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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
>
Shaft, ya, damn right
Feb 26, 2016
by Todd Brown
Damn… my legs feel goooooooood. Right on que, iTunes serves me up the theme song to SHAFT – the 70’s Blaxion hero. Which reminds me of 0 to 1, Peter Theil’s awesome book: Every business is successful as far as it can do what nobody else can. Competing is stupid. Isn’t that what winning is..
Damn… my legs feel goooooooood.
Right on que, iTunes serves me up the theme song to SHAFT – the 70’s Blaxion hero.
Which reminds me of 0 to 1, Peter Theil’s awesome book: Every business is successful as far as it can do what nobody else can. Competing is stupid.
Isn’t that what winning is all about, doing that thing that makes a difference at the exact moment that matters?
The likelihood of me winning tomorrow is very, very, very, very, very small…
but damn, like Shaft I feel like “a bad mother”!
… and that’s worth all effort right there.
|
Who’s the black private dick That’s a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft, ya, damn right Who is the man that would risk his neck For his brother man? Shaft, can you dig it? Who’s the cat that won’t cop out When there’s danger all about? Shaft, right on They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother Shut your mouth But I’m talkin’ ’bout Shaft Then we can dig it He’s a complicated man But no one understands him but his woman John Shaft Songwriters: HAYES, ISAAC Shaft lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group |
Look At These Cowboys
Feb 22, 2016
by Todd Brown
Look at these cowboys! Smiling, happy, and on the top of the podium. The two on the right, Mike and Mark, ride in our local group ride. They’ve gone from being shot out the back, to shooting off the front… simply by coming out each week and hanging on a little further. They clawed their..
Look at these cowboys!
Smiling, happy, and on the top of the podium.
The two on the right, Mike and Mark, ride in our local group ride.
They’ve gone from being shot out the back, to shooting off the front… simply by coming out each week and hanging on a little further.
They clawed their way until they finished with the leaders, even winning the day.
Now they are confident hammering away, mile after mile, whether with the regulars on the local group ride or out in new territory with unknown racers.
The only shame in getting dropped on a group ride is not returning.
HEE HAW!
If you’re a cyclist in Southern California,
Feb 17, 2016
by Todd Brown
and it’s raining… you have two choices: A. Stick to your training schedule. B. Take a day off. If you opt for A, you’re basically telling the entire world cycling is more important than: rest, family, work, reading, hot chocolate, watching movies, sleeping in, long dinners, a fireplace, singing (in the rain), visiting friends, writing..
and it’s raining… you have two choices:
A. Stick to your training schedule.
B. Take a day off.
If you opt for A, you’re basically telling the entire world cycling is more important than: rest, family, work, reading, hot chocolate, watching movies, sleeping in, long dinners, a fireplace, singing (in the rain), visiting friends, writing letters, etc
If you opt for B, you’re basically telling the entire world life you love every season of life… the sunny and the (occasional) rain.
Soak it in.
USA Cycling’s “Race Predictor”
Feb 16, 2016
by Todd Brown
USA Cycling’s “Race Predictor” is maddeningly accurate, kinda. The sooner you sign up the higher it ranks you… because you are among the few eager beavers who sign up early. The “pros” wait until the last minute. Why? I dunno. To psych each out? To mess with the promoter? To be sure they only sign up..
USA Cycling’s “Race Predictor” is maddeningly accurate, kinda.
The sooner you sign up the higher it ranks you… because you are among the few eager beavers who sign up early.
The “pros” wait until the last minute.
Why?
I dunno.
To psych each out?
To mess with the promoter?
To be sure they only sign up when 100% ready vs risk losing to an old diesel on an off day?
Who cares?… there’s nothing like seeing yourself ranked #1 in an event with zero chance of winning.
I look stupid…
Feb 15, 2016
by Todd Brown
“You two should be out on the dance floor.” “Todd’s tired, he did a big bike race today”. (Ugh… damn woman!) I’m not on the dance floor because the lights are too bright and my dance moves will look awful. Not, because I’m too tired. Later that night: “Lover, could we not mention the “big..
“You two should be out on the dance floor.”
“Todd’s tired, he did a big bike race today”.
(Ugh… damn woman!)
I’m not on the dance floor because the lights are too bright and my dance moves will look awful. Not, because I’m too tired.
Later that night:
“Lover, could we not mention the “big bike race” as being the reason I’m not busting out my moves?”
“Why?”
“Because it’s embarrassing.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s kinda silly. It’s just something I do for myself, to keep in shape, make friends and have fun. And, it sounds stupid when you say it.”
“How should I say it?”
“Okay… and there is no right way to say it.”
“Then you better dance with me next time.”
“I look stupid when I dance under bright lights.”
“Well, which stupid do you want to be?”
How To Win The Race
Feb 12, 2016
by Todd Brown
First, you must decide what is a win. Finishing? Beating you friends? Reaching a new PR? Breaking into the top 10? Standing on the top step of the podium? Winners know what winning is.
First, you must decide what is a win.
Finishing?
Beating you friends?
Reaching a new PR?
Breaking into the top 10?
Standing on the top step of the podium?
Winners know what winning is.
5 easy tricks to a lean, mean racing machine
Feb 11, 2016
by Todd Brown
1. Pick up a barbell that equals how much weight you want to lose. Imagine tossing that overboard on your next climb, or hanging it in the back of your buddy’s jersey. It’s a lot more than just the weight, it’s also all the resources that tissue is using – oxygen, nutrients, blood. Think about that..
1. Pick up a barbell that equals how much weight you want to lose.
Imagine tossing that overboard on your next climb, or hanging it in the back of your buddy’s jersey.
It’s a lot more than just the weight, it’s also all the resources that tissue is using – oxygen, nutrients, blood. Think about that extra insulation on a hot day.
Getting your mind set on what that weight means is huge, and huge is not good.
2. Weigh yourself daily.
Right after you get up, take care of business in the bathroom – pee, poop, cut your hair, trim your nails… get on the scale.
Look at that number.
If it’s higher than yesterday, what did you screw up on your diet?
If it’s lower than yesterday, what did you do right?
Track it daily in an app like Happy Scale.
You will know instantly what that milkshake at 9pm did to you.
3. Do weight-based training… not weight training.
Climb hills often, and look at your times.
Do pull ups.
Thrashing your friends on a long, straight, slight down hill is not going to help. Climbing with skinny guys helps.
Give your body reasons to be leaner.
4. Eat real food, early.
Huge breakfast, good size lunch, puny dinner.
You know what eggs look like, steak looks like, tomatoes look like, bananas look like, avocados look like.
If you can’t identify the ingredients of what you are eating, it’s probably not real food.
Real Food + Real Early = Real Results
5. Drink lots of water.
Most of the time you think you are hungry, you are really thirsty.
