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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT GOAL SETTING
WRAPPING UP THE YEAR, is a lot like wrapping up Christmas presents. We have these memories and milestones...
... to look back on later.
Gifts to ourselves.
What if we knew what gifts we'd be wrapping up for ourselves next year?
Would we plan our 2026 calendar differently?
Change up our goals...
... if their accomplishment was a given?
Now that you've done that little thought experiment, I'll share this with you.
The biggest accomplishments in my past were never concerned with...
- little details
- strategies
- tactics
... only What.
From there it was just a matter of making it real.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
510 Anti-Oxidant Score
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
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164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
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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
>
I JUST LIED TO A GIRL SCOUT
Feb 27, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE SHE WAS, ALL OF 4 1/2 FEET TALL, MOM BACKING HER UP. Would you like some Girl Scout cookies?
I'd been prepping for this day. After many near misses at the grocery store, here I was face to face with the most powerful sales force in America.
Who would win?
I almost choked trying to spit our my prepared speech.
Oh darling, I'm allergic to cookies.
The beaming smile flattened. Mom frowned, she knew. I could hear her inner thoughts: scumbag!
But, it's true... I am allergic to cookies.
Want proof?
Every time I eat one, I get fat.
And the Thin Mints... forget eating one, I eat 'em by the sleeve.
And I'm racing this weekend.
And the season is on.
And I worked so hard to shed 8 lbs this winter.
And...
_____
163.6
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
HOW LONG UNTIL WE LONG?
Feb 25, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S JUST A HINT OF SUMMER IN THE AIR. I know it's early, but it's there.
More heat.
More light.
How long until the summer scorchers have us longing for winter?
_____
163.6
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
Aevolo Cycling and Pedal Industries
Feb 22, 2019
by Jasmine Schmidt
We're excited to be working with the Aevolo Cycling team while they compete at the Tour Colombia. They are competing alongside six WorldTour teams, seven Pro Continental teams, 12 Continental teams, and three national teams.
Before and after the races, they use one of our custom designed RaceDay Bags to prep and organize their cycling gear. Shop and learn for yourself why we're trusted by pros: bit.ly/RaceDayBags
Pictures were taken by Tosh Clements
#feefastridefast
View Details
Before and after the races, they use one of our custom designed RaceDay Bags to prep and organize their cycling gear. Shop and learn for yourself why we're trusted by pros: bit.ly/RaceDayBags
Pictures were taken by Tosh Clements
#feefastridefast
YA DON'T STOP!
Feb 17, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHAT YA READ IS NOT A TEST...
I was geeked up, pumped up, ready to rip.
Bikes loaded, boys loaded, on a trip.
Truck bouncin', phone bouncin', hit the road.
Turn around?, say what?!
Go back?
Naaaaaah....
We ridin', not callin'.
THIS IS TRUE LOVE
Feb 14, 2019
by TODD BROWN
NOTHING SAYS LOVE LIKE A VALENTINE'S DONUT... and the fact that she didn't get one for me says even more. It says she gets me.
_____
162.2
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
GO MOD
Feb 13, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WE WANT TO CHANGE YOUR WORLD WITH MOD. MOD is Made On Demand. For you, that means no more minimum orders and no more long lead times. Just go into the store we create for you and order gear as you need it.
Simple enough?
FAQ's
Where do you manufacture? We make almost everything right here in the USA, most of it in sunny CA.
How long does it take? Generally, production requires 3-4 weeks. Sometimes faster, rarely slower.
How do we get our design going? First send us your logos and any reference art - like current or previous jersey. We'll take it from there.
How is pricing determined? Together, we'll forecast with you the volume of products your team will purchase throughout the year then we'll set your pricing. If you go beyond the forecast, we'll refund the difference to the early purchasers.
What is the minimum quantity needed to get going? Just one item. Need 1 jersey, order it.
What kind of materials do you use in your kits? We use the finest Italian fabrics and pads, and the best YKK zippers.
If you're ready or have questions, click here.
GRIT. HOPE.
Feb 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
REMEMBER WAY BACK TO YESTERDAY WHEN I BRAGGED ABOUT HOW GRITTY WE (YOU AND ME) ARE? Well, check out my morning.
1. Still super exhausted from Saturday's Rock Cobbler.
2. Leave house 4 minutes late.
3. Get 5 minutes down the road and cleats will not engage... Tell me why??????... oh, yeah, Thursday I crammed them full of muddy clay and it hardened in there.
4. Back home for 20 minutes of surgery.
5. Leave again... now 30 minutes late.
6. Hustle, and start making all the short cut calculations... cut through golf course, skip Melinda, make light at Marguerite...
7. As I'm rolling past Rock N Road I see a group turn the corner. It's just the right size I can't tell if it's the A group or the B... but, I miss the light and have to wait.
8. Catch Dan on bike trail. A or B, I gasp. A. Ugh (A's are chasing B's... and I'm escrewed).
You may be wondering why didn't I stay in bed to begin with... it was 39 and dark and I was tired?
Because of that previous post.
Why didn't I go back to bed when I came home vs shoe surgery?
Because of that darn post.
Why didn't I just do my own ride vs chasing all morning?
Because of that post.
Why do we do what we do?
Because we've got grit!
