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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT GOAL SETTING
WRAPPING UP THE YEAR, is a lot like wrapping up Christmas presents. We have these memories and milestones...
... to look back on later.
Gifts to ourselves.
What if we knew what gifts we'd be wrapping up for ourselves next year?
Would we plan our 2026 calendar differently?
Change up our goals...
... if their accomplishment was a given?
Now that you've done that little thought experiment, I'll share this with you.
The biggest accomplishments in my past were never concerned with...
- little details
- strategies
- tactics
... only What.
From there it was just a matter of making it real.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
510 Anti-Oxidant Score
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
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
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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
>
TWILIGHT LIES
Sep 18, 2019
by TODD BROWN
OF ALL THE LIES WE TELL OURSELVES THIS TIME OF YEAR, none is bigger than I'll be back before dark.
It's not impossible to be back in time, just improbable.
It's not our fault either, it's just too darn good.
The air is still warm, but there's a hint of chill that makes us want to charge on. Plus we've been enjoying the long summer nights for months.
We're in a groove.
What's a rider to do?
I dunno.
Really, I don't.
I mean I do, but... I guess I'm just in denial.
One thing I really like about the long days is wrapping up solid day of work with an equally solid ride. It's part reward and part mental bath.
I'm gonna fight it longer this year... gonna get an earlier start on the work day. Then, I'll bust out the lights to extend my twilight.
But, when the time changes I'll probably give up. Go back to sunrise rides. I like those too.
Ya know... I see a lotta a sunrises and sunsets. Probably more than any of my neighbors or friends... no lie.
______
164
20/60
7.5 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
ONE DAY IT'LL HAPPEN
Sep 17, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND IS SLOW. Not long ago he was very fast. He's not sure why. Dr's don't know. And the road to figure it out is very congested. It's frustrating. Infuriating.
I miss battling him. He brings out the best in me.
On a recent ride, we poked along. He was working hard. I wasn't.
We talked about stuff. Vacations. Kids. Life. Which is the best part of any ride anyway.
I pray his health returns with a vengeance.
I give thanks for the health I enjoy.
We think we'll ride forever.
Maybe we will...
______
164.4
20/60
8 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
NOT TODAY
Sep 16, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I RIDE EVERY MONDAY MORNING. An easy spin. 60-90 minutes.
But, not today.
I postponed to the afternoon. Thought I'd get my Monday ride in at sunset.
Not today.
Today... today I'm tired.
Today... I took the day off.
Skipped the workout.
And, that's okay.
I'm tired.
Today.
______
163.6
2/60
8 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
THE CONNECTION
Sep 15, 2019
by TODD BROWN
NORMALLY, WE SIGN UP FOR A RIDE OR RACE. Do it. And, go home. Though the promotor assures us there's a good cause we're helping with our cash, we really don't care. We're just happy our community is together and we're going to get down to some fun, challenging riding.
But, yesterday's heat was oppressive. The riding quickly went from fun to challenging to destructive. 105 degrees, not a tree or lean to insight. My breathing was fast and shallow.
The end was near. Not of the ride, of my ability to finish.
I wasn't alone.
Banded and bonded together, 5 or 6 of us coasted to a stop at the Trabuco General Store.
Popsicles and Cokes are on me.
Our overheating cores began to cool, somewhat. I knew 1 of these riders by name, and all of them by effort. We were connected... and I'm guessing we'll remember this very rough day for years. We mounted our dusty rides, our clothes covered in salt stains.
The name of this ride is the Hardman Classic, and for the second year in a row I've been reduced to a limp residue of a man.
I finished, blurry. Drove 5 minutes home. Made a smoothie. Made another. Drank 44 oz of water. Showered. Laid down.
_____
Chris texted me. He'd done his own terrible ride and found himself in a similar position. Propped up, watching a dramatic college football game end he texted...
I love sports!
_____
I zoned out watching what I figured would be a predictable finally of the Vuelta. Far from it! This is by far the best grand tour. My favorite to watch. The attacking and countering was on 'till the very end... with an unknown 20 year old going long range a getting himself on the final podium. I thought...
I love sports!
_____
Feeling half-human, I drove back to the finish. Everybody was gone. Mike, the promotor, had kindly taken down my canopy. As I loaded it, a few volunteers stopped by to chat.
You guys are amazing, said one.
What you do makes such a difference, said another.
It wasn't registering to me.
How bad was it out there? I asked.
We rescued a lot of people. Exhausted riders. 4 guys throwing up.
I got that, but I didn't get this...
Do you know how many kids you help?
Tired, I could only raise my eye brows.
800 kids have come through the COA Kids bike program. We are working so hard to teach them to respect their bodies, to avoid the dangers of vaping and drugs. And, getting them bike riding helps them make a connection to their health.
Emotionally weak, I hid my misty eyes.
... I love this sport.
_____
Feeling fresh at the start
Gloves are covered in salt... isn't the body amazing?!
My attempt to look happy
Nothing drops like HVY MTL.. I coasted the flat and climby parts of this long descent.
Chris calls this heaven. I think he's right.
______
162.4
0/0
9 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
TO PRE-RIDE OR NOT TO PRE-RIDE?
Sep 13, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A FAIRLY FAST SECTION OF TOMORROW'S RACE COURSE THAT TRANSFERS FROM DIRT TO OLD PAVEMENT with about a 5"stub. If you take it fast and on an angle it's not a big deal.
Tomorrow, I'll bet my donut money, folks who've never seen it are going to have a big butt pucker moment. Lock 'em up. Skid. And most likely yell a Holy Hell!
Not me.
I ride that section weekly, it's my home terrain.
But, that's the big advantage of pre-riding any race course.
When I was racing Super-D, the precursor to Enduro, I would ride the course many times. Forwards and backwards.
When I race a crit, I take all the turns at various approaches to figure what works best.
The point is, if I'm there to do my best... which isn't always the case... I'm going to get as much course knowledge is as possible. It makes a difference.
The difference in speed can be immense, but often it's just safety and a more relaxed ride I'm after.
Do you have to pre-ride to have a good day? Not even. You can still have a good day. But, it's nearly a lock you'll have a much better day with pre-riding.
And the PEDAL Posse agrees... how 'bout you?
______
165
20/30
7 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
HOW BIKE RIDING SAVES THE BRAIN
Sep 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO INTERVIEW THE GREAT DOCTOR BODD TROWN ON MY UNKNOWN PODCAST. As many of you know, Dr Bodd is a specialist in Brain Salvation Theory. In fact he is so unfamous, I was surprised to he accepted my invitation.
Here is the nugget:
TB: Dr Bodd, what is the internet doing to our brain that is so dangerous?
DB: Totally screwing us up.
TB: That's a little harsh, and murky. Can you be more specific?
DB: Yes, yes, of course. The internet, the digital world, the meaningless online lives we lead... are totally screwing us up.
TB: Yikes! Is there anything we can do?
DB: Yes, do anything! Do something! Play for Heaven's sake.
TB: Play?
DB: Yes, don't be an idiot. You know what playing is... things like riding a bicycle.
TB: Well, we love riding bikes.
