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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CULTURE WARS
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TRAINING groups. Both extend invitations...
... the similarities stop there.
One culture assures...
- everyone is ready to start together
- there are plenty of stops
- nobody gets left behind
... fairness and concern.
The other demands...
- leaving on time
- no stopping
- no waiting
... rugged individuals.
The group we...
- join
- create
- help grow
... depends on the result we are looking for.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DIRT WORLD PROBLEMS
EVERY SURFACE HAS it's challenges. Add in the weather, how we approach things...
... changes quickly.
Super mist.
The normally grippy sidewalk we were slaying to meet the rest of the crew, was not only glazed with moisture...
... bright green moss screamed Slow down and do not lean over.
We ain't rookies,
not a problem.
It was so misty, the glasses were tucked away.
The late Fall moon dust covering most of our trails and roads...
- forks
- shins
- lenses
... quickly 3D prints on to everything.
Bombing the first downhill...
- nearly 40mph
- no brakes
- 1 minute
... the dust and pebbles flying up stinging our eyes.
Two choices:
Wear the glasses,
blurry, smudgy vision.
Wear no protection,
smoke your corneas or contacts.
When the sun finally burned through,
I grabbed my glasses from my jersey pocket...
... they were covered in sweat.
lol
Truly, dirt world challenges.
===
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===
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===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/99/-10 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FOOLISH OR STUBBORN?
Aug 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND JEANA SENT ME THIS PIC with the words You were too fast!. She was referring to my half my head missing from the image. I wasn't. In fact, I was working my way backwards from first to fourth...
... that's the truth.
I like the sentiment nonetheless because I was going a lot faster than I had gone the previous two weeks. These short, 1 hour efforts are really demanding. I rarely ever ride like this.
Was I bummed to falter at the end, sure.
That's normal.
But, only a fool would focus on the scoreboard vs the positive results.
We're out for mastery, and as the great Leonardo DaVinci preached it's going to take...
... Ostinato rigore.
Stubborn rigor.
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
164.7
7 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5859420217
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
HUSTLE AND GUILE, FOR THE WIN!
Aug 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY OTHER DAD PASSED THIS EVENING. He came into my life when I needed a strong father figure. And boy, was he strong. Like you just knew he wasn't to be trifled with and at the same time...
... he had the biggest heart ever.
He had no business getting involved with us. He and our mother were on and off at best, but he was always on as far as we were concerned. We had a bond, an unexplainable one that lasted a lifetime.
He taught me tennis, a sport he fell in love with later in life. I wasn't very good. I was weak, and gangly, a true late bloomer. He told me that was an advantage...
... I'd be forced to learn proper technique and my mind.
Always looking for the good in any situation.
But, the best thing he taught me when it came to life and sports was that was okay to be underestimated...
... he'd been underestimated his entire life.
He was a Mexican immigrant, he wasn't very big, his own father had been largely missing...
... and yet, he'd built a wonderful life for himself...
... because he was a fighter.
So many times I saw him take the court against larger, younger, faster players and drive them absolutely crazy...
... he won through hustle and guile.
He knew it,
they knew it,
I knew it...
... and I loved it.
It was simple and raw and pure.
He was, and remains, a true hero.
A mentor.
A giver.
A father.
As I write this, I'm not sad. We had a lot of good times during the past year. Cancer can be kind that way.
He'd lost so much weight the boyish features in his face returned. He looked like the young man he once was, full of life, shipping off to Korea - cigarette in mouth, a t-shirt, rolled jeans. Black hair, big confident smile...
... hustle and guile.
Till we meet again, Roberto Alcaraz Gomez.
---
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.1
9 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps + Gym work
no stretch no hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5854294696
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
TOP 3 REASONS I RACE MY BIKE
Aug 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN RACING FOR DECADES. Some years a lot, most years a handful, others just once. I don't think I've missed a year since 1997...
... but that hasn't been the goal.
By that I mean racing in and of itself was never the driver. Don't get me wrong, I love it...
... and here are the top three reasons why:
- Having a big race or ride on the calendar keeps my base fitness up. My fatness may increase during the year, my miles may dip, but there's a standard to be maintained if I'm racing at some point. That has requires great health year round.
- I've been fortunate to be able to have a regular midweek ride that doubles as a race and triples as a support group. These cats become, over time, my confidants and trusted friends.
- The last is figuring out what it's going to take to have a great day on the bike. This is one of those constant curiosities that keeps me fascinated. What can I do? What is possible? What's it gonna take to accomplish X?
That's it.
That's why I race.
Stay in shape, friendship, the personal challenge.
Why am I racing tonight? Get used to intensity again, see my pals, hang onto Chris' wheel as long as possible...
... I got so excited by this prospect I neglected to send the email.
Race recap: led first half lap, forced break with Series Leader Kurt and the alwaysfast Chris, lost contact with them on final lap and blew the sprint. Kurt won. The great part about losing is realizing how much improvement there is needed.
Have you checked out all the benefits of joining the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.1
7 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
no stretch no hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5848549818
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
ABSOLUTELY SOLID ADVICE ABOUT TOMORROW'S WORKOUT
Aug 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I KNOW IT'S LATE AND YOU'RE TIRED, or maybe it's cold and your cozy, or possibly it's early and dark. Whatever it is, here is some really solid advice about tomorrow's workout...
... you should skip it.
I was thinking about that when I got a text from Lane. He told me he's down 65 lbs. since joining the PEDALposse and needed to change his shirt size. Then he added this...
... It's time to go PR LoToJa.
That's a 200 mile bike race, not a ride. Through 3 different states...
... guess what Lane hasn't been doing.
Skipping the workouts.
He's been skipping the donuts and ice cream, but not the workout. Which is why I highly recommend you skip tomorrow's work out...
... but today, get your buns in gear.
Same goes for tomorrow, which will be today when you wake up.
And the next day.
I like Lane's chances, do you like yours?
There are a lot of reasons to join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
Here are the top 4:
• 25% Savings On Every Order
(15-20% on bikes & wheels).
• Surprise Swag Every Month
(you know you deserve it)
• Referral Rewards
yep, I'm gonna pay ya when you spread the word
• Special Events
me and you and who knows who?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.8
7.5 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps + other stuff
10 min Stretch, 20 min HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5840331447
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
ANOTHER KEY TO RIDING A LOT FASTER
Aug 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT CONFUSE WISHBONE WITH BACKBONE. It really doesn't matter the topic, but we see it all the time in with cycling abilities...
... I wish I could ride as fast as you.
Ok, come and ride and stretch and eat and lift and do what I do...
... Oh, I didn't mean it like that.
What I want to say next is something like,
Well, just how the hell did you mean it? Don't you realize all good things require work? What kind of a child are you anyway?
What I end up saying is something like,
Well, let me know when you really want it.
if we're going to be great at something, anything...
... we've got to do it with real intent.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
When we have real intent secrets are unfolded.
My friend Kurt said to me at recent race... I read the blog all the time. I've learned a lot of your secrets. Then proceeded to rip my legs off.
I'm guessing he knows about PR Lotion.
Save 25% when you join the PEDALposse -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
166
9.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
20 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5837713912
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
RIDE PAUSED.
Aug 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS MORE THAN MISTY, LESS THAN RAINY, OCCASIONALLY DRIZZLY. About an hour in and my socks, gloves and butt were soaked. I wasn't cold, just drenched. My Wahoo screen's message was only a wish...
... RIDE AUTO-PAUSED.
While stopped at one of the few lights on the route, I thought to myself...
... I wish.
We rode on.
I would say it was more of a commitment to the plan than joy to be riding. A lot more. But, there was something else...
... something to be overcome.
First, there's the obvious If I can't handle the rain on a training ride, how am I gonna deal with it racing?
- Flats. We saw a lot of cats pulled over fixing flats. Fortunately, the four of us are all running tubeless set ups and this wasn't an issue.
- Traction. I dropped my PSI a bit and felt confident all day except one turn where I found myself on our extraslick road paint. A minor slip, a great reminder to stay off the paint, all paint.
- Being soaked sucks, but before long we adjust and adapt.
- Lube, my UFO lube got pretty noisy after 3 hours.
- Food. Still gotta eat and drink, but we drank a lot less - we weren't hammering.
- Glasses. Love my photochromatic lens for all light conditions.
Seeing far fewer riders on the today reminded me why the rain never bothers me in a race, because I know most aren't nearly as prepared...
... one of the greatest superpowers of all is experience.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
It's always good to have lights on board, especially as the days shorten.
Use promo code: LIGHTS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
165.3
9 hrs (Vuelta induced nap)
PullUps 0 PushUps
20 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5830782031
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IS THAT LIKE PELOTON?
Aug 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A DUDE STOPPED ME OUTSIDE OF CHRONIC TACOS. I was getting lunch and he saw the van. Asked, What is PEDAL industries, is it like Peloton? I had a lot of responses run through my mind...
... I settled on the truth.
Because the truth of the matter is that Peloton for all it's swanky swagger and dressed up drama...
... has managed to get a lot people on bikes.
Yes, they are indoors. But, who cares? Really?
Especially since a lot of those fancied up trainer riders are moving outdoors and riding long distances and doing gran fondos and tours and...
... they are even doing races.
Yep.
As far as I'm concerned, we're just one big happy family...
... spinning our ways to better health and more fun.
Who knows, maybe they'll be like you and join the incredibly awesome PEDALposse?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
165.5
7.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
10 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5824021222
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
IT'S NOT JUST A NUMBER
Aug 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FOR SURE, THE FASTEST I EVER COVERED THE DISTANCE THROUGH CAMP PENDLETON MARINE BASE WAS NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO. I know what you're thinking, that it would be impossible because today's bikes are so much faster...
... not as fast as this bike.
First off, it was powered by not one rider but two. Not just any two riders, but John Howard and some other superstar...
... and the bike had a fairing!
Yep, and tandem with a fairing.
This was on the world famous Swami's Wednesday ride - still one of the fastest rides around. Back in those days all the top pro triathletes hit that ride: Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, Dave Scott.