... and hope. I was hoping I'd make up the 4 minutes, I was hoping the cleat fix would be quick, I was hoping I'd make all the lights, I was hoping I'd catch... and eventually I did catch Dan and then my neighbor Mike who'd flatted... and so, Mike and I and Isaac finished it up strong, and then Mike and I rolled home and caught up on life.
... another great ride!
(yes, this is worth your time)
GRIT
Feb 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I KEEP HEARING ABOUT GRIT, that it's grit that makes the difference between success and failure.
Looking at tomorrow's once again dark and cold start, I know I'll be among the few with the grit to do it.
Why?
Habit. For sure, that's a big part.
Results. I prefer the result of riding vs not riding.
The sunrise... is there anything better?
(6:38AM tomorrow)
_____
163.4
9/30 (slacker)
Ride with us: click for info.
AND THEN IT STARTED TO RAIN
Feb 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
10 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE ROCK COBBLER IT STARTED TO SPRINKLE. In unison, the temperature began dropping. I ripped off my jersey threw on a base layer.
The sprinkle turned to drizzle. Back to the van. Off with the jersey and base layer, on with the vest.
I rode 100 yards to the Start area.
Now it was raining. Dark, full clouds lie ahead. I'm freezing.
Back to the van, again. Off with the vest, off with the jersey, on with the base layer and jersey and vest.
It's all of got...
... and I can hear the singer giving it all she's got...
... and the hommmmmmme, of theeeeeeee, BRAAAAAAAAVE!
A yank the van door shut, hide the key, jump on HVY MTL, and catch the group as it leaves Lengthwise Brewery.
It's 42 degrees, raining, I'm basically wearing underwear, the group is barely moving during our 14 mile neutral roll out. I start to shiver. The bars shimmer.
Is this brave or stupid? It's the Rock Cobbler 6.0... and it's exactly what we all signed up for: an adventure, a test, a tour... through beautiful open country, accessible only because Sam Ames makes it happen.
We finally survived the neutral, got up to speed, and hit the first long climb. The day before, when I test rode it, it was dry and hard and slippery. I thought a light rain would help. Ha!... it was slop. While I cleaned it many were already walking.
... and I was warm, finally!
I was about 30 guys back. Little groups of 3-5 guys slicing fast gravel and single track for the next hour. We could all see each other, and where to go.
(NOTE: when gravel racing, part of being prepared... of being "pro"... is downloading the map onto your Garmin. I did not do this. I will never skip this step again.)
About this point we took a narrow, shallow tunnel under a highway. Into the daylight, the guy ahead of me turned left. Just like the guy ahead of him, and the guy head of him... I have a maxim: the closer we get to the finish line, the dumber we get... and the left turn was a perfect example.
We raced on... up a hike-a-bike so steep I locked my brakes then pulled myself up a few steps. It was brutal. My calves burned. Lots of guys were collapsed at the top, a number of others scraping mud off their bikes so their wheels would spin.. the aid station guys didn't seem surprised to see us. They should have been. I refilled a bottle and got going.
There probably isn't a funner section of racing anywhere than down the slot canyon with huge banked turns that led us to the pavement.
We got a train of 4 guys, started swooping more guys, and barreling back towards Bakersfield. Full gas!... when some hill billy in a pick up rips past us, slams on his brakes, jumps out and starts yelling. I'm thinking, great a kook that wants off the road... but he's yelling, you're going the wrong way, turn around. We didn't hear that though and kept riding. He speeds past us and does it again. We can't believe it. Crest fallen, we turn the train around. We chug, neither speeding up nor slowing down.
We yell at the other groups still heading the wrong way... eventually we get back on course and just deal with it. We're about a half hour behind schedule.
It's a cow trail, above the mighty Kern river... a known killer in the spring and summer, a timid friend today. It's green and lush and slippery. In some places the trail is a foot wide, and 15' straight down into the drink.
I love it. This is my kind of riding. I forget about the extra miles and get back to racing. My buddies from home, Tim and Jeff, and I are up to full speed. The mud is real: thick and slow; then, sandy and gritty; fast and splashy. So fun!
The next aid station we are begging for lube. None. But, plenty of food. Tim whips out a teency, tiny lube sampler and saves us. Many people at this point bail out. Their bikes a barely working, the legs are gone.
We get on with it, and I'm so glad. Sure, we had a hideous 20 minute brutal climb. Many pitches to steep to ride. Mud sticky enough to pull your shoes off. But sooooo worth it.
Beautiful green pastures. Cows. Streams. Earth at it's best!
And it's getting warmer and dryer. It hasn't rained for 2 hours. This is the desert, and it's going to get faster every single minute.
I summit by myself. Blow through the aid station the bottom of a Dolomiti-like road descent, start up the next climb where I see a group of 10 about 2 minutes up the road.
It's Diesel time!
15 minutes later, after surfing through their shelled riders I catch.
Hallaflippinluyah!
There's still a lot of road and gravel and single track and whoops to go, but I'm able to recover a bit and eat. My buddy Q is here. It's a good group riding at a fast clip.
I know what's ahead. They don't. I've done it. They haven't. They're going to. I'm not.
It's the terrible hike-a-bike us rookies already did.
They head for it, I head for the finish. It's still 20 miles away, and the 84 mile ride I signed up for is going to wind up being 96.
Would I do the Rock Cobbler again? For sure... with the map on my Garmin.
____
A few tips: download the course so you have it - can't say this enough; bring extra lube; spray non-stick spray on your pedals, shoes and parts of your frame the collect mud... I'm sure next year will be totally different and I'll have all new mistakes to learn from.
