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TODD'S BLOG
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Get RaceDay Ready
RACE SPECIFIC TRAINING
IT IS ESSENTIAL to be intentional with our training for a particular race. It can mean all the difference in the world to how we perform...
... specificity is king.
It took me a long time to crack the code to epic distance racing.
More than one person, this year, heck this week!, has asked me how to go fast at Leadville.
I've told every single one of them, some for months...
... You've got to develop the capacity to ride Tempo for long periods of time.
There's more to it.
Developing the discipline to stay out of Threshold and VO2 max...
... is critical to success.
Funny thing is,
nobody, apparently, wants to hear this.
How do I know?
Because I keep getting the same calls from the same people asking me what to do.
lol
In 2012, I did an 8:32.
Here's the chart of my HR.
In 2019, I PR'd at 8:15
In 2022, I PR'd again at 7:57
Does anything stand out there to you?
Look at the time spent at Threshold with each effort.
Would this work for a...
- track racer
- crit racer
- XC racer
- road racer
... not for max performance.
Why it works is a story for another day.
===
160.1
11 hrs sleep
No strength work
0 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
101
Strava
>
THE 5 IMMUTABLE LAWS OF FITNESS
IN WORLD WHERE EVERYONE HAS their own truth, it's hard to tell what is really the truth. And, it matters. Truth...
... makes everything clear and easy.
So, let me be as clear as I can be.
These are the 5 laws,
commandments if you will.
- REST. Get plenty of rest. Sleep a lot. Doing less and resting may not make sense to a beginner, but we get it. Right? Sleep is critical.
- GOOD FOOD. Keep it simple. Don't eat sugar or drink alcohol or do drugs. Do eat whole foods, meals where we can identify the ingredients. For example, a steak salad vs a protein bar.
- GO HARD SPARINGLY. We need to have the brutally hard efforts, once or twice a week. That's it. Not every day.
- GO EASY ABUNDANTLY. The rest of our endurance training should be easy and fun and rejuvenating.
- LIFT WEIGHTS. Resistance exercise, heavy weight and low reps, builds power and makes bones strong. I like large muscle groups, primarily pull ups, pushups, and squats.
That's it.
Okay, that's not it.
But, that is the truth and when we get that right...
... we're 95% there.
There, being extremely fit and healthy.
Notice, doing that is practically free...
... just takes some dedication.
---
160.8
12 hrs sleep
No strength work
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FREE SPEED
WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING FASTER, it's easy to go down the free speed rabbit hole. So many variables, so hard to prove valid...
... we can be such suckers for marketing.
Then, there's the flippin' placebo effect.
Sheesh...
... what's a credit card wheelin', lycra-clad, speed junkie to do?
There are sites like Zero Friction,
YouTubers like Dylan Johnson,
the local speed freak.
Plus, e-zines and sites gettin' us (am I the only one?) all hyped up to buy some free speed.
Which brings up the truth.
It ain't free.
In many cases, think...
... arm and a leg pricing.
If I had to rank 'em, assuming the frame is appropriate...
- Wheels, Bearings & Tires
- Drivetrain - BB, chain, wax
- Helmet
- Apparel
- Shoes
... on the equipment side.
Nutrition is essential, and there are some neat on the bike eating and fueling secrets and products to be had.
Don't forget or neglect recovery: sleep, massage, nutrition, etc.
The good stuff can be startlingly better.
Do thy research...
... and spend wisely (cash only, no cc's).
===
159.8
12 hrs sleep (still fighting this bug)
0 strength work
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
Strava
>
SETBACKS, DO THEY REALLY SUCK?
TWO OF THE LAST THREE YEARS, have started with solid setbacks. In each case, I thought all was lost. Then I remembered the...
... advice of my dear ol' grampappy.
My boy...
... it's not the problem it's how you handle it.
Hard words for a love struck 14 yr old, getting nowhere with his puppy love.
The key to that wisdom it not so much handling the problem as...
... having faith and getting started.
Not running away.
Not giving up.
As I sit here completely wiped out by some sort of bug, coughing my brains out, I've come the realization...
- I will get better
- I will enjoy this slothful moment
- I will resist to bounce back too early
... it's early January f' cryin' outloud.
Take this setback for what it is...
... an opportunity to reset.
That's what racers do.
Reset.
Improve.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
===
158.3 lbs (not a good way lo lose wight.)
10ish hrs sleep (9:15pm-7:30am)
0 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BORN FOR THIS
THE REASON I LIKE TO READ FICTION is simply to imagine myself in impossible situations. The inner dialogue of the hero of my current book, Jericho Quinn, was spot on...
... to how I feel about racing.
Can you relate to this?
"He knew he was born for the rough stuff. His heart never truly beat until it was going full bore."
Exactly how I every time the gun goes.
It can get me in trouble though.
Like right now, with this nagging, awful cough and headache.
It's been going all week.
Have I rested?
No.
Just been doing all I can to keep going...
... totally idiotic.
===
158.1 lbs (not a good way lo lose wight.)
9ish hrs sleep (9:15pm-6:30am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GGGGGGGGGOALLLLLLLLLLLLLS
GOALS CAN BE GREAT. I say "can" because, let's be honest they usually aren't. I have a theory about that and it starts with...
.... easy.
It is so easy to set a goal.
Crud...
... set 100 goals.
And, that's the problem.
We set 'em like there's...
- the no other goals
- no current commitments
- we have limitless bandwidth
... no impact on our lives.
Having a million goals...
... is like having no goals.
I try and keep it to...
- physical
- business
- social
- spiritual
... one big goal per year.
It's a heckuvalot easier to accomplish one thing than twenty.
And guess what...
... if it's a big enough goal, it might take 5,10, 20 years.
===
159.2 lbs (yes, this bug I have has evaporated my appetite)
9ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-6:15am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STYLE CUES
I THINK WE ALL HAVE A SENSE of cycling style. You know, what we think looks cool, and what we don't. At least, you should by now...
... unless you are brandspankingnew.
New kids are typically nervous and anxious...
- am I wearing the proper gear, 'cause I feel nearly naked
- do I look like Darth Vader with this helmet and glasses
- how tall should my socks be
... form and function questions.
Once acquainted with the options...
- looking cool
- being comfortable
- optimizing for speed
... start to take precedent.
Here's my general rules...
- gloves match shoes
- socks match jersey
- dark bibs
... all things being equal.
Which leaves the helmet, or helmets.
And this insane offer...
... buy a KASK helmet, get a FREE RaceDay Bag.
https://pedalindustries.com/a/bundles/kask-helmets-c5et
===
160.2 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:55am)
2 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KILLER SNACK
HOW ABOUT THIS - a snack that needs no refrigeration, is a snap to prepare, gives an energy boost, and produces negative calories. How many
... would you consume per day?
Yes, there really is such a snack.
Proven by science...
- pull ups
- pushups
- deadlifts
- box jumps
are my go to's.
Personally, I like to enjoy one every 45-60 minutes...
- energy boost
- calorie burning
- improved cognitive function
... are legit benefits in less than 2 minutes.
I was reminded of this on Andrew Huberman's podcast...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/huberman-lab/id1545953110?i=1000682843685
... he's an actual scientist,
I'm just a dude who figures stuff out.
Note: not all scientists know what the heck they are talking about...
- study
- test it
- reject or incorporate
... it's called science for a reason - being 100% certain for all time ain't it.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
PARTICIPATION AWARDS
THE LEGENDARY ATHLETE was returning to competition. It was to be a momentous year, documented professionally, all the world would know...
... he was back to bring them to heel.
What a dream.
After hiring a new..
- coach
- nutritionist
- top secret strength doctor
... there was one beautiful medal to show for all the effort.
Not bronze,
silver, or
gold.
A beautiful finisher's medal.
Not what he, his family or sponsors had hoped for.
Here's the dill...
... every time we battle, we have a chance to learn and improve.
Finishing,
is where
it starts.
===
161.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-555am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TOO EARLY?
WELL, TODAY WAS DEFINITELY the best ride of the year. Chilly start, dust down, trails open for blasting...
... the bar has been set.
It wasn't just the conditions.
The route entailed...
- fast gravel
- twisty single track
- plus, pack dynamics
... all the things I love.
And, of course, my pals.
- Love Watts and I rolled at 7am.
- Hooked up with CV, local group road ride, at 8:50 am.
- Back to dirt, with Chuckles, Zone 2, and Mrs. Smith, around 9:30ish.
The rig of choice...
... the Crux, with RaceKing 2.0s.
What could make this ride even better?
Oh, I have an answer.
A forgotten trail was bulldozed during fire season...
- it'll add another 1000' of climbing
- sneak through penal a colony
- miles of single track
... and will pour us out at my favorite country store, for a Coke and chips.
We have 360 days to find the perfect ride...
... 2025 is off to a heckuva start.
===
159.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
1 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
NOOOOOO, NOT ZONE 1!
IF YOU'RE DRIVEN, and you probably are if you're a regular reader, seeing zone 1 on the training plan...
... is laughable.
We don't even know what that is.
We try to do it,
see the numbers.
Think, That's not going to help...
... awwwww, skrewit!
I have a solution.
It came to me on today's ride.
First, there was the absurdly long skid in the dirt...
- speed up
- back brake locked
- back wheel as unweighted as possible.
... just to see how long I could get it.
Then, the idea to jump onto and back off of every curb possible.
There was more.
My favorite was weaving the extensive traffic cones as long as possible without touching brakes or pedals.
90 minutes later, I coulda cared less about zone 1...
... I was in zone fun.
===
160.3 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:30pm-5:55am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
MY BIKE TOTALLY GOT AWAY FROM ME
CLEARING THE TOP OF THE CLIMB, I was leaning to initiate a turn back towards home. Not sure if I hit a rock, or what, but next thing I know...
... I'm on a different trajectory.
Was it meant to be?
I mean...
- not a cloud in the sky
- nobody on the trails
- crazy warm day
... geez.
Why such a hurry to get back?
Why not go straight up the the trail to the country store...
... for an ice cream bar?
Some turns really are for the better.
===
160.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9pm-530am)
3 rounds of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts BoxJumps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO THE UNTHINKABLE
HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE, when it's unthinkable? Talk about a paradox. What it really means is...
... go way beyond the comfortable.
The great Wende Cragg captured the unthinkable...
- riding to a mountain top under a full-moon to watch the sunrise
- coaster brakes so hot they smoke after a downhill
- helmetlessly racing klunkers in jeans
... the birth of mountain biking.
50 years ago, her Pentax camera, snapped and preserved everything those...
... crazy pioneers were living.
The lifestyle.
Her documentary - click here - is as inspirational as it is mesmerizing.
Watch it.
It's got me thinking it might be a wholotta fun to get the hard training done M-F, and...
... use that fitness for adventure on the weekend.
===
162.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
1 round of PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY I DID 100 PULLUPS, 190 PUSH UPS, 53 BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUATS TO CLOSE OUT THE YEAR
IF WE'RE GONNA BEGIN THE YEAR pretending we are committed to some outlandish new start, I figured I might as well end 2024 with...
... a ridiculous challenge.
I can look back and say If I could do that thing...
... I sure as heck can do this, too.
That's called stacking confidence.
At 6:45 this morning, I decided to do 100 pull ups today.
A first,
by a lot.
Since my normal m.o. 3x on the pushups, that'd 300.
And, I figured I might as well add 3-loaded Bulgarian split squats for every pull up, for 300 per leg.
Sounded doable at 6:45.
I'd just take a break every 30 minutes and bang out a round of the three moves.
It got hard,
the 30 minute goal drifted.
I learned...
- breaking up the day = hustle, productivity
- found my split squat limit to be 60 lb dumbell in each hand
- muscles felt awesome through 8 rotations
- posture is great
- these are better than smoke breaks
- got hungry, ate more than normal
- 30 min goes fast, aware of time waste
- required 12.5 hours to complete
... I can still do hard things.
PullUp 16,200 pounds
PushUp 30,780 pounds
Split Squat 2,029 pounds
Now, what to get done in 2025?
Happy New Year Y'all
===
162 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (1030pm-530am)
100 PullUps 190 PushUps 53 DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE SECRET SAUCE NOBODY TRIES
DID YOU PICK UP A TRAINING SECRET this year? From a book or podcast or YouTube? Accidentally overhear the local coach...
... whispering truth to an athlete?
I bet you did.
But, that's not the real question.
The real question is did you, yes you, or I, yes me...
... do anything about it?
Because what is the point to...
- look
- listen
- and learn
... if we're not going to at the very least give it a whirl?
After trying and testing...
- the Classified 2-speed hub
- even more calories when racing
- mountain bike tires on the gravel bike
... these are my top 3 secrets of the year.
What are yours?
===
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (11pm-7am)
PullUps PushUps DeadLifts
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
IF WE'RE GONNA GO BIG WE OUGHTA GO BIG
--- one of my favorites of the year ---
TODAY, I THINK I MIGHT HAVE TURNED THE CORNER. I'm mid-way through my experiment to train like Remco...
... 3 weeks of (for me) massive volume.
Last Saturday, end of week #1, I was pretty tired during the final miles of a 5 hour ride.
Exhaustion lasted through Sunday.
Monday the legs were oooof.
But, Tuesday, I felt pretty darn good...
