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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.
===
These Ugly Sweater jerseys woulda worked well today - which include matching gloves and socks
SPECIAL OFFER - 11.1-11.7 ONLY
When you Purchase an UGLY Pro Jersey, we'll include a gloves and socks. (we'll email you for your sock and glove size)
Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ugly-sweater-collection-2025
===
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Same offer as above, but custom ugly in your team colors and graphics
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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
>
WHY I LOVE TO RACE MOUNTAIN BIKES
Feb 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I LOVE ALL KINDS OF RACING. Bikes for sure, and cars and motos and skateboards and paddleboards and running and skipping and... But, when it comes to bicycle racing there's something about mountain bike racing...
... because of something it lacks.
It's unlike road racing, and though I've only dipped my cleat in gravel racing I'd say it leans more toward road than MTB.
The reason I like MTB so much is at the end of the race.
Not the finish line.
I mean, generally, the races are so damned hard the finish line is a very welcome site.
But the thing I really like is seeing the placings...
... and the times.
You see, in a road race a breakaway can get on up the road and put big chunks of time into the group. So when you look at the placings things are distorted. Unlike MTB, where the placings so obviously point out the truth.
The reason for that, of course, is there is very little to no drafting on the MTB. It's much more mano a mano. You either have the goods or you don't.
Which brings me back to the placings, and what I like.
I like to look at those final times and see the guys who trounced me, and see the time gaps... because I'll go away, like today, and think to myself...
... sure as helk I can close those 2 minutes and get my arse up a couple of placings.
Now you might be thinking Wait a minute Diesel, that could be done in a road time trial as well.. But, you'd be mostly wrong.
You see, in a road time trial... well, yes, you can improve... but not like you can MTB racing.
There are many more places to improve in MTB racing, mostly in this order:
- The start, from a good spot on the grid to holding max effort well into the first singletrack.
- Handling skills can be dramatically improved simply riding the MTB a lot more, over a lot more challenging terrain.
- Because the MTB requires so much more upper body strength, regular pull ups and push ups and core work can make those final laps much faster.
- Bike set up, sure road has position and aeroness and tire pressure... but, MTB has those plus suspension and dropper posts
I could go on... but, the point is... making 5%, even 10%, gains, is a real possibility on MTB which is why those placings and seeing the fellas just a few minutes a head is a helluva motivator...
... and yes, after today's beat down The Old Diesel is plenty motivated.
I bet I'm not alone.
A couple of more things about today:
- Victor is putting on a dandy race series this winter: excellent course, live timing, good sound system. Really pro.
- I realized we are actually a well-known brand now: multiple people came up and thanked me for our RaceDay Bags™ and Changing Ponchos and bygolly that makes me happy.
- I was determined to get at least 3 hours in today, so I rode near home this morning, got in a giant warm up for the race, raced hard, then went out with Coach Brian and his little boy for our cool down. Honestly, I can't tell if the extra morning ride or super long warm up helped or hindered. I felt pretty darn good.
- I saw a bunch of my friends, which always makes it fun.
My legs felt great due to the PR Lotion, and my special purpose did too thanks to DZ Nuts.
Ya really don't want to chances with either of those areas when racing hard, and facing a long drive home afterwards.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
Cool thing is these ship free... and if you use this promo code you'll save a bucks too.
The code is LOVEMTB
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
---
163.6
HyperVolt
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4747270996
LITTLE BOY BLUE AND THE MAN IN THE MOON
Feb 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND ZACH MISSED OUR RIDE LAST NIGHT, and I was so glad! Not because he's a beast. Not because he's a bad bike handler. Not because he always snags a waffle when he's here...
... none of those reasons.
I was thrilled because he bailed out to spend time with his young daughter,
take her on a bike ride.
There's nothing better.
I was able to do the same myself this morning with my old son,
take him on one of my favorite gravel rides,
to one of my favorite stops,
first time.
We did a ton of riding when he was little. First on our tandem. Then shuttle runs and resort runs. But, he never really caught the vision of climbing...
... under manpower
... suffering
... and I get it, it's not for everybody...
... but then again, he did say...
I can't wait for Beck to be big enough to go on a bike ride.
I still have the tandem.
Don't sell it.
Not a chance.
But, I am selling this beauty... the one that got me down this gravel road, the gateway drug to endless choices.
Even Shane loves gravel, and that's something. Heck, we road for 2 hours this morning... and on the way back he said, lets go further next time, and have the ladies meet us at the store.
So, if you're into adventure and possible carving out some time with family and friends...
Details are below... no unreasonable offer will be refused.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/sequoia-merz-2017
---
164.4 lbs - oops
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4740272216
PEOPLE SMILE AND TELL ME I'M THE LUCKY ONE
Feb 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE'VE JUST BEGUN. Opened a shop off the side of our online empire to scratch an itch. Personally, I swore in no uncertain term, I'll never own another retail operation again... but, you know, sometimes things line up and ya gotta go for it...
... like when Chris, longtime customer who moved to town just as the last local "pro" shop closed, had no place to hang his helmet. He's a15+ year professional bicycle mechanic known as The Wrench...
... we pitched our idea to BMC Switzerland, you know Tour De France winning road bikes and recent winner of the MTB XC World Championships. Apparently The Old Diesel has quite a following so they joined our mission...
,,,. people think we are killing it.
We aren't.
We aren't trying to.
What we are doing is delivering the kind of experience we want to a very specific client who demands high performance and personal service.
How personal?
Schedule an appointment and get your service done while you wait personal.
Along with BMC, we carry only product we use and love: ENVE wheels, KASK helmets, Fizik shoes, etc.
There aren't a lot of people like us... who demand outstanding racing bicycles and accessories, individualized bike fitting, service-while-you-wait.
We like that.
We enjoy working with likeminded athletes.
It's better that way.
If you're ever in town, stop in.
Heck, schedule an appointment with Chris.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-wrench-calendar
Just be prepared to be greeted by a friendly dude who will listen to what you need and get it done professionally.
Disclaimer: because we are small and nitchy sometimes we have to order parts, which can delay the process...
... but, you know... ya can't hurry love.
---
163.6 lbs
Light Weights Workout
7.3 hours sleep
No ride today.
I NEVER SAW THAT BEFORE
Feb 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TONIGHT, I SAW THREE THINGS I'D NEVER SEEN BEFORE. The first happened early on the ride, between 2 riders who barely know each other. I know one of them real well, so when he said he forgot something I wasn't surprised...
... I was surprised by the quick solution, a true trailside rescue.
I forgot to charge my battery.
Your lights?
No, derailleur. It's red.
C'mon Rookie!
No worries man... take mine. I have two. I won't use the front one.
And, just like that, problem solved.
There's one more thing about this first surprise that was not surprising. Our crew is really giving and caring. That instant giving up of the battery is just the way we are... when we aren't kicking the crap out of each other.
Okay, the next two surprises I have no photographic proof so you'll have to take my word for it.
I came whipping around a turn and a giant, and I mean GIANT, owl was right there. It's head spun around, the flat face, wise eyes, vicious beak... it stayed put. Not even a ruffled feather. More of a...
... Hey man, nice night.
Ten minutes later, higher on the trail we saw a million little, white field mice. They reminded me of snow blowing across the road, their white fur gleaming in our lights.
Only now is it dawning on me what Mr. Owl was doing, still as can be trail side.
I would have been freezing if I was just standing there like him. In the dark. Not moving.
At a minimum I'd need a sexy beanie to keep my head warm.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
Probably this green one, to blend in... but, maybe the black one for the night or the blue one to match my eyes or perhaps the gray one for dawn?
Final surprise... you can get any of those colors delivered to you for $20... yep $20 includes said beanie in preferred color and shipping.
Get one: https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
---
163.1 lbs
50 PullUps 100 PushUps
8.2 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4730991490
FRESH MEAT
Feb 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE MORE ENTERTAINING PARTS OF OUR LOCAL GROUP RIDE IS BRINGING THE NEWGUY. Today's newguy certainly looked the part: svelte, stylish, confident. You know the type...
... no fat, gold shoes, effortlessly navigating our galloping herd.
I've seen a lot of newguys start out like that.
Just fine.
But, the cumulative effect of multiple surges, not knowing the course, not knowing the players from the fakers can wear newguy down. Just like that, spunky turns to spongy. Bouncing off the front to soggy off the back.
Which is why it's so entertaining for yours Diesely.
Kindly, I let him know what was coming.
Turn ahead,
watch that dip,
5 minutes of pain.
Just being friendly, in a voyeur sorta way.
Now you might be thinking that I was thinking, can't wait 'till he blows. Noooo, not little ol' me. Why would I hope for newguy to blow and roll in with debris like me? That wouldn't be nice, or gentlemanly, or even mature.
Nope, it was more of a self-bet.
I'll bet he gets ejected on the wall.
That's a safe bet. Real safe. Everybody gets ejected on the wall.
But not this newguy. Hellno!
He popped around me and everyone between me and the front like a humming bird pollinating beautiful blooms on a bright spring morning.
When The Old Diesel finally finished, I did what every spongy, soggy piece of debris should do...
... Great to meet ya Fern! Keep coming, we need more guys like you.
Because, you know
It's just a social ride.
To reinforce the friendliness of our little ol' ride I thought I'd highlight the socialness on the sleeves for this year's kit.
Check it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
Now, if you're unfamiliar with our gear:
- We make it to order
- In the USA
- With the best Italian fabrics
- The best Japanese zippers
- And a pad so delicious you'll never ride another bib again.
Yes, it's sexy as hell.
Yes, you can wear it even if you never do the ride... in fact, we highly encourage you to start your own TMWC. A few people have done just that.
This promo code will expire in 2 weeks: TMWCNEWGUY
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc
---
163.4 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6 hours sleep <- that cost me at least 100 watts
https://www.strava.com/activities/4722948021
WE CAN DO HARD THINGS
Feb 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
AROUND 6PM TODAY, CUSTOMER BRIAN AND I TALKED A BIT ABOUT THE HISTORY OF A LOCAL RACE CALLED VISION QUEST. For most people, it's a once in a lifetime experience. It took me two times to figure that out...