Drink early, and drink often, but don’t drink late in the day unless you want to get up all night.
Let’s set the table: Chris Froome produces less power now than when he first joined the pro peloton. Chris Froome demolishes the competition. One reason (confirmable), he weighs 20 lbs less than he did in 2007.
…. now pass me the 85% dark chocolate.
My goal last year was to ride less, and get faster
Jan 27, 2016
by Todd Brown
My goal last year was to ride less, and get faster. Mission accomplished. My unwritten, back of the mind goal was to keep the riding around 10 hours/week. Can’t say it was shocking that Strava had me down for 521 hours in 2015, but I was a little surprised at how spot on my estimate..
My goal last year was to ride less, and get faster.
Mission accomplished.
My unwritten, back of the mind goal was to keep the riding around 10 hours/week.
Can’t say it was shocking that Strava had me down for 521 hours in 2015, but I was a little surprised at how spot on my estimate was. Of course, that includes vacation weeks, sick days etc… but still…
10, is less than 12 and less than 15 and a lot less than 20.
Why 10?… because I have other things I want to accomplish… things that actually matter. Not that being in great shape doesn’t matter, right?
How?… we’re talking how I got faster – I’ll be brief here, and more detailed later.
First, I rested more.
Second, I lost weight.
Third, I kept my equipment in great condition.
Fourth, I rode with faster (than me) guys.
Getting faster in less time is kinda like a giant ball of yarn, it’s gonna take me a bit to unravel it all… but I promise I won’t hold back, and I’ll keep sharing what works and what doesn’t work.
Sometime you just have to pick one.
Jan 24, 2016
by Todd Brown
Sometime you just have to pick one. Right now I pick to focus on MTB Marathon Champs. I’m picking this over MTB XC Champs, Whisky 50, Leadville, all the road races… because, it’s the one I stand the best chance of winning. You have to pick one, or the training just isn’t good enough… quickly..
Sometime you just have to pick one.
Right now I pick to focus on MTB Marathon Champs.
I’m picking this over MTB XC Champs, Whisky 50, Leadville, all the road races… because, it’s the one I stand the best chance of winning. You have to pick one, or the training just isn’t good enough… quickly you become jack of all trades master of none.
The new SPEED kit
Oct 05, 2015
by Todd Brown
You want a kit that’s as aero as possible… take advantage of these details on your next kit. Hide your zipper in the Zipper Garage. Don’t let that thing flap around in the wind, hide it. Your Speed arm band provides excellent compression and an invisible air profile. Stay cooler with our aerolite mesh side panels...
You want a kit that’s as aero as possible… take advantage of these details on your next kit.
Hide your zipper in the Zipper Garage. Don’t let that thing flap around in the wind, hide it.
Your Speed arm band provides excellent compression and an invisible air profile.
Stay cooler with our aerolite mesh side panels.
Your Speed leg bands keeps the your bib in place, provide excellent compression and an invisible air profile.
Keep your valuables locked up in the zippered pocket and you visible with the reflective aero cover.
We use this design to highlight the quality of our printing, notice how the design flows from Jersey to Bib.
… the design shows how well your panels will line up, across the pockets, across the zippers too. This looks like a skin suit, but it’s our Speed kit.
For visibility on the road, we printed the butt panel or our Speed bib in our yellow.
Save a cycling life… invoke rule #1
Sep 17, 2015
by Todd Brown
Your friend finally got a bike and starts riding… to save his cycling life you must invoke Rule #1. You could have a heart to heart over a latte, or just forward this email. Secret rule number 1: Never, ever, ever skimp on the bib! You’re sitting on that thing… for hours! Your bib must:..
Your friend finally got a bike and starts riding… to save his cycling life you must invoke Rule #1.
You could have a heart to heart over a latte, or just forward this email.
Secret rule number 1: Never, ever, ever skimp on the bib!
You’re sitting on that thing… for hours! Your bib must:
be comfy, caress you, protect you,
through mud, rain, dirt and sun and sweat.
This is the union of all unions.
You screw up your bib choice and that union is gonna end quickly and ugly.
Newbs don’t get this
They are so freaked out over Lycra they buy the cheapest thing possible knowing/thinking/hoping they’ll toss it after one ride.
Whoops… even cheapo bibs are so much better they keep wearing them, eventually wasting hard-earned dollars on chamois butter.
That’s not you.
You know better
You know quality bibs are the apparel equivalent of an outrageously expensive carbon fiber frame.
We have a team so thrifty, they buy the cheap jersey and come to us for the bib.
Why would you do that?
Because it matters!
Great bibs shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg… they should just be great.
- Your bibs should be made of Italian fabrics, they are the best. The Italians are so into fabrics and fashion and cycling! Don’t experiment, they’ve got it mastered.
- Every single panel of the bibs you choose should be made of 100% polyester because polyester is the softest and most elastic of fabrics. And those panels need to be expertly cut every time and comprised of just the right polyester so you get the perfect amount of compression. Plus, when you use polyester, you can print every single panel and create striking designs.
- Your bibs should have a pad that fits like a loving glove, no matter how long you ride. The pad should be anatomical perfection, and gender specific. It should be stretchy. And, AND!, the pad has got to be placed and sewn in the correct location. Critical stuff here. Get it wrong and you’ll look like a banana smuggler and feel a lot worse.
At the end of your ride, you must lovingly and thankfully step out of your bibs…
you might want to stay in them all afternoon…
Take a shower. Clean up.
Wash your bibs inside out, so the print stays crisp.
Air dry your bibs after the spin cycle.
Take care of your bibs and they will take care of you. Really.
Should you be having anything less than an awesome experience with your bibs, you may want to check out our line up.
We’ll make sure you feel as warm and cuddled as your bits and pieces will when you ride in our bibs.
May all your rides be comfortable!
PS… our latest kit, called Speed, could be just what your looking for.
Skipping School
Sep 15, 2015
by Todd Brown
It’s Tuesday morning, and it’s raining… and I stayed in bed and skipped the TMWC. Now what if this turns out to really be an El Nino year? 1. We’ll get all kinds of random training in, making us more like surfers who depend on good waves to surf their arms off and no waves..
It’s Tuesday morning, and it’s raining… and I stayed in bed and skipped the TMWC.
Now what if this turns out to really be an El Nino year?
1. We’ll get all kinds of random training in, making us more like surfers who depend on good waves to surf their arms off and no waves to recover and wait for more great surf.
2. We’ll have many days of hero dirt vs many days of moon dust.
3. We might… just might… Man and WOman up and learn to ride with wet socks for more than 10 minutes because it’s Tuesday and that’s what we do.
Until next week… #nomatterwhat.
“That’s right! Ice… man. I am dangerous.”