TOMORROW WE COBBLE
Feb 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO THE ROCK COBBLER FOR YEARS... Sam is known turning the fun up to 11.
Wade suggested I reset my expectations to entertainment... be prepared to be bombed by beach balls.
Dave said to spray my shoes and pedals and down tube with non-stick spray... that mud and those hikes are real.
Tim and Chris said they're just here for the miles... its Tim's 5th and Chris' 1st.
I checked out the first miles today... straight up!
What have I gotten myself into?
_____
161.2
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
SO CLOSE AND YET SO FAR
Feb 07, 2019
by Buddha Apps Collaborator
THERE I WAS, SHAKING DOWN HVY MTL BEFORE SATURDAYS ROCK COBBLER. It had all gone so well.
Chain was quiet.
Paint was sparkly.
Had to go all terrain to do it right. Hit some pavement, hit some gravel, hit some chunky asphalt, hit some dirt.
But, the dirt was sticky. Not too sticky, just sticky enough to give my treads a light glaze of brown.
As I climbed along the final dirt pitch, I could see in my mind the other side. It was steep, the rain for sure would have dug some deep grooves. I'd have to bunny hop a bit. The big question was the 50' of flat from the bottom of the hill to the pavement.
How bad could it be?
The grooves turned out to be more trench-like. I worked my way jumping and sliding quickly. I could see the flat section. Smooth as can be.
I pinned it... full speed... I got it, I got it, I... the pinning turned to spinning... harder, faster became deeper... and stuck.
New shoes ankle deep in California clay... almost lost 'em.
Turns out this was a good thing... I double checked the weather for Saturday: rain from mid-night so sunrise. I called Super Dave, who's raced it many times...
Bro, will road shoes work at The Cobbler.
No, way... BWR yes... but, Cobbler has a solid hike-a-bike.
Yikes!
He gave me three more solid tips to make it through this crazy course Sam has cooked up.
... I can smell the mud from here... mmmmmmmmmm
_____
161.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
A NEEEEEW BIKE!
Feb 06, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THIS MUST BE WHAT MONTY HALL FELT LIKE... her shock, way back on Christmas Day; then her joy today, when it was finally ready for a ride.
It'd been years since her last new road bike... which was preceded by the arrival of Trevor, making us a party of 3.
Oh, there had been plenty of mountain bikes and motorcycles and surfboards during that time... as well as our party growing to 5 with Shane and Shelby.
But, no road bikes.
It was probably my doing... we lived in a mountain bike mecca and that's all I rode for years.
Then, I got into the road scene via Trevor's passion for it.
He got out of it, I stayed fully immersed... loving it.
She didn't seem to care.
Did she?
Did she mind being a road widow?
Didn't seem like it... but, I'm a dude... and dudes can be sooooo clueless.
The last month has been like watering a dry plant.
I may not be the be the quickest of riders,
but, I got this one right.
_____
162.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL
Feb 05, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IN THE MIDST OF ALL THE CHAOS LIFE SERVES UP, there waits our humble bike.
Through launching a career or business, starting a family or raising teenagers, caring for each other or an elderly parent, in good times and bad times... it waits.
Sometimes, too long.
Tires get splashy, or flat.
Chain gets stiff, or rusty.
The helmet and shoes dusty, or lost.
The gear buried, or given away.
But that bike, it waits.
Like an old dog, we can't give it away. Not while it longingly looks up and hoping today's the day we get back outside... escape the garage... and put a great big giant smile on my master's face.
In the midst of it all, when it's all a little too much...
... go ride your bike.
_____
163.8
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
I DON'T ALWAYS BONK...
Feb 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I DON'T ALWAYS BONK, BUT WHEN I DO... sometimes it's a work.
I just get jamming, and in the zone, and "lunch time" passes by... and then it's mid-afternoon or later... and I'm hungry like a wolf!
More of the time I've got a bar or two stashed in my desk or glove compartment.
Just another reason to be grateful to be a bike rider.
Am I weird?
_____
163.2
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
OUR LENS
Feb 02, 2019
by TODD BROWN
OUR LENS.
Will it be an adventure?
Will we be tested?
Will we meet some cool people?
Will it require our best?
Will we make a difference in someone's life?
Will we learn a ton?
Will it be fun?
Will we go fast?
Will it be dangerous?
Will we need new skills?
Will it be unpredictable?
Will it change us?
We're in.
_____
161.8
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
THE OLD N +1
Feb 01, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THEY SAY EVERY RIDER SHOULD HAVE ALL THE BIKES HE OR SHE NEEDS, plus one more. Or something like that.
But, what if we had N - 1.
What if there was always a need for one more bike?
Oh... right... that's exactly how it is.
Right now my "- 1" is a full suspension XC racer. I'm feeling a need to get back to the dirt, back to my roots.
How 'bout you?
_____
162.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
MAKE UP PULLS ARE NOT THE SAME AS MAKE UP LOVE
Jan 31, 2019
by TODD BROWN
COVER YOUR EYES KIDS... sometimes mommy and daddy aren't getting along, and then someone eventually tosses an olive branch, and soon enough sparks are flying like never before... but, that's not how it works in a pace line.
Look, I know you've been skipping pulls. Everybody in the pace line does, and nobody is happy about it.
Don't make it worse!
