SHOULD WE TAPER FOR TRAINING RIDES?

LOOKING OVER THE DATA from my most recent two hard rides and comparing to two recent races this year, I'm wondering if we...

... should taper more for training rides?

Would that be a better...

• workout?
• gauge of fitness?
• prep for an A race?

... to do from time to time.

I'm wondering because according to the apps...

... I have the highest fitness of the year right now.

But, the numbers don't really reflect that. 

They are in line with the early season races,
which I tapered for.

While the fitness numbers are climbing, and looking good...

... I have the highest fatigue of the year right now.

Just fer fun,
I think I'll do a mini taper this week,
and see what kind of numbers I can produce next Saturday.

===

165.9 lbs 
7 hrs sleep
0 PushUps 0 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
107/-2 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HOW TO CALCULATE THE VALUE OF YOUR BIKE

NICE BIKES are expensive, and, if you're into maximizing your performance, totally worth the price we pay. They depreciate quickly, and rarely...

... hold their value.

Here's a rough calculation.

Day One,
20%.

Year One,
40%.

Year Four,
85%.

I have a friend who surfs the top of market,
gets a great deal because he buys a new bike ever year...

... and figures it runs him about $500/mo.

New, top of the line tech, always.

I was thinking about this today.

Year 5 for my trusty MTB,
essentially 0%.

Frame is toast.

Cost works out to be about $200/mo,
not counting parts replaced and maintenance,
and lost performance via wear and tear and old technology.

What's the better way to go?

Here's another calculus, the value...

• 1 minute before your planned ride
  • super high
• 1 second after a victory or PR
  • even higher
• Years after an epic event or quest
  • priceless memories

... what we pay is important.

The value we receive, 
is up to us.

===

166.2 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
90 PushUps 30 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
102/-11 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S NOT ABOUT GETTING THEM STARTED

WE HAD A SPECIAL GUEST spend the night. He's an early riser, like me. Not being one to alter my plans I went right about with my usual start to the day. Within a few minutes...

... I had him out in the garage.

The quiver of bikes grabbed his attention.

Then, he saw me reach up to the bar,
and rattle off some pullups.

HIs arms raised high,
and said...

... Pu-up

I had to lift him up to get him started.

Along with not being able to speak well,
he's on the short side,
not too heavy.

When it comes to getting people going on something,
it's not about getting them started...

... it's about sharing our passion.

===

165.1 lbs 
7.5 hrs sleep
90 PushUps 30 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/-10 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IMPATIENCE IS THE MOTHER OF...

IMPATIENCE IS THE DEFAULT, once we get a big hit of endorphins. We look forward to the next day's training sesh, and...

... can't wait for our next race.

Then, 
a loss,
a setback.

The return to form isn't as fast as we'd like.

If we rush it,
skip steps.

Fitness is like baking a cake...

• measured ingredients
• exact environment
• proper pan

It takes time.

Impatience, too often, is the mother of quitting.

I had to remind myself of that today as bigbadbob let me know...

I'm going to drop your a$$ today.

We'll see.

... I pulled away only to have him put 37 seconds on me during the final climb.

The reminding...

• I'm still 5lbs heavy
• I broke my PR
• 37 seconds!

... is motivational, helps me be patient.

===

165.9 lbs 
7 hrs sleep
No PushUps or PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/-1 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TEST THE EXPERTS

TRUSTING THE EXPERTS is a thing, especially because we want to believe them. Outsourcing our decisions is convenient, fast, and prudent...

... is that a good thing?

Could be.

As long as the experts are always...

• right
• consistent
• benevolent

... then, being a sheep is the way to go.

I desperately want to trust the YouTuberatti, when they claim...

• big tires
• more carbs
• shorter cranks

... are faster.

But, I don't.

Instead, I...

• study it out in my mind
• listen my intuition
• check credibility

... then, put it to the test.

As Ronnie Reagan advised...

... trust, but verify.

===

166 lbs 
7.5 hrs sleep
90 PushUps  30 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
101/-10 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HEAT TRAINING IS SO HOT RIGHT NOW

DH CALLED ME THIS MORNING. We were chatting about some new branding coming online and he asks if I remember EC. How could I forget...

... the many thumpings he's delivered?

Remember that tall skinny dude, super fast?

For sure.

I always thought he was kind of cocky, and I really wanted to hate the guy, but, he was just so good I decided it wasn't being cocky.

Yep, that's him.

I was thinking about that as I rolled out during the hottest portion of the day...

... because the heat training fad is so hot right now.

Whether it's mother nature or our competition bringing the heat, we can acclimate and excel...

... if we'll search out and endure the swelteringness.

===

167.8 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
90 PushUps  30 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/-10 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

INSANELY SIMPLE TRAINING PLAN

STRUGGLING WITH BURNOUT is one of those things like a fish doesn't know it's in water. We fail to notice the most obvious...

... until we step outside.

Conscious effort required?

I guess.

But, I'm not a 100% on that.

In my case, I just needed to tone it all down..

• no travel
• no B or C races
• no training plan

... beyond clearing the calendar.

I needed a simple plan.

Here it is...

• ride twice a week with my faster friends
• fool around on the other days
• be one pound lighter/week

... can you dig it?

I realized I'd made the transition while reading Insanely Simple, The Obsession That Drives Apple's Success, by Ken Segall.

We humans have a propensity to complicate things.

This book is a good reminder regarding...

• relationships
• business
• life

... to knock that shift off.

===

165.3 lbs 
7 hrs sleep
No PushUps  PullUps n more
0 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
102/-26 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE SURPRISE THAT DROPPED ME

... our kids gave ChatGTP this prompt: write a Father's Day post in Todd's voice.