... it's hardashell.
A feather under 50 miles.
11000' of vert.
2 miles of hiking.
Average finishing time is 9ish hours.
In '99, the heat topped out at 90 degrees just as I was hitting the hikeabike...
... brutal.
There aren't really any races like that any more.
VisionQuest has been on hiatus due to forest fires, tree huggers, and now the pandemic thingy.
Supposedly it will be back later this year.
But will it?
I feel like the troubled souls who were doing these insane events 20 years ago are a dying breed.
My first VisionQuest, we loaded our bikes into a U-Haul and our bodies into a rusted out school bus just to get to the start.
Then we stood in the dark, freezing, smelling tribal smoke as the promoter blessed our efforts.
Brian reminded me about the aid station he manned over the years. He'd be up there grilling hamburgers. And people'd eat 'em. They were 7 hours in and famished. Just trying to finish the dern thing.
Seems more like today's racers think an adventure is a $500 event, with cushy accommodations and cushy bikes and cushy plane flights.
Back then, I gotta be honest, we were a helluva a lot tougher.
No suspension,
heavy bikes,
multiple flats,
broken chains,
drinking just water,
eating PB&J.
See that paper number plate?
I'm real proud of that.
One, that I still have it.
Two, that it's #4... the promoter would use your finish from the previous year. I wasn't 4th, but only 3 guys from the previous year were faster than me... therefore I got number four.
Sometimes ya gotta remind yourself where you've come from... those days when you'd just rather quit, climb under a rock... when it seems like nothing has changed, no progress has been made...
... those are the days I look back on my VisionQuest(s), buckle up, and say...
... I can do hard things.
One thing I know I would have loved back then is our superlight gloves and socks. Back then I was rocking the half finger road gloves, which are perfect for ripping the skin right off your fingers in a crash.
I would have loved our race socks with EZBreathe Yarns and FastMax Compression.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
If you haven't tried them... knows the time.
Use promo code: HARDASHELL
and, when you buy gloves and socks the socks will be free when you check out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
the code is good for 48 hours.
---
164.2 lbs
40 PullUps 80 PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4717699151
I'M NOT DONE YET
Jan 31, 2021
by TODD BROWN
CHRIS FROOME SAYS AGE IS A STATE OF MIND. I say whatev'. He also says, he plans to snag his 5th TdF while simultaneously becoming the oldest to ever do it. I say again, whatev'. Meanwhile, Tom Brady switched NFL teams because his previous team said he was too old and he is now taking his new team to the Superbowl...
... cute stories, hopes of old guys.
Not at all relevant to what matters.
What matters, what has always mattered, is motivation.
Winning is always nice, and it's a motivator for sure. But, TBH I think it's weak compared to things like revenge, anger and proving a point. Yes, these are baser motives...
... but, I guarantee you they're a huge part of these super human performances.
These guys are pros. Seasoned. They won't be seeing red, hurrying, making mistakes.
They're killers.
Patient.
When they strike, it's a killshot.
Do they have a chance against young phenoms? Not really. They know that. Which is what makes them so deadly.
But, they are just like us... right?
We can harness that same energy.
And, just like us they have to eat and sleep and ride and drink.
But, will they have these stylish bottles?
I mean, they are good looking bottles. And they're tall, because sometimes when you are hacked off, looking to prove a point you have to ride long.
$20.
That's it.
Shipping is included.
---
163.6 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4714419471
A BET OF MY OWN MEDICINE... CAN I HAVE SOME SUGAR?
Jan 30, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TODAY TURNED OUT TO BE A HELLUVA RIDE. Got to prove OneBikeToRuleThemAll concept, got mugged on the Thug Ride, got to sing HBD to Justin, and just for good measure...
... a onceinalifetime experience getting shelled riding renegade through Camp Pendleton Marine Base.
One of these things will likely never be done again.
First things first... I've been riding my sexy BMC URS - aka Showtime - with full gravel set up for months now. Partly 'cause it's dern fun, partly 'cause the Srambassador parts for my sexy BMC Teammachine are floating somewher off the coast...
... so last night I mounted up my sexy ENVE 5.6s and through 'em on Showtime.
Things went beautifully because both sets of wheels have ENVE hubs. Slotted them in, didn't even need to touch the brakes.
Right off the bike felt faster... duh Diesel, you put deep dish roadie wheels with Pirelli tubeless tires. I felt pretty confident I'd be able to hang on the Thug Ride.
The Thug Ride is made up of the killers who used to do Swami's, the badassiest ride in these parts. Every Friday they post the route for Saturday morning. It makes for an exciting ride. I hung on pretty dern good. Considering I haven't done any road intensity for months, I can say in all honesty...
... if you want OneBikeToRuleAll, a killer gravel bike and 2 sets of wheels is a legit option.
I would only say if you're truly racing road, you're gonna need a proper road racer. I never really spun out. The bike is a few pounds heavier due to it's design for comfort and taking a beating, plus the 20mm of rear travel/bumper. But, I don't think that mattered much. The only thing that mattered to speak of was being in the perfect gear on the extremely fast climbs. But, like I said...
... unless you're truly roadie racing, this is a gloriously easy way to go.
We finished the Thug,
I was feeling smug.
So much so that rather than drive home with MattnCharlienJimmy I opted to ride home - another 50ish miles with MikenEricnChris.
You would have, too.
55 degrees.
Beautiful people out.
Along the coast.
No, I haven't ridden a hundy in months... maybe a year?
No, I didn't have enough food to make it.
Yes, I clearly was going to get a taste of my own medicine... and find myself begging for sugar!
When you ride through Camp Pendleton you have to have a special ID. Eric had a current one. Mike's had expired yesterday. Mine expired last year. Chris didn't even have one. We got lucky at the guard station... the alternative is riding the freeway where the minimum speed limit in the right hand lane is 200 mph.
It's a beautiful ride through the base. One lane roads, open country to the right, gorgeous ocean to the left. All was going according to plan, until we hit the North gate...
... we road around the barriers, ignored the road closed sign, and introduced ourselves to machine gun totting 20something who were not impressed with our fancy underwear and inability to follow directions.
Turn around?
Huh?
Didn't you see the barriers?
Uh....
Back to where you came from.
We just wanna get home.
Too bad.
We'll take Basilone.
You do that.
Now all 6 of us, those two and us four, knew the Basilone route is verbotten for der bikes. They even have nice signs saying Getthehellouttahere.
But, we were tired and hungry and too dern close to home to care.
Which meant...
... we rode some of the most beautiful roads you'll never see. Mostly to ourselves. Especially me... I kept getting dropped on every rolling hill, of which there are a plenty.
It was so worth it.
One of the best rides of my life, even though I was hating on my friends for continually dropping me. As Surfergirl so nicely pointed out... a bit of your medicine, eh. Dawgawnher!
We got back to town, I road straight to Surfin Donuts thinking of a huge apple fritter.
Closed.
Across the street was a gas station. I came out with candy bars and bananas for all.
End of story.
I read a great quote today,
If it scares you, you should definitely do it.
Right now LoToJa's 204 miles from Logan UT to Jackson Hole WI is definitely scaring me.
What's scaring you on your calendar?
Our calendar is HUGE! 27.5" wide X 48" tall.
It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.
Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?
use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21
THAT'S $20 DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR... YOU'D BE A FOOL TO MISS THIS ONE.
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
164 lbs (too much loading last night)
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4701082377
SO MANY RACES, SO LITTLE TIME
Jan 29, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT'S LOOKING LIKE THE FALL OF 2021 WILL BE FILLED WITH ALL THE EPIC, ICONIC, BUCKET LIST RACES AN AMATEUR COULD EVER HOPE TO DO. So, what's the plan kids? Gotta pick one, maybe two, possibly three...
... but, can't do 'em all.
Me, I'm going with my gut on at least one... maybe all.
Now, the curious thing about going with the gut is it rarely lines up with the race that best matches my talents... which is what makes them so great.
The expectations are askew.
The unknown turned up to 11.
All of the sudden, I've got a whole new set of arrows needed for my quiver. Could be figuring out lodging in a place with no lodging, food for a race with no support, tires for unknown terrain...
... but why is the gut saying go race X?
Because the gut knows things have got a bit stale and it's time to change it up.
So, right now I'm just filling in My RaceDay Calendar™ with all the possibilities...
... later I'll take out the red Sharpie and put a big red outline around the gut race(s).
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
You did get your calendar didn't you?
The one where the promo code expires Sunday?
Our calendar is HUGE! 27.5" wide X 48" tall.
It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.
Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?
use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4701082377
YOU CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT A PELOTON
Jan 28, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YOU CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT A PELOTON, BUT YOU CANNOT THRIVE WITHOUT ONE... no this is not a ringing endorsement for fancy spin classes on a stationary bike...
... if anything it's a tangential rant.
What I'm talking about Fred is,
the peloton,
the guys,
the crew...
... the posse.
I can survive just fine riding alone, or even one a themthere zwiftoton thingies. Okay, TBH, it'll be a hot day in Antartica before I zwiftoton... but I know for a lot of peeps they're a godsend... so, for me personally, I can survive just fine riding alone...
... but I can't thrive riding alone.
I need my posse.
I need to meet up with the fellas and the ladies.
Whether it's a fake social ride like the Tuesday Morning World Championships where legs are casually ripped off and tossed into the burning fire or a social adventure like DRTY WDNSDY or an actual conversational pace like EasyPeasyThursdee...
... we can't truly thrive without those that push us and pull us and love us.
Speaking of love, don't you just love having an ace up your sleeve? You know, some secret weapon to spring on your posse.
It's impossible to hide a serious upgrade like a new BMC bicycle.
Nearly as difficult to disguise a game changing set of ENVE wheels.
But, for just a few bucks you can massively upgrade your legs.
I'm actually surprised how many people have yet to rub on this magic elixir. My friend SuperDave let me in on this secret. I ran it by Coach Brian who said...
... Dude, I applied it twice every morning during the Tour of Utah and again each evening before I went to sleep.