... at the end of a hilly and peppy 60 miles.
With a cramped day, the only way I could stay on schedule Wednesday was to do two-a-days.
- Sunrise, 90 minutes of steepish climbs at moderate pace.
- PullUps, PushUps and Squats through the day.
- Evening, 2 hours of high Zone 2 rolling terrain.
... it was that second session on the bike where things were clicking.
I felt stong.
Even fresh.
3 days down,
9 hours saddle time.
Should be able to hit 18-20 hours by end of day Saturday.
It's a lot to juggle...
- solid days of work
- helping the kids with their kids
- and being present for Surfergirl
... wouldn't do this forever.
Fun to experiment.
Feeling might dawgawn fortunate.
===
162.4 lbs
15 hrs sleep (i really do have the flu)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
RULES FOR FEELING SICK
HAVING COLD OR FLU SYMPTOMS is always a tough one for me and begs the question should I exercise today? If I do, I might get worse or...
... I might speed up the process of getting better.
My general rules...
- above the neck, ride like heck.
- in the chest, better rest
... but, they didn't help me today.
Because I was just so determined that the fact I work up sweating was due to the heater was too high, and I wanted oh so badly to ride with the fellas...
... I headed out.
Instead of feeling a lot better post ride,
I cut the ride short.
The collapsed on the couch,
after paying my dues kneeling in the bathroom.
I guess I'll add to the rules above...
... running a fever, don't be an overachiever.
===
164.5 lbs
7Ish hrs sleep (10:30 pm-5:45am)
No Strength
00 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU ARE NOT A BODY BUILDER
FUN FACTOID, weight machines at the gym were developed by body builders for body building. Each machine can dial in a certain muscle to make it bigger...
... we are not body builders.
We do not want muscles that don't serve a purpose...
... might was well be a stack of tires around our gut.
You know what else we don't want..
... injuries.
I know what you're thinking.
What the heck does the Ol' Diesel know about strength?
Well, quite a bit...
- testing
- reading
- experience
... has proven to me what works.
Here's the dill...
- low reps (1-3)
- max weight (90-100% of max)
- almost every day of the week (4-5 days)
- lots of rest between sets (complete recovery)
- multiple joint movements (squats are 3 joints)
... on getting strong with minimal to no weight gain.
Take it easy.
Get a pro to help you with form, because you can do this...
... with minimal equipment from home.
===
Disclaimer - any and all advice is just stuff I've tried and worked for me and is not professional or medical.
===
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU FAILING ENOUGH?
WHY DO SOME PEOPLE ACT LIKE there is a gigantic barrier between courage and discretion. There's not. It's a fine line. If we are to improve by any measurable amount...
... we must balance precariously and charge forth.
This is truth.
Failure is going to happen when...
- going for an impossible PR
- experimenting with new training
- carving the curves so hard we start to slide
... if we are going to improve.
Why?
Because failure gives us that needed feedback to...
... learn what we need to learn to improve.
Now don't go doing some idiotic Evilknevil stunt.
But, push.
Push a lot.
Every failure teaches us,
we adjust,
improve.
So push.
Push through...
- fear
- pain
- limits
... and reach our next impossible.
As the great Tom Watson, founder of IBM at the time the premier computing company on the planet, preached to his engineers...
... Fail faster.
===
We have 5 days to ride the New Year's Resolution madness, and all year to make it happen.
===
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps only
5 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHOSE WATTS ARE THOSE?
ON MY WAY HOME from the local ride of destruction, I was thinking about the amount of watts the fellows were putting out and how destroyed I felt...
... how could I quantify that?
I know my numbers,
I don't know theirs.
I know how I felt,
I don't know how they felt.
Back in the day...
... I'd visualize my head on my favorite pro's body.
Crushing all comers...
- What would be be like to put out Pojacar power and escape tens of miles from the finish?
- How about a Cav-like explosion sprinting for the line?
- Or, the surge and surf stomping of the bunch by the great Sagan?
... like a boss.
Playing that game of imaging what would Pogi or Cav or Peto do is...
... a great way to take on the unconquerable challenge,
and kinda sorta maybe put out some inspired watts of our own.
---
162.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I HEARD THE BELLS
RIDING ALONE IN THE FOREST can be dangerous. The low hanging branches, hidden roots and rocks, and...
... the occasional wild animal.
Not the bunnies,
squirrels
or deer.
No danger there.
I'm talkin'...
- bear
- moose
- cougars
... the big, mean and hungry ones.
So, we blissfully mount bells on are bikes.
Which reminds me of the great Ray Bradbury's book, Something Wicked Comes This Way.
One of the characters, Mr. Dark, is confronted with the carol I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.
My favorite verse:
God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Ain't nothing like a peaceful ride through the forest.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE ELVES ARE DONE
WELL, I'M TUCKERED. The machines are tuckered. The many hands that make the magic happen are worn and achy. We're shuttin' 'er down for a couple of days...
... even elves gotta have an off season.
But, here's the dill.
The things we really want...
- speed
- power
- time
... we can't purchase.
The things we can purchase...
- equipment
- apparel
- trips
... we'd be embarrassed to task to a loved one.
We gotta be our own elves.
So, pretend your tapped on the cash...
... how are you going to get more speed, power, time?
Imagine it's spring time,
you're toeing the line...
- fit
- taught
- relaxed
... what's it gonna take?
Write it down,
wrap it up.
Give yourself a real gift.
Better yet,
give it to a friend or family member.
---
162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-5:45am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
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.
---
That pic is literally a page from the RaceDay Ready Journal.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/raceday-ready-100-day-journal
---
163.1 lbs
9ish hrs sleep (9:45 pm-7:20am)
PullUps PushUps Squats
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WATTS WILL COME
ROLLED OUT WITH A DEVILISH PLAN for myself. After 3 months of goofin' around, it was time to warm up the glow plugs on the Ol' Diesel. Nothing like...
... tickling zone 5 with the ticker.
Here's how weak I am.
Never in a millionkazillion years could I will myself push over 175 bpm...
- not for fun
- not for a coach
- not doing intervals
... I need to set up something stupid.
Like mashing the mammoth 50mm MTB tires,
with 20 lbs of pressure,
on the gravel bike...
... out to the local throwdown.
It was 25 minutes of pure, paved ecstasy.
Sandwiched in between 90 minutes of dirt, before and after.
Not much.
But, a start.
Time to begin upping the saddle time,
and sprinkling in a dash of intensity.
No need to hurry,
just stay consistent.
Keep doing the strength stuff.
If you build it...
... the watts will come.
---
163.9 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-5:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OUR BEAST OF BURDEN
A FRIEND WAS GOING ON AN ON about how his brother had totally failed. The brother had committed to take his lifestyle to the next level. It wasn't going to be enough to get by...
... he wanted to live at the highest levels possible.
Did he make it?
You be the judge.
From where I was sitting, the brother truly had committed.
The results were easy to see...
- health firing
- family thriving
- business providing
- relationship with God and man aligned
... what more is there?
The friend could only see the missteps and shortcomings of his brother.
I think the point of putting ourselves out there, is to...
- be an example
- be held accountable
- show how we deal with failure
... and hopefully inspire others along the way.
Haters think it is an I'm better than you thing instead of the more simple...
... I'm doing my best, and appreciate your encouragement.
Truth is, commitment...
... is our beast of burden.
---
Every day builds on the next...
... this hat is a good reminder.
Ships FREE, order by 12.24
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/hats-1/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat
---
163.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats n Such
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DESCEND LIKE A PRO
MY FRIEND MIKE has gotten the bug. Not wanting to deal with cars the went the dirt route, in the form of an MTB. He loves it, but...
... is legitimately concerned with crashing.
Legitimate in the form of...
... what we think about we bring about.
Fancying myself as somewhat of an expert,
I gave him this advice...
- Firm grip on the bars
- Arms looseygoosey
- Eyes/head up
... plus, have fun, confidence will follow.
The thing is,
we can apply that advice to literally anything.
Raising kids...
- Firm grip on getting them pointed in the right direction
- Arms ready to guide if needed or asked for
- Eyes/head monitoring their surroundings
Business/work...
- Firm grip on goals/objectives
- Loose on the how it gets done
- Eyes/head focused on where we're headed
Our next race...
- Get registered
- Plan the training
- Visualize the finish line
Come to think about it,
I wrote a book about that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO RIDE? There are a million factors. At least we aren't too weather dependent, and we have the great outdoors as our playground. Compared to other activities...
... we got options.
My favorite is late morning...
- warmer
- sunshine
- break up the work day
... it's almost always alone.
Which is fine, but it can be risky...
... out in the wild.
Take today.
I didn't line up the turn up quite right,
took a stick to the face,
nearly in the eye!
Coulda been way worse.
Way.
Dusted myself off and rode on
decided to chill on the lovely
middle of nowhere
lawn chairs.
And count my lucky stars.
Which reminds me of the wonderful Christmas movie, The Shining...
... all workout and no reflection makes Jack a dull boy.
A good break in the action,
keeps us sharp.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats & stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHEN YOU CAN'T DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE
WE THINK WE'LL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO DO WHAT WE LOVE. I remember specifically thinking after one particularly surprising race result...
... I could do this forever.
How does the saying go?
If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.
He must have been dying on Monday.
There I was...
- in a beautiful part of the country
- hero dirt from the recent rain
- expansive, gorgeous views
... and I was battling double-vision.
For whatever reason, I took a huge step backwards in my recovery from my brain injury.
I couldn't dive bomb the downhills.
I couldn't do what I've always done.
Did it suck?
Yeah, totally.
Did I quit?
Not even.
I slowed down, and did what I could do.
Which turned out to be an echo from an elderly spiritual leader who was assessing his final year or two of life, who said those exact words.
Doing what he could do.
Am I freaked out?
Not yet.
First off, I called my friend Rick the behavioral ophthalmologist (think PT for you eyes).
We talked about how I'd laid off doing the exercises he'd given me when I was first injured.
In fact, I did the most basic one right away, because I only have the most basic tool on me, and almost immediately noticed an improvement.
Next, I called my surgeon's office. The NP called me back and suggested I go on a steroid for 5 days to ease any post-surgery swelling that can occur, even months later.
Tomorrow, I'll get back to the more vigorous eye exercises.
Doing what I can do, and hopefully...
... back to what I've always done.
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6am)
Push Ups (doing all I could do while vanning it)
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
>
re: IS IT WORTH THE SACRIFICE?
Dear Ol' Diesel,
I'm still trying to figure it out Todd. I check in on one thing for a few years and then I'll switch gears, etc.
2025 I've got no endurance plans...biggest focus is strength training 5/6 days per week.
Is this lack of dedication?
Is this why i never quite seem to get my goals?
Is it enough that I attempt which is more than 99.9999% of folks can say?
I dunno man, still in search of answers. But I will tell you my want for endurance is absent.
I don't want to get up early for a ride
I don't want to get up early for a run
Heck I don't really want to do any of those things right now.
I do want to spend a little extra time with the better half
I do want to slow down a moment and enjoy or take in this new reality of empty nesters...
Does this make me lazy? I worry I'm losing my edge.
Thank you for always sharing your thoughts,
I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA.
---
Dear I Just Wanna Be Strong In LA,
Haha… no, you are doing great. Take a break. Spend time with your wife. We love our kids, and we love being emptynesters. Super fun, lots of flexibility.
I’d say this, don’t train unless it sounds fun.
We are on a quick trip up the coast. Just the two of us. Rode with Susie until she was ready to rest, then rode a bit on my own. No hurry, no rush, no care to do X work out.
Now, I’m in the hotel room catching up and she is in the Jacuzzi.
Life is short, wives are more important than miles… and besides, they like us with a little muscle.
IMHO, you're on the right track.
Love ya!
The Ol' Diesel
---
166.8 lbs (not really sure, on a trip)
9ish hrs sleep 830pm-5:30am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IS IT WORTH 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.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
166.8 lbs (too much recovery fuel?)
8ish hrs sleep 10pm-6:04am)
Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
>
GETTING HIGH
NEARLY 6000' IN 32 MILES represents a good amount of climbing. Mostly straight up or straight down, on dirt. At about the 2 hour mark...
... I hit the highest point.
A few miles prior, a thought occurred to me.
If something bad happens,
I'm a long, long, long way from help.
The tires are new,
sealant fresh,
new chain,
cassette.
And, I was feeling pretty good...
... check, check, check and more checks.
Carry on,
enjoy the views,
and lack of humanity.
A bobcat appeared on the trail about 20 yards ahead of me,
it made a quick u-turn and loped along as I closed in,
before lunging over the side into the brush.
The red-tailed hawk surfed the gusty ridge,
searching for pray.
Chipmunks sprinted up and down the ancient pines.
Nature really does rock my world.
This mountain range is about a 35 minute drive from home.
I used to live closer,
and spent almost every Saturday up there, alone.
Looks like I've started the new year's resolution to adventure something new or different at least once a quarter...
... resolutions are kinda dumb.
Why wait?
As the great Yoda said...
... Do, or do not.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags - code expires Monday, 12.26.24
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep 10pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
>
I CHOSE THIS?!
THE BROCHURE PROMISED A CHALLENGING EXPERIENCE, everything would be tested. Yeah, all the mind, body, spirt stuff. Plus...