Absolutely. Here’s a blog post written in the voice and style of the Pedal Industries blog.

⸻

THE SURPRISE THAT DROPPED ME

I figured I’d get a card. Maybe a “happy Father’s Day” mumbled over pancakes.

Instead, I got dropped.

I was still stretching on the driveway when they rolled up—my crew. My kids. Helmets on, bikes dialed, grinning like they knew they were about to wreck me.

“We’re going for a ride,” they said. “You’re not leading.”

No race number, no segment PR, no fancy plan. Just miles. Together.

And somewhere between the first climb and the mid-ride donut stop, I realized something:
I wasn’t the one teaching today. I was the one being taught.

See, the best father figures—on and off the bike—don’t always charge out front. Sometimes they sit back and ride tempo. They wait at the top. They give you their last gel. They change your flat, even when it costs them the win.

And sometimes? They surprise you. With their patience. With their quiet strength. With how much of you they see.

That’s what my kids did. They saw me. They brought me into the ride. They led the pace. They reminded me what this whole thing is really about.

It’s not watts. It’s not KOMs. It’s love in motion.

Happy Father’s Day to the dads who taught us to ride—and to the riders who became our dads, even if they never signed the birth certificate.

And to my kids: thanks for the ride. You crushed me. I loved every second.

Sleep: 7 hrs
Weight: 164
Ride: 32 miles, mostly smiling
Donut: Old fashioned, shared

⸻

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

 ❤️ the kids

BANKING AND WITHDRAWING

THE FITNESS BANK is always open for business, and always ready to close the doors if we don't show up. We constantly make deposits... 

... longing for that epic withdrawal.

Fear does that.

Fear of the day we can't do the work,
or, we don't know how much we'll need.

We bank and bank and bank...

... forgetting why we are doing it.

===

164.7 lbs 
7.5 hrs sleep
60 PushUps 20 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
100/-13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

RANDO THOUGHT ON THAT NEW FACTOR

IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT, Factor is debuting a new aero road frame. The most obvious advancement in go-fast tech is...

... the outrageously wide forks.

Ripped off,
borrowed,
licensed...

... from British National Team track bikes.

There was a day when the forks were as close as possible to the tire.

Good-bye to that.

What this inquiring mind wants to know...

... does that mean an aero gravel bike with road wheels and tires is gonna rip?

That's my current set up...

• gravel frame
• road components
• two sets of wheels

... and it seems to be working quite well on the road.

The trusty Crux...

• two-piece stem/bar
• exposed cables
• round tubes

...  is hardly aero.

N + 1 coming in hot.

===

164.9 lbs 
7.5 hrs sleep
90 PushUps 30 PullUps n more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
102/-12 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE SLOW AND FAST METHOD TO WINNING

WHO HAD IT RIGHT, the tortoise or the hare? We know the hare had it in him, we also know the tortoise won the race...

... does that mean slow and steady always wins?

Nope.

The past few weeks I've been working on this segment, in search of a PR.

I almost blew it today.

Within seconds,
disappointment.

Quitting and whining,
on the menu.

The segment starts off with a swashbuckling group of marauders,
my booster rockets to escape velocity,
towards two spanking climbs.

The group had already broken apart,
within the first mile.

Leaders were flying when they rounded the corner.

From a dead stop,

• 637 watts
• 478 watts
• 396 watts

I launched what I thought would catch me on.

I was holding,
not gaining.

After about 5 minutes, I sat up...

... waiting for the first chase group.

We chased hard...

... recording my best 10 minute power of the year.

Caught.
Recovered.
Started pulling through.

Winding up, for the first time this year, with the final sprint group.

Next, I headed for the final climbs,
back to a fast tempo pace...

... allowing me to do the final 20 minutes at threshold.

Did I get the PR?

No, but dropped 3 minutes off my previous weeks' efforts.

It's not slow and steady...

... it's slow and fast.

===

165.8 lbs 
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps  PullUps & more
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
101/-2 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE TRUE PRICE OF GREAT ADVICE

A WHILE BACK, I connected with the COO of a well-known bike brand. We were working on a collaboration at the time. I asked him for some...

... advice on what we're doing over here.

Today, we met for lunch.

Looked at from now to the end of the year,
the objectives I want to accomplish,
what I think is possible.

No different than...

• capabilities
• weaknesses
• peak seasonal events

... planning the race season with a coach.

After some yummy tacos,
and back of napkin calculations...

... we came up with a solid methodology to implement.

Like an great coach,
my friend made it so simple to understand...

... and gave me the confidence to go for it.

I was prepared to pay a minimum of $1,000.

In the end it could be way more expensive than that...

... if I don't take action.

It could cost me 100s of 1000s.

===

166.7 lbs 
7.5 hrs sleep
60 PushUps 15 PullUps & more
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
99/-8 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

YEAR/YEAR...

SMALL INCREMENTAL INCREASES or decreases are hard to notice. We have to squint to see if we've moved the needle at all. It can be discouraging...

... if we're striving to improve.

What gives?

Commitment.

Radical commitment to improve, forcing radical changes in behavior...

... to create radical results.

Just before I kitted up for the afternoon ride,
I received a video of...

... my 81 year-old aunt Vickie completing a 1/2 marathon over the weekend.

Running,
not walking.

That's radical commitment.

THAT SQUEAK

THE FINAL HOUR OF SO of yesterdays gravel jaunt, left me wondering. As we rolled along, I could here an ever so feint squeak...

... how many watts was that robbing me of?

I'm glad I didn't notice on the 52 minute climb...

