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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
===
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
>
THE MOST FRIENDLY RACE I'VE EVER DONE
Jul 03, 2019
by TODD BROWN
AS A PROMOTER I GET A LOT OF FEEDBACK... it's expected, it's the things I don't see and probably don't appreciate. The result: we get a little better every year.
Yesterday's unOFFICIAL TMWC was my favorite to date. It wasn't my fastest day. It wasn't the biggest turnout. But...
We had the results in real-time.
We had plenty of interlopers, the folks who show up once a year and really blow it out... dragging our posse to new PRs.
We had donuts!
We had PVidmar, one of the OGs, back after 3 years down under.
We had our first timed KOM from the bike trail to the top of Live Oak.
We had our largest turn out of ladies.
We had an abundance of happy people.
We had a rider take an early flyer that would probably have stuck had he known the course... doh!
We had guys from Utah and Arizona in town just because... and a cat from New Zealand!
We had great sponsors: TwoHubs, Stage21, Sariol Legal, Monster Energy, Sejuicedbar and PEDALindustries.
We had on bike video and a drone - check 'em below... they're awesome!
We had the best volunteers ever: Susie, Shelby and Dawn.
We crowned John Janneck unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Champion of 2019!
But for me it was extra special because I got a chance to ride with my son Trevor from the Wall to the Dragstrip. We reminisced about his first TMWC 10 years ago, when he was in high school... and all the fun racing he did while in college. Honestly, there was nothing better than being with my best riding buddy on my favorite course on an absolutely beautiful morning surrounded by my posse. He's moving out of state in August, and I'll miss him... but every Tuesday when we hit the final miles I'll think back on this day and smile.
As the day wound down, nice messages came in thanking me for putting on another unOFFICIAL, but I think Jorge's text summed it up best:
The most friendly race I've ever done.
#itsjustasocialride
unOFFICIAL TMWC TOMORROW - 7/2
Jul 01, 2019
by TODD BROWN
FRIENDS... tomorrow is the annual unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships.
3 things you need to know for tomorrow:
1. You need a timing chip, so get to the start early. We'll be ready for you by 6:10am. We start at the park off of Antonio and Oaktree. Parking is limited. If you're driving, there's plenty of parking at the church on Oso and Antonio.
2. We have a KOM from the start of El Toro Bike Trail to the top of Live Oak. This will be chip timed, which means the fastest person on that segment wins - not necessarily the first person over the top... why?, because we want to keep things together as much as possible until we hit the bike trail. There's $50 to the top male and female riders sponsored by our friends at Sariol Legal.
3. We have a code, and EVERYBODY is expected to abide by it:
Have fun.
Obey the law.
Make new friends.
A few things you'll want to remember:
1. We always start on time!
2. After you cross the line, quickly and safely get to the other side of the road so traffic can get through.
3. Awards will be back at the park. (gifts from 2Hubs, Monster Energy and Sejuiced)... you must be present to win the cash for the lottery.
Still reading? I'm impressed... I'm truly impressed by you. You make a difference in my life, and in the lives of the rest of the crew. Without you our lives wouldn't be the same. I'm looking forward to seeing y'all tomorrow.
PS yes, you can still sign up:
https://replaytiming.com/register/2019-tmwc/
GRUELING?
Jun 29, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IS IT FAIR TO CALL TODAY'S MTB RIDE GRUELING? It was 97 miles. Nearly 10,000 feet of climbing. Just over 7 hours. Strava called it an Historic Effort... which began at 440am.
But is it grueling if we choose to do it? Nobody forced me. Quite the opposite, I was invited. And I leapt at the chance to ride with my kindred soul from AZ, Markell, on the old Blackstar Racing Leadville training ride.
We live to find out what we've got physically. How far can we push? Just what exactly What is in the tank? is more important than what's left... because when we do it right, nothing is left.
But, there's something else. There's this thing where we tell ourselves I'm going to do X, X being something crazy, and our bodies usually perform to expectation. Could be a spritely 90 minute circuit with a pack of animals or an unfathomable endurance metric. Most of the time, the body is game to play.
Right up to the end, I felt great today.
Sure, there were moments of severe distress but I backed it down a bit and the power came right back.
Then, I got home.
Dismounted.
Truly struggled to open the front door.
Nearly collapsed on the floor.
Covered in sweat. Panting. In desperate need of something, but failing to form the commands to myself necessary to regain my bearings.
I made my way to the kitchen. Grabbed blender. Poured in fruit, protein, water. Stabbed at the Smoothie setting.
Drank it.
The cold. The sugar. The feeling of coming back to life.
Made another.
Chased it with 44oz of ice water.
Showered.
Napped.
Groggily blogged.
Was it grueling or satisfying?
_____
Bonus surprise, Markell's OG brother Mike joined us for the most savory portion from Whiting Ranch to the top of Harding. He is an out of shape legend, who's ridden scant miles this year... and still clobbered me on Harding.
_____
164.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO SAY IT?
Jun 26, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE CULTURE OF OUR RIDE:
Have fun.
Obey the law.
Make new friends.
While the ride itself is an eyeball-gouging, hair-pulling affair... it's all in jest, an effort to push and applaud each other.
But, what happens when someone breaks one of the the pillars of our culture? Once, or every now and then... hey, we all mistakes. I'm taking about a consistent offender.
We can say, do nothing.
But, at what cost?
The cost of saying, doing nothing is losing the culture of the ride. Lose the culture, lose the ride. The cost of saying something is an unknown... so remember, a spoonful of sugar hopes the medicine go down.
What are you going to do?
It's your ride...
or team,
or family,
or business,
or community,
or _______
_____
166
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
WE BELIEVE
Jun 24, 2019
by TODD BROWN
We believe racing is the best way to find out how good we are.
The goal is not to win, but to develop a system that brings out our best on and off the bike.
Success is in the friendships with whom we share this glorious ride.
_____
166.4
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
BEAST BEATS
Jun 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND CHRIS BEATS ME MOST OF THE TIME. Beats me on training rides. Beats me at the races. But, what I really like is the way he beats me.
He goes beast.
Like today. . (actually yesterday, no service at resort)
Gun goes, he goes… and I’m thinking… will the beast make it to the finish?, because every now and then he blows and I catch and pass him.
