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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
>
Custom: from Concept to Completion
Apr 04, 2013
by Todd Brown
Going custom is a process. We do our best to make it fun, easy and satisfying… kinda like a good date. In this example, we went first with standard bottle opener shape and the customer’s bolt pushing out the side. The customer wanted to see a hex design next – representing a six-sided bolt. The..
Going custom is a process. We do our best to make it fun, easy and satisfying… kinda like a good date.
In this example, we went first with standard bottle opener shape and the customer’s bolt pushing out the side. The customer wanted to see a hex design next – representing a six-sided bolt.
The hex design was all set until I noticed we spelled the customer’s name incorrectly and that the opening for the bottle cap was just a hair too small.
On the right, you see the final product. A custom bottle opener in stainless steel, cut by laser and then tumbled to take off the sharp edges.
Print still counts
Apr 02, 2013
by Todd Brown
Social media is awesome, but… it’s hard to get in front of the shoppers actually in the bike shop it’s hard to pick up and take home it’s hard to put on the fridge door and remind yourself to eat well it’s hard to tape above your bike and train with a reason Print still..
Social media is awesome, but…
it’s hard to get in front of the shoppers actually in the bike shop
it’s hard to pick up and take home
it’s hard to put on the fridge door and remind yourself to eat well
it’s hard to tape above your bike and train with a reason
Print still has it’s place, and we do lots of it.
What’s on your shoulder?
Apr 01, 2013
by Todd Brown
The shoulder area of a jersey is one of the very best places to have your logo, and often easily overlooked in design. Here, Seth did an excellent job of maximizing the opportunity from both the front and side view.
The shoulder area of a jersey is one of the very best places to have your logo, and often easily overlooked in design.
Here, Seth did an excellent job of maximizing the opportunity from both the front and side view.
Is DHD Wear for you?
Mar 29, 2013
by Todd Brown
If you have a brand people are burning to share or a cycling message beyond clever then, and only then, DHDWear might be for you. We’ll design it, produce it, inventory it, promote it… AND our reps who are out seeing shops every single day will get it out there for you. Shoot me an..
If you have a brand people are burning to share or a cycling message beyond clever then, and only then, DHDWear might be for you.
We’ll design it, produce it, inventory it, promote it… AND our reps who are out seeing shops every single day will get it out there for you.
Shoot me an email, or give me a call. I’ll fill you in on the details of what’s in it for you.
Great Design… nothing better
Mar 28, 2013
by Todd Brown
(Full disclosure, this kit is for my local training ride). Great designers can take your concept, your sketch, your wet noodle of lameness… and make it: Vibrant. Exciting. Must have. Great design sells because the value is so obvious.
(Full disclosure, this kit is for my local training ride).
Great designers can take your concept, your sketch, your wet noodle of lameness… and make it:
Vibrant. Exciting. Must have.
Great design sells because the value is so obvious.
Custom Board Shorts
Mar 28, 2013
by Todd Brown
Yep, we can do fully sublimated custom boardshorts… what could be cooler than kickin’ it after Ironman boardshorts that match your race gear?
Yep, we can do fully sublimated custom boardshorts… what could be cooler than kickin’ it after Ironman boardshorts that match your race gear?
The Handshake Deal
Mar 25, 2013
by Todd Brown
The handshake deal is only as good as your next trip to the can – that hand going to get washed or soiled real soon. Get it in writing. Detail it out. Sign it. Now go exceed your partner’s expectations.
The handshake deal is only as good as your next trip to the can – that hand going to get washed or soiled real soon.
Get it in writing. Detail it out. Sign it. Now go exceed your partner’s expectations.
Work vs vacation?
Mar 22, 2013
by Todd Brown
“Work is better than vacation—and it is important to have a purpose to wake up each day.” – Shimon Peres, 87 years old at the time Let me just add “My” to the front of that quote.
“Work is better than vacation—and it is important to have a purpose to wake up each day.”
– Shimon Peres, 87 years old at the time
Let me just add “My” to the front of that quote.
Go ahead…
Mar 14, 2013
by Todd Brown
When the vendor/customer relationship is solid and the trust is earned business becomes much faster, and much more fun.
When the vendor/customer relationship is solid and the trust is earned business becomes much faster, and much more fun.
Joe Yule
Mar 08, 2013
by Todd Brown
My friend Joe Yule is doing some really cool stuff for cycling. Along with designing for the Garmin Pro Tour team, he’s making really sweet kits for famous rides around LA – The Belgian Waffle Ride, The Donut Ride, The New Pier Ride. I couldn’t help but enlist him to do something for our local..