... every ounce of perseverence.
I salivated.
Months of prep were stacked,
when the date came,
I was ready...
... I thought.
But, then shift got real.
Way harder than I expected.
The sections with the group were hard,
we encouraged each other.
When it got really difficult,
nature split us up.
The loneliness was brutal.
I knew, hoped, we'd regroup when the elements eased.
Work together.
Get 'er done.
Crazy as it sounds,
getting towards the end,
I thought I'd gladly do it again.
Winning didn't matter,
completing the mission did...
... and, yeah, those hands were gonna be raised regardless of place.
Crossing the finish line,
to my surprise and delight...
... was my dad,
my creator.
---
Thrill a Runner or Triathlete in your life with a RaceDay Bag just for their sport.
Use this promo code: TRIRUN
To save 20% on ISD Running and Triathlon sport specific bags.
---
163.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-6:27am)
PullUps Push Ups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST ON BIKE WORKOUT EVER?
THERE ARE A LOT WAYS to get stronger and off the bike. Routines, fads, and trends come and go. For my money...
... nothing beats a singlespeed mountain bike.
I built one up because it was fashionable.
Little did I know how addicting the workout would be,
how much I would love riding it.
It was like battling a bipolar bull...
- docile spinning along the flats
- UFC cage fighting any time it got steep
... and it worked perfectly.
At the time, cycling had been quarantined to a few days during the week because weekends were family time in the desert riding motorcycles.
My spin stayed smooth due to the fixed gear range - it wasn't a fixed gear, I could coast.
In order to get up the constantly changing elevations...
- legs
- arms
- lats
- back
... were all recruited and magnificently engaged.
No need for weights or any kind of resistance training.
It was basically going from one interval to the next, with luxurious spinning in between.
As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of the ol' Trek hardtail.
Dusty.
In the garage.
Maybe it's time to spend the least dollars possible and...
... make strength training fun and sexy again.
---
164 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU BORING YOURSELF?
IS NEXT YEAR GONNA BE BETTER THAN THIS YEAR? It'll be different, for sure. Better is subjective, only you can determine...
... if it will be a year to remember.
We need new...
- locations
- friends
- events
- skills
... experiences that will change us.
Memorable,
forever.
As I start to fill in my calendar for next year,
it's tempting to play small,
safe...
... instead I do this.
First, I have to have one giant, unreasonable physical goal each year. (spiritual, mental, and social, too).
2024 it was Gravel Nats.
Next year (2025) hasn't crystalized yet, but it will.
Second, I think it's imperative to try a new event once a quarter.
Right now, it's looking like...
- March BWR AZ
- April Highlands Gravel (UCI)
- June BWR MT
- 4th Qtr is TBD
... it doesn't have to be fancy, could just be a weekend adventure someplace new.
Third, master something new, and have a plan to track progress.
For 2025, that is going to be bicycle mechanicing.
By the end of the year, I want to be able to do everything at a level that I could bail myself out if I was nowhere near a competent mechanic.
I'll be adding milestones to the calendar for that, and purchasing the proper tools.
There lots of other stuff on the calendar...
- date nights
- family activities
- work objectives
- service projects
... gotta make it all work cohesively.
Back in 2020 I set about getting out to the Cactus Cup for the first time.
I met a bunch of cool people, and made new friends.
Rode some fantastic and unusual terrain.
Found an outstanding Italian joint.
Cactus Cup stays in the rotation...
... I never would have found it if I hadn't ventured out.
They're having the 12 Days of Giveaways starting 12.12...
... I hope you'll win this bag, and join me out there.
---
Side note:
- I'm planning to do BWR AZ and stay the week in the desert for Cactus Cup the following weekend. If ya get out there for either one, let's meet up for sure.
- I'm also planning BWR UT, in May, and heading to Fruita/Moab the days following for some epic MTB. Lemme know if you're interested in joining.
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5:55am)
PullUps Push Ups Squats & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE THUNDER
LOOKING FOR SOME BACKGROUND VIBES, I loaded up a Goettl Media raw file of BWR Arizona 2024. It was supposed to be my first A race of last year, but..
... life had other plans.
It's never too early to start doing recon.
I like Joe's videos because...
- the POV is always really good
- his comments teach a lot
- he's super respectful
.... in other words, he's a good dude.
Turning away from the big screen to get some work done it struck me how much...
... a race at speed sounds like thunder.
Especially the gravel sections.
I got so electrified,
I ditched the project,
and dug into examining the terrain.
Joe raced the long version, the Waffle.
I'll most likely do the shorter Wafer.
From the looks of it,
I think this terrain will call for the Race King 2.0s...
- lots of sand
- some rocks
- whoops
... means it's gonna be a hoot.
Can't wait for my next thunder storm.
---
164.7 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-5am)
PullUps Push Ups
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EASY DAYS AND HARD DAYS ALWAYS
I WAS LISTENING TO A PODCAST with the superfamous coach of an ultrafamous racer, and the host, trying to dumb it down for us dummies, asked...
... What's the one piece of advice you'd give an amateur racer?
He had me on bearings and spokes.
Train easier.
What do you mean?
I mean most amateurs are doing too much.
Isn't that the way to get better?
No. I mean Yes, but no.
Explain.
If an athlete is training too hard all the time, and by too hard I don't mean to exhaustion, but, at a level that will not allow them recover, really recover, then they can't...
... go really hard, and get the big gains.
I thought about that today as...
- miles rolled by
- watts low
- h.r. lower
... my mind open and free.
That advice is easy to understand, hard to thoroughly absorb.
It feels wasteful.
Useless.
And so we ignore it,
to our detriment.
Being that it's a Monday, I tweaked the great Karen Carpenter's song...
... Easy days and hard days always get me fit.
This works for work, too.
There are days I'm resting, prepping, organizing...
... and days I'm slaying it with back to back to back appointments.
---
165.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:55pm-6:20am)
PullUps Push Ups & Stuff
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
COASTING IN
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DRIVIN' THAT TRAIN
THE PROBLEM WITH CORROSION isn't the corrosiveness itself. That's bad, for sure. But, I find the real problem is...
... it comes on so slowly.
Then, catastrophic failure.
Because I've been neglecting my trusty MTB all year, well, basically for two all years...
... I was caught out, bad.
"All of the sudden",
my shifting was shift.
It wasn't really sudden.
For months the shifting had been off, but...
... just good enough to put away and forget about.
It had reached the point of no return.
Irreparable damage had been done.
Rather than simply replacing the chain in a timely manner,
an easy home repair,
at little cost...
... I had to get a divorce,
and a hot, new, young,
complete drivetrain.
Costly.
It's just a drivetrain,
not something that really matters...
... those things deserve immediate, constant loving maintenance.
===
Now it's time to party!!
I wish I'd come up for this idea of this collection in time for New Year's...
... but, Hey! let's party like it's twenty twenty-five!
Here's the deal...
... order by 12.9, save 25%.
Use code PARTY25.
Most likely ships just after the New Year, if we can get it out early, we will.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedal-party-collection
---
164.5 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:30am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE IS LITERALLY NO SCHOOL FOR THIS
WE'RE ALL OUT THERE ENDURING, and it's like we have no compass, no gps, no no map, no field manual. There is no associates, four year, masters, or doctorate degree...
... and yet, somehow experts evolve.
Oh, there's the occasional book.
Usually so filled with jargon and graphs they are worthless, but boy...
... the authors sure look smart.
So, we rely on our...
- inner voice
- experience
- friends
... and get to work like mad scientists.
We can and do glean much from...
- watching races
- podcasts
- youtube
... then, we do our best to put it into practice on the next ride, run, swim.
Kinda makes ya wonder if...
- Jobs
- Ford
- Edison
... were just having fun, fascinated with figuring out what was possible?
---
Got a friend who's a Triathlete or Runner?
Blow their minds with a sport specific RaceDay Bag.
Use this code and save 20%: TRIRUN
Good ONLY on in stock Tri and Run bags.
---
165.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:45am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE WORST GOAL EVER
ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, I set two lofty goals. One I accomplished, one I fell far short of. What was the difference between...
... success and failure?
Both seemed outrageous at the time.
They still do.
I each case, I knew everything would have to go perfectly in order to get anywhere near what I wanted to accomplish.
The one I attained, everything did go perfectly.
I went about my business,
mission accomplished.
The one I muffed, a massive unforeseeable mountain in the road popped up.
It was such a kick in the front of my bib shorts where my legs come together,
that it was mentally and physically debilitating.
Months later, unforeseeable mountain turned to gopher mound, I'm back on track.
There's all the fancy platitudes of goals...
- goal unwritten is a hope
- goals must be believable
- goals should be realistic
... we could go on and on.
But, I'm not sure that's the point.
Really.
Having the guts to...
- set an outlandish goal
- share it with real allies, not punks who puke on our dreams
- and take massive action
... is the lifeblood of everything I do.
Failure.
Success.
They matter, but not nearly as much what occurs...
... in the process of going after personal excellence.
===
We could wait until 1.1.25 to think, start, plan...
... or, we could grab a calendar and get down to business.
https://pedalindustries.com/calendar
---
166.4 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
PullUps, PushUps, Squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DECEMBER'S FOCUS AND AN EXPERIMENT
THIS MONTH'S FOCUS ISN'T FOR BABIES. Babies crawl, make a mess of their food, and are on a quest to get fat. I'm not. Are you? I'm looking to...
... start the year on fire.
For December...
- LSD, not tripping, long slow distance
- Strength work
- Weight loss
... this is my focus.
That should have me in prime shape to hit it hard in Jan and Feb.
Two months to prep for the first races,
BWR AZ and Cactus Cup.
For Jan and Feb, I'm planning an experiment...
- Tues/Wed back to back intensity days, with long tempo on Saturday
- Tues/Sat intensity, with zone 1/2 days in between
... for alternating weeks to build race specific fitness.
The intensity for BWR's start and dynamic surges,
the tempo for Cactus Cup's old school XC race.
Should be fun.
No,
really,
it should be fun.
Just gotta nail December to be hammering in March.
---
167.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (9:45pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE RULE OF 3
NEW AND FIRED UP, I jumped full speed into the road scene. Since all I'd done was road race, I was one hundred million percent sure...
... I was born to race road.
While I shamelessly slobbered, the old wise man at the bike shop tried to duck.
When I stopped to breathe, he said...
... Sonny you don't know you lycra covered butt from a pothole!.
Huh?
Listen up, buttercup.
Gulp.
It takes three full years...
... to know what you're good at.
But...
But nothing, now get outta here and go to work.
He was right.
By the end of that first year, I realized I was a much better crit racer.
So, I focused on crits for the next two years.
When I found mountain biking,
I was sure I'd be a cross country racer.
Turned out,
I was a much better descender than climber.
When I finally got a gravel bike,
I was sure I'd just use it to mix up the training.
Turns out,
it's actually pretty darn fun to race gravel.
There's nothing magical about the three years...
... it's the three years of working at getting better that matters.
Oh, and before you quote the 10,000 hour rule, think on this.
There are 26,297.46 hours in 3 years, which is kinda like saying...
... if you live, eat and breathe anything for 3 years, magic happens.
Now get to work!
---
168.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10pm-5am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT'S THE DATA DUMMY
I DO LOVE ME SOME DATA. In this vast digital world, there's plenty of it to access, crunch, and geek out on. The only question I have is...
... why? what? how? when?
It's more than what the Garwahoo is delivering.
That little screen can be divided so small the numbers become trivial, useless.
Then we can dissect it all on Starva, Training Peaks, etc.
Which brings up the question?
Do we.
And, if we do, what are we to make of it?
It is so tempting to wing it.
And, why wouldn't it be? That's how it was done from Adam till now.
Gut feel.
But, I had some sense knocked into me today.
Realizing inventory was running low on our gloves and socks, I was about to wing it on a replenishment production run.
Wait, why not pull a report?
Takes a few seconds.
Data don't lie.
And, whadaya know...
... winging it was not the way to go.
The thing about all the Garwahoo data is there's just a heckuva lot of it. We could...
- read a ton
- take some classes
- pester the nerd that rides
... or hire a coach, let a pro figure it out and tell us what to do.
I'm not for winging it,
and I'm not for outsourcing it...
... I'm more for figuring out what the data means.
Empowering myself.
---
167.2 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:30pm-6am)
PullUps PushUps & more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT SUITS US
ARE RUNNERS BETTER WRITERS or are there just more runners and therefore more writers that run...
... leading to a larger talent pool?
Christopher McDougall's Born To Run is probably my favorite running book.
Inspiring.
It got me to run.
Trail running for miles.
His book, Natural Born Heroes, got me totally into strength work because...
... the heroes were so naturally strong and lethal.
Jesse Itzler is a runner.
His book Living With A Seal is hilarious, and wildly challenges our limited beliefs about what we can accomplish.
Here are a few gems from my latest find...
- The most important thing we ever learn in school is that the most important things can't be learned at school.
- With my mind elsewhere I'm able to run for a long while, keeping up a natural speed that doesn't tire me out.
- There are three reasons I failed. Not enough training. Not enough training. And not enough training.
... from What I Think About When I Talk About Running.
For me, it's not so much the running that is compelling, but the book's ability to help me understand...
