GIVE ME SOME WATER!  It's furnace hot.  The head wind, a giant hair dryer from hell...

... blasting us.

We're barely moving.

I grab a bottle from the downtube. 

Bite the valve, pull.

Raise the bottom, suck.

Hot, rancid Tanglike yuck burns my throat.

But, it's all good...

... because this is the kinda training that does a body good.  

Ya know why? 

I mean some know about the hidden benefit to hellish training, and you might, too.  But, if ya don't or if y'ave forgotten...

... training in the heat increase blood plasma.

More blood plasma = More VO2

More VO2 = More aerobic power

And, it doesn't just have to be a scorcher like today...

... could be indoor training with the fan off

... could be jumping in the sauna post ride.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/skratch

As the most interesting man in the world says, Stay hydrated my friends.

Want to save 25%?

Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

---

165
7 hrs Sleep 
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
4 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5906528067

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

EVEN A BLIND SQUIRREL FINDS A NUT EVERY NOW AND THEN.  My friend Glenn taught me that, and I was reminded of it last night.  There I was, first time on the new road bike...

... and I go All Blind Squirrel.

Now, I don't normally do this.  Certainly not in a race... 

... but, maybe I should?

There I am, feeling a little spicy.  I'd been out for a few test rides, always on my "easy" days and never really hit it hard.

Well, you know how that new bike feeling can make ya go kinda crazy right?

That was me.

Really feeling it.

They didn't seem like legit attacks, but I'll be dawgawned if I didn't keep rolling off the front of the group.  

We came to what I call Heartbreak Hill.  It's a right hand sweeper that climbs up a bit.  There is always a stiff breeze from the left, resulting in a fight for the gutter...

... so, like any blind squirrel would, I pegged the gutter.

No room for drafting off me.

Sometimes I'm evil-crafty that way.

There's a shadow of a rider behind me.  I look back, it's Dave.  And, clawing his way on is Henry...

... I keep rolling.

We rotate a bit.

I look back again. 

Huge gap formed.  

We press on.

And on.

All..

... the friggin' way

... to the line!

About 30 minutes, pegged. 

I've done that ride close to one million times and made the long, attacking break stick exactly zero times.

On the cool down, Justin asked me...

What's the name of that bike?

It's a BMC.

No, the name?

A Teammachine.

NO... the name you gave it.

Pure Energy!

I think it's fitting.

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If you liked this little ditty, you'll probably love this.

PEDALposse members, you'll be getting this in your September shipment.  No need to order the first copy.

If you're not in the PEDALposse yet... well, you probably don't like

• Sweet swag sent to you every month
• Saving 25%
• Earning $ for sharing our mission
• Special access to our events

But, it you do... 

then... Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

---

165
6 hrs Sleep (unacceptable)
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
16 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5901259347

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

FIRST, I HATE HITTING THE GYM.  But, ya know it's the thing to do.  Especially, in the off season.  I try and keep it manageable...

... I hit the home gym.

Pull Ups and Push Ups are my main stays, and here are the top 5 reasons.

• Strong core 
• Strong back
• Strong grip 
• Better posture
• Much improved bike handling
• Much improved out of the saddle climbing and sprinting.

If you're  not into that stuff,
if you're too busy to spend 5-10 minutes a day,
if you prefer looking like a T-Rex...

... then skip it.

But, really, it's less than 10 minutes most day. 

Way less.

And yes, I know that was 6... 

... I like to overdeliver.

Talk about overdelivering...

... have you checked out the PEDALposse?

Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

165.3
8 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
22 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5891143024

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

ABOVE IS PIC FROM COMPETITOR MAGAZINE, circa 2000.  It's an article I wrote about my first Leadville experience.  The highs, the lows.  I wanted to share the stoke and get others to go.  Many have gone...

... and many have said some day.  

That's the problem.  We think we'll be here forever.  We put off the big events, the things we want to do, that could be lasting memories or even life changing.

Surfergirl reminded me of that today when I showed her a link to a new product.

Remember the magazine articles you wrote.

Yeah.

I have them saved.

Where?

We pulled out a box of mementos.  And there they were.  So cool to look back through some of the fun things we've done on bikes over  the years.  Trips, races, and some writing...

... unforgettable memories.

If you're hesitant to do your first race or event or if you're looking for a fresh approach...

... this is what sparked Surfergirl's memory.

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After year's of her encouragement, it's done.  

PEDALposse members, you'll be getting this in your September shipment.  No need to order the first copy.

If you're not in yet, tomorrow never comes.

Join now.

Click here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-membership

---

165.3
8 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps + gym work
Stretch and Hypervolt
22 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5891143024

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

HOW LONG SHOULD I WARM UP, DIESEL?  The question reminds me of the old Benz turbo diesel SSB drove.  It had glow plugs which needed to heat up before the engine would fire...

... we’re a lot like those old diesels.

We need to warm up.  A proper warmup can be the difference between winning and losing, PRing and flailing.

But, before we get to answering the warmup question, the part a lot of us foul up – I know I have – is arriving late to the venue.  Not only do we arrive late, we waste all kinds of emotional energy stressing about it...

... energy lost, perhaps costing the win.

I like to arrive at least an hour and a half early, sometimes two and half hours.  How long I’ll need to warm up will determine how early I should arrive.

Here’s the formula, the amount of time spent warming up is inversely correlated to how long the race will last. 

Track racers, whose race might be as short as 60 seconds, often warm up for an hour or more.  Endurance racers, who might race for 9 hours, don’t warm up at all. 

Tonight, I’m racing for about an hour.  I’ll warm up for nearly that long.  Leadville, no warmup at all.

In a nutshell...

... the longer the race, the shorter the warmup.

Play with it.

Master it.

How to warm up I’ll save for another day.

I should point out the main advantage of a proper warmup...

... hitting it hard the second the flag drops.

Depending on the course and the style of race, it's not uncommon for an early gap to form and the leaders never seen again.

Just something to think about.

My friend Char always arrives early.  She's a National Champ on the track, so she's used to showing up way early and getting a proper warm up.

Note, she's also sporting a sweet and very custom RaceDay Bag™.

I'm pointing this out for two reasons:

• If it's good enough for a champ, you probably need one, too.
• If you have one, you probably have a friend who could use one and trust me, you'll want to order that way before Christmas this year.

Go here -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags

---

165.7
8 hrs
10 PullUps 30 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
18 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5885674867

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

A GOOD RACE IS LIKE A GOOD BOOK.  They have a hook.  Something that grabs ya.  It could be the name, this history, the location, the recommendation. If they don't...

... we rarely start 'em.  

So, when my riding pal, TTB, suggested a book after I suggested a race I said...

... let me check it out.

I'm hooked.

How's this for an opening scene...

... I'm gonna die.  I'm gonna die.  I'm gonna die.

A battle. 

A young kid, in the thick of it.  Shoulder to shoulder with grisly vets.  A brutal enemy approaching fast.

He survives.

Wounded.

With this wise observation...

... It wasn't luck, it was training.

Sure sounds like my first race to me.  It was a crit.  The speeds were astonishing and the angst to win palpable.  

That first turn did feel like I could die.

Soon, I was shot out the back.

Wounded ego wounded.

My veteran friends finished laughing and happy with the effort.  There was a big difference between me and them...

... it wasn't luck, it was training.

I'll close with a quote from the Purple One...

So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills
You know the one, Dr. Everything'll-Be-Alright
Instead of asking him how much of your time is left
Ask him how much of your mind, babe

Train wisely my friends.

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And when you go to battle, look sharp, and protect thy hands.

This month... buy the gloves and the socks are free.

No promo code needed.

---

166.9
7 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
38 pages + journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5880065545

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO LOSE THE RACE.  Some of them have cute little initials we pronounce as verbs.  The two most popular are DNF'd and DNS'.  Did not finish, did not start.  They can be found at the bottom of any start list...

... the other you won't find anywhere.

Yes, the third and most insidious way to lose a race is the saddest of all. 

When you think about it, DNF can be for a variety of reasons.  Straight up quit because didn't want to post a bad result...

...Ugh!...

... to crashed out, had a mechanical, bad stomach, cramps, lost my mind, felt like taking a nap.  It's. a long list and often very valid.

That's why they are above DNS.

DNSing has it's own reason...

... life, priorities, work, sick, etc... also, generally worthy.

For the most part, I'm down with all the reasons we might not finish because shiz happens.  We prepare, we do our best...

... so, forget the rest!

But, the third is DNRing.  Did not register.

This one never shows up in the record books...

... there is no record for not trying.

So, get registered. 

It's what all winners do.

There's an old tshirt touting the virtues of Life Behind Bars, the bars being handle bars.

If you're gonna do that, you'll need a firm grip.

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

This month... buy the gloves and the socks are free.

No promo code needed.