... which I did myself the morning I broke my PR at Leadville in 2019.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
One cat who is definitely in the know, John J, purchased 4 bottles yesterday. 4, like four. You think he knows something you don't?
Yes, we ship it for free... and yes, you should use this promo code:
THRIVE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
162.9 lbs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4695912490 - paddle
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4697950397 - ride
F' YEAH!
Jan 27, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I TRY NOT TO SWEAR, OUTLOUD... it might be a dad thing, or just the right thing. But, when I'm racing I love the F word...
... not that F word.
The adverb that follows Ride...
... FAST!
Faster is always better...
... to ride faster, isn't to hurry.
Hurrying creates errors.
Fast is a result of practice. It's reptilian. It's reflexes. And, it comes from practice. From doing the right thing, over and over.
As my good friend Olympic Champion Peter Vidmar says...
... Practice makes permanent...
... to which we say...
.... F' yeah, we ride fast!
Especially this guy, who just picked his new BMC Roadmachine... first new bike in years!
I probably could have taken a better pic of the bike, but I just couldn't get enough of that smile!
Don't check out the BMC... website... unless you're into Swiss precision and exceptional engineering.
For sure do not go to their website if you're looking for a cheap solution.
And, in no way should you go to the BMC website unless kicking asst and going fasst is important to you.
In the meantime, we still have a few of these hats in stock.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats
Which you can have hand delivered to you from a friendly United States Postal Service worker in just a couple of days for less than the price of a new BMC bicycle.
Yep, that's the truth.
You can have that hat, for less than George's bike.
Delivered.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats
---
164 lbs
40 PullUps, 80 PushUps, 50 Squat to Press
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4692962398
YOU KNOW IT'S COLD WHEN...
Jan 26, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE HAD A COLD RIDE TODAY, and before you say sure West Coast softie... let me lay out the raw facts: 5:38am pitch dark start, low temp 28.9 degrees. But, that's not the real indicator of how bonechilling it was...
... this might be:
- Mark C, who hasn't missed the ride in 13 years... missed the ride
- Fashionista Charlie M... wore a flappy long-sleeved flannel
- Mike G, who has never donned more than a jersey... sported shoe covers and arm warmers
- Consistent Chris H, who texted last night I'll be there!... stayed in bed.
... or this:
- Our numbers were down 50%
- Our speed was down 20%
- Our conversation down 70%
- Nobody, and I mean nobody, wanted to be on the front.
... but, I think it was this:
- It never warmed up, average temp was 34
That's a helluva cold ride...
which called for a helluva long, hot shower...
leading to a helluva giant hot chocolate...
finding me with a cranked up space heater jammed between my legs all day....
Sometimes I wonder if my lights weren't so awesome, would I still head out to the dark and dreary world? It's so much easy to roll out knowing I'll be able to see everything... and be seen.
If you're finding excuses to say cozy, maybe you're in need of a little more light in your life?
For road, I'm really digging the VIS 1000 Trooper... it's compact, aero and muy powerful.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Use promo code: BRIGHT
And get out there and train!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4685149829
THERE IS NO ESCAPE
Jan 25, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WE CAN'T ESCAPE OUR POTENTIAL FOR GREATNESS, it's in our genes. We are born athletes. Our predecessors ran down their prey, not with speed, with endurance and cunning. They had to as a matter of survival...
... but we don't.
We, not you and me, the collective we no longer need to be athletes. The effects are obvious and tragic.
Look at a distance runner, that's what we were designed for.
Crud, watch a movie from the 50's, that's what we are supposed to look like.
We, you and me, get this.
We see the stairs next to the elevator, and bound up.
We see a mountain road, and dream of climbing... and carving down.
We are attracted to our kindred souls. We push each other. We demand more from each other, without saying a word... or, unleashing a string of salty words when the sitchyation demands.
We can't escape our potential for greatness.
When you're not the fastest or strongest in the jungle, and we aren't, you have to use cunning. Making a plan, coordinating with others, and persisting is what we do best...
... which is why it's so fun to pick a huge personal challenge, register for a giant event and start planning. Methodically working backwards and putting all the pieces into place to be our very best at a given location and time...
... to be greater and better, is in our DNA.
Nothing is better for making memories than a giant calendar.
For inspiration as the event(s) approaches.
To look back on as the years go by.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
Our calendar is HUGE! 27.5" wide X 48" tall.
It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.
Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?
use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
—
163.2 lbs
40 PullUps 70 PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4682097054
YOU NEED TO FEEL THE PACE.
Jan 24, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I JUST FINISHED A BOOK THAT HAS ME FREAKIN PUMPED UP! Pumped to train my lycracovered heinie off. To pedal morning, day and night. Plus, way more pushups and pull ups and strength stuff. It has nothing to do with bicycle racing...
... and everything to do with getting after it.
A few quotes:
- I don't do shit for applauses. I don't do shit for fanfare. I do it for me.
- I don't think about yesterday. I think about today, and getting better.
- If you want to be pushed to your limits, you have to train to your limits
If you're into getting better, you're gonna love this book, Living With a Seal, by Jesse Itzler. Jesse invites superendurance athlete and ex-Navy Seal David Goggins to live with him for a month and train him...
... he destroys him, day after day.
The day after day of being pushed to his limits is so motivating. It's just ridiculous some of the things they do. And it got me really thinking how predictable my own training has become.
Yes, I have a process that's worked really well. But, I think it's time to shake it up a bit/a lot. Set some new goals. Try some new methods. Helk, I might even get a power meter again.
As I look over the things I want to accomplish this year... well, I think I can do a helluvalot more. My RaceDay Calendar™ is gonna be key to make that happen.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
I keep thinking how cool it would be if I'd had these calendars for all my years of racing. Such a great way to memorialize the things we do.
use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
PS... click here to check out the book:
—
164.2 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4677087640
THE ARTFUL DODGER
Jan 23, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I HAD BIG PLANS TO RIDE IN THE RAIN TODAY. Kept telling myself, Hellyeah I'm riding in the rain!. Thus, I tucked in for my beauty sleep and got down to dreaming...
... of how much better I'd be than everybody else.
I knew the locals would mostly opt for staying in bed. A few might get on their trainers. Where as I would be riding, getting in secret miles.
But, that's not even the main reason. The main reason Fred was this...
... because it rains on raceday.
Yeah, no joke.
And when it does, I'm always thrilled.
First, a good chunk of the racers will straight up DNS.
We don't DNS. Ever. We always S. Because we are badassedly prepared. Always.
Second, of those who start another good chunk will DNF.
We don't DNF. Ever. We always F'ing F! Because that's what we registered for in the first place. Finishing the dern race.
Third, slice off another chunk of racers that will get washed away in the elements.
The soaking shoes, the drenched butt crack, the puddled glasses... most cats can't handle that, it slowly zaps their energy. We love it, because we know they hate it.
A good gnarly rain can easily whittle the competition down by 75%... without you are I having to do a dawgawn thing besides show up prepared.
Easy.
Anyway... as much as I was looking forward to all that rain I didn't get much more than some wet streets, cold toes and a squishy chamois. I'd artfully dodged the main storm and still got a good ride in.
I was never cold thanks to the neverceasestoamaze KOM jacket. It's such a great tool for rainy and cold days. Just a jersey underneath.
Looking at My RaceDay Calendar™ I can see I have a number of opportunities to race in the rain. I don't love it, but I sure ain't afraid of it.
For sure it can rain at Leadville and LoToJa... 2 of my A races... because they are high altitude, during the monsoon season. The local races this winter always have a good chance, because it always rains in CA in February and March.
Will you be prepared?
What's on your calendar?
You do have a calendar don't you?
I mean you gotta have a giant calendar where you can see the whole year, right?
How else can you plan like a pro?
Our calendar is HUGE! 27.5" wide X 48" tall.
It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.
Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?
use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
—
163.2 lbs
50 PullUps 150 PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4669979044
GOT YOU IN A STRANGLEHOLD
Jan 22, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YEAH, I LIKE MY TED NUGENT SLOW AND STEADY, LIKE A STRANGLEHOLD... and that's exactly how I feel when I'm planning out my race season. Month by Month. Week by Week. Day by Day...
... until I'm ready to do the deed.
There's just a helluvalot of confidence to be gained by having a long range plan and checking off the boxes of what needs to be done each and every day.
I'm not a killer...
... just methodical. disciplined. patient.
A friend once told me, You give me 10 weeks and I can get you in shape for anything...
... and I believed him. put it into practice.
I plan out my base weeks.
The building intensity weeks.
The race specific training weeks.
If you've never treated yourself to the awesome pleasure of having a Hugh Jass calendar just for yourself, with your important dates now's the time.
If you have experienced the magic of doing the impossible because you planned for it, there's no time like the present.
Trust me... forget that... watch this highly education video:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
Click on the link below, scroll down a touch... turn up the volume, and remember to
use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
—
163.6 lbs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4663223170
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4665132329 (sometimes ya just gotta ride twice)
WHAT'S YOUR PHILOSOPHY?
Jan 21, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING AND RACING YOUR BIKE? Listening to an old Jim Rohn recording I was reminded of his insistence that we all have a personal philosophy. A way of approaching life that is our truth.
... what is your philisophy(s) when it comes to riding and racing you bicycle?
Here are a few of mine:
Every Day Is RaceDay™. To me that means every day has a purpose: recovery, strength, endurance, etc.
Another is PRs > KOMs. Sure, it's great to win a race or snag a KOM. However, it's superior to set a PR. Knowing I did my best and there was nothing left to give is everything.
Ride Fast, Don't Hurry. I got this from the great John Wooden who implored his players to be quick, yet not hurried. Hurrying is when we make mistakes. Being fast or quick means we are error free.
Here's one I haven't talked about enough...
... having a giant calendar of your upcoming events. Mounted up where you see and appreciate what you're committing to make happen. To work backwards and arrange your training, work, family and other commitments for a few key events each year.
I believe in this so much I created a calendar just for us...