• they're getting away
• I don't have a chance
• it's impossible for me to keep up

... that kind of thing can suck the life right of me.

I'll figure it out tomorrow.

But, here's the thing...

... if there is one thing squeaking, all moving parts need some love.

MORE ON DURABILITY

DURABILITY KEEPS POPPING UP in the digital rags, podcasts and youtubes. Since it's the cool, trendy thing we all have to master...

... here's something to consider.

But, first a word from this genius Velo take:

Durability is the Most Important Performance Marker of the Pogačar Era – But Nobody Knows How to Train It

I suffered through the article which explains we that don't know anything...

... so you don't have, too.

Here's what I do know about how many days the pros have raced this year ...

• Van der Poel 25
• Mads 23
• Tadej 22
• Primoz 15
• Jonas 13
• Remco 10
• ave pro 15

... the most exciting and successful, race more and harder.

Now, I'm no scientist, but.

 How much have you learned...

• traits
• tactics
• teamwork

... about yourself and competitors  during competition?

Vs. doing intervals by yourself?

How much more efficiently can you operate under pressure...

... when you're used to being under pressure?

is it just possible that racing a lot, experiencing...

• failure
• obstacles
• being pushed

... makes us more durable?

Having race winning instincts comes from showing up as often as we can...

... allowing us to make it look easy.

Amiwrong?

===

164.7 lbs (made it)
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps 12 PullUps & more
20 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
103/-2 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

A LOST ART, GOOD THING I DO GROUP RIDES

IF IT WEREN'T FOR MY INSISTENCE to get my hopes consistently dashed on a regular basis, I'd have lost this skill altogether. For, it's on the group ride where I get to practice this arcane skill...

... before and after the carnage.

Tonight, I displayed my mastery of the lost art.

The energy high, 
the dj vibing,
seating,
sparse.

We snagged a quarter of a table,
shared with three other parties of two.

Here is where I busted out my group riding skills.

Rather than independently staring at our phones...

... 'cause can't to that in a snappy peloton...

... we introduced ourselves.

Talked.

Made friends.

As the great John Lennon said...

... Imagine all the people, livin' in real life.

===

166.2 lbs (goal of 164 on Saturday is in jeopardy)
7.5 hrs sleep
36 PushUps 12 PullUps & more
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
96/-9 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SENSOR ME THAT, APPMAN

AI IS INVADING. It doesn't seem like it. More novel than useful, for most of us. But, it's coming and it's going to change...

... the way most of us train.

It's going to revolutionize sports science...

• 1.0 the foundational principles from the last 100 years
• 2.0 the proliferation of sensor technology of the last 20 years
• 3.0 the integration and leverage of all the tools and AI to make sense of it all

... and how we, and coaches, go about our maximizing our fitness.

OK.

That actually sounds pretty cool, 
and would be fun to tinker and play with.

Here's where I think the invasion...

• data monitoring
• AI crunching the numbers
• coach or sports director telling racers what to do.

... can go completely off the rails with big time road racing.

I already loathe race radios.

The old phrase Out of site, out of mind... 

... is non-existent in modern road racing.

This is why...

• The World Championships
• Gravel
• MTB

... are so much more exciting.

Give me...

• less tech
• human error
• more emotion

... that's real racing.

So, censor me that app, man.

Here's a link to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-talk/id1490521721?i=1000711579687

===

164.7 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
100 PushUps 30 PullUps & more
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
99/-13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SMOKIN' CIGS

THE IDEA WAS TO LEAVE early enough to ride at a nice pace and not get to the start too taxed. We were good on the...

... nice pace part.

The early part,
not so much.

Too early.

Next thing I know, 
one foot is on the curb,
we're enjoying a coupla cigs.

Beautiful morning.

Blood is being reassigned duties,
heart rates are way down,
blood pressure dropping.

One problem.

We're at the bottom of an naughty hill,
and the group comes around the corner pushin' 30mph.

Which got me thinking...

... what is the ideal warm up?

A lot of the really big races there is no way to properly warm up.

We get thrown in a corral of some sort and wait and wait and wait for the starter's gun.

Unless you're a pro.

Then you have your fancy rollers or trainer next to the start, where you bike is primed and just waiting you to leap aboard all hot and bothered.

So, do we...

... warm up or go cold turkey?

Today would have been...

• 80 minutes of very easy zone two
• mostly flat with a few rises
• time for pee breaks

... a perfect warm up for me.

I have other friends who...

• park the car
• get their number
• go straight to the corral

... with little time to spare.

It's a fair question to ponder, because we all know...

... starting up front matters.

Cig or no cig.

(no, I don't really smoke cigs... we're athletes, amiright?)

===

165.5 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps & more
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
99/-6 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LETTING GO IS HARD

WHEN IT COMES TO RACING, I prefer to be self-sufficient. I like to know how to do everything...

... and it's a lot of fun figuring it all out.

But, I found it could be slowing me down in the long run.

Just because I "know" how to do something...

• fuel
• train
• logistics
• mechanics

... doesn't mean I should be doing it.

I can adjust my derailler,
never as good as the pro at the shop.

I can plan my nutrition,
not as competently as a high level nutritionist.

I can coach myself,
never as good as a pro.

You get the idea.

Here's the problem.

It can be hard to let go.

Which can stunt or delay our growth...

... and who wants that?

I was thinking about this today as we go through a new growth phase at PEDALindustries.

In the beginning I did the artwork.

I look back at my work 10+ years ago and laugh.

We because so much better when I got out of the way, and we brought great talent.

For example the digital camo collection, we launched recently...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-camo-collection-isd

... it looks so rad out in the wild.

We're moving on to a new phase...