Don't wander up to the front and think, Well I feel pretty good now that I've rested I better make up for it by doing a monster pull. Doing a big, long, fast pull will not ingratiate yourself. It's not make up sex... it's more like, well... I don't know exactly... but, I do know you're going to tick everybody off with these shenanigans.
Resist.
Do this.
Roll through like the gentlemen or lady you think you are... take a normal pull... slot back in... and do it again and again and again...
Eventually, we'll forget and forgive your previous misdeeds. That's how to kiss and make up in a pace line.
XOXO
PS... no, this isn't about you... 'cause I know you, you think it's you, but it's not you... it's someone else : )
_____
162.2
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Jan 30, 2019
by TODD BROWN
HEY MAN, YOU GOING IN LATE TODAY OR TAKING THE DAY OFF?
Going in late.
Cool. We never get you on this ride.
He neglected to mention it was his birthday! Somebody who knew happybirthdayed him.
Yeah, Happy Birthday man! You really going into work?
Yep.
Well, can't think of a better way to start the day off!
_____
161.8
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
OUR A TEAM IS GROWING, AND I'M STOKED!
Jan 29, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WE MAKE NEARLY ALL OUR GEAR IN THE U.S. of A 'MERICA! It's freakin' awesome. We have so much more flexibility as a manufacturer of custom products than we did when were offshoring.
Which for me, personally, is hellavalotta fun!
And, for our customers, hellavalotta convenient.
It's more fun because it's so much easier to create new products, control quality. There's nothing like hands on. Plus, we're employing Americans.
It's more convenient because our design team is here. Customer's team stores never close now. They can order 1 thing or a 100. And get their orders in less than 4 weeks.
American. Awesome.
_____
162.2
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
HOW'S THE WEATHER?
Jan 28, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEN I'M RACING I LOVE WORTHLESS DATA. I don't use a power meter, but I do use h.r.. But, I don't... when I'm racing any way. I used to.
Now, I prefer nonsense.
Before nonsense, I would toss the Garmin into my back pocket.
Now... give me the weather.
Whether or not...
if I can't keep up, what's the point of knowing?
Do or do not...
Rather than think of all the pain, or how intense the effort is...
In a road race, nothing matters...
Except being the last guy to lead.
THE FIRST TIME
Jan 26, 2019
by TODD BROWN
OVER THE YEARS, I'VE BEEN TO A LOT OF RACES. I've always wanted to do what I did today, but had never done it.
It's always been...
Go to my race, go home.
or
Go to my race, hang out for a bit, go home.
But, today it was...
Be the first one at the venue... because I spent the night there. Watch a few races. Do my race. Watch the rest of the races. Catch up with a lot of my friends I don't see often enough.
It was fun to see so many people having fun racing bicycles. More than just my peers. From what I could tell all got their money's worth. They were challenged. Some won. Most didn't. But, it didn't seem to matter.
One of the winners was my friend Doug. He took off on the last lap, the same exact spot he took off on 2 years ago. That time we caught him about 30' before the finish line. Today when he jumped ahead of the group, I was hoping he'd make it... granted, we raced in a combined race today and we weren't in the same group otherwise I met have felt different... but, to his credit, he went for it. Did a massive solo attack with about 5 miles to go and made it stick.
Personally, I had a great day. After being sick last week, and not being able to ride much I was not sure how I'd do. My strategy was pretty simple... wait until the last possible second, then go. It worked pretty darn good.
My buddy Dave Letttieri, finished right behind me. Woulda been even cooler if he'd been able to stick around for the photo.
BREAKING IT DOWN.
Jan 25, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TOMORROW WE RACE.
It'll be a gun fight for sure.
A few will draw early, only to miss wildly.
A few more will shoot out the back due to simple physics.
Then the rest will draw and fire.
One will hit the mark.
It's 1/3 to 1/2 a mile to the finish, depending on where the line is... up a hill that hits 11% mid-way, then backs off to nearly flat.
My prediction:
Lap 3, it's probably all back together.
Lap 2, multiple breakaways will be attempted.
Lap 1, most likely feeling things out.
Neutral roll out down the hill we finish on.
For me it'll be 3 laps - 42 miles. About 2 hours.
Preceded by a solid night of sleep.
On a belly full of tacos.
Then
GO. PRO.
Jan 23, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT HAPPENED TO EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. We got on a bike. Liked it. Rode the next day... a little faster, a little further. For the next 50 or so rides we were better every single time.
We were going pro!
Eventually things leveled off.
Adrenalin.
New friends.
Superior health.
Never-ending challenges.
These are the things that keep us hooked.
_____
160.6
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
FLOOPIN' A!
Jan 22, 2019
by TODD BROWN
I GUESS WE HAVE 3 LOOPS ON OUR TUESDAY RIDE NOW: A, B AND F.
The B loop is our original, amazing 20.67 mile course that has 2000' feet of elevation gain.
The A loop, has a little extra credit that adds about a mile with a couple of stiff little pitches.
The F loop.
Today was very windy, pretty cold and definitely dark.
We had 3 riders on the B loop, down about 90%. 12 riders on the A loop, down about 15%. And, about 35 riders on the F loop, up about 1,000,000%.
The F loop is that loop you do when you get out of bed realize it's windy, cold and dark and Fall back in bed... because Fair weather will be back soon.
How would you grade your loop today?