Off he goes with the lead pack… which included Tinker Juarez.
Through the dust I could see ‘em, but they were getting smaller and smaller.
I wasn’t dogging it… Strava shows I PR’d the opening climb. (yeah Todd)
After a very fast descent, I was a handful of seconds behind. The next long climb, I had to settle in… we still had 3 and a half hours of racing ahead of us and there was no way for me to continue that pace.
Fast forward to the second 24-mile loop. It’s hot. We’re at 9000’. Not a cloud in the sky. I’m in my groove and I’m thinking Chris will be suffering. I’m gonna roll up on him. The beast will blow.
Riders from the shorter events appear on the trail ahead of me. So many black jerseys – just like Chris’s. I keep thinking there he is and uncorking short efforts. But, it’s never him.
Trail starts to run out. The long 10-minute enduro course to the bottom is peppered with riders in black. I blow by.
Then I finish.
There he is.
The remnants of beast slowly receding,
Dust filled lungs hack out Todd, got a Coke in van?
Yep.
... and I think to myself beast and beats, same letters different order... if only I could've summoned my beast maybe we'd have finished in a different order? Someday he'll have to teach that to go beast, maybe over a Coke.
_____
164.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
IT'S JUST A BIG FAT LIE
Jun 20, 2019
by TODD BROWN
AS I SLOWLY BEND MY BODY AND TOUCH MY NOSE TO MY LEG, I realize what a big fat lie is told. And then, believed!
You can't get better after a certain age is just a steaming load of...
But, people believe it.
And give up.
Don't.
That's all I can tell you... wait, I can tell you more.
After 3 months of stretching every night, I'm more limber than I have ever been in my entire life.
That's just one example of many, from my own personal experiences.
Are there things I can't do that I could? For sure. But, letting that be my guide for what is possible is a huge mistake... one that I will no longer make.
Instead, I grind. I work. I practice. I improve. Every. Single. Day.
How 'bout you?
_____
164.6
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
https://www.pedalindustries.com/pages/fantasy-raceday-bag-giveaway
RUMOR HAS IT
Jun 18, 2019
by TODD BROWN
SOME IDEAS DON'T WORK. Like my idea to make The unOFFICIAL TMWC Invite Only. What a FAIL!
It wasn't to exclude anybody, but to make sure the crew got a personal invite before it sold out.
My thinking was it would sell out super fast.
It didn't.
And... a bunch of people think they aren't invited. The opposite of what I'd hoped.
Ay carumba!
Registration is now open to ALL, no invite needed.
Here's the link: https://replaytiming.com/register/2019-tmwc/
So fellas... pass the word along por favor... or Toddy's gonna take this one in the chorts.
IT'S A MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR
Jun 18, 2019
by TODD BROWN
YES, YES, YES... it's that time of the year. No matter what, there's no way to skip rides now. The season is on us. The big events just around the corner. Now is when PRs are set, podiums are climbed and the victory we are after makes us do things we wouldn't do 6 months ago.
If it's raining, we're going any way.
If we're busy, we're going early.
If it's hot, we deal with it.
If everybody bails on us, we don't care.
Because we know the competition, be it ourselves or our mortal enemy (so dramatic, I know, but for some that's how it is), might skip it... and just knowing we got it done...
GIVES. US. SO. MUCH. POWER!
... and confidence and fire...
Today, is when our minds get so much stronger. Sure the body will be a little better from the workout, but the mind... oh, the mind... that's what counts today.
I don't mind, if you skip it... if it's too hard... too early... too time consuming... it's okay. You rest up.
I'll be riding.
LEADVILLE TRAINING: THE CRAZY TRAIN
Jun 15, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S A KINDA PACE WHEN YOU RACE LEADVILLE THAT YOU'VE GOT TO FEEL, because your heart and brain are going to lie to you. It takes more than a few outings to feel it, but when you do... hot damn!
To me it feels like I'm a tank or a loaded semi or a bulldozer or an outta control train... yes a crazy train!
Un. Flipping. Stoppable.
It doesn't happen on the road, because road racing is much more about 1-5 minutes of pain. It doesn't happen in XC because that's about holding your breath until you heart explodes. Not gravel because... is that racing? : )
Only at a truly long mountain bike race do I have to become that crazy train. The training for it goes like this: Figure out that pace I can hold for hours and hours. Then train it every Saturday. That's it.
If I listen to my heart in August, I could completely blow it on the first climb by going out way too fast. I'll be so fresh and antsy. If I listen to my brain on Powerline I might just pull over and quit. At Leadville your heart and your brain are your enemy.
Your friend is that feeling of unstoppable. Let the kids go hard early, laugh at them when they pull over and puke or quit or cry 6 hours later.
So, when my assignment today was to hammer Harding this morning, I decided to hammer it at Leadville pace. I wasn't super stoked on my time, 1:10. It was a minute slower than a few weeks back. But... here's the kicker. I took a full 5 minutes off last week's time up Maple Springs, 1 hour flat.. which came after Harding. Then, I proceeded to keep putting out solid power for the entire 6 hour ride.
62 miles, 10,000' of elevation gain.
Nothing wrong with that.
Every week I'm laying that track, stoking that fire. The big choo-choo is coming together. Soon it'll be...
ALL ABOARD!
_____
164.2
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
YEAH BUT YOU'RE NOT
Jun 14, 2019
by TODD BROWN
EVER HAD THIS HAPPEN?
Me: Hey, I saw So-n-so is doing X. I'm going to do it.
Them: Yeah, but you're not So-n-so.
Me in my head: Damn right!
Naysayers... what are ya gonna do? Listen to 'em? Agree with 'em? Let 'em bring ya down?
Not me.
The real question is, should they even be part of our future? It could mean death by a thousand cuts.
Which brings me to that pic above. I plowed down a local single track . It's overgrown with thistle bushes. I persisted and pushed until it became impossible, impassable.
It was a long ways.
I should have turned back sooner.
But, I hoped it would get better.
Ever hear of old man power? That's where young guys quit and old guys ride on after riding the youngsters into the ground. It's not really an age thing, it's an experience thing. Like me in the thistles. I rode on. Way too far. Because I have old man power.
Is it really for old men?
No.