• Northwest
• Southwest
• Southeast

... kick me out of sales in the above territories.

If know of anybody who is awesome, we invite them to reach to Michael@pedalindustries.com.

XOXO

===

165.8 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps & more
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/-7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT ARE WE OPTIMIZING FOR?

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS about racing an epic event or route is figuring out what needs to be optimized. As we prep, for going the distance... 

... we are forced to figure out what to optimize.

We want a specific outcome.

What might we consider...

• risk
  
• speed
• weight
• teammates
• replaceability 
• proven methods

... necessary for our success?

All good.

Each consideration must answer the question...

... will this make us more or less durable?

I was reminded of this when a critical suspension bolt snapped mid-ride last week. It was an easy fix, only because I had the replacement parts on hand in my garage.

===

166.4 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps 
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/-11 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THERE ARE NO SECOND CHANCES

ISAAC DEL TORO LOST the Giro. If i'm being honest, it was kind of a crappy way to do it. From my Monday morning sports director's chair, it looked to me like...

... a bunch of amateurs.

Dude gets ahead.

In this case, the uber-talented Simon Yates who dramatically lost this very race on this very climb 7 years ago...

... gets a little, seemingly manageable, gap.

Rather than collaborating, 
or just getting down to the business
of racing your bike like a pro who is paid...

... Del Toro and Carapaz have a stand off.

I'm not chasing

I'm not pulling

You should pull.

I'm not gonna if you're not

But, the silliness of that is not the take away here.

People are already saying...

• It's okay Del Toro you did great. 
• Pink jersey for many days
• Second on podium

You're young and will have many more chances.

To that I say...

.... at best, it's a maybe.

I hope I'm wrong.

Let's be honest...

... there are no second chances.

There might be...

... more chances.

That is not guaranteed.

What is the likelihood anybody ever gets a shot at greatness...

• our team is flawless
• we're executing perfectly
• top competitors no show or crash out.

... that the stars align and we capitalize on our hard work?

Slim.

So, when it happens...

... lock in, and get it done!

===

165.8 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps 
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
98/-27 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

YOU'RE FOOLIN' YOUSELF

WELL, THAT WAS A WAKE UP CALL. I've been ducking the invites to the big group road ride for longer than I should. Months...

... I had a lot of excuses.

All good...

• too early
• too hard
• too fast
• too far

... if I'm wanting to be an anti-social sloth.

I get that way some times.

Especially when I know I'm outta shape, and pudgy.

Literally, not a good look.

A funny thing happened...

• it was early
• hard
• fast
• far

... on the way to getting shelled.

I had a glimpse of how I used to ride,
as I slipped off the back,
and vanished.

It wasn't a dream.

But, it was inspiriing.

Legit gonna give up a few things.

#worthit.

The great Woody Allen said showing up is 90% of success...

... I'll add, consistency is the other 10%.

Being discouraged sucks...

... quitting sucks more.

===

165.8 lbs (so far from my goal of 160)
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps 
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
101/-4 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HOW TO KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE

I SAW SOMETHING TODAY that was completely ridiculous. Watching the Giro, the overall race leader just blew my mind...

... was he mocking the competition?

Or, is he just that good?

I know how insane it was,
because I've tried.

And, it's impossible.

Imagine this...

• you're racing up a massive mountain climb
• going for all out
• the air is thin

... and ...

... wait for it...

... you're nose breathing!

Mouth is closed,
like your meditating,
or on a hammock reading a book.

That is what Issac Del Toro was doing this morning on his way to gaining yet more time on his rivals in the Giro.

Insane!

I can do Zone 1...

• with massive effort
• concentrating
• relaxing

... practice all you want.

I did, because... 

• helps maintain optimal oxygen/carbon dioxide balance and improve endurance
• engages diaphragm which is a more efficient way to breath
• reduces dehydration

... the benefits are many.

Lemme just say, if one of y'all were nose breathing, while I was mouth gasping...

... I'd know it was over.

For.
Sure.

===

As cool as this jersey is, I don't even think it's vibe could help me keep my breathing under control.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/aloha-pedal-collection

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/aloha-pedal-collection

===

166.4 lbs (so far from my goal of 160)
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps 
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
96/-12 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SHOULD WE CARRY OUR PHONES?

THE DARN THINGS ARE SO USEFUL, it's hard to leave them behind. The phones can track the workout, snap pics or videos when inspired or needed...

... and make the emergency call.

I left mine at home today.

It's been nearly four years since I had to make the call of shame,
or summon an uber.

That was for a broken chain,
30 miles from home.

Thinking my bike was solid I decided to leave the thing at home.

How weird to consider that risky.

Just what have we become?

Fraidycats!

Of course, far ...

• from home
• the roads
• help

... as fate would have it.

I realized my frame was either broken or had something broken down near the bottom bracket, hidden behind the spider.

No way to fix it.

No way to summon help.

Had to do it the old-fashioned way...

... ride home slowly, stressing the frame as little as possible.

===

167.1 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps Deadlifts etc
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/-13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
2 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE'S BETTER THAN BOND'S?

WHY ARE GROUP RIDES so addicting? It can't be simply seeing the friends, or the ritual of getting up and doing something. There must be...

... something more.

There is.

And, I think I've figured it out by analyzing...

• not the actors
• not the story lines
• not the super attractive heroes and heroins

... the difference between Bond and Mission Impossible.

It's the theme music.

Bond is a moderate tempo...

• seductive
• confident
• charismatic

... like a long solo adventure.

Mission Impossible is built around 5/4 time

• unique
• urgent
• off-kilter rhythm

... fitting the high-stakes, team-based mission.