_____
161.8
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
IT'S NOT CHILDISH, IT'S EVERYTHING
Jan 21, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TWO THINGS YOU CAN BANK ON WITH AGE: some will continue to dream and hope, some will give up.
Over here we keep dreaming, and making dreams come true.
Rolling into 2019 a big part of our dream has been put into place... we can now manufacture all our cycling gear in under 4 weeks, with no minimum, in the USA. Something we've worked on for a solid year.
We keep putting the pieces in place, and I'm more excited than ever about what's going on at PEDALindustries. So much more to do.
On the fitness side, I dreamt last year I could roll into '19 at my college weight on 162. 10 lbs shed and holding very steady.
Every day I pray our family will be close and continue growing and learning and loving. Every day is like a dream.
What does 2019 hold? In years past, I've crafted it all on MLK Day... my favorite holiday!... but, this year I'm going deeper and clearer... should be done in about a week.
Are you a dreamer?
_____
162.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN
Jan 19, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WE GOT THIS SATURDAY RIDE THAT KICKS @$$... we don't always ride it, but when we do... damn I'm happy. Happy to see the boys. Happy to see the beautiful coast. Happy to know it's gonna hurt.
It's got everything
Fast rollers.
A 3.5 mile, 1000' climb up NPC
Skimming the Back Bay.
Hooking up with the Food Park hammers.
Shattering speed on Hwy 133.
Punishing power climbs through Aliso.
Soft pedaling PID, just for fun.
But, the best part is it's got the boys. Our band of brothers. Slaying dragons for our families, batting life's twists and turns together... letting loose for a few hours together as the sunrises.
It's the boys ride: https://www.strava.com/routes/16848778 ... join us some time.
_____
161.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
JUST THINKING OF YOU...
Jan 18, 2019
by TODD BROWN
SOMETIMES I'M JRA, MAKING AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE HR LOW AND MY MIND WANDERS... I start thinking of the next race or next time I'll be in over my head on a group ride or maybe even reliving an unpleasant experience and bam!
...my heart rate shoots up 10-20 beats a minute...
way out of my zone
But, nothing is like the start line of an actual race. Road isn't too bad, a crit is a little worse, but an honest XC race is unbelievable. My heart rate will be 120+ bpm, and I'm doing nothing. Trying to act cool, like no big deal.
What else is
... Just in my head?
taking me out of the zone...
... Just in my head?
taking me out of the zone...
_____
160.8
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
WHAT'S YOUR ONE THING?
Jan 17, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU COULD BE GOOD AT ONE THING ON A BIKE WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Sprinting?
Climbing?
Skidding?
Valverdeing? You know, that thing where you don't do any work then out of nowhere you snag the V.
Saganing? You know, otherworldly bike handling skills.
Frooming? You know, looking like a praying mantis while actually preying on the lessor ectomorphs.
Schurtering? You know, dominating MTB for years.
Youing? You know, just being your awesome best self.
_____
163
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
MISSED IT BY THIS MUCH
Jan 16, 2019
by TODD BROWN
STRAPPED INTO MY SWIVEL CHAIR EARLY. Plan was to grind hard and be done by 3 because that's when the mostlytrusty weather app said it'd be clear.
But, sometimes the grind goes a little long.
We, you and me, we aren't afraid of long hours or riding in the dark - bring it.
But me, and maybe you, call it quits when the socks are soaked and the crack is squishy... which happened 30 minutes in.
Actually, if it's gotta rain 4 days in a row... this is a perfect time to have a cold. Congratulations to me and all the others snuffling at the moment.
There's always Zwift. I know the bandwagon is going strong... so many friends are on it and loving it. If it's good enough for Bahati, maybe it's good enough for Brownie too... in the meantime, I'll pray for sun.
_____
162.8
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
THE WHEELBUILDER
Jan 15, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHEELS ARE EVERYTHING. Save your money, get great wheels... before you get a great gruppo or great frame - get the wheels.
Had a chance to drop in on Wheelbuilder today. It'd been a few years. No particular reason for the gap in time.
But, I had a very particular issue with my race wheels.
Last time I was there, well it wasn't there. It was a tiny, dingy building. Today, it's a beautiful new building.
How'd they grow like that?
Probably like this... I walk in, Benny greets me. Assesses my situation. Gets stuck... brings in Rich - the owner. Rich gets right on it and fixes me up in no time... taking time to explain to me how and why they do the things they do.
It's not too tricky... be great at what you do, take care of your customers.
_____
163.2
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
HOW ARE YOU STILL TALKING?
Jan 14, 2019
by TODD BROWN
ON THE RIDE SATURDAY, we talked about taking the ladies out for dinner. It's the least we could do after spending the morning on our bikes.
The ladies were in.
We all went out.
Socially, this was a first for the 6 of us. It was great. The food was amazing. The conversation rich and fast.
Plates were cleared... I started selling 31 flavors and walking it off down to the pier... we kept talking. Good company.
Then, one of the ladies asked How are you still talking? Didn't you talk all morning on the ride?
So we talked about what we talked about on the ride.
A CLOUD TOO FAR
Jan 12, 2019
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S RIDE PLANS SHIFTED FROM MORNING TO AFTERNOON AND BACK TO MORNING... from Friday to 5am today. The Weather Channel was in control, and their nifty little radar map would chart our course.
First, I had to roust the posse. A few responded, most dreamt on... of drier days.
