a soft, warm check. We've put $2500 up for the fastest men and women to split... EQUALLY.
While the pros are chasing dollars... my pals
who train hard and work hard
and really just want to have fun and ride their best 100k
Will be inspired and sucked along in the pro's wake.
---> SO MANY LADIES ARE REGISTERING... I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IT'S ONE OUR PRIME GOALS TO GET MORE LADIES INVOLVED IN COMPETITIVE RACING... WOOHOO! <--
_____
3 days 'til HUNKR OC
170.6
50-50, IT AIN'T REALLY 57
Mar 13, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I SAW 57 DEGREES ON WEATHER.COM AND WAS SO RELIEVED. NOW I'M FREEZING. WHAT HAPPENED?
The prolonged cold spell had broken... kinda.
About 25 of us showed up in the dark... again. Again, because the time changed Sunday and we were back to gathering in the dark of dawn.
The clouds had settled in a 800'. We were riding at 800'.
We were riding in the clouds... moisture was collecting on everything, like the window of a plane as you descend through gray, pregnant clouds.
Legs.
Arms.
Helmet.
Clothes.
All soaked.
The glasses were tucked away about a mile into the ride and stayed there.
And the bike... oh the bike... she left shiny and returned filthy with an aerodynamic dusting of grime.
So when young Zach made that comment above it came to me.
You got a 50-50 chance
of 57 being 57.
_____
4 days 'til HUNKR OC
170.2
BUMP OR JUMP?
Mar 12, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE BUMPS IN THE ROAD.
Are you going to jump them
or
lose control?
lose control?
I've noticed that if I'm looking for the bumps in the road, paying attention, they aren't that big of a deal. In fact, they can be fun and make things more lively.
But, if I'm gaga over yoga pants or galvanized by my Garmin... oh man, things can get ugly fast.
IT WAS A DRY RAIN
Mar 10, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I'VE TRIED TO WRITE FOR AN HOUR... BUT THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THE EXQUISITE EUPHORIA THIS RIDE PRODUCED.
I knew it was going to be good because the texts were coming early and fast. The only question was, Would we break the hour?
Starting about 9pm:
CH: Potential to be a wet one. We still on? 7AM in the harbor?
TB: Yep!
JA: Hope I can keep up with you animals
MS: Does any one have an extra tube, please bring one. Just had to change a flat and I'm out
KM: I do and will bring it. I owe you.
JM: Looks like we will be riding in the rain by 9 FYI based on radar. What time are we back?
TB: 930 if we hustle.
Then 5am more:
CH: I forgot my vest. can you bring out an extra one for me?
TTB: Any chance you could make me two bottles?... I'm getting off freeway.
Races had been cancelled today.
Guys were tapered.
The promised rain came early. Just about 7am. But, it was a dry rain. Not enough to drench us. It would keep us cool. And no wind. Few cars were out, we made all the lights... ALL of them. All we had to do was take the corners easy.
At 730 the hour of power/pain/torture begins. In Laguna.
For 30 minutes we'd been pulling the bow back. The group shot up the 133 at record pace. A pace line of 14. All in. By El Toro we'd lost at least 4.
The Bull and Frosty taking long meaty pulls. The rest of us off the front as quick as possible.
Gaps started to open... I'd schemed this in my dreams... those two go, then Big Kev. Now or never.
10 became 4
...
4 became 3.
...
4 became 3.
We were on pace to shatter the hour.
It reminded me of the first time we cracked an hour on TMWC. 5 of us just slaying it, watching the clock with 1 eye and the butt ahead with the other.
We turned right on Tesla, and I was on my own. Adrift. With reinforcements coming up from behind.
Up Church hill I prayed, begged for a red light... it was too much. The Diesel was going to blow. No luck. I chugged on over the top and hit 52mph on the down hill.
About 5 guys had cut through at the church and united with the crew ahead of me.
But I've got girth, and I'm aero.
I connected on Aliso Creek.
Then, ejected.
I spun and spun.
There is a point in rides like this where if you hesitate for one moment you'll loose the endorphins you're mainlining. Half the crew went straight at Westwing. I didn't even consider it, turned right. The endorphins were flowing, I was spinning. Keeping the gap manageable for another bombing descent.
Unbelievably, we made the light below Soka University. Also unbelievably, Matt tore up the climb and left us wondering... then they all sped up and left me, again. But, this ride is like a roller coaster and my ballast like a magnet.