 ---

NEARLY 9 YEARS AGO MY BEST TRAINING PARTNER SHOWED UP.  He hadn't ridden since he was a kid.  He wanted to get serious, really give it a go.  Sweeter words were never heard...

... Hey Dad, I wanna try racing.

I picked up an MTB for him, Sponsored By Dad was still a thing then.  But, the road was calling.  I hadn't raced road for decades...

... I'd forgotten how exciting it was to put down the power and have traction.

The training was so fun that next summer.  Lots of time riding side by side. 

Then the racing started.  Mostly he raced.  I met him all over the West - Bend, SLC, Phoenix, Tucson.  Supporting, driving, occasionally kitting up to give it a go.  He charged through the categories...

... I was inspired to get back at it, too.

Time passed. 

School got busy. 

Career got started. 

Bike got sold.

Recently, he moved back to SoCal. 

They decided to settle down here.  

His old MTB, from way back when, came into the shop to get some major servicing done.

An order went in for a serious BMC MTB racing rig.

Being the sneaky sunuvagun that I am, I suggested You should train for Leadville and do it with me next year...

... figuring it will go nowhere.

We met at Laguna Wilderness today, some of the best singletrack around.  

I'm numbering my rides on Strava.

Whadaya mean?

This is ride number 5 since I'm back at it.

Was it wrong of me to enjoy him huffing and puffing while I cruised along?...
... not after him shelling me for those brief years of racing.

Was it inappropriate to try and drop him on the downhills?...
... not when I looked over my should to see him smile and say I'm drafting.

Was it bad of me to sell him on an upcoming race?...
... not when he says he just wants to be able to keep up with me.

Back at his car, he uploaded.

I didn't accomplish anything.

Huh?

First time here, no cups or PRs.

I could have said...

No, you didn't unless you count your dream career, marriage and carving out your own place on the planet.

... before I could get a word out...

Next time will be nothing but PRs.

I hope I can keep up.

One of the things I loved about those racing days was talking about what was working.

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For sure, this works.

It's like magic, which is exactly what I'm gonna need.

Top 4 Reasons
People Join
The PEDALposse

• 25% Savings On Every Order
  (15-20% on bikes & wheels).

• Surprise Swag Every Month
  (you know you deserve it)

• Referral Rewards
  yep, I'm gonna pay ya when you spread the word

• Special Events
  me and you and who knows who?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

Best trail sign ever.

 ---

ONE OF THE THINGS I MISS ABOUT HAVING A POWER METER is seeing my cadence.  Pre-power meter, I would geek out on cadence, then I got a way from it.  And then, I got back into it with my previous MTB...

... looking at those revs.

There's something satisfying about seeing that little strip of data.  Comforting almost.  Easily controlled...

... yes, the rhythm can be easily lost or found.

Sometimes we're blasting up a hill.  In the zone.  The pitch increases, or maybe it's the lactic burn...

... suddenly, we're going nowhere. 

Seemingly backward.  

We're tired.

Not thinking.

Just grinding.

That moment right there, yeah... that'd be a good one to see our cadence.  Realize it's all wonkadoo..,

... and shift the dern gears.

It's like the magnetic Gloria Estefan says...

... The rhythm is gonna get ya!

The only question is...

... Is it going to be a long grind or a quick zip to the top?

I've found 90 revs a minute to be my sweet spot.

What's yours?

---

Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

MY FRIEND JEANA SENT ME THIS PIC with the words You were too fast!.  She was referring to my half my head missing from the image.  I wasn't.  In fact, I was working my way backwards from first to fourth...

... that's the truth.

I like the sentiment nonetheless because I was going a lot faster than I had gone the previous two weeks.  These short, 1 hour efforts are really demanding.  I rarely ever ride like this.  

Was I bummed to falter at the end, sure.

That's normal.

But, only a fool would focus on the scoreboard vs the positive results.

We're out for mastery, and as the great Leonardo DaVinci preached it's going to take...

... Ostinato rigore.

Stubborn rigor.

Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

MY OTHER DAD PASSED THIS EVENING.  He came into my life when I needed a strong father figure.  And boy, was he strong.  Like you just knew he wasn't to be trifled with and at the same time...

... he had the biggest heart ever.

He had no business getting involved with us.  He and our mother were on and off at best, but he was always on as far as we were concerned.  We had a bond, an unexplainable one that lasted a lifetime.

He taught me tennis, a sport he fell in love with later in life.  I wasn't very good.  I was weak, and gangly, a true late bloomer.  He told me that was an advantage...

... I'd be forced to learn proper technique and my mind.

Always looking for the good in any situation.

But, the best thing he taught me when it came to life and sports was that was okay to be underestimated...

... he'd been underestimated his entire life.

He was a Mexican immigrant, he wasn't very big, his own father had been largely  missing...

... and yet, he'd built a wonderful life for himself...

... because he was a fighter.

So many times I saw him take the court against larger, younger, faster players and drive them absolutely crazy...

... he won through hustle and guile.

He knew it,
they knew it,
I knew it...

... and I loved it.

It was simple and raw and pure.

He was, and remains, a true hero.

A mentor.

A giver.

A father.

As I write this, I'm not sad.  We had a lot of good times during the past year.  Cancer can be kind that way.

He'd lost so much weight the boyish features in his face returned.  He looked like the young man he once was, full of life, shipping off to Korea - cigarette in mouth, a t-shirt, rolled jeans.  Black hair, big confident smile...

... hustle and guile.

Till we meet again, Roberto Alcaraz Gomez.

---

Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

I'VE BEEN RACING FOR DECADES.  Some years a lot, most years a handful, others just once.  I don't think I've missed a year since 1997...

... but that hasn't been the goal.

By that I mean racing in and of itself was never the driver.  Don't get me wrong, I love it...

... and here are the top three reasons why:

• Having a big race or ride on the calendar keeps my base fitness up.  My fatness may increase during the year, my miles may dip, but there's a standard to be maintained if I'm racing at some point.  That has requires great health year round.  
• I've been fortunate to be able to have a regular midweek ride that doubles as a race and triples as a support group.  These cats become, over time, my confidants and trusted friends.
• The last is figuring out what it's going to take to have a great day on the bike.  This is one of those constant curiosities that keeps me fascinated.  What can I do?  What is possible?  What's it gonna take to accomplish X? 

That's it.

That's why I race.

Stay in shape, friendship, the personal challenge.

Why am I racing tonight?  Get used to intensity again, see my pals, hang onto Chris' wheel as long as possible...

... I got so excited by this prospect I neglected to send the email.

Race recap:  led first half lap, forced break with Series Leader Kurt and the alwaysfast Chris, lost contact with them on final lap and blew the sprint.  Kurt won.  The great part about losing is realizing how much improvement there is needed.  

Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

I KNOW IT'S LATE AND YOU'RE TIRED, or maybe it's cold and your cozy, or possibly it's early and dark.  Whatever it is, here is some really solid advice about tomorrow's workout...

... you should skip it.

I was thinking about that when I got a text from Lane.  He told me he's down 65 lbs. since joining the PEDALposse and needed to change his shirt size.  Then he added this... 

... It's time to go PR LoToJa.

That's a 200 mile bike race, not a ride.  Through 3 different states...

... guess what Lane hasn't been doing.

Skipping the workouts. 

He's been skipping the donuts and ice cream, but not the workout.  Which is why I highly recommend you skip tomorrow's work out...

... but today, get your buns in gear.

Same goes for tomorrow, which will be today when you wake up.

And the next day.

I like Lane's chances, do you like yours?

There are a lot of reasons to join the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

Here are the top 4:

• 25% Savings On Every Order
  (15-20% on bikes & wheels).

• Surprise Swag Every Month
  (you know you deserve it)

• Referral Rewards
  yep, I'm gonna pay ya when you spread the word

• Special Events
  me and you and who knows who?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT CONFUSE WISHBONE WITH BACKBONE.  It really doesn't matter the topic, but we see it all the time in with cycling abilities...

... I wish I could ride as fast as you.

Ok, come and ride and stretch and eat and lift and do what I do...

... Oh, I didn't mean it like that.

What I want to say next is something like, 
Well, just how the hell did you mean it?  Don't you realize all good things require work?  What kind of a child are you anyway?

What I end up saying is something like,
Well, let me know when you really want it.

if we're going to be great at something, anything...

... we've got to do it with real intent.

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When we have real intent secrets are unfolded.

My friend Kurt said to me at recent race... I read the blog all the time.  I've learned a lot of your secrets.  Then proceeded to rip my legs off.

I'm guessing he knows about PR Lotion.

Save 25% when you join the PEDALposse -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

IT WAS MORE THAN MISTY, LESS THAN RAINY, OCCASIONALLY DRIZZLY.  About an hour in and my socks, gloves and butt were soaked.  I wasn't cold, just drenched.  My Wahoo screen's message was only a wish...

