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Todd’s Journal
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Get RaceDay Ready
HE'S MAKING HIS LIST
THE POWER OF A CHECK LIST is awesome. Not ticking the boxes, for that quick hit of dopamine, there is something even better than...
... getting it done.
Which is the point.
For me, the real power is in the creation of a list.
Exploring and considering...
- each and every angle
- what is needed
- what is fluff
... and building an empowering list.
It's harder than it looks.
But, done correctly...
... discipline is replaced with love and urgency.
Checking the box is dessert...
... one we can enjoy each and every day.
===
165lbs/12.5%
470 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
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/86/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHAT I KNOW ABOUT GOAL SETTING
WRAPPING UP THE YEAR, is a lot like wrapping up Christmas presents. We have these memories and milestones...
... to look back on later.
Gifts to ourselves.
What if we knew what gifts we'd be wrapping up for ourselves next year?
Would we plan our 2026 calendar differently?
Change up our goals...
... if their accomplishment was a given?
Now that you've done that little thought experiment, I'll share this with you.
The biggest accomplishments in my past were never concerned with...
- little details
- strategies
- tactics
... only What.
From there it was just a matter of making it real.
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
510 Anti-Oxidant Score
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
180 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
HR TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE the joy of climbing with friends to a distant peak and poking through the clouds. Summiting is like having...
... the top of the world to ourselves.
All is calm.
Bombing down the mostly unfamiliar other side...
... not so calm.
Heaven forbid we'd let a gap open and get left behind.
Already on the edge of grip, I came into a sweeping lefthand turn...
... a negative radius, sloping downward.
I drifted all the way wide to the soft bulldozed berm.
Exiting, it was nothing but steep with ruts and rocks competing for my attention.
It wasn't looking good.
Somehow I managed to wiggle through the gauntlet.
My HR now sky high.
Only one thing to do, let out a huge...
... WOOOOHOOOOO!!!
Sheesh, my heart skipped a beat just reliving and writing this.
It.
Was.
Awesomeness.
Had I gone down,
I wouldn't have died.
But, it woulda been a bloody mess firshur.
Glad I kept my eyes open
and arms relaxed,
the tires held...
... just another reason to be grateful this time of year.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/96/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WHO KNEW WE WERE THAT BAD?
THE PROGRESS WE MAKE can be kind of embarrassing. We don't know it at the time. In fact, we're having so much fun those early pics and vids...
... can be kind of embarrassing.
There's hope.
Bad athletes,
can get good.
Good athletes,
can be great.
Great athletes...
... know the secret.
Keep doing it.
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
480 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Dips
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/82/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
THE OTHER 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
A LOT OF US plan to do some superspecialsecret training when nobody is looking in the coming days. Some are going so far as to...
... do the outrageous.
A gift to ourselves.
Which reminds me of one my pals who each year would ride a century 12 days in a row.
That was his goto way to start the year with a bunch of base miles.
Of course, the family and friends all thought that was...
... akin to getting coal for Christmas.
Personally, my overarching diabolical (counter season or counter intuitive?) plan is to...
- play around on jumps and technical stuff
- catch up with friends
- have fun
... make the training count.
What are you planning for 12/25 thru 1/6
While you're thinking about that...
... I'm sharing this kit with you in the off chance you're looking so spoil yourself with something outrageously sexy...
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Or, 50% savings here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
163.4 lbs/12.4%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/84/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
IS IT TOO LATE TO GO PRO?
THE SALARIES of the tops pro seem fantastic. The lifestyle unbeatable. Who doesn't want to get...
... paid to train and travel the world?
Sign me up.
But...
... it's too late, you're too old, you lack talent, you don't have time, you're too young, your equipment sucks, your friends and family won't approve, you'll nevereverver freakin' make it...
... SILENCE!
Though we may not get paid,
our travel will be less exotic,
we can still focus on...
- a specified activity
- honing our craft
- doing our best
... it's never to late to be pro.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
8ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
WE WON THE LOTTERY!
WE DON'T DREAM enough. At least most of us. When we do, and I'm not talkin' 'bout shut eye...
... we change our state.
Great things are suddenly possible.
I was reminded of this yesterday...
... my son was going to buy a lottery ticket.
He does this when it's over a billion.
I told him how much...
- it allows us to dream
- things we'd change
- do or never do
... I love and hate the lottery.
Name one thing you'd do?
I'd never get up to an alarm clock again?
Later, I reflected on my greatest day on the bike.
In 2022.
The insane Leadville goal of...
- a PR
- sub-8 hrs
- at age 60
... and how I did it.
The dream of sub-9 at sixty started years prior.
Always in the back of my mind.
But, there.
How it would feel to be in that kind of shape.
The closer the date got,
the more real it became.
Until I believed I could not only go sub-9,
but shatter my 6 previous efforts.
We can win our own lottery...
- crystal clear
- detailed
- belief
... if we'll just start dreaming.
===
166lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/91/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
500 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
IS IT THE SACRIFICE?
WHY DO SOME OF US stick with the endurance thing year after year after year and others check in for a season or two then check out...
... never to return?
There is something unseen happening.
I think I know what it is.
Sacrifice.
For better or worse...
- could be skipping a new car for a better bike
- an hour later out at night for an early run
- a quick swim instead of a tv binge
... we've sacrificed something.
That sacrifice produces the faith necessary to really go for it,
go for that insane physical goal we've set.
It gives us hope.
And, we love that...
... in everything we do.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
7ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/93/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
YOU'RE GONNA SAY THIS IS IT
THINGS AREN'T GOING to go according to plan. Everything is going to go south. Everything. And you're going to say this is it..
... This is how I end.
You can accept that,
or you can get to work.
That's all it is.
You just begin.
Solve one problem.
And then the next.
If you solve enough problems...
... you get to cross the finish line.
Adapted from the closing scene of The Martian.
It's a long movie,
about solving problems,
which is what we do the moment...
... we register for a race or commit snagging that elusive PR.
(highly recommend the movie)
===
165.2 lbs/12.6%
8sh hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/95/-7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
IF WE'RE REALLY LUCKY, and we (you n me) are, we'll stumble into something that keeps us endlessly fascinated. No matter how much we do it, or how long we put it on pause...
... it is always, ALWAYS, a ton a fun.
How can we do it forever?
At a high level?
Before I tell ya the answer...
- age
- friends
- failure to progress
... we gotta accept the challenges.
1. If we aren't on point with our health choices, age may ravish us...
... and not the sexy kind.
2. As the playground circles the sun...
... many of our friends will hang it up (see #1.)
3. Failure to progress...
... leads to boredom.
Today, I hooked my sassy grin...
- rode with younger cats
- picked up a new trick
- pushed my limits
... up to the firehose of youth.
1. Lucked into shredding a lot of single track with Steve and Brian...
... the schedules aligned, the conversations vibrant.
2. Coming in hot to a corner, Steve locked up the rear wheel...
... Why did you do that? To vector the turn and change trajectory.
3. Brian, did you launch off that rock?...
... Yeah, came around the turn so fast I had to.
The real secret to the fountain of youth...
... making and keeping young friends.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7ish hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
THE HIDDEN ADVANTAGE
WE'RE BUSY. We work. Raise families. Participate in communities. Do our duties...
... what's our hidden advantage?
Just that.
We know how to...
- schedule
- pacify
- lead
... and we have perspective.
Which is what sets us apart,
keeps us in the hunt...
... 'till we cross the finish line.
===
164 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
>
DARE OR DARE NOT
SOMEWHERE AROUND 8 YEARS OLD, we learn of daring. Someone gets dared. We don't even know what the word means and, yet...
... we do.
Because there is tone.
An unsaid judgment.
I dare you.
Our response...
- bold
- calm
- weak
... means everything.
Later in life, that cat in the mirror still dares us...
... if we are lucky.
What are you daring yourself to do in 2026?
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOW A FRIEND AROUND TOWN?
GETTING A LONG-DISTANCE FRIEND TO VISIT is mostly rare, for most of us. We post to Starva, talk up our locale...
... to the point of bragging.
Then, the friend shows up.
Suddenly, we're wondering...
- will they be impressed
- can they keep up
- will they crash
... how this is gonna go down>
There was a time when Surfergirl would take such visiting friends aside and whisper...
... Be careful, he's kinda crazy.
Couldn't blame her as more than a few returned bleeding,
one with a broken bone.
It wasn't on purpose.
- I'd just forget
- be in the zone
- having a blast
... thinking they were doing the same.
The local, me...
... could rip the trails blindfolded.
Everyone else was riding blind.
Anyway...
... Tim did great today.
(I knew he would, and didn't really back it down at all.)
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
7.75 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/91/-5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GOOD NEWS: THERE'S HOPE!
THIS TIME OF YEAR, the schedule gets crowded. The company parties, family get togethers, community events...
... we want to attend 'em all.
It eats into the training time.
And, that's good.
Just yesterdee, Surfergirl reminded me of our date to see Gentry.
Her favorite trio was in town for a Christmas concert.
Driving down, we wondered if we'd run into any friends,
walking in we saw my brother and sisterinlaw...
... seating, we were astonished.
We were exactly right behind them.
Couldn't have planned it better,
total surprise.
But, that's not the point.
We were carried away in the spirit of the night...
... all the world's nonsense, forgotten.
When we returned home, there was a package on the doorstep.
Incredible...
... a customer had hand made classic ornaments for each of our family members.
As a gift.
The real point is if we'll shut off the news, the pointless socials and get out to events and people we love we find...
... there's hope!
Hoping you'll find plenty of time to share your love for others in the coming weeks.
===
162.2 lbs/12.2%
7.5 hours sleep
no PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
no Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/86/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE BEST FREE ADVICE YOU NEVER PAID FOR
WE ALL GET ACHES AND PAINS. Mostly, we just blow 'em off knowing in a few days things will right themselves. At least that's the idea. But, we are organic...
... our equipment is not.
It won't self heal,
like our miraculous bodies.
No matter how much positive energy we send it...
... those creaks won't go away on their own.
We gotta respect and inspect 'em.
I mean really figure it out.
Lemme splain it.
I've had an annoying creak for a couple of weeks.
Finally, last Friday...
- removed cranks
- checked, cleaned bottom bracket
- found a broken bolt on the chain ring spider
... thought that'd solve everything.
Mostly, kinda.
However, last steep climbs at end of Saturday's ride indicated problem not resolved.
Took into the shop for professional treatment.
Ace mechanic gives me a call.
It's not good.
How bad.
Axle in hub is cracked.
Yikes.
Yeah, it coulda been bad.
How bad?
Well, if it broke while riding it would have destroyed the hub innards, and...
And, what?
... and possibly locked up the wheel.
Now, I dunno how things are where you live, but on that ride I'd just finisihed...
... I hit 35 mph over a rocky, gravel fire road.
Had that wheel locked up...
... I'd be dead, at best.
Consider this the best free advice you Never paid for...
- bike
- bones
- muscles
... Fix thy creaks!
===
162.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/89/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
470 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HAVE YOU HAD A CLASSY SMOKE, LATELY?
CELEBRATING AN EPIC EFFORT is, can be, a powerful factor in repeatability. You know, whether or not we ever do it again and...
... gain the associated benefits.
Old time movies we so classy.
In black and white.
Couple meets,
goes to dinner and dancing,
the very next scene we see...
... they are covered up, smoking in bed!!!
Here's how we do it most Saturdays.
Meet up at the corner,
hit it hard for 3-4 hours,
the next thing we know...
... we're at the country store.
Cokes, RedBulls, chips, even had Zingers yesterday...
... our version of smoking in bed.
===
Now, here's the diabolical brainwashing science...
- guaranteeing many repeat performances
... celebrating with lots of sugar and caffeine burns those good feelings in.