DB: Then, you might have a chance... just leave your damn phone at home, or tuned off.
There ya have it folks... bike riding will save your brain. And you can remind your friends to do the same by clicking here for this t.
______
164.2
23/30
8 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
ONE OF THESE DAYS
Sep 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
SHE’S MY CHEAPEST DATE.
Expects the least from me.
Rolls with my whims,
all of ‘em
Easy on my mind,
when I’m uneasy.
Dirty-minded,
we’re like-minded.
I like her dusty,
looking used.
She likes any pace,
fast or slow,
... just wants to go.
This bike. Inexpensive. Heavy. Solid. Dependable. Hopes for little, gives all. Everyone oughta have one.
One of these days.
We’ll ride away.
Nowhere.
Fade away.
Somewhere.
Hideaway.
Right there.
Never come back.
______
163.6
25/50
7.5 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
LET IT GO, BRO
Sep 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
KOOKY IS AS KOOKY DOES... and I see a lotta kooky kaka. I try not to dwell on it. It's like kancer. It'll kill ya.
This SUV is not moving. It's parked. The driver you can't see, he's outta the car. Thankfully, he got back in and kept moving.
Let it go, bro... it never ends well.
______
164
0/0
6.5 hrs (paid for it on ride and at work)
Ride with us: click for info.
EAT LESS. RIDE MORE.
Sep 09, 2019
by TODD BROWN
BECAUSE I KNOW WE'RE ALL GONNA GO BONKERS FROM HALLOWEEN (I know you steal the kids' candy!) TO NEW YEARS... well you probably will, but I won't!... I'm going to make you a crazy offer.
I was reminded of this simple truth when I saw the leg shot from my last race.
And it's not just the leg shot, the results this year tell a similar story... and I'm not just talking about the kind you sign up and pay for, i'm talking about the personal challenges I set for myself: PRing Live Oak, time trialing Harding, daily pull ups, etc.
LESS BLUBBER = MORE SPEED
So, here's the cuckoo offer: buy 2 of these t-shirts, give one to your chubby checker, and commit to eat less and ride more the next 4 months. Use promo code EATLESSRIDEMORE for 50% savings.
Let's all roll into next year svelter, ready to take it on vs having some stupid goal to get in shape. Ugh. The horror!
Note: you can game the system and buy just 1 and still get the 50% savings but where's the fun in that?
PS... want to be even more gnarly, tell the world what you're going to weigh on Jan 1 now. Just think, you'll be able to look back in 2020 with 20/20 of your grand accomplishment.
Educate yourself on the perils of facing this challenge alone
... The Old Diesel never had definition like that before, granted I was probably dehydrated at this point.
______
164.2
20/60
8 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
RIDERS OF A FEATHER
Sep 07, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE SUN POUNDED ON MY BACK, sweat poured onto my glasses, and my quarter horse legs turned mule. Dust whipped and swirled a mocking dance, but I kept on.... because I could see my friends' tiny silhouettes far ahead.
I'll be damned if those cats are gonna put the hurt on me!
Why?... because we ride and train together and I know (think? hope? pray?) I can keep up.
I'm part of that, I whisper to no one....
Riders of a feather, race together... jingled in my head.
Later.
When it was over.
I looked that podiums.
Many were filled with friends. And those that weren't friends before were talking about meetin' up for some future riding and training.
Why?
Because they've found a kindred spirit with kindred talent... and they're into the social side, the personal challenge side, the learning side... way more important than the winning side.
Which is why riders of a feather, race together.
______
164.2
0/0
7 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
TRUST YOUR TRAINING
Sep 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
PVIDDY AND I REPEATED THIS TO OURSELVES CONSTANTLY. Any time we had self-doubt in the final week of prep, this is what we said...
TRUST YOUR TRAINING
He's a gold medal-winning Olympian, I'm merely a cycling national champ.
I'm not sure which of us came up with it, or if it's even unique to us. But, it is real.
First, there is nothing you can do to improve your fitness a week before a big race. NOTHING. There's a ton you can do to screw it up, A TON. Chiefly, riding too hard.
Second, the point of the training is to figure things out. What is...
a good pre-race week?
food to eat the day before?
on the bike nutrition that works for you?
the proper tires and pressure?
how far can you sprint, can you sprint at all?
it's along list.
Figure it out.
Don't be that rider who has a million excuses of what went wrong with your race. It's embarrassing and is an indicator weakness.
Be the rider who is prepared and confident and ready.
Trust your training...
The week of,
The night before,
In the heat of the moment.
Relax, you're ready... now go slay it!
______
164.2
10/30
7 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
ADDING OR SUBTRACTING?
Sep 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
BIG SPIDERS AND FAT SNAKES JOINED MY JOURNEY THIS EVENING. It's late summer, the best part 'round here. As the days shorten, I've got a choice to make.
Addition or subtraction.
Am I going to add lights or ride less?
Ride the rollers inside or ride less?
Join Zwift or ride less?
Or.... improve our process at work, switch up the routines, and keep on slaying the sunrises and sunsets?
Whatur we gonna do?
______
163.4
20/60
6.5 hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
THE A, B, Cs OF BIKE RACING
Sep 02, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TO RACE/COMPETE/CHALLENGE OUR BEST, we've got to make time for the A-B-C's. If we don't, we become very dull.
C events are the ones where we Check Things Out... things like: a long breakaway, a late sprint, different foods, attacking from the start, tire pressures, not taking a single pull, etc... By stating the expectation up front, it's easy to uncouple from I gotta do my best and hitch onto I'm going to see if this works... because if it does, you can slot it your quiver.
B events are for Being Aggressive. Take that new arrow you added on the C event and let it fly with confidence by going all in on it. Did you learn going hard the day before actually makes you feel better on race day? Now is the time to really commit and put into practice. Does it really work?
A events. Oh, the A events. The ones we put on the calendar a year out. The ones we've staked the season on. The ones where we Bring It All Together tapered and fresh to unleash our might fury. These can, and should be, magical.
The scary part is most of us have never tried to get a B or a C.
PS .
I RAN INTO SUPERCROSS AND MTB LEGEND JOHNNY OMARA TODAY. He was with a young kid, Jett, who he introduced as the future of Supercross and Motocross. .
I asked the kid how long he'd be in the States.
6 years.
He just go here! He's 16.
That's a kid/man, with a long-term plan. Which dove-tailed perfectly with what I was already thinking about.
______
164
20/60
8hrs
Ride with us: click for info.
L.S.D. RESET
Aug 31, 2019
by TODD BROWN
OVER THE YEARS I'VE HAD TREMENDOUS SUCCESS WITH L.S.D. It's allowed me to reset my mind and my seasons. It's a trip, for sure. Done properly, the following days and weeks will be approached anew.
Why's it work? I dunno.
When should you do it? When you're burned out and stale.
Who needs it? Probably everybody.
Where to do it? Ideally, some place flat.
What is L.S.D.? Long, slow distance.
How's it done? You simply throw a limp leg over your saddle, mount, and softly pedal away. For a long time. Preferably with your pals, done alone can make you crazy.