... RIDE AUTO-PAUSED. 

While stopped at one of the few lights on the route, I thought to myself...

... I wish.

We rode on.

I would say it was more of a commitment to the plan than joy to be riding.  A lot more.  But, there was something else...

... something to be overcome.

First, there's the obvious If I can't handle the rain on a training ride, how am I gonna deal with it racing?

• Flats.  We saw a lot of cats pulled over fixing flats.  Fortunately, the four of us are all running tubeless set ups and this wasn't an issue.  
• Traction.  I dropped my PSI a bit and felt confident all day except one turn where I found myself on our extraslick road paint.  A minor slip, a great reminder to stay off the paint, all paint.
• Being soaked sucks, but before long we adjust and adapt.
• Lube, my UFO lube got pretty noisy after 3 hours.
• Food.  Still gotta eat and drink, but we drank a lot less - we weren't hammering.
• Glasses.  Love my photochromatic lens for all light conditions.

Seeing far fewer riders on the today reminded me why the rain never bothers me in a race, because I know most aren't nearly as prepared...

... one of the greatest superpowers of all is experience.

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It's always good to have lights on board, especially as the days shorten.

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https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights

---

A DUDE STOPPED ME OUTSIDE OF CHRONIC TACOS.  I was getting lunch and he saw the van.  Asked, What is PEDAL industries, is it like Peloton? I had a lot of responses run through my mind...

... I settled on the truth.

Because the truth of the matter is that Peloton for all it's swanky swagger and dressed up drama...

... has managed to get a lot people on bikes.

Yes, they are indoors.  But, who cares?  Really?

Especially since a lot of those fancied up trainer riders are moving outdoors and riding long distances and doing gran fondos and tours and...

... they are even doing races.

Yep.

As far as I'm concerned, we're just one big happy family...

... spinning our ways to better health and more fun.

Who knows, maybe they'll be like you and join the incredibly awesome PEDALposse?

Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

FOR SURE, THE FASTEST I EVER COVERED THE DISTANCE THROUGH CAMP PENDLETON MARINE BASE WAS NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO.  I know what you're thinking, that it would be impossible because today's bikes are so much faster...

... not as fast as this bike.

First off, it was powered by not one rider but two.  Not just any two riders, but John Howard and some other superstar...

... and the bike had a fairing!

Yep, and tandem with a fairing.

This was on the world famous Swami's Wednesday ride - still one of the fastest rides around.  Back in those days all the top pro triathletes hit that ride:  Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, Dave Scott.

On this particular day, it was said tandem on the front doing major damage.

Tacked on their wheel was the incredible Kenny Souza, World Champion duathlete.

Behind him, little ol' me.

We burst through the final gate into San Onofre Campground, pegged the whole way over 30mph.

It was all I, or Kenny, could do to hang on.  

Nobody was sharing pulls.

As we cleared the gate, I looked back...

... mainly to see if I could fall back a few wheels and recover.

Nobody there.

50+ cats, gone.

Obliterated.

Now, I think about that fairing a lot.  To this day, it's an impressive memory.

Every time I zip tie a numberplate on my bike I put it as vertical and square as possible.  There is absolutely no science behind it, just the memory of that insanely fast bike...

... until today!

A company called Ribble announced a bike with a handlebar designed to create drag to break up the air around a racer's leg.  Kinda like a handlebar acting like a mini-fairing.

I suppose I could do some low budget wind testing coasting with and without a plate down a local hill.

But, I think the real point is not to fret that our aero bike just got slower because the race promoter wants a number plate up front...

... or maybe it's just a way for me to share a story about the fastest I ever rode that famous section.

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Hard to believe, but this was pre-helmet days.  Maybe a hairnet.  These days I'm all for helmets, especially KASK.

The Protone is a great all arounder.  The Valegro I like for MTB.  The Utopia for speed.  The Rapido a great value.

Use promo code FAIRING

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

ON A BIKE RIDE, YEARS AGO, I MET A MAN TRYING TO BUILD THE STATUE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THE WEST COAST to balance the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast. It wasn't his idea, it's Victor Frankl's, he was tasked/called to make it happen...

... I wanted to know more.

Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning, had, and continues to have, a great impact on my thinking.  In fact, I would say it is the basis of my belief that PRs are better than KOMs...

... why I'm always happy with any race result as long as my best efforts were given.

But, that's not Responsibility.

The statue is based on the concept that we have a responsibility to reach down and help those who need a hand.

It's beatiful,
stunning.

I think this is a noble idea.  However, I propose it should be anchored with the wisdom of another great man I learned about after a ride once, talking to my friend Dan...

The best thing you can do for me is to take care of you.
- Jim Rohn.

We all have the liberty to ride bikes. 

We have a responsibility to maintain them, ride safely and carry the appropriate tools and nutrition to complete a successful outing...

... at least you do if you want to ride with me.

Accidents will happen, parts will fail, food will be forgotten and those of us who can will help out...

... much more willingly if you've done your part.

Funny thing is, the best help never comes from a sense of duty or responsibility or coercion...

... it comes from love.

Maybe we need a Statue of Love in the center of the country. 

What if we had a new RAAM route, from Responsibility through Love to Liberty?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

Here's what I'd be fueling with on such a ride.

Use promo code RESPONSIBILITY

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

---

WHAT MOST DIDN'T SEE IN THE FACES OF THE RACERS TONIGHT IS WHAT LIES BENEATH THE HELMET.  Trust me on this, because I know a lot of these cats, there are amazing stores of triumph and defeat...

... these are the real spokes in our communal wheel.

We develop them over the miles we share together.  We listen, we talk, we console...

... and we help...

... because we see real acts of courage and bravery.

Here's a glimpse:  parents of a severely handicapped children, spouse relapsing with cancer, job loss, addiction battles, etc.

The questions people ask us and the answers we never give.

Why do we race?

Part of it is straight up self-medication.

Isn't that hard, to ride up a mountain like that?

Try ________, that's hard.

How do you go without cake/candy/donuts?

Look, I'm dealing with _____ I need every advantage I can get.

Yes, I was overcome with love for our people tonight.  Seeing them covered in dirt and grime and sweat...

... and still smiling and happy and congratulatory.

These cats are truly courageous and brave...

... I bet you are, too.

--- 

Tip of the hat to Rod Stewart's Forever Young for the title.

---

If there's a local legend in your life...

... maybe they need this limited edition t-shirt?

I'm making a very limited run of these for the PEDALposse, which they will receive for free...

... and you can purchase here

https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt

Orders MUST BE PLACED by 8/18, end of day.

This is dirt and grime and sweat

These are smiles, covered in dirt and grime and sweat (courtesy Crazy Mike)

Chris brings the Jarrito's every week.

Bow sent me this, talk about a climb that stings

---

Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries 

I REALLY DON'T LOVE RECOGNITION AS MUCH AS THE NEXT GUY.  Do you?  Maybe I've been at this too long.  Maybe I'm a grumpy old cat.  Maybe I'm just awesomely well adjusted, nah.  Whatever it is, about once a week...

... I'm reminded of how much I loathe participation awards.

You know what I'm talking about right?  You get 'em all the time, don't you?  

The worst part...

... as much as they disgust me, it's kinda true, but not for their reasons.

I reckon you are just as worthy.

You're the cat all the neighbor kids ask about bike stuff.  

What should I get?

How do I  ___?

Where should I ride?

Who will win the Tourlympics ___?

When should I upgrade?

Congratulations.  You really are a Local Legend, for all the right reasons.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt

If you've got a sense of humor, 
or an under appreciated friend

I'm making a very limited run of these for the PEDALposse, which they will receive for free...

... and you can purchase here

https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt

Orders MUST BE PLACED by 8/18, end of day.

---

WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CAMERAS IN BIKE RACING.  Sometimes we do, most times we don't.  As a result, it can be hard has helk...

... to know the result.

It all depends on our point of view.  

Take a sprint finish.

The head on view is nearly impossible to gauge who won let alone how it went down.

Add a side view and we get a sense of the tremendous speed at which the cats are racing.

Bring in a top view and we get an idea of how it's unfolding.

With a GoPro mounted on a bike the danger and explosiveness gets revealed.

Slow it all down and we are immersed in the drama.

Most decisions are infinitely better with various points of view.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

Yet another reason to have an awesomely accurate pressure gauge.

Most pumps are moderately accurate.

Use promo code: POV

---

ABOUT A YEAR AGO I RAN INTO MY FRIEND JOHNNY O'MARA ON AN MTB RIDE.  (O'Show, as he's known, is a former World Champ MX racer and multitime MTB National Champ.) He was training with a young kid, 17ish, Jet Lawrence.  Fast forward to today, searching for La Vuelta, I landed on a motocross race...