===
165.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/92/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
APPRECIATING A ROUGH START
FOR SOME GETTING STARTED is easy, for other it's hard. Even messy. So, what's better...
... an easy start or a tricky start?
Take today.
We'd climbed 4141', 13.4 miles.
The start, though steep, was pretty smooth.
The final 4.5 miles, were quite a bit rougher.
Lots of rocks.
I really suffered that last 2ish miles.
After a bit of a break,
it was time to plummet back down.
We pushed the pace pretty good those first 4 1/2 miles...
... over terrain I've flatted on many times.
I knew the next 9 miles were smoother, but...
... after the previous beating they seemed like a freeway.
We screamed down.
Surprisingly, I posted my 3rd fastest time ever.
(In case you're wondering if that was my 3rd time down, it was my 44th since 2012, per Starva)
This served as a good reminder...
... if we push through a rough start, we gain the skills to go much faster.
===
Further update on the Conti Dubitals...
- they roll reallyreallyreally fast
- corner dependably at high speed
- seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant
... I'm loving 'em.
Looking forward to playing with pressures,
I think I can run lower than the 16 and 17 I ran today.
(that was in the cold garage, before the heated up on the actual ride which would increase the pressure by a few pounds)
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/107/-18 (fitness/fatigue/form)
430 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHAT ARE WE RIDING SATURDAY?
WE ALL HAVE A RHYTHM TO OUR TRAINING. We have a favorite rotation of workouts, training partners, intensity...
... just like the goto dinner schedule.
When all else fails, I know spaghetti and meat balls is a winner.
No matter what I have planned.
When it comes to Saturdays, the...
- crew
- pace
- route
... I have a few defaults.
If I've had two hard sessions during the week,
I'm leaning towards a longish sweetspot/tempo ride.
If the week only had one high intensity completed,
I'm gonna wring it out on Saturday.
This week's Wednesday Worlds was kinda hard, therefore...
... tomorrow I have a nasty 1ish hour uphill TT planned.
The younsters are gonna make me hurt.
Can't wait!
How do you do it?
===
165.6 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
440 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TACKY, TORQUEY TESTING... CONTI DUBNITALS
GETTING NEW EQUIPMENT is always fun. Usually, it is preceded by all kinds of Kool-Aid drinking. You know, the marketing team laying it on thick...
... and our friends laughing at our antiquated ways.
This week, I bit.
Finally jumped to wider tires.
From 2.2 RaceKing in back and 2.2 CrossKing in front to...
... 2.4 Dubnitals, front and rear.
My testing took place on our local single tracks...
... while doing low-cadence, torque climbing in Zone 2.
I'd rip down,
ponder performance on way back up.
Going from 2.2 to 2.4 doesn't appear to be much,
the tires are a bit lighter than the 2.2s
My initial...
- they go from edge to edge much quicker
- seem to roll very fast
- traction is great
... reactions.
I think they're gonna be a great upgrade,
will test on the smoking fast downhills, Saturday.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
450 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION
IF IT TAKES A VILLAGE to raise a child, then, for us, it obviously takes a group to train us up proper. The right gaggle...
... has countless benefits.
Number 1 being speed.
Which is why I did the Wednesday Worlds today, and rolled right into...
... Pain Cave.
When we're on form,
this is an hour segment of riding just below detonation.
Today was much easier...
- the group was slowish
- BBB and I cruised Pain Cave
- catching up and discussing next year's goals
... we were 5 minutes off the PRs.
That will come down because we committed to some rather outlandish goals.
Which means, we'll be pressing the pace on the WW ride,
then duking it out on Pain Cave.
Leading to our mutually assured destruction the rest of the work day...
... and, what we hope will be a massively successful 2026 campaign.
===
If we do it correctly, we'll sprout wings.
Deal below.
Use promo code: VELOBONES
To save 20% on any t-shirt in the collection.
Expires on 12.5.25
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-shirts-all
===
165.4 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/95/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
420 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
OTB OR OTB?
WE HAVE ALL THESE CODE WORDS and acronyms in our culture. The deeper we get into it...
... the cryptic they become.
Here's the mechanic's favorite...
... I was just riding along.
His eye's roll and he scribbles on the notes...
... JRA.
I heard another from a shop owner who was barely hanging on and his "loyal" patrons were constantly asking for discounts and free stuff...
... he called them Freetards.
I've been guilty of both of those and quickly cleaned up my evil ways once I got the hint.
But, this one...
... it's been hard to stay away from.
OTB.
This one is a two-fer,
I can't get it out of my mind lately.
Off the back...
... which is where I seem to be finding myself a little more than my liking.
Over the bars...
... luckily, my recent wipeouts have been on solo rides.
===
165.8 lbs/12.7%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU CHOPPING WOOD?
WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE MOVIE, book or story. One that inspires us to be more than we currently are, or return to a place we once dominated. These myths are important because...
... they can lead and guide us to a better future.
Truly powerful.
One of my all time favorites is Rocky IV.
Rocky, seeing his once enemy, the great Apollo Creed, who became his friend and mentor, get crushed by a Russian giant...
... decides he must do something completely different.
He must go...
- runs
- pulls a sled
- carries logs
- throws boulders
- chops down a tree
... to snowy and freezing Siberia.
Maybe it's winter,
maybe it's cold...
... maybe they only way to get nasty fit is chopping wood like Rocky.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
00 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/88/-4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
390 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
EARNING VS LEARNING
LIFE IS LIKE AN EPIC CARD GAME. We're dealt our genetic hand. As little children, we have no idea...
... we're just running around having fun.
Somewhere around the age of 8 or so we realize...
... we're not all created equal.
I can throw,
my aim is woeful.
I can run,
my friends are faster.
I can swim,
holding my breath is a struggle.
Most of us here, found we love to endure...
... persistence and suffering are out super powers.
We can't earn our way to a sub-4 minute mile, but...
... we can learn how to be faster and more efficient.
That's the journey we are on.
Learning how to be our best.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/93/-8 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
TRAINING BLOCKHEAD
FOR MANY OF US, this is the time to back things down. Pick up a sporty side hustle. Hit the weights...
... do something different.
Makes sense.
The next season is a long way off.
Just one problem.
Physics.
You can't shoot a cannon from a canoe.
Meaning, when the season does come around, we're going to need a good base from which to start launching our hard efforts.
So, whatawee 'posed ta do?
Personally, I'm gonna...
- have fun
- be more socisl
- challenge my skills
... while logging some solid base mile.
===
166 lbs/12.7%
6.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/107/-20 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ARE YOU COMFY?
WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT comfort zones. How we want to avoid them because they hold us back, lead us to settling for...
... more than we can be.
Who wants that?
Things I think about after a less frightful drop down one of my all time favorite descents.
I held the KOM at one point,
still top 11.
Back than, I was really, really at ease on that screamer...
... in a state of flow, relaxed.
Comfy.
The good kind.
Yesterday, on the same segment, I was a hot mess.
Smiley on my rear wheel, showing his front wheel, asking...
... Are you riding cautious?
I wanted to say...
... Heck no, and Screw you!
Things were not flowing,
I was gripping.
Hard.
It was very uncomfortable because I haven't been on my MTB much the last year or so.
Practice leads to comfy,
comfy leads to flow,
flow leads to ripping.
Effortlessly.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/94/-9 (fitness/fatigue/form)
290 Anti-Oxidant Score
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THERE'S A LEGENDARY CLIMB
SOARING 5600' ABOVE SEA LEVEL, we have access to a legendary climb. A gravel fire road. It's the kind of challenge we can sink our teeth into, get a baseline for our fitness...
... set legit goals.
The mountain ain't movin'...
- 9 miles
- 3000'
- 6.3%
... but, we are.
The KOM is held by current world tour pro Kevin Vermaerke,
which he probably set in the NICA days.
53:10
The next 9 are local legends...
... the legit kind, not the goofy Starva thing.
There are two ways to view...
- I'm slow, and I suck
- I'm slow, and I can improve
- I'm slow, and I'm dawgawn grateful to be ripping with my pals
... today's traditional Thanksgiving effort.
One more takeaway.
When I set my PR, we lived much closer to the mountain and I'd ride it 3-4 times a month.
It was a goto.
And, it got me thinking...
... if I wanna slay like that again, I gotta do it more.
Maybe every week for the rest of 2025,
and chop 18 minutes off today's time?
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
84/90/-6 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I NEVER LIFTED WEIGHTS UNTIL I GOT INTO THE NFL...
MOST OF US ARE PROBABLY HEADING OUT for the local turkey trot or some sort of holiday ride. It's tradition, followed by the traditional...
... Did you ride or run today?
Which deserves...
... Yes, and the sun also rose this morning.
Earning an...
... I bet your hungry!
Usually followed by a...
... I didn't know you could eat so much pie!
At some point someone will turn on "the game".
As full as we are,
as much as that lycra gonna be stressed tomorrow...
... we realize endurance training doesn't favor or create massive muscles.
Which brings me to one of my all time favorite athletes...
... the Great Hershel Walker.
Dude was devastating in college and NFL.
This quote must have been so humiliating to those left flattened on the field....
- 2000-3000 pushups/day
- 3000-5000 crunches/day
- hundreds of pullups/day
- hundreds of dips/day
- air squats and lunges thousands
- 20-50 yard sprints
... I never lifted weights until I got into the NFL.
Damn.
We may not be - ok, never will be - built like Hershel, but...
... kinda makes ya wonder how much stronger we could be.
Dedicating little time,
from home.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
20 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/82/0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
STRATEGY VS THE DREAM
LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR yet? Maybe it's too early, I mean jeez it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But, almost...
... so, it might not be too soon.
There's no rule on that.
I was thinking about this on my ride yesterday.
What comes first...
... strategy or the dream.
Especially with all the InfooIncers on the socials.
You know which ones kill me....
... literally saw this one today...
... Download My 47 Points To Master Advertising Now!
hahahahahah
But, you get the idea.
We can get so hyped up on a new (to us) strategy...
- Single-legged box jumps while hula-hooping for explosive sprinting
- One million grams of carbohydrate from bonking to crushing
- Sleep like a grizzly and maul the group ride
... we start looking for a race to unleash.
I've done it,
still do it.
We can all be suckers,
the cons are as appealing as the conmen.
Anyway, what I concluded after zonetwoing my way around town was...
... The Field of Dream if we build it, they will come...
... is kinda right.
The players, errr strategies, don't show up until the field is built.
In other words, once we identify the...
- A race
- impossible PR
- unconquerable route
... then, and only then, will the strategies we need be apparent.
Let me say it differently.
We can quickly toss aside...
- techniques
- strategies
- hacks
... the worthless dross.
Because the really good stuff that works is easy to see...
... once we have our dream/goal/desire firm and clear in our minds.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/74/7 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
NOT AS GOOD?
JOURNALISTS ARE SO MUCH SMARTER than us fans, they have incredible insights we just can't fathom. Why it's a wonder we even...
... bother seeing with our own eyes.
This is gold.
A journo says...
... MVdP is nowhere near as good as Tadej.
On the heels of saying...
... MVdP beat Tadej on the races he wanted to win.
He being MVdP,
and he being Tadej.
Wait,
what?
He's not as good,
but he beats him?
Oh, journo.
Here's the dill, and...
... it's a good lesson for us lowly amachuros.
On certain courses...
... certain riders are unbeatable.
The challenge is to find our course.
===
164.2 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/12 (fitness/fatigue/form)
>
MY VICE IS TERRIBLE, MY CULT IS WORSE
FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...
... I'm an endurance junkie.
Hi Todd.
When we come clean with the general population, Today I...
- swam 10,000 yards
- rode for 5 hours
- ran 20 miles
... they think we're crazy.
We're not.