Second, pick the meeting points and ride. We opted to catch up with Canyon Velo.
Nothing went according to plan.
First, nobody showed for Canyon Velo... NOBODY! What is the world coming to??? This ride is powered by some of the gnarliest cats in town. But, cats don't like water.
Second, we rode over to the Start/Finish of the '84 Olympic road course. Mike and Eric had never done it, so we did it. Decent time, too... big cup top 10s... shout out to Peter Aquino for owning the KOM. No way could I sustain that pace for the 118 miles they road 35 years ago. (I need to write about how that race got it all started for me.)
Third, we scrapped the plan to pound Robinson Ranch because when we got close it was covered in clouds and raining.
Fourth, I put in a call to C.Hill. Bro, is it raining over there? No. Think we loop through Coto. Yes, I think so... come by and get a cinnamon roll and cookies... I forgave him for opting to ride later in the day.
Fifth, our plan to skirt the rain was perfect except for about 5 minutes when a rogue, black cloud broke loose. Shoes full of water wet.
Some times the best laid plans are nothing compared to a good adventure.
Looking for CV
This loop is awesome
A cloud to far
_____
163.2
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
SLOW DOWN, YOU MOVE TO FAST
Jan 11, 2019
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF OWNING A SLOW BIKE is getting the heart rate up while going slower.
It's perfect for riding with a slower rider, when you still want to get a decent workout in.
It's great for riding along the bike trails where low speed is encouraged.
It's reminds you how fast your race bike really is.
Speaking of race bike, Sagan is slated to race an aluminum, disc bike at Down Under... I'm sure it's to sell more aluminum bikes, but why not? I love mine.
WILL. POWER.
Jan 10, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WILL POWER IS LIMITED... It's a lot like a sprint. Everybody can go all out for 2 seconds, some for 10 seconds, others for 30 seconds, a handful for a minute. But eventually, that will power is gone and so are all our plans for victory.
Finding the peanut butter cups in the cupboard today was a sign. A sign that I know my weakness, and Surfergirl's hiding skills need sharpening.
Hiding my kryptonite isn't the only thing I do.
I prep my clothes and bottles and lights and bike the night before, knowing this will eliminate the magnetic pull of my blanky when it's dark and cold and early.
I commit to the crew that I'll be on the corner at 5:50am, knowing how fun it is to ride with them... and the shame of sleeping in.
I put the pull up bar in the bathroom door jam instead of out in the garage - she's not thrilled with this.
The weights and Bosu ball are in the family room where calling to me - also not popular.
Going to the front of the group ride repeatedly until I blow ain't fun, but it's the only way I can do intervals... I have zero interest in doing them alone.
What are your tricks?
_____
164
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
FOR GRAVEL, IT'S ROAD
Jan 09, 2019
by TODD BROWN
AFTER MUCH DEBATE WITH MYSELF, I've determined road pedals and shoes are better than MTB for my gravel bike. Having previously determined gravel is a terrible name for a bike that will zip you quickly down the pavement or easily handle smooth single track it's not surprising this debate lasted a while.
If we referred to the gravel bike as a do-anything road bike, the choice would be obvious.
But, it wasn't.
A funny thing happened on the way to answering my question of which set up was better.
I was reminded of how much better the road solution is: the shoes are lighter, the connection is much stronger.
The real debate is when, if ever, should we run MTB shoes and pedals? Unless we're hiking up Columbine at Leadville or some other terrible thing we've signed up for the answer should always be road.
Anyone want to debate that?
ALL IT TAKES
Jan 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
FOR ME, IT'S MORE THAN JUST REGISTERING FOR AN EVENT. Nothing really happens in terms of focus or energy totally geeking out until I look at the course. Then it's on!
Everything changes.
I start thinking about my equipment choice.
Counting the days for tuning up the bike.
Making sure the shoes/cleats are ready.
Thinking about race specific training.
How much will my weight matter?
Dialing in my food for the day.
Fretting on where I'll sleep.
Which kit will feel fastest?
Are my lenses perfect?
It's so energizing once I commit.
I LOVE IT!
_____
163.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
THAT'S ENOUGH
Jan 08, 2019
by TODD BROWN
HOLIDAY ARE OVER. The college football championship is over. My weight is well over what it should be.
That's enough.
Time to get serious.
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SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER TO EMBRACE THAN RESIST.
Jan 05, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THREE OF US DROVE DOWN TO DO SWAMI'S LONG. 2 made it, 1 was dropped. With Cav out again, along with Cal, and some cat from Bora Hansgrohe the energy was high and the group was large. Those 3 pros looked around at us commoners and drilled it up Levante, all the way through Elfin Forest.
It was over early for many.
I checked my phone at the church regroup. Nothing.
Friends as we are, we left him and hit the long course.
The sad, lonely text finally came in. I felt bad him. It's no fun getting left behind.
The only question that remained was if he'd wait for us at the car... he was our driver. If he left us, it would be a long 20+ miles into a stiff headwind... or, a quick LYFT ride.
He embraced his doom. Rode with the Short group. Pulled into Starbucks. Sucked down a hot drink and a toasty bagel. Pulled out 40 minutes later and graciously drove us home.
It's not always easy, just better.
_____
161.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
TIME KEEPS ON SLIPPIN'
Jan 04, 2019
by TODD BROWN
THE BEST RACERS ARE THE BEST TIME MANAGERS. Sure there's the race itself... and the best racer is spending the least amount of energy until just the right time. That's the surface, but there's so much more.