Old men can do it because they have experience. Kids don't. Old men know there's life after pain. There's strength. There's confidence. That pain, makes power.
Which brings me back to the naysayers... the moment you realize they are mental thistles and there's no getting through, turn around... never go back down that trail.
Only a fool would do that.
_____
165.4
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
MY MONEY TALKS
Jun 13, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I TRULY COMMIT TO SOMETHING, I put it on paper. I write about it every morning. Then I post it where I can see it.
Advertising works.
I advertise to my mind. Brainwash myself. Remind myself.
It's the only way I can get it done, stay the course... keep from freaking out when it actually starts to happen... hope turns to expectation.
So, I made myself a custom RaceDay Wallet. Because I'm committed to busting a PR at Leadville this year.
Want one for yourself? Click here.
_____
166.4
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
THE BEST
Jun 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE BEST WORKOUT I DID TODAY? The pullups and pushups... because I hate doing pullups and pushups. But doing them...
... when I don't want to makes me stronger, mentally.
... to failure makes me stronger, physically.
The best food I ate last night? It was not eating the 2nd cookie, skipping the ice cream and still thoroughly enjoying dessert with my family... because I hate skipping the social sweets. But skipping them...
... when I want to indulge makes me stronger, mentally.
... and that second and third round I skipped makes me strong, physically.
Riding the bike is easy.
Being my best requires more than pedaling.
166.2
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
OMG I'M NOT RDY
Jun 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IF TODAY IS ANY INDICATION OF MY READINESS FOR LEADVILLE... we in big trouble mister.
Let me count the ways:
1. My sleep patterns have been stinky. Stenchy actually. Like a child I've been binge watching a ridiculous show every night this week... staying up late only to rise with the birds every day at 530. That aint gonna cut it bro. Sleep = speed.
2. My pacing, ugh. Rookie at best. We had 4 major climbs today. I set PRs on the first. Dangled off the back on the second. The third... I was pedaling squares while vultures circled.
3. My food. Well, I wasn't hungry. But dawgawn if that VMO didn't cramp so hard I nearly fell off my rig. The climbs were large, the sun was burning. I knew this yesterday... no salt tabs?... c'mon man get, it, togetha!
Was there anything good? Only a fool doesn't find the goodness to go with the badness.
1. I rode with a Camelbak for the first time in years. And, it was great! So easy to sip while the terrain is rough. And... and!... I parceled it out perfectly.
2. The new Maxxis Ikons: rad. Great traction, super cornering.
3. My spider-sense-MTB-oneness is coming back. Yep, faster downhill every ride.
4... that 4th climb. Only Chris and I did it. It was after I cramped. After Charlie threw me 2 Salt Stick tabs. And I felt great. There's a lot of confidence to gain by continuing to ride and work through the challenges.
Leadville will present a lot of problems. I found 3 today. Easy to address.
I got 8 weeks to find 'em all.
Start to Finish
THIS AWESOME APP
Jun 07, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S THIS REALLY COOL APP ON MY CELL. It's almost as good as a ride with the posse.
It's limited to audio, but it rocks.
Just like when we ride, we can talk. Actually converse and share stories. Learn from each other. Get inspired. Or, just listen when listening is what's needed.
Better than iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger, and way better than email.
The icon is a green square with a tilted C thingy... it's great for the times we can't ride together, I'm trying to use it a lot more.
163.4
11/33
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WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE BIKE?
Jun 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEN SOMEONE ASKS WHAT'S MY FAVORITE BIKE, it's on the heels of do you ride street or dirt. Yes, of course, before they get to that question I gently correct them and say You mean road or mountain?
My answer?
The short one... always the same.
The bike I'm riding.
My long answer?
It's still the bike I'm riding, but then I'll go deeper. The last couple of years it's been much more about the road. My oldest got into road riding and brought me along. He's out now. I'm still very in... until lately.
Looking for a new challenge, I decided to take another run at Leadville - the 100 mile bike race at over 10,000' in Colorado. I just had to get a new bike. Oh man, the new MTBs are amazing: faster, lighter, better suspension, better shifting, better, better, better.
I'd forgotten how much better mountain biking is compared to road riding. The solitude. The oneness with nature. The lack of cars and congestion and noise. The long, long climbs. The feeling of flying once the bike is pointed downhill.
Yep, mountain biking is my favorite... unless I'm on my road bike, or my gravel bike, or my unicycle, or my motorcycle.
So... what's your favorite bike?
164.4
10/30
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FEELING IT
Jun 05, 2019
by TODD BROWN
UGH... IT'S SO DANG EARLY.
I'm staying here.
Under the covers.
It's too cold.
I'm too tired.
I've ridden a lot already this week.
I should have left earlier.
I don't have time to do it all.
I forgot to get my gear ready last night.
Get your sorry butt outta bed.
Right now.
You can rest after the race.
Then you'll...
Feel fast and ride fast
on race day.
... how most mornings start for me. How 'bout you?
_____
165.4
10/30
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TRAIN WITH RACE WITH
Jun 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
FIVE US HEADED UP TO THE RACES SATURDAY. We train together most Tuesday mornings. All of us managed to climb atop the podium.
Which got me thinking...
We're all on different teams.
We're friends.
Are we weird?
Or, have we figured out some sort of secret sauce?
And what came first?
Do we race together because we train together or do we train together because we race together?
Join us sometime or every time... together we're better... thetmwc.com
_____
166.4
20/60
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THE BEST TUESDAY OF THE YEAR
Jun 03, 2019
by TODD BROWN
4 MORE WEEKS TO THE BEST TUESDAY OF THE YEAR
You can register here https://replaytiming.com/register/2019-tmwc/
New for 2019
- We'll have a KOM from the Start of the El Toro Bike Trail to the Top of Live Oak. We'll time you based on the Winner's Time and based on your Chip Time.
- Everybody gets a T-Shirt! If you register by June 10th.
- The first 10 U23 Registrants are free!!
-
The Lottery. You don't have to be fast or slow, you could win The $500 Lottery, or invite someone who wins The Lottery. If you invite The Lottery Winner, you'll be splitting the pot with them. But it doesn't end there...if you are within 5 generation of invites, you'll be sharing the pot.* For example, if I invite Tim, who invites Lori, who invites Pete, who invites Kim, who invites Cheyne, and Cheyne wins The Lottery...we ALL share in the pot.*
*Note: if multiple people invite the same person, the person the Invitee enters will get the credit.