The adrenaline rush of ...
- 60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
- the swimmers blue mind
- the runner's high
... we need that hit.
Regularly.
This risks we take...
- sending it down the mountain
- running along into the cold, dark night
- impossibly holding our breath one more length
... would freakout any life insurance company.
These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...
... are often all that's keeping us stable.
In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...
... stay dangerous my friends.
The sane kind.
===
165.4 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/70/11 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HOW WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
SOME PROBLEMS ARE HARDER than others to solve. It can be frustrating when the answers just aren't coming. This is...
... how I solve my problems.
It's a question of time, right?
The truly unsolvable problems need marinating...
- clearly identify what needs to be solved
- set aside time
- get outside
... during a very lazy ride, run or swim.
The only goal is to solve the problem.
A stop for a pastry and drink is often required...
... I carry a journal and a pen to help me flush out ideas.
The best problems take require more...
- miles
- creativity
- "fuel" stops
... 3 or 4 or a lot more sessions.
Just today I was trying to figure out what to focus on...
- goals
- events
- milestones
... for next year.
Went for a ride,
had a brainstorm,
came home to the Giant calendar.
And they think we ride just for fun and fitness!
===
165 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
0 PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
0 Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/81/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
BECAUSE IT'S BEAUTIFUL
WE ALL HAVE A WAY to perform. Whether it's vanquishing, showing off, sufferfesting, truly enjoying every moment, our individual efforts...
... leave a lasting impression.
On others,
on ourselves.
Is there a best way?
Right way?
Only way?
Let us not gaze into our own navel but...
- racers
- promoters
- business leaders
- matriarchs and patriarchs
- community and governments
... appreciate for better or worse.
It is what it is.
I was recently struck by a singer...
- unknown by most
- unwilling to submit to label demands
- who died without much fame or fortune at 33
... sold more than 10,000,000 records posthumously.
What?!... how? who?
The great Eve Cassidy sang as if every song was a gift to the listener,
with uncommon love and passion.
Nothing more.
May we all do our thing with such beauty.
===
Pull down her tracks on your music app... good wrenching vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C1_oNzhU7U
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
20 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/65/16 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
ON THE GAS
A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET to not falling over is going faster. It's counterintuitive. But, it's the first thing we taught the kids when they started riding motos in the desert...
... speed is our friend.
Then why did I suffer so badly last weekend in a desert-bound gravel race?
You didn't have a motor Dingdong!
No, it's more than that...
... and I've thought about it a lot this week.
The 92-mile race
- low gradient climbs and descents
- long, long straight roads
- mostly flat
... provided very little coasting.
We had to stay on the gas.
It's not like the terrain here,
most of my ride profiles look like a lumberjack's saw blade.
Anyway, I'm thinking about that this week because I'm starting to do sweetspot training...
... 90% of FTP, without coasting.
I've got to stay on the gas (the pedals).
It's hard to do when we have so many punchy climbs and lots of turns.
But, I'm a committed fool when it comes to this stuff.
===
By the way, you might be one of the horde who loved this jersey...
... which means you'll probably love the kit.
If you wanna rock this awesomeness click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
There's an insane offer, so don't forget to click here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pedalindustries-r-riders-collection
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
82/67/14 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
>
TAKE TWO, AND CALL ME IN THE MORNING
GETTING A COLD is annoying. Can't train like we want to, can't sleep well, hard to be productive. If we get near our lover fingers are raised in an X...
... so, what do we do?
To speed it up.
There are my goto...
- Zicam at first hint
- Pollo Loco tortilla soup
- Insanely hot and long showers
... rider's tales.
Then there's what I did today...
... which could massively backfire, tomorrow.
I woke up,
it was cold.
I had a cold,
and hemmed and hawed.
I consulted my alter ego Dr. Goforit, who said...
- raise your body temperature
- the nose will start to flow
- blow that gunk out
... Put on a kit and get on two wheels.
Torture.
I've had mixed success over the years.
I'll either be on my way to pneumonia...
... or good as new tomorrow.
===
165 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE GODLY CONNECTION IS STRONG IN THIS ONE
BEING OUTSIDE and unplugged is more than just an escape from "the real world". Most people in "modern society" rarely experience what that is like. We do because...
... that's where we thrive.
And, we're moving fast.
Even if we're practicing our craft daily,
and the whether is good,
we could use more.
Not less.
I experienced a snippet of much more on our road trip.
We took time to visit the land my greatgreatgrandfather homesteaded 100 years ago.
No one else was there but us.
Access is via a gravel road,
10 miles from a 2-lane highway.
No cell service.
The only inputs,
each other and nature.
The peace and solitude remarkable.
Over night, the temps dipped low enough to freeze the rain puddles from the prior evening.
We were cozy,
the van has a heater.
Still, when we rose to stretch and visit this hallowed land filled with childhood and parenthood memories...
... we were shocked by the reality of nature.
Not in a negative way,
one that makes you feel alive,
connected to more than a paycheck and bills.
To God.
To acquire the land...
- the extreme temps at 7000'
- the distance by horse or wagon to town
- the loneliness during the months no one came to visit
... E. M. Whiting had to stay on it and not leave, for two years.
How else could he make such a sacrifice if not feeling a closeness to his creator?
I feel it when I'm...
- there
- in the surf
- on our local trails
... and love it.
Need it.
And so...
- walk
- hike
- ride
- run
- surf
- swim
- camp
... we keep inviting and encouraging our friends to join us.
Outside.
===
164.2 lbs/12.6%
9ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
81/58/23 (fitness/fatigue/form) time to raise these numbers
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE...
DISNEY CREATED AN EMPIRE animating fairytales. Because the appeal is so strong, with little to no cultural barriers we have to ask ourselves not just why, but...
... which is our favorite.
Then, why?
Personally, Cinderella is my top choice.
Not just the story arc,
the snappy dances,
or catchy songs.
There's an orphan in all of us.
Often we don't see who we really are,
out talents lying dormant.
Could be naysayers,
could be something else.
It's nice that Price Charming is a price,
it's charming that he sees Cinderella as she really is.
The point isn't...
- Where's my prince charming?
- Who will save the day for me?
- Why am I not picked?
... to wallow in our sorrows.
The point is for whom are we Prince Charming?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
9ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/67/16 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
IT’S IN OUR DNA
TOO FEW OF US know our family history. Some barely know cousins. Great-grandparents? Forget about it. It’s just not a thing. And, yet…
… what could be more important?
To know their stories,
is to know ourselves.
Which is why we drove hours out of our way after the bike race.
Here in eastern Arizona, to soak of our roots.
Surfergirl’s great-grandfather helped settle Snowflake,
my great-great grandfather helped settle Saint Johns.
They are neighboring towns,
about 20 miles apart.
And the communities were quite friendly with each other.
You’d think we grew up out here,
and that’s how we met and married.
Not so.
I was born and raised in SoCal,
she was raised in Hawaii.
Maybe somethings are meant to be.
But, that’s not really the point.
This is hard country,
the high desert.
To carve a life and community out of nothing took strength, smarts, and massive cooperation…
… the same qualities it takes to complete very challenging endurance events.
Who is an ancestor that inspires you?
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
86/87/-0 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I WANNA PUT A DENT IN THAT GIRL
IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE we can say and do the craziest things. You know things we might not normally say or do. And, at the time...
... they sound/seem totally normal.
Like today.
I had the awesome opportunity to flat 15 minutes into the 92 mile race...
... suddenly I'm swearing like a sailor.
It wasn't horrific,
still, glad no one was around.
Spent the next 50 miles basically riding by myself.
Doing my best.
Jumping from group to group.
I roll up on one of the female leaders,
bridge across to another badass Barbie.
And, I hear her say the funniest thing...
... I wanna put a dent in that girl.
Speaking of the other racer.
I visualize a halloween scene,
hatchet stuck in the helmet.
Hahaha.
Then the crass, neanderthal in me thinks...
... that sounds like something I'd like to do on date night.
Not the hatchet...
... if you know what I mean.
These crazy thoughts are birthed in our very depleted states, as we...
... do our best to stay upright and moving forward.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/89/-2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
WHY WOULD ANYBODY GO TO DOUGLASS, AZ?
RACING VENUES ARE HARD TO COME BY, especially in big cities. Almost impossible. The result is the bigger the race, the more likely we are to travel...
... someplace we've never been.
Would never go.
Here I am,
two hours south of Tucson,
on the Mexican border, in Douglass, AZ.
This gravel race has the same vibe as my first Leadville,
back in '99.
Small town,
somewhat forgotten.
Which makes it a perfect place to stage a gravel race...
... surrounded my endless gravel roads.
I decided to sponsor the race for three reasons...
- Mike, the promoter, is hella nice and persistent.
- He's a huge fan of our products
- I'm a huge fan of gravel races
... which are the only reasons to sponsor anything.
Passion and admiration for what each other are doing.
Funny story.
I have actually been here before.
Back in the 80's.
I was doing missionary work in Mexico and our visas needed to be renewed. Five us youngsters piled in a van and hit to Agua Prieto, MX. The plan was to walk across to Douglass, wait five minutes and walk back with new visas.
We were greeted with...
... No, no gringo. No se puede asi. (Not so fast whitey, you can't do it like that.)
So we...
- spent the night in Motel 6
- chomped Pizza Hut
- watched ESPN
... forgot all our Spanish.
And crossed back the next day.
I'm guessing Borderlands gravel will be slightly more challenging.
Good night now.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6% (not sure, traveling)
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
83/64/18 (fitness/fatigue/form) ... somebody is tapered!
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
HURRY UP
IN OUR EFFORTS TO GET FASTER, we often think of the many benefits. Mainly health, youthfulness. And truth is...
... we are better than most, not as good as some.
Who's better?
By that, do you mean...
... how could anybody be better???
We are aerobic machines, and that is a key to longevity.
Mostly.
Here are...
- Sprints
- Weights
... the missing ingredients.
I know, I know...
- sprinting sucks
- weights can be dangerous
- and, for the weenies in the back, who wants to gain weight?
... what you're thinking.
According to research, when we lift weights not only do our bones get denser but there are intra-muscular gains to be made that we cannot get any other way.
You know what else is weird, most people in our culture never sprint again after their early twenties.
So, here's the main takeaway from all scientific facts do 'em and...
... move faster, age slower.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
85/71/13 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
GIVERS
THERE ARE THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER selflessly and those who volunteer selfishly. Both are admirable. In fact, when I was a race promoter it blew my mind that...
... people just reach out and offer their assistance.
Just giving where there's an obvious need.
I ran into a selfish one tonight.
The sun had set,
my headlight was on.
I was making my way cautiously because the ruts on this particular trail are bad and...
... there's an enormous sinkhole that might kill ya.
As a get there...
... did I say it was pitch dark?...
... a man is standing with a shovel in one hand and a trowel in the other.
Creepy?
Scary?
Nope, I knew what he was up to.
Not burying bodies...
... prepping the trail so when it rains this weekend the ruts will fill in.
I stopped.
Introduced myself.
Thanked him profusely.
No need, I just moved here and can't believe how lucky we are to have these trails right here. Just wanna make 'em perfect for my kids and me to ride on.
To which I could only say...
... Bro, you gotta let me make you a custom RaceDay Bag.
Is there a better gift?
===
165.8 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/5 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I THINK I VOIDED THE WARRANTY
LIVING IN THE ACTION SPORTS MECCA of the world, I'm surrounded and influenced by all manner of creative, ingenious athletes. We all feed off each other. My friend Kody...
... started making super aero computer mounts.
3D printed gloriousness.
My new MTB was in need.
I reached out.
Got a mount for Roval bars?
Yes.
Cool, I'll get one.
We haven't tested for lights yet.
He thought I was asking for my road bike.
So yeah...