... and it's HUGE!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
We're going to create a video tomorrow... but quite frankly, I'm just too excited to wait.
We're going into production and will be able to ship in about 2 weeks.
Here's the deal... you can order now and save 33%,
using this promo code: PHILOSOPHY
Check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2
What are your philosophies?
—
163.4 lbs
Paddleboard
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4660241280
EVERYTHING COUNTS IN LARGE AMOUNTS
Jan 20, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ENDURANCE SPORTS, LIKE OUR BELOVED CYCLING, REQUIRE A LOT OF ENDURING. You already know this. Just like you know the more you ride the deeper your reserves. I was thinking how much riding style has changed in the last 5 years ...
... by adding an endurance hack to my quiver.
There was a time when I'd rarely ride out of the saddle. I was a spinner, maybe more of a grinder. Then I had an encounter with a coach who told me something unbelievable...
I want you do the Live Oak climb out of the saddle next time.
All 5 minutes?
As much as you can.
Why?
Because with your body structure you'll be more efficient.
I didn't believe her.
- I could only ride out of the saddle for about 30 seconds at a time... and that was only when my back was tight or I just need a quick change of pace.
- See number 1.
So I gave it a try. Sure enough, my pace remained the same and my heart rate actually dropped slightly.
But, I was so weak.
That's when I read the Geoff Kabush's metric for mountain bikers... you've got to be able to do 50 push ups. Concurrently, on an episode of Tim Ferris' podcast, Jamai Foxx said the only exercise that matters is pull ups.
Naturally, I decided to combine their advice and start doing push ups and pull ups daily. Those two exercises done regularly have made a huge difference in my riding.
Being able to climb for long stretches out of the saddle allows me to use my muscles differently. Some get to rest a bit while others get to pitch and help for a change.
Want to see how much push up and pull ups matter?
Do a set of each to failure, back to back, when you're fresh. Next time you come in from a moderately easy ride, do those exercises again. I think you'll be surprised at how much more difficult they are post ride.
Plus, there's nothing wrong with looking a little less like a T-Rex and more like a super hero...
... okay, that might be a stretch, but I'll bet you'll linger just a little longer in just your bibs before you pull on the changing poncho next time you're at the races.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
We offer the ponchos in four different color schemes, or we can make them for you team to match your kit and RaceDay Bags™
Use promo code: LARGEAMOUNTS
To save and get free shipping.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
—
162.6 lbs
40 PullUps 120 PushUps 120 squat presses
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4655039116
OLD TRADITION LEADS TO HAPPY ENDING
Jan 19, 2021
by TODD BROWN
RIDE REPORT:
- Was so excited to ride hard today, I could barely sleep.
- Woke up early, still left late.
- PR'd getting to the meet up.
- Had a genius idea on the way home....
Put on your biking clothes.
What.
Kit up, and ride towards me.
Why?
Because we're gonna go to Moulin and indulge ourselves.
Okay!
Now why in Todd's name would I invite Surfergirl to crash my Tuesday tradition of riding with the fellas? What could I possibly be thinking?
It's pretty obvious, really.
1. I ride the last 40+ minutes alone on Tuesdays. Most of the time I'm so smoked one would hardly call it riding. I'm barely able to turn the cranks.
2. Most Tuesdays, Surfergirl isn't surfing. She has a beautiful bike that needs riding. Her pace will synch up nicely with my slog.
3. We both enjoy delicious croissants smothered in goodness.
But, for sure there was one more reason...
... I knew I could bribe into listening to the blowbyblow of the ride.
You're gonna think I'm just trying to sell a bill of good on this next part, but you'd be wrong. What I'm going to do is try and convince you to do what I did this morning... because I really do want the best for you.
Not only was I excited. Not only did I spend a good 20 minutes a day on my legs with the HyperVolt. Not only was I off the bike Sunday, and riding easy yesterday.
TBH, I do the above almost every week any way.
But, this morning I did something I hadn't done since I was ramping up the intensity for Dirty 30 way back in November...
... and it's the reason I left a little late for the ride.
I would put a picture here, but I don't want to give it away to the speed readers. This is really good info, just for you and me.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/my-top-secret-secret-weapons
You'll want to use this promo code: TRADITIONS
Sometimes I put the promo code on the product page, but not this time. This time it's just for the careful readers.
PS... is Surfergirl invited next week? Hellyeah, it's a great tradition.
---
162.6 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4647650387
I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH TUNNEL VISION
Jan 18, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE TUNNEL VISION. Is it bad? I dunno. Want proof? I can't find a darn thing, even when it's close enough to kill me. Is it curable? I'm not sure I care. It took a long time hone it...
... and it's served me well, manymany times.
For example... One day, after climbing up for a couple of hours, we gathered at the top of the Trabuco trail. Preparing to shred the tight shaley single-track that skirted the super steep mountain side... I was pumped, raring to go.
12ish minutes later, after the more challenging portions, I waited for my pals.
RiderX rolled up.
All that cactus was freaking me out.
Where?
Up there.
Hmmm.
So were those giant, jagged boulders all over the place!
Really?
Yeah, I had to stop a bunch.
Oh...
I wondered if we’d ridden the same trail? I wasn’t being a tool; just hadn’t seen any of it.
That's when I self-diagnosed Tunnel Vision... and I knew exactly how I got it: repeated exposure to challenging situations. The only way to ride 'em was controlling my mind, focusing solely on the ridable parts of the trail. Never even considering the dangers or threats.
It’s not always easy...
... especially as I get older and continue to ride with younger and younger cats. My vision, literal vision, isn’t as sharp. The reactions are a little slower. When my vision expands I have to recenter myself, remind myself to see only the good stuff...
... but, it's worth it, like all superpowers.
One disadvantage to riding with said confidence is rolling up on other riders, hikers, runners, strollermoms, etc...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
... which is why I love this bell. I wouldn't say it's going to drown out the headphones you can hear from a mile away, but most folks hear it from a good distance and appreciate the cheerful chime.
Use promo code: TUNNEL
You'll save and get free shipping!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
---
163.6 lbs
PushUps and PUllUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4642930993
THE MIND IS THE ATHLETE
Jan 17, 2021
by TODD BROWN
ON A RECENT RIDE, WE WERE DISCUSSING ALL THE LESSONS WE'VE LEARNED AND THEIR PARALLELS OFF THE BIKE. Is it all the time we spend doing bikey things that the world starts to look so bikey? I found this amazing statement in a book I just finished...
... and I naturally applied to bicycle racing.
The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete, the body simply the means it uses to run faster, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better.
To really get the impact of the above statement, you'll need to read the book. A movie was made, but ya know... the book is always better.
Don't fret, I haven't given away the punchline or even a hint of what the book is about... just a piece of what us bikey people stow might in our minds when we find the going particularly rough.
Believe in yourself.
The mind is the athlete.
The body the means.
Tomorrow, I'm going to wake as I have for the past 20ish years and read Dr. King's famous speech. If you've never read it start to finish, click here. Afterward, I'll review the dreams I have for 2021.
Then, I'll head out for a ride.
It's one of my favorite rituals.
So, if you're trying to reach me...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
I'll get back to you as soon as I can... no doubt I'll be wearing this super soft shirt with the not so cuddly message.
Use promo code: PEEKAY
And you can get this shirt delivered for $17, all in.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
---
164.4 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
http://strava.com/activities/4638188185
A PERFECT DAY FOR SOME T AND A.
Jan 16, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A LOCAL SINGLE-TRACK I'VE PLAYED ON PLENTY OF TIMES CALLED T AND A. I'm not sure what the T and the A stand for or what the phrase T and A means...
... but, I know I got a lot of T and A today.
For example:
Training at Altitude,
we spent about half the ride over 5000'
Together and Alone,
we started together until Andy couldn't contain himself any longer and rode on ahead.
Trailblazing and Advice,
we did some serious trailblazing and were advised to stay helk off the private property.
Traction and Adrenalin
there's nothing like the adrenalin rush you get with the traction of fat tires carving pavement.
However, the best T and A of the day was by far...
... all the trails and asphalt we covered.
It was a perfect day for riding all kinds of surfaces.
Of course, our tails were still lit with lights. It's just an easy safety measure.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
These lights last a long time and have nearly 180 degrees of awareness.
Use promo code TANDA
to save on any of our lights.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
164 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
PEACEFUL, EASY FEELING
Jan 15, 2021
by TODD BROWN
FRIDAYS, WHEN I CAN PULL IT OFF, AND I TRY TO PULL IT OFF EVERY FRIDAY, I like to sneak over to a little out of the way place where nobody knows me. You know, the kind of place where your people don't hang. One you can ride to, prop up your bike, get a snack...
... and do nothing.
Doing nothing ain't as easy as it sounds.
My preciousphone is with me for snapping pics along the ride, and it's hard as helk not to reach for it. So, I turn it off.
After a few moments, the urge to grab it goes away and the colors and sounds of this part of town become more vibrant and distinct.
I used to bring a note pad and jot down ideas, but I don't like that any more.
Doing less makes the stop so much more enjoyable.
It's addicting...
... and a great way to start the last day of the work week, fresh and creative.
... and roll in to tomorrow's suretobeblistering ride rested and ready.
Since this promo did so well, I'm going to extend it through the weekend.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
My all around favorite is the Protone. If I had to chose one that would be it. The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there. The Utopia is most aero. The Rapido is a good all arounder.
Use promo code: GoChar
To save 20%. Code expires on 1/16/21.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
164.2 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4625406198
IT'S NOT A WORKOUT, AND IT'S NOT WORK... TELLTALE SIGNS YOU MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT HAVE A PROBLEM
Jan 14, 2021
by TODD BROWN
YEAH, BUT YOU LIKE IT... is a complaint/comment I often get from, well, everybody.
I'm going for a giant ride.
I wish I could.
You can, if I can.
Yeah, but you like it.
I'm want to head to work early today.
I wish I wanted to.
You can, if I can.
Yeah, but you like it.
I'm diving in deep on this history book.
I wish I did that.
You can, if I can.
Yeah, but you like it.