... why I love riding, and enduring.
How about you...
... got any faves?
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (11pm-6:05am)
PullUps PushUps
0 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL RACE YOU TO THE CORNER
AT SOME POINT, and it doesn't have to be now, but it will happen soon enough, we wake from our hibernation. Something stirs, and in disgust with our gluttony and laziness...
... we show our puffy faces.
It happened for me today.
I thought I could postpone it a few more weeks,
but there I was meeting at the start
of a ferocious ride.
The ride down was lovely.
Seeing the fellas, charming.
Even the first little climb
showed some promise.
It ended there.
My ballast keeping me grounded.
Basically, I made it to the first corner.
Now, I have a baseline.
And, it wasn't all bad.
I was only two seconds off my PR on that 6ish minute effort.
Things quickly went downhill after that.
Like, really fast...
... errrr, really sluggish.
On the next section I was 3 minutes off the pace.
20, TWENTY!, % slower.
I pulled the plug at that point,
proudly did the lonely ride of shame back to the van.
This Thanksgiving weekend, I am darn...
... thankful to have the desire to improve.
'Cause when desire goes,
when there's no more fire,
then what do we really have?
Gonna make to the second corner next time!
===
In between Black Friday and Cyber Monday are...
... Get your overstretched lycra in gear Saturday and Sunday.
Since some of ya pointed out the code wasn't working perfectly, I extended through Sunday.
TNX24 will save ya 20%.
That is if you're relating to my admission of bottoming out and still reading.
Which thrills the heck outta me.
---
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (10:15pm-5:55am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SATURDAY TRADITIONS
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts.
Not the pre-ownedness.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did Surfergirl see in me way back when,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
---
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-6:10am)
No Strength Work
0 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE KNOWLEDGE CHEAT CODE
MOST PEOPLE don't know this. Some do, like the great Steve Jobs. Meanwhile, we have this amazing cheat code...
... for insider knowledge.
Take today's ride.
Love Watts brought his wife's best friend's husband, and let me know he's a triathlete.
Here's the beauty of riding with someone.
Because when his wife's best friend's husband told me he was brand new to the gravel scene, I thought...
... Oh boy! This cat is gonna get wrecked once we hit the dirt.
Nope.
Dude can shred.
Guess what else?
My friend's wife's best friend's husband, who had been to our town many times, had no idea how amazing the gravel riding could be here in "suburbia".
Quite canyons.
Canopied trees.
Miles of single track.
What Steve Job's knew is if he went on a long walk with someone he could really get to know them.
It's the same with us.
While humanity zips around in cars...
... we go for ride, run or swim and get to know humans
and the places they live.
===
Black Friday.
I see all the unbelievable sales and savings, and sometimes I wonder..
- is it something a company does when the import gear made with slave labor in China?
- are my competitors that desperate?
- if it's such a great strategy, why don't the greatest brands like Apple, Cervelo, Tesla, Belgian Waffle Ride, Luis Vuitton, Kask, Tiffany, do it?
... seems like a good way to cheapen, destroy a brand.
But, what if it's a way to reward the loyal, cult following we have developed..
... for example my friend's wife's best friend's husband has three of our RaceDay bags.
How cool is that?
So, here's the deal.
Since you passed the test,
since you know me.
Use this code, TNX24, to save 20%.
It is only good through the 29th of November 2024.
Yes, I know it's not a mind blowing discount, but you know...
... we make our bags and apparel right here in the USA.
Quality.
===
166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (10pm-555am)
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THIS IS SO OVER THE TOP
DO SOMETHING ENOUGH TIMES and we start to pick up on the littlest things. Trust me, I've done this twisty country road decent at least 1000 times, when it comes to going fast...
... the littlest things matter.
On Tuesday, I hit 46.2 mph.
Not bad.
Not my best.
The PR is 50.2 mph.
A few of the little things...
√ Aero helmet
√ Tight tuck
√ Winter blubber
√ Fast wheels
... I had most of it right for top speed.
But, there was one massive ingredient.
It's not enough to make it to the top...
... gotta be sprinting past the goal to reach escape velocity.
===
166 lbs
8ish hrs sleep (930-530am)
PullUps PushUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
SLOWVEMBER, DEEPSLUMBER AND JAMUARY
IT'S MORE THAN OKAY TO CELEBRATE the holidays. In fact, it's mandatory. Will we sneak out for a turkey trot or social ride? Heckyes! Will we pile on the food?...
... it'd be a shame not to.
Nothing better than the 3 F's...
- Food
- Family
- Friends
... for our slow-thudding hearts.
Bring on Deepslumber...
- More parties
- more events
- less time
... soak it up.
Jamuary will soon be to the rescue.
It's so dang easy to get carried away and spend the entire first quarter trying to...
... undo what we done did.
Honest question,
asking for a friend...
... you planning to wake up on 1.1.25 ready to jam?
===
166.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep (9:30-5am)
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
A PAIR OF 45s MADE ME OPEN MY EYES!
LEAVE IT TO HOLLIES to set things right. I'm not sure when it heppened, but it's pretty dawgawn clear my sprint is dead and...
... we gotta do some resurrectin'.
A veil of dust and yuck has been yanked open.
I couldn't put my finger on it,
but on today's MTB ride I could sense it.
Something I love, is missing.
The shackles of endurance were weighing me down...
... the chains getting longer and heavier.
It's my sprint, my freakin' sprint.I used to love to sprint...
... not the fastest, but cagey and wiley.
That was it.
Somehow, the singular focus on long endurance races had killed the speeding spirit...
- That fire.
- The angst.
- Thunder and lightning
... slumbered like a middle-earth Tolkien forest.
Doing the dishes an old tune came into my mind...
... What's the name of that?
Next thing I know, Long Tall Woman...
... is cranked up to 11.
Dishes, instantly done..
I'm jamming, alternating between...
- Squats
- PullUps
- PushUps
- Bent Rows, BENT ROWS!!!
... reactivating those muskulls.
Can't freakin' wait to get on my bike, and sprint!
===
166.7 lbs (starting to wonder if my scale is stuck)
8ish hrs sleep (10:15-6:30am)
PullUps PushUps Squats Rows
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THEY DON'T KNOW US
Jun 11, 2020 TODD BROWN
RECENTLY A BLOKE RODE UP AND LET ME KNOW I WAS COMPLETELY FULL OF BULLSHYTE. That I didn't know what I was talking about. I agreed... I mean what you do with a hostileclosemindedknowitall?
I was so dejected... so depressed... so besides myself... oh no... someone doesn't love me... hahahaha... now that is some real bullshyte.
But, ya know it got me thinking on Why The Caged Bird Sings - the book I was giving away last Fall. In that wonderful story is a scene with little Maya and her grampa. She asks why some people hate others so much, and he responds so beautifully...
... They don't know us.
Someone who I'd never met before stopped by the shop today.
I feel like I know you, he said.
Really?
Yes, because I read your little stories.
I smiled.
It was refreshing to meet a new friend and learn a little more about each other.
Isn't that what it's all about?
Who knows if I'll ever build a bridge to that other bloke.
In the meantime, it'd be a shame to let a good hater go to waste...
... especially when I get messages like this daily.
So here's the deal o' the day... buy GQ6 and we'll include a bottle of Salt Sticks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/whycantwebefriends
Use promo code: WHYCANTWEBEFRIENDS
---
162.8 lbs
Pullups and Pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3600958128
ATTACK OF THE ARTICHOKES
Jun 10, 2020 TODD BROWN
THE FIRST WHACK WAS TO MY RIGHT FOREARM. A little blood drawn. The next was on my left elbow. More red stuff. Followed by a direct hit to my right knuckles. Right through my superlight gloves. The final attempt would been the worst, right in the face but I ducked just in time.
It'a artichoke thistle time.
And they're out in force.
'Not sure I've ever it seen this bad.
I don't mind it much.
I mean, if ya ain't bleeding ya ain't trying when it comes to MTB riding. And trust me there are plenty of opportunities to bleed around here.
Could they be avoided, sure if I slowed down.
Where's the fun in that?
What's fun is ripping around after a long day working, when it's cooled down some...
... with a firm grip via my superlight gloves.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
Lots of color options, all delivered for $20 including shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3595984174
YOGA AND CYCLING... DID YA KNOW?
Jun 09, 2020 TODD BROWN
I HAD BEEN IN AIRPLANE POSE FOR A LONG TIME THIS MORNING, starting to wobble, recentered my focus...
... me thought, this reminds me of cycling...
... there it was...
... all the discipline to remain calm, control my breathing and focus on a point ahead was just like focusing on the wheel of a much stronger rider trying to drop me or on my heart rate when chasing a PR on a long climb...
... I held the pose longer, got steadier and felt stronger...
... the burn turned exquisite.
Little did I know that fleeting hmmmm would ring true tonight.
Our semi-tame group ride has developed a nasty habit of hauling@$$ from the getgo... and with a raging tailwind to hook onto... the group was quickly blown to bits, and there I was...
... holding on for dear life, trying to remain calm, control my breathing and focus on EasyE's butt as we bridged across the gap.
His man pullllllls.
My oldman pulls.
In one of Starva's paradoxes, the weakest of the break of five snagged the KOM.... yours Diesely.
===> Stop the presses... I was just notified by our digital overlords that EasyE now owns the KOM... balance has been restored to the Starvaverse <===
Did the yoga help me get across?
Maybe.
If ye be into finding speed and power off the bike, if thy soul yearns fer more let me introduce you to Coach Loran, Queen of Core, Princess of Planks and my thriceweekly nightmare.
She's part of the PEDALposse... and helps us be strong and hearty on and off the bike.
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
Yes, she rides... one of the more gifted descenders you'll ever meet.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
164.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3591114713
PLEASE DON'T FONDLE
Jun 08, 2020 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE A LOT THINGS I CAN HANDLE but one of them isn't having someone else ride my bike. That ain't the kind of swinging I'm into... and before you go wondering what kind of swinging I am into, there's only one kind... swinging my bike off the lift at Deer Valley.
Which is exactly what I hope to do at some point this summer.
And if it ain't there I hope it's at Mammoth or Big Bear.
All three?
It's weird that I'm totally down for riding a lift up to rip down a mountain, but heartily against e-bikes for those in good health.
Hypocritical? I dunno.
There's just something thrilling about getting up the mountain under my own power when there's no lift, and checking out all the trails while being hoisted when there is a lift.
Maybe when it comes down to it, I'm just too lazy to worry about one more dawgawn thing to charge in my life...
... other than life it self?
It's the time of the month I always feel badly for the non-PEDALposse readers who missed out on what we're up to in the Posse.
People like Charlie who are about to make a sizable purchase and coulda saved a ton by joining... like $100.
People like Skyler who are so obviously weak in their core... coulda been training with Coach Loran.
And the rest of ya's... cause this week we're shipping out the first Campfire Story to the Posse. Campfire Stories are a behind the scenes look into how we do things at work and play.
In this issue I'm diving deep into the details of how we are navigating the virus using a cycling skill you may or may not have. Miraculously, we have thrived as the government has shut down our factory, our supply chain has been wobbly at best, and a host of other challenges you too may be facing.
Oh, and the Posse will also be receiving a sweet, exclusive t-shirt.
I'll probably never do this again, let someone jump in after the 1st, but things have been so kooky lately it seems like the right thing to do.
If you join before Friday, June 12th, you'll get this month's mailing.
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3583102426
SOME STORIES ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS.
Jun 07, 2020 TODD BROWN
I PICKED UP A PAGE TURNER AT THE LOCAL USED BOOKSTORE FOR A WHOPPING $1. How could I resist when browsing the first pages I learned the protagonist was an endurance junky? Plus, it seemed like a helluvan easy way to escape for a few hours today.
It wasn't just an escape I was after... it was a chance to study the pacing, details and drama in this style of writing.
Where Teddy Roosevelt's autobiography is a ton of tempo miles.
This book is like a sprint workout, or a short crit.
We met up with CH at the beach.
He also had a book, by Hunter S. Thompson. I quizzed him on it... he said it's his beach book, and just reads sections randomly.
Books aside, we got down to talking about training. The families tuning us out.
He stunned me.
He's riding nearly twice as much as me.
It seemed impossible.
Then we broke it down, day by day.
Basically, he just rides a little longer each time.
We compared notes on our recent groups rides. Each of us is struggling to have some kind of pop in the legs. Neither of us are Zwifters.
I chalk up our sluggishness to too much Roosevelt and not enough Forsyth.
Speaking of bargains... check out our closeouts.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
---
165.4 lbs
Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3580587395
I RANT YOU NOT
Jun 06, 2020 TODD BROWN
USUALLY ON SATURDAYS I LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT THE BIG RIDE AND ADVENTURE. And I had intended to do that today... especially after racing to the meet up only to get this text:
Don’t know if you left. I couldn’t roll out into rain when I know it’s going to be sunny this afternoon.
'Cause nothing's better than getting up at the crack o' dawn, gearing up, leaving your dry and warm confines, hitting the drizzle and pressing on because you committed to be there...
... and nobody's there.
At that point, there was no turning back... sure my socks were getting soggy, sure the clouds were trapped along the coast by the mountains to my right, sure I had 30 miles to go before meeting the other group, sure they too might opt for the sunny afternoon...