My friend Joe Yule is doing some really cool stuff for cycling.
Along with designing for the Garmin Pro Tour team, he’s making really sweet kits for famous rides around LA – The Belgian Waffle Ride, The Donut Ride, The New Pier Ride.
I couldn’t help but enlist him to do something for our local ride, the Tuesday Morning World Championships.
Can’t wait to see the group a decked out in TMWC blue kits.
Kits can be ordered from now through 3/21/13 at http://www.dnacycling.biz/tmwc/
Ride On! (in style)
INCREDIBLY Fast at 50
Mar 07, 2013
by Todd Brown
Johnny O owns the Harding TT overall course record per Strava. Tim Z, bested everybody, ALL Cat 1s, at the first US Cup. Doug Andrews doesn’t even race age group, he races Pro. Mark H, is clicking off road KOMs and crushing all ages. Aging up in racing rarely means, never?, better personal race results...
Johnny O owns the Harding TT overall course record per Strava.
Tim Z, bested everybody, ALL Cat 1s, at the first US Cup.
Doug Andrews doesn’t even race age group, he races Pro.
Mark H, is clicking off road KOMs and crushing all ages.
Aging up in racing rarely means, never?, better personal race results.
The fastest guys in my world are old, leathery, experienced, and determined to be the best… not just their best, THE best.
Its a shocking list of triumphs by old guys. (Please add away its far from complete.) Many of them are still fully sponsored, lavished as young pros.
This only serves to inspire the rest of us as to what’s possible, and even enrage a few of us to further dedication.
The why’s, how’s, and what’s… Is it a generational thing?
Levers and Tools
Mar 06, 2013
by Todd Brown
“Got everything?” Shouting this at a broken down rider when traveling at 25+ mph cusps on useless. Out of ear shot, no wordy response will be heard. Trust me on this. Having a bag under the saddle which is short of proper equipment leaves rider stranded, or nearly so. There I was, friends rushing past,..
“Got everything?”
Shouting this at a broken down rider when traveling at 25+ mph cusps on useless.
Out of ear shot, no wordy response will be heard. Trust me on this.
Having a bag under the saddle which is short of proper equipment leaves rider stranded, or nearly so.
There I was, friends rushing past, trying desperately to pry off my tire sans levers. Eventually, the task was completed.
Without the proper tools, a task can take forever. Simple and quick turns to painful, complicated, frustrating and slow.
Pride sucks.
When help is needed, be clear and concise.
Yell, “Help!”
Smell The Roses
Mar 04, 2013
by Todd Brown
Smell the roses, Feel the sun, Hear the wind, See the fun, Drink the moment, Savor the spin, Nibble on life, Let loose within.
Smell the roses,
Feel the sun,
Hear the wind,
See the fun,
Drink the moment,
Savor the spin,
Nibble on life,
Let loose within.
Spring Classics
Mar 01, 2013
by Todd Brown
The Spring Classics are here. Men becoming monsters on bikes, racing the Hell of the North, and more. Frankenstein will be my reading preparation, finally letting this classic loose on my mind. A few pages in I find this: “for nothing contributes so much to tranquillize the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the..
The Spring Classics are here.
Men becoming monsters on bikes, racing the Hell of the North, and more.
Frankenstein will be my reading preparation, finally letting this classic loose on my mind.
A few pages in I find this: “for nothing contributes so much to tranquillize the mind as a steady purpose—a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye”.
Let the monsters free, the winter fades and with it the lonely miles of preparation, prodding, and poking.
The Classics overwhelm mere mortals.
Master Lee
Feb 28, 2013
by Todd Brown
“You can do it.” Master Lee teaches Tae Kwon Do. He teaches children, and some adults, that they can in deed break a board with their bare hands, feet and heads. “You can do it” comes from his gut, deep inside the man. It is bellowed with power and confidence. “You can do it” moves..
“You can do it.”
Master Lee teaches Tae Kwon Do. He teaches children, and some adults, that they can in deed break a board with their bare hands, feet and heads.
“You can do it” comes from his gut, deep inside the man. It is bellowed with power and confidence.
“You can do it” moves along the scale from encouragement to perceived anger.
He is Master Lee.
Quivering little tikes earn great confidence. He teaches with patience, allowing his wealth of experience to wash over and prepare the uninitiated to do the unthinkable.
Master Lee’s approach lives in contrast to the cheap entertainment of throwing a newby into the fire of a gnarly downhill or group ride.