Today was a pretty good LSD ride. It was probably too lumpy. 4500' of elevation gain over 60 miles is a little much. 450' would have been better. But, the pace was right on. Just the 4 of us, two abreast, chatting it up.
The secondary purpose for me, was to find a challenging route. It's close to ideal, though I think we might reroute a short section. We'll see.
In the meantime, my body is resetting. Getting ready for one last race this year, the Filthy 50 MTB race in 8 weeks... L.F.D.
______
165.4 lbs
0 pull ups/0 push ups saving it for surf tonight
Ride with us: click for info.
BREAKING THE CODE
Aug 30, 2019
by TODD BROWN
EVERY TIME I RACE I LEARN A LITTLE SOMETHING. It starts with putting the race date on the calendar, and putting down my cash. From that moment on, my bikedar is scanning for speed.
It's like magic.
And the very best thing?
The code keeps changing. I keep learning.
Why just yesterday I learned my right leg is 5mm shorter than my left! All these years... all those miles... all the worry my riding days were coming to an end... all the lost power... ALL THE FOUND SPEED!
What are you signed up for? What have you learned? Do tell.
______
164.4 lbs
23 pull ups/69 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
COMPETE TO BE COMPLETE
Aug 29, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IS THE AGE OF COMPETITION DEAD? Are there no more winners and losers? As grand as gran fondos are, and as tickly as the dopamine hit I get from Strava cup is... I miss the huge fields and butt whippings of the late 80s and early 90s.
When he lined up like gladiators. To race. To win.
When seeing stars and tasting blood while training. Was common.
Have we just gone soft?
We lost almost every single time. Some of us never won, or even got a sniff of it. But we kept coming. We kept charging. Because something inside us was aching to be unleashed.
The competition held us accountable. We discovered who we were. We learned to win. And we learned to lose.
A wise man once said, Don't wish it was easier, wish you were better.
So I say...
Ride the gran fondo, for fun.
Get the Strava thingies, for the high.
Do the group ride, to make friends.
Race your bike,
Set a PR you thought was impossible,
Find out who you are.
A winner.
______
165 lbs
20 pull ups/60 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
THAT 10,000 HOUR THING
Aug 28, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MALCOM GLADWELL MADE IT FAMOUS IN HIS BOOK OUTLIERS, the idea that if you did anything for 10,000 hours you would become great.
What is 10,000 hours? Is it like fasting for 40 days? Is it apocryphal? Does it mean just do it for a long time?
When I was a lad, a crusty old crank took my 9 month old cycling exuberance and sat me down. Looked me in the eye. Yelled a little too loud.
You don't know what you are until you've ridden for 3 years!
I'm a road racer.
I doubt it!
I was, but it wasn't my best event. Three years later I had a pretty good handle on what I could and couldn't win.
That 3 years was made up of an average 10 hours per week. Roughly1500 hours.
Now, if you were a pro or had no other focus or obligation you might ride 15 or 20 hours a week. Maybe even 30.
Most pros have gotten there after 5-10 years of racing. Or, about 10,000 hours.
That magic isn't in the predictable nature of a bike ride, but in the unpredictable. The spider-sense develops and we do all these unconscious things learned by experience.
We've all seen the new rider get the most flats, have the most close calls, take the most tumbles. We've heard the new rider say things like I was leading the whole race until the end.
We feel for them, try and teach them, and encourage them to see it through. And sometimes we are the crusty crank yelling a bit too loud because of our love for the sport and our knowledge that it just takes time to be great.
Count your hours,
make 'em count.
______
164.6 lbs
20 pull ups/60 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
SOME MARKS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS
Aug 27, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I CRASHED TONIGHT. Dinged my knee. Hip's a little sore. It left a mark. Naturally, I popped right up... after a few regrettable words with myself. Got right after at. Started making my way forward through the places I'd lost.
Then, I blew.
I knew it was over. Shouldn't have even raced. But, while legs were saying no, heart was saying yes. Friends were saying yes. Ego was saying yes.
And that's why I did it.
I'll have that mark to remind me for the next couple of weeks to back it down.
But the mark that matters is the mark Matt Wenger has left on the OC mountain bike scene.
For 10 years, he's promoted and executed the largest weekly mountain bike race in the world. 500-600 line up every Tuesday night to race, for 12 weeks of summer.
Enduring friendships have been made.
Lives have been changed.
A deep culture of having fun on mountain bikes has been gifted.
His vision and passion and energy bring it all to life.
That's all it takes.
And it takes his ALL.
Thanks bro.
______
163.6 lbs
20 pull ups/60 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
OFF-SEASON OR NO OFF-SEASON?
Aug 26, 2019
by TODD BROWN
FULLY 70% SAID THERE'S NO NEED FOR AN OFF-SEASON. I say bull pucky! NowayJose! and FAT CHANCE!
We gotta have a rest, reward. And, it oughta be hell-yeah fun!
What could be more fun that sugaring up with a bunch of skinny, underfed monks?
Nothing!
Will you get fat? Who cares... but no, not even if you try.
Will you spike your sugar?... well yeah!
Will you get sick of donuts?... most likely.
Will you have fun?... oh, please don't make me answer this.
Does one day make an off-season? Of course not. The point is to reset our minds. Recognize all we've accomplished. Socialize. Flip the switch.
What do I really mean by off-season? I mean, really, "different season". Different being: different bike, different rides, different purpose, different routes, different amount of time in the saddle.
Change it up.
Starting with burning in all those good intentions with a rock-solid sugar high.
You buy the jersey, we'll buy the donuts!
Oct 12. 7am. Starting point TBD.
Join the ride:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/294012/group_events/567065
______
165.4 lbs
20 pull ups/60 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
IT'S A PODCAST!
Aug 24, 2019
by TODD BROWN
HEY... I WAS A GUEST ON THE BIG WHEEL COACHING PODCAST. Brian rooted out some of my secrets.
I had a blast. Before I do another...
... I'd love, love, love... your feedback.
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LEARN. WIN. INSPIRE.
Aug 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
LEARN SOMETHING NEW. Read a lot. Listen a lot. Every, single, day.
DEFINE THE WIN. Set a goal. Figure out the process that is going to get you there. Do it.
INSPIRE OTHERS. Share your journey. We're all rooting for you.
______
164.4 lbs
20 pull ups/60 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
OFFICER TODD
Aug 20, 2019
by TODD BROWN
ENTER OFFICE TODD. Not me. The CHP. On his way to patrol the canyon we ride, in the hopes of finding the kook who buzzed the riders last week, he stopped everybody for a little lecture.
Guys, I'm on the way to see if we can't find the person who buzzed you in the white BMW last week.
Can you make my job easier?
Yessir.
Please ride no more than 2 abreast in the bike line.
That was it. Just a dude, doing a thankless job, and being awesome about it.
Guess what?
We're gonna do our best to make his job easier.
PS If you can identify this jackass in the 2014 BMW M5, let me know.
CA License 8JUJ265
______
165.2
0 pull ups/0 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
SOME MIcLES ARE BETTER THAN OTHERSmt. MC. U yumbm
Aug 17, 2019
by TODD BROWN
HOW THE HECK CAN I POP UP AND RIDE 90 MILES LIKE IT'S NOTHING? Well, it's significantly easier if I'm riding with the posse vs alone... or worse, chasing the group.