... sure as hell, I was going.
And I was going to come home full a fire and rant about why so many people suck at racing in crappy weather and why I love it... rant about how much better the few of us out here in the road spray were than the sleeptards who stayed in bed...
... but, then the rain stopped.
The rant stopped...
... and in the cool morning air I made my way up a 20 minute 1000'+ climb overlooking the Pacific Ocean where a sunburst lit the big blue.
Gawd, ain't nature the best soul balm ever?!
---
The nice thing about the rain today was the temp... it was warm. Which meant my Superlight race gloves were just fine.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
They're $20 with shipping to your door.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
---
164.8 lbs
nada
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3573800069
EXCELLENCE IN. EXCELLENCE OUT.
Jun 04, 2020 TODD BROWN
AS MY FRIEND SCOTT LIKES TO SAY, we are moist robots. Easily progammable.
We know this.
And it's easy to prove.
Eat junk, ride junk miles, get junk sleep... go race.
Eat clean, ride specified workouts, get good sleep... go race.
Which will be our better race?
Do I have DaddyDaughterDonutDay? Yes, of course. No need to be prudish about it...
... just be directionally correct in body, mind, soul and friends...
Excellence in. Excellence out.
Want more?
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7.5 hours sleep - kids
https://www.strava.com/activities/3565728064
THE MUSIC OF THE RIDE
Jun 03, 2020 TODD BROWN
IF YOU'VE NEVER HAD YOUR ARMS STRETCHED STRAIGHT OUT, hands gripping the grips, sternum planted on your saddle, front tire knobs bending and breaking, and the rear tire a slidin and a swinging...
If you've never hit 60+ on a mountain road, wondering just how much heat those carbon hoops can handle as a bend is running up fast...
If you've never banged bars in a full gallop for the line...
If you've never loaded up at sunrise and returned at sunset covered in dust, salt, and blood...
Maybe it's your playlist?
Not with earpods... the one that's playing all by itself, 'cause you nearly blew the windows out on the way to the ride or before leaving the house.
Stuck in yer head.
That playlist.
Is
it
in
spiring...
... on the bike...
... everywhere?
Here's one a mine, the Winged Wolf.
What's yours?
And as long as were discussing things we don't know about each other... should I be flattered or surprised by the this phrase which I hear several times a week?
I gotta be honest, I didn't think your gloves would be good... but I really like 'em.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
I know what it is... we should be charging a lot more. It's a psychological thing. So, look for the price to raise soon... until then, they're $20 with shipping to your door.
Join the believers.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves
---
164.8 lbs
Stetch
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3561095993
THE AFTERGLOW
Jun 02, 2020 TODD BROWN
TONIGHT, AFTER A LONG DAY OF WORK... after a spritely gallop along the coast... after a 1000' extracredit climb... I sat on the bench outside our shop.
Alone, I bathed in the racing and retreating streaks of sunlight.
I felt clean and complete.
Fortunate beyond words...
... I didn't move for quite awhile.
I couldn't.
I thought of Major Taylor who's biography I'm reading, and who loved his enemies. Of Gandi, who encouraged us to be the change we seek.
Earlier in the day I'd called a friend who lives near LA. We're different generations, different colors. We're dads who love our families. We're bike riders, who encourage others to ride. It was good to catch up.
I think that's one of the things I miss most about not having much of a commute... time to call friends who are far away, just to say Hi...
... it always turns to bike riding at some point, because bike riders are my people...
... and my people gotta ride.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
These tshirts are the softest thangs you'll ever put on... and after one wash you can't even feel the ink.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
165.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3555882278
WELL, THAT BLEW
Jun 01, 2020 TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES YA JUST WANT A QUICKIE. Like today. Up early. Quick change. Out the door... riding into a beautiful rising sun.
But, sometimes ya oughtta take a moment to look over yer twowheeled pleasure craft.
Which I didn't.
Nor did I notice my tires were a bit splashy <- Jason Bourne quote there.
Not until I'd climbed rather high up above town on the rutted fire road... and I didn't even notice it on the climb. Traction was quite good, as you'd expect with low pressure.
No, it wasn't until I was downbound on a trail called Kamikaze... coming up just short on a bunny hop... that I realized I'd forgotten to air up.
Now I was air down... burped out about 20 pounds.
Unridable.
Texted Frank who lives nearby... nada.
Called my lovely, quarantined daughter, who quickly rescued me with a pump... but alas, it was more damaged than I could do roadside.
I never curse the gods upon the rare mishap... too many times I've come upon tragedy, thinking If this or that hadn't a happened, that coulda been me.
My loss is your gain...
Use promo code CONTIBOGO and when you buy 2 or more tires they're 50% off. You'll enter the promo code at check out.
(Yes, it works on all tires.)
---
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3547625925
ROUGH RIDING. WHAT I LEARNED FROM TEDDY R.
May 31, 2020 TODD BROWN
I THINK WHEN IT COMES TO RACING, the more you can bring to the race the better. Could be better wrenching skills, could better on course support, could be a dedication to chess...
... could even be Teddy Roosevelt's autobiography, it's stuffed gritty teaching tales... from boxing with secret servicemen in the White House to frontier justice to liberating Cuba.
Teddy had an approach to apprehending armed criminals, who often possessed great fighting talent. He noticed they always had a moment of hesitation before pulling the trigger.
... I knew just what to do, and I did it first...
... and that my friends sums up most of my racing tactics.
It's not complicated.
Knowing what needs to be done.
Doing it first.
There are a ton of places to apply this principle in a race.
Know.
Do.
Here's something you oughta know... PEDALposse members save 25% on all purchases, custom or instock.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.4 lbs
Rest
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3543726943
ADFRIENDTURE
May 30, 2020 TODD BROWN
WHAT ARE THE BEST BIKE RIDES? Adventures with friends. With all the warm feelings of finally being back together after months... something was bound to happen over the course of 45 miles with 7000' of vert in our local forest.
For examples...
One crank falling off
Two bleeding legs
One tumble in the moon dust
A fair amount of cramping
And, a complete detonation on the final climb.
But, the worst...
... the one that had howls of pain ricocheting across the canyon...
... I won't soon forget.
Our final decent was on The Luge. A trail with huge berms and jumps and nasty braking bumps... offering chances to fall off a cliff to one's death.
Which is exactly what those screams sounded like.
They were coming from a young lad of 12ish years on his own adfriendture with his big brother and another buddy. He was the last rider in their trio... all riding on crappy bikes and adrenalin.
He'd fallen 15' and landed in a cactus plant.
We formed a huMan chain and yanked him out.
Scared and shaken.
He'll be fine, and have a story he can tell the rest of his life... which no doubt will get better with time.
An adfriendture.
---
Apologies to today's tour guide, MG. I thought his prediction of 4 hours was nuts. He insisted we'd push each other.
Perhaps it was his pep talk... This is a drop ride, so keep up!
Some pavement to get to the dirt
Blackstar climb
Above the clouds
MG taking care of JM wounds
Easy E watching the kids take off
To the rescue... EasyE grabbed the kid... the man below started to slip and I grabbed him... much steeper than it looks.
Pink
Camo
Never pass up a Mexican coke and popsicle
But, you can't have an adfriendture unless you actually ride your bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
Use promo code: ADFRIENDTURE and have this tshirt delivered for under $18.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
---
165 lbs
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3537861535
NO, TO THE PAIN!
May 29, 2020 TODD BROWN
TOMORROW SORTAKINDA MARKS THE FIRST DAY TOWARDS MY QUEST, the quest being MTB Marathon Nationals. I'll be meeting the fellas, and from what I've spied on Starva there will be pain.
Legs will be chopped off.
Arms turned to noodles.
Throats singed.
Lungs burned.
Eyes gouged.
Ears... will be filled with the shrieks of misery.
My fastest friends are meeting for an It'll take 'bout 4 hours ride. I looked at the estimates, and from what I can gather I'd have to PR every segment of the route to be able to do it under 4 1/2 hours.
There's nothing like a good thrashing to get the motivation going... motivation to train, eat, rest right proper.
So, I'll ride to the pain.
Raise your bottle if you're with me... and repeat it... To the pain!
Of course I won't feel all the pain because I'm gonna lather up with a heap of PR Lotion... as I'm sure all these cats will. Times like tomorrow I regret sharing all the secrets.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion
If you're gonna be riding To the pain! soon... click on this link and enjoy the extremely entertaining video.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion
Ships free in USA.
---
165.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live - tons of upper body
6.5 hours sleep - crazy dreams
https://www.strava.com/activities/3531092335
My inspiration for this post
WATTS UP GOLDILOCKS?
May 28, 2020 TODD BROWN
I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE REST OF COUNTRY IS DOING, for that matter I'm not even sure what most of my friends are doing. But, I do know this... I have popped into the local group ride that is resurfacing and holyguacamole! some of these cats are in serious fighting shape.
I was quite shocked last week.
And stunned this week.
Serious speed from the getgo, and like an old diesel I've been, shallwesay, a touch slow in ramping it up.
I checked the soontobeexpensive Starva and according the Fitness/Freshness report my fitness is good and my form is bad.
This is the result of riding like Goldilocks - neither too easy nor too hard - just riding tempo all the time.
Not riding hard enough to need an easy spin, not spinning easy enough to pound a hard ride.
After being smacked by the Bigbadwolf a few times... I'm ready to search out some speed.
To inspire myself I printed up a new green - for sprint speed - tshirt.
It comes in a lot of colors... the imprint is our Stamp logo.
We use very special inks, and once you wash this shirt you'll never feel the ink.
If you use promo code WATTSUP at check you'll get this T deliverd for under $18... or under $15 if you're part of the PEDALposse.
---
164.2 lbs
Pullups, Pushups, Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3528552294
IF YOU'VE GOT THE MONEY, HONEY
May 27, 2020 TODD BROWN
I REMEMBER CHRISTMAS 1990. Surfergirl presented me a Merlin Titanium Bikes catalog... with 10 crisp Benjamins inside. Twoooo Wuv.
I never got that bike... yes, I would have been part of the cool kids.
Instead, I plunked it down on a pure sprint machine. A cherry red aluminum Cannondale. Integrated shifting in the brake levers - imagine that, no more reaching for the downtube shifter midsprint!
Harsh ride.
Fast.
Raced that bike all up and down the coast the next 2 years. The pinnacle of my crit career.
I rode aluminum for a long time... then carbon... and I'm back on an aluminum sprinter at the moment.
Not as harsh.
Very aero.
Fast.
But, I'm starting to dream of Ti again.
The Moots YBB concept has always intrigued me. First, as a Leadville rig. It's very simple. No linkage. Limited travel, using Ti's properties with just a spring up at the seat tube.
They are now offering an even more limited travel version on their gravel bike and I'm giving it some serious thought.
For most graveling, suspension isn't really needed. But, we tend to go a little cray-cray around here... poaching a fair amount of single track and plenty of rough terrain. And, I'm thinking some suspension would be pretty slick.
The YBB frame with the Lauf fork could be just the ticket for my inner gravel goon.
It's only money?... nah, it's a helluvalotta fun!
Some wonder if the PEDALposse is worth the money...
... well, all I can tell you is riders keep joining... some for the savings, some for the training, some for the monthly surprise... check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
165 lbs
Yoga & Roll
6.5 hours sleep - kids up late
https://www.strava.com/activities/3523417093
PEDALposse Rules 11-15
May 26, 2020 TODD BROWN
I'VE NEVER BEEN ON A GROUP RIDE I DIDN'T LIKE, here are my rules when I'm the newguy
11. Speak when spoken to.
12. Pull my fair share
13. Be Steady Eddy, not Freddie Showoff
14. Stop if there's a mishap, be helpful.
15. Point shtuff out.
It ain't that hard to be a likable rider... or person... which you probably are if you're reading this...
... and if you're reading this, consider joining the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
167.2 lbs (I keep telling myself it's time to get serious)
Coach Loran Live + Pullups
8 hours sleep
THE THINGS WE DO FOR KIN
May 25, 2020 TODD BROWN
I WOULD NEVER DO THIS FOR A FRIEND: put him on my favorite race bike, give him a brand new kit, slightly used helmet, new gloves, new socks, and barely used glasses.
I'm just not that kind of friend, but I am that kind of dad...
... because if junior likes it, well hotdiggity - whatcouldbebetter?!
At the top of a twisty and tricky single track were three dads, and 3 little kids. Shane and I cleared the last pitch of rocky trail, huffing and puffing. It felt damn good, and everybody knew it.
This is the special stuff - spectacular view, prime weather, out in the wild for an adventure.
All the dads thinking... I hope he likes it.
Even me... thinking it for the 1000th time... and maybe this time it will stick.
Not only did I give him all that gear - not the bike - I introduced him to the goodness of Chamois Butt'r...
... but not the miracle that is PR Lotion, that is something I'll keep a secret... 'cause I'm gonna need every edge I can get if it sticks this time.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
You my friend, if you have yet to try PR Lotion or the Butt'r, may use this promo code to save 50% on the second item: LUBEMEUP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
---
165.98 lbs
Pullups and Pushups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979
THERE ARE ONLY 3 KINDS OF BIKE RIDERS
May 24, 2020 TODD BROWN
THERE ARE RIDERS WHOSE LUNGS ARE SO HUGE AND LEGS SO POWERFUL that they achieve perfection on two wheels to which no ordinary rider will ever attain.