- the road mount is super aero
- looks freakin' awesome
- supports a light
... survived and thrived on first MTB ride.
Did my evil test void the warranty?
I dunno.
But, this is...
- come up product ideas
- make it
- test it
... what we do around here.
Here's a ink to his site: https://nanoworx.shop
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
60 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/85/2 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
DO YOU KNOW YOUR GOLDILOCKS NUMBER?
WE ARE ALL SEARCHING for that magic number of hours to maximize our training. You know, the Goldilocks amount. Not too little. Not too much...
... the perfect amount of work.
I know where it is.
You do to.
Look back over the year.
Find the week that didn't wreck you, the...
- hours
- distance
- intensity
... I can do this every week.
Bonus/verification if you had any...
- Segments
- PWR
- HR
... PRs the following week(s)?
That's your Goldilocks number.
Mine's about...
- saddle time
- bit of strength work
- some sort of other fun
... 13 hours/week.
What's yours?
===
164.8 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
88/86/1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU GET 1 WISH
2026 WILL BE HERE soon enough. Many of us are already planning work, vacations, family time...
... and, yes, races.
You get 1 wish.
Here it is...
- lay out your Giant RaceDay Calendar
- scour the interwebs for races
- pick one, and do it
... no limitations.
Imagine it...
- Anywhere on this giant blue marble.
- Any time of the year
- Dream equipment
- Fantastic lodging
- Clear schedule
... and ask yourself.
If not this year...
... when?
'Cause here's the deal, if we only did one race next year...
... we could probably make it happen.
It's just a mental game, play it out, and let me know...
... where, when and why.
Me personally, my top choices...
- Gravel Burn, South Africa
- Oregon Trail
- Rebecca's Private Idaho
... are gravel stage races.
Gravel Burn looks insane.
===
You do have a Giant RaceDay Calendar, right?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2
===
164.4 lbs/12.5%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
89/91/-3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
THE REBEL ALLIANCE IS GROWING
EVERY NOW AND THEN a new format or race or course or piece of equipment comes along with promises to change everything. Except hardly anything changes...
... until something sparks.
How does that work?
Like this.
About 10 years ago, I purchased my first gravel bike.
My friends, like me, were roadies and mountain bikers.
A gravel bike seemed like the worst of both worlds.
I got it,
understood where they were coming from.
Except, I was having so dang much fun...
... I didn't care.
I just kept riding gravel,
inviting my friends,
enduring their
mockery.
It wasn't overnight,
more like overdecade.
The last two Saturdays, most telling.
Eight days ago, an absolute shredder on a mountain bike shows up on a spanking new gravel bike.
30 minutes in, he's grinning and shouting...
... This looks so wrong, but gadang it's fun!
Today, another pal shows up for his first group gravel ride.
He's gifted off road, we spent years riding motos in the desert...
... We're going 30+ miles an hour, I can't believe how much ground we can cover!
Does that mean you should be riding gravel, too?
Maybe.
But, really, it's just a lesson in how things that are worthwhile spread.
Then again...
... What did the gravel bike say to the road bike?
I am your father.
===
165.6 lbs/12.6%
8ish hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
0 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
90/105/-15 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
FAMOUS COACHES ARE GETTING FIRED RIGHT AND LEFT
IN PRO SPORTS, or high level amateur, there is always a spot light on the coaches. At some point, blame or credit lands...
... squarely on their shoulders.
Should it?
I do love to follow college football...
- the emotional swings
- the athleticism
- the stadiums
... so much energy and unpredictablity.
Who would have thought so many megamilliondollar...
... coaches would be punted this year.
Mid-season.
The great Seth Godin wrote The Gap.
The idea behind the book is when we find ourselves unable to close the gap to our goal...
... the sooner we decide to quit and move on, the better.
It might be a pro gambling tactic as well...
... but, the only gambling I do is putting my heart, soul and cash into this business.
Anyway, would you have/have you had the guts...
... to change directions, and how quickly would you do it?
===
163.6 lbs/12.4%
7.5 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
CHOOSE WORTHY ADVERSARIES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOVING UNDERDOGS? It's so uniquely American. Is it our origin story, the DNA of our culture...
... to cheer for the fighter with no chance?
Honestly.
Who can't feel a bit of their own soul being crushed with every blow the awesome Apollo Creed delivers to a...
... bloodied, bruised, crushed Rocky Balboa?
We've all been in that arena.
Had the bell ring.
Still standing.
Somehow.
We humans thrive against overwhelming adversaries...
- inspiration
- desperation
- exasperation
... oozing with confidence and power.
When our all is required,
we discover who we really are.
As the great Kierkegaard said...
... What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
===
164.6 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/88/-1 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
MY TOP 5 SPEED HACKS
FOR MOST OF US, going faster, getting better, has less to do with a fancy new gizmo or the latest training fad. We know that...
... but, what are doing about it?
Like the Mastercard ad says...
... some things are priceless.
Here are five...
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Strength
- Maintenance
- Consistency
... anybody can do.
These are my hacks.
Sleep.
Figure out when we want to wake up. Get in bed 8 hours prior to that. Stay there until it's time. Eventually, our bodies get the hang of it, and boom... we're sleep doping.
Nutrition.
Eat clean. No packaged foods. If we can't identify the ingredients, we don't consume it.
Strength.
Do the basics, at home. We don't have time to drive to the gym. No need to do all the sets at once, break 'em up throughout the day. Hardly any equipment is needed: pull up bar, a few dumbbells (adjustables for the win).
Maintenance.
New equipment is so nice because it is all tight and precise. Flawless maintenance will keep that new equipment performance for years, and we'll always be race ready.
Consistency.
If we always train at the same time magic happens. Those around us learn and appreciate our commitment. We get it done. Always.
A final word.
I was never the best athlete. Not among my friends, and certainly not at school or among the general population.
I was never picked first, couldn't aim or hit anything regularity.
I wasn't the bravest or most daringist.
I did have one thing going for me...
... I freakin' loved being outside and being challenged by nature.
Today, I'm probably better than almost all my contemporaries.
That's not a flex, it's just happens.
They quit.
Which brings us to the top two hacks of all time...
... commitment and passion.
===
165.2 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
√ Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls, Split Squats
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU'VE LOST THAT AWESOME FEELING... GET IT BACK!
THERE'S A CERTAIN SOMETHING we feel during the early days of picking up our passion. It's tangible. We can taste it. We love it...
... that's how we got here.
I'd lost it.
Over the last couple of years, drunk with stupid stats from Training Peaks and Starva...
- more time
- more miles
- more climbing
... I found myself wallowing in fatigue.
Don't get me wrong.
I'd line up, or roll out with the pals, and, though I might be quick to drift back...
... the ability to endure for hours was ridiculous.
Something snapped.
Or, lightning struck.
I dunno.
But, a few weeks ago, I woke up and said...
Screw it!
I'm cutting down the long slogs...
... and bringing back sprint days.
2-3 hours became 90 minutes.
With 10-15 VO2 max efforts,
lasting 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
I'm super fortunate to live close to trails with a lot of straight up and straight down...
... I let the terrain dictate how long the sprint lasts.
Then, focus on my DH skills...
... coasting, staying off the brakes, carving and carrying speed.
The upshot, after 90 minutes and 10+ solid efforts?
I feel amazing,
not pooped.
Sprinting engages all our muscles and focus...
... a total mind, body soul work out.
Soul?
Yeah, trust me.
Do 'em right, and you'll see stars and feel God's presence could be imminent.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
No PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises
No Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
90 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/83/3(fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
YOU CAN'T GROW A BEARD OVERNIGHT
WE WANNA BE FASTER. Right now. Not this season, not this month, not this week, not today. Right now...
... 300 meters from the finish line.
Houston, we have a problem.
Go ahead.
We forgot to add fuel to the return booster.
Sucks to be you.
Yeah.
We can't grow a beard overnight.
A good one, for some of us...
... can take months.
If we wanna be fast in the final sprint,
if we wanna negative split the course...
... we gotta put in the work before we need the result.
===
164.3 lbs/12.5%
8 hours sleep
√ PullUps, PushUps, Rows, Shoulder Presses, Heel Raises, Calf Raises, Box Jumps, Dead Lifts, Nordic Curls
10 minutes stretching
30 minutes Reading/Journaling
87/82/4 (fitness/fatigue/form)
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248
>
I'LL GO IN CHAINS
Mar 03, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WE'VE BEEN CAST OUT
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang
AND IF YOU DON'T LOVE ME NOW
You will never love me again
I can still hear you sayin'
You would never break the chain.
You will never love me again
I can still hear you sayin'
You would never break the chain.
UNCHAIN MY HEART, baby let me be
Unchain my heart, 'cause you don't care about me
Unchain my heart oh
Please set me free.
Unchain my heart, 'cause you don't care about me
Unchain my heart oh
Please set me free.
LOVE'S GOT A HOLD OF ME, BABY,
Feels just like a ball and chain.
Now, love's just draggin' me down, baby, yeah,
Feels like a ball and chain.
Feels just like a ball and chain.
Now, love's just draggin' me down, baby, yeah,
Feels like a ball and chain.
FIVE LONG YEARS
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I'm just a link in your chain
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I'm just a link in your chain
CHAINS, MY BABY'S GOT ME LOCKED UP IN CHAINS
And they ain't the kind you can see
Whoa, these chains of love
Got a hold on me, yeah.
And they ain't the kind you can see
Whoa, these chains of love
Got a hold on me, yeah.
WITHOUT CHAINS
Where'd we be?
Cut free.
Coastin'
Pedalin' pain free
Goin' nowhere
I'll go in chains.
Where'd we be?
Cut free.
Coastin'
Pedalin' pain free
Goin' nowhere
I'll go in chains.
(Can ya name the tunes above?)
I'M GOING TO VISIT MY BIKE
Mar 02, 2018
by TODD BROWN
GENO CALLED ME AT 5:45PM ON FRIDAY.
You still working?
Yep.
Me too. What's wrong with us?
I don't know.
... silence...
I'm going home to visit my family,
see if they remember me.
I'll say Hello to my bike, too.
_____
169.8
THEY LIED TO ME
Mar 01, 2018
by TODD BROWN
CASHIERS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS. I have a lot of cycling themed t's - from a peloton of Storm Troopers to pithy quips. For some reason, cashiers love to comment more than any other group of people... it's not weird, just unexpected.
Like today... on my way back from a meeting at Shimano I pulled into Sprouts for a quick lunch.
100 kilometer bike race. How far is that?
62.14 miles.
Wow. I rode 50 miles before.
You could do this (shameless promoter, I know).
I did the Rosarito to Ensenada bike race. That's 50 miles. I was going up this hill. It almost killed me. The said it was the only one... but there were 5 more. They lied to me!
Did you go back?
Yep, 6 years in a row.
That's awesome.
Yeah, but I couldn't do that now. I haven't ridden my bike in years.
Well, maybe it's time to get back at it?
Oh, I don't think so... but, you have a nice day.
You too.
And, it got me thinking... what would it be like to be a cashier? Would I be checking everybody out too?
_____
170
IT'S NOT HOW YOU START
Feb 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A FINISH LINE. It marks the end of the effort. There's nothing beyond it, nothing to conserve for. This is it.
Everything that went before is moot, sunk costs.
It started when I put it on my calendar.
Then I trained.
I worked on my bike.
I got signed up.
I drove to the venue.
I lined up.
Off we went, me and 400 of my closest friends.
The energy was savory and electric.
We were going all out for 100k.
I surfed up to riders my pace.
We worked together.
A bond of brotherhood/sisterhood formed.
The speed was beyond anything I could do on my own.
All along, it felt like I could throw down my fastest 100k EVER.
As the end neared, it seemed to get farther away.