Any questions can be directed to todd@pedalindustries.com.
We look forward to seeing you!
The PEDAL Industries Team
YOU CAN HIDE BUT YOU CAN'T RUN
May 27, 2019
by TODD BROWN
SOME OF MY PREDICTIONS COME TRUE, they just take a while. Like today's winning break. The actual break was hoped for, the makeup of the break was predicted.
Post race, I got a chance to chat with Chris.
I've raced with Chris a number of times the last few years. As I'd been away from the road scene, he and many other new faces filled the ranks. Today was the first time I really got a chance to hear his story.
First, let me describe his race style. He attacks, gets brought back, and attacks, gets brought back, rides on the front, attacks, rides on front. He's relentless. And I love it. He keeps the pace up, and keeps everybody honest. Some might call it fool hardy, but from time to time it works and he scores the big V.
And, that's how it went down today. On his 200th attack, Jon and I shot across. The three of us then got a smooth rotation going and opened up a really nice gap on the field. Chris, so far, has no interest in the sprint. He works hard and makes the break stick.
Jon taught me a lesson in patience. I had visions of soloing in for the V. Then, I had just a vision of his back wheel. Doh!
Chris snagged 3rd and moved up on the overall as well.
Cooling down, we spun around the alternate course and here's what I learned.
Chris used to be a runner. Not a jogger. A certified badass runner. Sub-15 min 5k, 31 min 10k. Now he's been racing bikes for a handful of years.
10ish years ago I predicted the masters racing ranks would start to swell with ex-runners and triathletes. Eventually, they would have to quit and move to riding and racing bikes.
That hasn't exactly been born out.
I suspect part of the reason is the vicious nature of bike racing, particularly the road. A lot of athletes can't wrap the mind around the tactics of the road. The drafting. The sitting in. The decisive nature of one well-timed attack. The runners that move to MTB racing fare better, usually.
That's what's cool about Chris. He has succeeded in spite of his nature being to work hard all the time. This year he won at least one road race using that tactic, and many podiums.
If he ever figures out how to hide... I hope we can run him down.
_____
164.4
0/0
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WHAT THE CALENDAR DON'T KNOW WON'T HURT IT
May 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
9 DAYS OUT, and I'm fairly pooped.
Calendar says I be racing in 9 days.
Calendar doesn't know I'm gonna sneak in a race on Monday too.
What will that form be then... -1,000,000?
_____
164.4
30/90
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R IS FOR REGISTRATION
May 20, 2019
by TODD BROWN
REGISTRATION. The moment of truth. Before you register the race is just an idea, an I might do. Which means it's nothing. It also means if you're talking about it, it's just talk. Some might even call it BS.
I know this first hand.
This year I had planned to do the Whiskey50. But, and you might think this is weird, the closer the event got the less sure me going seemed to be. Right up until the week of the race, when I went to register and it was sold out.
Yep, I was that guy. A big, fat loser.
You can't win if you're not there. You can't PR if you're not there. If you aren't in the race, you're out... you're that guy, too!
Conversely, also on my radar was the Santa Barbara Road Race. I signed up 2 months in advance. In this case, the closer the event got the better I got. My diet was stricter. My training was better. It all fell into place and I had a great weekend of racing.
When you register magic happens. The sooner you register the sooner it starts. Your focus changes. It's easier to say no to distractions and yes to what moves you closer to your goal.
To make your registration more powerful, share it with the world. Post it on social media. In 2016, I blogged every week about a 200 mile bike race called LoToJa and how I was prepping for it. Trust me, when you put it out there it is like having a super power. It takes that initial registration and multiplies the goodness by a million.
But, the real pros... the ones who really know how to harness their ambitions, build a posse. My posse is my group of friends who I train with. Not all of the posse race the same races, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that the posse knows my plans, and I know theirs. The posse becomes like a board of directors. We share ideas and secrets. We plan rides to do. It's a whole other level of accountability and motivation and fun!
Yes, fun! In the end, the registration and the sharing and the posse are meant to bring a whole lot more fun to the racing. The racing is hard. It takes everything we've got. Keeping it fun carries us through the challenges and disappointments bound to come our way.
If we weren't challenging ourselves, if we weren't going for it, there wouldn't be any disappointment and there wouldn't be any growth. We'd be static at best, most likely going backwards in terms our physical abilities.
That is what Registration is all about. Finding out what we're made of and how far we can go.
What are you registered for?
INTRO - THE RACER'S Life
May 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I'M NOT A GIFTED ATHLETE, AND YOU PROBABLY AREN'T EITHER. Few are. The rest of us compete knowing our weaknesses, and sometimes we win. We beat the blessed, we pummel our PRs... because we have to, it’s who we are.
We are racers.
We are passionate.
We are determined to improve.
The RACER’s Life is the approach I have used to win 2 National Championships, finish Leadville sub-9 on all 5 attempts, and rest my head at the end of the day battered, beaten and satisfied that there was nothing left to give.
What more can we ask of ourselves than everything?
_____
165.6
0/0
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MOUNTAIN BIKING FOR DUMMIES
May 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
DON'T TRY THIS ON THE ROAD.
It's for off-road riding.
When you're solo.
And wanna learn.
Podcasts.
Expand your mind.
_____
166.4
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
CARETAKERS AND THE UNDERTAKER
May 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
5 YEARS AGO I STARTED GROOVING THIS LITTLE TRAIL. Riding it over and over, to get from one side of the road, under a bridge. Might not a been the first to ride it, just the first to name it on Strava.
The Undertaker.
Time flies.
People care.
Shazam!
The Undertaker is now a legit trail. It's wide, with berms and bridges. A super groovy way to get from there to here.
Here is rad. A whole new trail system has been developed. Lots of options: easy rollers, gnarly doubles.
Long live the caretakers, may they never meet the undertaker.
_____
164.6
30/90
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BOTTLE THE FURY
May 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
View DetailsSOME DAYS WE TOTALLY BLOW IT. For instance, today I thought first place was long gone and I thought I had second sewn up.
I finished third.
It’s such a potent pot of emotion. It should be stirred and savored.