There are other riders who cannot ride with any skill or power at all.
In between come the mass of riders of ordinary ability, who if they choose can become solid riders... even accomplished racers... through dedication to regular training, proper diet, and focused recovery.
I belong to this third group, the workers and hustlers... the industrious.
PEDAL... Industries.
And... if you working hard on and off the bike you probably like saving big bucks whenever possible... like PEDALposse member MS in AZ
Have you been dreaming about a new helmet for the summer season? Got a few bones burning a hole in your jersey pocket?
Save 20% with promo code: KASK20
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Today, May 25th 2020, is the last day of the KASK helmet sale.
PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.
---
165.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3506576127
IF IN HAD AN ENEMY (ENEMY)
May 23, 2020 TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LEGEND AROUND HERE ABOUT THE GREAT D.M... how great? Well, when John Tomac would come and visit DM would thrash him on the bike... really take him to the shed. Yeah, that great.
DM, the story goes, had demons... he was once so far off the front of a local MTB race, that he startled the course marshal high up on the mountain. The marshal didn't think racers would be there for at least another 15 minutes,.. but out in the middle of nowhere he hears a voice coming at him...
You think that hurts? That's nothing! Nothing, I tell ya... Quit whining you baby! That's ain't pain... you're not even trying...
Now that's an enemy, self-conjured or not, pushing DM... getting every ounce of energy out of him.
The great JO once explained how he goes all out from the start of an MTB race... he pictures in his mind that the competitors are trying to get his family and therefore he must crush them... and so he does.
I've been known to line up at the start and just pick someone to hate on... then tell myself some ridiculous story to get fired up!... and if they're not in the hunt, I have no problem training my lens on the next sonofagun.
So, yeah, love your enemies...
... especially the nice once that smile as they rip your legs off.
Which reminds me of Coach Loran, and how she laughs during the workouts she knows are killing us...
... looking for someone to hate because they make you feel weak? Look no further than Coach Loran... her workouts are part of the PEDALposse subscription.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.4 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.15 hours sleep
MAKE WATTS WHILE YOU SLEEP
May 22, 2020 TODD BROWN
OKAY... TBH, YOU CAN'T REALLY MAKE WATTS WHILE YOU SLEEP, but you sure the heck can lose them.
Check out what happens when we get less than 8 hours of sleep:
Time to physical exhaustion drops by 10-30%
Aerobic output is significantly reduced
Faster rates of lactic acid build up
Reductions in blood oxygen saturation
Impairment of the body to cool itself through sweating
Weight gain through loss of hunger control
and... wait for it... a whopping100% increase in risk of injury
... and that's just the athletic stuff, there's a whole bunch more... but, who cares about max performance on AND off the bike?
Well, I do.
So when my much smarter and much faster friend MG suggested Why We Sleep last year, I put it in the reading cue.
Result: I've upped my average night of sleep by about 30 minutes - as many have noted, the very act of reading the book will send you straight to LaLaLand.
What won't send you to LaLaLand are the many options of the Wild Child Kit.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
This is the Peace option, which I commissioned the great Joe Y to design for us... ya see I had a sneaky feeling we might need a bit more peace in our lives in 2020.
If you're wanting to spread peace use this code: PEACEOUT
The code works on everything in the store... but check out how snappy this kit looks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.2 lbs
Pull-ups
6.5 hours sleep - not my best night.
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL...
May 21, 2020 TODD BROWN
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL... who's the fastest of them all?
Let me see here... let's see... well, according to the actual score board... why...hmmm... well, it ain't you.
Are you sure Mirror?
Yep, quite sure... looking at the podium picture here.... it's def not you.
Well, Mirror, what about that one KOM I got?
Checking... checking... checking... ah yes, found it... yes, you did have a KOM on that one forgotten loop that only one other person ever rode... but, looks like someone stumbled upon it and stole it... no email on that?
No Mirror, no email.
Are you sad?
Yes, kind of.
Don't be. You were never even in the running for fastest. But, you're still the fairest... and ain't that the best?
I'm not sure what inspired the above... maybe it's the awareness for ESPN's upcoming Lance Armstrong tell all?
But, I am sure this is a fairly awesome offer that is ending in 4 days...
... my favorite helmets, huge savings.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
KH ordered a Protone for himself... ''cause of course we always think of ourselves first... then sent this text
Now, you may not have an old helmet that fits like a giant, sad mushroom on top of your head like KH... but if you do... this is a helluva deal...
Save 20% with promo code: KASK20
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Sale ends on 5/25.
PEDALposse, you save more with your special code.
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran Live + pull-ups
7 hours sleep
HAS STRAVA TOTALLY BLOWN IT?
May 20, 2020 TODD BROWN
KUDO TO YOU... there's a lot I like about Strava, so much so that I've paid for their service for years simply to support them... 'cause honestly, I couldn't make helmets or shifters outta their premium offer.
But, the thing I like most is it to take a few minutes from time to time and comment on a friend's outstanding ride. There's a lot of this going on on the Stravs and it's pretty darn cool... probably the best part, all that positivity.
I'm not sure if forcing people to pay for "their most popular feature" is the right way to go... but that's essentially what they've done by hiding all the segment times but your own and the top 10 should you not have the 5 bones a month they want from ya.
I think a choice ala Spotify to have paid/adfree or free with ads would be cool... even as a payer, I wouldn't mind seeing really relevant ads from time to time in my feed. For sure kids, the budget conscious, and others would opt for the free with ads version.
Without a quality free version, will Strava's domination of segment data be hollowed out?... leaving just richguy data? Will another platform come forth? Will people move to Garmin's app?
Time will tell...
... speaking of time, I'm really loving the longer days and the chance to ride long into the evening...
... and when I do, I roll out with 2 water bottles like this
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
Which you can have delivered to your door for a whopping... sit down before I tell you how much this is going to set you back... I mean, you know we haven't been able to make bottles for 10 weeks now right?...
Use promo code: KUDOS
Code expires after the next 10 sets of bottles have been ordered... except for the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
165.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3485751504
AFTER THE RACE...
May 19, 2020 TODD BROWN
A FULL 18 MONTHS INTO MY PROFESSIONAL RACING CAREER... start young enough and it's impossible not to have this dream, for every single ride is faster and further... I met what seemed to be an old crusty cat running a forgotten bike shop, he was probably mid-30s.
He sagely whispered, It takes 3 years to find out what kind of racer you'll be.
I thought, Whatever dude, I'm going to race that big thing in France.
Many times I've considered his statement. He meant I'd find out if I was a road racer or crit racer or circuit racer, for those were the choices at the time.
Surely I'd be a pro on the road... actually, I wound up a decent amateur on circuit courses.
But, maybe he'd meant something deeper?... for I'd learned a secret.
After the races, there are more races.
Each race presenting new challenges, requiring new skills. A chance to improve. To find harder races, against faster competition. To set larger goals that butt up to the impossible, and get after it.
Sure, wanting to win... but more importantly, knowing that each race leaves me a better version of myself...
... eagerly awaiting the next race.
The next chance to strap on my helmet and see who I've become.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner. Perfect fit. Great airflow.
And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3480225660
I CALLED HIM FAT
May 18, 2020 TODD BROWN
I LOVE MY FRIEND Kevi. I was shocked to see him in December. Shocked, I tell ya. Here was a man who once weighed a scant 155... tbh, I didn't even recognize him when he rolled up to me... in fact, I cleared the area for fear he'd take me out like a lone bowling pin.
But this is what I love about him... he has more determination and will power than any person I've ever met.
He ordered a few kits... after squeezing into an XXL top and XL bottom, and I mean like hold your breath squeezing.
Then he started getting these dern emails from me.
Bought some PR Lotion.
Started riding hard again.
Noticed my weight... he knew I was 20 pounds heavier when he lived 'round here.
Got inspired.
Read about my passion for graveling.
Set a financial goal to merit a new bike.
Ordered Large kits a couple of weeks ago... down about 50 pounds.
Got the new gravel bike... giggled like a kid.
Shot me a message today... Can we change to Medium kits?
Did I feel bad pointing out his huge potential energy? Nope. I love him... want him to be around a long time. We've got a lot riding to do.
And now that he's joined the PEDALposse, I can't wait till he starts seeing the benefits of Coach Loran's workouts...
... just hope he doesn't giggle when he drops me next time he's in town.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
I'm not going to promise you the same results as Kevin... I don't know if you have that far to go, or if you have that kind of drive and determination... but, I will promise you a proper butt kickin' by Coach Loran... the kinda thing that will have you feeling S-T-R-O-N-G on and off the bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.4 lbs
Coach Loran Live
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3474731048
HONOR AND RECOGNITION IN THE EVENT OF SUCCESS
May 17, 2020 TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND JEFF JUST LOADED UP HIS BIKE AND WENT FOR A LITTLE 322 MILE JAUNT... sleeping trailside from 11pm-5am along the way... and didn't even invite me, or anybody else.
Did it alone.
On forgotten gravel roads.
In bear country.
It's the kind of thing I only dream about or threaten to do.
Which reminds me of the most compelling advertisement I've ever read, placed by the great Ernest Shackleton... captain of the aptly named Endurance.
What calls men and women to engage in such quests is one thing.
Why aren't we all so engaged is another.
What are we waiting for?
Should I ever heed the call of the wild, what some may consider lose my mind you, bank on me going all in on style and efficiency from head to toe.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner. Perfect fit. Great airflow.
And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/25)
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446
SKID MARKS.
May 16, 2020 TODD BROWN
PAY ATTENTION AND YOU START TO NOTICE SKID MARKS ALL OVER THE PLACE. If you're the one laying down the rubber or carving up the dirt you're tapping into your rebellious side... and if your execution is flawless and graceful... well, that's a helluva feeing.
Carving up the local fire roads on my gravel bike today, I remembered one of the best bike lessons I ever got. And it was free, from my friend Brett.
Bret had race flat track motorcycles professionally... they're the original drifters... and he was the best skidder I've ever seen.
He kindly let me know I sucked... well into my 30's, 20+ years of skidding...
... and I'd been doing it all wrong.
Rather than share the many wrong ways... lemme just share the right way to skid through a turn.
The most important thing Brett taught me is to start your skid before you're turning, it's the only way to keep the back end from sliding away below you and leaving on your arse or worse.
Got that?
Start the skid while you're still going straight, then steer through the turn and the back end will come right around under control.
Why skid?
It's fun.
It can be a lot faster way to get through a tight turn off road.
It looks cool.
It kicks up a ton of dirt making it harder for trailing riders to see... I'd never do that.
If you're going to be working on your stylish skidding... wear a good, stylish helmet.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner. Perfect fit. Great airflow.
And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/31)
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.4 lbs
Office Move Pt. 2
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3463307446
WE WEREN'T BORN THIS WAY
May 15, 2020 TODD BROWN
NO ONE IS BORN A RACER. No one is born knowing how to ride a bike. Training is like spokes in a wheel. One spoke is useless. Many spokes, properly tensioned, make a strong wheel.
We train our legs.
We train our minds
We train our core.
We train our upper body.
We learn basic maintenance.
We study the greats.
We ride with faster and slower riders.
We practice handling skills.
We dial in nutrition on and off the bike.
We master rest and sleep.
Strong wheels roll over all obstacles... and so we attack the race with vigor and confidence that we are prepared...
... and that same preparation rolls into everything we do.
The wide road, the rockless trail... we learn nothing there.
We seek the fast turn, shoulder to shoulder... the steep, cliffside trail.
Mens sana in corpore sano - sound mind in strong body.
And we know it'd be a shame to not keep that mind protected and that body stylish so we don excellence atop it all.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The first time, the very first time I placed the Protone - the blue one - atop my head I knew it was a winner. Perfect fit. Great airflow.
And right now we've got an incredible promotion... 20% savings... with promo code: MENSSANA. (expires 5/31)
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166 lbs
Office move
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/2909778979
VISION QUEST
May 14, 2020 Bold Commerce Collaborator
I FELL OVER HALFWAY THROUGH MY FIRST VISION QUEST. Landed on my side. Unable to move. I wasn't hurt, but I was being crushed by extreme heat and an ungodly amount of climbing. Falling over when I stood on the pedals because my legs cramped simultaneously wasn't part of the plan.
I lay there shocked, such was the speed by which I'd been cut down.
Just hours earlier I'd been full of confidence... thinking all was well, what could possibly derail a great day racing in the mountains with my pals?
It wouldn't be my only disastrous day on a bike.
But, it would define my response.
I would summon the will to finish...
... long after the winners and quitters had gone home...
... a victory of my own.
---
Shiz gonna hit our spokes for sure... and will continue to do so... and so we plan for that...
prepping better
adjusting expectations
persevering
loving what the trails and roads throw at us
turning inward for strength
accepting the shiz
and pedaling on
---
Speaking of pedaling on... if you're heading out for a big adventure be sure and lube up your body too
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
Here's the dealio... buy any one of these products and the second product is 50% off when you use this code: LUBEMEUP
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
—
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
—
166.6 lbs
Coach Live - ouch!