... and there's Johnny coaching the same kid to a huge pro victory.

Jet looked incredibly at ease and relaxed...

... which is exactly what we look for in a coach, someone to help get our heads straight.

I finally found La Vuelta, and the last man off in the TT is last year's winner Primoz Roglic.  Sure, he just won a gold medal in the Olympic TT but this course was super technical.  I wondered if his string of nasty crashes at The Tour would factor...

... you'd never know by the way he attacked each corner.

Spoiler alert:  he destroyed his competition and won the stage.

Later I pulled up the Leadville100 results.  I was anxious to see how my pals fared.  It is so hard to race at 10,000'...

... they all ripped it up.

Earlier in the day, I'd been riding the ridge opposite one of our local trails.  It's a steep single track that can easily get out of hand if you're not paying attention...

... appropriately named Mentally Sensitive.

You can't really tell how steep it is from this angle, but I think that's the thing about watching someone winning and ripping...

... it's hard to appreciate the mental battle they conquered long before the victory.

Part of that mental battle is daily...

... specifically, what are we doing to be strong?

I posted already about this book, but it deserves a reminder, and it's emphasis on the holy trinity of strength: PullUps, Burpees, Squats.

Thought about all ride, as I indoctrinate the initial group of Slayers.

A few shots I took along the way to my favorite reward.

Rewards are a big part of the mental game.

So is confidence, and I can't say enough about how confident I am with these Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires

Use promo code: MENTALLYSENSITIVE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires

---

THE PROBLEM WITH GOING TOO FAST isn't actually going to fast.  Unanticipated problems can crop up for sure, from equipment failure to plain ol' loss of control.  But, the real issue is...

... how we see speed.

If it's the first time we've ever hit 50, on bike with not much more than underpants for protection, that's gonna look different than if we've done it 100 times.

---

Sometimes I think it would be better to call our riding between races Practice instead of Training. 

Training, stressful.

Training feels like we know what to do and we are just grooving it in.

Practice feels more playful, like it's okay to try several different approaches into a turn or off a jump. 

Practice, fun.

---

How we see a problem, like too much speed, determines how we react.

How we react determines quality of life.

---

I hope you get in some good practice this weekend.

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

When I practice, I always want a good firm connection to my bars.

That's why I love these gloves.

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

---

AS THE INITIAL GROUP OF GUINEA PIGS GOES THROUGH THE PEDALslayer PROGRAM, I thought I'd riff on some of the things we're doing.  One is keeping track of our weight and sleep...

... what's get measured gets managed.

There are obvious and not so obvious reasons to measure these two metrics.

Obvious:

Tracking weight and sharing it with each other is a motivator by itself.  It's gratifying to hit our power to weight goals.

Not so obvious:

Weighing ourselves each day gives immediate feedback on our diet choices in the previous 24 hours.  There's a lot to learn there.

Obvious:

Well, is this obvious to you?  Sleep, proper sleep, is a super power.  Too often we discount the affects of sleep on physical performance.  Those that have fitness trackers like Whoop are keenly aware of the affect of sleep on their overall readiness to compete.

Not so obvious:

We are measuring time in bed, just the act of getting to be on time goes a long way to getting proper sleep.

If you're reading this in the morning, weigh yourself...

... in the evening, get into bed on time.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

Speaking of lifestyle changes...

... modest is hottest...

... check out the vintage photo version collab with the Horton Collection.

Use promo code: MEASURE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

---

I RAN INTO MY PAL WOODY LAST NIGHT AT THE RACE.  His arm was in a sling.

What happened?

Crashed.

Where?

Big Bear.

Racing?

Enduro, first one I ever did. 

You probably would have won.

I know.

How? (He's super fast and talented)

I have video.

Let's see it.

We watched it.  Regular speed.  SloMo.  Backwards.

There it was, clear as a new Oakley lens, coming out of a turn he clipped a little rock which changed his exit angle sending him shoulder first into an immovable pine.

Ouch!  

3 broken bones.

Surgery?

Nope, just take it easy.

So, did you catch the first thing to do after a crash?...

... and I'm talking about after taking stock of body and bike.

The first thing to do is figure out the cause.  He happened to have actual video, but we all have our own video running all the time in our heads.  

Rewind and review.

Learn from it.

Take note of the surface you were riding on.  Tire pressure.  Cats you were battling, if you were.  State of your equipment.  State of mind, distracted or focused.

Figure it.

Catalog it.

And move on.

If we don't stop and pause and reflect we are destined to repeat our errors...

... which reminds me of the number one mistake I see people make...

... their heads are down, not looking far enough ahead.

A wise man once said, Where there is no vision the people perish.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

The funniest lesson I ever learned was when I rolled out sans helmet.  I was barely moving.  Looking straight down adjusting something and ran straight into a parked car, launched forward and rang my bell good.

Now, I'm always covered in style and comfort.

If I had to chose one, it'd be the Protone.  Super comfy.

Use promo code: REVIEW 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

Beautiful evening.

---

I GOT WHACKED TONIGHT.  It's the local MTB race - 700+ racers every week.  Halfway through the season and I thought I'd stick my head in an give it a whirl...

... nearly had it removed.

But, that's the thing about racing.  We all have a the will to win.  It's not enough. Read on.

Then the gun went and my pal Kurt, the series leader, went to the front and drilled it.

We never caught him...

... especially me.

I was actually feeling really good on the first lap.  With some really good guys, in the top five.  So much so I thought I could bridge up to Kurt if I wanted, or that with our rotation we'd eventually catch him.

The second lap, hurt a bit more.

These short races, under an hour, are hell.  All out, not at all what I've been working on.  Trust me, these cats are battle hardened halfway through the season.

The third lap, hurt a lot...

... I pulled the plug halfway through and promptly lost 2 minutes.

The will to win, that's easy...

... the will to prepare, that's difference between the champions and the pack fodder.

I rode a fourth lap, just to contemplate how bad of a beating I'd received. 

From 2nd to 7th in one lap.  That's an impressive move.  The question I was asking myself was this...

... do I have the will to prepare for this kind of racing?

At a minimum, I need to finish strong.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion

Probably, especially since it will help me prep for Sea Otter.

And of course, I'll be lathering up with PR Lotion for the race and the race specific training.

It's that good.

If you haven't tried it...

... are you crazy?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion

There is nothing like the afterglow of a good beating.  I sat long after everyone was gone, soaking up the moment and enjoying the sunset

It's always great to see so many friends.

---

I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE SAME PROVEN SYSTEM FOR NEARLY A DECADE NOW.  Whatever event is on the horizon, I use the same10 week program to get my buns toughened up and in racing shape...

... I just plug in a few data points and out pops a specific recipe.

It's not just miles in saddle.  It's off the bike training.  Food.  Recovery.  The whole kit and kahelmet.

I like to think of it as baking.

Pre-heat.

Mix the ingredients.

Put in the oven.

Wait 10 weeks.

Let cool.

Slay the course.

Before I make it available to the masses...
... I'd like to test it with a few lads and lasses. 

If you're interested, LMK only looking for a handful.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion

In the meantime, I'm going over my checklist for tomorrow night's local MTB race.

The first time I ever used this I had an amazing night, now I don't race without it.

If you haven't tried it, that's okay.  The rest of us like slaying the course.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion

---

AS WE ROLL TOWARDS FALL, I can see my calendar could be jam packed.  There are a million events.  Some are normally in the Spring but were pushed back, some are new, some I've done a bunch...

... and some I've never done.

That said, it's time to pick and chose. 

Can't do 'em all.  

Can't all be A's.

I've narrowed it down to BWR Cedar City, a gravel race.  Sea Otter, the mega event.  And Sagebrush Safari.

September.

October.

November.

None of which includes OverTheHump, our weekly MTB series; nor The unOFFICIAL TMWC, our once a year throw down on the weekly group ride.

BWR is one I've always wanted to do.  It's a gravel race.  To be honest, I don't know what to make out of gravel racing.  Is it really racing?  It doesn't seem like it.  The few I've done have felt more like survival contests.  

Sea Otter I've done many times, but we're thinking it would be fun to add the Enduro on the first day.  Then the Circuit Race.  After that, it's a toss up at this point between the Gravel race and the XC.  Either way, 3-4 days or racing will be fun.

Sagebrush Safari is another I've always wanted to do.  We pre-rode it 2020.  Super fun and long MTB race with miles of singletrack.

Which is the A?

For sure not BWR because... gravel.  I still don't get it.  Love riding it, just don't get the racing component.

Sea Otter's Circuit Race is by far the best race on the calendar for my natural abilities.  But, it's so short and so far away I'm not sure I can call it an A.  

Sagebrush's opening 7 mile fire road climb is far from being one of my strengths.  However, the miles and miles of singletrack that follow make it very intriguing because it's much more my style when it comes to MTB.