Sep 05, 2015
by Todd Brown
Well, hell. Jeff, my great friend, riding buddy of 30 years, confidant and all around nicest person you’ll ever meet is in the hospital, under the knife… 50% of his bike-related hospital trips (6) have been on rides with me, two within 15 months. %^&*, is about all I can say about this. His wife..
Well, hell.
Jeff, my great friend, riding buddy of 30 years, confidant and all around nicest person you’ll ever meet is in the hospital, under the knife…
50% of his bike-related hospital trips (6) have been on rides with me, two within 15 months.
%^&*, is about all I can say about this.
His wife is not happy, with either of us. We’ll probably be banned from ever riding together again. Can’t say I blame her one bit.
We’re just a couple of 53-year old knuckleheads… doing what we love.
This time we were on Tidal Wave, a rockin’ mountain bike trail with humongous banked turns and more than a few some what large table top jumps.
We had just watched what looked like a helmet mounted to a bike rip the course, getting massive air. The kid was probably 10. He even had a GoPro.
It looked so fun, “let’s just roll” the course.
It was fun. Super fun. Even when Jr took a tumble and shredded his kit it was fun.
We HAD to take a second run. The park was closed, lifts were stopped. We were the last kids on the mountain. Boys being boys, we rode past the Do Not Ride Up Trail sign to the very top. Epicness awaited.
I begged to rest for moment, to get some air in my sea-level lungs. The locals acquiesced.
Fresh and ready, we entered the course slowly. There was no jockeying for position, just a simple roll out and down the course with huge grins.
The builder of the course is a genius. In no time, you get in a rhythm and quickly gain confidence and speed.
Zooooooooooom.
I waited at the bottom. And waited.
I was riding backup. It was very steep.
Matt rolled around a corner towards me. He had started last.
Jeff was not good: left clavicle in 3 pieces, right wrist in two pieces.
The long walk to the car, was long, too long.
Short drive to the hospital….
“Now the doctor came in stinking of gin
And proceeded to lie on the table
He said Rocky you met your match
And Rocky said, doc it’s only a scratch
And I’ll be better I’ll be better doc as soon as I am able.”
Rocky Raccoon – Lennon/McCartney
… heal fast my fast friend.
Writing in a stranglehold
Sep 01, 2015
by Todd Brown
So, I’m going to write a book. This topic has been burning and brewing for way too long. The question I have right now is can I write the entire book while listening solely to Ted Nugent’s Stranglehold?
So, I’m going to write a book.
This topic has been burning and brewing for way too long.
The question I have right now is can I write the entire book while listening solely to Ted Nugent’s Stranglehold?
I. Engine
Aug 09, 2015
by Todd Brown
Kozo Shimano said, the problem with cycling is the engine is weak. Ouch. He was right. We are weak. My motorcycle ripped. It had 50 horses. We are clever. On bikes we sprint faster than horses and soar like eagles. Eat great. Get rest. Take care of your engine.
Kozo Shimano said, the problem with cycling is the engine is weak.
Ouch.
He was right. We are weak.
My motorcycle ripped. It had 50 horses.
We are clever.
On bikes we sprint faster than horses and soar like eagles.
Eat great. Get rest.
Take care of your engine.
Sprinting
Aug 07, 2015
by Todd Brown
13 hours ago Kevin Wayt Great race tonight TB! 11 hours ago Kevin Wayt Wish I could sprint with you guys at the end…:-( 11 hours ago Todd Brown PEDALindustries You can Kevin. We just need to work once it. I’ll show you a few tricks pre race next week.11 hours ago Kevin Wayt Great! Can you lend me some power..
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Kevin Wayt Great race tonight TB!
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Kevin Wayt Wish I could sprint with you guys at the end…:-(
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Todd Brown PEDALindustries You can Kevin. We just need to work once it. I’ll show you a few tricks pre race next week.
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Kevin Wayt Great! Can you lend me some power too :-) Remove
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Todd Brown PEDALindustries No. But I can show you how to get some power on your own and how to steal some from others (I guard mine like a squirrel guards his nuts – and it does take balls to have power). Sprinting is an art form, it takes a calm, calculating devilish will. To really do it right you must commit well before the race, you must be willing to vomit, be able to hold your breath until your ears hurt, be able to turn your legs over long after they have turned to stone, and and and and and and do all this with a Gatsby-foolish grin… top down and scarf blowing in the wind on a lazy summer day. Got it? Probably not… But you can have it.
How To Ride In A Group
Jul 21, 2015
by Todd Brown
(From TMWC FB Group Discussion) Gabriel sent me a question about tonight’s crit – should he go and what should he do during the ride. Dave and Ryan and the rest of ya feel free to jump in here: Gabe it’s a great idea. I’ll be down there early. Warm up with me… in the meantime here are some basics..
(From TMWC FB Group Discussion)
Gabriel sent me a question about tonight’s crit – should he go and what should he do during the ride. Dave and Ryan and the rest of ya feel free to jump in here:
Gabe it’s a great idea. I’ll be down there early. Warm up with me… in the meantime here are some basics to consider:
Always keep your fingers looped around the bars – thumb and forefinger should be touching in case you hit an unseen bump (learned this from the great Nelson Vails)
Never overlap wheels (learned from Experience)
Never stop pedaling – apply your brakes when needed but never, ever stop pedaling and slam on your brakes at the same time (learned from the legend Bob Bills).
Be vigilant – trust no one to be thinking or caring about you -> IQ decreases as race duration and speed increases.
Pay attention to wind direction – take your pulls when it’s time then get some shelter and rest.
… and remember, it’s supposed to be fun, so have fun!
Never heard of that before
Jun 10, 2015
by Todd Brown
“Never heard that before”… I’ve heard that response to one of my ideas countless times. This time, I had the idea to do a rolling road closure for our annual charity bike ride… like they do for funerals. How cool would it be if we could do the TMWC with Sheriff’s escort for the ride?…..
“Never heard that before”…
I’ve heard that response to one of my ideas countless times.
This time, I had the idea to do a rolling road closure for our annual charity bike ride… like they do for funerals.
How cool would it be if we could do the TMWC with Sheriff’s escort for the ride?… I’m trying to make that happen.
Doing the unusual is never easy, but nearly always worth it.
Is your sale sucking your essence?
May 22, 2015
by Todd Brown
Seems like everybody has something on sale this Memorial Weekend, and it’s got me wondering. Are we putting things on sale because business is slow or because the particular product wasn’t a seller… in other words are we blowing out the crap, are we discounting our brand equity, is the sale sucking the sexy from..
Seems like everybody has something on sale this Memorial Weekend, and it’s got me wondering.
Are we putting things on sale because business is slow or because the particular product wasn’t a seller… in other words are we blowing out the crap, are we discounting our brand equity, is the sale sucking the sexy from our essence?
What would be a better way to reward our customers without using the word or concept of On Sale?