On this particular day, it was said tandem on the front doing major damage.
Tacked on their wheel was the incredible Kenny Souza, World Champion duathlete.
Behind him, little ol' me.
We burst through the final gate into San Onofre Campground, pegged the whole way over 30mph.
It was all I, or Kenny, could do to hang on.
Nobody was sharing pulls.
As we cleared the gate, I looked back...
... mainly to see if I could fall back a few wheels and recover.
Nobody there.
50+ cats, gone.
Obliterated.
Now, I think about that fairing a lot. To this day, it's an impressive memory.
Every time I zip tie a numberplate on my bike I put it as vertical and square as possible. There is absolutely no science behind it, just the memory of that insanely fast bike...
... until today!
A company called Ribble announced a bike with a handlebar designed to create drag to break up the air around a racer's leg. Kinda like a handlebar acting like a mini-fairing.
I suppose I could do some low budget wind testing coasting with and without a plate down a local hill.
But, I think the real point is not to fret that our aero bike just got slower because the race promoter wants a number plate up front...
... or maybe it's just a way for me to share a story about the fastest I ever rode that famous section.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Hard to believe, but this was pre-helmet days. Maybe a hairnet. These days I'm all for helmets, especially KASK.
The Protone is a great all arounder. The Valegro I like for MTB. The Utopia for speed. The Rapido a great value.
Use promo code FAIRING
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
165.4
7.25 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
10 min Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5818778356 paddle
https://www.strava.com/activities/5821338971 spin
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
A NEW ROUTE FOR RAAM
Aug 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ON A BIKE RIDE, YEARS AGO, I MET A MAN TRYING TO BUILD THE STATUE OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THE WEST COAST to balance the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast. It wasn't his idea, it's Victor Frankl's, he was tasked/called to make it happen...
... I wanted to know more.
Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning, had, and continues to have, a great impact on my thinking. In fact, I would say it is the basis of my belief that PRs are better than KOMs...
... why I'm always happy with any race result as long as my best efforts were given.
But, that's not Responsibility.
The statue is based on the concept that we have a responsibility to reach down and help those who need a hand.
It's beatiful,
stunning.
I think this is a noble idea. However, I propose it should be anchored with the wisdom of another great man I learned about after a ride once, talking to my friend Dan...
The best thing you can do for me is to take care of you.
- Jim Rohn.
We all have the liberty to ride bikes.
We have a responsibility to maintain them, ride safely and carry the appropriate tools and nutrition to complete a successful outing...
... at least you do if you want to ride with me.
Accidents will happen, parts will fail, food will be forgotten and those of us who can will help out...
... much more willingly if you've done your part.
Funny thing is, the best help never comes from a sense of duty or responsibility or coercion...
... it comes from love.
Maybe we need a Statue of Love in the center of the country.
What if we had a new RAAM route, from Responsibility through Love to Liberty?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
Here's what I'd be fueling with on such a ride.
Use promo code RESPONSIBILITY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
164.7
8.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps + Gym work
20 min Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5816063953
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THAT'S NOT COURAGEOUS, THIS IS COURAGEOUS
Aug 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT MOST DIDN'T SEE IN THE FACES OF THE RACERS TONIGHT IS WHAT LIES BENEATH THE HELMET. Trust me on this, because I know a lot of these cats, there are amazing stores of triumph and defeat...
... these are the real spokes in our communal wheel.
We develop them over the miles we share together. We listen, we talk, we console...
... and we help...
... because we see real acts of courage and bravery.
Here's a glimpse: parents of a severely handicapped children, spouse relapsing with cancer, job loss, addiction battles, etc.
The questions people ask us and the answers we never give.
Why do we race?
Part of it is straight up self-medication.
Isn't that hard, to ride up a mountain like that?
Try ________, that's hard.
How do you go without cake/candy/donuts?
Look, I'm dealing with _____ I need every advantage I can get.
Yes, I was overcome with love for our people tonight. Seeing them covered in dirt and grime and sweat...
... and still smiling and happy and congratulatory.
These cats are truly courageous and brave...
... I bet you are, too.
---
Tip of the hat to Rod Stewart's Forever Young for the title.
---
If there's a local legend in your life...
... maybe they need this limited edition t-shirt?
I'm making a very limited run of these for the PEDALposse, which they will receive for free...
... and you can purchase here
https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt
Orders MUST BE PLACED by 8/18, end of day.
This is dirt and grime and sweat
These are smiles, covered in dirt and grime and sweat (courtesy Crazy Mike)
Chris brings the Jarrito's every week.
Bow sent me this, talk about a climb that stings
---
165.4
7 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
Stretch
No reading, No journaling
https://www.strava.com/activities/5810592052 (the race)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5807638668 (the morning ride)
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
OUR LOCAL LEGEND!
Aug 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I REALLY DON'T LOVE RECOGNITION AS MUCH AS THE NEXT GUY. Do you? Maybe I've been at this too long. Maybe I'm a grumpy old cat. Maybe I'm just awesomely well adjusted, nah. Whatever it is, about once a week...
... I'm reminded of how much I loathe participation awards.
You know what I'm talking about right? You get 'em all the time, don't you?
The worst part...
... as much as they disgust me, it's kinda true, but not for their reasons.
I reckon you are just as worthy.
You're the cat all the neighbor kids ask about bike stuff.
What should I get?
How do I ___?
Where should I ride?
Who will win the Tourlympics ___?
When should I upgrade?
Congratulations. You really are a Local Legend, for all the right reasons.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt
If you've got a sense of humor,
or an under appreciated friend
I'm making a very limited run of these for the PEDALposse, which they will receive for free...
... and you can purchase here
https://pedalindustries.com/products/local-legeng-t-shirt
Orders MUST BE PLACED by 8/18, end of day.
---
166.2
7.5 hrs
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5802361804
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THAT POINT OF VIEW STINKS
Aug 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CAMERAS IN BIKE RACING. Sometimes we do, most times we don't. As a result, it can be hard has helk...
... to know the result.
It all depends on our point of view.
Take a sprint finish.
The head on view is nearly impossible to gauge who won let alone how it went down.
Add a side view and we get a sense of the tremendous speed at which the cats are racing.
Bring in a top view and we get an idea of how it's unfolding.
With a GoPro mounted on a bike the danger and explosiveness gets revealed.
Slow it all down and we are immersed in the drama.
Most decisions are infinitely better with various points of view.
Yet another reason to have an awesomely accurate pressure gauge.
Most pumps are moderately accurate.
Use promo code: POV
---
166.4
8.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
No stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5800164009
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
MENTALLY SENSITIVE
Aug 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ABOUT A YEAR AGO I RAN INTO MY FRIEND JOHNNY O'MARA ON AN MTB RIDE. (O'Show, as he's known, is a former World Champ MX racer and multitime MTB National Champ.) He was training with a young kid, 17ish, Jet Lawrence. Fast forward to today, searching for La Vuelta, I landed on a motocross race...
... and there's Johnny coaching the same kid to a huge pro victory.
Jet looked incredibly at ease and relaxed...
... which is exactly what we look for in a coach, someone to help get our heads straight.
I finally found La Vuelta, and the last man off in the TT is last year's winner Primoz Roglic. Sure, he just won a gold medal in the Olympic TT but this course was super technical. I wondered if his string of nasty crashes at The Tour would factor...
... you'd never know by the way he attacked each corner.
Spoiler alert: he destroyed his competition and won the stage.
Later I pulled up the Leadville100 results. I was anxious to see how my pals fared. It is so hard to race at 10,000'...
... they all ripped it up.
Earlier in the day, I'd been riding the ridge opposite one of our local trails. It's a steep single track that can easily get out of hand if you're not paying attention...
... appropriately named Mentally Sensitive.
You can't really tell how steep it is from this angle, but I think that's the thing about watching someone winning and ripping...
... it's hard to appreciate the mental battle they conquered long before the victory.
Part of that mental battle is daily...
... specifically, what are we doing to be strong?
I posted already about this book, but it deserves a reminder, and it's emphasis on the holy trinity of strength: PullUps, Burpees, Squats.
Thought about all ride, as I indoctrinate the initial group of Slayers.
A few shots I took along the way to my favorite reward.
Rewards are a big part of the mental game.
So is confidence, and I can't say enough about how confident I am with these Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
Use promo code: MENTALLYSENSITIVE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
166.2
7.5 hrs
10 PullUps 20 PushUps
20 min Stretch and HyperVolt
16 pages/3 sentences
https://www.strava.com/activities/5793298060
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
TRAINING VS PRACTICE, IS THER A DIFFERENCE?
Aug 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE PROBLEM WITH GOING TOO FAST isn't actually going to fast. Unanticipated problems can crop up for sure, from equipment failure to plain ol' loss of control. But, the real issue is...
... how we see speed.
If it's the first time we've ever hit 50, on bike with not much more than underpants for protection, that's gonna look different than if we've done it 100 times.
---
Sometimes I think it would be better to call our riding between races Practice instead of Training.
Training, stressful.
Training feels like we know what to do and we are just grooving it in.
Practice feels more playful, like it's okay to try several different approaches into a turn or off a jump.
Practice, fun.
---
How we see a problem, like too much speed, determines how we react.
How we react determines quality of life.
---
I hope you get in some good practice this weekend.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
When I practice, I always want a good firm connection to my bars.
That's why I love these gloves.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
163.9
7.5 hrs
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
15 min Stretch and HyperVolt
17 pages/3 sentences
https://www.strava.com/activities/5786890928
SLAYER SUPER POWERS
Aug 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS THE INITIAL GROUP OF GUINEA PIGS GOES THROUGH THE PEDALslayer PROGRAM, I thought I'd riff on some of the things we're doing. One is keeping track of our weight and sleep...
... what's get measured gets managed.
There are obvious and not so obvious reasons to measure these two metrics.
Obvious:
Tracking weight and sharing it with each other is a motivator by itself. It's gratifying to hit our power to weight goals.
Not so obvious:
Weighing ourselves each day gives immediate feedback on our diet choices in the previous 24 hours. There's a lot to learn there.