I know you get the joke. You probably got it first time, but not everybody is as sharp as you. Just like not everybody can do what you and I can do...
... and it grand to love what we do so much it ain't work at all?
... to get all the benefits of working out, without working at all?
... to really work hard on something because we love it?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
These gloves remind me of how lucky we are.
Not because the are super lightweight and can be worn year round, on and off road.
Not because Jimmy proclaims: Todd, these gloves are like glue on my grips. I love 'em.
Not because they have tactile thread for snapping quick pics with touch screens.
It's those colors.... if you're into that sort of thing, use this promo code:
ITAINTWORK
That code wills save ya 15% through the weekend.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic
---
164.2 lbs
Paddle
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4622214102
IT'S A MYTHTERY TO ME
Jan 13, 2021
by TODD BROWN
APPARENTLY WE HAVE SOMETHING OF A REPUTATION. People are concerned, even scared, they won't be able to keep up. Then, they don't show up...
... tonight a brave soul took a chance.
Maybe it was the ride description? Gravel adventure, friendly pace.
Maybe it was her new bike itching to get dirty?
Maybe the timing was right?
While the rest of us were whining about this and that prepping to start riding, Char just came right out with it...
... I'm worried I won't keep up, y'all are so fast.
I wasn't worried for one second about her chances, because when we say gravel adventure, friendly pace... by golly, we mean it!
For someone whose an accomplished track racer like she is, jumping on a gravel bike is easy. Riding on a wide gravel road is no big deal. That's why we took her straight to our local single track; the twisty one, with a few burgeoning rain ruts...
... so she'd have an adventure, be challenged and improve.
We all had a blast, witnessing one of the most glorious sunsets in recent memory. There's just something about this kind of ride for forging friendships.
It's a mystery to me, this jumping to conclusions. We may have a reputation for being a heartless bunch, but we sure ain't cruel. That's the problem with myths I guess...
... or maybe the power of myths.
Whatever it is, I'll continue doing my best to set each ride's expectations.
If the description is easy, it's probably gonna be too easy and I'll end up being half-wheeled the entire ride... which means you probably won't be invited back.
If the invitation says adventure, expect to be challenged... and encouraged.
If the there is a speed warning, we ain't waiting so make sure you know you're way home.
It's good to mix up the rides, and the people you ride with. Join us or join someone closer or start you're own ride. Just keep your head up to the ride description...
... starting with the ever excellent KASK Helmets
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
My all around favorite is the Protone. If I had to chose one that would be it. The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there. The Utopia is most aero. The Rapido is a good all arounder.
Use promo code: GoChar
To save 20%. Code expires on 1/16/21.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
166.2 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4617351551
THE WORST SON EVER
Jan 12, 2021
by TODD BROWN
BE CAREFUL, IT'S WET OUT THERE! said the voice in my head.
It's hard to shed the mom's voice... at any age.
But, it wasn't in my head...
... her concerned pronouncement shrieked down from her room... in our home.
Shyte!... next thing I knew I was wondering if my jersey matched my bib and if I needed to get her permission to be home late after playing at the office all day.
... and worst thing is... she's going to read this between now and the time I get home from tomorrow's ride. She reads them all. She's my No. 1 fan for heck's sake.
I'm doomed.
Which only means I'm going to ride even crazier, and be home later.
Just kidding, because...
Our daughter also has a room at our AirBNB... which she will be vacating at approximately 2pm to drive back to school - 2 states away.
... ya know what I'm gonna say...
Be careful... blah, blah, blah.
---
Can't wait to load up my new Wild Child RaceDay bag... they're in production now.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
It's gonna go perfect with the kit... and I don't even need my mama to help me pick it out.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child
_____
164.8 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4609750855
CLAWING THE CLIMB
Jan 11, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE 4200' CLIMB WE DID SATURDAY REINFORCED A TRUTH. The lookout was high, high above. It was tiny. White. Barely distinguishable. Within 5 minutes, nothing had changed. After 10 minutes I could see the hotel where we started looming large. Shortly thereafter, I realized how important it would be to control my mind...
... because things weren't changing.
The hotel still seemed close, and the lookout far away.
I hadn't prepared mentally for this kind of climb at all.
For 45 minutes we ground out the miles. Some pitches were 20%, and the average was just under 10%. We stopped talking. Andy would ride ahead on the very steepest sections, I'd work my way back to him when the climb backed off.
All the while, the hotel still appeared large and the lookout nothing more than a small white box.
This is what I call clawing the climb.
Staying on top of the pedals, maintaining a sustainable pace, never slowing down.
Clawing our way up the climb vs cracking and letting the mountain claw our souls.
Suddenly, the perspective changed.
The hotel now seemed minuscule and the lookout a giant white beacon towering above the pine trees. The grave grasp of the hotel was released and the magnetic pull of the lookout unleashed.
15 minutes later we stopped at the summit. The view was clear and beautiful and worth every clawing pedal stroke.
I love that feeling of clawing and clawing until where I started is far, far away and the destination seems inevitable...
... which is why I often wear this shirt.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
To inspire people to get outside, put their phones away, connect with the physical world.
If you're of the same mindset, use promo code: CLAW
... and save 20%
https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt
---
164.8
Stretch PushUps PullUps
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4604145336
HOW TO SIZE UP YOUR COMPETITION
Jan 10, 2021
by TODD BROWN
THE BEST RIDERS ARE EASY TO PICK OUT FROM THE PACK. You just have to know what you're looking for...
... and it's not their fancymatchy kit or unobtanium rig.
Nor is it a question of ectomorph vs endomorph.
Don't let pack position fool ya.
The confident knowitall bark ain't it either.
Chiseled muskulls? Forget about 'em.
Sunglass arms over helmet straps? Nope.
No gloves? Gloves?
Elbows bent, hands relaxed yet secure? Good guess...
Shaved legs? puuulllease...
It's the spin.
The spin, I tell ya!
The truly great riders have an unmistakable grace in their spin.
Easy.
Smooth.
Effortless.
Unchanged whether a recovery ride or a legripping charge.
They pedal in circles, meaning their is pressure on the pedals all the way around. They press down. The bottom of the stroke is like scraping mud off your shoe bottoms. Pull up. Forward across the top. One continuous motion. No dead spots.
A smooth pedal stroke is an indication of a well-trained athlete. Someone who's not relying just on natural talents but who has put in the effort the learn proper pedaling technique to maximize their potential. AKA, the kinda rider we all aspire to become.
Want to know if you have dead spots?
Go to a flat road. Shift to a very easy gear. Unclip one pedal. If there is a point in your pedal stroke where you are pedaling air, that is a dead spot.
One legged drills are a great way to get rid of the dead spots and pedal like a pro.
Do these on your easy days... and remember, Every Day Is RaceDay™
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats
Use promo code SPIN
to save 20% on all headwear through Tuesday, Jan 12th.
---
164.6
Walks
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4601756678
EVERY STORY TELLS A PICTURE
Jan 09, 2021
by TODD BROWN
SEVEN YEARS AGO MY SON TREVOR DID A SUPER GNARLY RIDE. For sure, I told myself, I'll do that ride in a couple of weeks. It took seven years, but it was totally worth it...
... up Harrison Grade, down Palomar, with a lot of snow riding thrown in for good times.
I'd share the pictures, but I was so excited to get going I left my preciouspet iphone in the van... so, let me paint the picture.
At 8am, on a gorgeous winter's day, we left the Harrah's Casino in Funner, CA.
The first 5 miles were mainly downhill.
It was 35ish degrees.
I was donning just my kit and the KOM jacket. Andy was dressed similarly... because we dress for the ride and not the rollout.
Within 18 minutes we turned right to start the climb, and thaw-out. Each of us on BMC URS gravel bikes... Andy had just picked his up.
Nate Harrison Grade is an 8.5 mile climb with 4200' of vert... with some pitches close to 20%. And, it's all on dirt.
Nearing the top I spotted a patch of snow on the embankment. Then more patches. Followed not by water, but black ice. It was exquisite. Cool, cool air while we climbed at a decent pace through the pine trees to the lookout.
A lot of people have done that climb. Some famous, some very fast. Most head on over to the store and then drop down Palomar.
Not us.
Andy had scouted a route that would take us down to a frozen pond then back onto dirt roads that would pop us out at the famous Palomar Observatory.
Now you might be thinking, how are we going to navigate a forgotten road with snow patches up to 50 feet long and 8 inches deep when everybody knows Andy doesn't ride with electronics like phones or bike computers and The Old Diesel left his phone in the van...
... slowly would be the answer.
We didn't care because we were out for an adventure. We picked our way up the next climb, making a few wrong turns along the way.
Finally we came to a snow patch that was at least 100 yards long, down a pretty steep road. We figured we were probably close to the next major road. But, we weren't sure. We'd been riding for 3 hours we were running out of time.
We played it safe and turned around.
Forty minutes later we were at the top of the south side of Palomar mountain.
This is a paved road we have gone down many times. It's famous to the locals, and to anybody who has followed the Tour of California. There are about 40 or so turns. Some are high speed sweepers and some of the turns nearly turn back on themselves with a recommended speed of 20 mph.
It's also a rough road.
Plenty of cracks to rattle your bones and your nerves when your going faster than most cars.
We weren't racing it.
The sensation on the gravel bikes was dramatically different than on road bikes. The big 40mm tires at low pressure give all kinds of confidence...
... like PRs all the way down confidence.
That surprised the heck out of me... to upload and see I'd PR'd it all the way down the mountain without trying.
Speaking of turns, turns out we were about a 1/2 mile away from the road we were looking for when we turned around at the big snow field.
I can't wait to go back and complete the route and really charge down Palomar.
For sure I'll bring my preciouspet with the Trail Forks App... and of course the KOM Jacket which once again proved the perfect tool for keep me warm on the downhills and tucking neatly away on the climbs.
Use promo code KOMLAYER to get the arm warmers free.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900
Click here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900
Use promo code KOMAdventure
PS... watch the neat trick I teach in the video, you'll see it when you click on one of the jackets... you'll thank me later for this one.