Would an email directly to our most rabid fans with this flavor be more effective…
Subject: We like you!
Hi SuperRabidFan, we know you love our gear because you buy a lot of it and we think you deserve X% off this Memorial weekend.
Here’s the new and cool stuff, and below are some things we need to move out for even more of the new and cool… the X% applies to your entire purchase – new and old.
Thanks for being awesome!
The biggest bike race promoter is?
May 07, 2015
by Todd Brown
Biggest hotel chain in the world? AirBnB BIggest taxi company in the world? Uber BIggest bike race promoter in the world? STRAVA
Biggest hotel chain in the world? AirBnB
BIggest taxi company in the world? Uber
BIggest bike race promoter in the world? STRAVA
If I ride my bike today…
May 04, 2015
by Todd Brown
If I ride my bike today… The wind will blow through my hair The sun will shine on my face My mind will clear My body will rev up I might: Meet someone new Get a flat Have an encounter with a car Slam on the brakes Find a new path or perspective Some things..
If I ride my bike today…
The wind will blow through my hair
The sun will shine on my face
My mind will clear
My body will rev up
I might:
Meet someone new
Get a flat
Have an encounter with a car
Slam on the brakes
Find a new path or perspective
Some things are given, many things are possible.
That’s life… on a bike.
New Blood at USACycling… springs hope!
Apr 30, 2015
by Todd Brown
It’s been years, no decades, since USA Cycling has made an exciting announcement. A new CEO: YOUNG. ACCOMPLISHED. Here’s to much success for Derek Bouchard-Hall. After retiring from cycling in 2002, he attained an MBA from Harvard Business School and began a career in consulting with Ernst & Young in Boston and then with McKinsey..
It’s been years, no decades, since USA Cycling has made an exciting announcement.
A new CEO: YOUNG. ACCOMPLISHED. Here’s to much success for Derek Bouchard-Hall.
After retiring from cycling in 2002, he attained an MBA from Harvard Business School and began a career in consulting with Ernst & Young in Boston and then with McKinsey in London. At McKinsey, Bouchard-Hall focused on designing and implementing change programs across a range of commercial and governmental organizations. He joined Wiggle in 2011 where he rose to assume leadership of the international business of the rapidly growing global online retailer.
I don’t need to be the fastest…
Apr 22, 2015
by Todd Brown
I don’t need to be the fastest guy on the ride, I just want to ride with people that are getting faster.
I don’t need to be the fastest guy on the ride,
I just want to ride with people that are getting faster.
2 things all champions know
Feb 26, 2015
by Todd Brown
All champions know exactly what they want. They can see it, taste it, feel it, touch it, hear it. What they want is crystal clear. More importantly they know why they want it. No matter how gnarly the challenge if the why is big enough, the how always presents itself. When the champion arrives..
All champions know exactly what they want. They can see it, taste it, feel it, touch it, hear it. What they want is crystal clear.
More importantly they know why they want it.
No matter how gnarly the challenge if the why is big enough, the how always presents itself.
When the champion arrives at the destination sublime satisfaction is there to greet, because the champion knows why it had to happen, had to be.
This TED talk is awesome.
Why road racing makes you better:
Feb 23, 2015
by Todd Brown
If your training is pretty good, you will get dropped… and lose minutes, you won’t even be able to see the leaders. If your training is excellent, you will finish in the middle of the pack… but you won’t be on the podium. If your training is outstanding, if there’s nothing more to do, add..
If your training is pretty good, you will get dropped… and lose minutes, you won’t even be able to see the leaders.
If your training is excellent, you will finish in the middle of the pack… but you won’t be on the podium.
If your training is outstanding, if there’s nothing more to do, add or subtract… you could place, you might even win.
Road racing demands ALL you can do.
My 1 leg vs his 2 legs
Feb 19, 2015
by Todd Brown
The large man I roll past mutters “1 of your legs equals both of mine”. I bit my tongue, it was more like his belly was 3 times the size of mine. When it comes down to speed on a bike a lot of it simple math and physics. Want to go faster, lose weight. It’s not..
The large man I roll past mutters “1 of your legs equals both of mine”.
I bit my tongue, it was more like his belly was 3 times the size of mine.
When it comes down to speed on a bike a lot of it simple math and physics.
Want to go faster, lose weight.
It’s not unique to cycling, it’s the same in running, business, serenity.
They call it dead weight for a reason.
4 Mistakes To Avoid When Ordering Custom Cycling Gear
Oct 02, 2014
by Todd Brown
Are these 4 Mistakes are costing you time and money? 1. Bad art. .jpg, .png, .doc, etc are not the formats your manufacturer needs or can ultimately use. What you need is Vector Art, and those files are going to end with .ai or .pdf. Note, saving a .jpg as .ai does not make it..
Are these 4 Mistakes are costing you time and money?
1. Bad art. .jpg, .png, .doc, etc are not the formats your manufacturer needs or can ultimately use. What you need is Vector Art, and those files are going to end with .ai or .pdf. Note, saving a .jpg as .ai does not make it vector. If you can’t get the original files then a good vendor will be able to help you turn your art to vector art, and most likely will give you a copy for future use.
2. Bad color. Saying we like a bright red is nice, but if you want your gear to have that red you must get in front of a PMS Chart and indicate the PMS color you want. PMS is short for Pantone Matching System, and every printer in the world works from that system. If you and I pick RED 186 from the chart for your color, then we’ll get you RED 186 on your gear.
3. Bad budgeting. Know what you can afford and go get the best possible gear you can get for your money. Asking “how cheap can I get a jersey” is not the way to go. Stating I have $X, what’s the best product you have if we order quantity X is the way to get the most bang for your buck.
4. Bad vendor selection. Websites are a great way to find vendors, and there are lots of brilliant ads you see for gear. But, you should always get referrals from current customers and test the gear yourself.
Custom cycling gear is expensive. Whether you are buying cycling jerseys for the company to wear at a gran fondo, or a custom canopy to gather under, or custom cycling socks to kick around on and off the bike being prepared will make that purchase go much smoother and come out a lot better.
Vector Art. Check.
PMS Colors. Check.
Budget. Check.
Referrals. Check.
How Do You Know Your Pricing Is Right?
Sep 23, 2014
by Todd Brown
Recently, a very good customer asked me to match a competitor’s ridiculous deal on cycling clothes. While I appreciate the opportunity, let’s face it these requests can pop your balloon. Confident in my product and service, I stuck to my price for the simple reason that if I go down that road inevitably it’s the..
Recently, a very good customer asked me to match a competitor’s ridiculous deal on cycling clothes.
While I appreciate the opportunity, let’s face it these requests can pop your balloon.
Confident in my product and service, I stuck to my price for the simple reason that if I go down that road inevitably it’s the customer who loses.
I can’t deliver 100% of my virtuous love at a slut’s price.