That is what keeps seducing us back to the the group ride...

... the action and suspense of how it's going to go down.

Which is better?

I dunno.

Some days I'm down for a Bond adventure...

... others, it's all about Hunt-ing with the team.

===

Oh, and yeah, Surfergirl and I just got out of seeing Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning... it's a fun one.

===

167.1 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps Deadlifts
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/-4 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

ARE YOU TRAINING HARD?

THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS to measure our efforts. Metrics for power, heart rate, weight, sleep, and the...

... dreaded completion of an interval work out.

Those are important.

Time is importanter.

What's really hard...

• abstaining from drink and dessert with friends
• never ever doom scrolling on your phone
• rising early to get the training in
  

... then, putting in a full day and an evening of kid homework.

If it were easy...

... everyone could get shift done.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/off-on-classic-t-shirt

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all/products/off-on-classic-t-shirt

===

167.3 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps Deadlifts etc
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
95/-13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TAKING OUT-OF-TOWNER RISKS

YA KNOW WHEN YOUR FRIEND calls up and says their friend is a real good athlete and you should take them out when they're in town, and you're like...

... uhhhhh, okay.

A bike ride in my case.

Gravel.

I mean, I like people,
I like meeting new people...

... but, do I wanna ruin my ride with a friend of a friend?

What are the odds it'll be good?

Dude texted nice,
was thoroughly vouched for...

... I still didn't bother with breakfast or mix in the bottles.

Then,
$#!7!!!

He's a cat from the very fastestest of fastestest teams in Arifreakinzona!

Worse, 
I remember him from BWR AZ.

Lean,
young,
confident...

... pushing the pace, launching me from 8th to 28th, as we dove from the pavement to dirt single track.

That's the guy?!

Shoulda had breaky,
shoulda had a massage,
shoulda gone to bed early.

This little recovery ride just got R E A L.

I'm gonna get shelled.

This is not what I had planned,
this never, ever happens.

We head out,
at least I know the route
and can eliminate all the sections where I suck.

Now, I gotta talk to him.

Assuming I'm not gasping for air while trying to play like I'm in total control.

It gets worse.

Unless he's one heck of an actor,
and why would he be?

He's super nice.

And we have a ton in common.

Crap.

Can't even hate him like I did in AZ.

By the end of what had to be the first actual fun, conversational ride I've had in months...

... he's coming to Surf N Summit, and I'm riding with him when I'm in AZ.

Then, all the JetSet guys will be like Really, you're brining a dude from CA?...

... only, I'll actually live up to the friend of a friend reputation.

===

167.8 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps Deadlifts etc
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/-1 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

RACE OR BUCKET LIST?

BWR, aka The Belgian Waffle Ride, started off, and I think I have this mostly correct, as a San Diego version of The French Toast Ride. The FTR was based north of LA, invite only, viciously fast...

... with some dirt thrown in for good measure.

The idea was a preseason shock to the system.

That's how memories are made.

My pal Paul asked MMX, creator of the wildly popular BWR, how to grow his own series of races, and MMX graciously...

... gave him the secret.

Build it how you want it to be from the getgo.

And that got me thinking...

• a race series
• a collection of challenges
• a destination/bucket list adventure

... what could SurfNSummit become?

This year, we're taking MMX advice to heart and upping our game.

But, what about next year?

TBH, I wanna do...

• Maui
• 38 miles
• 10,000 of elevation

... Surf N Summit, HI.

Where else should we go?

Check this inspiration: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/aloha-pedal-collection

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/aloha-pedal-collection

===

165.8 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/-15 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

RECLASSIFYING THE TRAINING ZONES

IT'S JUST GETTING RIDICULOUS. We pinky swore it would be a zone 2 day. I actually had hope, since my legs were barking...

... we even started out friendly.

Then, all a the sudden...

• KOMs falling
• big boy Cups grabbed
• our merry band spreadin' out

... just because, that's how these cats roll.

And it got me thinkin, maybe I need to rename my zones...

• Surfergirl = Zone 1 
• Charlie = Zone 2 
• Mike  = Zone 3
• Matt = Zone 4 
• Eric = Zone 5 

... based on their Zone 2.

That way, I can just think of the type of ride I want to do...

... and ring that person up.

===

166.2 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/5 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE BIG TRAINING DAY DILEMMA

IT REALLY IS THE DUMBEST way to lose weight. In fact, it's a good way to lose fitness. Yet, I'm tempted to do it all the time...

... not eat enough.

Them calories.

The lamebrain thinks.

I'll skip some nutrition,

• calorie deficit = weight loss
• not burning like a race
• don't need as much

... I'm just training not racing. 

That ain't right..

• missed opportunity to practice nutrition
• training effort will be sub-optimal
• recovery will be worse

... and the likelihood of devouring an entire pizza is like 100%.

The tricky thing about doing it right, after years of poor habits, is when we return we actually aren't famished...

... the urge for gluttony can be overpowering.

Stay strong my friends.

===

164.7 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/-2 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

A TALE OF TWO RIDES

DIFFERENT RIDES can be hard in different ways. It depends on what we are working on, trying to improve on. The point is...

... to mix it up appropriately.

Currently, I'm wanting to improve two systems.

• Sustained power on the flats
• Quick burst of power

I'd like to say there's some sort of race or reason.

But, there's not.

Just two areas where I want to improve.

In the image above, you can see Wednesday is...

• 2 sec power 733 watts
• 10 sec power 610 watts
• 20 sec power 477 watts
• 1 min power 391 watts
• 5 min power 357 watts

... the flat sustained power day.

On Thursday you can see...