Obvious:
Well, is this obvious to you? Sleep, proper sleep, is a super power. Too often we discount the affects of sleep on physical performance. Those that have fitness trackers like Whoop are keenly aware of the affect of sleep on their overall readiness to compete.
Not so obvious:
We are measuring time in bed, just the act of getting to be on time goes a long way to getting proper sleep.
If you're reading this in the morning, weigh yourself...
... in the evening, get into bed on time.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
Speaking of lifestyle changes...
... modest is hottest...
... check out the vintage photo version collab with the Horton Collection.
Use promo code: MEASURE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
---
163.4
7.5 hrs
15 PullUps 30 PushUps
20 min Stretch and HyperVolt
20 pages/3 sentences
https://www.strava.com/activities/5783944469
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE FIRST THING I DO AFTER A CRASH
Aug 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I RAN INTO MY PAL WOODY LAST NIGHT AT THE RACE. His arm was in a sling.
What happened?
Crashed.
Where?
Big Bear.
Racing?
Enduro, first one I ever did.
You probably would have won.
I know.
How? (He's super fast and talented)
I have video.
Let's see it.
We watched it. Regular speed. SloMo. Backwards.
There it was, clear as a new Oakley lens, coming out of a turn he clipped a little rock which changed his exit angle sending him shoulder first into an immovable pine.
Ouch!
3 broken bones.
Surgery?
Nope, just take it easy.
So, did you catch the first thing to do after a crash?...
... and I'm talking about after taking stock of body and bike.
The first thing to do is figure out the cause. He happened to have actual video, but we all have our own video running all the time in our heads.
Rewind and review.
Learn from it.
Take note of the surface you were riding on. Tire pressure. Cats you were battling, if you were. State of your equipment. State of mind, distracted or focused.
Figure it.
Catalog it.
And move on.
If we don't stop and pause and reflect we are destined to repeat our errors...
... which reminds me of the number one mistake I see people make...
... their heads are down, not looking far enough ahead.
A wise man once said, Where there is no vision the people perish.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
The funniest lesson I ever learned was when I rolled out sans helmet. I was barely moving. Looking straight down adjusting something and ran straight into a parked car, launched forward and rang my bell good.
Now, I'm always covered in style and comfort.
If I had to chose one, it'd be the Protone. Super comfy.
Use promo code: REVIEW
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Beautiful evening.
---
163.4
7 hrs
Gym work
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5778512867
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
WHAT'S UP WITH WILL?
Aug 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I GOT WHACKED TONIGHT. It's the local MTB race - 700+ racers every week. Halfway through the season and I thought I'd stick my head in an give it a whirl...
... nearly had it removed.
But, that's the thing about racing. We all have a the will to win. It's not enough. Read on.
Then the gun went and my pal Kurt, the series leader, went to the front and drilled it.
We never caught him...
... especially me.
I was actually feeling really good on the first lap. With some really good guys, in the top five. So much so I thought I could bridge up to Kurt if I wanted, or that with our rotation we'd eventually catch him.
The second lap, hurt a bit more.
These short races, under an hour, are hell. All out, not at all what I've been working on. Trust me, these cats are battle hardened halfway through the season.
The third lap, hurt a lot...
... I pulled the plug halfway through and promptly lost 2 minutes.
The will to win, that's easy...
... the will to prepare, that's difference between the champions and the pack fodder.
I rode a fourth lap, just to contemplate how bad of a beating I'd received.
From 2nd to 7th in one lap. That's an impressive move. The question I was asking myself was this...
... do I have the will to prepare for this kind of racing?
At a minimum, I need to finish strong.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
Probably, especially since it will help me prep for Sea Otter.
And of course, I'll be lathering up with PR Lotion for the race and the race specific training.
It's that good.
If you haven't tried it...
... are you crazy?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
There is nothing like the afterglow of a good beating. I sat long after everyone was gone, soaking up the moment and enjoying the sunset
It's always great to see so many friends.
---
164.7
8 hrs
15 PullUps, 30 PushUps
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5659594965
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
10 WEEKS TO SLAY IT
Aug 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE SAME PROVEN SYSTEM FOR NEARLY A DECADE NOW. Whatever event is on the horizon, I use the same10 week program to get my buns toughened up and in racing shape...
... I just plug in a few data points and out pops a specific recipe.
It's not just miles in saddle. It's off the bike training. Food. Recovery. The whole kit and kahelmet.
I like to think of it as baking.
Pre-heat.
Mix the ingredients.
Put in the oven.
Wait 10 weeks.
Let cool.
Slay the course.
Before I make it available to the masses...
... I'd like to test it with a few lads and lasses.
If you're interested, LMK only looking for a handful.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
In the meantime, I'm going over my checklist for tomorrow night's local MTB race.
The first time I ever used this I had an amazing night, now I don't race without it.
If you haven't tried it, that's okay. The rest of us like slaying the course.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
165.9
7 hrs
15 PullUps, 30 PushUps
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5659594965
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
JUST 4 LEFT, DON'T WASTE 'EM
Aug 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AS WE ROLL TOWARDS FALL, I can see my calendar could be jam packed. There are a million events. Some are normally in the Spring but were pushed back, some are new, some I've done a bunch...
... and some I've never done.
That said, it's time to pick and chose.
Can't do 'em all.
Can't all be A's.
I've narrowed it down to BWR Cedar City, a gravel race. Sea Otter, the mega event. And Sagebrush Safari.
September.
October.
November.
None of which includes OverTheHump, our weekly MTB series; nor The unOFFICIAL TMWC, our once a year throw down on the weekly group ride.
BWR is one I've always wanted to do. It's a gravel race. To be honest, I don't know what to make out of gravel racing. Is it really racing? It doesn't seem like it. The few I've done have felt more like survival contests.
Sea Otter I've done many times, but we're thinking it would be fun to add the Enduro on the first day. Then the Circuit Race. After that, it's a toss up at this point between the Gravel race and the XC. Either way, 3-4 days or racing will be fun.
Sagebrush Safari is another I've always wanted to do. We pre-rode it 2020. Super fun and long MTB race with miles of singletrack.
Which is the A?
For sure not BWR because... gravel. I still don't get it. Love riding it, just don't get the racing component.
Sea Otter's Circuit Race is by far the best race on the calendar for my natural abilities. But, it's so short and so far away I'm not sure I can call it an A.
Sagebrush's opening 7 mile fire road climb is far from being one of my strengths. However, the miles and miles of singletrack that follow make it very intriguing because it's much more my style when it comes to MTB.
This week I'll start filling in the RaceDay Calendar™.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
Yep, the same one where I committed to two big goals already this year: snag a Silver Corral for Leadville - mission accomplished; Win LoToJa - which I'm not going to attend this year.
4+ months left...
... to chase 1 giant goal.
I'm not sure what it will be yet...
... but I'm dawgawn sure if it doesn't get written down...
... it ain't gonna happen.
Use promo code: LETSRIP
To save 50% on remaining 2021 calendars.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
165.4
8.3 hrs
10 Pull Ups 20 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5760210047
WHO IS THIS KID?
Aug 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FUNNY HAIR, LOWERED BITURBO MERC 450. I'm thinking, look at this young kid. He gets out, grabs a coffee and sits next to me.
How's that car?
Amazing, it's my first major purchase.
New?
2016, I wanted it for year. When I scored a big part I went for it.
Nice.
Right then, I knew this was going to be more than a casual convo. This kid had cracked the code at a young age.
Turns out he learned the hotel management biz, wound up in Thailand for a year building and managing a 5-Star hotel before returning stateside to pursue acting.
I love traveling.
The world has much to offer.
That year in Thailand changed my life. We have incredible opportunity and bounty. They make $10/day.
What's next?
I want to score 1 big part, use that to travel the world's coffee shops and come back and build a shop with the best coffees in the world.
Yep, he's cracked the code alright.
It's the same code we use to shred singletrack, focusing only on the trail and none of the dangers or obstacles.
Which is why this is part of the PEDALposse mantra...
I look only where I want to go, and move as if I'm already there.
One of the joys of riding alone is the people we meet along the way, riding or not...
... funny thing is there's usually a riding connection. Turns out Austin Klenk's mom is an avid mountain biker.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
I wanted to tell Austin about how much his mom would love a RaceDay Bag™, but I figured we'll be meeting again when he's in town next...
... would be fun to make her a custom bag. Is there a better gift for bike riders and racers?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
We all make a of choices along the ride through life, the secret is to keep moving towards what we want. The perspective isn't quite right, but I had a choice to make here both trails are rippers. I chose left.
Rode with the characters for the first 90 minutes.
---
164.9
8 hrs
11 Pull Ups 22 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5755069622
IS THE JOKE ON YOU?
Aug 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S AN OLD JOKE, one that is totally on those who don't get it. It's such a most excellent retort to the shock of someone who doesn't comprehend what we're up to that every now and then...
... they wake up before they're pushing up roses.
I can't believe you spent that much on a bike?!!
If you think the bike is expensive, try our poor physical and mental health.
It can be too blunt for some, but they're the ones who need it the most...
... remember, it ain't mean if delivered with love.
The pic above shows a new split in a local trail.
The right side is the original route, it goes up and does a turn. It takes longer, it's harder and more demanding.
The left side is a short cut, straight and smooth, and requires much less effort.
I thought this rock summed it up best.
I hope you can get out for a great ride this weekend...
... may your tires be properly pumped
No kidding, one of my favorite gadgets...
... especially since my pump's gauge accuracy is a little shaky.
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
162.9
7 hrs
25 Pull Ups 50 Pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5748593699
HOW TO FINISH STRONG
Aug 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I ASKED MY DYING FRIEND IF HE HAD ANY LAST WORDS TODAY. He's 93, and has been a dad to me for nearly 50 years. Much of that time he was the best athlete in my life, a natural who might have gone pro...
... instead, he chose to serve his adopted country.
He was quiet.
I don't have anything to say.
That's a first.
Reverential silence. A bite of donut, a sip of coffee.