Just this morning, while I was happily caboosing on the back of the train, Pete was caught on the other side of the road. Couldn't get across. Could only shout a gassed message at Siri.
Some miles are better than others. Like:
Riding and chatting with friends.
A beautiful road with an ocean view.
A solitary climb in the mountains.
Heading to a destination with great food.
Working hard in a pace line.
Any single track.
Rides sans flats or other mechanical issues.
An early morning sunrise.
The first ride on a new bike.
So many ways for good miles.
The worst miles of all?
... the ones we skipped... we can never get 'em back.
_____
CV was muy fast today
Stopped by and saw some of the fam on the way home
Even had enough energy to do some car shopping
______
166 lbs. : (
10 pull ups/30 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
NAME THAT BIKE!
Aug 16, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I ALWAYS NAME MY BIKES. It gives them soul. Connects us better. Let's me love it up when detailing it, and ride it hard when racing.
The names come fast. Sometimes before I even ride it.
There's The Marvel, my Specialized Allez with the rad fork design. Right off, it reminded me of the start of a Marvel movie... superhero kinda stuff. And I'll be damned if I haven't ridden some super heroic days on that bike.
Sparky is my Scott Spark. First ride, I knew it was gonna be Sparky. That bike makes me feel young again. Like a teen fulla zest and pluck. Sho' 'nuff, me 'n Sparky just PR'd Leadville.
HVY MTL is my gravel/rain/play/got no plans bike. It's steel, a special edition Specialized collab with Merz. It's heavy. It's fun. There are no rules with this bike. Just today I was jumping curbs, carving single track, and loping along the gravel goodness. This is my no agenda bike and I love it.
If you don't name your bikes... maybe that'll inspire ya.
If you do... do tell... what are their names and why?
_____
165.4 lbs.
10 pull ups/30 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
ALL MY LOVIN'
Aug 15, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS TOO MUCH LOVE?
My Surfergirl reminded me there was a time when I wouldn't make time for "making time" before a big race.
Ahhh... the superstitions.
No doubt inspired by some Rocky-type movie... Ya gotta stay away from the girls!
But, is that really a thing these days?
Does it matter?
Honestly... at the risk of no loving for a long time... love makes the world AND wheels go 'round... So I always pack my pink nighty into my RaceDay Bag.
How 'bout you... love or no love before a big race?
_____
165.8 lbs.
20 pull ups/60 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
SCARED: TO PEE OR NOT TO PEE
Aug 14, 2019
by TODD BROWN
LET'S BE REAL, sometime you really, really, really, really, really gotta pee during a race. What's a racer to do?
My friend Kevin, perfected the stand up and pee off to the side for LoToJa... which is fine for some, certainly not for the ladies... and no matter what sex you are, impossible during a mountain bike race.
Such was my dilemma Saturday at Leadville.
I was too scared to stop and pee because I was chasing a time goal... and well, the pressure ain't what it used to be. Who knows how long I could be... stage fright and all?
I know we have amazing chamois' in our bibs and that peeing in the bib wouldn't be the end of the world... in fact, it could be a big relief!
Gross, I know...
but sometimes, you gotta go!
So tell me...
Have you ever let it flow, warm and yellow?
To pee or not to pee?
_____
167.6 lbs.
16 pull ups/48 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
THE GOTTA CONTINUUM
Aug 13, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF RACERS, one has gotta win and one has gotta do their best.
Neither is more virtuous than the other.
Neither can exist without the other.
Which one are you today?
How 'bout tomorrow?
_____
166.8 lbs.
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
7 THINGS I'D DO DIFFERENT AT LEADVILLE
Aug 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I KNOW, I HAD A RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME TIME AT LEADVILLE. But, the racer in me can't help wishing I'd done a few things differently. That's a good thing. To review, while it's fresh.
So, here's what I'd do different.
7. I would have pre-driven the course with my crew (Surfergirl) on Thursday so I could rest more on Friday.
6. I would have her meet me at Pipeline with a bottle then scoot over to aid station at the bottom of Columbine. This would allow me to carry less at the start. More importantly, it would give her more time to get back to Pipeline... she only made it with 6 minutes to spare. That could have gone real bad.
5. If possible, I'd get to Leadville 10 days early and pre-ride some or all of the course at a race pace... then head somewhere else to taper and play on the resort runs with lift access.
4. I'd rent a house for Thursday-Saturday nights in Leadville. We stayed with my sis' in Breck. They have an exceptional place, but turned out to be a lot further than I'd imagined. I've stayed in Leadville before, the houses are a little ramshackle, but being close saves a lot of energy.
3. For my prep, I would do more long days on the MTB with enough food and water to go 6 hours non-stop. These would be adventure rides, on technical trails. The past few years I've done so much road riding my MTB skills were still not quite primed. Big Bear would be great, so would Mammoth.
2. The altitude is still the biggest killer for us sea levelers... leaving for the mountains a month early, I have to imagine, would be a true game changer.
1. I would hustled my butt across the Finish Line instead of coasting in and enjoying the fanfare... because, if I'd gone a mere 32 seconds faster (which I could have easily done) I would have qualified for the Silver Corral!!!... a dream come true, and a lot closer to the front and the fastest guys.
Just little things. The big things I got right: awesome bike, my body weight down 7 lbs, lots of upper body and core strength, my food was spot on. In no way am I complaining, just doing the wise thing... review and improve.
Who knows... maybe there's another PR out there?
_____
unknown lbs.
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
WE NAILED IT!
Aug 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WE NAILED IT!
I like it when you say that.
Hmmm...
Yeah, it makes me feel part of the race.
Oh you are... there's no way I could do it without you.
I'm pretty sure I've cried every year I've raced Leadville. For various reasons. It's that kinda race. Everything is required: body, mind, soul.
I rounded the corner, there was the van as planned. Perfectly stationed was my trophy wife. I skidded to a stop. Dumped my empty gear. Like a pro, she gave me my supplies. Loaded my water bottle into the cage. Made sure I took a big swig of pickle juice.
I was off.
Overcome with emotion.
She was so kind and patient and pro.
That's really nothing to cry over, right? But, you see... that's 2.5 hours into the race. By that point, I'd...
... wondered what the hell I was doing the race for as my lungs and legs burned a whopping 10 miles into the 100.
... been shocked as every hill, which I'd pre-ridden, seemed longer and steeper and meaner.
... intensely contemplated what was I trying to prove by chasing a PR?
Then there's the whole self-talk... can I even do it? will the bike hold up? the body? the weather?
And it's a weird cry... a wounded animal whimper. No tears.
Soon enough I was on Columbine. Emotions gone. Hungry Like A Wolf blaring in my mind.
Let me just say, of all the climbs I've done for fun or racing... this is by far the worst. Straight up to 12,500'. The top so steep I have to walk. It's shameful. But, I gotta do it.
I made a few friends on the climb. That's always fun. One was Coach Jonathan from Trainer Road. A great podcast. I could tell he was focused on metering out his power. We rode together most of the day. Mainly because he took a few bathroom breaks and I, somehow, had the prostrate of a 20 year old.