• 2 sec power 866 watts
• 10 sec power 688 watts
• 20 sec power 578 watts
• 1 min power 338 watts
• 5 min power 260 watts

... the focus on short bursts.

You regular readers might be thinking...

... Has he caved and started doing intervals?

Not exactly.

Wednesdays I tap into the power of a steamrolling group ride, getting my peaks when I pull through.

Thursdays I'm on my MTB, just charging the steep, nasty stuff as it gets offered up.

Am I getting the same benefit of intervals?

Probably.

One big difference between the efforts is on Wednesday, there really isn't much chance to recover because the group just never lets up.

Where as Thursday, the efforts are broken up every I have to roll a corner or enjoy a downhill.

I'm going to track these back to back days for a few weeks and see if the numbers improve.

Stay tuned.

What are you doing to improve?

===

165.3 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/3 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MAYBE BEGINNER WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER?

ARE YOU EVER FACED with the responsibility of helping a friend choose a race category? They are thinking they should slot in just below Pro, and we're thinking...

... Bro, if you finish it'll be a win.

It can be awkward.

Right?

How do you explain...

• you're not that fast
• racing is different than riding with friends
• or, don't be a sandbagger, you need to cat up

... when being challenged and having fun is the outcome a first timer needs?

Had the convo yesterday.

Should I race SuperSport?

Let's start off with Sport.

Won't that be too easy?

Trust me, it'll be plenty.

No matter what, there's a lot of learning to be done early in the racing journey.

Post race...

• conditioning
• bike handling
• not missing turns

...  he had a list of things to do better.

Should he have raced down a category after getting shelled?

I don't think so, 
an easy win isn't the goal.

Because as he summed it up...

... All that said - I loved it!

===

165.3 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps 
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/12 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IF NOBODY IS STOPPING US..

MY PAL BRIAN just rode 224 miles with 17,000' of brutal Colorado elevation. Lori completed Paris-Brest-Paris, a 750 mile bike race. Jeff battled the Badlands Gravel in Spain, 372 miles in 40 hours...

... kinda puts the long weekend ride into perspective.

We don't ask why,
we know.

We might ask how to go...

• far
• high
• long

... because we don't know.

But, we do know this.

It's crazy how far we can go ...

... if we don't let anyone stop us.

===

You down for a life changing ride?

Dana Point to Big Bear

123 miles, 15,000' of elevation

Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/surf-n-summit-california-2025

===

166.7 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps 
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
92/12 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PAYING DIVIDENDS ISN'T ENOUGH

THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS WE CAN DO to get ready for an event. With unlimited time, we could pick 'em all. But, on this planet, in this dimension...

... time is our most valuable resource.

So, where do we spend it?

Where are the biggest payoffs?

I was thinking about this today, as yet another event was asking for sponsorship.

When that happens, I have to compare the opportunity against other known marketing avenues and the known returns.

Same with training.

What's is the best method for me to get the best results?

Right now, I'm going back to...

• 3 zone endurance days
• 2 spicy days, back to back
• 1 giant tempo day, on the weekends

... a pyramidal approach.

Given that I want to pare back my saddle time,
that method will give me the best results.

Doing everything is not the same as

... doing only the best things.

===

166.7 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps 
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/-13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

CHAOS THEORY

THERE ARE THE FACTS, when it comes to road racing, the most exciting stages or one day events have a lot of unpredictability. You know the ones I'm talking about, right? Those with multiple sections...

... of cobble stones and gravel.

Rather than a boring procession to a sprint,
or a mountain top showdown,
it's chaos.

Almost from the start.

Today's stage at the Giro,
was epic.

A complete reshuffling of the contenders...

... with 21 y/o Del Toro coming out on top.

What's the common denominator among the winners of such clashes?

According to chaos theory,
it begins at the start line.

I'm just gonna say it, these races are better because...

... great bike handling skills are...

... required, showcased, rewarded.

===

165.2 lbs
8.5hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
120 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/-13 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HOW A TAILWIND WRECKED THE PLAN

THE PLAN TO TAKE IT EASY today was a total failure. Longer than I wanted, steeper than I'd intended, I took it as easy as you can...

... when going straight up and straight down.

It wasn't my discipline. 

it was the plan.

Last night...

... I'll roll out and see what happens.

I sleep in,
good.

Eat some oatmeal with chunks of chocolate and macadamia nuts,
very good.

Greeted with a massive tailwind,
terrible!

I'm rolling at 22 mpg, HR is barely a blip, and I'm thinking...

...  I feel great, let's hit some climbs.

Not just any,
some of my favorites,
which I don't ride often enough.

Gotta charge 'em, right?

10-17% pitches aren't exactly recovery rollers.

What's that ol' saying?

Failure to plan is....

... planning to be surprised.

===

163.1 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
97/4 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHO TO FOLLOW?

WE'RE ALL TRYING TO FIGURE the dern thing out. How to get ahead of the pack, cross the finish line first...

... and set those dadgum PRs.

Who to follow?

The longer I follow people on the socials,
or study their books...

... the more I realize most of them,
are making it up.

I was following this biz guru pretty diligently, right up until he said...

... That thing I said was cool, well, it's not, this is the way to do it.

Back to the premise of Who to follow?

Those who are...

• winners
• off the front
• setting their PRs

... aren't following.

===

162.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/-4 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

ARE YOU AS GOOD AS THIS JOE?

IMAGINE IT, you're so ready to rip on raceday there is almost no way to hold back your confidence. The pavement melts as you smoke the start, leaping to the front, jumping the curb...

... attack down the rocky singletrack.

It's on!

You're in perfect position to exit the rough stuff and hit the road with the lead group.

One problem.