I didn’t expect to receive the email above… but, I did. It’s the kind of email that make me want to walk over hot coals for my customer.
This is not a compliment to me as much as it is to Kevin, because Kevin is building a successful bike shop in a competitive market by devoloping relationships with his customers. I’ve seen him in action.
I’m just lucky enough to have great, awesome customers.
Growing Cycling By Design
Sep 06, 2014
by Todd Brown
We love riding bikes. Love it. We’re doing all we can to grow the sport. We invite others to ride with us. We teach the new riders what it’s all about. We put on fun events – rides and education. We create fun retail apparel to share the love. We scour the globe for great..
We love riding bikes.
Love it.
We’re doing all we can to grow the sport.
We invite others to ride with us.
We teach the new riders what it’s all about.
We put on fun events – rides and education.
We create fun retail apparel to share the love.
We scour the globe for great custom products regular folks will love and can afford.
Growing cycling by design means we do all these things on purpose, with an eye for great design.
We hope you love what we do, and when you don’t that you’ll tell us what we can do better.
Ride On!
How To Value The Real Estate On Your Cycling Gear
Jul 12, 2014
by Todd Brown
We get asked all the time, “How much should I charge XYZ to be on our team gear?” This question implies cash, which is always good. Truth is we all want as much as we can get – sponsors and teams. So let’s get it. Anybody asking for sponsorship needs a plan to answer these..
We get asked all the time, “How much should I charge XYZ to be on our team gear?”
This question implies cash, which is always good.
Truth is we all want as much as we can get – sponsors and teams. So let’s get it.
Anybody asking for sponsorship needs a plan to answer these questions: how many events will you attend? how many people will be on the team? how committed and effective you are with Social Media? how likely are you to get press coverage? what will you use sponsorship for – travel, gear, living expenses? can you do some guerrilla marketing or sampling at events? etc.
Sponsors need to ask themselves these questions: what return am I looking for – customers, sales, a measurable metric? am I doing this just because I love the sport and want to help some people/give back? can I afford to give cash or is my product industry related and product could be adequate? does this team represent my company/brand well?
This picture has excellent guidance on the value of each location on your cycling gear – don’t be emotional about this. Who goes where should be related to the value they are brining to the time. The pic is from a very detailed article posted by Cycling News. I highly recommend it.
For The Record
May 15, 2014
by Todd Brown
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inquires and referrals from outside the cycling industry. For the record, as much as I think we are in the bicycle business, and as much as all our biz dev is directed there, the majority of our business is serving up delicious promotional products for our long time..
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of inquires and referrals from outside the cycling industry.
For the record, as much as I think we are in the bicycle business, and as much as all our biz dev is directed there, the majority of our business is serving up delicious promotional products for our long time friends and customers.
And that’s the awesome truth.
I think it was C. Sheen that said “winning” first, but I’ll second that and add a dollop of Thank You to our wonderful fan base.
Chris Carmichael: What I Learned
Jan 15, 2014
by Todd Brown
When I planned this years SoCal Cycling Summit I was truly excited to have America’s best known cycling coach on board: Chris Carmichael. As the event neared, and more and more negative press came out regarding Lance, I was a little worried. Some sponsors didn’t want to be involved because of the association between Chris..
When I planned this years SoCal Cycling Summit I was truly excited to have America’s best known cycling coach on board: Chris Carmichael.
As the event neared, and more and more negative press came out regarding Lance, I was a little worried. Some sponsors didn’t want to be involved because of the association between Chris and Lance. Some people said the same thing.
Fortunately, this has never been about sponsors it’s been about us and our desirie to bring the best and brightest to our town to kick off our season and further connect this community we all love.
So, while I respect and get those decisions, I pressed on because I wanted to hear from the man that legitimized professional cycling coaching and has been a true pioneer, the guy who has a thriving business in an industry known to run on financial fumes, the guy who’s coaches have helped people I know personally to reach peak potential.
Here’s what I learned:
First I learned that Chris is a very humble, soft spoken, thoughtful human being.
He’s very, very smart.
All our interactions were professional, with a uncommon kindness and gratitude.
He has tremendous vision, and consequently a good feel for what works.
Chris’ story telling skills are great, and this is where he really lit up his presentation.
The stories from inside the pro peloton were hilarious. I reveled in his accounts of the early 7-11 days, the days that inspired me to try the road myself while living in Utah so far away from my surfing life.
During the evening, as I drifted between those accounts woven into real-life cycling advice and my own pressures to pull off a good event I learned Chris is a good guy to have involved, and a good guy to keep an eye on. Genuine inspiration and hope shined on the faces of my friends as they allowed the pressures of life to move to the back and the dreams of a moment or two of personal cycling triumphs to be front and center. It’s good.
Of course, I also learned a ton of stuff about the Time Crunched Cyclist… but you can read the book for that.
Three cheers to all who attended, helped, sponsored, and supported.
Now, go ride your bike!
Why every town needs and often has a TMWC
Dec 20, 2013
by Todd Brown
Because it’s fun to ride with and meet new people. Because faster people make me better. Because the same course shows improvement. Because the same time makes it dependable. Because fast folks need a way to give back and help new folks. Because together we achieve more. Because if I know you will be there,..
Because it’s fun to ride with and meet new people.
Because faster people make me better.
Because the same course shows improvement.
Because the same time makes it dependable.
Because fast folks need a way to give back and help new folks.
Because together we achieve more.
Because if I know you will be there, I’ll get outta bed.
Because you give me real feedback.
Because that doughnut is easier to drop if I know the consequence is being dropped.
Because it’s a diverse group that enriches my life.
Because I like people. Because we can engage for good.
Because we can support each other professionally.
Because I get back early and can get my work done.
Because my lover gets it that I need a hobby and an outlet.
Because we support each other in sickness and health.
Because old kids like beating old guys they thought were fast.
Because old guys like seeing new, young blood.
Because runners are people too (and their running days are numbered).
Because it’s good to teach others how to ride in a group and the tactics to stay on – should they ever want to race.
Because it’s just once a week.
This Is Pedal Industries
Dec 10, 2013
by Todd Brown
We’ve been hauling for the last 12 months. It’s been a blast. First was GTB – Off The Bike Branding – more here. Next was bringing more lifestyle to cycling with Damion. Then we had Joe Friel come to Oakley which lead to BiciFire. And now we..
We’ve been hauling for the last 12 months. It’s been a blast.
First was GTB – Off The Bike Branding – more here.
Next was bringing more lifestyle to cycling with Damion.
Then we had Joe Friel come to Oakley which lead to BiciFire.
And now we are focused on unveiling Dusty Shins.
With all this going on, I felt it necessary to create a mother ship. There is no way I could do all this alone, so a name representative of what we are doing was kicked around. Hence, we have christened the ship Pedal Industries.