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3452950880
PEDALposse Rules 6-10
May 13, 2020 TODD BROWN
They say rules are made to be broken... break these at your own risk.
6. If you're going to lead, be the last one to lead - win the damn race!
7. Thy bike may be dirty, thy drivetrain must be pristine.
8. Always invite the ladies - they're nicer and don't smell - they may politely decline, keep inviting.
9. Group rides start on time - failure to heed leads to ride death.
10. Thou shalt not show thy butt crack via thread barren bibs - and if thou shalt be subjected to such offense thou shalt shame the offender without mercy.
Speaking of threads, I found a pile of these superlight socks while prepping for our upcoming move... and I'd sure like to find a home for them.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
This particular sock was only made in the size OFSM - one size fits most which is 9-12.
So, if you're that size... and you like gray... and have 8 shekels that need a home... that's all it takes to get these delivered to you.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3447809783
HANG LOOSE, HOLD TIGHT, LOOK FAR.
May 12, 2020 TODD BROWN
PERHAPS THE MOST OVERLOOKED SKILL IN BIKE HANDLING, and the cause of many an ohcrap moment, is the ol' hangloose, holdtight. I think it's overlooked, because it's rarely taught...
I was reminded of it yesterday when I received this message from PEDALposse member Michael F.
Just got a gravel bike, have had a few break in rides. I've quickly learned that it's not a simple as pedaling hard. There are obstacles, you can't just get into a zone (have to look and think ahead all the time). That said, it's fun (at times), and I know it will become a lot of fun after I develop a more "gravel" skill. Any tips for a pure road cyclist (no MTB background) looking to enjoy the trails around Santiago Canyon?
First tip is hangloose, holdtight, and it's applicable to all riding.
Your upper body should be loose, your arms especially. This will let the power of the terrain flow through you and be energizing vs jolting. Think of your arms as wet spaghetti noodles.
Your hands should have a firm grip on the bars, with noodle arms.
I learned it reading Zen And The Art Of Archery - it's short, and profound... about an American archer who travels to Japan and gets his schooled by little old men, and the secret he learned about recruiting just the right muscles.
Second tip is look as far ahead as you can.
Your body will remember what to do. Most people new to riding offroad look straight down. It's a bad habit that will have you focusing on the obstacles rather than the goals... never bueno.
I learned that from Moses - Where there is no vision, the people perish.
Another reason people perish is because their tires are in terrible shape... and guess what I don't want to move to the new location?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
Here's the dealio... the one promo code that is better than the PEDALposse code... the buy one get one free code: CONTIBOGO
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/continental-tires
---
Production is back up and running, most custom orders placed prior to 4/1 will ship week of 5/18, custom orders placed in April will ship towards the end of the month, custom orders placed now will ship in approximately 4 weeks from art approval.
---
166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3442652996
STUPID ATTACK SNAGS PODIUM
May 11, 2020 TODD BROWN
A LONG RANGE ATTACK USUALLY FAILS, it's often attempted by a racer who is feeling outnumbered or outclassed. And, usually ends up with the attacker being shot out the back. But, there is one kind of long range attack that if done correctly can reshuffle the deck in your favor.
Here's how I use it.
The last 5-10 miles of any road race are always heated.
The last 3-5, the adrenalin pump is a pumpin'.
Earlier this year, I pulled such an attack.
4 miles out.
I lead into a very fast 150 degree turn and sprinted hard out of it. There was a little gap, and I kept it at 9/10ths. As planned, I was caught about a 1/4 mile later. The charging train blew by me.
When rider X chided me with The race won't be won here, I knew it was mission accomplished.
I slotted in 10 guys back and kept an eye on all the players. It was a gradual 1-2% grade with a kicker at the finish.
That tactic can backfire.
They can leave you dangling off the front. So, go 9/10ths. If the gap keeps opening while you're getting closer to the finish, you can up it to all out... but it better be a helluva gap.
When that happens it's usually because they know you and think you don't have it and they let the gap get too big. Which is a really sweet move that I saw executed at LoToJa. I was keying of the regulars, and they figured Steinfelt didn't have it. Wrong. He won, we lost.
It works best when nobody knows you, like if you're in town just for the race. They'll think you're some kook making a bad move... you might be, so be careful. Usually, they'll chase you down, heckling you... leaving you in the catbird's position, latched on to the back of their lead out trains, forgotten.
While their egos are jousting, you are patiently resting and waiting to unleash your mighty fury...
... always be the last one to lead the race.
But, don't be the last one to check out our close outs... I added a couple of new things today. Found one of these sweet t's
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
Plus a few other things.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
---
167 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3437267779
HE'S GOING THE DISTANCE
May 10, 2020 TODD BROWN
A FEW YEARS AGO, I HAD THIS CRAZY DREAM to start a racing format called HUNKR. It stood for Hundred Kilometer Race. I learned the expensive way that race promotion is a tough way to make a buck. That was the bad part, but I also learned a ton of things along the way.
Yes, we had hundreds of people race...
Yes, the local speedsters - pros and national champs showed up...
Yes, the courses we spectacular.
Yes, an after party.
Yes... terday, I had a few hours midday and ripped around the county. Just over three hours later I came in super stoked. On a high.
3ish hours, stomping on the pedals is my sweet spot.
The route I'd put together as I went along, linking bike trails and little used roads, had only a couple of obeythelaw stops. Which left me in the zone the entire way. And, wound up to be exactly 100k.
The Old Clydesdale commented on my Strava post with one word: Hunkr.
Which reminded me of the point of HUNKR... to give people a way to race each other as well as chase their PRs. Runners do this all the time - sign up for mass start race, train together, then go race and reach for their PR.
The number one thing I learned is people really like the HUNKR format... we just don't have that in bike racing.
I wish we did.
Will I ever resurrect HUNKR?
Probably.
In a renegade, undertheradar, nopermits, inviteonly, braggingrightsonly, badass sorta format.
Until then, we are closing out the remaining jerseys... practically giving away the classiest event jersey I've ever seen or made... so we don't have to move them to our new, shiny location.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
---
166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762
FAILURE FEEDBACK
May 09, 2020 TODD BROWN
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A SPECTACULAR FAIL FOR LEARNING. Whether or not Thursday was a true failure is questionable, the fact I fell off the athletewagon is undoubtable.
Exercise: lazy walk on beach
Diet: donuts for breakfast, a giant serving of PickUp Stix for lunch, Domino's for dinner, and multiple servings of Oreo ice cream pie while watching Revenge Of The Sith.
Why the fall: son Shane's bday + all kids in town for Mother's Day = party time.
The failure feedback: 2 lbs heavier than previous morning, and some karaze dreams
Without that feedback from the scale and dreams, nothing would be learned.
Racing, with a number or just amongst friends, has been a great source of feedback.
But, I think chasing PRs has been the best teacher because I experiment more.
Tinkering with tread patterns and tire pressure,
bike position,
nutrition,
pacing,
apparel,
time of day...
oh, it's an endless list... and chasing a PR is endlessly fascinating... figuring out what is holding me back - often it's the blubber, my homegrown ballast, that needs to be cast off.
Speaking of casting off, we're moving to a new location this month... so if you have a hankerin' for some deals, there are a number of things we are closing out
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.
---
165.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762
A COLD BLOODED KILLER PLANS FOR SUMMER RELEASE
May 08, 2020 TODD BROWN
I HAD THIS WHOLE POST ABOUT LEARNING FROM FAILURE READY TO GO, then I read this quote from Egan Bernal who learned from winning.
Bernal:
At the moment, it's a question of having cold blood, focusing on training, trying to do things as well as possible, get to the Tour and then things will fall into place.
That's his answer to the question of who will lead his team... himself, being the reigning champ, his teammate Geraint Thomas the previous winner, or Chris Froome who won before Thomas.
And, I freakin' love it... it's a question of cold blood... ie: getting your buns in gear, the world ain't waitin'.
We ain't waitin' over here either, in fact we're movin'... and rather than move it all, we're puttin' some of it on clearance... can ya help a brother out?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.
---
166.6 lbs
Coach Loran Live Workout
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3421857164
CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT
May 07, 2020 TODD BROWN
THERE IS SO MUCH CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT ON A BIKE. I love to admit it, some of the very best is when a friend flies off the trail and lands in the tree below... clipped in, upside down... with a sliced shin.
If you're a rider, and you're tough, and you signed up for said adventures... shiz like that be really funny. Whether it's you or your pal.
So, there we were laughing our helmets off only last night!
Poor unnamed rider X.
Don't tell my wife, I'll wear pants for a few days.
Copy that cowboy.
Just like that we rode on... bleeding, smashed shifter dangling... doing our thang.
I was reminded of that story this morning when I got an email from my Aussie mate Tony.
Hi Todd,
Every ride where I use your XL RaceDay bag I am reminded of you. ( I always laugh when someone say SH@T I left my gloves at home and point to my bag).
Yep... that's super funny, and happens all the time.
Reminds me of the time I forgot my kit and raced a crit in surf trunks and a tank top. Really wanted to win that won after all the shaming. No luck.
I've laughed a million times thinking about that race.
Even funnier was when my friend got kicked out of a race for doing a towel change in the pits... by the Sheriff!
Too bad she didn't have a changing poncho... hahahaha!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
You know what they say... Modest is hottest!
Use promo code: CHEAPENTERTAINMENT
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Pedalposse... use your super code.
---
165.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3414501436
TO RUST OR NOT TO RUST, THAT IS THE QUESTION
May 06, 2020 TODD BROWN
WE HAVE THIS OLD IBIS TANDEM COUSIN IT. The attention to detail is awesome. From the matching Silca pump to the little forged hand that holds the brake cable. After 25ish years, it's in good shape... not worn, not rusted.... because we haven't ridden it for the last 10+ years.
Which reminds me of this quote:
We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us.
My choice is to wear out.
-Theodore Roosevelt
While our contemporaries slowly rust out, we are in the big gears. Charging ahead. Setting karazy goals.
Which reminds me of this qoute from my distant cousin:
I don't know karate,
but I do know karazy.
- James Brown
Whatever your karaze biking goal is, if you have some base bikefitness you can be karaze ready in 10 weeks.
Right now, I'm working on a new book...10 Weeks To Speed... the premise is you don't need a full-time coach, you just need 10 focused weeks.
Get out your calendar and sip on that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
PEDALposse, remember to use your special code.
---
165.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3411138895
OUTRAGEOUSNESS IS THE ONLY STRATEGY
May 05, 2020 TODD BROWN
SPARE ME THE SHOOT FOR THE STARS HIT THE MOON PLATITUDES. I want something outrageous, clear and concrete.
Like PRing Leadville last summer, 20 years after my previous PR.
It's the only way to wring out the best.
This year's outrageous goal... sheesh, my palms just started sweating... but, I gotta do it... gotta commit to something ridonkulous.
Here it is Marathon Nationals... for the win.
November 14th.
Texas.
There. Said it.
Six months to get in tiptopshape. Be one with my MTB.
That wasn't so hard. There's almost a relief, finally putting it out there. Writing it down. The trepidation turns to fascination... how to get it done?
One thing I'll be doing for sure is getting my buns kicked regularly by Coach Loran. Body strength, coordination, balance will be key for a successful day.
If you haven't trained with Coach Loran yet... well, you're probably not in the PEDALposse where her training is included.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
I know what you're thinking... she looks so nice and inviting, how could she possible motivate me?
Well... start with the fact she's probably a better bike handler than 99% of riders then add in she's be training people for 15 years.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3405159184
SO YOU'RE SAYING I'VE GOT A CHANCE?
May 04, 2020 TODD BROWN
PERHAPS THE GREATEST LESSON OF AN EPIC EVENT IS TO TAKE IT MILE BY MILE. Shtuff happens. Whether it happens at mile 2 or mile 92 matters not. Our response is all that matters.
At the original 12 Hours of Big Bear, I started catching up to the leaders on the long downhill.
It was the first lap.
We were all fresh.
I'd been dropped, but I was back.
Hellyeah boys, I'm here... was all I was thinking.
Poof! tsss... tsss... tsss... tsss... a dawgawn flat tire, and now all I was thinking was...
Hell!
I noted the time. Fixed the flat in 2 minutes, flat.
We still had 11 hours and 35 minutes of racing. I stuck to my pace, about 50 minutes per lap.
By the 11th hour, first place Matt Oran had lapped me and figured no one could match his 12 laps. He pulled out and watched.
Second place, also pulled over having completed 11 laps. Like Matt, he figured no one could catch.
At 11 hours 5 minutes, I pitted. 11 laps done. Surfergirl told me the situation. Poured to packs of table salt into my mouth and sent me off.
We'd started at 7am. Most of the mountain was now dark, the sunsetting on the other side. Nobody else as on the course because they'd done the calculation and figured they couldn't get back by 7pm.
Could I make it back by 7pm and complete 12 laps, securing 2nd place? Everything hurt. Cramps came and went.
It was just me and DuranDuran, Hungry Like A Wolf... strangely serene.
---
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
---
Riding that fateful downhill for the 12th time, doing all the mental math, knowing it was going to be very, very close... I knew something else,
if I'd hesitated when it all went sideways, or given up hope, I never would have made it to this moment... in a beautiful forest,
this beautiful, quiet moment, completely satisfied I'd done all I could do.