This week I'll start filling in the RaceDay Calendar™.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Yep, the same one where I committed to two big goals already this year:  snag a Silver Corral for Leadville - mission accomplished; Win LoToJa - which I'm not going to attend this year.

4+ months left...

... to chase 1 giant goal.

I'm not sure what it will be yet...

... but I'm dawgawn sure if it doesn't get written down...

... it ain't gonna happen.

Use promo code: LETSRIP

To save 50% on remaining 2021 calendars.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

---

FUNNY HAIR, LOWERED BITURBO MERC 450.  I'm thinking, look at this young kid.  He gets out, grabs a coffee and sits next to me.

How's that car?

Amazing, it's my first major purchase.  

New?

2016, I wanted it for year.  When I scored a big part I went for it.

Nice.

Right then, I knew this was going to be more than a casual convo.  This kid had cracked the code at a young age.

Turns out he learned the hotel management biz, wound up in Thailand for a year building and managing a 5-Star hotel before returning stateside to pursue acting.

I love traveling.

The world has much to offer.

That year in Thailand changed my life.  We have incredible opportunity and bounty.  They make $10/day.

What's next?

I want to score 1 big part, use that to travel the world's coffee shops and come back and build a shop with the best coffees in the world.

 Yep, he's cracked the code alright. 

It's the same code we use to shred singletrack, focusing only on the trail and none of the dangers or obstacles.

Which is why this is part of the PEDALposse mantra...

I look only where I want to go, and move as if I'm already there.

One of the joys of riding alone is the people we meet along the way, riding or not...

... funny thing is there's usually a riding connection.  Turns out Austin Klenk's mom is an avid mountain biker.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags

I wanted to tell Austin about how much his mom would love a RaceDay Bag™, but I figured we'll be meeting again when he's in town next...

... would be fun to make her a custom bag.  Is there a better gift for bike riders and racers?

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags

If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

We all make a of choices along the ride through life, the secret is to keep moving towards what we want.  The perspective isn't quite right, but I had a choice to make here both trails are rippers.  I chose left.

Rode with the characters for the first 90 minutes.

---

IT'S AN OLD JOKE, one that is totally on those who don't get it.  It's such a most excellent retort to the shock of someone who doesn't comprehend what we're up to that every now and then...

... they wake up before they're pushing up roses.

I can't believe you spent that much on a bike?!!

If you think the bike is expensive, try our poor physical and mental health.

It can be too blunt for some, but they're the ones who need it the most...

... remember, it ain't mean if delivered with love.

The pic above shows a new split in a local trail. 

The right side is the original route, it goes up and does a turn.  It takes longer, it's harder and more demanding.

The left side is a short cut, straight and smooth, and requires much less effort.

I thought this rock summed it up best.

I hope you can get out for a great ride this weekend...

... may your tires be properly pumped

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

No kidding, one of my favorite gadgets...

... especially since my pump's gauge accuracy is a little shaky.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

I ASKED MY DYING FRIEND IF HE HAD ANY LAST WORDS TODAY.  He's 93, and has been a dad to me for nearly 50 years.  Much of that time he was the best athlete in my life, a natural who might have gone pro...

... instead, he chose to serve his adopted country.

He was quiet.

I don't have anything to say.

That's a first.

Reverential silence.  A bite of donut, a sip of coffee.

Ok, remember to treat yourself well.  You never know when He's going to take you.

I like that.  Thank you.

It pretty sums up his approach to everything.  He's always treated himself well, and I think that's part of the key to the vigorous and productive life he has led up until recently...

... it's also the key to finishing anything strong.

So many times during those final miles we (me for sure) forget to drink and eat.  Or, we just don't want to.  We're exhausted, it doesn't sound good...

... yet, if we'd just treat ourselves well by eating and drinking we'd finish much stronger.

But, it's not just there during the race.

It's in the prep, the training, the recovery, the equipment, the coaching, the reading, etc.  All that adds up to getting us in the best shape of our lives...

... so we can kick arse in everything we do.

The PEDALposse mantra begins with, I determine my results on and off the bike.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes/products/bikeshop-ceramicspeed-ufo-chain-lube-drip-180ml

My friend Eric treated himself well today when he purchased my favorite lube.

I can't say enough about how well this lube performs and how long it lasts.

Truly amazing.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes/products/bikeshop-ceramicspeed-ufo-chain-lube-drip-180ml

If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

THE GREAT STEVEN COVEY IMPLORED US TO BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND.  It's terrific advice.  Visualize the end we want to accomplish and move forward accordingly.  But, when shyte gits real, like the middle of a big race...

... the end can seem too far away.

For me, when that happens, the only way forward is to remember how things began.

Full of hope and promise,
Healthy and happy,
Ready to roar.

This seemed like a good idea not too long ago.  I know I started off right.  I know I want to finish right.  Let's get it on.

Those ideas and thoughts can center me when doubt and fear and pain creeps in.

But, there's one more thing I'm having a hard time putting into words.  It's that moment when it seems unbearable and I ask myself...

... If I'm going to finish as planned, what is the next thing I need to do I need right now?  What do I need to change?  How can I be better?   What is the outcome I really want?

Maybe I'm not talking about racing specifically? 

Maybe it's anything difficult we've committed to see through?

Whatever it is, I know there is a moment when quitting seems like the better option and every single time I've pushed through and made the changes I needed to make there has been a beautiful prize on the other side of that I never would have received if I'd relented for the briefest of period of time.

ALWAYS finish the race is part of our PEDALposse mantra...

... and when you finish, change in style.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos

If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

THERE'S SOMETHING I DID LAST WEEKEND AT THE LEADVILLE STAGE RACE THAT YOU OUGHTA KNOW ABOUT.  I ripped PRs on almost every section of the course.  Granted, it was a stage race vs the normal 1 day 100 mile format, but still... 

... a PR is a PR.

I doubled down, tripled down?, on PR Lotion and Lactigo.  Before 'xplain it, let me just say when stage racing...

... recovery is key.

Not only did I feel great every day, but I had a truly great performance on the last day...

... because I was chasing a ghost.

Matt, from San Diego, and I connected at the start line.  We'd been riding together on and off throughout the weekend. 

He took off hard at the start with the leaders.  I couldn't quite hang on, and found myself with a couple of other cats.  We came around a corner 12 minutes later and there he was on the side of the road.  I encouraged him to hurry - no way I was stopping.

The three of us were rotating pretty good.  I was starting to get my legs and settle in.  Looking back, I could see Matt was closing.  

He caught us, recovered a bit, and pulled through.  A gap opened so I closed it.  We never saw the other two again.  Instead, we started rotating and closing in on riders ahead of us.

Fast forward to the feared Powerline climb...

... Matt drops me, slowly, rocky by rock.

Finally he's out of sight.  But, I'm still going strong and I am pretty sure I can descend faster than him.

At the top, I uncork it all and really hammer...

... I'm hellbent on catching him.

Up the paved climb to Carter Summit I'm feeling amazing.  Stomping on the pedals, out of the saddle.  I drop a youngun' about the size of a toothpick...

... it's on.

Down St. Kevin's on a blistering pace, bursting out into the valley, I'm in a full aero, TT position putting down the power...

... where is that cat?

At the bottom of the Boulevard, the watts are still strong.

How much further?

'bout 3 miles.

Three miles from the last aid station to the finish. 

I'm flying.  A light drizzle tickles my cheeks.  It feels so good to be ripping up this gravel road that has broken my heart so many times...

.. but still no sign of Matt.

Up the final climb, into the rodeo corral, across the line...

... in record time.

So fast, in fact, that I've wildly exceeded my expectations and cracked 7.5 hrs aggregate time.

Gasping for air, with my finisher's medal around my neck...

... Matt crosses the line, 5ish minutes back.

I waive him down.

Where'd you go?

I stopped to help the kid with the broken chain.

You're a freaking stud!

He must be, because I doubt he used this double/triple secret.

Each morning, at 630am I put on a thick coat of PR lotion.  Then, put on a second layer about 815am when I slipped on my kit.

That's the double part.

Here's the triple.

After each stage I showered, dried, and put on Lactigo. 

Then, lay on my back with my legs against the wall.  As I lay there, I reached up to my legs and dug my fingers in and pulled/squeezed down from ankles to nethers.  The lactigo is real slimly until it dries.  

Of course, I also got a good 20 minutes of HyperVolt on the legs after that and pounded a bottle of Skratch Recovery after each stage.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery

I guess if you look at it like that, I quadrupled down.

If you want to save about $100 on those products, you gotta join the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

A LOT GOES INTO AN EPIC EVENT.  The training, the travel, the bike, the rest of the gear, it is all important.  Nothing is left to chance, which is why when you come upon another cat doing the race...

... there's an instant bond.