Ok, remember to treat yourself well. You never know when He's going to take you.
I like that. Thank you.
It pretty sums up his approach to everything. He's always treated himself well, and I think that's part of the key to the vigorous and productive life he has led up until recently...
... it's also the key to finishing anything strong.
So many times during those final miles we (me for sure) forget to drink and eat. Or, we just don't want to. We're exhausted, it doesn't sound good...
... yet, if we'd just treat ourselves well by eating and drinking we'd finish much stronger.
But, it's not just there during the race.
It's in the prep, the training, the recovery, the equipment, the coaching, the reading, etc. All that adds up to getting us in the best shape of our lives...
... so we can kick arse in everything we do.
The PEDALposse mantra begins with, I determine my results on and off the bike.
My friend Eric treated himself well today when he purchased my favorite lube.
I can't say enough about how well this lube performs and how long it lasts.
Truly amazing.
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
163.4
8.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5746087806
FINISHING WITH THE BEGINNING IN MIND
Aug 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE GREAT STEVEN COVEY IMPLORED US TO BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND. It's terrific advice. Visualize the end we want to accomplish and move forward accordingly. But, when shyte gits real, like the middle of a big race...
... the end can seem too far away.
For me, when that happens, the only way forward is to remember how things began.
Full of hope and promise,
Healthy and happy,
Ready to roar.
This seemed like a good idea not too long ago. I know I started off right. I know I want to finish right. Let's get it on.
Those ideas and thoughts can center me when doubt and fear and pain creeps in.
But, there's one more thing I'm having a hard time putting into words. It's that moment when it seems unbearable and I ask myself...
... If I'm going to finish as planned, what is the next thing I need to do I need right now? What do I need to change? How can I be better? What is the outcome I really want?
Maybe I'm not talking about racing specifically?
Maybe it's anything difficult we've committed to see through?
Whatever it is, I know there is a moment when quitting seems like the better option and every single time I've pushed through and made the changes I needed to make there has been a beautiful prize on the other side of that I never would have received if I'd relented for the briefest of period of time.
ALWAYS finish the race is part of our PEDALposse mantra...
... and when you finish, change in style.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/changing-ponchos
If you want to save 25%, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
164.5
8.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5738332624
A PR SECRET I USED LAST WEEKEND TO RIP IT UP
Aug 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S SOMETHING I DID LAST WEEKEND AT THE LEADVILLE STAGE RACE THAT YOU OUGHTA KNOW ABOUT. I ripped PRs on almost every section of the course. Granted, it was a stage race vs the normal 1 day 100 mile format, but still...
... a PR is a PR.
I doubled down, tripled down?, on PR Lotion and Lactigo. Before 'xplain it, let me just say when stage racing...
... recovery is key.
Not only did I feel great every day, but I had a truly great performance on the last day...
... because I was chasing a ghost.
Matt, from San Diego, and I connected at the start line. We'd been riding together on and off throughout the weekend.
He took off hard at the start with the leaders. I couldn't quite hang on, and found myself with a couple of other cats. We came around a corner 12 minutes later and there he was on the side of the road. I encouraged him to hurry - no way I was stopping.
The three of us were rotating pretty good. I was starting to get my legs and settle in. Looking back, I could see Matt was closing.
He caught us, recovered a bit, and pulled through. A gap opened so I closed it. We never saw the other two again. Instead, we started rotating and closing in on riders ahead of us.
Fast forward to the feared Powerline climb...
... Matt drops me, slowly, rocky by rock.
Finally he's out of sight. But, I'm still going strong and I am pretty sure I can descend faster than him.
At the top, I uncork it all and really hammer...
... I'm hellbent on catching him.
Up the paved climb to Carter Summit I'm feeling amazing. Stomping on the pedals, out of the saddle. I drop a youngun' about the size of a toothpick...
... it's on.
Down St. Kevin's on a blistering pace, bursting out into the valley, I'm in a full aero, TT position putting down the power...
... where is that cat?
At the bottom of the Boulevard, the watts are still strong.
How much further?
'bout 3 miles.
Three miles from the last aid station to the finish.
I'm flying. A light drizzle tickles my cheeks. It feels so good to be ripping up this gravel road that has broken my heart so many times...
.. but still no sign of Matt.
Up the final climb, into the rodeo corral, across the line...
... in record time.
So fast, in fact, that I've wildly exceeded my expectations and cracked 7.5 hrs aggregate time.
Gasping for air, with my finisher's medal around my neck...
... Matt crosses the line, 5ish minutes back.
I waive him down.
Where'd you go?
I stopped to help the kid with the broken chain.
You're a freaking stud!
He must be, because I doubt he used this double/triple secret.
Each morning, at 630am I put on a thick coat of PR lotion. Then, put on a second layer about 815am when I slipped on my kit.
That's the double part.
Here's the triple.
After each stage I showered, dried, and put on Lactigo.
Then, lay on my back with my legs against the wall. As I lay there, I reached up to my legs and dug my fingers in and pulled/squeezed down from ankles to nethers. The lactigo is real slimly until it dries.
Of course, I also got a good 20 minutes of HyperVolt on the legs after that and pounded a bottle of Skratch Recovery after each stage.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
I guess if you look at it like that, I quadrupled down.
If you want to save about $100 on those products, you gotta join the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
166.9
7.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
No ride today
TIME TO DECOMPRESS
Aug 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A LOT GOES INTO AN EPIC EVENT. The training, the travel, the bike, the rest of the gear, it is all important. Nothing is left to chance, which is why when you come upon another cat doing the race...
... there's an instant bond.
Whether it's a chance meeting en route or rubbing shoulders on the start line there's a deep appreciation for what it takes to be there at that moment...
... because it's stressful.
Whatever our aspirations, we want all to go well for ourselves and everybody else. In fact, we usually end up helping a fair amount of people along the way. Could be just sharing the load against the wind or sharing salt tabs or a tube.
When it's over, regardless of the outcomes it's time to decompress.
Give the bike a day off, or more.
Ride with no intent, or not at all.
Eat less monk-like.
Sleep. In.
Rest.
It's also time reflect.
What would I do different?
What went right?
Wrong?
Answering these questions now, while the memories are fresh, is not only helpful for the next event...
... it's the only way to truly decompress.
At least for me, I'm much more likely to relax and reset knowing the insights and knowledge have been stored and cataloged for future use.
Then again, looking at these pics, maybe it wasn't that stressful?
Finally got the small town, greasy spoon breakfast I was craving all trip.
Have you checked out the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
163ish?
6 hrs
Massage
No ride today
THE FINAL STAGE – LEADVILLE
Aug 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE PLAN TO WIN LEADVILLE. I’m not one of them. The rest of us are going for time, because if you go fast enough you get...
... a giant belt buckle.
To get to Leadville you have to qualify or lottery in. Those who qualify get lined up in corrals at the front of thousands of others...
... they also get a cool gold coin.
That was my goal this weekend, get the coin.
After stage 1, I thought I could get a coin but getting a coveted frontish corral seemed out of reach.
Yesterday things swung around and it looked pretty good.
Then, as I was tidying up the bike last night, I noticed 2 lugs had been torn off the sidewall and I could see some of the rear tire’s casing.
These are things you do not want to notice the night before a race,
far from home,
without all your tools.
Not too fear, I had just replaced, and kept, my old front time. All I have to do is scoot over to the start early and have the mechanic there hook me up.
No problem.
Except, 30 minutes before the race start, my bike is hanging in the stand and no tire.
Can’t get that old tire to seat.
Ok, let’s put the original back on.
It’s not seating either.
Did you pull the valve core out?
He shuffles through his toolbox and removes the valve core. It airs right up and seats.
How much pressure do you want?
22lbs would be great.
I slipped him $20 and thanked him for his efforts.
But, it got me thinking...
... isn’t awesome to have great support when it’s time to deliver?
Which brings up how well today went.
Surfergirl and I went over the logistics, we drove the course, we marked up the map. Covered it all forward and backward. This is what you do...
... when you want the gold coin.
The tire held, I got my bottle handups, and had the best ride of the 3 days. 10th overall, 3rd in my age group, gold coin, and the silver corral with 2 and half minutes to spare.
Hellyeah!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
I rode all of today's stage with my KOM in my back center jersey pocket.
Couldn't even feel it.
It's that light.
Because the KOM jacket was made for climbing mountains.
A breathable membrane that repels water and wind.
Use promo code:
KOMjacket
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
DID I MAKE A BIG MISTAKE?
Jul 31, 2021
by TODD BROWN
PREDICTION FOR THIS MORNING WAS RAIN. I went to bed happy. Weather doesn't usually bother me. The only question I had was...
... was changing to an oval 32 from a round 34 wise?
I have experienced many bad days on Columbine, today's climb. It tops out at 12,500', and the top is very steep and somewhat rocky. I've never cleaned it...
... I've always had to dismount.
We started with a burst, racing a half mile up the jeep road with the aim of getting to the rocky single track early.
It hurt.
Within 10 minutes we were on the climb. Groups of 3-6 riders were working up the straight, barren road.
A left turn, and into the trees.
Aspens and pines.
No more groups.
Single riders.
Slowly passing and being passed.
Being from sea level, I still can't get my h.r. up over 160 without going into oxygen debt. When I do get near 160, I'm panting like a dog.
The good news is the overnight rain left the climb packed and fast...
... and the weather was perfect.
Standing up on a climb like this and having traction to put down power is a unique opportunity.
It felt good.
And that new oval ring felt terrific, no adjustment period at all.
Rounding the final turn in the trees, the road gets very rocky. One lineish. I could see solo riders up the final exposed 2 miles.
Just ahead a rider dismounts.
I know that feeling, so I think. But, actually, this poor cat busted his chain. I grind on.
It's slow going.
I think back to the Crusher In The Tushar earlier in the month. Like then, I swear there is now way I'm getting off this bike.
No cramps today.
About a half mile from the top is a straight section. It's very difficult. I've been slowly catching the cat in front. He's been walking and riding as the terrain steepens. If I can just get up this last section...