My legs ached, my lungs burned.
Could my bike be getting heavier?
Do I have a flat?
Are my brakes rubbing?
Questions only a loser would ask.
I'm a winner and I'm wringing every ounce out of my body.
Because I know this is what it feels like to do my best.
It's not how I start, it's how I finish!
_____
168.8
I HAD THIS PERFECT RIDE ALL PICKED OUT.
Feb 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I INVITED MY FRIEND TO GO MOUNTAIN BIKING WITH ME. He was new to the area. I laid out what I thought was the perfect route for him. About a quarter of our way in he wanted to go down a different trail.
The fact that I've been riding these trails for years didn't seem to matter much. Well, to him. It mattered a lot to me because I knew the consequences.
He was young.
I told him I'd been down that trail and it was terrible. There were all kinds of peril waiting if we went that way.
He didn't care.
We parted ways. He assured me he'd be fine. I assured him I wasn't so sure about that.
He's was on his own.
Worry set in on my part... and it never really left. I wondered what I could have done different. I believed in agency... and experience... I hoped for the best.
_____
169.6
YES, YOU CAN BE FAT AND FAST!
Feb 26, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT'S WINTER, AND THAT COAT IS THICKENING UP. Good thing too, because it's still flipping cold outside.
Each morning, you hop on the shiny digital scale and just smile.
A little heavier!
A little faster!
You're going slay that all downhill race with the tailwind...
nobody will out do you...
in. your. dreams.
nobody will out do you...
in. your. dreams.
Wake up!
Spring is coming,
FAST!
Spring is coming,
FAST!
I'M A TWOWHEELPHILIAC
Feb 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT, I love getting around on two wheels. I was corrupted at a young age. My red tricycle was the gateway. I was 3.
At 4, I got a two-wheeler from my grandfather. I rounded corners completely wrong. My scant body gravity pressing hard on the tiny outside wheel.
At 5, dad's crescent wrench and I mangled the large nuts that secured the trainers. Intuitively, I knew there was only one way to be truly free.
On two wheels.
On two wheels I flew from the nest. No need to kick me out. No way to hold me back. Just me and the breeze through my hair.
Martha Street was my kingdom. It was long and steep and curved.
Over to Jamie's. Down to Cindy's.
Brakes. No brakes.
Speeding down.
Feeling control. Losing control.
Losing skin. Bleeding knees.
None of it mattered.
And when things get serious, and all the world bears down, I get back on those wheels. Just me and the breeze.
None of it matters.
_____
169.6
JUST ME N BOB
Feb 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
BOB IS STILL RACING THROUGH LIFE. Maybe not as fast as you, but at 82 he doesn't appear to be slowing down. Each Saturday, me and the crew blow by him too fast to chat.
I just yell, Hi Bob!
He waves from his perch.
Today I was alone, so I slowed to to chat a bit.
He asked where the gang was. I joked they'd slept it. Too wimpy to brave the unusual 30 degree weather. I let on they were racing. He asked why I wasn't with them. Darn flu. As if to acknowledge life itself and my relative youth, They'll be other races.
Life goes so fast
if we don't slow down and say hello
we may be left with goodbye.
_____
167.8
I MISSED YOU
Feb 23, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I MISSED YOU ON THE RIDE TODAY.
I missed your smooth pulls.
I missed your cheerful banter.
I missed the way you wave to all.
I missed your safe approach to traffic.
I missed the way you point out hazards.
I missed your cheerful banter.
I missed the way you wave to all.
I missed your safe approach to traffic.
I missed the way you point out hazards.
You're missable, aren't you?
I WANNA GET PHYSICAL
Feb 22, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IT WASN'T THE EARLIEST START, but it was a start. It felt good to be pedaling easily again, and I wanted to go hard. But, I resisted. I had to since there's no substitute for actual riding when it comes to my mental sanity.
The air was still a frigid 44, and I'm on the mend.
I cannot afford to deplete my body riding the road to recovery and push things back again. Got to be patient.
Still, my soul nagged at me: I wanna go fast! ... which lead to flipping ONJ's I Wanna Get Physical popping around my snotty skull.
This could be the worst music video of all times. Am I right?
_____
166.8
THE WORST DIET EVER
Feb 21, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I'M SETTING ALL KINDS OF WEIGHT LOSS RECORDS. It's the worst diet ever. I'm down 5 lbs in the last week. Which for me, is nuts. Total anomaly.
What's next?
Will it plateau?
Do I have a tape worm? No.
It's the flipping flu of 2018. In my case, no appetite. It's just weird. Body aches. And, my brain feels scrambled.
No doubt, I'll get my hungriness back and pack it all on in one sitting at Wood Ranch Grill.
Time to shop for some heavier shoes lest I float away.
_____
166
THIS OLD JACKET
Feb 20, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I HAVE THIS OLD JACKET, that's barely used. My anti-clutter guard says Toss It!, but I could never throw it away, because it's essential gear once or twice a year.
Thick, and heavy, with a barrier to protect against wind and rain.
Once, it was stylish. Matched all my gear.
Always ready to protect and comfort.
Like an old friend,
a keeper.
_____
168.8
AROUND THE BEND
Feb 19, 2018
by TODD BROWN
AS SURE AS WE ARE, we never really know what's around the bend.
Riding a bike,
you can slow down,
but, you can't stop.
That's not riding,
not living.
So, we go around the bend and see what's there.
Often, what we thought.
Other times, not.
Different, by a lot.
That's riding,
living.
Sometimes bends are better rounded with friends.
Riding a bike,
you can slow down,
but, you can't stop.
That's not riding,
not living.
So, we go around the bend and see what's there.
Often, what we thought.
Other times, not.
Different, by a lot.
That's riding,
living.
Sometimes bends are better rounded with friends.
I NEVER SEEN THIS KIND OF POWER
Feb 17, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WE HAVE THIS LITTLE RIDE GOING ON SATURDAYS NOW, and we keep getting new guys showing up. They don't all come back. I'm not sure why, well I am, but let's pretend I'm not.
The name that seems to be sticking for this ride is The SHOP Ride. SHOP is an acronym for Saturday Hour of Power. It's actually just over an hour, and it requires crazy amounts of power.
That's the profile above.
The start of the hour is at the bottom of Laguna Canyon where Forest intersects. We leave there at 730am, sharp. But, none of us live in Laguna. Most of us have been riding a fair number of miles when we get there. Which means, at 730, it's full gas. We average over 24mph, up a 3-4% grade and typically with a headwind.
Those strong enough to hang on up the canyon are then faced with multiple 2-6 minute climbs, back to back to back to back.... the pace is relentless, and oh so sweet - if you like the taste of blood.
Today was particularly hard for me. I'd had the flu for about 3 days. But, when I woke up after 8 hours and no alarm clock... I figured that was as good a sign as any. Time to either kill this bug, or have a big relapse. I managed to make up the canyon, and was able to take every single short cut possible to not finish too far behind the gang.
The virgins were aghast.
Mouths hanging open.
Eyes crossed.
Collapsed on their top tubes.
Jorge threw up these words:
I never seen power like that.
Is this ride for you?
Maybe.
It's for anybody that wants to give it a try. It's only an hour.
____
Jorge's power numbers... I'm not sure what it means, but I see red.
Does this look the face of a man who's ready for more?... Jay apparently has recovered.
C-Hill, looks chill.
Matt having a meal.
Charlie smiling.
Sean cool as a cucumber
Bret licking his chops
I need a nap
_____
168
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Feb 15, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF I TAKE THREE FRIENDS TO A RACE...
The climber sees the hills,
The TTr sees the flats and winds,
The sprinter sees the finish.
The climber sees the hills,
The TTr sees the flats and winds,
The sprinter sees the finish.
What do you choose to see?
HEALTH
Feb 14, 2018
by TODD BROWN
JAMES BOND GOLDENEYE NINTENDO 64, is the best game ever... at least that was the sales pitch I got one Christmas. In about 15 minutes, my two little warriors had mastered the bloodbath masquerading as a game for kids.
I settled in for a round.
In seconds my health was down to zero and I was dead.
Dad, you gotta take care of your health.
What do I do?
Don't get shot, and go over here.
Simple enough.
So, when I woke up achy and feeling fluish today... I stayed off my bike and went to the pharmacy. #donttrainwhenyoursick
_____
169
HEY TODD: I THINK I SCREWED YOU UP
Feb 13, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ON THE HEELS OF WINNING TODAY'S TMWC - something that should never happen and probably won't ever happen again but which happened mainly because my young friends couldn't get their young acts together and ride a proper pace line and thereby reel in The Old Diesel and his cohort/co-winner the nice and gracious Chris Hill - I have spent the evening scouring the interwebs for foolproof video instruction... because kids don't read... so that you really, really, really understand how a pace line works.
Why would I do this?
Pure selfishness... if you ever get in a pace line/breakaway with me I want it to work thereby averting the words I heard last week when one of my young friends was struggling to keep the pace line together.
---> What is a young friend? It's true, everybody I ride with is younger than me in age, but Young friend = new to riding bikes fast <---
This first video has it all. But, it's short. If you watch it 5 or 6 times and take notes you'll have a really excellent understanding of what's at stake.
This video is terrible... but worth watching and asking yourself why is a guy standing behind a bike in a bike shop, kitted up? Things that make me go hmmmm
This video stalled out with the text "Do Not Accelerate" on the screen... I hope it does for you too because this is the #1 offender of all youngsters.
This is from A1 coaching, so I thought it would be awesome. It is real life gnarly... crazy weather, no bike lane, downunder... questionable sound quality and really short, but it's nice to see how smooth they rotate.
This video is the most thorough and also from GCN. Proving two things: their videos are superb and this is a skill that we all need to master.
XOXO
PS Only I can screw up my ride.
169
IF I HAD JUST ONE BIKE
Feb 12, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF I HAD JUST ONE BIKE, it would have to be a hardtail MTB. Because in the words of Greg Focker, you can ride anything with wheels... but, it's where you can ride them and how fast they go that matters.
On a hardtail...
you can pump up the tires to rock hard and keep up with most road bikes,
you can run low pressure in your tires and climb up nearly any trail
or bomb any descent kinda fast,
you can have the air just right and go from sand to dirt to road and back,
you can be pretty good at almost anything.
Which is why I have a hardtail and a road bike;
and have my eyes on
a fixie
a trail bike
a gravel bike
a tandem road
a tandem MTB
an old Schwinn Apple Krate
and an electric beach cruiser.
What are your eyes on?
_____
170.8
OLD HABITS
Feb 11, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I CAN'T HELP IT. I pull up to another cyclist and I start assessing. It's a left over from the early days when 80-100 riders would line up in my race. Me, against them.
I can count the times I've had a teammate on 1 hand. I'm not against it, it's just the way things have worked out. The result is a deep need to figure out who the players are and forget the rest.
There are the basics:
Legs shaved.
New, clean bike.
Proper amount of nutrition on board.
Helmet on correctly.
Gut vs. no gut.
Tan vs. no tan.
But, these are things you can assess standing around and lining up. Once things are underway the sleuth work gets easier, but must be quicker.
Smooth pedal stroke.
Off the brakes.
At ease.
Quiet.
Here are giveaways of someone who is confident. Confident riders are able to size up the other riders and feel the thunder in the herd. They waste no energy, they just calculate, relaxed in the knowledge that sooner or later someone will make a mistake.
And then it's over.
More than anything confidence comes from experience. Experience, actual bike riding, builds up a huge catalog of what ifs and what to dos. No amount of riding solo, or worse riding a trainer, can compensate getting out in groups and rides and races.
What if...
its hot?
it rains?
the roads are bad?
I miss a feed?
a rider is unsafe?
there's an attack?
it's hillier?
it's flatter?
it's windier?