Yesterday I’d have been thrilled to be on the podium, within two minutes of JJ and right behind Ty.
Today I’m ticked.
JJ was out of sight on the first long climb. So, I gave up on him.
Ty and I battled all race long and he sat on my wheel the last two miles. I didn’t care because I have so much confidence in my sprint. I hit it hard into the left hander and had it lined up with 40 yards to go... then pulled so hard my cleat released from my pedal and Ty pedaled right on by beating me by .1 seconds.
Had we known JJ was so close we might have gone harder the last few miles vs waiting to sprint.
I could cry Wo is me, but I’d rather take this angst and put it to use for next race:
-I’m digging the borrowed pedals. I need to buy my own pair and set the release point harder. I knew this was an issue in testing and should have listened to my spider-sense.
-I need to remember mountain bike racing is really just a long tine trial and it’s critical to stay focused on going all out till the end because people do fade and they do have mechanicals.
It’s critical to review what went well too:
I’m getting more and more in touch with the bike. I PRd a bunch of downhill sections as well as setting top 5 times among all racers.
My pre-race food and rituals are spot on.
My taper into the race was great. I felt strong from the start on... there is nothing like the start of an MTB race, nothing comes close to the all out effort to get to the single track first.
I know I’ll go faster as I get more time on the new bike and when I put the race wheels on her (her name is Sparky).
My daily push-ups and pull-ups and core work paid off as my upper body felt great the whole time.
Could it have ended better... maybe, maybe not... the results show how it should have ended.
End of story.
Stopped by the Trabuco General Store for one of my go to post ride snacks.
Hmmmmmmm
_____
163.6
0/0
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2 RIDES 2DAY
Apr 27, 2019
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND KEN BOUGHT THE FASTEST BIKE I'VE EVEN OWNED FROM ME ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO. I sold it because I needed the cash. He bought it because... well, maybe just to help me out... but he said he wanted to get in shape.
I promised to ride with him.
Which I never did until today.
There are a million reasons why...none of them good.
Life is busy... yes, and that's the lamest reason.
It was good to see him. He lives about 45 minutes away. We met at Santiago Oaks.
The ride was very short - 4 miles, 30 minutes. But, it was fun. It's always fun to catch up with a friend.
It was a short ride because he hadn't ridden for 18 months. Can ya believe that? He hasn't ridden the fastest bike I ever owned?
Having a little more in my tank, I decided to head over to the place that bike of Ken's had proved to be so fast.
Harding Truck Trail is a 9 mile, 3000' climb up a rocky fire road. It's a great place to train for Leadville. It's where I come to check my fitness. Where was I today?
I was way behind where I was 5 years ago. Specifically, 10 minutes behind the PR I set on 2/22/14 at the annual Harding TT. Ouch! Was I all out racing? No. But I wasn't dogging it either. Was I as light as possible? No. But I do weight about 7 lbs less, and I am in great shape... however, carrying 2 full bottles and riding heavy training wheels and knowing I was going to ride a lot more isn't ideal. Was the temp perfect? No, it was hottish.
Ideal or not, I have a long way to go to get ready for Leadville. This may be my biggest challenge in years... changing my riding from explosive road racing to endurance mountain biking.
The positive side?... was anything positive?... well yeah! The new bike is very fast downhill, and my skills don't seem to have diminished too much... that is only going to improve in the coming months.
Going fast at Leadville this year... heck qualifying at Tahoe... is going to take a high level of dedication.
I'm down for that.
_____
164.6
0/0
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IF IT WAS EASY
Apr 25, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I DUMPED A LOAD OF GEARS, STOMPED ON THE PEDALS, CHAIN SKIPPED, KNEE SMASHED INTO STEM. As the blood filled the deep impression just to the side of my kneecap, it occurred to me:
This is hard...
and I love it!
That's the difference between us and them.
If it's easy, we pass.
If anybody can do it, we skip it.
We're down for the hard stuff, the demanding stuff and the stuff that scares the crap out of us:
Shooting gaps while sprinting at 38mph
Launching off 4' drops into a rut-lined trail
Committing to 200 mile races
Posting our weight vs goal weight
Lining up with A's knowing a pistol whipping will ensue
These are the things we do...
We aren't into easy...
We're into growing, challenging, learning... we know that hard things make us better.
_____
163.6
20/60
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CRACKING THE CODE
Apr 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I'M NOT SURE HOW MANY TIMES I'VE WATCHED ROBERT LANGDON CRACK THE DA VINCI CODE, but I do know this: last night when I started to watch it I realized how much more we see and hear the 2nd and 3rd and 4th... times through. It's true of anything, really.
The more we race, the more we see opportunities and hear weaknesses.
The more we train, the more we learn about ourselves.
Do more.
See more.
Hear more.
More really is better.
_____
164.4
0/0
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FREE CHEYNE PARROTT
Apr 22, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I GET THE IDEA BEHIND CAT 5: Make people do 10 races with other novices before they move up. But... in some cases it's just plain silly.
Take my buddy Cheyne.
He has won nearly every single race he's entered, including overall at last year's unOFFICIAL TMWC. Most of the time he's riding alone off the front. Saturday he went off the front, got a mechanical, chased back on and back off the front for an easy solo victory.
So much for the let him learn how to ride in a pack first idea. It's not much fun for him nor the rest of the 5s.
Surely there must be a better way? Do we have a thoughtful official witnessing these guys and gals that can take a look and say Yeah, you're ready, move on up?
I can see where there could be gray areas that officials want to avoid. I don't know what the bar would be, but winning every race you enter by a lot can't be too hard to distinguish.
Racers like Cheyne have often been riding in a group for a couple of years anyway and someone finally got them to do a "real race".
Let's get them on their way to bigger challenges.
OUR POSSE CRUSHED THE DAY.
Apr 20, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE TMWC RIDERS PEPPERED THE PODIUMS TODAY. Cheynne won. Emilio won. Charlie finished 2nd, so did I. Paul and Mike snagged a 4th. Kevin, George and Lori climbed to 5th place finishes. And, those are the ones I know of.
I’m so happy for our crew. I know how hard everybody works. We ride for various teams, but we all cheer each other on because we see the work that’s put in week after week.