How The Boogie Man Can Make You Faster, Better, Stronger
Dec 07, 2013
by Todd Brown
There’s a new dude on our ride. He’s a goof. Sits on, and sits on, and then punches my ticket when it counts. He’s the Boogie Man as far as I’m concerned, a real you know what. AND, his riding style is just off the range of acceptable so as to add a few extra..
There’s a new dude on our ride.
He’s a goof.
Sits on, and sits on, and then punches my ticket when it counts.
He’s the Boogie Man as far as I’m concerned, a real you know what. AND, his riding style is just off the range of acceptable so as to add a few extra beats a minute – probably wasting what little adrenaline I might have as well.
This is just the kind of person one would like to ride away from – easily. Ho-hum, off with you.
But, my boogie man is getting faster. He’s hanging on longer, and I do fear he’s going to pass me up.
Propelled by the twin motivations of beating the Boogie Man when it suits me and the even more awesome terror of being whipped, I am focused. The troops are being rallied: better food, sleep, training.
Hopefully the Boogie Man gets really, really fast. That will make it a great season for sure.
I’ll thank him someday, might even get to know him.
Cat D – Let Them Dope and Race
Nov 23, 2013
by Todd Brown
Fighting doping is a loser. Let’s roll with it. Keep testing, and those that get caught just move on to a new category called Category D. No bans, no suspensions, no returning after time served. Keep racing boys and girls. Are you pro? Cat 2? Masters super star? We have a league and level playing..
Fighting doping is a loser. Let’s roll with it.
Keep testing, and those that get caught just move on to a new category called Category D.
No bans, no suspensions, no returning after time served. Keep racing boys and girls. Are you pro? Cat 2? Masters super star? We have a league and level playing field for you.
Cat D will grow the sport.
Body building gave up a long, long time ago. They have doped and natural competitions. It’s a bigger market place. Conversely, NFL, NBA, WWE all turn a blind eye. But they aren’t lifelong sports like body building and cycling. Cat D will extend blown careers, maybe indefinitely.
Cat D will bring in new sponsor dollars.
New sponsorship dollars will flow in for Cat D products. No more shadow doctors, now the DR. Fuentes of the world can advertise. No more mystery drugs, the makers of Clenbuterol can have the coveted butt panel on racing bibs.
Cat D will give hope.
As Cat D heroes race for decades and extend their careers beyond rediculous, drug makers will have new heroes to give real hope to the aging and decrepit.
I woke up from a bad dream once that I had cancer. At the end, I was stoked because Lance had shown that restored, even improved, performance was a reality.
Cat D will save money.
No more testing and re-busting previous dopers. We can concentrate resources on keeping the natural racers honest.
Send the Cat D racers off first on the race course. Doped to the gills, they can blast down the road at moto speed and clear the path for natural racers to follow. Okay, that’s a stretch but we can get faster motos with their own doping product sponsors.
Cat D will create genuine interest again.
Cycling is a lifelong sport, and most of us aren’t willing to risk our health, so our “natural” interest will ideally be on the natural Pro’s competition.
The natural results will be more attainable and something a youngster could actually hope to achieve and therefore see a future for themselves in the sport.
Cat D fans, like WWF fans, will exist and thrive and not be mocked as fools. Their heroes – Lance and Tyler and Roberto and Eddie and… will race on, and be cheered on.
Think I’m nuts? Think about it, really think about it.
Cat D: Dope on, Do what you want, Don’t stop racing.
Never Stop Pedaling
Nov 15, 2013
by Todd Brown
It’s pretty simple, right?
It’s pretty simple, right?
SoCal Cycling Summit
Oct 19, 2013
by Todd Brown
In 2012, I had the idea to bring the top thinkers, innovators and products to our friends in Southern California. Jan 2013 we had our first event with Joe Friel at Oakley. Joe’s knowledge and presentation top notch – mind expanding. 275 people attended. It was awesome. We gave away thousands and thousands of..
In 2012, I had the idea to bring the top thinkers, innovators and products to our friends in Southern California.
Jan 2013 we had our first event with Joe Friel at Oakley. Joe’s knowledge and presentation top notch – mind expanding. 275 people attended. It was awesome. We gave away thousands and thousands of dollars in product.
For 2014, Chris Carmichael will be joining us at Oakley. It will sell out for sure. The sponsors are back, plus some BIG surprises.
Click here for details.
A Special Place
Oct 10, 2013
by Todd Brown
There is a special place in my heart for bike shop owners. For most, it’s a hardy road/path they ride; full of risk, danger, adventure and friendship. Pushed by a personal love for their own bike experience, they set off to share their truth of what makes life great and worthy. For some it’s to..
There is a special place in my heart for bike shop owners.
For most, it’s a hardy road/path they ride; full of risk, danger, adventure and friendship.
Pushed by a personal love for their own bike experience, they set off to share their truth of what makes life great and worthy. For some it’s to do it better, for others to do it different, and for all to just do it.
To own a bike shop, and live the dream.
The love and passion ebbs and flows.
Competition is tough, much tougher than any three week tour or off road century. Everyday they compete with other specialty shops, big box stores, the internet, etc.
In my travels, I get to meet with them personally. Sometimes, at the end of the day I feel like I’m greeting them at the top of a brutal climb. Other times, early in the morning, they have a sense of warming up and readying themselves for a challenging day in the saddle.
Call me sentimental, but I really do pray for their survival. I hope for their success.
May they have the courage to make it to the next smiling child getting a first bike, the next adult sharing how their health has improved.
If you share this sentiment, stop by your local shop and give that man or woman a hug. Send an anonymous thank you note. Buy a gift card to the local restaurant for them and their family to enjoy.
Trust me, they need a little love. Today.
Fall!
Sep 28, 2013
by Todd Brown
Fall could be my favorite time of the year to ride, at least it is right now. The weather this week has been wonderful, and getting out today to ride Canyon Velo with the usual suspects was perfect.
Fall could be my favorite time of the year to ride, at least it is right now.
The weather this week has been wonderful, and getting out today to ride Canyon Velo with the usual suspects was perfect.
How we raised over $1000 for local high school MTB scene on a free bike ride
Aug 21, 2013
by Todd Brown
Why did Robert (Robot) and Craig personally cut checks of $323 each for the local high school mtb teams? Why did David and Patrick kick in $100 each? About 12 years ago, 4 of us started riding on Tuesday mornings… we jokingly called it the TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships). Fast forward to July 2013,..
Why did Robert (Robot) and Craig personally cut checks of $323 each for the local high school mtb teams? Why did David and Patrick kick in $100 each?
About 12 years ago, 4 of us started riding on Tuesday mornings… we jokingly called it the TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships).
Fast forward to July 2013, the ride had grown to the point that we jokingly put on a TMWC Invitational Fundraiser.
We created kits.