I feel bad?
I feel amazing?
I feel nothing?
I get dropped?
I attack?
I fall?
I lose?
I win?
My friends win?
They fail?
I flat?
My glasses fog over?
I forget my gloves?
...
Experience,
there's no substitute.
_____
HEADS UP... HUNKR-OC PRICE INCREASE 3/1/18
Is your FUNKR team ready?
Is your FUNKR team ready?
170.2
HUNKR TRAINING FLAT TIRES TELL NO TALES
Feb 10, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF THERE IS A SEASON FOR FLAT TIRES, it's right now. I felt bad for Charlie. He'd gotten up early and hustled down to the start of our ride to put in some fast racepace miles and flatted. I didn't see it, just got the report...
It's 7... let's go.
Charlie flatted.
Where?
Just around the corner.
You didn't wait?
Nope... I waited for a flat on Tuesday and missed the ride.
We always leave on time, and as a group we never stop for flats... those lucky enough to have a friend on the ride might have the good fortune to have help for a speed flat fix. But we aren't friends... at least not on the rides.
This no stopping policy isn't true on all rides just the hard rides. I think that's because we are all too lazy to do intervals alone and use these rides in lieu of such idiocy.
Pete flatted later in the ride. I stopped. What a hypocrite I am! Kinda... Pete and I friends, sure, but my son Trevor is getting back into riding and had been shelled on the 133. Here was a chance to help a friend and wait for my kid - who is not really a kid.
Peter got rolling and I turned around to find T... called, but no answer.
Then a ring.
Where are ya?
I'm up by the toll road. You?
We took a short cut.
Cool... I'll see you at the finish.
I guess there are still tales to tell even with flat tires.
Just different ones, not the ones you'd planned on.
Sometimes they are better...
Maybe always.
_____
169.8
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES!
Feb 09, 2018
by TODD BROWN
AS WE GO OUT AND VISIT LOCAL BIKE SHOPS TO TALK ABOUT HUNKR, the reception is much different than last year. Last year, HUNKR was a brand new concept and took some 'splaining. This year, it's a totally different conversation.
Hey, yeah... I've been hearing about the race already. A few riders are already signed up. This, I heard way down in San Diego at a super cool shop -> Revolution Bike Shop. That's awesome, who is it? The Sisterhood of Cycling.
How sweet is that? 80 miles away, a team of ladies are signed up and spreading the word at their local shop.
The conversations ranged from enthusiasm that a SoCal road race series is on the calendar to confirming the shop would be there with their canopy ready to support their riders and customers.
IT'S THE SAME WITH SPONSORS. The sponsors this year get it, too. The ability to reach a new section of they cycling community in terms of the athletes along with multiple venues is a big draw. Many of the sponsors came out and checked out HUNKR last year as participants.
THE TEAMS GET IT TOO. This year the local cycling teams see the value in this kind of event and the opportunity to involve their riders in a challenge that focuses more on teamwork and personal best. It's a unique approach that giving all a reason to train together and work together to have their best days ever going 100k. Plus, a lot of the teams are reaching out to the Under 23 crowd and getting them registered for free.
It ain't easy pulling all this together, but it's worth it because we know how impactful an event done right can be. Having this momentum really helps us able to continue to add value to HUNKR.
NEW FUNKR CATEGORY FOR 2018
Feb 07, 2018
by TODD BROWN
FUNKR IS HOW WE ADD MORE FUN TO HUNKR BIKE RACES. You and 4 or more of your friends and create a FUNKR team. We use our superamazing computing power to rank your team against all the other FUNKR teams.
Last year, we had 3 Overall categories for the fastest all men, all women and mixed (at least 1 member of the opposite sex).
This year, we add a 4th category called the POINTS Category.
Here, our superamazing computer will take the 5 best placed riders on your team and rank them against all the other teams. Got it?... it's not finishing times that matter for the POINTS Category it's placings that matter. And one more thing, to qualify your team must have at least 1 member of the opposite sex.
How to create your team?
When you register there is a place to pick your team. If your team isn't listed, you can create it at that time. We'll take it from there... simple enough?
Who should you get on your team?
Since there is no limit to the size of your FUNKR team get all your friends. More friends = equals more fun.
What do you win?
Each team will receive a beautiful trophy and swag provided from one or more of our terrific sponsors.
Does it any extra cash to create a team?
Nope. It's all included with your registration.
What if you already signed up?
Not a problem, just shoot us an email and we'll get you onto the team.
Afterward, when we're all hanging out and mowing down a tasty meal pay attention to the PA System because your team could be the next FUNKR champion. Register Here.
______
171.8 (feeling fatter)
AINT NO SHOWER HOT ENOUGH
Feb 06, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THIS TIME OF YEAR GETTING THE CLOTHING RIGHT IS NOT ART AND NOT SCIENCE. It's mostly just dumb luck... of which I had none this fine morning.
It was colder than advertised by about 10 degrees, not the end of the world. But, the clouds were sitting on the asphalt... and there we were, in 40 degree weather. Essentially we were running through the sprinklers at 20mph, in clothes grampa woulda shot me in before letting me rep his name in public.
Every mile got colder and wetter, and all I could think was...
Ain't no shower hot enough
Ain't no bathtub deep enough
Ain't no sauna steamy enough
To keep me from turning to blue
______
171.4
SAND, STONE
Feb 05, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY BIKE LIFE CONTINUUM STRETCHES FROM SAND TO STONE. Some of what I do is very negotiable, and other parts are truly written in stone.
Tuesday morning group ride, pure stone. This ritual has been going on for about 30 years. Some years it's been part of a full week of riding, and others it's been the only weekday ride. It's a social thing, as well as an accountable thing.
Sundays off is set in stone as well. For me, this is the only way I can keep perspective on all aspects of my life. I unplug from training, unplug from work - no emails, calls or reading... and I'd like to add unplug from digital life, but haven't done it yet. I plug into family and the spiritual side of life. I started this when I turned 30.
Bike fit is set in stone. I go to one fitter, I go every time I get a new bike, and anytime I have any kind of pain. A good bike fit can get you 10% faster.
Weighing myself each morning is mainly stony. I weigh myself right when I get up each day, and record it. I have gained all kinds of insight to my body and the effects of what I eat, the times I eat, how long it takes to gain or lose weight, and what I really weigh. But, I never weigh myself on vacation.
Sleep is sandy-stony. I try and get 7-8 hours, it really feels good. But, sometimes we stay out late. That said, I still set the alarm for 530 and rise most days around 5.
Coaching is sandy-stony. I love my little coach, she's the best. But, each of us know I'm only good for the 7 weeks leading up to a big event. Any more than that and I find the structure suffocating. She puts up with me, and I'm grateful for it.
My goals are sandy-stony. Some years, it's all about the MTB others it's all road riding. Lately I'm all into USACycling road races, I had years that were all about 100 mile MTB races. But, when I lock in the theme of the year I'm all stone on my goals.
Diet is on the sandy side. I try and eat whole foods, but sure had fun pounding cake and brownies and Mexican coke watching the Super Bowl yesterday.
What kind of bike is sandy too... I like road and mountain, carbon and aluminum. I'm not a neat freak, but the drivetrain has got to be tidy and working well.
But the sandiest of all is M-W-Th-F-S.
I go where the treads flow.
Never really know,
Until I get there,
Which is where,
Life puts on a show,
I meet someone, see something,
And grow.
How about you, what's in sand and what's in stone?
_____
171.4
ALL HE DOES IS REST
Feb 04, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY FRIEND TY IS HAVING A STAND OUT SEASON. So is Matt. They are following a very simple plan during the race season.
Race for the win,
then rest.
Their training volume is down about 25%. The only intensity is racing 3-4 times a month. Everything else, everthing, is about resting and recovering. Easy rides. Plenty of sleep. Clean food. Massage.
Their blades are very sharp,
ready to cut you down.
What about you?
Too tired to race hard? Rest more.
No race season... but a serious focus on 1-2 events? Your last 3 weeks should look just like their season.
Just wanna keep up with your pals? Pick a day, make it your race.
No heart rate monitors,
No power meters.
Pure heart.
Pure Power.
_____
169.8
MY PEOPLE CALL IT FUN
Feb 03, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THE STATE OF BICYCLE RACING IN ORANGE COUNTY, CA IS BETTER THAN EVER - on all levels. I think it's because our community is tighter and more appreciative of each other's efforts as athletes and as race directors. As a result, we have more robust events to participate in and a fuller calendar. This is a virtual cycle of improvement in all areas.
For example, Replay Timing company, operated by my friend Chris Williams, is homegrown. Chris is local. He knows all our events and the promoters and the athletes and what we expect from a timing company. Over the years, he has been building his company's capabilities and expertise and technology. Through Chris's persistence we are all able to enjoy a richer experience racing.
Accurate timing makes the events more fun for beginners and pros. It's another element to see where we rank among our peers, and those who are faster and/or slower. Sure it's nice to see how you placed, it's nicer to compare the times as well.
The results are more people having more fun. So the word spreads.
Hey, come and do a race with me... it'll be fun
Timing adds cost,
It also adds more value to the racers.
Which brings more racers.
Which allows the race directors to add more value.
Which brings more racers.
Which brings in bigger and better sponsors,
Which brings in bigger and better sponsors,
Which adds more value
Which leads to events selling out,
Which allows race directors to control costs,
and add more value,
and more racers.
Next time you race at NonDot, OverTheHump, Rwanda Ride, HUNKR, unOFFICIAL TMWC, CBR(soon), and more... introduce yourself to Chris, it's a thankless job we all need done well.
Sold out NONDOT Whiting TT
_____
170.8
WHAT'S UP HOMESLICE?
Feb 02, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF SLICED TIRES... the kind you notice before you ride and the kind that explode on your ride. Which one is better depends on a number of factors:
Neglect tire inspection...
If you enjoy expending emotional energy,
If you like the idea of your tire blowing while you rail a corner,
If you are looking for a good reason to unhitch from a blistering pace.
Check 'em out...
If you dislike any of the above.
If you dislike any of the above.
Today I noticed a decent slice and some other odd wear on my front tire. It's a bummer because that's a brand new tire. The slice was bulging, which means it's only a matter of time until it blows. I could have booted it and ridden it for a long time... come to think of it, I might just yank it outta the trash when I get home.
Check yer tires... nothing is slower than fixing a flat, assuming you're in shape to fix the flat if it blows at high speed in a turn.
SOMETIMES I JUST WONDER
Feb 01, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ON MY RIDE I OVERHEARD THIS: If you die, I'll go through your pockets.
How do you get to that point in your life, living on the streets, undernourished and suffering in the cold, surrounded by your "friends", who's best idea is a statement like that?
Three grown men... who were once someone's little boys.
Two trying to console a one, clearly struggling.
All doing their best to survive.
Am I any different?
I wonder.
WHY IS A MASS START SO AWESOME... AND GROUNDBREAKING?
Jan 31, 2018
by TODD BROWN
A MASS START BIKE RIDE OR RACE IS AWESOME, because it's so much more of a shared experience.
The energy when everybody starts lining up in their respective corrals is off the charts. Every single person can feel it, and you just get the idea that this is going to be a great day... that today could be your best ever HUNKR time.
We are all competing under the same conditions. This is cool because it gives us all a good idea of how we truly compare. For the slower people, it's a chance to appreciate the speed of the pros. For the pros, it's a chance to witness the heroic efforts of the first timers... to be a real pro at the finish and welcoming them to the party.
It's like the best group ride ever: we time it and make sure you don't have to stop along the way so you can go after your PR.
The after party kicks in as we all arrive back at the start. There's great food and music, and cool exhibits to check out. Because we all start together, we get back to the finish about the same time as our friends and hang out and recover. What could be better?