---
I crossed the line at 6:58PM, and collapsed. Numero dos.
---
A lot of folks have been buying this lately. We got lucky and stocked up before production was halted.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
---
166 lbs
Core day with Coach Loran
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3399691968
BEAST OF HURTIN'
May 03, 2020 TODD BROWN
SOMEDAYS ON SUNDAYS MY LEGS ARE HURTIN'. After yesterday's peppy jaunt around the county, today is one of them. Didn't really notice it until a late afternoon walk up a coupla a sets of stairs.
Which reminds me of a question my pal Talley asked.
Do you ride to "get it over with” so you can reward yourself OR is your ride the reward?
My reply...
I think it's some of both... though, lately I've been riding end of day a lot more... it's nice to look forward to and it forces me to compress the work day, not let it leak into dinner and the evening.
A few years ago I read The 5 Hour Workday, and we committed to it pretty hard. But, somehow we lost our discipline and drifted back into the 8 to 10 hour workday.
Perhaps this is the right time to recommit? I'm gonna dig that book back up.
... and run this another day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder
You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY
... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.
---
166 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3394583609
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY
May 02, 2020 TODD BROWN
TRUST IN GOD AND KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY... advice for the ages. Fighting advice. And it works for long, vicious and terrible rides... because it means to be prepared to take action yourself... here's how not to do it.
Yes, Zach, this post is for you!
Setting the stage...
The bright sun was balanced with a lingering hint of winter in the early air. An intoxicating mixture that had Justin returning home about 3 hours later than promised to wifey... and had coaxed Zach out for his first ride in months.
We'd planned to circumnavigate most of the county at a brisk pace.
First stop 60 miles in, then another 40 to get home.
Being the wise old diesel that I am, I had a big drink before I left. And loaded my pockets with Honey Stinger waffles and a ziploc bag full of 4 scoops of GQ6 powder.. powder which would stay dry in said bag and mix up to power me home.
We warmed up nice enough, but the further we went the harder we ground. Soon pulls were being skipped. It was on.
The Anaheim train station is on the route and a wonderful stop, with a cafe and water and bathrooms. It's beautiful inside.
I busted out my bottles. Poured dry powder into bottle one, began pouring bottle two.
Zach looked so sad.
The cafe was closed.
The only working vending machine was stocked with novels of the 50 Shades of Gray ilk.
I gave him a good portion of my dry powder. Mike gave him a bar.
At which point Justin asked if I had my supply of Salt Sticks...
We clipped in and Zach mentioned to Justin...
I feel like all the posts are about me.
Me, too.
Which warmed my heart.
Bring your powder, and keep it dry.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder
You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY
... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.
---
165 lbs
Stretch
6.5 hours sleep - too excited to sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3387267351
I KNEW A GREAT MECHANIC, AND YOU'RE NO GREAT MECHANIC
May 01, 2020 TODD BROWN
THE PROBLEM WITH TODAY'S BIKES is they are too dawgawn good. Rare is the breakdown, part failure... shoot, we hardly get flats anymore let alone a busted spoke.
I don't know about you, but my wrenching skills kinda stink... and my wrench collection?... a flippin' mess.
Fearless as ever, I approached swapping out my very worn rear tire on my gravel bike.
No quick release, need a wrench to remove the wheel.
Easy enough, then I removed the tire.
Inside there was plenty of Stan's milk sloshing.
I carefully disposed of the old stuff.
Popped on the new tire.
Poured in a bunch of Stan's.
Mounted the rest of the tire.
Aired it up.
Jiggled, wiggled, bounced... all manner of movements to get that inside coated with the magic white stuff <- the kind of thing that magically does away with flats and tire changing skills at the same time... here's what I mean...
It was a little tricky getting the wheel situated inside the frame and a dinged the brake calipers somehow.
No amount of fiddling would get it to stop rubbing.
Did I mention I'm a fearless mechanic?... yeah, well, this is the point I should have set it aside and approached fresh in the morning. But I din't.
Instead, I proceed to... well, I'll cut to the chase... my brake still rubs and the bolts mounting it to the frame are now nearly stripped out.
Ugh...
(Diminished skills + crummy tools) X lack of practice = Bike Down!
Such a drag... I was mounting that tire up to have good romp in the dirt.
But, there's good news.
PEDALposse member Chris M just moved to town. And guess what he is?... a pro-fesh-nul mechanic. And, he's got some time. And, he's already extracted the stripped bolt... and now we're just waitin' on parts.
Maybe we need PEDALpossePlus... and include service?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.4 lbs
Live session with Coach Loran - she killed me.
7.5 hours sleep
Got an hour in, but the Wahoo is acting wacko.
PEDALposse RULES TO RIDE BY
Apr 30, 2020 TODD BROWN
HERE ARE 5 RULES TO ABIDE BY:
- Train at the front of the group. If you're on a group ride, get your buns to the front... where it's hard, you'll be a lot harder to drop come race time.
- Always be prepared. We're hardly Boy Scouts. But, the Scouts are right. Be prepared in body, mind, spirit and saddle bag. The posse doesn't spect anyone to carry parts for them.
- Thou shalt bend thy elbows. While riding with the elbows locked my feel good, might even look good in your mind, it's a great way to find yourself splattered on the asphalt.
- Name thy bike. Your bike is an extensive of you... give it a name to be known on the records of Starva.
- Never bonk. Bonking, running out of food, is the true rookie move... and if done righteously can leave you depleted an in a hole for weeks.
More to come... until then, consider this... the lightest, quietest saddle bag ever.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
The mini RaceDay bag is super lightweight and durable bag that holds a tube, air cartridge and nozzle, and levers perfectly.
Everything is snug, sucked up under your saddle, and never rattles around. Plus, there's room for a couple of bucks and a patch kit if ya like.
Made from durable 29" mountain bike tube.
Use promo code: RULES1-5 to save, or your PEDALposse code to save twice as much.
---
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran #2
7 hours sleep
ride didn't record
IT'S SHOCKING
Apr 29, 2020 TODD BROWN
I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT HOW WONDROUS PEOPLE ARE AT NATURE. Half of me is in disbelief that anybody could make such a big deal about seeing a deer or bobcat, etc... and the other half is smug thinking I see that all the time.
But, such is the world we live in. People sucked so far into their cocoons they freak out at seeing nature. They've lost their nature.
We on the other hand, are much closer to our wild side.
We are wild.
Wolves.
Eagles.
The thing about animals is they only attack in two instances: when threatened, and when the kill is certain. They can't afford the luxury of taking physical risks. In the wild, there's no back up.
Which just might be good racing advice. Attack when threatened, or when the kill is certain.
Speaking good advice, now would be a good time to check out the PEDALposse... here's why: it's been purposely mysterious because we didn't want to many people to join before we had it figured out.
We've got a little more clarity on this wild offer.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3373573030
SAME AS IT EVER WAS
Apr 28, 2020 TODD BROWN
THOUGHT EXPERIMENT: What if we changed the order of things?
For years, the Tour De France started with a prologue, and over the course of 3 weeks got into harder and harder climbs, ending with a bunch of laps and a sprint in Paris.
What if they raced it in reverse?
If the start was a bunch of laps round the Champs -Élysées with a giant crowd cheering the racers for an hour or so before they head out to discover who is the best.
Then we'd see fresh climbers slug it out on the first 10 days of massive mountains.
Follow by another 10 days of rolling terrain and sprints.
Ending with short prologue of 8ish minutes where racers are basically riding more than racing and basking in the glory of 3 weeks well done... and finishing fresh ready for a big party.
Would it matter?
Probably more than it mattered that I had the pricing and code wrong for this promo yesterday:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.
Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic. There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks. I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.
So, if you want an early crack at them here you go:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.
---
167.2 lbs
Coach Loran #5
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3368841663
THE OLDEST TRICK IN THE BOOK
Apr 27, 2020 TODD BROWN
ALL I KNOW IS I WAS ENJOYING A COOL EVENING, COASTING HOME WITH MY HANDS AT MY SIDES AND MY SMILE REAL WIDE... thinking I'm gonna call tonight's post The oldest trick in the book.
Because is there an older, cooler trick than that first time you let go with boh hands... not the first time for onetenthofasecond... the first time you were relaxed, cool as a cucumber?
Well, come to think of it there are cooler times...
... like riding the Stingray off the curb, no hands...
... like casually pulling off your jacket or vest or warmers and patiently folding to properly fit in your jersey pocket all while rolling along in the bunch, no hands...
... like beating your friends across the city limits sign and celebrating, no hands...
... like ending a long day at the yob with a little spin, cleansing your mind, no hands..
... and the oldest trick, becomes the best trick.
You wanna no another cool trick?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.
Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic. There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks. I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.
So, if you want an early crack at them here you go:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.
---
168.6 lbs
Coach Loran #4 + 40 pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3364198985
IT'S NOT RACING IF IT'S NOT DANGEROUS
Apr 26, 2020 TODD BROWN
GRAVEL RIDING IS REALLY FUN, brings a ton of adventure and all kinds of freedom on where yer gonna ride that day. Any turn is a good turn. Every path brings unknown potential. But, let's be fair... it's not really racing if it's not dangerous.
Nobody goes crit riding.
Road racing, means eventually there's gonna be massive risk taking.
CX you might stub your toe or skin your shin.
Mountain bike racing is synonymous with destruction of bikes and bones.
Which brings me to the first gravel racer, the original drop bar ripper, the King of Kamikaze... if you don't know his name, that's a true shame.
Because at the height of mountain biking, with the advent of DownHill this cat was running a disc wheel, an aero helmet, a skin suit, and looking smooth and planted while drifting turns at 50+ mpg.
That my lads and ladettes, my fellow parishioners of the church of the crank, is real gravel racing...
.. the rest of it is gravel riding, and it's super fun...
... but I can't stop thinking about the racing, the gravel type.
I reckon that's why I prefer my speedy KASK road helmet.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone
This is by far, the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. And, I use it for everything road, XC, and of course gravel...
... and you know I'll be wearing when I go gravel racing!
You can pick it up here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone
And you can save if you're part of the PEDALposse.
---
166lbs
stretch and roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3359288764
TEMPERING THE GRAVEL GOON
Apr 25, 2020 TODD BROWN
FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CONNECT A 100K GRAVEL COURSE AROUND DEEZ PARTS. Finally got 'er done today... and it was a roughie.
I started too late, getting scorched by the midday heat... but, the course is so rad it didn't discourage me.
Here's why:
Starting from the sandy shores of the Pacific, I rode the 62ish miles and all but 5 or so were either on paved bike trail, gravel road or sweet single track.
The route includes water crossings, beautiful old oak trees, tall grass and wild flowers... plus a large bobcat, a gazillion rabbits, and 2 red tail hawks.
There's 5000' of vertical gained, and it's mostly packed in the middle 30 miles. These are not gentle climbs, these are make you want to walk climbs.
Why have I been on this quest?
Did you read that part above? JK... I dunno, it's just in my nature to figure out fun courses. Plus, Jeff is coming to visit and he's been bugging me to ride gravel for 10 years... gotta show off our stuff.
I learned a few more things along the way.
- Carry lube. On these long gravel rides if there's water crossings, it's a good idea to carry a small tube of lube.
- Low pressure, mo' betta. I rode 35lbs in the rear and 32lbs up front.
- One of those dorky boxes on the top tube would be handy for carrying extra food... I had 7 waffles jammed in my left pocket.
Questions you may have, should you choose to join us on an official Gravel Goon:
Do I need a gravel bike? No, an MTB would be great.
Can I ride a road bike? Doable with exceptional bike skills and a bombproof back.
Will you wait for me? Probably not.
Will you have aid stations? When it's official, fo' sho'.
What should you eat?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.
Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.
Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box. The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
---
The other thing I learned/practiced was how to use a GoPro. For my bday I got myself one... inspired by my friend Jose who takes such amazing pictures. I asked what he used and he clued me in.
I ran into 4 friends on the ride - Justin, Robot, Mark and Chris (pictured)... it's not as good as riding together, but it's darn nice to see the fellas.
---
165.8 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3353469209
THE LEADVILLE LETTERS
Apr 24, 2020 TODD BROWN
A FEW MONTHS AGO A FRIEND ASKED IF I'D COACH HIM TO RACE THE LEADVILLE 100. So, I fired off an email every day... with homework.
Some of the information is tactical for Leadville.
But, more importantly, the letters reveal nuggets which may be applied to any ride or race likely to leave nothing but the residue of who you are when it's over.
If you're planning to get your head handed to you at Dirty Kanza or BWR... or, just want to do an epic attack on your local mountains, you need the Leadville Letters.
For example...
Every Friday and Saturday you need to experiment with your food to find out what works for you. Do not leave this up to the last couple of weeks before the race, or worse, the week of. Figure it out early, then tinker with it.
Be the person people ask, not the one who’s unsure and ready to try something new on race day.
Okay, here is exactly what I eat and drink...
... revealed in the Leadville Letters are 20 years of mining racing some of the hardest more ridiculous courses in the western US, pure gold.
These letters will be shipping in June, and can be ordered here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-leadville-letters
However, if you're part of the PEDALposse no need to order as they're included with your subscription.
Not a member of the PEDALposse yet?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran #2 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
No ride.
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