The best racers, show up early with plenty of time to warm up and get to the start... wasting little to no emotional energy while they're at it.
The best racers, make time to stretch and work on their core. They make time to prepare healthy meals. The little stuff matters and gets the time deserved.
The best racers, schedule their work and work their schedule so there's time to ride. No excuses. Most of them, that I know, get up early and get it done.
And the very, very best make time for the most important people in their lives.
We've only got one shot, make time.
_____
162.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
NICE RACK...
Jan 03, 2019
by TODD BROWN
WHETHER YOU RIDE ROAD OR MOUNTAIN OR BMX OR CROSS, whether your weekends are filled with races or beach cruises, whether your car is worth more than your bike or your bike worth more than your car...
If you've got a bike rack I know we're part of the same tribe. Our interests in bikes might be on opposite ends of the spectrum, but it won't matter at the company barbecue or giant family reunion. We'll eventually find each other and we'll connect and hang out.
We'll talk about things nobody else will understand or care about...
We're bike riders.
We've got racks.
You're not.
You don't.
_____
163.2
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
WHEN YOU'RE IN TOWN
Jan 02, 2019
by TODD BROWN
IT'S HARD. You're in town for a handful of days, and you want to sneak in a few rides. But, the whole family came and they wanna go to Disneyland. What's a boy/girl to do?
One, call a friend. Preferably one who won't sympathize with you, but will ridicule you. This is to balance out the pull to Disneyland.
Second, remember this isn't home. You're someplace either new or rarely visited. Think about all the rides you love at home, but are now kind of routine and realize you are very likely to go find a fantastic ride that is all new.
Third, be honest. You and the rest of the team know you'll be a whole lot more fun and engaged knowing you'll get in your own Disneyland bike ride or two.
So do it.
Come to sunny CA.
With the whole team.
And go on ALL the rides.
_____
162.2
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
OLDLY COMMITTED VS NEWLY COMMITTED.
Jan 01, 2019
by TODD BROWN
NEW YEARS DAY, 'round here people get out... regardless of what happened the night before. So out we went, I took HVY MTL she took her MTB.
As expected, there were two kinds of people enjoying the trials: us, the oldly committed; and them, the newly committed.
For us, the question isn't should we get some exercise... it's where shall we ride? There were lots of us out there. We saw lots of friends. Some running, most riding. Some alone, some with the whole family.
They were out there, too. New bikes and new shoes having a brand new experience. A beautiful site.
For us, it never gets old...
_____
163.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
HOW OLD WILL YOU BE NEXT YEAR?
Dec 31, 2018
by TODD BROWN
GOT A TEXT FROM ONE OF MY "HIGH SCHOOL" FRIENDS TODAY... kids are so refreshing.
Adults usually want the latest and greatest. Every advantage they can buy, and maybe a little look at me...
Kids wanna have fun. Kids don't have much cash.
They say the sport needs more kids... I couldn't agree more, starting with me.
Let's have some fun!
LET'S JUST PUT THIS TO REST, SHALL WE?
Dec 29, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED IF YOU COULD KEEP UP WITH THE SPRINTERS WHO DANGLE OFF THE BACK AT THE TDF... If you've ever thought, Hell, even I could hang on the flat stuff... If you've been foolish enough to think professional sprinters can't climb...
This post is for you.
Rumor had it... well Cal (worth clicking) basically promised it - My mate from the Isle of Man, where real men ride all bikes real fast, will be here for a few weeks...
In other words... CAV (the winningest rider in TDF history) would be on our little ol' group ride this morning.
Cav's done it in years past. My son Trevor rode with him and came home all smiles and story tellin' a few years back. How could we pass it up?
Back to that wondering thing...
If you've ever wondered if the pros are cool, the answer is YES for Mark. Super nice and thoughtful and gracious. Took pictures with us. Chatted as we rode. Even yelled Hold up, we've got a puncture! when Chris' tire caboomed at the store we stop at.
If you've ever wondered how strong a sprinter is I can tell you resting my arm on his shoulder for the picture it was like touching The David incarnate. But it wasn't just that... here's something you'll never see on TV. We pull up to a light and we all unclip right? Well, yeah. But when Mark unclips the entire bike wobbles and shifts and whimpers... such is the tension in his pedal/cleat connection.
I know you'd never be stupid enough to wonder if you could to all those things in the intro. I would, you are much too smart.
But, you may have wondered Could our Goliath hang on the climbs and flats?.. well, we can put that to rest too. We hit Wolhford pass - 2 miles and 10 minutes of pain - and I'm thinking I gotta chance. Then Steve, our Tuesday morning hero, our pro mountain biker, our best climber makes it clear I don't have any chance. He moves to the front and drills it. Guys peeling off left and right.
They were gone.
When I pulled in at the store, he had a big grin. That was the best ride of my life.
Did you drop Cav?
No.
Really?
Not even, he rode up to me like it was a Sunday cruise with his wife.
Wow.
Yeah, but you know what?... when we got to the kicker before the store, I told him how fun it was for me to ride with him.
And...
He smiled.
_____
Cav left, Cal right
The usual suspects and a few more.
Poor Chris... I don't think I've ever seen a more self-conscious tire changer. (You're only holding up the fastest man in the world buddy!)