Bonus: it makes the driving so much better when we can carpool with our friends. The animated chatter on the way over is sprinkled with laughter and big bets. But, it's the drive home, reliving the highlights of the day that are the best... the way we take it all apart, congratulate each other and get right at planning how do better next time.
---
At HUNKR, you'll be starting at the same time as everybody else. Everybody lines up based on their projected finish time - our supercrazypowerful software makes sure everybody is where they should be.
_____
_____
PUSH IT REAL GOOD
Jan 30, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MY PLAN WAS PRETTY SIMPLE THIS MORNING... push it, push it, push it. I was tapered from last week, other than Saturday's leg busting effort at SBRR. I have 3 weeks till the next big race, this week's gotta be a humdinger.
It's a selfish plan.
I say that because we get to the start warmed up and ready to broil - it's 45 minutes with 1000' of elevation on the way over. We made really good time today, which surprised me because it seemed easy. As soon as 6:30 hit, it was haulin' A', like DK. We had 4 guys off for the first 10 minutes. The remnants caught us. It slowed, and we pushed it again. About 1/3 of the group was bye-bye.
Sorry.
The A-Loop was somewhat tame. Still, the ponies were jumpy and anxious. They eased just a little on the pinnacle, so I pushed it. Pushed it good enough to crest first (Sean mighta let up?).
Thank you.
We kept it together down the DMZ to the bike trail. As soon as we hit the trail, I pushed it. OTF for about 10ish minutes. Got the gap up to 23 seconds, per MikeyG. The herd of ponies galloped right on by on The Wall. But, I kept pushing.
Almost.
We almost caught the remnants of the leaders, only because we kept pushing it. Pushed down the canyon, and kept on pushing up the Corkscrew. Mission accomplished. I'm smoked.
Pushed it!
_____
_____
FROM WHERE I SIT
Jan 29, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ARCHED BACKS ON YOGA MATS ,
cross-legged squatters perched high,
a sleeping man holding down his bench.
Cruising the bike path, there are all kinds of peeps up early. At daybreak. As I pedal, many of them are still. Quiet. Meditating perhaps. Maybe reflecting on yesterday, wondering what today holds. I'm doing the same as I ease by, but it's really not the same.
So I stop and admit,
it's pretty good
to just sit.
it's pretty good
to just sit.
_____
_____
CHEERING WILDLY
Jan 28, 2018
by TODD BROWN
WHICH CYCLING TEAM WILL BE THE BEST IN 2018?
Which team will:
have the sweetest victories?
nurture the best new riders?
sport the best looking kits?
display humility in victory?
graciousness in defeat?
respect the rules of the sport?
create the best atmosphere for the riders?
roll on the most striking equipment?
Which team will you wildly cheer for
regardless of the outcome?
... hopefully, the team you are on.
HUNKR TRAINING RIDE #4
Jan 27, 2018
by TODD BROWN
TODAY WAS THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ROAD RACE, and I was totally unprepared for what happened. I mean, there was a race. I was prepared for that. I made the move I thought would work and, well... it worked out pretty darn good. It was the rest of the day I was unprepared for.
After months of only seeing a large chunk of my friends on the interwebs, there they were.
In person.
It was great.
We were all hugging and fist bumping... and elbowing? Yeah, Mr Universe said Don't touch me so we elbowed. It was so good to see people in the flesh. Look 'em in the eyes, and see their souls. Real friends, real people. Well wishes of good luck sloshed about, then did our best to kill each other.
... there is a training message coming, bear with me...
After the bike race, and after the love fest I hustled south to get to the Simple Green team night at RockNRoad. Mike Okano invited me over to make a presentation to the team regarding HUNKR. Which I did with as much gusto as possible after healthy bike race and 4+hours of driving in traffic.
Things broke up and a familiar face with a few more lines etched in said... Todd, it's really you! Yep, but... It's Jeff Newman. Oh my gosh, JEFF! Now this was whole other love fest.
Jeff and I used to ride and race pre-kids, maybe pre-marriage. Back when Coffee Crew was the most badass Saturday ride... we'd crush each other up the coast with Schooler and Stricky and Newman and Salzman and Tessman and Miller and Kurzenski and Lyle and Pellkofer and GINA and even Linda Brenneman just hitting it and hitting it and hitting it until we got to Corona Del Mar and collapsed at C'est Si Bon.
What I wasn't prepared for today,
Was seeing so many friends,
Young and aged,
New and old.
Get ready folks,
Be prepared to connect,
And reconnect with our awesome tribe at HUNKR,
Was seeing so many friends,
Young and aged,
New and old.
Get ready folks,
Be prepared to connect,
And reconnect with our awesome tribe at HUNKR,
'cause everbody'll be there.
_____
_____
THE OTHER HALF
Jan 26, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I ALWAYS WANTED TO RACE LIKE THIS. My buddy Todd said Let's go in the RV. So here we are, camped out in the middle of nowhere. At the Start/Finish. It's so nice. The RV is huge. It's dead quite out here. While all the other guys are driving up late, staying in hotels, hustling over to the start... we are resting and sleeping and relaxing.
As my dad would say, So this is how the other half lives.
I like this half.
_____
_____
OH THOSE PHONE CALLS!
Jan 25, 2018
by TODD BROWN
THE FIRST CALL CAME AT 8:07AM THIS MORNING.
Hi, it's Big Dog. I'm just checking in with you. Saw you signed up for Santa Barbara. Wanted to see if we're going to work together or just go head to head or what... you know. Because you know me... I'd rather have a break. I'll tell you right now, DougieD is probably the strongest guy I know right now and he's 100%. So, just want to see what your strategy is... call me.
Wow! That's quite a message. Intel, strategy, teaming up.
Next call was from JackMack. We were talking biz about 10am.
You going to Vail this weekend, to do the MTB endurance races. No, I'm heading to Santa Barbara for the rare road race. You're one tough lady to race 6 hours... that's so hard. It's not that bad, we only get 5 laps in and I go 2nd... Barb has to do 3 laps. Go get 'em. I will, just wanna have fun.
TD checked in around 1pm.
So what's the plan? Breakaway together would be fun. I know, I'd love that too. But, it's risky. A better plan might be...
Emails and texts peppered the day. New guys, like Legal Eagle, askin: What should I do today and tomorrow? What should I eat day of... all these questions that never arise before our weekly Saturday "social rides", which are way harder than his Cat V race will be. He'll be fine, has no idea he's already riding at a very high level.
The last was Frosty, swingin' by to pick up a canopy. Me n Gonzer are racing the 2 man at Vail. You two will kill it. That's the plan. Have fun. Always.
It's race time,
make your calls.
_____
_____
GOOD HEARTED WOMEN
Jan 24, 2018
by TODD BROWN
COUNT YOURSELF BLESSED IF YA GET ONE OF THESE
A long time forgotten are dreams that just fell by the way
The good life he promised ain't what she's living today
But she never complains of the bad times or bad things he's done, Lord
She just talks about the good times they've had and all the good times to come
She's a good-hearted woman in love with a bike-ridin' man
She loves him in spite of his ways that she don't understand
Through teardrops and laughter, they'll pass through this world hand-in-hand,
A good-hearted woman loving her bike riding man
He likes the long rides, road trips with bike ridin' friends
When the ridin's all over she'll welcome him back home again
Lord knows she don't understand him, but she does the best that she can
'Cause she's a good-hearted woman; she loves her bike ridin' man
She's a good-hearted woman in love with a bike-ridin' man
She loves him in spite of his ways that she don't understand
Through teardrops and laughter, they'll pass through this world hand-in-hand,
A good-hearted woman loving her bike riding man
Adapted from Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings Good Hearted Woman
_____
THIS TOP SECRET CODE --> peda350 <-- WILL SAVE YOU 10% OFF HUNKR
IT EXPIRES 1/31/18, THE QUANTITY IS LIMITED, USE IT.
IT EXPIRES 1/31/18, THE QUANTITY IS LIMITED, USE IT.
_____
169.2
THE NON-COMMITAL KILLER
Jan 23, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I NEVER WORRY ABOUT PHRASES LIKE "I'M FEELING GREAT" OR "I'M FEELING TERRIBLE", it's We'll see how it goes that scares me.
I'm feeling great and I'm feeling terrible are either telling the truth or lying and it's pretty easy to tell which one within a few pedal strokes.
We'll see how it goes is a whole other story. That rider has a plan, and he's not letting on any more than he needs to. He's going to wait and wait and wait then pounce for the kill.
Not that there's anything wrong with that,
I'll just sit back and see how it goes.
_____
THIS TOP SECRET CODE --> peda350 <-- WILL SAVE YOU 10% OFF HUNKR
IT EXPIRES 1/31/18, THE QUANTITY IS LIMITED, USE IT.
IT EXPIRES 1/31/18, THE QUANTITY IS LIMITED, USE IT.
_____
169.8
(bonus post)
UNDER 23 HUNKR RACERS… YOU RACE FREE WHEN YOU SIGN UP WITH AN OLD PERSON. Get your older bro or broette to sign up. They’ll get an email with instructions to get you the FREE promo code!
Simple enough, right?
Do you get all the same race awesomeness? Yep. You get a race number, timing chip, rad t-shirt, and fabulous recovery meal… only if you beat your bro or broette… JK! What fun would that be? : )
Is there a limit to the number of free under 23 riders? Nope. But, this event will sell out so spread the word to the rest of your posse.
Can I tell others about this incredible offer? Yes… get on it.
1 IF BY CAR, 2 IF BY BIKE
Jan 22, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I SEE SO MUCH TRAVELING BY BIKE, so much more than by car.
By car things whiz by,
But by bike,
there's more life to take in,
other riders,
early joggers,
homeless souls,
and grassy parks,
windswept alleys,
empty sands,
artistic grafitti,
things that need fixin'
Cars are for far,
and bikes are for close,
and all those times I need a dose
of what matters most.
HUNKR TRAINING RIDE #3 - RESPECTING THE YOUNGERS
Jan 20, 2018
by TODD BROWN
OUR VERY SOUTH COUNTY POSSE IS POWERED BY A LOT OF YOUNG DADS. So, MikeyG put together a solid-Gould route that would get our heroes home early to their youngins... lest their maidens revoke their SatPasses.
We left on time, 7am.
Several riders missed the start by 2 minutes. Could we have waited? Yep. Should we have? Nope. We love these cats so much we want to train 'em up right... show up on time fellas. (side note: the tardy riders are all old dads).
With the young bucks pounding away on the front I slotted in like Santa out for a slay (sic) ride. We picked up JParker and JWolf and the Lion King himself, PFetzer... damn! -> we might even make Laguna Beach Cyclery a waypoint if I can tap the dew off my lily there.
It was 10ºF in Laguna Canyon. No sun. Humid freeziness cutting to the bone. But, massive heat was being put out by The Bull. This is the official "it's on" section... and it would stay on for just over an hour, to the official "it's off" finish.
Here is a secret HUNKR training tip: 60ish minutes of intensity with seven 2-6 minute efforts is a great way to get you battle ready. It's interval training with carrots, a lot tastier than interval training alone. On this ride, there's always someone ahead, to the side, or coming up from behind... unless you are The Bull or Bob Frosty.
Halfway through: Boom!
SDS' tire blew. Should we have stopped? Nope. Did we? I'm ashamed to admit it. We stopped. We never stop. Why? Because it's not good for the group to stop, and our allegiance is to the good of the group. Plus, the youngsters gotta get to their youngins.
Too soon for me, we were chasing SDS up the final push (we shouln'ta stopped)to the stop sign at the top of Highland. The plan is to re-group here, then soft pedal up PID and home.