We were all back together at the bottom of Highlands, the final climb. As we rounded the turn I could see Trevor - my son, a retired Cat 2. This is humbling and motivating for him. He's getting passed and dropped, he knows he's done less than 10 rides in '18. It's just a matter of time, the desire is returning. I enjoy every pedal stroke as I pass him.
One by one we cross the "finish line".
I collapse.
58:27.
We were tapered.
We made all the lights.
It was a dry rain.
_____
One week 'til HUNKR OC
171.8 (Cheescake Factory at 9pm... dumb, I know)
This probably won't happen again
CAN YOU FLY?
Mar 09, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THE WHOLE CAT 5 THING OF USA CYCLING IS JUST PLAIN WHACK. Putting a guy like the Bull who's been laying waste to local group rides and is an excellent bike handler in with the 5's for 10 races just makes no sense. He's raced 3 times and won all 3 going away. Not even close.
The Bull reminds me a lot of Inspector Harry Callahan.
He knew when he was lucky and when he wasn't.
Harry was a man of supreme talent.
He knew his limitations.
Surely there is someone in the USAC Kingdom that is able to recognize when a rider is more than ready to move up.
Is the 10 races requirement to make sure the bulls get bored before moving on and gunning down the 4s, 3s, 2s and maybe 1s? The higher categories deserve it, and The Bull deserves a worthy opponent.
Or, maybe the purpose of the 10 races is to get all the money out of The Bull possible? But, that doesn't make any sense either... because you've got that boredom factor.
I dunno... If I were Inspector for a day, I'm pretty sure I could tell who was ready to take flight and who needs a little more practice time.
But, I'm not.
I'm just a dude with an opinion,
and a bull for a friend.
_____
One week 'til HUNKR OC
169.8
THE DIE-CHOTOMY OF US
Mar 08, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WENGNUT AND I WERE RIDING ALONG THE ROAD TALKING. He's not a roadie. Clearly. You'd need a weed whacker and sheep shears to find his legs. But, his observation of road riding is accurate:
Road riding is very social.
It's true. It's so easy to ride along shoulder to shoulder chatting.
It's also true that when the city limit sign is approaching the chatting simmers down and the blood boils because whoever gets there first is king for a mile or two or twenty.
We'd rather die than get beat,
Mostly though, we're the best of friends.
_____
170.2 (plateaued)
IT'S NOT BUSINESS, IT'S PERSONAL
Mar 07, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MATT SHOT ME A PICTURE OF HIS BABY. He'd been telling me about his plans to freshen up his existing bike... but really, what could he do? Lamentably, we aren't hot rodders by nature. No chrome pipes or outrageous fenders hiding superwide rims. No insane bass warping the windows.
We just rid the rigs the corporate gods gave us as they were born off the assembly line.
And that's kinda sad isn't it?
And boring.
Unimaginative.
Shameful, if we're honest.
We've got custom kits and socks and gloves and and and and... and if we aren't custom, we're scouring the earth for just the right pair of striking socks, gorgeous gloves and juicy jerseys.
So what's with all the boring corporate bikes?
I know, you'd paint your frame but don't want to void the warranty...
but would you, really? Are you that daring?
I know you'd like some stylish streamers flying from your bars...
but, the haerodynamic slowiness keep you from doing it.
I know you'd rather have a name plate swinging off your saddle...
but, the horror of added weight would be unbearable.
I'm as guilty as most,
but Matt's not,
are you?
_____
170.2
VOLUNCHEER GET $25
Mar 05, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WE LOVE OUR HUNKR VOLUNTEERS.
They bring all kinds of cheer.
They bring all kinds of cheer.
In return,
We clothe
and feed
and drink
them...
We clothe
and feed
and drink
them...
And this year,
we are including a $25 gift card to any of our other events:
HUNKR, OverTheHump and Revolution Bike Fest.
we are including a $25 gift card to any of our other events:
HUNKR, OverTheHump and Revolution Bike Fest.
If you're looking to give back
or you're a little banged up
or just not ready to HUNKR down
we'd love your help... you'll get:
a t-shirt, great Brazilian food, a beer and a $25 promo code
or you're a little banged up
or just not ready to HUNKR down
we'd love your help... you'll get:
a t-shirt, great Brazilian food, a beer and a $25 promo code
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