---
166.2
Sunset Paddle
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4594406407
UNIMAGINABLE RESULTS
Jan 08, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS ONLY AFTER TWO MILES OF HIKING WITH LOCKED UP/CRAMPING LEGS THAT I LEARNED HOW TO RIDE VISIONQUEST. At the time, I was well beyond miserable. The 90 degree heat, swarming horseflies and circling vultures were overwhelming...
... I just wanted it to end.
Weeks passed out at the giant parking lot where we did crit races until I finally learned how corner and carry my speed vs sprinting out of the corners to catch back up to the group. The humiliating final sprint resulted in elation for some and a sagging head as I crossed the line last again.
... I just wanted to be in the hunt.
I reckon y'all have stories like that yerselves...
... and ain't it a curious thing how unimaginable results can come out of trying experiences.
Why just the other day I was thinking about the time I lost my ID on a bike ride, which lead to the dandiest wallet ever.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
What is so awesome about this wallet is how in keeps everything tight... and keeps me from carrying a million cards and such... PLUS!, it will not ever in a million years fall out of your jersey pocket.
Use promo code UNIMAGINABLE
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
---
164.6
PullUps and PushUps
8.2 hours
https://www.strava.com/activities/4588040510
AFTER A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF WHINING, GROUP IS READY TO RIDE
Jan 07, 2021
by TODD BROWN
IT WAS A SATURDAY LIKE ANY OTHER SATURDAY...
Hey.
Hey.
I so tired, stayed out way too late.
Me too, musta rode 500 miles already this week.
Hey.
What's up?
Ugh... ate way too much over the holidays.
Me too, first word outta Rocky's mouth when he came back was Did you put on weight?
Hey.
Damn its cold.
I hate it went it's cold, takes forever to warm up.
And with that we set 200 PRs and stole 23.5 KOMs.
We would have stole 24, but Jeff Gibbons wasn't with us to pull us along with his new secret weapon.
Who is Jeff Gibbons?
Oh, just the luckiest guy in the world...
... winner of our $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.
I hope Jeff is a regular reader.
Thank you all for participating... here's a promo code for free gloves with your next PR Lotion purchase.
Purchase the PR Lotion and the Gloves and use this code at check out
IJUSTWANNAWIN
You're Awesome!
---
164.8
Stretch/Plank/Hypervolt
7.8 hrs
no ride
WHERE TO CARRY YOUR REPAIR KITS
Jan 06, 2021
by TODD BROWN
I'M ALWAYS IMPRESSED BY RIDERS WHO COME PREPARED WITH PROPER TOOLS FOR A QUICK FIX... which covers most of us. And we should. We are better skilled than 90% of riders out there at doing a quick fix. We're racers dawgawnit, and ain't got time to waste...
... I'm even more impressed by those who carry toolkits in their heart.
On a winter's day, long ago, shivering as we all bombed Live Oak Canyon, I heard the dreaded pssst pssst pssst of a rather rapid slow leak. I knew I was in big trouble.
Standing slack-jawed as the group rolled on... panic set in. It was the bottom of the canyon, I was shaking, couldn't even close my hands. It was so bad I'd had trouble coming to a stop.
Big Craig pulled up.
Slow leak, can't get the tire off. Fingers are done.
No prob.
He stopped, because he carries a set of tools in his heart.
We've all done the same thing, slowed or stopped to help a rider out...
... now seems like a great time to bust out the most important tools: charity, patience and kindness.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
We make these in the here in the UNITED State of America. By hand. From innertubes...
... and ship to you for a mere 20 dollah.
Check 'em out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
---
164.6
Stretch/Plank/Hypervolt
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4579928464
CYCLING IS SO LIMITED
Jan 05, 2021
by TODD BROWN
MY CRANK LENGTHS ARE 172.5 AND 175. Which means the diameter around the circle my feet travel is at most 350mm or just under 14" in 'merican. Hardly a stretch for my 32" inseam...
... yet we go so far, one rotation at a time...
... the key is to keep spinning.
While I was not riding today I still managed to move a lot of weight in a short amount of time.
I did a 50 pullups today, it's about an 18" move from extension to head above bar. All told I pulled up over 8000 lbs.
With the 150 pushups I did, my head moved about 12". I'm not sure how to calculate the total weight pushed.
The 150 shoulder presses I did was with 15 lbs hand weights, which a total of 4500 lbs.
The growth we experience on and off the bike is mostly achieved through many small movements...
... often with our hands and feet, so keep 'em protected in style.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
Right now, you can get socks free when you purchase gloves. Put them both in your shopping cart and go to check out.
Use this promo code: SMALLMOVEMENTS
Why these gloves and socks... because I said so and because I created them just for you and me.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
165.4
50 pullups 150 pushups 150 shoulder presses
7 hrs
no ride today
---
165.4
50 PullUps 150 PushUps 150 ShoulderPresses
7 hrs
no ride today
ON THE 9TH DAY THE DIESEL RESTED
Jan 04, 2021
by TODD BROWN
LAST WEEK WAS A BIG ONE. 18 hours in the saddle. It's a lot for a young tike such as me. It was part of my plan. Not only did I have the time, but the weather was incredible all week. Now for the rest of my plan...
... proper recovery.
First off... let me point out that my week starts on Monday, not Sunday. So, if you happen to get your hands on my calendar you'll notice it's special that way.
The 18 hours started Monday and ended Saturday. It's the following Monday night now, and I'm not riding tomorrow... not Wednesday. Maybe Thursday?
Which is quite a few days off for a regular5dayaweekkindaguy.
Mainly, I just thought it would fun to do a giant week and take a good chunk off. Let the body recover...
... until the mind can't stand it no more.
Changing it up kinda thing.
Speaking of changing it up.. the ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway has ended. We'll announce a winner via this very blog this week... a new contest will launched around the 15th - and I dropped a big hint of what will be involved up above.
Wondering what we're giving away next time?
We'll it won't be the amazing KOM jacket.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900
Because the contest won't end for a while and you probably need a primo jacket such as this right away.
Use promo code: 9THDAY
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black?variant=30180238884900
---
165
WEIGHTS
8 hrs
no ride today
ADDICTED TO PAIN?
Jan 03, 2021
by TODD BROWN
LATELY I'VE NOTICED A NEW HABIT OR TENDENCY IN MY APPROACH TO THINGS. If there's a way to make it more uncomfortable I'll do it. And, it feels great. For example, I've been rolling out very underdressed lately...
... just a jersey and bibs in the 40s.
Or, walking barefoot across very sharp rocks vs the smooth path.
I wasn't really conscious of this until yesterday. After an extremely hot bath, akin to a smoking hot sauna, I rose and turned the shower on pure cold...
... it took my breath away, WimHoff style...
... deep, rapid breathing went on for at least 2 minutes.
Truth be told, I think we can get too comfortable. Overbundled in the cold, overairconditioned in the heat.
It's not good.
Racing can go sideway real fast. At altitude, the weather can dramatically shift in minutes. We can travel to an unfamiliar locale and bring all the wrong gear. And so on...
... the point being we need to train for the bad situations. We don't want them, but we want to be ready for them... knowing most of our competitors won't be prepared, we can thrive when the situation becomes misearable.
Riding through that cold on 1/1 in just my jersey while my pals were bundled up I wasn't concerned. I knew in an hour it'd be warmer. Instead I concentrated on feeling heat in my hands and feet. It's weird, but with practice I seem to be getting better at it.
What does walking on sharp rocks have to do with bike racing? Not much, except gaining confidence at handling adversity.
But, the hothot bath to chilly shower tied it all together...
... I felt damn alive!
It was invigorating to say the least.
After I went to work on my latest creation which should be ready for primetime in a few more days.
In the meantime, if you're inspired at all to start or finish in the cold and dark...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
Use promo code: LIGHTS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights
---
165
Stretch HyperVolt
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4562945088
LET'S VACCINATE THOSE SUCKERS!
Jan 02, 2021
by TODD BROWN
WHAT A BUNCH OF SUCKERS... all those cats who are fired up to start new habits. I'm like the Grinch watching all the little Who's down in Whoville with their new gym clothes and new gear... maybe even a bike or two. They're spending this weekend hatching their plans for a fit and healthy 2021...
... go get 'em.
They have no chance.
None.
They gonna fail.
Big.
But not us.
Because we've got a superpwer to keep us on the straight and narrow. And, they know it. That's the part that drives me nuts... they know our superpower, even ask about.
Hey man, what's new?
Oh, you know working, family stuff and some bike riding.
Are you still racing?
Are you still breathing air?... yes, of course.
I'm only that sassy with my closest friends. But that's the gist.
They work out.
We work towards a goal, endlessly fascinated with what's possible.
They've got the Resolution Virus 21...
... we've got the vaccine.
- Find an event, virtual if that fills your tire. A distant date.
- Make it big as you dare.
- Get ready for it.
- Do it.
- Have fun.
- Learn from it.
- Make it lifestyle.
Let's go do some vaccinating!
If you're lucky enough to have some infected riders, be sure you prescribe the good stuff.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/do-epic-stuff
And we'll include the beanie of your choice... just remember to order the beanie
and use promo code: DOSOMETHINGEPIC
This offer ends Monday night... don't you dare ask me to extend it.
use promo code: DOSOMETHINGEPIC
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/do-epic-stuff
---
165.2
Stretch HyperVolt
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4556672526
AS A RIDE ORGANIZER THERE IS ONE PHRASE I LOVE TO HEAR
Jan 01, 2021
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WE RODE TODDY'S NAUGHTY NEW YEAR'S RIDE. Named such because I liked the sound of it and I knew for sure NYE was going to be a massive calorie consumption the likes of which would require a helluva ride to work off. With any luck, someone would be hacked off that it was too long or too hard or too big. But that's not what turns me on...
... what turns me on starts off with my standard disclaimer
We leave on time,
bring our own food and gear,
know how to fix your bike and
find your way home.
... I like company on epic rides, I don't like babysitting.
Selfish... maybe?