The few that survive go on to a lifetime of riding, the rest…
Is STRAVA perfection?
Feb 27, 2013
by Todd Brown
Two riders ride headed out for a ride. At a designated spot, one stopped and the other rode ahead. Why? The rider behind waited for the one ahead to clear the trail, then the rider behind gave it his all to KOM the segment. They checked times, swapped duties, and repeated until they had either..
Two riders ride headed out for a ride.
At a designated spot, one stopped and the other rode ahead.
Why?
The rider behind waited for the one ahead to clear the trail, then the rider behind gave it his all to KOM the segment.
They checked times, swapped duties, and repeated until they had either PRd or KOMd.
STRAVA has so many of us striving (that’s the root Norwegian word).
Its all about feedback and measurement and seeing what is possible then going for perfection in the form of a PR… Even a KOM.
Which is better a PR or a KOM? Neither?
Vision & Speed
Feb 26, 2013
by Todd Brown
I’m getting slower. My 20-10 vision is gone. No longer do I see the rocks and lay of the land far in advance. So I focus even more on what’s directly in front of me. Rocks become boulders, grooves-canyons, bumps-ski jumps Slow, slow, slow. Good vision equals riding much faster AND much safer. On the..
I’m getting slower.
My 20-10 vision is gone.
No longer do I see the rocks and lay of the land far in advance. So I focus even more on what’s directly in front of me. Rocks become boulders, grooves-canyons, bumps-ski jumps Slow, slow, slow.
Good vision equals riding much faster AND much safer. On the trail, in business, in our families… Lose your vision and you go slower and crash more, there is little to no flow.
So fix it, admit it, and get some glasses – physical glasses or a mentor or something inspirational.
Get back to flow.
Just what is your intention?
Feb 21, 2013
by Todd Brown
Downhill mountain biking, crit racing and surfing are spiritually connected. Act like you can make it and you will. Single-track on the side of the cliff. Shooting the gap in a sprint finish. Making a huge drop. Hesitate… And you die.
Downhill mountain biking, crit racing and surfing are spiritually connected.
Act like you can make it and you will.
Single-track on the side of the cliff.
Shooting the gap in a sprint finish.
Making a huge drop.
Hesitate… And you die.
Broken bones, what are friends for?
Feb 18, 2013
by Todd Brown
My daughter’s friends tracked us down at 9pm Saturday night. We were just starting dinner, she had just finished a poorly executed trampoline-powered back flip. “We don’t want to alert you, but Shelby might have a broken arm.” It’s a brave call to make, especially when I know if it wasn’t broken she would be..
My daughter’s friends tracked us down at 9pm Saturday night. We were just starting dinner, she had just finished a poorly executed trampoline-powered back flip.
“We don’t want to alert you, but Shelby might have a broken arm.”
It’s a brave call to make, especially when I know if it wasn’t broken she would be making that call herself.
Susie, Trevor and I rescued our red-eyed little girl and sister from Big Air. At Mission Hospital, we confirmed the humorous was cracked all the way through. The staff was awesome.
Friends can push us beyond our limits. That can be good and bad, and it takes a while to know which one.
Having a trampoline in the back yard for 15 years didn’t prepare her for going beyond her limits. She’s a gifted dancer, and no doubt with thorough instruction she will go back and master the back flip.
Eastwood said it best, “a man has got to know his limitations.”
Sunday those same friends visited in droves, expressing sympathy and sharing cakes and candy and hugs.
Real friends challenge us, and help us pick up the broken pieces.
Begging to differ, Amazon great rep?
Feb 12, 2013
by Todd Brown
Amazon has the top corporate reputation. Yep … Among consumers. I know a few businesses who feel and think otherwise. These folks cover the bar codes on products in their stores because their customers try product, then buy at amazon. What is the D-factor for all parties in this equation? Amazon for winning on price..
Amazon has the top corporate reputation. Yep
… Among consumers.
I know a few businesses who feel and think otherwise. These folks cover the bar codes on products in their stores because their customers try product, then buy at amazon.
What is the D-factor for all parties in this equation? Amazon for winning on price war? Manufacturer for jumping in bed with Amazon to their own dealers detriment? Customers who save a few bones only to find one day their shop is gone?
Who really wins long term and short term?
Does it matter? (to you?)
Where is Amazon vulnerable?
Tribe creation.
Custom products.
Warranty issues.
Service after the sale.
The rules keep changing, but the game remains the same. Hit ’em where it hurts.