We created T-shirts.
We blasted on FB and Strava.
50 people showed up! (we used to be thrilled with 8, and we average about 20)
The event was free. If someone bought a tshirt or jersey or donated on top, that went in the kitty.
In all, we cleared $1,100 for the kids. Personally, I was stoked… and so were the MTB teams.
But then Robot got the bug and shouted out on email he was matching it. Craig followed, then Patrick then David.
Cool beans.
I’m already looking forward to next year.
When you started vs when you finished
Jul 24, 2013
by Todd Brown
When did you ride your first bike? Do you remember your first “ouchie”? How soon did you chuck the training wheels? Who were your first riding buddies? What was the name of the local bike shop or catalog you’d drool over? Where did you love to ride? … If it’s been a while, it is..
When did you ride your first bike?
Do you remember your first “ouchie”?
How soon did you chuck the training wheels?
Who were your first riding buddies?
What was the name of the local bike shop or catalog you’d drool over?
Where did you love to ride?
… If it’s been a while, it is – after all – like riding a bicycle and it will make you smile, so get back on: get a new bike, get fresh ouchies, meet new riding buddies, find a new bike shop, discover new terrain.
PS… ignore the shameless self-promotion when you click on the image, unless you really like that image… in that case, we brought back Radical Rick and he’s available – if you like that sort of thing.
Let’s Make Some Noise
Jul 05, 2013
by Todd Brown
I love Vuvuzela’s… at Formula 1 Racing, World Cup Soccer and now bike racing. The Path handed them out at Over The Hump and they were a huge hit!
I love Vuvuzela’s… at Formula 1 Racing, World Cup Soccer and now bike racing.
The Path handed them out at Over The Hump and they were a huge hit!
Caution: Our brand owns this event
Jun 12, 2013
by Todd Brown
“Caution” tape is a great way to own an event. Promoters are often in need of the tape, and will willing use your tape with your brand at little to no cost to you.
“Caution” tape is a great way to own an event. Promoters are often in need of the tape, and will willing use your tape with your brand at little to no cost to you.
How to value your kit branding
Jun 06, 2013
by Todd Brown
Super useful… the whole article
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Report from Stage ll of Amgen Tour of California
Jun 01, 2013
by Todd Brown
Descending to Palm Springs from the high mountains was pretty cool, and then it was hellishly hot. How hot? While gasping for air, I noticed an unusual sensation in my mouth. My teeth were warm, not hot, but definitely much warmer than 98.6. The records show it was 115 and climbing, and we still had..
Descending to Palm Springs from the high mountains was pretty cool, and then it was hellishly hot.
How hot?
While gasping for air, I noticed an unusual sensation in my mouth. My teeth were warm, not hot, but definitely much warmer than 98.6.
The records show it was 115 and climbing, and we still had the climb to the Tram ahead of us.
“You may say to yourself, how did I get here?” or maybe, why are you doing that?
Before you judge too quickly, understand that anytime you get a chance to ride a pro course ahead of the pro’s it’s a totally awesome experience.
The locals cheer you on, because they think you are pro.
You’ll see your times compared to the pros when you upload to Strava.
There is no other way to adequately appreciate what a pro does day in and day out.
This day would be awesome even with the heat.
The course was beautiful, well marked, and easy to navigate and support. We had assembled a great group of riders of relatively equal capabilities. Matt Wenger was an awesome driver and supporter in our rental van.
We met at 4:15am, and were riding by 6ish. Mostly we rode together, and had a sweet pace line working efficiently. The unifying force of riding soon bound us into one. We were rocking it – pro speed on some of the early sections.
The long climb out of Murrieta caused some separation, but it was gorgeous. Along the route we picked up other riders and continued ripping through the rolling terrain.
Back to that finish.
Our group sort of shattered in the broiling condition. Fatigue and dehydration had set in and our thinking was less than clear. I needed to cool off my core and ducked into 7-11 for a Slurpee and Popsicles. At the van, we reloaded our water, which quickly turned warm then hot then awful.
The tram road greeted us with a radiant heat of 150 degrees: egg-frying. The road is straight and lonely. Nobody rides together; it’s a personal struggle. Promises are quickly broken, and bonds shattered. I zigged and zagged the final miles. The boys from East West Bikes had a kiddie pool with water and ice and I plunged – shameless, but it saved my life.
Finally finished, we scrambled for shade and a view of the big screen. The pros were on the final climb. Famous dudes from around the world were attacking what nearly killed us… then they too started to wilt and fade and even walk. It was a crushing finish. One by one they collapsed at the finish, or even before. The ambulances raced to the top, much more help was needed than any had anticipated.
Our finish was a celebration.
Gourmet burgers, shakes, fries, rings, drinks all lifted our spirits back off the ground and we re-hashed our own trials and those of the pro’s.
Back in the van, most drifted off and slept.
Matt’s Bad Habat
May 18, 2013
by Todd Brown
Trevor and I loaded up for a mancation, to ride and race the Whiskey 50 in Prescott, Arizona. My buddy, Matt Wenger, is ballsy enough to take action on something I had only threatened to do. He bought a Sprinter, big deal you might say. It’s a really big deal, because he put his creative..
Trevor and I loaded up for a mancation, to ride and race the Whiskey 50 in Prescott, Arizona.
My buddy, Matt Wenger, is ballsy enough to take action on something I had only threatened to do. He bought a Sprinter, big deal you might say. It’s a really big deal, because he put his creative talents into building a bike-riding surfer’s dream. It’s called The HABAT.
For years I drooled over the “big Merc”… not some road racing, screaming V8 from Mercedes but the really big Merc, the Sprinter van.
Beds, check.
Room for all the gear inside, check.
Fridge, running (heated) water, a sink, and plenty of lighting all solar powered, check.
Storage, lots of it, check.
Great German looks and engineering with manly all terrain tires, check.
Solid and commanding on the highway with 20+mpg, and easy to drive in town, check.
Got it? Everything a dad and son needed to mancation after being apart for two years. Plus, lots of road ahead to catch up on life.
Perfection is always attained with persistence and patience, and I’d be tested a bit on this trip. We finally needed fuel as we crossed into Arizona. We were down to a 1/3 tank and I thought fueling up prudent. I pull in for diesel, put my card in, insert pump, set it to fill and head in to pee. I return and exactly 2 cents had clicked over. After pulling the trigger a bunch, running my other two cards, trying different pumps, getting an eye roll from unhelpful cashier I call Matt. “Bro, how do you get fuel in? is there a trick?” “Nope.” Frustrated, not full, I pull out praying we can get ‘er done at next town. Yep, no problem. What gives? I figure the other station was empty and the cashier was a little too overwhelmed texting her boyfriend to care.