Does this ride have a name? Not one that's stuck: Laguna Loop, Hour of Power, Power Hour, Dad Ride, Beach Cities Cruiser (Bruiser), Bone Yard Boys (if start at DoHo), Mike's Magical Mountain Tour... something'll stick.
What's the purpose of this ride? ride early, ride hard.
I'm all for it... I used to get home a lot earlier. Play with the littles... then ride with the littles when they got bigger. Today it felt good to not be smashed after an 80 mile slog. I even had enough energy to lift some weights, which is right in line with my anti-aging program...
I used to be a dad,
well, I'm still a dad,
but, I'm not.
_____
THIS TOP SECRET CODE --> peda350 <-- WILL SAVE YOU 10% OFF HUNKR
IT EXPIRES 1/31/18, THE QUANTITY IS LIMITED, USE IT.
IT EXPIRES 1/31/18, THE QUANTITY IS LIMITED, USE IT.
_____
170.6 (again)
WHAT ABOUT MARY?
Jan 19, 2018
by TODD BROWN
HAUNTINGEST BOOK I EVER READ: FRANKENSTEIN. Want to have nightmares for a month?... read it, I dare ya. But, Mary Shelley's good doctor's got nothing on The Old Diesel.
Check out the monstrosity I call The Marvel.
Oh, no you di'nt.
Did.
Had ta.
My inner evil said Old Diesel! you got too much steam to be countin' on them weak single pivot binders. You got to go all Lewis Hamilton when you're racin'.
Boom.
I know the SRAM single-pivots match all the rest of the SRAM E-tap components. But, out with them and their flimsy performance and in with the almightypowerfullest, double-pivot ShuhManO Durace. I mean, if you're going to build a monster make it as grotesque as possible, right?
Question I'm askin' is... do I hit it with some black fingernail polish or leave the DURACE scar there for all to see?
BEHOLD!
IF RIDING BIKES IS NUMBER ONE...
Jan 18, 2018
by TODD BROWN
IF RIDING BIKES IS YOUR NUMBER ONE SPORT, what is number 2?
In my heart, it's surfing.
Based on time, it's walking/hiking.
Do great athletes even have a runner up sport?
I'm not sure, but I bet if they do it supports number one.
How does surfing help my bike riding?
I think it's really helpful for sprinting. During the sprint, you have to notice what's going on in the pack... where is the energy? who is going to make move that matters? When surfing, you focus if a set of waves is coming and where will they break. When the set does start to take shape you cannot let on what your plan is to get that wave or you will be out maneuvered very quickly. Same with a sprint, it's all about patience... letting the waves come to you and letting the sprint unfold before you. Surfing also helps with mountain biking: the balance, the flow and getting comfortable with weightlessness.
My other runner up, walking, is also supportive of my riding.
One, it's good to walk. But, what I find to be tremendously enjoyable is to walk for an hour on the sand. This is a great way to massage my feet and work those lower leg muscles and tendons. Plus, apparently being grounded is a real thing... it actually is important that we get our feeties dirty.
My focus is still singular, and in multi-colored way.
How 'bout you?
What's your runner up?
Why?
HEY TODD: HOW DO YOU DO IT?
Jan 17, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I HEAR THIS A LOT: MAN, I FORGOT HOW HARD THIS RIDE IS... and it's always followed by How do you do it?
Well, it's simple.
Ya see, I never stop doing it.
We've been doing TMWC for 15 years now. Over that time, my overall time commitment to cycling has ebbed and flowed. Family had a lot to do with how much riding I wanted to do. But, for the most part, Tuesday morning has been my sacred Todd time.
This is my weekly check in with the gang - and I really love my riding pals. We have a lot fun killing each other. Plus, it's kept my diet somewhat honest or really sharp depending on goals and time.
Locking Tuesday in has given me a launch pad. Some years I'm fast, some I'm slow. I've always got a base to go do a HUNKR or Leadville or CBR.
So how we do it?
We do it.
We show up.
We do the work.
We have fun while were at it.
_____
171
DID YOU GO TO NATIONALS?
Jan 16, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ANDY ASKED IF I WENT TO CX NATIONALS?
Heck no! That's way too hard for me. I tried it once and it was terrible. All the pain of XC MTB racing and none of the fun!
Have you ever tried it?
Yes... I'm a national champ.
... insert drop the mic image here...
Well, that shut me up. So nice ol' Andy is a CX National Champ. Who'd a guessed it? Nothing personal Andy, but... one, you're too nice to breathe fire like CX racers; two, you used to race Vision Quest a long painful slog across the Santa Anas the opposite of CX's all out pace for 30 minutes; three....
CX is wildly popular with a very wild crowd. It's 30-60 minutes of the most painful, relentless style of bike racing ever invented. On a road bike. And they hope for miserable conditions: rain? sleet? snow? BRING IT!
What does that say about Andy?
Not much... since he's a now a mountain bike race promoter.
Check out NonDot Adventures a super fun race series in OC Parks.
Check out NonDot Adventures a super fun race series in OC Parks.
What does that say about me?
That I've tried every kind of bicycle racing at least once, or twice.
That I know what I like,
I don't breathe fire,
I prefer fun.
It's fun to compete,
In the disciplines that fit my abilities
Ya gotta try all the flavors to know what you like.
_____
170 (again)
DREAMS ARE CHEAP
Jan 15, 2018
by TODD BROWN
MLK DAY IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY. I always go for a ride to ponder the hopes and dreams I have for my family and myself.
But, dreams are cheap.
They are nothing without courage.
Courage can get you killed.
Because real courage begets action.
As I rode along today, the courage Dr. King had to pursue such a massive dream stood out to me than ever. Most years, it's been the details of his famous I Have A Dream speech. He made it so real. He knew it had the potential to come true, and what sharing that dream... pursuing that dream... would cost. Yet, knowing the dangers of that dream, he moved forward.
How do I get that kind of courage?
Commitment.
_____
170
BETTER TOGETHER
Jan 14, 2018
by TODD BROWN
Occasionally we like to ride alone,
most of the time riding together is better.
The trails in Laguna are fun,
they're more fun to explore and master with others.
they're more fun to explore and master with others.
The TMWC course is fun,
it's more fun when we all meet at 6:30am.
it's more fun when we all meet at 6:30am.
If you were to start a bike club,
what would your mission be?
friendship
what would your mission be?
friendship
awareness
charity
learning
belonging
mentoring
racing
travel
training
motivation
HUNKR TRAINING RIDE #2
Jan 13, 2018
by TODD BROWN
TODAY'S HUNKR "TRAINING" RIDE WAS A MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE. If your strategy is to be race ready, then there's no better prep than racing. But, you have to race with a purpose:
For example, going through the 48hr countdown to race start. 48 hours out your bike better be perfect. 24 hours out you can practice resting. 12 hours out, load your RaceDay Bag(tm) and place everything but your bike and drinks in the car. Get to bed early, get up early, and arrive early. If all goes well, you'll be early and if it doesn't you won't be stressing. Perfecting the 48hr countdown is what pros do, especially the amateur pros like us.
Sizing up your competition is another reason. Go to the race with the sole purpose of seeing how fit the others are. Throw down hard attack. Who has legs? Make notes, and cruise the rest of the race.
Racing is great for getting battle hardened. Ride as aggressive as you can, really ruin yourself. Then rest the following week or two before the race that matters.
Try different race tactics: attacking off the front, sucking wheel till the final sprint, pushing hard and dropping people on the climbs, riding on the front in a stiff crosswind and leaving no place to draft, attacking with a huge tailwind.
It's a great way to perfect your food too. What can you eat during a HUNKR? How much fluid do you need? How many calories? Will you need more than two bottles? What can you stash in your car to look forward to afterwards?
None of those was my reason, mine was two-fold... one, I needed a change of pace. I've been doing long, 4-5 hour road rides every Saturday and a relatively short mountain bike race with some steep climbs and fun descending was just what the doctor ordered...
... but it was more than that,
I tricked Surfergirl into coming,
Hey, do you want to go to Palm Desert Saturday?
Yes!
Do you mind if we make a stop on the way?
No.
It's always a good idea to practice getting a hall pass for race day.
_____
Racing is alive and well in Fontana
Before the pain... MTB racing strategy is pretty simple, stay on your bike and pace yourself... neither of which I did very well today.
STRATEGIES VS TACTICS
Jan 13, 2018
by TODD BROWN
BEING A GREAT CLIMBER IS A STRATEGY.
Attacking 3/4's of the way up a climb is a tactic.
Attacking 3/4's of the way up a climb is a tactic.
Being a great sprinter is a strategy,
Following your lead out rider is a tactic.
Following your lead out rider is a tactic.
Eating like an athlete is a strategy,
Skipping cake tonight is a tactic.
Skipping cake tonight is a tactic.
Getting as aero as possible is a strategy,
Riding in the drops is a tactic.
Riding in the drops is a tactic.
Connecting riders to build a tribe is a strategy,
Social media is a tactic.
Social media is a tactic.
Having fun is a life strategy,
Riding bikes in the fog is a tactic.
Riding bikes in the fog is a tactic.
LONG SHADOW RIDERS
Jan 11, 2018
by TODD BROWN
I'M A LONG SHADOW RIDER.
leaving early while others sleep.
I'm a long shadow rider,
waitin' till my work is done.
The bigger the goals,
the longer the shadows get.
Creeping into and out of the dark,
Is how races are won.
The long shadow riders,
know who they are.
The long shadow riders,
know how to get it done.
THE TWO MOST EXCITING DIET BREAKTHROUGHS
Jan 10, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ISN'T THIS A GREAT TIME OF YEAR?! All these new and exciting diets, plus super deals to join the gym. Let me break it down for you.
The top 2 diets for 2018 are:
1. THE EAT REAL FOOD DIET. This amazing breakthrough means limiting your food in take to every single food in the grocery store that isn't in a package. Eat all the fresh fruit and vegetables and nuts and lean cuts of meat and fish that you want.
2. THE EAT LESS DIET. Science, real hardcore science, has now proven that if you eat less you'll lose weight. Crazy!, right? So eat everything you can sink your teeth into, just cut down your total caloric in take a fraction.
3. BECAUSE 1 + 2 = 3 I'm throwing in this extra knock out diet, THE EAT LESS/EAT REAL DIET. This truly is revolutionary and delivers unbelieveable results. By reducing your caloric in take a fraction and eating real food you will look and feel amazing.
4. BECAUSE #3 is 1 heck of a plan and delivers such life changing results it's completely reasonable and widely recommended that you fall off the wagon one day a week.
Have your cake and eat it too, once a week!
In two days you'll be right back where you were pre-cake,
and 5 days closer to your goal weight.
This is what I wanted to tell F.C. on the ride this morning,
between his labored explanation of how hard the ride had been,
and how he can't climb like angel any more (and he could, really),
because he's packed on 15lbs.
I hope he reads this,
I miss his angelic thrashings.
THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE
Jan 09, 2018
by TODD BROWN
ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BIKE RIDERS IS OUR COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. It hit me today as I was triangled by three separate events.
First, Jason stopped by and picked up bags for a fundraiser he organized. Our friend Ed's daughter is in the battle of her life with cancer. Jason has been driving all over town today, in the rain, picking up donations. The event is at Docent Brewery. Here's a link.
Next, Dawn Niday pinged me on FB. If I get you volunteers for HUNKR can you donate to CAF? Dawn is one of the top fundraisers for the Challenged Athlete Foundation. She puts on an amazing event every year, raising 10s of $1000s.
But, it really hit me hard when we shipped the gear out for JT Racing. This a team dedicated to the memory of a beautiful woman, wife and mother.
Why my sweet friends dedicate their time and talents is not the question...
What can I do?
Who can I help?
Where am I needed?
How can I be of service?
Where am I needed?
How can I be of service?
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