... yes, cleaned it all.
Now for the fun stuff, ripping all the way back to the start.
The traction was so good.
Coming back up the last single track I felt really good. The recovery strategies are working.
Nothing changed in the standings. 13th overall on the day, 12th with both stages, 3rd in my age group.
It's raining again, tomorrow will be great.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
If it does rain during stage 3...
... no big deal.
Because the KOM jacket was made for climbing mountains.
It's extremely light.
A breathable membrane that repels water and wind.
Use promo code:
KOMjacket
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
163ish?
8 hrs
Stretch & HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5717148587
DAY 1 IS DOWN
Jul 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S EASY TO FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE AFTER A RACE. I wish I would have done this differently, I can't believe I was so slow on that section, what was I thinking try to do?...
... so, let's focus on the positive.
I finished with a smile.
Bike worked perfectly.
PR'd a few of the climbs.
I'm just off my time from '19.
12th overall, 3rd in my age group.
6th on Powerline DH.
I took no chances and had my bike on the front of Start Line at 830am. Hit the dirt in top 20. Settled in and let the Old Diesel do his thing on the climbs.
The thing that was so much harder today, on the stage race, is there are only 300 racers. Which means, if you're in the top 20-30 places there aren't the big draft trains along the paved and flatter sections.
I rode alone from the base of Power Line until the dirt at Pipeline. Lots of wind. On the big 100 miles in 1 day, that is a place where you can really fly because you're in a group of 10-15.
The coolest part of the day was having racers from all over the country come up and introduce themselves and tell me about how life changing the RaceDay Bag™ has been...
... totally made my day.
Just awesome athletes from all over the country. Connecting.
Okay, here's the crazy thing I'm going to do.
I don't recommend this at all, but I feel the need for a smaller chainring.
Cycles of life has a 32, I currently run a 34.
The 32 is not a big deal...
... but, it's oval.
I've ridden oval rings before. I didn't see it as a game changer, I have a pretty smooth spin, and didn't go with it on the BMC.
There is only 1 reason to make this change...
... the climbs here are long and steep and I was in my 52 and 44 quite a bit.
The massive Columbine climb is tomorrow's stage. 11 miles up to 12,500', and 11 miles down.
Then Sunday is the hideous Power Line climb, which I've only cleaned once. That was in training. All the other times I've done the walk of shame.
Like I say, I would never recommend such a change. But, I ran a 32 x 10-50 last time and I felt like I was grinding just a bit in the 42 and 36 today... and I def remember struggling with the 50 last time.
It's not a huge risk, and could be a huge pay off.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
Speaking of paying off...
... there is no better value at PEDALindustries than the fast growing PEDALposse.
25% savings
$20 gift each month
... and a lot more.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
This cat from Kentucky and I worked well together... our group of 8 blew up after Pipeline.
Caught a few in the parking lot as we geared up.
Jackson from UT.
The Rooster Racers from AZ
Mike, from Indiana, tracked me down at the finish. His video on Insta is classic.
The McKinney boys got custom bags, gloves and socks.
---
163ish?
8 hrs
Stretch & HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5712088452
I AM A RACER
Jul 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE BOONDOCKED IT LAST NIGHT. Just passed Minturn we found a little gravel road and parked at wide spot. It was pitch black, no moon yet. It can be a little spooky...
... but the morning brought us glory.
It was inspiring.
So much so that I wrote the PEDALposse mantra.
I AM A RACER
I DETERMINE my results, on and off the bike. I deserve to win because I put in the WORK. I AM POWERFUL. Time is my ally; I am CONSTANTLY IMPROVING by treating ever day as prep for raceday. I celebrate and ENCOURAGE everyone’s success. I am a natural born ATHLETE consuming only the best for my body, mind and soul. I LOOK WHERE I WANT TO GO and move as if I’m already there. I ALWAYS FINISH the race. Winning begets winning. PRs are the greatest of all wins. I am GRATEFUL for every result. When chaos rains, I know a breakthrough is coming soon. With my excellent health and racer’s wisdom I MASTERFULLY care for those I love. I radiate POSITIVITY. My ATTITUDE determines my altitude. I choose INTEGRITY over ease. I share the racer MINDSET with everyone. Sharing is GROWTH. I am HUNGRY like a wolf. I FLY like an eagle.
I AM A RACER.
If that resonates with you...
... check this out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
Not bad for free.
Wouldn't this inspire you? I posted the video on Instagram.
Looking the other direction
Grabbing some serenity at the top of the St. Kevin's climb.
These are the course markers, and my palms sweat just thinking about them
Just need to repeat the mantra, especially the close...
... I'm hungry like I wolf, and I fly like an eagle.
You really oughta check this out...
... I'm updating the page all the time:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-pedalposse
---
163ish?
8.5 hrs
Stretch & HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5707958936
THE SAME AS IT NEVER WAS
Jul 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
OTHER THAN THE 2ND AND 3RD TIMES I RACED LEADVILLE, I've always done it on a different bike. A soft tail, a hard tail, and lots of fulls...
... the experience is always slightly different because of that.
This time I'm rocking the BMC 4Stroke. A very similar bike to the Scott Spark from 2 years ago.
Twin Lock is basically the same on each bike, and a game changer over other suspension approaches. With the flick of my thumb I have 3 different suspension settings: fully rigid, fully open and plush, and a mid point called traction control.
The BMC geometry is slightly more raked, which is awesome for fast steep stuff. At Leadville, there is plenty of fast steep stuff.
Being newer, 2021, the BMC gets the electric shifting which I have learned to love and trust. It's fast and precise
The last difference of note is the integrated dropper post. Not only is it great when the terrain gets tricky and snappy, but there is something else awesome. Tucking on the dropper is way faster than without it. The aerodynamic advantages are real, and I'll be using it a lot.
But, here's the thing.
The biggest difference this weekend, which I have no idea how I'll react to, is that we are racing the 100 miles over 3 days instead of 1.
Do I just go for it on the first day, holding back nothing?
Do I keep it somewhat in check, unleashing everything I've got on Day 2's huge ascent up Columbine?
Or, do I save it all for Day 3, where based on the recorded times, everybody seems to fade.
I have no reference point for this other than the Cactus Cup. But, those 3 stages are very different: a short TT, a 3 hour MTB XC, and an enduro. Where this weekend is 3 solid XC races of 2.5-3 hrs at an elevation over 10,000'.
This unknown is one of the things I enjoy so much about racing.
There is only one factor that hasn't changed over the years...
... the desire to do my best, regardless of the outcome.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
I like to bust out the red helmet and red socks on raceday. There's something about it.
Use promo code: REDFORRACING
The code is good on any of the helmets... and if get gloves, the red socks are free.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
PS... We stopped at Glenwood Springs for dinner at The Pullman. I've eaten here successfully many times - the food and the racing.
The pic below is where I set up to write. That's the Colorado River down below and the famous hot sprints on the other side. Those train tracks are for the Zephyr, which runs between here and CA.
---
---
162.7
7 hrs
Stretch
no ride today
3 DAYS OUT AND I'M FEELING LIKE...
Jul 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AT 4PM YESTERDAY I COULD FEEL IRRITATION IN MY SINUSES AND A TWITCH IN MY THROAT. I looked at my daughter, pail and clearly suffering a summer cold...
... dawgawn kids.
She knew my only A race of the summer is in a scant 3 days. As she left to go home and sleep, she looked at me and said...
... Don't worry dad drink a lot of water and get some vitamin C.
She was calm.
I was in a full panic.
Her advice was solid, but there was one more tool to add to the mix...
... Zicam.
I went immediately to the grocery store and scored a pack. And, I've taken the max dosage, plus gallons of water and handfuls of vitamin C...
... and a solid night's sleep.
This afternoon Surfergirl wanted to go for an easy spin,
Ugh.
Ok.
I kitted up in a hurry, hustled out the door and looked at my Wahoo.
116 bpm.
No bueno.
I settled in behind the wheel and drove to the trailhead. Looked at the Wahoo again.
55 bpm
That's more like it.
Now it would be a question of watching it as I lazily climbed up the mountain. If it dropped fast, things were good. If it stayed pegged...
... the h.r. rose and dropped with the terrain.
Perfect.
Now it's just a matter of getting the rest, staying on the regimen and thinking positive healthy thoughts...
... yes, I'm woowoo with positivity.
---
This was such a relief to see.
We've been getting rain every afternoon... the trails are excellent.
So, I had to uncork it a bit on the way down.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
Made myself a tall, chocolate goodness when I got back.
Use promo code: REKUVR
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery
---
1643.6
8.5 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5698044136
LOVING YOUR ENEMIES IS EASY
Jul 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN ENEMY, even if it's made up. Someone you can single out and say No matter what, that cat ain't beating me today. They can bring out the best in us...
... but, you know what's even better?
Wanting and helping your friends to win,
to snag the PR,
to qualify for the big race.
It's like a superpower.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
And, if you have a super power you might want a flashy kit like the one we named Easy Rider
Use promo code: EASYRIDER
Check out the entire kit here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/easy-rider
---
164
7.5 hrs
Lots of PushUps today
https://www.strava.com/activities/5690445825
IT'S ABOUT TIME
Jul 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE ONLY TIME I CARE ABOUT HOW MANY MILES I'VE RIDDEN is when I'm trying to work out how many miles remain to the finish line. The rest of the time...
... I only care about time.
How many hours I've ridden that block or week or day.
That's it.
Time modifies everything.
This is one of the greatest lessons endurance athletes learn early on...
... more time equals more speed.
And it's corollary...
... better time equals better speed.
I was reminded of that at dinner with a friend tonight.
I've reached my limits.
How so?
I can't get faster.
Really?
Kind of, yeah. The only thing I can do now is eat better.
He's right, he will get faster by eating better. It just takes some time to show up.
He's also wrong, there is always something else to improve.
Always.
Isn't that great?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
Like tubeless tires, way faster and way more durable.
Especially, when combined with the amazing Dynaplug.
The Dyna plus system is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.