But, that's Leadville... emotional. challenging. friendly.
This annual gathering comes together to find out what we're made of.
Behind every effort is an extraordinary amount of planning, investment and support from the crew.
Nobody does it alone.
Together.
We nail it!
... oh, and yeah, I got that PR. 19 years after my 8:20, I posted 8:15. I crossed the line. Hugged Ken, the founder. ... clutched my Surfergirl, and hustled to the potty to empty my screaming bladder, like a 20 year-old! (mighta been a tear there, too)
CLEANLINESS. GODLINESS.
Aug 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I'M NOT SURE IF CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS... but I am sure if we expect to uncork our full god-given powers on race day we better have clean, race-ready equipment.
I'm not sure if having a clean bikes guarantees victory... but a dirty bike can lead to a helluva lot of problems.
I'm not sure if a clean bike is virtuous... but meticulously going over each part can expose future trouble.
I'm not sure of a lot in life... but I'm sure glad my drivetrain ready to shred.
... don't for get to wash behind your gears.
_____
163ish
0/30
Ride with us: click for info.
WELCOME HOME.
Aug 07, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE ROAD TO LEADVILLE IS COLORED WITH WELCOME SIGNS. Welcome to Dinosaur is a real thing. But, the We <3 Leadville mural with it's Great Living @ 10,200' stood out. Long and low, the white sign stretched 200 feet.
Pulling into town I realized it was gone. Replaced with houses. I wondered how welcome I'd be, and how much I'd love this trip... little superstitions are real.
We ambled around the lower roads at set on riding Hagerman's to Power Line. This is my favorite part of the course. From the summit, it is a very fast Jeep road.
As I was geeking and gearing up, I heard Susie chatting to a solo rider outside the van. He said he used to live in California. Susie asked if he knew me.
Todd Brown?!
I jumped out.
Nate Whitman!
Oh man... my fears or riding alone at sunset were blown away with memories from Nate's first Leadville, which was also my PR year.
Nate has finished top 10 and sub-7 hours multiple times, over 18 go's. That's world class.
But, he didn't start that way... in fact, I gave him a 25% chance of finishing at all.
Somehow we'd met on AOL or something pre-social media. He lived in Venice. He was a semi-pro soccer player. He wanted to see what he'd gotten himself into. I'd done the race once, which made me the local expert back then. He drove to meet me and Peter Vidmar at the bottom of Harding on a sweltering July afternoon - weeks before the event.
I'll never forget it.
Nate.
In a heavy black soccer jersey.
Uh, you sure about that jersey?
Oh definitely. Soccer guys know this is best.
Ok.
It was a long day for all of us. Pete and I cruising, Nate nowhere in site. The afternoon heat scorching our backs.
Two of us howled with laughter about the black jersey.
I could tell Nate was discouraged at the top.
At the bottom, he asked Do you think I'll be okay?
My response, which he remembers to this day... You're fit right?
There is no other place like Leadville to find out if you're fit. It's an obviously infectious quest... one that Nate has answered and mastered.
Seeing my friend Nate was a great sign of being welcome, which would get added to at dinner.
Dinner.
How things have changed up here! There is finally, really good food. We sat at Treeline. Out of town owners who brought their out of town talents and out of town prices. Well worth it.
Clearly, the locals love it... as in walks the legends themselves. Founders. Creators. The spirt of Leadville... Ken and Merilee.
I popped off my chair.
Gave them a big hug.
They welcomed me like an old friend... I wondered how could they remember so many people, imagined it was impossible and didn't care as Merilee embraced Susie and whispered...
Welcome home.
_____
The legend, Nate Whitman
Side story... we met a real life Leadville Trail runner. Mark. 64. 1 artificial hip. He's in for his first LT100 running race. Got in via lottery. Has no idea what he's in for... and I mean that in a good way. Good Luck!
TRAVELIN' FOOL
Aug 05, 2019
by TODD BROWN
SATURDAY WAS THE LAST BIG RIDE, and it was way bigger than I'd planned. That's the problem with an epic event that requires travel. On the way, I always manage to wind up on an amazing trail or road and just can't resist going longer than planned...
... and I'd say returning 4 hours after I'd planned to return shows an incredible lack of self-restraint.
But, who cares?
When the posse is solid, the temperatures pleasant, and the dirt loamy, I'm gonna ride.
Bryson put this together, and Jeff and I joined. 20 of us rolled up and away from PCMR (Park City Mountain Resort). Normally, this would be a terrible decision. But, this wasn't your average group. These were all riders who'd planned and qualified for Leadville. Utahns, used to altitude. Committed MTBr's with the skills to carve any trail.
The only person they had to wait for was The Old Diesel.
By the end of the day, my 4 hour ride had expanded to 8 hours (6 riding). . 50 miles, 5000' of vert. All of it sweet, sweet single track. The group dwindled to 3 of us.
Then it was me.
At The Canyons.
Double patty cheeseburger did nothing to curb my hunger.
It was a big day, possibly too big. But, I didn't care. The trails, the air, the beauty, the friends. Worth it.
Takeaways... my chain fell off and wedged impossibly hard into my frame. Shouldn't have taken my chain catcher off months ago... now I have to hope my daughter can find it and overnight it to me - plus get a new chain and cassette. My lube didn't not make it through the day - not sure what to do on that front for PbVille. Everything else, perfect!
_____
Gettin' ready
And we're off
Dream-like
Best burger ever?
Post-burger, this did the trick
163
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
WE HAVE THIS SAYING
Aug 02, 2019
by TODD BROWN
'ROUND THESE PARTS, IF SOMEONE SAYS IT'S JUST A SOCIAL RIDE most of the time it really means you're about to get slaughtered... have limbs slowly yanked off one at a time. This slow dismemberment starts out nice enough, and terminates apologetically enough that we keep coming back for more.
But, a funny thing happens over time.
We get to know each other... not just our weaknesses and strengths on the bike, but in life as well. We learn to recognize more than slobbering suffering, but internal suffering.
We become friends.
For life.
And we celebrate our victories and our birthdays.
Shout out to Johnny B for the party hats for Ursula's bday.
And, another to Chris Hill who picked me up some sardines in Barcelona.
Yeah... we know each other, and we know you wanna be part of this... whether in person or in spirit. If you don't have a local social ride, build it... your peeps are counting on you.
(Chris knows I love sardines and black beans before every big endurance event.)
? lbs forgot to bring my scale
0 pull ups (gotta find a park with a bar)/30 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
SYNCHRONICITY
Jul 29, 2019
by TODD BROWN
HOW DO WE END UP ON THE SAME PATH, AT THE SAME TIME? I entered the bike path at just the wrong time to miss Jim heading inland. I could see him, but I wasn't going to catch him. Then I passed a man who is most likely mentally ill, only to round a corner and have my buddy Patrick - who's visiting from Vegas - yell my name.
We stopped.
Said ill man joined us.
Track bike.
Ancient.
Shirtless.
Jeans.
Tennies.
Heavy metal cross hanging about his neck.
Explaining his tough decision to choose from his quiver of 20+ bikes.