Whether it's a chance meeting en route or rubbing shoulders on the start line there's a deep appreciation for what it takes to be there at that moment...

... because it's stressful.

Whatever our aspirations, we want all to go well for ourselves and everybody else.  In fact, we usually end up helping a fair amount of people along the way.  Could be just sharing the load against the wind or sharing salt tabs or a tube.

When it's over, regardless of the outcomes it's time to decompress.

Give the bike a day off, or more.

Ride with no intent, or not at all.

Eat less monk-like.

Sleep.  In.

Rest.

It's also time reflect.

What would I do different?

What went right?

Wrong?

Answering these questions now, while the memories are fresh, is not only helpful for the next event...

... it's the only way to truly decompress.

At least for me, I'm much more likely to relax and reset knowing the insights and knowledge have been stored and cataloged for future use.

Then again, looking at these pics, maybe it wasn't that stressful?

Finally got the small town, greasy spoon breakfast I was craving all trip.

Have you checked out the PEDALposse?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PLAN TO WIN LEADVILLE.  I’m not one of them.  The rest of us are going for time, because if you go fast enough you get...

... a giant belt buckle.

To get to Leadville you have to qualify or lottery in.  Those who qualify get lined up in corrals at the front of thousands of others...

... they also get a cool gold coin.

That was my goal this weekend, get the coin.

After stage 1, I thought I could get a coin but getting a coveted frontish corral seemed out of reach.

Yesterday things swung around and it looked pretty good.

Then, as I was tidying up the bike last night, I noticed 2 lugs had been torn off the sidewall and I could see some of the rear tire’s casing.

These are things you do not want to notice the night before a race,
far from home,
without all your tools.

Not too fear, I had just replaced, and kept, my old front time.  All I have to do is scoot over to the start early and have the mechanic there hook me up.

No problem.

Except, 30 minutes before the race start, my bike is hanging in the stand and no tire.

Can’t get that old tire to seat.
Ok, let’s put the original back on.
It’s not seating either.
Did you pull the valve core out?

He shuffles through his toolbox and removes the valve core.  It airs right up and seats.
How much pressure do you want?
22lbs would be great.

I slipped him $20 and thanked him for his efforts.

But, it got me thinking...

... isn’t awesome to have great support when it’s time to deliver?

Which brings up how well today went. 

Surfergirl and I went over the logistics, we drove the course, we marked up the map.  Covered it all forward and backward.  This is what you do...

... when you want the gold coin.

The tire held, I got my bottle handups, and had the best ride of the 3 days.  10^th overall, 3^rd in my age group, gold coin, and the silver corral with 2 and half minutes to spare.

Hellyeah!

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I rode all of today's stage with my KOM in my back center jersey pocket.

Couldn't even feel it.

It's that light.

Because the KOM jacket was made for climbing mountains.

A breathable membrane that repels water and wind.

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---

PREDICTION FOR THIS MORNING WAS RAIN.  I went to bed happy.  Weather doesn't usually bother me.  The only question I had was... 

... was changing to an oval 32 from a round 34 wise?

I have experienced many bad days on Columbine, today's climb.  It tops out at 12,500', and the top is very steep and somewhat rocky.  I've never cleaned it...

... I've always had to dismount.

We started with a burst, racing a half mile up the jeep road with the aim of getting to the rocky single track early.

It hurt.

Within 10 minutes we were on the climb.  Groups of 3-6 riders were working up the straight, barren road.  

A left turn, and into the trees. 

Aspens and pines.

No more groups.

Single riders.

Slowly passing and being passed.

Being from sea level, I still can't get my h.r. up over 160 without going into oxygen debt.  When I do get near 160, I'm panting like a dog.

The good news is the overnight rain left the climb packed and fast...

... and the weather was perfect.

Standing up on a climb like this and having traction to put down power is a unique opportunity.  

It felt good.

And that new oval ring felt terrific, no adjustment period at all.

Rounding the final turn in the trees, the road gets very rocky.  One lineish.  I could see solo riders up the final exposed 2 miles.  

Just ahead a rider dismounts.  

I know that feeling, so I think.  But, actually, this poor cat busted his chain.  I grind on.

It's slow going.

I think back to the Crusher In The Tushar earlier in the month.  Like then, I swear there is now way I'm getting off this bike.  

No cramps today.

About a half mile from the top is a straight section.  It's very difficult.  I've been slowly catching the cat in front.  He's been walking and riding as the terrain steepens.  If I can just get up this last section...

... yes, cleaned it all.

Now for the fun stuff, ripping all the way back to the start.

The traction was so good.

Coming back up the last single track I felt really good.  The recovery strategies are working.

Nothing changed in the standings.  13th overall on the day, 12th with both stages, 3rd in my age group.  

It's raining again, tomorrow will be great.

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If it does rain during stage 3...

... no big deal.

Because the KOM jacket was made for climbing mountains.

It's extremely light.

A breathable membrane that repels water and wind.

Use promo code: 

KOMjacket

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

IT'S EASY TO FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE AFTER A RACE.  I wish I would have done this differently, I can't believe I was so slow on that section, what was I thinking try to do?...

... so, let's focus on the positive.

I finished with a smile.

Bike worked perfectly.

PR'd a few of the climbs.

I'm just off my time from '19.

12th overall, 3rd in my age group.

6th on Powerline DH.

I took no chances and had my bike on the front of Start Line at 830am.  Hit the dirt in top 20.  Settled in and let the Old Diesel do his thing on the climbs.

The thing that was so much harder today, on the stage race, is there are only 300 racers.  Which means, if you're in the top 20-30 places there aren't the big draft trains along the paved and flatter sections. 

I rode alone from the base of Power Line until the dirt at Pipeline.  Lots of wind.  On the big 100 miles in 1 day, that is a place where you can really fly because you're in a group of 10-15.

The coolest part of the day was having racers from all over the country come up and introduce themselves and tell me about how life changing the RaceDay Bag™ has been...

... totally made my day.

Just awesome athletes from all over the country.  Connecting.

Okay, here's the crazy thing I'm going to do. 

I don't recommend this at all, but I feel the need for a smaller chainring.

Cycles of life has a 32, I currently run a 34.  

The 32 is not a big deal...

... but, it's oval.

I've ridden oval rings before.  I didn't see it as a game changer, I have a pretty smooth spin, and didn't go with it on the BMC.

There is only 1 reason to make this change...

... the climbs here are long and steep and I was in my 52 and 44 quite a bit.

The massive Columbine climb is tomorrow's stage.  11 miles up to 12,500', and 11 miles down.

Then Sunday is the hideous Power Line climb, which I've only cleaned once.  That was in training.  All the other times I've done the walk of shame.

Like I say, I would never recommend such a change.  But, I ran a 32 x 10-50 last time and I felt like I was grinding just a bit in the 42 and 36 today... and I def remember struggling with the 50 last time.

It's not a huge risk, and could be a huge pay off.

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... there is no better value at PEDALindustries than the fast growing PEDALposse.

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This cat from Kentucky and I worked well together... our group of 8 blew up after Pipeline.

Caught a few in the parking lot as we geared up.

Jackson from UT.

The Rooster Racers from AZ

Mike, from Indiana, tracked me down at the finish.  His video on Insta is classic.

The McKinney boys got custom bags, gloves and socks.

---

WE BOONDOCKED IT LAST NIGHT.  Just passed Minturn we found a little gravel road and parked at wide spot.  It was pitch black, no moon yet.  It can be a little spooky...

... but the morning brought us glory.

It was inspiring.

So much so that I wrote the PEDALposse mantra.

I AM A RACER

I DETERMINE my results, on and off the bike.  I deserve to win because I put in the WORK.  I AM POWERFUL.  Time is my ally; I am CONSTANTLY IMPROVING by treating ever day as prep for raceday.  I celebrate and ENCOURAGE everyone’s success.  I am a natural born ATHLETE consuming only the best for my body, mind and soul.  I LOOK WHERE I WANT TO GO and move as if I’m already there.  I ALWAYS FINISH the race.  Winning begets winning.  PRs are the greatest of all wins.  I am GRATEFUL for every result.  When chaos rains, I know a breakthrough is coming soon.  With my excellent health and racer’s wisdom I MASTERFULLY care for those I love.  I radiate POSITIVITY.  My ATTITUDE determines my altitude.  I choose INTEGRITY over ease.  I share the racer MINDSET with everyone.  Sharing is GROWTH.  I am HUNGRY like a wolf.  I FLY like an eagle.

I AM A RACER.

If that resonates with you...

... check this out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

Not bad for free.

Wouldn't this inspire you?  I posted the video on Instagram.

Looking the other direction

Grabbing some serenity at the top of the St. Kevin's climb.

These are the course markers, and my palms sweat just thinking about them

Just need to repeat the mantra, especially the close...

... I'm hungry like I wolf, and I fly like an eagle.