I view it as looking out for the good of the group. Did we stop for Mark when his tire was losing air?.. yes, of course. One guy having one mishap is not a ride killer... but, stopping can quickly get out of hand. Ergo the mean and heartless disclaimer.
What turns me on even more is hearing...
I didn't even know half of those trails
... I'm a cruise director at heart.
The most local of locals snacked on delicious newtothem singletrack. Andy drove up from Oceanside and couldn't believe all the gravelness we have.
How did I accomplish such a feat of novelty?
It's part of one of my most top secretest of training secrets.
The one nobody believes in.
The one few are willing to do, ever.
Yeah, that one.
Do you do it?
Do you ever get on your bike and poke around the edges of town? Wander down unknown roads, alleys, trails, etc.
For some reason, many riders can't fathom the idea of riding nowhere for long periods of time.
Here's how to do it: Ride with absolutely no idea of where you're headed. Be hellbent on not doing the same old ride.
Here's when to do it: On the easy days, the recovery days and the long slow distance days.
Here's why to do it: Your body and mind need and crave rides like these.
Here's what do do when you find some good stuff: invite your friends to come join ya... have your own disclaimer... and a helluva day.
And after a day like that, I like to wear a beanie like this
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
If you're in the PEDALposse we're shipping you this very sweet beanie - the graphite version.
If you're not... well for a mere $20, all in, we'll ship it one to ya... army green, navy, graphite or black. You chose.
Quantities are limited.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
---
166
Stretch n HyperVolt
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4551089377
DO YOU SMOKE AFTER SPRINTING?
Dec 31, 2020
by TODD BROWN
DIESEL, DO YOU SMOKE AFTER SPRINTING?
I dunno, I never checked.
Yea, that's an ode to the great Austin Powers when asked if he smoked after sex.
But, ya know it's the silly time of year when most of us write down all the things we want to get done in the coming year...
... neglecting to recognize all the wins we had this year.
My wins:
- First grandchild
- 32 years of marital hard times, challenges and beautiful bliss
- Kids are all wonderful adults
- PEDALindustries survived... for a business that is event driven there ain't been much a tailwind this year... so, yeah, proud of that.
- Launched another successful product, the Changing Poncho
- Launched the PEDALposse
- Starting to figure out promotion through contests
- Snagged a podium at my only road race
- Had a great trip to Cactus Cup and learned a lot
- Mission accomplished at Dirty 30
- Mentored Rocky from shipping to design to running production
- Launched a bike shop with Chris
- Had a chance to connect with 10s of 1000s of wonderful people like you via this blog.
Planned for wins next year?
Stay tuned...
... it's gonna be good.
Maybe even better than this...
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
In case you do smoke after sprinting
use promo code: 21WINS
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
---
162.6
Sunset beach walk
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4545917334
THIS IS THE GROUP YOU'RE LOOKING FOR
Dec 30, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I WOKE UP THE OTHER DAY AND HAD A CHOICE TO MAKE: ride with the group where I was sure to be the fastest or ride with the group where everyone was getting faster. I'm always down for being challenged...
... but that's not why I chose the latter.
Getting faster doesn't necessarily mean every single ride is a veritable beatdown.
It's a mindset...
... and I really like people who are fascinated with getting faster for the sheer sake of discovering what's possible.
Yeah, I get thehellbeatoutofme a lot of the time. The rest of the riding I'm rubbing elbows (we ride that close) with really smart, dedicated athletes. Sharing all we know about riding faster.
Which group are you going to ride with next year?
Are you going to be the catalyst in your existing group?
Who are you going to invite to join you?
Will you be on a new set of ENVE™ Wheels? The contest ends tomorrow at midnight PST. Winner announced next week via blog.
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
After all we can do, it's nice to know we're rolling on the best equipment.
Enter here:
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
162.6
Stretch HyperVolt
7.75
https://www.strava.com/activities/4540911609
THE 3 WAYS I ACKNOWLEDGE OTHER RIDERS
Dec 29, 2020
by TODD BROWN
ONE DAY KEVIN AND WERE RIDING ALONG AND HAD THE DUMBEST CONVERSATION.
Why did you head up that guy?
Whadaya mean?
Well, you did the head up thing.
And...
Why not the head down thing?
I dunno. Does it matter?
We never resolved the proper head maneuver when acknowledging another rider. But, it stuck in my own head and really got my OCD going... to the point where I could hardly go for a ride without thinking about that conversation.
It went on for years.
This year I seem to have given it up, opting instead for the low flying peace sign. I picked that up riding my moto around town. It's the thing you'd never notice unless you were on a moto. If you pay attention you'll see moto riders flash the low peace sign as they ride by in opposite directions. It's a signal we know we're up to something awesome.
Which means if you see me riding along, you might get a peace sign.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace
Still one of my favorite kits.
The socks are pretty cool too.
Use this promo code: PEACEOUT
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace
---
165
Stretch HyperVolt
7.75 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4535529649
MY VERY PRECIOUS PRESENT
Dec 28, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A NEVER ENDING CHORUS ENCOURAGING US TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT. But, which present?
The one when I'm doing intervals and time keeps draggin' on?
The one when I'm racing and time flies?
The effort is the same, maybe even harder when racing, but the sense of time is almost exact opposites of each other.
Why is that?
How are you going to approach 2021? Waiting for things to get better, holding out for normal...
.... the interval approach or the racing approach?
While you're thinking about that...
... think about how nice it is to have that brain of yours nicely covered on and off the bike this time of year.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
If you're in the PEDALposse we're shipping you this very sweet beanie - the graphite version.
If you're not... well for a mere $20, all in, we'll ship it one to ya... army green, navy, graphite or black. You chose.
Quantities are limited.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock
---
163.6
Stretch HyperVolt
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4531436054
IS THERE ANY LUCK IN BICYCLE RACING?
Dec 27, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO THINGS I KNOW FOR SURE WHEN IT COMES TO BICYCLE RACING.
- Time = Speed
- More Racing = More Energy
We all know the first one by now. No one said it better than the great Eddie Merckx when prescribed piles of miles. If you want to go faster ride more.
The second one goes like this... the more you race the less energy you waste on nerves. The prep the night before, the drive over, the sign in, the warm up, the waiting on the start line... it all becomes routine, second nature. Which is why the cooler heads always perform best when it counts. They have more energy.
Which begs the question... is there any luck involved in bicycle racing?
Not much.
Not like puddle skimming golf shots, tipped football passes, or the like.
We don't depend on luck. We depend on hard work and properly maintained equipment.
But, then again... it would be darn fine to be lucky enough to win a set of ENVE™ Wheels.
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
After all we can do, it's nice to know we're rolling on the best equipment.
Enter here:
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
163.6
Stretch HyperVolt
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4526441206
A RIDE BY ANY OTHER NAME
Dec 26, 2020
by TODD BROWN
BILL SHAKESPEARE SAID IT BEST VIA JULIETTE, That which we call a ride by any other name would still be rad. It's great to take the time to properly name our rides. To find them later and to exercise our creativity are my top reasons...
... but, sometimes there's a sneakier reason.
The sneaky reason in today's ride name is to plant a seed in my mind and the minds of my friends that on New Year's Day we're gonna do something big. So I named the ride...
... Recon Toddy's Naught New Year's Ride.
By putting it out there early I'm committing myself to get out and ride on 1/1 as well pre-committing my friends todo the same.
Inserting Recon in the title might create some curiosity as to where I rode.
Changing my name to Toddy sounds playful, and enticing.
Using the adjective Naughty gives me leeway as the inviter to throw in a few unexpected sections.
Wrapping it up with New Year's Ride makes it sound official, commemorative... like the kind of ride you don't want to miss.
You might be asking yourself should you come?
Yes.
What kind of bike would work??
Gravel best... MTB workwill work fine... only the most talented would ride a road bike.
How long will it be?
Somewhere between 100k and 100mi, around 6000' of vertical... figure 6-7 hours.
Any sag?
Nope, but we will have a 24hr AM/PM on the route about 3 hours in.
What will the pace be like?
We'll be moving right along, and we will be chatting.
What if I have a mechanical?
The bigger the group the less likely we are to stop, bringing a buddy would be a good idea.
Is this a no drop ride?
Aren't they all?... don't get dropped.
Start time?
I'll announce the exact start time later, somewhere between 8 and 9 am.
Any other questions, drop me a note.
It'll be long enough to definitely want some Butt'r, and maybe some PR Lotion.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery
Use promo code TODDYSNAUGHTY
And save 30% on the 2nd item.
---
164.4
Stretch HyperVolt
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4521964989
From the ride
BAD SANTA
Dec 25, 2020
by TODD BROWN
SANTA DONE BLOWED IT AGAIN... no new bike, not even a pair of bike socks. Instead, wrapped up addressed not just to me but Surfergirl as well, there was a gift that would leave me feeling like I needed to be in traction tonight...
... my butt hurts, my feet hurt and my knees are a tad tender.
What the heck was Santa thinking?
Tomorrow's gonna be miserable.
Why would he give me and Surfergirl a gift like this?
- We have to use muscles we never use by moving quickly side to side, rocketing forward and backward... and exploding upward of all things.
- Plus, we'll end up spending a lot more time together and socially with our non-cycling/surfing friends.
- To make it worse, there's always a winner and a loser. We're just gonna get a lot more competitive.
Who want's a gift like that?
I thought he would reward me for collaborating with him to make gifts for bike people...
... like this new Tour de France inspired bag we collaborated with Horton Collection.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-tour-raceday-bag%E2%84%A2
Each panel of the bag features an authentic and historical picture I picked out for this bag. Just for you. It's truly one of a kind.
Check it out
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-tour-raceday-bag%E2%84%A2
---
164.6
Stretch HyperVolt
6 hrs - I gotta stop staying up late with the kids
https://www.strava.com/activities/4517438824
SHINEY BIKEY THINGS
Dec 24, 2020
by TODD BROWN
CHRISTMAS TIME... it always sneaks up on me. Somehow the jingles and bells don't really touch me until today, the 24th. Echos of Christmas past arrive. Tomorrow they will be much stronger. I'll arise and enjoy the only thing I've ever wanted...