Through the sweet breath of what I guessed was a rough night - or woulda been rough for me.
He was different.
I was uncomfortable.
Our paths had crossed and joined for a moment. I doubted we were going the same direction.
But, we were on bikes. Talking about gears. Our divergent paths one, for a brief moment.
To my shame, my discomfort didn't wane. It grew. Kinda like a dinner party among strangers when the conversation turns to the weather... but, rougher.
We rode away.
Patrick and I on the same path.
Me thinking, There but for the grace of God go I.
Me wondering, should I have acted differently? More accepting? More loving? More concern? More empathy?
Later, I went to the office.
To fight my own battles.
The ones I'm comfortable with, whether I know it or not.
166.2 lbs
10 pull ups/30 push ups
Ride with us: click for info.
SPLITTING THE GLORY
Jul 28, 2019
by TODD BROWN
AS INEOS PROCEEDED TO TURN THE BEST TOUR DE FRANCE IN YEARS FROM THRILLING TO BORING, I realized how happy I am to be racing Leadville on my own terms. There's no GC to protect and no concern about how I place amongst my peers.
Unlike Bernal, I won't be playing it safe at the finish.
The only safe playing I'll be doing is making sure there is absolutely nothing left at the end.
Unlike the runners up, I won't be trying to hold on to my standing.
The only standing I'll be holding onto is my own time splits.
No race radio in my ear giving me updates.
My race radio will be SurferGirl swapping out my bottles.
No team car to bail me out of a mechanical mishap.
My old, weak hands will have to bail me out if needed.
No teammates to protect me from the wind.
Just sprinting to the riders ahead, surfing one group to the next.
After reviewing all the time splits for my age group for the last few years, I realized my buddy Jeff's time from 6 years ago was almost exactly what I was shooting for. That was Jeff's 10th and fastest year.
On my top tube will be Jeff's time and my goal splits. I think I'll go out a little slower than him, and I hope I can come back a little faster. And it's just a hope.
My mission is to beat my PR set 19 years ago - 8 hours and 20 minutes. The other 4 attempts are between 8:32 and 8:36 - which is weird when you consider the weather is never the same, I've flatted, I've jammed my chain, etc.
On the surface it seems completely unreasonable given the time span and the unpredictable nature of racing on a given day, but... I'm the lightest I've ever been for the event. My bike is top notch. My training best ever. And, the course is constantly getting faster. Plus, Jeff and I are pretty even most of the time.
Whatever happens, it won't be boring.
165.2
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
SO PRETTY, NOT
Jul 26, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THEY WERE NORDIC, HANDSOME AND LOVELY, WITH HEAVY ACCENTS. I admired their beauty, right up until I didn't. There was this moment when the lady ruined it all.
How you ask? What was this repulsive sin?
Well... it was kinda like when you see someone unload a brand new, glamorous carbon rig. They mount it wearing their elegant super euro kit. With that first pedal stroke you know... this is gonna be ugly.
Shaky on the straight lines.
Horrendous cornering.
Bowleggedness that begs for a Wide Load sign.
Arms locked straight.
... ah, it's an inexhaustible list.
Where is that person's friend?
Silent, no doubt.
Maybe aghast!
Just like I was this morning as the adorableness of said Nordic offended all in site with a bite of croissant. Bite is not the right word... it was more a rip of a hunk, mouth open wide in the approach... staying wide, chomping a few times with a colossal gulp.
Ruined it.
Friends don't let your friends ride ugly.
Be light on the hoods.
Cut the apex on the turns.
Tuck those knees in.
Bend those arms.
... this is a good start.
164.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
SO MANY RIDES
Jul 25, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MASSIVE GROUP RIDES, WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND RACING, PERFECT WEATHER... around here you can pin it 24-7. Worse, it's Tour time and everybody just wants to race!
Hard.
Everyday is a new opportunity for Zone 5.
Put it in the big ring, and leave it there.
That's all we want to do.
Ride 'em all...
...soon you won't be able ride at all.
164.4
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
HOW TO INCORPORATE OAT ROOTS INTO YOUR DIET
Jul 24, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TONIGHT, AFTER A RATHER LARGE SNACK, I TORE INTO ONE OF MY OAT ROOTS. Man, I love these things. Can't have 'em everyday or I build up a tolerance. You're probably the same.
Oat roots are after all...
... Haute Routes.
Haute Routes are super cool events, that I used to pronounce hot route... thinking it meant super cool cycling route, then I met the crew over there on a work project.
But, that's not my point.
My point is I work Hot Routes into my weekly regimen.
A hot route to me, is a loop that brings me pleasure and that I can really rip around on. I might go out and just spin it a few times, then jump on it for a smokin' fast lap... or I might start our slow and go faster each lap... or I might rip the first lap and go slower and slower as I exhaust myself.
Typically, Tuesdays are the same Hot Route - The TMWC.
Wednesdays, I like to rip a loops off on the MTB
Fridays... I think of new ways to end up at the same old spot for a cup and some journal time.
Fun + Fast = Hot Route
165.4
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
THE 3 STAGES OF LIFE
Jul 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MY DAD HAD THIS JOKE ABOUT THE 3 STAGES OF LIFE. It made no sense to me when I was in my 20s. Now that he's gone, it's just more evidence he was a genius... so, let me try and screw it up while applying it to me 'n Jefe.
Stage 1
Young guns, falling in love with girls and bikes. Dude, I pooled all my shekels and I'm pulling the trigger on a Gios with Campy Super Record.
Stage 2
Young families, and we reconnect the friendship and epic endurance mancations. Dude, have you heard of the 24 hours of Moab?... let's do it!
Stage 3
The sprocket of life showing some serious wear. Hey, is there a bathroom on the route?
Jefe, aka Dr. Sumsion, was one of the first cats to get a road bike in the college days. I think it was to help his ski racing. He had this cool Italian rig. I had a Cannondale touring bike, because surely 3 rings in front must be better than 2! All I knew then, or know now, is that he's always on the forefront of what's cool... proof: he's been begging me for 10+ years to do a gravel race.
We lost touch after college, but somehow reconnected. It was over the 24 hours of Moab. We grabbed PViddy and McKay and trotted out to see what we could do. I'd never had so much fun suffering through cramps, dark and snow. So began my re-entry to racing and the world of heinously hard endurance events.
These days, he pops down to SoCal a couple of time a year and if I'm lucky he carves out time to go for a ride... usually spending the night at my place and hitting TMWC. The rest of the time I'm longing for, and occasionally pulling off, the amazing riding in Park City.
What came first, the friendship or the bike? Who cares!
166.4
0/0
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WELL, THAT SURE DIDN'T WORK
Jul 22, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE IT EASY SATURDAY. And I did, on the bike. But, it was Family Weekend and the team wanted to do the old hike.
I was never winded.
Barely broke a sweat.
5 miles later my legs were wrecked. They were still wrecked today when I went for an easy lunch spin.
Why?
1. Off the bike I don't wear shoes, ever. I'm a flipflop kinda guy. Sand got in my shoes and ground the balls of my feet raw.