Personally, I put a demon to bed today. The past four attempts have finished with the pedal of shame… head hanging low, eyes down, body destroyed. This year was the finishing touches of a dedicated effort… mainly losing the weight and committing to my strength and core regimen.
Yes, it is worth it. It’s worth it to know what you’re capable of.
My Garmin said I hit 192 bpm on the final climb, something I haven’t seen for years.
When I looked down and saw I was in zone 6 (didn’t even know that was possible) I had just passed Emilio with about a mile to go. I didn’t want to go around him, but once the old diesel is revving I gotta keep chugging. He countered me and Fenton was closing fast. I had to make a choice, chase Emilio and risk blowing up or let Greg catch and bank on out sprinting him. Now, rested I see it differently… but I shouldn’t. Greg came through and he could see Mike Frias was starting to close on us. He wanted me to help so we could stay away, but again I was sure my sprint would take me home to 2nd.
It was no time to get greedy chasing Emilio. I had finally made the last climb with the leaders vs off the back. It was time to secure the podium.
I’m so grateful for my health, the ability to have a great bike, and so many friends inspiring each other to search for the best.
12 WEEKS UNTIL THE unOFFICIAL TMWC - 7/9/19
Apr 16, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR YOU… are you going to PR the course or a segment of this year’s unOFFICIAL TMWC?
Are you going to take the next 12 weeks to plan out your assault?
Who’s wheel(s) will you be on?
How much will you weigh?
But the real question is, Will you be within 6 degrees of separation of the winners?
This year is invite only.
- You’ll get an invite from a friend with their Order Number.
- You will register and enter their Order Number.
- You’ll get a confirmation email with your Order Number.
- You can then invite up to 6 people and have them enter your Order Number.
We’ll have all the usual categories and trophies…
PLUS, if you are within 6 degrees of separation from the Men’s or Women’s Overall Winner or the unOFFICIAL Lottery Winner (or all 3), then you’ll be splitting the cash and/or prizes with them.
You're automatically entered in the lottery when you sign up.
You’ll also get: chip timing, a sweet t-shirt and fed some yumminess.
Will you be within 6 degrees of separation?
There are only 110 slots available.
THAT FINE LINE
Apr 13, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I'M RIDING THAT FINE LINE. Prepping for the last road race of the year and looking further out to the endurance MTB races. They are nothing in the course of life, but they aren't nothing.
They are goals that keep me motivated. They demand me to remember I'm an athlete. Only my best will do.
The road race, San Luis Rey, is a tough code to crack.
The old course was much better for me because after the hideous climb was a harrowing descent which allowed me to catch back on and recover for the fast, slight downhill finish.
The new course, so far, has had my number. I have yet to cross the line with leaders. Each year I have cracked. Exploded. Detonated. Evaporated... limping shamefully to the finish while my pals are celebrating and smiling. This year may be the same.
The final climb is just a tad too long, a touch too steep, a lot too fast for T.O.D.
But, TBH, this is the finest I've been in the last 4 years of attempts. 5 or 6 pounds lighter, on a bike I love. Today's final hard ride felt just dandy. I almost let myself dream of a fast finish...
... but, I couldn't. Didn't dare. Too risky. Might let my guard down...
So, rather than call it quits after smoking a 54 minute segment I opted for the long way home.
Maybe too long.
But, that's the fine line.
The longer route let me settle in and ride the pace I'll be needing at Whisky 50, Marathon Nats, Tahoe 100... which will all lead up to Leadville.
Did I need to do it?
Not even.
I just wanted to.
I felt good.
Kept my effort in check and enjoyed the prettiest day of the year.
It's a fine line that over training. But, if it feels good it's probs okay.
_____
164.4
0/0
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ARE YOU RIDING LIKE THIS?
Apr 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I'M AT HIDDEN HOUSE COFFEE. San Juan Capistrano. CA. I live nearby. Sometimes I wonder if I'm really living. Is it living if I have anxt bubbling just below my bubbly exterior?
I'm not sure.
I am sure this is a new Friday tradition.
Get up.
Review my goals.
Ride over here.
Reflect.
Listen to the doves. Watch the people. Feel the air.
Today is an exceptional day. Sunny and 60s.
There are others here.
Some writing.
Others reading.
Some locals.
Many passing through.
Maybe I'll come every Friday at 8. Just to see who's who.
Maybe this is the start of a new path? It so hard to change directions. Life's inertia is strong. More years make it like cement. Drying. Curing into place.
This place.
This hidden coffee house could serve as a starting point for a new adventure. A change of environment. Not greener pastures. Different pastures. Who knows what might be hidden here? In this little slice of town. I might write a new story for TWB.
Maybe I should spend this sacred time listing the wonderful things that happened this week? The things I'm grateful for? That's the popular thing to do.
So I won't.
I'll write.
See what surfaces. Mull it over. Swill it around. Enjoy my thoughts.
Thoughts.
Surroundings.
Me.
Silence.
Who am I not to glory in the morning sun's rays?
Lighting the table.
Warming the trees.
Blooming our minds.
I will not miss another ride like this.
Toss the phone, the digital world.
Go analog, remain physical.
... time to pedal.
Never settle.
WANTED
Apr 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WE NEED A GRAPHIC DESIGNER.
If you are...
Ambitious.
Creative.
Inspiring.
Optimistic.
Fun to be around.
... and good with Illustrator.
fill this out ---> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project
SHARING
Apr 10, 2019
by Buddha Apps Collaborator
EVERY MONTH OR SO I GET A MESSAGE FROM A FRIEND. Sometimes, after a scary health issue... sometimes to avoid one.
I wish I got them every week.
That all my pals were as healthy as possible.
So, here's to sharing on the interwebs all the rides we do and plan to do!
Maybe we'll get even more peeps joining
In the fun.
On bikes.
Smiling
Today.
MORE THAN BIKES
Apr 09, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE TEAM HAD SOME GREAT WINS OVER THE WEEKEND... and it wasn't just bikes.
Jasmine crushed the Oceanside Half-Ironman, and qualified for the World Championships in France. It had been years since she'd suited up for real.
Steven won first place with his insane car and will be one of the featured Young Builders at SEMA this year in Las Vegas.
These two are two of my favorite reasons to come to work. Every day they bring their best. It shows here at PEDAL Industries and in everything they do.
_____
165
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
PLANNING FOR THE BEST AND THE WORST.