It's a big one.

You're derailleur stops working.

Personally, the amount of...

• swearing
  
• wo is me-ing
• bike chucking

... I'd display, would be just insane.

Not my pal Joe.

He keeps his cool,
focuses on getting to help.

Finds the great Paul Dunlap from Wrench House.

The goes on to record his best power numbers ever,
and, he finishes in the top 20!

That is so dang impressive.

Check out how Joe Goettl did it on YouTube...

... the video is fire.

===

164.7 lbs
7.75 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
95/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHY I'M QUITTING ZONE2/POLARIZED TRAINING

ZONE 2/POLARIZED TRAINING has been all the rage for the past couple of years. I committed to that focus right as it was picking up steam. It's worked well...

... but, not anymore.

What am I gonna do?

Before I get there...

• takes a ton of time
• can be boring
• unfun

... for me, these are the drawbacks of Z2/Polarized.

When I think about it,
and I do think about it a lot...

... my best performances are when I'm having fun, and rested.

Today, for example, was one of the best days of the year.

Yes, the sun was out, and temp perfect.

Rather than make sure I stayed in Z2 to meet the group, then pinning it for 40 minutes...

... I popped up the rollers with good power, on the way to meet 'em.

Rather than make sure I slogged through X amount of time...

... I pointed the steed to the barn early, still feeling frosty.

Saturday, I will head out for a good long ride, mostly endurance/tempo.

Here's the new plan.

Mid-week...

• punchy
• VO2maxie
• keep it fresh

... wanderlust on the weekend.

===

165.8 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/6 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LOCAL BIKE SHOP DEALER IS FIRED UP!

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF BIKE DEALERS, and one is quickly becoming an endangered species. There's the What do you want? and the...

... Dude you gotta check this out!

Guess which one is thriving.

My pal, Talks Big Game, has been in the bike biz for a hunerd years...

• manufacturer
• repping
• dealer

... at all levels.

He swore he'd never get into retail...

... now I'm pretty sure he'll never leave.

What's up?

Dude, we are killing it.

Killing it?

Yeah, did record sales in Feb, and March and April even better.

No way.

Yeah, man, we got these...

• bikes
• locks
• helmets

... I explain why they're awesome and
why we brought 'em into the store
and cha ching!

So you're busy.

Oh yeah, because of the service. 

Service?

It's crazy, nobody wants to work. So, when people come here and we get it done fast and a fair price... boom!... word travels.

Let me just pause the convo right there.

Talks Big Game doesn't do anything for free, 
he's all about makin' a profit.

I love that about him.

The moral of the story?

If yer excited, and helpful...

... you're gonna thrive.

===

If you're in Newport Beach CA... check 'em out, and score one of these sweet T's we are making for him.

===

167 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I USED TO WEAR WHITE BIBS... USED TO

WHY ARE WHITE BIBS making a come back? I've worn white bibs, they looked amazing in the packaging, and...

... for the first couple of days.

But, ya know what?

Ride 'em enough...

• rain
• dirt
• mud

... the stains reign.

Nobody wants to see splatter off the rear wheel, 
onto our rear crack.

ie: our dirty laundry.

Black is easier...

... better at hiding the rough patches.

I'd like to pretend life's all sun and games,
worthy of the white bibs.

But, every now and then... 

• health
• projects
• schedules

... ya know, it's too much.

So, it was both hard and easy to pull the plug on a couple of races I had been planning on for months...

... in fact, all of 'em for the foreseeable.

Body tired.
Toddy tired.

Takin' it down a notch...

• goals
• intensity
• activities

... 'till the fire's back.

Time to chop wood...

... like Rocky in Rocky IV.

===

166.4 lbs
8 hrs sleep
PushUps PullUps
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/4 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

A BIKE WITH NO NAME

THE VERY PRO TREND of name stickers on bikes makes a lot of sense. Seven riders on a team, three bikes a piece. That's a lot to keep track of...

... for the riders and mechanics.

We all want to feel pro.

Do we need name stickers on our bikes?

I mean, there's a quiver in our garage, but...

... it's pretty clear who's is who's.

In that case, why do non-pros name stickers?

In case our new-found friends forget our names? 

To intimidate or pacify the competition on the start line?

Me, personally, I like to think a proper name can...

... give our bikes talisman-like qualities.

Like my gravel bike's name: GRVL GHOST

EVERYBODY FEELS THE HEAT

THE FIRST HOT DAY OF THE YEAR always disappoints. No matter the the number of indoor, sweltering bouts with the Zwifties, countless smokin' hot sauna/spa sessions...

... the melting is real.

The spunky start imperceptibly grinds down.

In my case...

... to a halt.

90º+ 

Not terrible.

What was/is/might still be? terrible...

... is my/our acclimation.

As the great FosterGrants said We need 4-5 of these to get battle ready.

I hope he's right,
he usually is.

In fact, now that the initial smack in the salty head has passed...

... it's not disappointing at all.

We're one day closer to mocking his best.

Soon anything Mr. Sunshine tries to magnify us with...

... will be nothin'.

There's a lot...

• acclimation
• hydration
• apparel

... we forget about until the sitch confronts.

 Bring the heat!

===

You gotta check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-giro-collection

===

167 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IL FALCO!

LAUNCHING OFF AN ITALIAN CLIMB takes guts. The roads are steep, skinny, twisty, shady. Add in runoff, debris and corrosion and...

... only the bravest, most skilled are willing to fly.

Enter Il Falco,
The Falcon, Paolo Savoldelli.

I watched one descent in the Giro where he...

• caught
• passed
• destroyed

... the competition.

By purposely slicing both wheels through the hairpin turns.