2. I walk a lot on the sandy beach. That is not the same as over rocky, uneven terrain. I've got shin splints.
3. I didn't to any recovery stretching or rolling because it wasn't a strenuous. Rookie move... ain't I too old for that?
Life Lessons:
1. Shoulda just hiked in my Rainbows, but it also wouldn't kill me to wear shoes occasionally.
2. Nor would it kill me to go back to hiking the many trails nearby.
3. Always do the stretching and rolling... always.
It was worth it to spend time with these two, and think back 19 years.
166.6 (food and family, a lethal combo)
20/60
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A GAP IN NINE = HOPE
Jul 21, 2019
by TODD BROWN
EVERY SINGLE TEAM IN THE TOUR DE FRANCE IS AT LEAST 11.2% WEAKER THAN PREVIOUS YEARS, and I'm digging it! Some even more. When it was announced there would be 8-man teams vs 9-man teams I figured it would open up the racing, and WOW! this the most fun I've had watching the Tour de France in decades.
30 years ago American Greg LeMond electrified the world with his stunning come from behind victory on the last day of the Tour. It was a short time trial, and he trailed Fignon by 50 seconds. There was little hope, yet he won by the narrowest victory every: 8 seconds.
Sometimes all we need as competitors is a little hope.
It's weird, isn't it?
We've seen it in ourselves, the tiny bit of hope flourishes into a towering tree of confidence.
It happens one pedal stroke at a time.
And they build.
And we change.
We become new again.
Fresh.
Ready to take on much more than we'd thought possible.
We're seeing it in this tour with the super stylish racing of Julian Alaphillipe, with the attacking climbing of Thibaut Pinot, with the metronome pace of Steven Krusijswijk... and I believe it's building in the slow starting defending champion Geraint Thomas.
A mere 2 minutes separate the top 6 racers after 2 weeks of climbing. The evenness of their talents is unreal, hard to comprehend. On a typical group ride or race, I can lose that much time on one climb.
Who will win?
The man who's hope continues to grow.
Who is that?
Thomas or Pinot, I don't know...
but my heart goes with Julian.
164
0/0
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SCREEN TIME
Jul 19, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE 3 SCREENS I LOOK AT ON MY GARMIN.
First is always the screen I'll need at my next "A" event. Right now it's set up for Leadville 100 MTB race.
I'll be watching my h.r./power to try and hold reigns on the way out, and to kick the spurs on the way back... if all goes well, it should be a negative split - less time for the last 52 as the big summit is midway.
Cadence is not an issue early on, but can be when I get tired.
Elapsed Time... this is crucial because the clock doesn't stop until we finish, but I will stop 3 times to refuel... maybe 4.
Distance will help me stay oriented as things can get a little funky at 10000' above my home.
Second, is my screen for road/gravel riding.
No power on the those bikes. Power doesn't really matter in a race. Either you're in it, or not. So, I just watch my h.r.
Speed and Grade help me gauge the effort as well.
I track actual time here, because I generally have time in the saddle as my goal for a particular ride.
Third is my mtb screen.
Here I track power first, since mtb races and rides are more like mass start time trials.
H.R. still counts.
Cadence counts more, the longer the effort.
Ride time, not elapsed.
What are you tracking?
_____
Road/Gravel screen
MTB screen
163.6
10/30
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IMAGINE THINGS WERE DIFFERENT
Jul 18, 2019
by TODD BROWN
HE WAS A BEAR OF A MAN. The kind of guy you wouldn't want to play flag football against... an accidental swat might fling you and me to ambulanceland.
I blew by him, just on a nice tempo.
He was panting hard.
His lithe lady like a butterfly ahead.
I've seen it before. I'll see it again.
I popped up a nifty climb, snagging a PR. Dropped down a daring single track that had me walking, hoping no kids with big travel bikes mowed me down. Soon I was riding back up the the main dirt access road.
I'd forgotten about him.
But, there he was.
Stopped.
Sweaty.
For a moment I imagined what it would be like to push a massive 300ish pound body up that road.
Lady barely breathing.
Skinny, endurance dorks like me flying by.
Not only is that an amazing physical effort, but possibly quite humbling.
I wanted to high-five him... then I realized he might snap my skinny twig of an arm in the process.
164
20/60
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NEVER, EVER SAY...
Jul 17, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I WOULDN'T SAY HE FOUND ME ON THE TRASH HEAP OF LIFE, but my trajectory at the time wasn't the best. Back then, he was an internationally famous '84 Olympian with 2 gold medals. I was a retired high school varsity tennis player on a bad team, trying to learn how to race my bike.
We started riding together. Him, to nudge me along the right path. Me, enjoying being a voyeur on his giant life.
We became the best of friends.
The wives became friends.
The kids became friends.
We kept riding together. I dragged him down to the original Coffee Crew. He dragged me to higher places. Along the rides, we shared the trials of raising a family, losing parents, career choices, finding faith etc.
We were neighbors in Irvine, riding a lot of road.
He moved to Foothill Ranch, we followed and we all got really into mountain biking - eventually doing Vision Quest.
He moved to Coto, suddenly we were there too and with no good group ride we started The TMWC.
Then off to San Clemente, ... but didn't follow them to Australia for 3 years.
This week, freshly back in the States, he jumped into The TMWC with his characteristic I'm in terrible shape... and did just fine. Which is proof, that I finally taught PViddy something after nearly 30 years...
... never, ever say I feel great when heading out for a ride... even to your best friend.
166
25/45
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KOM's ARE FOR LOSERS
Jul 15, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I RECKON SOME OF YA ARE GONNA BE PISSED, but I really do think KOMs are for losers - PRs are everything.
Who cares if I get a KOM? I mean, it's cool... for sure. But, stay with me.
If it's a bunch of 10 year olds I stole the KOM from? If the wind was howling from behind? If I started at the back of a big group and surfed my way to the front? If, if, if...
If it's my KOM, it just means I'm the fastest guy who's been recorded. That's it.
If you've got the KOM? If you're a pro, any kind of pro? if you used any of the above mentioned tactics? If you're just a hell of a lot faster? If, if, if...
I honor that effort and I use it to inspire myself to dig deeper. But... that's all.
Because I can't control you. I can control - delusion or not - myself. Therefore, I think PRs are always better than KOMs.
I know the conditions when my effort is recorded. I know the work I've put in. I know whether or not it's a legit PR. I know whether or not to celebrate.
Comparing myself to others weak.
Comparing myself to yesterday is all that matters... starting with Am I having fun?
166.2
20/60
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ABOUT 5 GUYS THOUGHT THEY WOULD WIN TODAY.
Jul 13, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEN 700 PEOPLE LINE UP AT A 100K MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE, only a few think they will actually win. The rest of us have our own metrics to ride by. We start in mass. Other than our number plates there are no indicators of racing category.
We collaborate with older and younger and opposite sex.
We ask ourselves, How old is that cat?
Less than 90 seconds separated 1st-3rd in my race. Here's how it went down:
At 4am, I got up and enjoyed my race-proven, possibly superstitious, sardines and beans breakfast. That's 3 hours prior to the start. Failed at more sleep.
530am, warmed up my engines in a hot bath.
615, drove to start with one awesome trophy wife for support.