Apr 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO PLAN FOR THE BEST PART OF A RACE. I plan for the bad parts too. It's easy to plan for the fun single track or the wide fast finishing straight. Planning for the worst is critical to success.
For Leadville, I know I'm going to be pushing my bike on foot uphill for about a mile. Starting right now, I've got to get my shoes sorted out and I've got to start pushing my bike up steep sections. Being able to ride steep terrain when I'm fresh, at sea level, is totally different than 47 miles (the first push) and 80 (the second push) into a 104 mile event at 12,500'.
Ignoring those realities, failing to prep for them, is spirit crushing. Nobody wants that.
What else can go wrong?
The weather. At 12,000' anything can happen... even in August: rain, hail, snow, freezing temps... I've seen 'em all.
Flat tires. Tire technology has evolved to incredible reliability. But, people get flats. And, because they are so rare most of us are terrible at quick repairs. I'm going to start using and testing plugs as my first defense... to make sure I can do it quickly.
Nutrition. Just as important as figuring out what will work on race day is knowing where your nutrition is going to be. Often that means going over in detail how the support crew is going to get from place to place, where they'll be, what they'll wear... how the heck you'll find them and they'll see you.
Other mechanical problems. Number one, get the entire bike run through by the best mechanic possible... weeks before the event. Two, get proficient at the basics.
Clothing. The clothing has got to be tested months prior and new clothing ideally ready to go 2 weeks out... in other words, not worn out pads and shabby fitting. Be prepared to layer it. At Leadville I typically roll with arm warmers and a vest and a beanie... possibly more. Bring it all.
The unforeseen. It's out there, it's coming for us. Be prepared to react calmy and not freak out. 5 years ago, my last and 5th time, my chain jammed in between the small cog and the frame. 1000's of us were a whole 3 miles into the race and speeding downhill on pavement. My hard fought starting position was being erased. It was so tempting to first pedal harder and permanently jam it in there or ruin the chain. It was tempting to whine and moan as hundreds sailed on by me. I pulled over, slammed on the brakes, quickly freed it up and got after it.
All the prep for the worst makes the best so much better...
the summiting and plummeting!
(that pic above is my Surfergirl given me the handup at Leadville 2014)
_____
163.
20/60
Ride with us: click for info.
20/60
Apr 01, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TWO DAYS AFTER BEING RUN INTO THE FINISHING BARRIER AT SAN DIMAS, going 25mph, the deep bruising is starting to surface on the arm that took the punishment.
It could have been a lot worse.
Dude, came over on me and closed the door even though he knew I was there. It happened so fast, that it went to slow motion... that kinda thing. I leaned my tires away from the base, twisted my torso and clipped the top of first barrier hard bouncing into him and back towards the barriers.
Clang!
Packthink moved our galloping herd back to the center of the wide road.
I bit my tongue, which is pretty easy when you sponsor yourself.
Couple a guys praised my skills.
Another chewed the lugheaded rider out.
We rode on.
At the bottom of my posts is something like this: 20/60. It started out as 10/30, but then that became easy.
So, now it's 20/60.
20 pull ups.
60 push ups.
EVERY DAY.
...I was damn glad I've been doing pull ups and push ups, figure that alone saved me.
_____
163.4
20/60
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LET'S GET AMNESIA
Mar 30, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I GOT CARELESSLY/PURPOSELY RUN INTO THE FINISHING BARRIER GOING 28 MILES AN HOUR TODAY...
When my calves were cramping so I stood up only to have my quads cramp so I sat down only to have my hamstrings cramp...
When I rode the last lap alone...
Woulda been so easy to retaliate, quit, sulk.
But, it's just a lot better to forget about it.
'made my afternoon hanging with the fellas a lot more fun.
'and the surprise birthday dinner with some a the kids much more enjoyable.
A DESTINATION
Mar 26, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TWO WEEKS IN A ROW, and two outta town visitors spent the night and joined the craziness.
Our kinda craycray.
Up at 5am.
Out the door at 538.
Lights on. Bottles loaded. Into the dark and cold.
Why?
Because how else are we going to find the time required to be fast? Where else are we going to link up with riders of such high caliber? What else would we rather do?
Stay in our cozy beds?
Heck no.
Get our beauty sleep?
Negative.
It's not for everybody.
It's for us.
Who else would plan such a destination vacation?
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164
20/60
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LEADVILLE OR BUST
Mar 24, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT WASN’T MUCH OF A START. In fact, I missed the start altogether. At least, the trail was clear. Soon, I started passing people.
I could see my buddies way ahead of me.
Then I couldn’t.
I’d taken a wrong turn. Ugh.
The first of 7 laps, and I’d already given up 5 minutes.
But I started to settle in… to find my endurance pace. And that was the point: to see if I had the kind of endurance I once did… the endurance I’d need to qualify for Leadville, and then set a PR there.
As of today, I have 16 weeks to prep for the Tahoe 100... where I plan to qualify for Leadville... and 4 weeks later it'll be on f'reals.
What did I learn from today?
- My MTB handling skills are rusteeeeee. I was on the brakes too much, fighting the bike too much. Good news is my upper body is actually pretty strong from all the push ups and pull ups.
- I have the endurance, but my speed needs some work. I kept my heart-rate at a steady 160ish bpm. Never cramped. More speed will come with dropping a few pounds, and riding off road a lot more. My food strategy of 2 scoops of GQ6 and dried figs to snack on was perfect.
- Black Magic, my hardtail, needs to move out to make room for a full-suspension XC racer. My back was KILLING me when I was done. Could be partly the 175mm cranks vs the 172.5s on my road and gravel bikes, but I think it was mainly due to the pounding.
How’d I wind up today? Pretty dang great... passing almost everybody and winning my age group. That was nice, but I was more impressed with my steady lap times which were all around 28 minutes.
Oh, and remember the 7 laps?… well, I did do 7 but my age group only did 6. So, I guess there’s a 4th thing I learned:
- Be prepared. Ready to start on time. Know the course.
Here we go!
_____
Got a chance to meet the Stonehaus crew in person and deliver the team's RaceDay bags. 
Specialized raffled off a sweet hardtail for the Juniors
I don't know the answer... but it would be great to do the podiums right when the race ends for everybody to be there.