We have a new post-ride favorite stop.
_____
164.6
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
RIGHT DAY, WRONG BIKE.
Dec 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE I WAS SOFT PEDALING, HEART RATE 115 BPM, 27 MILES AN HOUR... a regular ho hum day. Hahaha... I wish that was my norm.
The wind was blowing strong and steady from the northeast and I was all by myself on the bike trail heading southwest. If only I was on The Marvel instead of HVY MTL. Today was a day to smash the KOM.
The Marvel is my aero road racing machine. HVY MTL is my heavy, slow, un-aero, giant-tired, adventure bike.
Right day, wrong bike.
I was movin'.
Still havin' a blast.
Maybe it was the right bike... sure seemed right when I left home, in search of a mostly car-free route. I'd already put in 8 hours this week, and I could feel a touch of burnout approaching.
Riding HVY MTL is always fun, always different.
Far fewer constraints.
See a curb, jump it.
See a trail, take it.
Feel the wind...
STRAVA CUTE. ANALOG REAL.
Dec 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
STRAVA, CUTE. ANALOG, REAL.
MOST OF US GOT A STRAVA EMAIL THIS WEEK TO WATCH OUR YEAR IN REVIEW. It’s a cute little video of the top moments according to STRAVA. They, the app, the AI have no clue what really happened this year and what motivates us.
Take our friend Ryan, on the day he separated from his wife he planned to meet us for a fun showdown ride and wound up breaking his neck… a freak crash that altered his life forever.
His road to recovery, posted on SoCal Cyclist, is a riveting tale we can all learn from. (I highly recommend reading this.)
We all had moments on the bike this year that we will never forget. It’s about the getting out, the living. These moments are the glue that hold our community together. I can't imagine life without them.
Like the time we took Justin out for his first mountain bike ride on the San Juan Trail, known for its ability to draw blood nearly every ride from even the most experience mountain bikers. He’ll never forget it, nor will I.
Or, more personally, the Santa Barbara Road Race where I forced a break when the wind shifted and went on to podium. I’d wanted to do a move like that for years… successfully.
STRAVA is cute. Analog is real.
What’s your top analog moment?
162.4
10/32
Ride with us: click for info.
BIKE SHOWROOMING
Dec 26, 2018
by Buddha Apps Collaborator
WE WENT TO BUY A BIKE FOR SURFERGIRL TODAY, and I realized bike shops aren't really bike shops anymore. They are showrooms. Mostly gone are the days of driving down and picking up a bike.
Is this a good thing?
It's not good if you want something quick and cheep and mostly adequate.
But, we - you and me - we don't want that anymore, and neither does she... thank God Adam Smith's 'Invisible Hand' knows this...
We want something beautiful,
in just the right color,
with just the right components,
at just the right price.
So, "the hand" delivers us just what we are looking for once we scope out the basics at the bike showroom.
Takes a little longer, and we like it that way.
_____
... I'm willing to bet this video will be the best 2 or so minutes you'll spend today.
____
164.4
10/33
Ride with us: click for info.
NONE OF US
Dec 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
NONE OF US WILL EVER RIDE LIKE OUR HEROES.
They'll inspire us,
make us a little better.
We watch them,
read about them,
visualize us on their wheels.
They're out there,
we're over here.
Doin' it our way,
the more we do it our way,
the better we are.
(check out these cats from Brazil below!)
_____
In other news... Santa brought Surfergirl a new bike. She got teary-eyed... Santa happiest, #winning.
_____
And finally... woke up before the sun did some solid core work, took family for a walk on the beach, snuck in an easy spin, will do some light weights tonight... all that while nobody is looking, but it's no match for the amazing food we ate today... Santa fattest, #itsokay.
_____
____
162.4
10/30
Ride with us: click for info.
MMWC
Dec 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S TMWC TOOK PLACE ON MONDAY, but that's not what the M is for... it's for the Many sporty Mama's that joined their husbands dark and misty and early today.
They hopped right into the B group.
Lots a smiles.
Merry Christmas!
____
161.4
0/0
Ride with us: click for info.
I'LL TAKE MY ALUMINUM WITH WHEELS, PLEASE
Dec 22, 2018
by TODD BROWN
Towards the end of the ride, a large and dirty man blocked our side of the bike trail with a rusty cruiser... spare wheel bungied to a box on the back. He looked truly terrible. Alone. Possibly confused.
JUST HOW MANY FORKS IN THE ROAD ARE THERE, and how do end up where we do? A quick pre-ride potty stop reminded me of how different things could have been. Somewhere I chose to be addicted to maximum health, which has lead to so many like-minded friendships. Together we roam the roads and trails, inspiring and looking out for each other.
But, it could have been different.
There were days where the aluminum in my life was much like the fellow who'd preceded me in the stall. The posse I rolled with then was also supportive and inclusive, though headed off on trails that lead other places.
I tend to go all in, and I knew I had to breakaway.
Which I did.
As we raced along the coast, through Elfin Forest, up to Lake Wohlford the thoughts of why we do this and where it leads were on my mind.
Towards the end of the ride, a large and dirty man blocked our side of the bike trail with a rusty cruiser... spare wheel bungied to a box on the back. He looked truly terrible. Alone. Possibly confused.
We finished the ride. On beautiful bikes. Got in expensive cars. Drove home to families that love us.
And left him there.
Somehow, I feel I took another wrong turn today.
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