We roll on. Comfortable. Snacking and drinking and chatting about life. So engrossed, we zipped right past the turn off. 30, 40, 50 minutes later we decide to take the back roads to the proper highway. The sun resting behind us, we lit up the road with powerful beams enjoying the lonely desert highway. It got twisty, and we longed a different German tool for a section, though the Habat was steady and never topsy turvy.
Behind schedule and uncaring we slipped into our self-serve camp spot for the night. It was quite late. Even Neil Adams was down for the night. In a few minutes we had the beds up and our heads down.
Well after sunrise, we rose.
Those now showing up to find a spot mid-morning were turned away, the campsites were full.
Friday we set up camp, mainly just covering the cement table with our ez-up. Everything was already set in the van. We tweaked on the bikes then broke camp to pre-ride the some of the sweet single track.
Prescott has great riding. Decomposed granite is always a fun surface, and that’s most of what we rode. Single-tracks are flowy, fast and fun. The race was shaping up to be wonderful.
We ran into our friends Ben and Season pre-riding. Ben had told me how awesome the course was and I was glad to see him, and see he was right.
Pre-race dinner in Prescott. What could the little town offer? Well, how ‘bout an awesome steakhouse partner? We stuffed ourselves on salad and bread and pasta and fish and potatoes.
There’s a certain comfort to knowing all your gear is locked up, and a massive ease when it’s all in the van. “Pulling up the stakes” is a cinch.
We got back to camp. Got into bed and watched Breaking Away – the cycling classic, which Trevor had never seen. His passion for cycling is nascent, burgeoning. It’s all new, and some of it I get to see through new eyes. We howled over classic lines: “Refund? Refund?! REFUND!!”, “give me something American damnit, give me some French fries”. And we slept.
Early, real early we snuck out of camp in the van. Others slept, we crept all the way to the Start/Finish. Easy. Grabbing our Walmart camping chairs (Prescott has everything), we set up on the first line of the start and waited in parkas, comfortable while others stood freezing.
Neil Adams and co were there, Ted Willard and the G2 squad too.
90 minutes later, the gun went off and it was on. 5 miles later Trevor flatted. We fixed it. 3 miles later Trevor flatted. We fixed it. This would not be a race of dad vs son, it would be an adventure. We settled in and began picking off people ahead of us.
Getting that good start still kept us ahead of the conga line behind us. Neil and others were far enough back the had to walk a lot of the start. We rode… at a good clip too.
Flats behind us, the technical downhill single track was nothing to overlook. Now we were really up to pace and in our element. Miles and miles of descending later we poured out onto the jeep road that leads to the aid station. We felt good. Matt Ford and Linda McGee were friendly faces who helped us load up for the plummet to Skull Valley.
We flew. Flew past slower descenders then past the fast guys who were already climbing back up. There’s Ty, there’s Rob McGee, there’s Dustin and Ben and Charlie and… so many friendly SoCal faces.
At the bottom, we caught Kevin “Backpack” McKenna. Back on the climb, Jeff Renteria was bombing down the other way; aminute later a certain Meredith “Rosie Cheeks” Ford followed. Kevin dropped us – whatever.
How good of shape could my kid be in? He’s been sans physical training for two years, and the mountain bike he got at Christmas was mainly inside as he was in Utah snow all winter. The sun beat hard, the dust blew hard, and the climb got hard – much harder than it seemed when we were ripping down it. Finally, we made the aid station. This was earned and needed. We were parched and worn down.
Every race has it’s friendly town folk who line the course and cheer you on, Prescott more than most. They were awesome, having as much or more fun than us. Especially, when they lined the course a few miles of hard climbing later and said “you’re almost there”. Wiley vet that I am, I warned Trevor “don’t believe it, press on.” And so we did, right up to Cramp Hill.
Smoking single track was our reward. Fast. Technical. Tree-lined. Water crossing with fans handing up drinks of questionable athletic benefit.
The final miles of the 50 are paved, and all down hill. Way out, you hear the town. A mile out you feel the energy. A half mile the crowd sucks you forward. Our group of two swelled to six, there would be a sprint finish : 0
We crossed the line together, my friend Nate with us.
Lots of congratulations and skin slapping passed around the finish. A great vibe. Loot in hand we soft pedaled the short distance to our Habat. Changing in privacy, locking bikes inside, and walking to an awesome hamburger and fries.
I’m hooked, and so is Trevor. This is one bad Habat, one I don’t want to kick, one I want more of.
I can just see my office on wheels parked at San O all week, and on an adventure every weekend. Now I need to man up like Matt!
Musk also quipped, “Apparel sales are going really well.”
May 08, 2013
by Todd Brown
It’s official. Tesla has returned its first profitable quarter after 10 years in the business, following promises that it would be in the black in 2013… details here What’s really official is that Tesla is cool, and because it’s cool the closing remark of the article makes sense: Musk also quipped, “Apparel sales are going..
It’s official. Tesla has returned its first profitable quarter after 10 years in the business, following promises that it would be in the black in 2013… details here
What’s really official is that Tesla is cool, and because it’s cool the closing remark of the article makes sense: Musk also quipped, “Apparel sales are going really well.”
Cool brands make a boat load on people willing to pay them to wear their brand.
Why? Because the apparel shows they are part of a tribe, it shows what matters to them individually and that apparel is a reminder that they’re part of something special.
Now that’s chill.
Unique = Memorable = Desirable
Apr 10, 2013
by Todd Brown
Events with memorable memorabilia make more magical memories. VisionQuest and CountingCoup are two epic mountain bike events. Massive climbing and rugged terrain challenge the riders, and those who finish are rewarded with coup feathers. The event also goes old school with a chalk board to track the top 10. The Belgian Waffle Ride goes pro..
Events with memorable memorabilia make more magical memories.
VisionQuest and CountingCoup are two epic mountain bike events. Massive climbing and rugged terrain challenge the riders, and those who finish are rewarded with coup feathers.
The event also goes old school with a chalk board to track the top 10.
The Belgian Waffle Ride goes pro with the graphics, and upscale with the sports “drink”
… and pro with the full spectrum of leader jerseys
Want people to spread the word about your event, and bring their friends back next year? Give them something to fight for, something beyond average, make it memorable!
Is your crew part of the crew?
Apr 05, 2013
by Todd Brown
Sure the team looks awesome, but we’ve got a long way to go in cycling in terms of branding the support crew. Look at F1. Wow! Let’s get the sponsors a lot more play by kitting up the rest of the crew – parents, lovers, friends, sponsors etc. Imagine the splash to be made at..
Sure the team looks awesome, but we’ve got a long way to go in cycling in terms of branding the support crew.
Look at F1. Wow!
Let’s get the sponsors a lot more play by kitting up the rest of the crew – parents, lovers, friends, sponsors etc.
Imagine the splash to be made at the next race when the team is joined in their colors by 2 to 3 to 4 times as many people.
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