Use promo code: OUTLAW
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
163.6
7 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
GRAVITY, YOU'RE BRINING ME UP
Jul 24, 2021
by TODD BROWN
GRAVITY, YOU'RE BRINING ME DOWN sings the great John Mayer. In the physical world, that is, of course, true. But, you and I know...
... gravity also brings us up.
On our ride today, I learned one of the crew is checking in for their first round of chemo on Tuesday - no, I'm not going to tell you who. I just happened to be lucky enough to tag along.
These are things we do when one of us has an untimely breakdown.
We get together.
We go for a ride.
The gravity of the situation is alleviated by the good vibes of the ride, the love and respect of the riders for each other...
... while busting the ups and ripping the downs.
This one tough cat, and will come out of chemo and head on to do the full LT100 in a few weeks.
Gawd, I love that.
In the live version of the aforementioned song, Mayer opens with...
... I have dreams.
We all do...
... sometimes we need little gravity to get us through the gravity.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
4 out of 5 riders agree...
... PEDALindustries gloves and socks are the best in the world.
What are you waiting for...
... look at that deal up there ^^^^^^
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
If you haven't checked out our PEDALposse lately, click here.
Perfect conditions in Park City
Found my friend Jess Cerra's bars at the shop on the mountain
Expansive views abound.
We've been coming up here for 20+ years to ride in the summer... I've never seen lines like this, so good to see! (no lifts for me today, but they are great for all levels)
Things can get a little frisky on the lift if you're not careful.
---
164
7 hrs
Lots of pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5674969650
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
THE TWO REASONS I RIDE THE WAY I DO
Jul 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO IT, there are two main reasons I ride the way I do. And I mean as an adult, because, like most, I'm indebted to Santa Clause for the red tricycle that gave me my start. The first reason happened during the Fall of '85 and the second about 10 years later...
... today we had a grand reunion.
Not at a hotel or a clubhouse, like most reunions.
This was our kinda thing.
High in the Uintas.
On pristine gravel.
Talley, who in '85 brought a road bike into our college dwelling, and Jeff who in '94 got me back racing at a 24 hr MTB race... and who for years told me how wonderful gravel riding is...
... and yours Diesel, who has been paying it forward ever since.
About today's ride...
First, we met in Park City then drove east. In my excitement to ride with the fellas, I managed to forget my phone and left my Wahoo on the MTB. Not to fear, the data is easily sharable on Strava.
It had rained hard last night, which meant the roads were in great shape. No dust, plenty tacky.
We had one long, somewhat gentle climb up to the high hills and meadows. It's hard to imagine they exist. Up near 10,000'. But, there they are...
... rolling hills with grassy meadows.
It's quite magical.
The views are forever...
... just like our friendships.
The pace was slow enough to talk and catch up on life and fast enough to put the hurt on each other...
... 'cause that's what we do, amiright?
I think that's what I enjoy the most out of our PEDALposse. We've all been invited and nudged to start riding and maintain lifelong fitness, and we're all known as the cat who everybody turns to for help amongst our diverse communities.
If you haven't checked out the PEDALposse lately, click here.
---
164
7 hrs
Lots of pushups
https://www.strava.com/activities/5674969650
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
AND NOW SOMETHING 98% OF HUMANS DON'T WANT TO HEAR
Jul 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
PEDALposse MEMBER GARY T'S RECOMMENDATION TO BE A LOW CARB ATHLETE GOT ME THINKING, but only after I picked up Ben Greenfield's book on the subject. It's a quick read, so much so that it is filled with a lot of recipes I'll never use...
... except this recipe.
Not because of Ben's research on the subject, but because of Gary's success, which he shared with me at The Crusher.
Whether or not being a low carb athlete would be successful for you or me is not the point at all. The point I want to make, and the one 98% of humans don't want to hear is...
... it only works for those with self-discipline.
You have it, right?
You say no to pancakes swimming in syrup and moist cookies with giant chocolate chips...
... oh, the list is long, so let me simplify it.
We, 100% of humans, are athletes. As athletes we perform properly in all endeavors - not best or fastest, properly - when we eat food that strengthens, not poisons us.
Ben postulates we'll do better as low carb athletes. If that's of interest, buy the book. Digest it, and implement it. At the very least, test the concepts out...
... Gary did and it's working great for him.
Me, I find sticking to non-processed food is darn close to what Ben is recommending.
Funny thing is, once we go down the roads and trails of eating like athletes...
... it's a piece of cake to say No to cake.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
By the way, I do love natural maple syrup. And Yes, I do eat pancakes when fueling up...
... but the syrup, I've been mainlining it on longer rides.
Storing it in this flask from Hammer.
Something else you may want to test out, eh?
Use promo code LOWCARB
The code is good on everything you find on the link below... oh, and the flask is down a bit on that link.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
---
164.5
6 hrs - never easy for me to sleep after evening race
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5666517611
HOT LAPS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
Jul 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WELP, THAT HURT. 10 days out from my A race and I thought it would be good to get some intensity in. Just my luck, there's a local MTB midweek race not far from where we are staying...
... was it too hard?
The course was just silly. Straight up for 3 miles, straight down for 1 mile, 1 mile flat through Start/Finish and do it again. Being in a taper mode, I'm pretty fresh so while I was struggling to breath at 6000'...
... my numbers surprised me...
... partly because the data collector was in my back pocket vs on my bars.
For the actual race portion, ave HR 167/max 177 and ave est. power 257/max 1287. Those are pretty good numbers for me and I think it's because we've been doing similar outputs...
... on our Hot Laps Wednesday.
Which brings me to my points: there is nothing better than race specific training on the type of course you'll be racing...
... get as close as possible, it matters.
The best for me was having a good battle for, I think, 4th in Expert A. The last lap I was caught and passed on the climb. He was going strong. But, I had a little advantage on the DH.
I had passed him early on the first lap, and when he caught me on the final climb I let him pass and encouraged him on, and he did the same for me going down a few minutes later. It was narrow enough and fast enough he could easily have blocked me, which would have made for a barbanger on the 1/2 mile flat to the finish... I love battling like that. It's the best, bringing out the best in each other.
Ten days out, I'm feeling pretty on track.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
About halfway through I had a small puncture. Sealant spraying out and quickly doing it's thing - Orange Seal.
I thought I might have to jam a little dart in the hole, air up, and race on!
It's a fast enough process, I would have been able to race on and probably only lose a few positions.
The Dyna plus system is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.
Use promo code: OUTLAW
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
164?
8 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5666517611
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
150 or so racers, I'd guess. Well organized. Free BBQ after. $20 + $5 for the plate.
If you can zoom in, you can see all the swtichbacks going up the hillside.
No computer needed in these short, intense races.
OUTLAWS KNOW
Jul 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IN A TINY, FORGOTTEN TOWN, A MAN NAMED JEFF STOPPED ME. We'd been eyeing each other in the Cowboy Smokehouse between bites of excellent food. I got up to leave and he shouted across the empty establishment...
... there was something about him and I wasn't sure I liked it.
Nice hat.
Like it?
Yep, every day is race day.
Ha... you race?
BMX.
I saw Nationals was in Vegas over the weekend, were you there?
Yep.
How'd you do?
I made all my mains and in the final this sunuvagun did a nose wheelie and blocked my line in the final turn.
Dang.
That's racing.
What category?
56-60 Open.
Tough group.
You know it.
Been at it long?
All my life.
No wonder you made the finals.
Yep. I know I'm good for 30 seconds. Not much more. But, ya know, most guys my age are in terrible shape. And, I'm still darn good for 30 seconds.
I didn't just like this cat, I loved him. A badass, near 60. Wiry. Pure muscle. But, the best part is...
... he knew what he was good for.
30 seconds.
For some reason, I reflected on that encounter while visiting a childhood home of Robert Leroy Parker today. Maybe it was this line written on November 8, 1901...
... he has more lives than a dozen cats...
... because if you're planning a life full of adventure you better be in great shape.
You know else you might need, a good outlaw name, not that we are outlaws, but it is nice to have an alter ego and I thought this line was perfect...
... better known as, Butch Cassidy.
So, what's your outlaw name...
... and what are you good for?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
If you're tubeless and leading a life of adventure, ya might spring a leak from time to time.
These is the system I use for quickly plugging a tubeless tire.
It's super fast.
Just jam a little dart in the hole, air up, and ride on!
Plus, the systems is super light and takes up very little space in my Mini RaceDay Bag™.
Use promo code: OUTLAW
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires
---
164?
8 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5659594965 (this is what The Old Diesel is good for)
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
HARTLMAIER VISION, DO YOU HAVE IT?
Jul 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AFTER ONE OF THE FINEST HOURS OF SINGLE TRACK DESCENDING - that's one trail, straight down, for an hour - I'm feeling very renewed. We came here for that experience, but I didn't expect the back drop we found...
... you see, the trails have been rebuilt since the '17 fire.
When stepping into George's Ski Shop it's easy to be blinded by the success of the place. There is plenty of inventory, a casual confidence in the friendly faces, great rental equipment and expert trail guiding.
They are busy.
The part we aren't seeing is the vision that people like George Hartlmaier and his decedents have had, and need to succeed, since the 1960's.
It's not always like this.
There are shut down summers, like '18 and '19, when the trails are closed due to fire damage and the subsequent excessive erosion. There are winters when the snow is so sparse you'd think only a fool would subject themselves to the whims of nature.
It takes vision and passion to see beyond the immediate impossibilities at what could be...
... which is exactly why we have the treasure of George's Ski Shop.
I say treasure, because without people like the Hartlmaiers our journey today would not have been the same.
Mike, George Jr.'s son-in-law, picked us up from the bottom of the trail just after 9am. He drove us to the top of Brianhead peak, 11000' feet. Along the way, he shared tips for navigating the forest and his custom tailored map.
At some point he said,
The burn area is kind of cool. I mean it's not cool it burned, but it's cool to see nature coming back. The aspens are about chest high now. Plus, the trails have been rebuilt better than before. Better lines, berms and jumps.
I couldn't agree more with his assessment.