This tri-tip was amazing!
... after the grillin' it was great to be chillin'... what a spectacular day!
THE PLANK OF BIKE RIDES
Mar 16, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S RIDE WAS A LOT LIKE PLANKING. It didn't start out that way. I thought I'd be home early with the rest of the crew. But, it was the first warm day in months and I had no need to get back.
Plus, when I thought of my boys hiking 24 miles up to the top of Saddleback and back today... I knew I had to go big.
So, after slaying the Saturday Hour of Power with my local posse I headed on up to catch CV (another fast group ride). There's nothing better than surfing from group ride to group ride and seeing all my pals.
Sooner than I'd have liked I was popped and knew it was time to start the long journey home.
The miles clicked by. Did a mental calculation that it'd be my usual 85sh. Thought, why not push on through to a 100.
That last 15... sheesh... it was like planking and watching the clock.
I've built my planking up to 3 minutes this year, but the only way I can do it is to turn on a movie and set an alarm for 3 minutes and try and forget about it. When I started planking, I'd watch the timer... I'd be all shaky and quivery and quit after about 30 seconds.
There I was, one mile from home and 15 miles to go. What to do?
First, I was bonking as I hadn't planned to ride more than 50 today, and I hit Surfin' Donuts. 3 miles done.
Second, rode the scenic route back towards home. 9 miles done.
Third, did meaningless laps through the local church parking lots and neighborhoods.
Those miles slowly clicked over.
Garmin and Training Peaks affirmed the effort. Strava says I need more.
I don't.
FIRST MARKET RIDE OF THE YEAR
Mar 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE FEW THINGS I LIKE ABOUT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS is that we take a little break from some rides which go dormant with the dark afternoons. Around here, where it's summer 90% of the time it's good to change up the monotony.
But, the break is over and tonight was the first ride of the year for The Market Ride.
The Market Ride has a long, long history of going very, very hard every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon during Daylight savings time.
It was great to see a lot a crew I hadn't seen for 5 months.
One of the guys fell off his bike, which sucked... and I'm/we're all hoping he's okay. After a few minutes of bone-checking an unprofessional assessment most of us got back at it.
Spring is coming!
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162.8
10/30
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OTDITM!
Mar 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WONDERING HOW YOU'RE GONNA FIT THE NEXT RIDE IN?
Try this: OTDITM
You know what time you need to be on life's clock, so work backwards and set your clock.
I knew I needed to be strapped to my desk at 8am today. I reversed out my short commute, breakfast, shower, reading, ride and settled on 6am.
Then, I practiced the art of OTDIT (Out The Door In Ten Minutes). To do it, I had to do some prepping.
Before bed:
Bike was ready, next to the front door; same for the helmet, shoes and glasses.
Clothes were laid out in the bathroom.
Bottle was in the cage.
I used to do this all the time, but I've gotten soft and lazy. It was a convo with my son last night that reminded me of how I did it all when the kids were still around. When time with them was so precious.
At 610 I was riding. Went through the elementary school, over the bridge, not a soul around at the start... like zombies they slowly joined the rising sun.
But, by then, I was done.
Nailed it.
Gonna keep on nailing.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE FRESH MAKES
Mar 09, 2019
by TODD BROWN
3 10 MINUTE CLIMBS, 3 PRs... SHOULD I BE SURPRISED? Maybe, but I was hoping for results like that.
Why?
Because normally I hit these climbs after doing a lot more work before I get there.
Alta Vista is typically on the menu after scorching Food Park.
Newport Coast we usually hit after an hour of pretty decent tempo, and then we go another 7ish minutes to the top... but, today's assignment was 10 minute climbs.
And PID... we'll I don't think I've ever hit with less than 50 miles and poop load of Zone 5 in my legs.
Being fresh for those climbs made a huge difference today. But, it wasn't just the easy riding between each effort. Training Peaks had my Form at 8 - not the highest, but certainly indicating a good results were possible.
Do I want to go back and do it again?
Heck no.
Bring on new challenges!
_____
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KNOWN BEST FOR
Mar 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MOVIE OF MY TEENAGE YEARS WAS BIG WEDNESDAY. Released in '78, the same summer I could finally drive myself to San Clemente to surf... cool was never cooler than played by Jan Michael Vincent.
So, when I learned JMV had passed away I dove into the interwebs to see what'd be said. Lots of movies and parts to his credit, but not a whisper about Matt Johnson, Big Wednesday's surf legend.
And it got me wonderin'... what will we be known for?
All the Strava cups and real medals earned are nice, but in the end it's the impact we make on each other riding through life that matters.
Ride on Matt, Ride on JMV, Ride on.
You gave me courage and desire to ride big waves... and later to ride big mountains on wheels.
Forever grateful.
#PEDALPOSSE
Mar 07, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WE DON'T HAVE CUSTOMERS.
Yes, we do.
No, we don't. We have a posse.
We aren't into one-time transactions.
We are planning to ride together forever.
When things go sideways and when things are great, the posse lets us know.
We got each other's backs.
Do you want to be a customer, or do you want to be part of a posse?
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161.8
8/30
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THE SKILLS
Mar 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE SKILLS NEEDED TO GO FAST ON A BIKE MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK THEY ARE.
The number one skill is time management. Putting in the time, means finding the time. If you need to get up early, do it. If you need to ride the trainer at night, do it.
Number 2 is commitment. Commit to riding no matter what. It's cold, go ride. It's dark, go ride. Nobody else is going, go ride.
Number 3 is friendship. Find your posse. Inspire each other. It's a heck of a lot easier to get out there if you know the rest of the kids are gonna meet ya at the corner.
Number 4 is keep it fun. No matter what. Ride a wheelie. Stop for a Coke.
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162.2
10/30
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REFLECTIONS
Mar 02, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'RE TRAVELING TO A RACE THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SPIKE YOUR CONFIDENCE. My favorite, was actually shocking today. In fact, my heart skipped a beat. Such was my concern.
Exiting the shower I turned to face a full body mirror... only it wasn't my body.
Yikes!
I know I've dropped about 8 lbs since last year, but the stick creature staring back at me looked more like a resident of Pandora.
So yeah... stay at a foofoo hotel with skinny mirrors to get your climbing on!
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0/0
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