You really oughta check this out...

... I'm updating the page all the time:  

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse

---

OTHER THAN THE 2ND AND 3RD TIMES I RACED LEADVILLE, I've always done it on a different bike.  A soft tail, a hard tail, and lots of fulls...

... the experience is always slightly different because of that.

This time I'm rocking the BMC 4Stroke.  A very similar bike to the Scott Spark from 2 years ago.

Twin Lock is basically the same on each bike, and a game changer over other suspension approaches.  With the flick of my thumb I have 3 different suspension settings:  fully rigid, fully open and plush, and a mid point called traction control.

The BMC geometry is slightly more raked, which is awesome for fast steep stuff.  At Leadville, there is plenty of fast steep stuff.

Being newer, 2021, the BMC gets the electric shifting which I have learned to love and trust.  It's fast and precise

The last difference of note is the integrated dropper post.  Not only is it great when the terrain gets tricky and snappy, but there is something else awesome.  Tucking on the dropper is way faster than without it.  The aerodynamic advantages are real, and I'll be using it a lot.

But, here's the thing.

The biggest difference this weekend, which I have no idea how I'll react to, is that we are racing the 100 miles over 3 days instead of 1.

Do I just go for it on the first day, holding back nothing?

Do I keep it somewhat in check, unleashing everything I've got on Day 2's huge ascent up Columbine?

Or, do I save it all for Day 3, where based on the recorded times, everybody seems to fade.

I have no reference point for this other than the Cactus Cup.  But, those 3 stages are very different:  a short TT, a 3 hour MTB XC, and an enduro.  Where this weekend is 3 solid XC races of 2.5-3 hrs at an elevation over 10,000'.

This unknown is one of the things I enjoy so much about racing.  

There is only one factor that hasn't changed over the years...

... the desire to do my best, regardless of the outcome.

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I like to bust out the red helmet and red socks on raceday.  There's something about it.

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PS... We stopped at Glenwood Springs for dinner at The Pullman.  I've eaten here successfully many times - the food and the racing.

The pic below is where I set up to write.  That's the Colorado River down below and the famous hot sprints on the other side.  Those train tracks are for the Zephyr, which runs between here and CA.

---

---

AT 4PM YESTERDAY I COULD FEEL IRRITATION IN MY SINUSES AND A TWITCH IN MY THROAT.  I looked at my daughter, pail and clearly suffering a summer cold...

... dawgawn kids.

She knew my only A race of the summer is in a scant 3 days.  As she left to go home and sleep, she looked at me and said... 

... Don't worry dad drink a lot of water and get some vitamin C.

She was calm.

I was in a full panic.

Her advice was solid, but there was one more tool to add to the mix...

... Zicam. 

I went immediately to the grocery store and scored a pack.  And, I've taken the max dosage, plus gallons of water and handfuls of vitamin C...

... and a solid night's sleep.

This afternoon Surfergirl wanted to go for an easy spin,

Ugh.

Ok.

I kitted up in a hurry, hustled out the door and looked at my Wahoo.

116 bpm.

No bueno.

I settled in behind the wheel and drove to the trailhead.  Looked at the Wahoo again.

55 bpm

That's more like it.

Now it would be a question of watching it as I lazily climbed up the mountain.  If it dropped fast, things were good.  If it stayed pegged...

... the h.r. rose and dropped with the terrain.

Perfect.

Now it's just a matter of getting the rest, staying on the regimen and thinking positive healthy thoughts...

... yes, I'm woowoo with positivity.

---

This was such a relief to see.

We've been getting rain every afternoon... the trails are excellent.

So, I had to uncork it a bit on the way down.

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Made myself a tall, chocolate goodness when I got back.

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---

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN ENEMY, even if it's made up.  Someone you can single out and say No matter what, that cat ain't beating me today. They can bring out the best in us...

... but, you know what's even better?

Wanting and helping your friends to win,
to snag the PR,
to qualify for the big race.

It's like a superpower.

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---

THE ONLY TIME I CARE ABOUT HOW MANY MILES I'VE RIDDEN is when I'm trying to work out how many miles remain to the finish line.  The rest of the time...

... I only care about time.

How many hours I've ridden that block or week or day.

That's it.

Time modifies everything. 

This is one of the greatest lessons endurance athletes learn early on...

... more time equals more speed.

And it's corollary...

... better time equals better speed.

I was reminded of that at dinner with a friend tonight.

I've reached my limits.

How so?

I can't get faster.

Really?

Kind of, yeah.  The only thing I can do now is eat better.

He's right, he will get faster by eating better.  It just takes some time to show up.

He's also wrong, there is always something else to improve.

Always.

Isn't that great?

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Especially, when combined with the amazing Dynaplug.

The Dyna plus system is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.

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---

GRAVITY, YOU'RE BRINING ME DOWN sings the great John Mayer.  In the physical world, that is, of course, true.  But, you and I know...

... gravity also brings us up.

On our ride today, I learned one of the crew is checking in for their first round of chemo on Tuesday - no, I'm not going to tell you who.  I just happened to be lucky enough to tag along.

These are things we do when one of us has an untimely breakdown.

We get together.

We go for a ride.

The gravity of the situation is alleviated by the good vibes of the ride, the love and respect of the riders for each other...

... while busting the ups and ripping the downs.

This one tough cat, and will come out of chemo and head on to do the full LT100 in a few weeks.

Gawd, I love that.

In the live version of the aforementioned song, Mayer opens with...

... I have dreams.

We all do...

... sometimes we need little gravity to get us through the gravity.

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4 out of 5 riders agree...

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What are you waiting for... 

... look at that deal up there ^^^^^^

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---

If you haven't checked out our PEDALposse lately, click here.

Perfect conditions in Park City

Found my friend Jess Cerra's bars at the shop on the mountain

Expansive views abound.

We've been coming up here for 20+ years to ride in the summer... I've never seen lines like this, so good to see! (no lifts for me today, but they are great for all levels)

Things can get a little frisky on the lift if you're not careful.

---

WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, there are two main reasons I ride the way I do.  And I mean as an adult, because, like most, I'm indebted to Santa Clause for the red tricycle that gave me my start.  The first reason happened during the Fall of '85 and the second about 10 years later...

... today we had a grand reunion.

Not at a hotel or a clubhouse, like most reunions. 

This was our kinda thing.

High in the Uintas. 

On pristine gravel.

Talley, who in '85 brought a road bike into our college dwelling, and Jeff who in '94 got me back racing at a 24 hr MTB race... and who for years told me how wonderful gravel riding is...

... and yours Diesel, who has been paying it forward ever since.

About today's ride...

First, we met in Park City then drove east.  In my excitement to ride with the fellas, I managed to forget my phone and left my Wahoo on the MTB.  Not to fear, the data is easily sharable on Strava.

It had rained hard last night, which meant the roads were in great shape.  No dust, plenty tacky.

We had one long, somewhat gentle climb up to the high hills and meadows.  It's hard to imagine they exist.  Up near 10,000'.  But, there they are...

... rolling hills with grassy meadows.

It's quite magical.

The views are forever...

... just like our friendships.

The pace was slow enough to talk and catch up on life and fast enough to put the hurt on each other...

... 'cause that's what we do, amiright?

I think that's what I enjoy the most out of our PEDALposse.  We've all been invited and nudged to start riding and maintain lifelong fitness, and we're all known as the cat who everybody turns to for help amongst our diverse communities.

If you haven't checked out the PEDALposse lately, click here.

---

PEDALposse MEMBER GARY T'S RECOMMENDATION TO BE A LOW CARB ATHLETE GOT ME THINKING, but only after I picked up Ben Greenfield's book on the subject.  It's a quick read, so much so that it is filled with a lot of recipes I'll never use...

... except this recipe.

Not because of Ben's research on the subject, but because of Gary's success, which he shared with me at The Crusher.

Whether or not being a low carb athlete would be successful for you or me is not the point at all.  The point I want to make, and the one 98% of humans don't want to hear is...

... it only works for those with self-discipline.

You have it, right?

You say no to pancakes swimming in syrup and moist cookies with giant chocolate chips...

... oh, the list is long, so let me simplify it.

We, 100% of humans, are athletes.  As athletes we perform properly in all endeavors - not best or fastest, properly - when we eat food that strengthens, not poisons us.

Ben postulates we'll do better as low carb athletes.  If that's of interest, buy the book.  Digest it, and implement it.  At the very least, test the concepts out...

... Gary did and it's working great for him.

Me, I find sticking to non-processed food is darn close to what Ben is recommending.  

Funny thing is, once we go down the roads and trails of eating like athletes...

... it's a piece of cake to say No to cake.

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By the way, I do love natural maple syrup.  And Yes, I do eat pancakes when fueling up...

... but the syrup, I've been mainlining it on longer rides.