There are a number of trails that lend themselves to George's shuttling service.
We'll probably do this one, Bunker Creek, again tomorrow.
It's that good.
But, it's only that good because of good people with great passion.
There are countless people like this up here. It's the same vibe and quality product at the Burger Barn... which is where the Bunker Creek Trail ends.
If you're ever passing through, I highly recommend you take a day or two to shred the gnar!..
... and remember, even the worst disasters like the fire of '17 have a seed of equal or greater blessing waiting for us.
Just like the trails were waiting for us this morning after yesterday's rain showers. They were perfect. Tacky. No dust. Fast. Flowy.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
It was a perfect morning for the KOM jacket because it was chilly at the top. Along the way, after getting our blood flowing and the sun getting higher we tucked them into our back jersey pockets.
This is one of my most favoritest creations.
Use promo code MOUNTAINLOVE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
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164?
9 hrs (again!)
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5654791186
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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SOMETHING IN THE AIR
Jul 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE HIGH MOUNTAIN AIR? It's crisp and clean and thin. Gawd is it thin at 10000'. And, it's clear. Standing on a peak the vista must extend hundreds of miles...
... it just makes ya want to ride off into the distance to be heard from no more.
Maybe that's because when we're up this high there is nowhere to go but across the tops, though the high meadows of rugged grass and scrub, or to wend our way down through the pines into the valleys below.
It's appealing.
To descend.
But, I know the moment I reach the floor I'll turn my head around and see a new mountain, a new challenge...
... exhilaration awaits.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
One of the things I love about the high country is the unpredictability of the weather. It can change quickly. Sunny to rain to snow.
Today we were hiking, but had I been riding I'd have packed the KOM jacket.
It's wind and water resistant membrane is amazingly repellant. Yet, it is so thin I can tuck it in my center jersey pocket. No prob.
This is one of my most favoritest creations.
Use promo code MOUNTAINLOVE
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/kom-jackets
---
164?
9 hrs
Stretch and HyperVolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5650045097
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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THAT'S B.S.
Jul 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
BACK IN BRIANHEAD, UT. They used to have National level races here. They were huge MTB events. I DNF'd a SuperD, and DRG'd a stage race in the SS division...
... but that was B.S.
The problem with B.S. is we have only our memories and maybe a journal entry or race plate with faded, scribbled notes. Which means sometimes claimed results and time actually really are B.S...
... not simply Before Strava.
My DNF was classic.
The SuperD was a Lemans style start, meaning we laid our bikes down and lined up for a 50 yard dash.
I'm not much of a runner, and in my haste to get going I soared high above my saddle before crashing down on it. Right away, I knew something was awry in my nether region.
But, I was racing.
Not stopping.
Yet.
My next blunder was crashing through babyheads (rocks the size of a baby's head) to make up positions. Managed to puncture. A notsoslow leak.
So... after driving 500 miles, preriding the course the day before and morning of...
... I was done racing within a mile.
Excellent.
Remember that soaring start? Well, within about 2 days I had a swelling near my bits and pieces that had me quite concerned. Soon I was at my local GP, having her take a look...
... Let's do some tests...
How about we wait a couple of days?
I don't think we should wait.
I don't think we should hurry... in fact, I suspect hurrying is what got me here.
Ok, call me if it gets worse.
Embarrassed, I scrammed while praying I'd never need to return.
I'm not sure the B.S. world is much different than the W.S. world we live in. The tales might be a little taller, but we are still out creating memories and having a hoot.
Which is why we are here. Checking out the trails, seeing how things have changed. More lodging. More trails. Stalk me below, if you must.
It's also a great time to do some final prep as well as start acclimating for the stage race in Leadville at the end of the month.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools
While I was doing just that I noticed my cleat wasn't superprimo perfect. So, I slide my jewel-like tool out of my Mini RaceDay Bag™.
Cleaned the bolt out first, then did my adjustments.
I think I've got it perfect now...
... I don't always carry tools, but when I do I want to be able to fix most anything.
Crank Brothers really does make beautiful product.
Use promo code: BSvsWS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools
---
164
6.5 hrs
Stretch
https://www.strava.com/activities/5644537091
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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UPGRADES
Jul 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
Y'ALL REMEMBER WHEN I WAS CROSSTRAINING LAST WEEK AND SMASHED MY NOSE INTO THE PADDLEBOARD... BLOOD EVERYWHERE? Well, apparently my nose is crooked now. Probably an upgrade...
... upgrades are so underrated.
I know that's true because most upgrades are forced upon us. Like the new phone I had to get because the old one went swimming in said bloody water.
Suddenly, and this is why I state with certainty, I've got a device with blazing speed...
... I can do everything faster...
... and I'm thinking what the helk was I waiting for?
Speed matters when you're trying to get shyte done. Whether it's work or pleasure or haulingass on yer two-wheeler...
... an effortless speed gain is...
... well, it seems magical.
You know what else is magical?
Taking care of our stuff.
In fact, some gear can actually get better.
Yep.
Take a new chain, for example. Covered in factory grease, meant to protect for years. That grease is thick...
... and slow.
So strip it and put on some really fast lube.
Personally, I love wax lubes. Misnomer? They are the best for significantly reducing drag, and keeping drivetrain spiffy...
... clean and fast always wins the day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
These are my two favorites... and yes, the price indicates which one is bestest and most fasterelli.
. 
Use promo code: UPGRADE
Enter when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubes
---
165.1
7 hrs
Surf Sesh (no blood)
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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ARE YOU ENJOYING THE GAME?
Jul 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ARE YOU ENJOYING THE GAME? I've heard this question asked of Tadej several times. I like it. Because, while he is the best of the rest, he is still a kid. A true babyface. And, he looks like he's having fun...
... for us it should always be fun.
Yesterday someone commented on a post saying how happy he was now that he wasn't racing. It was a "relief to be rid all the stress and energy put into chasing ego driven rewards"...
... to which I could only respond, Sounds like you were racing for the wrong reasons. I meant it with love.
Everybody has to make their own decision on what's right for them. How far to push, and why push so far?
For me, keeping Sundays off limits for training, and nearly all racing, is the way to keep it in perspective.
The license plate above, IDNTRCE, resonates with me.
It's on a truly badass Mustang.
Lowered.
Sexy wheels.
With a nasty growling V8, that can peal rubber from here to New York City.
I'm sure the driver races all over town, every chance she can get...
... she's racing her own race...
... her own game.
It's all a game.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
If things are getting a little too serious maybe it's time for some whimsical socks.
These beauties we developed using a specials EZ Breathe Yarn to create our FastMax compression.
Truly amazing... and check out the dealio below.
Keep this on the downlow, okay?
This is top secret.
If you purchase 2 pair of socks, you get 1 pair free.
No promo code needed.
Coo-coo, I know.
Have you checked out the PEDALposse?
If won't save you anything additional on the above, but it would save you a helmet full of gold on future orders.
---
164.9
8 hrs
Paddle Surf A.M.
https://www.strava.com/activities/5634567343
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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WEIGHTING THAT'S WORTH IT
Jul 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
NOBODY LIKES TO WAIT AROUND. In fact, we have a strict policy of starting our rides on time. Don't be late, we don't wait. It's the most respectful way to honor each individual's time and keeps the group healthy and growing. Speaking of healthy and growing...
... is it any wonder those twigs in France snap?
While it's nigh impossible to not look a little T-Rexish as a committed racer, there is no reason to be completely useless in any other endeavor. In fact, I'd call it dangerous and reckful...
... because weakness is the fastest way to lose control of the bike.
Which brings me to this weighty matter.
Lift weights.
Get strong and stay strong.
There are maybe a million cyclingspecfic books on the subject, at least 10.
But, can I make a recommendation?
Start with pushups and pullups.
If you haven't done them for a while, ever?, you're gonna be super impressed...
... with how weak you are.
For pullups, get a bar for the door jam. They are cheap and easy to install. For pushups, no equipment or installation required.
I promise you, regularly doing just these two exercises will dramatically improve your cycling and life and get you stoked to show your friends...
... how strong you've become, off the bike.
Bonus points now that it's summer and you want to show everybody your super pro tan lines... you know the clearly defined arm and leg tan lines.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/cinturato%E2%84%A2-gravel-h
Speaking of bonus points, these are the tires I raced on last weekend. They are super fast in all conditions. Plenty of traction climbing and descending.
Their only weakness is in corners where it can break loose a little, but because there is plenty of tread once it gets leaned over. So, far, they have always hooked up for me.
How fast?
Fast enough for me to snag 13th quickest time on the Col de Crush descent.
In fact, I'm loving all the Pirelli tires I've tested and have completed converted over.
On the road, I absolutely dig they way these tires feel. Super supple ride. Very fast as well.
You probably have a favorite tire you favor and trust... if you're open to a change, I can't recommend these enough.
Use promo code: PIRELLI
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
---
165.8
8 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
If you like this post, consider leaving a tip.
TWO SUCKERS WENT FOR A RIDE
Jul 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WELL, TODAY WAS INTERESTING. Like a fool I showed up for the A loop instead of the B. My legs felt terrible last night, vs only rotten on the way over. As we rolled out, Chris said I'm sitting in today...
... that was my plan, too.
But, it didn't work out so hot for me.
Ya see, there are two kinds of wheelsuckery.
Sitting In and Hanging On.
Sitting In is done by someone who could easily grind out some power if they wanted. While Chris was sitting in, he pulled the train right be me and I was nearly ejected.
Hanging On looks a lot like Sitting In, but it's quite different. Hanging on is done by someone who is on the edge being popped off and left behind...
... this is what I was doing.
In fact, I was doing it so good I was left behind. Posting my slowest time ever up The Wall, riding alone to the finish, and joyfully spinning home in solitude.
I say joyful because it was a beautiful morning, starting with a spectacular sunrise. The weather nice and balmy. Once I came to terms with the need to Shut 'er down, I set my sites on finding Surfergirl...
... maybe I should have gone to the beach today, too?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
I'll hitting the legs for at least 20 minutes tonight with this very secret weapon.