Purposely!

Now, I don't know about you, but the only time I've slid both wheels through a turn I was outta control through gravel covered turn in a crit...

... somehow, by some miracle, I stayed upright.

There is one rider capable of such feats in this year's Giro...

... Tom Pidcock.

I hope we get to see him slicing and dicing...

... with his Red Bull brain-bucket.

===

This musette bag turned out pretty rad.

You gotta check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-giro-collection

===

167 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
PushUps
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

FIXING A PROBLEM

IT'S NOT THE PROBLEM, it's how you handle it. Sage advice from my grampappy. I'd like to see what he says about...

... this megannoying problem.

It's been keeping me up all night...

... that's no way for an aspiring shredder to recover.

In this case, I know...

• the root cause
• how to handle 
• and treat

.... that's not the problem.

The problem is,
I didn't know it would be a problem.

While I was busy slicing my thumb on the MTB Saturday...

• keeping up with Smiles
• the beautiful morning
• a bit of pain

... I was distracted.

A friendly vine of poison oak reached out,
and wrapped itself around my left arm.

Rather than scrubbing down with Tecnu, a special soap for poison oak encounters, my pre-emptive default after such a luscious ride...

... I did a quick rinse and hopped over to urgent care for stitches.

On Monday, the initial itchies set in.

Too late to handle the problem,
a week of suffering is on deck.

The moral of the story?

Prevention >  Problemsolving > Procrastination

===

166 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
94/0 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

FANTASTICO!

ONLY ROAD CYCLING has Grand Tours. Three of them: il Giro, le Tour, la Vuelta - Italy, France, Spain...

... lasting three weeks.

21 days of racing.

Does no offroad Grand Tours signify anything?

Is road...

• body
• bikes
• logistics

... just that much easier.

I can hear the roadie gnashing of teeth - lol.

Relax.

3 weeks on a bike is nothing compared to running...

• 50 days
• 50 states
• 50 marathons

... Dean Karnazes.

Which is child's play compared to completing...

• 50 days
• 50 states
• 50 Ironman's

... James "Iron Cowboy" Lawrence.

Regardless of how ya like your pain...

• beautiful country
• insane talent
• Italian flair

... the Giro starts Friday, and it's gonna be fantastico!

===

We created a special collection to celebrate https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-giro-collection

You gotta check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-giro-collection

===

164.6 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
95/7 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE LIST

THE LIST WAS STARTING to weigh me down. It kept getting longer, and more detailed. If this continued...

... I knew I'd quit.

Good ol' Ben Franklin's tool saved me.

I drew a line down the middle,
all the crud on the left.

All I needed was one thing that could go on the right.

Then, I could look at all the reasons stacking up in the You Can't Finish or Win column, and...

... give them the 1-finger salute.

What's on the right side of your list?

===

166 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/11 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT ARE WE RIDING FOR, ANYWAY?

WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY, partly to be efficient and partly because we aren't bound by tradition. We're making it up...

... as we go along.

Just like two amazing charities and events I learned about today.

Best Buddies gets people with intellectual and developmental challenges... 

• outside
• socializing
• doing hard things

 ... out on bikes.

Bay to Brooklyn is a memorial ride for the 343 firefighters who lost their lives during 9-11, starting on West Coast and finishing in New York City.

How about that for a cool way to put our training to great use?!

We designed their gear on Zoom calls today...

• fast
• easy
• and fun

with their input, in real time.

That process is one of the many things we do different.

===

166.7 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/9 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE CHALLENGE OF GOING TOO FAST

ON THE BWR CA COURSE last weekend, I came in really hot to an aid station. Volunteers everywhere, helpful hands full of bottles and gels, and...

... all I can see is the gap through the cones.

I blast through,
and the yelling starts.

Wrong way!
Wrong way!
Wrong way!
Wrong way!
Wrong way!

By the time I'm 100 yards down the wrong road, I turn around and see the guy I'd worked so hard to catch and pass...

... flies through the area correctly, at full speed.

The next 5 miles, I'm going all out to catch him,
and repass.

Going fast is important for...

• winning
• attaining
• achieving

... going fast in the right direction is importanter.

===

Case in point.

I thought it'd be faster and easier to just cover my wound with Neosporin and get on with life...

... Dr. Mike texted me back: Get that stitched up, it will heal much faster.

===

164. lbs
85 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
93/-2 (fitness per Training Peaks)
20 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

... THAT ENDED WELL, MOSTLY.

THE MARINE LAYER was thick, like misty with wet streets thick. This could only mean one thing, 3D printed dirt would be covering our bodies and bikes. And one more...

... really good thing.

Hero Dirt.

We would have to wait a bit for the sun to get higher,
we didn't need it to break through,
we needed the temps to rise.

In the meantime, Tim Z and I were having a blast, right up until...

• whipping through the drenched brush
• knobbies caked with almost mud
• digging deep on the steeps.

... my booboo.

As I'm cleaning a rocky ledge,
my tire slips,
I tip.

Over!

On the way down, trying to break my fall, my glove snags on my twin-lok...

... landing with all my weight onto the webbing between forefinger and thumb.

Hurts a bit.

I see red.

But, it feels good and we ride for another hour.

Back at the van I remove my glove to see this gash.

It's deepish.

In such a weird spot, I can't see any way to stitch it.

Besides it's not bleeding,
and doesn't hurt much.

Put a call into the great Dr. Delange (bro-in-law).

For now,
lots and lots of neosporin.

Do you think I deserve this peanut better donut?

===

164 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
No PushUps PullUps SplitSquats
30 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
96/14 (fitness per Training Peaks)
0 min vision therapy

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248