650, line up in 3rd row.
7, we're off.
705, I'm at least 50 guys back. Do I like it? Hell no, I love it! I tell myself it's all according to plan.
8ish, no more people are passing me. I'm settled in, and I ask myself...
Can you ride this pace 2.5 hours from now?... that's about how long it's going to take me to do a lap and be right back here.
I'm also asking myself, Why do I do this? Why didn't I sign up for the 50 instead of the hundred? Why am I so slow? How come that lady, who's my age, on a single-speed passed me? ... because these are the kinds of questions we ask ourselves at this point.
And the answer is always the same: to find out what I'm made of. Specifically today, I want to see if I can get into Leadville. That's the same thing at least 100 of the racers want to know.
90 minutes in and I think I'm on pace, but I'm not sure. We are starting to shred the amazing single track, and The Old Diesel is in the zone. All the fools who started fast - too harsh?, no because I've been there many times and will be there again - are starting to come back to papa. I'm not sure if I'm on track because a fast section I relished has been replaced with a snappy, zigzaggy section. It adds time, but how much?
2 hours in and a silver fox eases on by on the final climb of each of 2 laps. He looks awesome, and I'm pretty sure he's around my age.
At about 2 hours 34 min I complete lap 1. Surfergirl, aka Trophy Wife, is resplendent in her Tour de Donut jersey. We swap bottles, she jams food in my pocket, I lube my chain - lots of dust and water crossings take a toll up here.
Typical of this style of racing is to form alliances with people about the same speed, trading pulls and chatting a bit. I rolled with Singlespeedguy from Utah and Mike from Edmonton enough to chat. The rest either passed me or I passed them too fast. These alliances break up the mind battle, and really make it fun.
Lap 2, and the answer is YES! I can go as fast as I went the first lap. In fact, I go about 3 minutes faster. Some of this is due to holding tight to the reigns on lap 1 and some is that the course is just wide open... nobody to slow me down. So fun!
330 in. I've got 90 minutes left, and I'm daring to cut loose. Outta the saddle jamming up the little stuff, and steadily grinding the bigger climbs. This allows me to use different muscles in my legs.
Cramps threaten - forgot to mention I pounded a good amount of real pickle juice when I stopped to reload - but yes, cramps threaten and I'm downing Salt Stick chewable tablets. They abide, and ride like hell. It's on.
430 in. I see silver fox... and damn!... another silver fox. We've got the final, hideous climb... the one I fell over on 6 years ago because both my legs cramped simultaneously - took me 37 minutes that day, the same climb I went hellalot slower on the 2nd lap 3 years ago. There's no mailing it in today, these two racers are the real deal and I can only hope I don't crack.
This is what it's all about. Amir attacked hard, got a decent gap. I ground on. It's an undulating climb, and each steep ramp I stood. We battled, then I slowly opened up my own gap. There is no way I would have ever ridden that climb that fast, that hard if awesome athletes like these two weren't pushing me.
I took just over a minute off my PR, 21:26.
Here's the point dear rider: As a dude, I need these silly contests in my life... cause when all the shiz goes down at work, or things aren't copacetic at home, I can look back at today and remember I can do hard stuff.
_____
All these guys and gals hope they can lottery in to Leadville.
These 3 got in
Time to rest, recover, reload
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TOP 10 THINGS I DO TO FEEL FAST, RIDE FAST.
Jul 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IN LESS THAN 72 HOURS THE GUN WILL GO OFF AT THE TAHOE 100 MTB RACE. Everything I do between now and then is designed to make me feel fast. There's no heavy duty training to be done.
Time to ride fast.
... and riding fast, starts with feeling fast. Here's my Top 10:
1. My bike will be detailed, lubed and ready.
2. I'll get a ton of sleep the next few nights.
3. I be super strict on my diet to keep lean while not exercising much.
4. My bottles will be marked, and filled with goodness.
5. My food will for the day prepped for easy access.
6. My helmet washed and all the sweat salt removed.
7. Glasses super clean.
8. The Racing playlist will be rocking on the drive.
9. The race kit, the special one that says I'm here to kick ass!, lovingly folded.
10. My special RaceDay bag with the winged wolf, packed and double checked.
Do I do more?... yeah, but stick with the top 10 rook.
164.4
10/30
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ACTUALLY I DID IT...
Jul 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
NO, SUSIE DIDN'T MAKE ME DO IT, nor the kids dissing.
Not my moms' (both of 'em) subtle cuts.
Not my boring friends blunt hints hoping to restore my conformity.
That's the kinda stuff that makes me rebel on. 'Cause that's what I am. If I wasn't, I'd be...
golfing
donutting
driving a sedan
riding an electric bike, if ridin' at all
But, that ain't me.
I did it because I'd done it.
Same reason I do anything.
To do it!
What's next!
... just going all freakin' out at Tahoe this weekend.
165.2
10/30
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TIME TO FIND OUT
Jul 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT'S TIME TO FIND OUT IF I'M FAST ENOUGH FOR LEADVILLE. I mean, I think I'm fast enough, but they don't. Why would they? They don't follow me around, they don't know the work I've put in. But, I do.
Today I realized, it's time. It happened on Harding. I put down my fastest time this year, and finished it off very strong vs limping in. I knew right then, it's as good as it's gonna get and I oughta just get it done.
Change of plans.
I'm going to go back to Tahoe next weekend vs doing the stage race qualifier at the end of the month. It'll be my 3rd time racing that course.
My first Tahoe race was terrible. I cramped so hard I fell over and couldn't get back on my bike. The second time was magical... I just looked at my splits from that day: 2:26 on the first lap, 2:27 on the second lap.
I'm banking on magical again... then on to Leadville.
... felt so confident I ate the last donut...
... hope I'm right.
164.6
0/0
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YOUR 5 BEST FRIENDS
Jul 05, 2019
by TODD BROWN
A LOT OF SMART PEOPLE HAVE NOTED, we are the average of our 5 best friends. But, due to a bolt falling off my bike today I had a little deeper insight on that subject.
Here it is...
We are only as good as our network. In other words, our ability to get things done is determined by how good our network of friends is.
For example, today I'm riding along and a bolt on my spider falls off. I instantly stopped riding, knowing from previous experience how easy it is to destroy the chainring when a bolt is missing. I search for the bolt. No luck.
Call my wife. No answer.
Call my buddy Justin. Answer. Explain. He'll meet me at bottom of the trail. He gives me a ride home.
Call power meter dealer I purchased the bolt from. They're closing early.
Call John at Velofix. He'll be in the neighborhood. Stops by and fixes it within 2 hours.
I'd say my network is freakin' awesome.
It's something to think about, right?
Is my network at work top notch?
Am I cognizant of my kids' (when they were at home) network?
Is my social network uplifting?
etc...
How good are my networks? is worth asking, so is how much value do I bring to my network?
As I write this a massive earthquake, 7.1, hits Ridgecrest CA and rocks us hard in San Clemente.
I hope my network is okay.
I wonder if our 72 hour prep is in place? Food, yes. Water, I'm not so sure.
Maybe that's what was meant when He said, Love they neighbor as thyself.
_____
164.6
10/30
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