... to be together with family.
Wherever you are, wherever you go I hope you'll be able to connect with those you hold most precious...
... and maybe you'll even wake up to some shiny bikey things.
Or, maybe you're like me and the family has long given up hope trying to find the right shiny bikey thing...
... in that case, you may want to treat yourself to a heckuva bell.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell?variant=31243876008068
They are perfect for those times you're slaying the trail and you want a nice polite way to say I'm here and I'm coming through.
Use promo code: SLAYBELLS
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell?variant=31243876008068
---
165 (I hope I get some willpower for Christmas)
Stretch HyperVolt
7.5 hrs - kids are home
https://www.strava.com/activities/4513469100
IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS...
Dec 23, 2020
by TODD BROWN
IT USED TO BE SOMETHING TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, it's still something to be a million foot climber. This time of year we get to see all the coolclimbingkids humblebrag about their achievements. And, well, I don't know about you...
... but I think that is totally cool.
Mainly because I've never done it. Nor do I think I could.
I'm typically 600,000-700,000'. About 12,000' per week. This year I'll wind up close to 750,000'. 15,000' per week.
Which is a lot.
My Florida pals are lucky to get 30,000' in a year. Did you ever notice that? Look one of them up... their climbs are overpasses, and the occasional trip where the get some real climbing in.
The Everest in 7 days challenge I did for myself was plenty hard. I was tuckered out the following week.
1,000,000'... one millllyun feet.. is out of my question, especially when I break it down. Then all possibility escapes me.
52 weeks would be 20,000' per week. Which I have completed plenty of times. But not 52 times in a row!
20,000' per week would be 4000' per ride because I ride about 5 days a week. Again, done it plenty of times. But not every single ride.
How do those millionfootaires get it done?
Do they simply have the right stuff?
Genetics
Terrain
Time
Can us mere mortals join their coolclimbingkid club?
One thing that would sure help is a superduper featherweight set of ENVE™ Wheels.
Which you could win, if you enter the contest.
And you could get double the entries on any tshirt you purchase between now and December 31st at mid-night.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
Here are a few of the choices
One thing you may not know about yours Diesel is I started off in the tshirt business and I've probably printed well over 1,000,000 tshirts at this point.
That's not important.
What's important is super soft cotton we use and special inks you can't feel. Chech 'em out:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
---
164.6
Diesel Strong
6 hrs - kids are home
no ride
HOW I'M COPING WITH N-2
Dec 22, 2020
by TODD BROWN
THERE IS A FANCIFUL IDEA THAT WE SHOULD ALL OWN N+1 BIKES, where N is the number of bikes we currently own. Whether or not that is true, or even healthy, I'm not sure. But, I am sure I am operating on N-2 at the moment...
... and it's going better than expected.
It started out as N-1 when I sold my very trustworthy road racer, AKA The Marvel. This aluminum frame, dressed in e-tap and shod with ENVE was a sprinter's dream. I sold it because a new road racer in the works...
... if only I didn't have to wait for a few key SRAM parts.
Then, I was adjusting the rebound on my MTB and the screw snapped right off in my fingers. Fox says send it back bub, you'll never fix it on your own...
... if only I didn't have to wait for Fox to receive, repair and return my fork.
Which leaves with the gravel bike for snappy road rides like today, MTB rides like tomorrow, and recovery rides like Friday.
Here's what I've learned:
- It's great for gravel.
- It's just fine on the road if I max the air pressure to 55lbs... but if it's a fast group ride it's feels a heckuvalot like I'm on the front for the entire ride.
- It's great offroad when I drop the pressure to 30lbs... but if it's super rocky gets to be too much after while.
To answer the several thousand dollar question Could I survive on one bike?
Yes, for sure. I'm getting stronger on the road, because it's harder. I'm picking cleaner lines when I ride it like a mountain bike because no suspension. Plus, it's a heckuva gravel bike.
It's definitely a jack of all trades, master of fun.
Speaking of jack of all trades, one thing I love about these gloves is that the work perfectly for road, gravel and MTB.
Just like the socks.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
And right now you can buy the gloves and get the socks free.
Use promo code: BuyGlovesGetSocks
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves
---
164
Stretch
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4504896704
CAN'T HURT ME!
Dec 21, 2020
by TODD BROWN
DAVID GOGGINS, THE ULTRA-RUNNER/NAVY SEAL/ARMY RANGER/AIR FORCE RECON/PULL UP RECORD HOLDER/ALL AROUND BADASS says he stretches for 2 hours every evening to undo all the damage he's put his body through. I'm not that crazy...
... but my routine ain't nothing.
I think about him, well his book Can't Hurt Me, a lot... especially when I'm not feeling it, and other times when I'm feeling my own aches.
My basic end of day routine:
1 min plank
1 min weird back thing I learned
1 min side plank
1 min superman
1 min other side plank
5-10 minutes stretching
10 minutes HyperVolt
I'm beginning with the end because... well, it's the end of the day.
Most mornings I ride, then force myself to do:
10 pull ups
30 push ups
I never enjoy those pull ups and push ups. Never. But, when I'm done I'm pumped!
Other mornings I jam though 2-4 runs of Diesel Strong:
Jumping Jacks
Jump up the stairs 3 at a time
Max pull ups
Weighted Burpess
Curls
Squats
Deadlifts
These 7 moves I do every Wednesday... and some Mondays and Fridays, if I have time.
It's good to be strong and flexible.
Good for the bike riding...
... and good just in case your better half wants you to load 1000 lbs of blankets into the van... which I did in just under 45 minutes.
Maybe you're like me... I'm always counting how many reps I've done.
Or maybe you're the count down type...
... like we're counting 10 more days to get entered into the $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
Have you entered?
https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway
---
163
Diesel Strong
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4502289622
SHUT YOUR MOUTH... AND BREATHE LIKE AN ATHLETE
Dec 20, 2020
by TODD BROWN
NO MATTER WHAT YOU EAT, HOW MANY HOURS YOUR RIDE, HOW MUCH YOU WEIGH... none of it matters if you're not breathing properly. Lured in with a blurb like that I purchased Breath - The New Science of a Lost Art on the spot...
... and read it in a day.
Things I've experienced over the years started making sense, and I can't wait to get out and try a new way to train tomorrow.
For example, I've always been fascinated by my ability to quickly drop my heart rate from 50s to 30s just by changing the way I breathe, but never known what it meant or what it could be used for...
... I got a hint with this book.
Or... why do we wheeze after a really hard ride and feel asthmatic? Or worse Covidish? Got an answer to that, too...
... and what to do about it.
Fast forward 20 years and my oldest Trevor is taking cycling seriously. His coach tells him to train breathing only through his nose. His rapid progress from a 5 to a 2 in one year was astounding.
Was it the breathing technique?
Who knows... all I can tell you is I tried to breathe like that and failed.
However, I'm reinvigorated to give it a whirl after reading Breath all day today because of statements like this:
Breathing less offered huge benefits. If athletes kept at it for several weeks, their muscles adapted to more lactate accumulation, which allowed their bodies to pull more energy during heavy states of heavy aerobic stress, and as a result, train harder and longer.
Is the book worth reading? Definitely. It's a fascinating journey, well told and easy to understand.
Too anecdotal? Maybe, but I didn't care. And I bet you won't either... there are a lot of easy to incorporate techniques, starting with shutting your mouth.
That said, if you're out on a ride you're eventually gonna need to open that mouth for some nutrition.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/stinger
Looking for a great stocking stuffer?
These taste great and ship free... and will get you a lot of entries in the $3000 ENVE™ Wheel Giveaway.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/stinger
---
163
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4497817143
RETURN OF THE ROCKET MAN
Dec 19, 2020
by TODD BROWN
I PACKED MY BAGS LAST NIGHT PRE-FLIGHT, ZERO HOUR 8AM. The idea was to meet up with the fellas and leisurely stroll up the wash 20 miles then do the 9 mile climb up one of my faves. 90% dirt. 2 on gravel bikes, one MTB...
... but is an 80 mile ride with 9000' of vert ever really leisurely?
Two and a half hours in we were at the base of the climb. TBH, I was fine skipping it... and I doubt it would have taken much convincin' to scrap the plan and grab some donuts.
Funny how we can lean on each other and do crazy shtuff. Who the heck rides gravel bikes up a 9 mile rugged dirt road? People like us... you and me. As long as someone else is willing, it's on.
We were already behind schedule and we weren't about to busts any PRs on the way up.
But, it gave us time to chat.
I've ridden with Charlie for at least 15 years... but today, spinning along, we shared all kinds of new things about our lives. Just another reason to love on this sport of ours.
Then the conversation got serious.
Hey man, maybe we should turn around early.
No way.
I think I'm good.
It's right there! See, we'll be at the top in no time.
We made it.
Tired and salty.
I thought we'd be way, way, way, way, way off the pace. It wasn't a fast time, but it was respectable. Surprisingly.
We had a snack. I polished off my water.
To say I love this descent would be an understatement... I get a big smile and shove off.
Rocket Man comes into my head.
I think it's because being in the gravel position...
hands in the drops
flying over water bars
ripping at nearly 30 mph
over marble-sized rocks on hard pack
... it feels awesome, like I'm flying...
... burning the fuse alone...
... a 9 mile descent even at this speed...
...it's gonna be a long, long time to touchdown.
I almost forgot to tell ya... this is the inspiration for the KOM jacket. I developed specifically for this climb. Many times we are pressing hard for a good time or to test fitness.
It's not the kind of place to carry heavy clothes.
But, coming down can be cold as hell.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black
Fold it into it's own pocket and slide into your jersey pocket.
We use a very lightweight membrane fabric.
Wind stopping and water resistance are remarkable.
Plus, the fabric is stretchy so we cut the jacket to be aero... modern rocket men don't need parachutes.
Check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black
Side note... I find myself using a vest and arm warmers less and less. The jacket folds up smaller, and is just as warm.
---
163
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4493328035
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