Use promo code: HANGON to save $30
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth
---
166.7
6.5 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5621440298
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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I'M NOT BAUKE MOLLEMA
Jul 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
DID YOU SEE WHAT BAUKE DID AT THE TOUR? I'll tell ya, it was dern impressive. He broke away with 40k to go, and held a 1 minutish gap all the way in for the victory. But, what I found comforting and astounding was...
... he did so without any type of computer on his bicycle.
Just on feel, baby! Surely, his race director was giving him time checks.
Still, that's rad.
Right?
In the age of Froomians staring straight down and watching their watts, here is a cat without even an HR monitor.
Riding on feel.
Flip!, I love that.
Don't you?
Do you ever do that?
On hour or shorter races - crits and XC - I often do just that. Because either I can ride with the big cats or I can't. It's freeing, tbh, allowing me to focus on the actual racing. I'm more aware of the situation...
... and better able to sense the flow of the action.
Occasionally, I'll even tuck it away on longer road races. Sometimes at the start, and others during the final miles.
Personally, I'm not a breakaway guy like Bauke...
I am a get dropped guy and persevere guy when it comes to epic distances. For those times, which are often, I definitely have my computer on. I prefer to watch my HR...
... I'm old school that way, just not as old school as Mr. Mollema.
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/lubes
This, mon ami, is very, very, very new school.
We've been doing quite a bit of testing of various lubes. This lube from Ceramic Speed is the current champion.
I rode it during the Crusher Saturday with no noticeable degradation in performance. Then, I took it out again this evening without touching it and it still sounded great.
I'm going to be posting a video in a few days showing the astounding performance of this system.
We're going to be offering 3 options with the lube.
• First, the bottle.
• Second, we'll take your chain and strip it in our sonic cleaner then soak it in acetone then we will professionally prep your chain with the wax.
• Third, we'll supply you with a new chain that has gone through the above process.
If you just need the lube...
... use promo code: MOLLEMA
https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/collections/lubes
Side Note: Dave J asked me what gear set up I ran Saturday. I ran a 1x, full mullet: 38 and 10-52.
---
164.9
8 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5618802063
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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HARDCORE HISTORY
Jul 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I SHALL RETURN. I contemplated Douglas MacArthur's resolve while listening to the Hardcore History podcast on the way home from the Crusher In The Tushar. He'd been forced to leave Manilla in defeat, and he vowed to return and liberate the people...
... a bike race is hardly war.
Still, there are parallels from which to learn and this recent installment of the podcast was rich.
When things go wrong people ask a lot of questions. To that I might add, if you're not asking questions when things go wrong, be prepared for them to go wrong again and again.
How much can a human endure? Isn't this one of the reasons we compete, to find out how much we can endure? My guess is we aren't even scratching the surface.
Only those who enter the meat grinder know what it's about. Until you've been on the Col de Crusher, 50 miles from the start, there's just no way to understand the difficulty it presents.
If you find out you don't have the right boat, all the Bushido spirit in the world doesn't make it better. No comment.
The non-sexy side is logistics and supply. This is the most compelling reason to return.
• The aid stations were outstanding. Well stocked. Fast in and out. And plenty of them. Three cheers for the volunteers who withstood the withering conditions!
• I left a lot of room for improvement on the logistics. Altitude prep being number one.
• Race specific training. I did a fair amount of long climbs leading up, but they were all on the MTB.
I asked my friend Emilio why he's raced Crusher multiple times and why he was happy with yesterday's result...
I'm just happy to finish with good energy and power.
That I dig.
It's the kind of challenge I can get behind.
To have the bravado to proclaim I'll return and subdue all challengers is something I'll leave for the real warriors.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/mandible-bike-cage
There were countless bottles ejected on the course. Every time it got steep and fast with big washboard bumps there they lie.
Such a shame, all that training and time and energy lost.
Either you ride on and most likely run out of water or you stop and turn around and get that bottle before another rider or car can squash it.
It's dern near impossible to lose a bottle or time or energy with these Mandible cages from Arundel.
I don't just rely on them to hold the bottles, I count on them to gain time over my competitors
They're that good.
Use promo code: RETURN
... unless you like wasting time and energy and risking dehydration.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/mandible-bike-cage
---
165ish
7.5 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
https://www.strava.com/activities/5613586724
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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CRUSHED
Jul 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WAS THE WORST DAY I’VE EVER HAD ON A BIKE. Temps at the bottom of the feared Col de Crusher, as we rolled through deepish sand, indicated 112. I was actually feeling good there. 75 minutes later...
... at the top it was a different story.
My feet cramped, curling up in my shoes. My claves cramped. My quads cramped. My hammies were good... but my triceps cramped.
I was panting like a dog, the heat and altitude and distance ganging up on me.
I would say I crawled in the last 10 miles.
But, I didn’t.
I refused to get off my bike.
All of the guys and gals I’d been riding with who stopped to stretch or pee or get serious aid at the aid station were never seen again.
The Crusher in the Tushar is a crusher.
If you are ever crazy, brave enough to do it here is my advice.
- Get really comfortable on your gravel bike – position for sure, more importantly comfortable on actual gravel. Loads of riders lose time because their descending is weaksauce.
- Get acclimated to altitude if you can – it’s 10000’ at the top.
- Get your nutrition sorted out.
There is no need to pre-ride the course. If you do, it is highly likely you will simply stay home, sleep in, and have breakfast with people who care about you!
The Crusher doesn’t care about anybody.
We all suffered today.
Even the regulars posted their worst times ever.
I had friend puking and taking the ride of shame back. Another just laid down in the middle of the road... for 20 minutes. Another, in that same 112 degree sand, blacked out and fell over.
Tod, not me I’m a double-D, said you know this will get more fun with time.
Here’s the funny part about that.
At 5pm, Jeff shot me a text.
You got 2nd.
No, no way. I almost died.
Look it up.
2 hours after awards I looked it up. Yep, 2nd. Suddenly I’m like What cramps?!
I tracked down Tiffany who is in charge of the awards ceremony and I explained the situation. Before she could give me any grief, I said...
I’m so sorry.
Why?
Well, I feel it’s disrespectful to skip the awards. To you and the competitors. It’s a trend at home and I’m not a fan.
Before you ask, If that’s true double-D, why weren’t you at the ceremony to offer congratulations?
It’s a simple answer.
Today was the worst day I’ve ever had on a bike.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
It could have been worse if my tool bag exploded. Saw more than one of those spill tools everywhere over the very bumpy course.
But, the mini-raceday bag is very pro.
---
165ish
6.5 hrs
Rest.
THE KEY TO RACE TRAVEL
Jul 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FEW OF US HAVE AN EPIC EVENT IN OUR BACKYARD. And, if we do, we’re always looking for something new. The offshoot logistics of getting there can make or break how things go on raceday. With that in mind...
... I left before sunrise.
The Crusher in the Tushar bike race is in Southern Utah. For me, it’s a 600-mile road trip. I had just the spot in mind to hold over Thursday evening...
... Grampa’s cabin.
For years I’ve wanted to bring my gravel bike up here.
Situated on the east side of Zion National Park, at about 7000’, it’s remote. With hundreds of miles to explore...
... on gravel roads.
I hadn’t been to the cabin for at least 10 years and I was looking forward to surfacing up childhood memories. Plus, my cousins have been doing some renovating which I wanted to check out.
One thing that hadn’t changed is where we hide the key. The exact same place Grampa was hiding it 50+ years ago.
The small A/C unit was a welcome site. It was 95 when I pulled up, and I’m not sure I could have stayed without that modern convenience.
The old wood burning stove I would help Gramma kindle and light is in the corner. A microwave has taken over.
The hole in a piece of plywood in the outhouse has been upgraded to a composting unit. Much comfier and fresher.
While we do have running water now, there isn’t a shower.
This gave me a chance to test out my sunshower. I hung the thick plastic bag over the steel poles that support shade/rain cover for the cement slab we use when large group cooking. We are far from the main road, plenty private.
The sounds of modernity travel far up here. Cars and jets interrupt nature’s songs.
But, the best, the absolute best part of Grampa’s cabin is the total lack of cell and internet service...
... I need a week up here.
This morning I sampled the gravel roads. Nothing like the fire roads back home. These roads are meant for traveling. The bike easily rolled along. I stretched my legs on a few punchy climbs to open things up.
I felt fast..
... I also felt the altitude.
Coming from sea level, it’s a challenge to breathe. I’ll try and work this to my advantage by using the lack of air to keep me from digging too deep tomorrow.
For now, it’s just a day...
... and it's been key to making the long travel fun, along with leaving early and packing all the essential gear...
... a great day to lay low and do final prep on bike and body.
Being a 4 day trip, I packed my PRO RaceDay Bag™. I like the extra space for multiple kits and key items I will not race without...
... like PR Lotion.
Use promo code: THEKEY
---
165ish
8.5 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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WHAT IF WE WERE SLOW?
Jul 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IF WE WERE SLOW? Slower. A lot slower. New rider slow. No clue slow. Yes, what if we woke up tomorrow...
... knowing we could get a whole lot faster?
If you think that would be awesome, I’ve got good news and bad news.
The bad news is you might be a slacker. Somewhere along the way you started slacking.
Maybe you stopped getting enough sleep and didn’t feel rested enough to pound out some heavy miles.
Maybe you quit eating like an athlete, put on some pounds, got slower and said yes to the next donut that came your way because Why not?
Maybe your flock of eagles has turned into a flock of penguins.
The good news is you’re only one race away rectifying the situation and dropping that slacker attitude.
Find a race, any kind of race that inspires you. Could be a local group ride or USA Cycling Nationals.
It doesn’t matter.
What matters is picking a race, fixing your mind on a goal, and letting that race and goal dominate your bike riding thoughts.
Slackers settle.
Racers deliver.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition
One reasons racers deliver is because the take time to figure out what works.
We like this...
Use promo code: WERFAST
---
165
6.5 hrs
Stretch and Hypervolt
driving to UT, no ride
Ride with us: https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries
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