Storing it in this flask from Hammer.

Something else you may want to test out, eh?

Use promo code LOWCARB

The code is good on everything you find on the link below... oh, and the flask is down a bit on that link.

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---

WELP, THAT HURT.  10 days out from my A race and I thought it would be good to get some intensity in.  Just my luck, there's a local MTB midweek race not far from where we are staying...

... was it too hard?

The course was just silly.  Straight up for 3 miles, straight down for 1 mile, 1 mile flat through Start/Finish and do it again.  Being in a taper mode, I'm pretty fresh so while I was struggling to breath at 6000'...

... my numbers surprised me...

... partly because the data collector was in my back pocket vs on my bars.

For the actual race portion, ave HR 167/max 177 and ave est. power 257/max 1287.  Those are pretty good numbers for me and I think it's because we've been doing similar outputs...

... on our Hot Laps Wednesday.

Which brings me to my points:  there is nothing better than race specific training on the type of course you'll be racing...

... get as close as possible, it matters.

The best for me was having a good battle for, I think, 4th in Expert A.  The last lap I was caught and passed on the climb.  He was going strong.  But, I had a little advantage on the DH. 

I had passed him early on the first lap, and when he caught me  on the final climb I let him pass and encouraged him on, and he did the same for me going down a few minutes later. It was narrow enough and fast enough he could easily have blocked me, which would have made for a barbanger on the 1/2 mile flat to the finish... I love battling like that.  It's the best, bringing out the best in each other.

Ten days out, I'm feeling pretty on track.

 https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires

About halfway through I had a small puncture.  Sealant spraying out and quickly doing it's thing - Orange Seal.

I thought I might have to  jam a little dart in the hole, air up, and race on! 

It's a fast enough process, I would have been able to race on and probably only lose a few positions.

The Dyna plus system is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.

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---

IN A TINY, FORGOTTEN TOWN, A MAN NAMED JEFF STOPPED ME.  We'd been eyeing each other in the Cowboy Smokehouse between bites of excellent food.  I got up to leave and he shouted across the empty establishment...

... there was something about him and I wasn't sure I liked it.

Nice hat.

Like it?

Yep, every day is race day.

Ha... you race?

BMX.

I saw Nationals was in Vegas over the weekend, were you there?

Yep.

How'd you do?

I made all my mains and in the final this sunuvagun did a nose wheelie and blocked my line in the final turn.

Dang.

That's racing.

What category?

56-60 Open.

Tough group.

You know it.

Been at it long?

All my life.

No wonder you made the finals.

Yep.  I know I'm good for 30 seconds.  Not much more.  But, ya know, most guys my age are in terrible shape.  And, I'm still darn good for 30 seconds.

I didn't just like this cat, I loved him.  A badass, near 60.  Wiry.  Pure muscle.  But, the best part is...

... he knew what he was good for.

30 seconds.

For some reason, I reflected on that encounter while visiting a childhood home of Robert Leroy Parker today.  Maybe it was this line written on November 8, 1901...

... he has more lives than a dozen cats...

... because if you're planning a life full of adventure you better be in great shape.

You know else you might need, a good outlaw name, not that we are outlaws, but it is nice to have an alter ego and I thought this line was perfect...

... better known as, Butch Cassidy.

So, what's your outlaw name...

... and what are you good for?

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If you're tubeless and leading a life of adventure, ya might spring a leak from time to time.

These is the system I use for quickly plugging a tubeless tire.

It's super fast.

Just jam a little dart in the hole, air up, and ride on!

Plus, the systems is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.

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---

AFTER ONE OF THE FINEST HOURS OF SINGLE TRACK DESCENDING - that's one trail, straight down, for an hour - I'm feeling very renewed.  We came here for that experience, but I didn't expect the back drop we found...

... you see, the trails have been rebuilt since the '17 fire.

When stepping into George's Ski Shop it's easy to be blinded by the success of the place.  There is plenty of inventory, a casual confidence in the friendly faces, great rental equipment and expert trail guiding.  

They are busy.

The part we aren't seeing is the vision that people like George Hartlmaier and his decedents have had, and need to succeed, since the 1960's.

It's not always like this.

There are shut down summers, like '18 and '19, when the trails are closed due to fire damage and the subsequent excessive erosion.  There are winters when the snow is so sparse you'd think only a fool would subject themselves to the whims of nature.

It takes vision and passion to see beyond the immediate impossibilities at what could be...

... which is exactly why we have the treasure of George's Ski Shop.

I say treasure, because without people like the Hartlmaiers our journey today would not have been the same.

Mike, George Jr.'s son-in-law, picked us up from the bottom of the trail just after 9am.  He drove us to the top of Brianhead peak, 11000' feet.  Along the way, he shared tips for navigating the forest and his custom tailored map. 

At some point he said,

The burn area is kind of cool.  I mean it's not cool it burned, but it's cool to see nature coming back.  The aspens are about chest high now. Plus, the trails have been rebuilt better than before.  Better lines, berms and jumps.

I couldn't agree more with his assessment.  

There are a number of trails that lend themselves to George's shuttling service.

We'll probably do this one, Bunker Creek, again tomorrow.

It's that good.

But, it's only that good because of good people with great passion. 

There are countless people like this up here.  It's the same vibe and quality product at the Burger Barn... which is where the Bunker Creek Trail ends.

If you're ever passing through, I highly recommend you take a day or two to shred the gnar!..

... and remember, even the worst disasters like the fire of '17 have a seed of equal or greater blessing waiting for us.

Just like the trails were waiting for us this morning after yesterday's rain showers.  They were perfect.  Tacky. No dust.  Fast.  Flowy.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

It was a perfect morning for the KOM jacket because it was chilly at the top.  Along the way, after getting our blood flowing and the sun getting higher we tucked them into our back jersey pockets.

This is one of my most favoritest creations.

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https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE HIGH MOUNTAIN AIR?  It's crisp and clean and thin.  Gawd is it thin at 10000'.  And, it's clear.  Standing on a peak the vista must extend hundreds of miles...

... it just makes ya want to ride off into the distance to be heard from no more.

Maybe that's because when we're up this high there is nowhere to go but across the tops, though the high meadows of rugged grass and scrub, or to wend our way down through the pines into the valleys below.

It's appealing.

To descend.

But, I know the moment I reach the floor I'll turn my head around and see a new mountain, a new challenge...

... exhilaration awaits.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

One of the things I love about the high country is the unpredictability of the weather.  It can change quickly.  Sunny to rain to snow.

Today we were hiking, but had I been riding I'd have packed the KOM jacket.

It's wind and water resistant membrane is amazingly repellant.  Yet, it is so thin I can tuck it in my center jersey pocket.  No prob.

This is one of my most favoritest creations.

Use promo code MOUNTAINLOVE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets

---

BACK IN BRIANHEAD, UT.  They used to have National level races here.  They were huge MTB events.  I DNF'd a SuperD, and DRG'd a stage race in the SS division...

... but that was B.S.

The problem with B.S. is we have only our memories and maybe a journal entry or race plate with faded, scribbled notes.  Which means sometimes claimed results and time actually really are B.S...

... not simply Before Strava.

My DNF was classic. 

The SuperD was a Lemans style start, meaning we laid our bikes down and lined up for a 50 yard dash. 

I'm not much of a runner, and in my haste to get going I soared high above my saddle before crashing down on it.  Right away, I knew something was awry in my nether region.

But, I was racing.

Not stopping.

Yet.

My next blunder was crashing through babyheads (rocks the size of a baby's head) to make up positions.  Managed to puncture.  A notsoslow leak.

So... after driving 500 miles, preriding the course the day before and morning of...

... I was done racing within a mile.

Excellent.

Remember that soaring start?  Well, within about 2 days I had a swelling near my bits and pieces that had me quite concerned.  Soon I was at my local GP, having her take a look...

... Let's do some tests...

How about we wait a couple of days?

I don't think we should wait.

I don't think we should hurry... in fact, I suspect hurrying is what got me here.

Ok, call me if it gets worse.

Embarrassed, I scrammed while praying I'd never need to return.

I'm not sure the B.S. world is much different than the W.S. world we live in.  The tales might be a little taller, but we are still out creating memories and having a hoot.

Which is why we are here.  Checking out the trails, seeing how things have changed.  More lodging.  More trails.  Stalk me below, if you must.

It's also a great time to do some final prep as well as start acclimating for the stage race in Leadville at the end of the month.

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While I was doing just that I noticed my cleat wasn't superprimo perfect.  So, I slide my jewel-like tool out of my Mini RaceDay Bag™.

Cleaned the bolt out first, then did my adjustments.

I think I've got it perfect now...

... I don't always carry tools, but when I do I want to be able to fix most anything.

Crank Brothers really does make beautiful product.

Use promo code: BSvsWS

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