10 speed thinking
Feb 11, 2013
by Todd Brown
My first real bike was a Schwinn Sting Ray. On a Saturday ride to the jumps in La Habra, a rumor spread about the two-speed Kick Back. What?! Two speeds on a bike, and no shifters. Mythical. When I “got mine”, the thrill of kicking it back and nearly doubling my speed was like spiked..
My first real bike was a Schwinn Sting Ray.
On a Saturday ride to the jumps in La Habra, a rumor spread about the two-speed Kick Back.
What?! Two speeds on a bike, and no shifters. Mythical.
When I “got mine”, the thrill of kicking it back and nearly doubling my speed was like spiked cool aid and James Bond. We couldn’t get enough, and we went about it as sly as possible so the other cats we rode with couldn’t figure out how we smoked ’em.
Schwinn, was a big dreamer and drove our industry far beyond where we could see… Beyond where anybody was looking, or so it seems now.
Where is the big thinking now?
Most of my thinking is done on my bike, riding alone and pondering how to apply other people’s ideas to cycling. For example, Google’s 10x.
The jump from 7-speed, to 8 to 9 to 10 to 11 is incremental. It got us from the Kick Back to 2×10 and 1×11. It’s good, but it took 40 years.
I think we can and should go bigger and faster.
(Addendum: I had somebody point out to me today that Stan’s has brilliantly revolutionized the way we think about wheels in a very short time.)
It’s better to beat me than to beat you
Feb 10, 2013
by Todd Brown
Lots of solo dirt miles have left me peaceful, skilled, and totally lacking snap. The road, specifically the group ride, has always been the method of choice for bringing back snap, power, and will. Getting left behind hurts, and the fear of it allows me to suffer like I never would by myself. On the..
Lots of solo dirt miles have left me peaceful, skilled, and totally lacking snap.
The road, specifically the group ride, has always been the method of choice for bringing back snap, power, and will. Getting left behind hurts, and the fear of it allows me to suffer like I never would by myself.
On the Canyon Velo ride I was pushed to my limit and finally dropped. Low in spirit I pedaled in squares to home, got on the MTB and reviewed my death in slo-mo.
When it all uploaded and processed on Strava a warming of my heart occurred.
12 PRs!
Y’all may have killed me on the ride, but me killing the old Todd was the best.
Are you using your hub?
Feb 08, 2013
by Todd Brown
With the growth of cycling among people that wear big boy pants to work, what are you doing to use your expanding hub? Golf gets a pass when the boys head out for 5 hours of 18. In between the swings, there is chatter and banter that often leads to ka-ching! Jim Bishop video tapes..
With the growth of cycling among people that wear big boy pants to work, what are you doing to use your expanding hub?
Golf gets a pass when the boys head out for 5 hours of 18. In between the swings, there is chatter and banter that often leads to ka-ching!
Jim Bishop video tapes the TMWC, he also gets my real estate transactions. David Frank met Craig Runnals on a ride and now Craig gets David’s real estate appraisals. David and Jim met through cycling, and now David gets a crack at offering financing to Jim’s home buyers/sellers.
“Brace yourself my love, I just have to go do this ride. I’ve never done it, and who knows what path it might take us down?”
I Just Wanna Weeeeeen
Feb 07, 2013
by Todd Brown
Humiliated, crushed and tossed aside Nacho Libre declares “I just wanna weeeeen!” Me too. Mounting a ridiculous moto on a quixotic quest for greatness in the wrestling ring and true love, Nacho leaves the sanctuary of the monastery. Self-imposed, self-driven, lonely and pitiful. The drive. Like Nacho, we cyclists eventually realize “sometimes..
Humiliated, crushed and tossed aside Nacho Libre declares “I just wanna weeeeen!”
Me too.
Mounting a ridiculous moto on a quixotic quest for greatness in the wrestling ring and true love, Nacho leaves the sanctuary of the monastery. Self-imposed, self-driven, lonely and pitiful.
The drive.
Like Nacho, we cyclists eventually realize “sometimes when you are a man you wear stretchy pants.”
The proper tools.
Looking back on a minor win, Nacho bursts “remember when I ripped my blouse and attacked?”. Sidekick and partner Esteven checks back “and then he knocked you out”.
The honest celebrations.
Wistfully singing about his true love, Incarnacion, Nacho realizes he has reincarnated himself and is ready to weeeeeen.
The revelation that we are ready.
How much for that bike in the window?
Feb 06, 2013
by Todd Brown
So many bikes to choose from. So many prices for the same bike. Call me a sheep, but I take my car to the dealer for service. I know he charges more. But, I get more. When the car service is complete I know it’s up to spec, any potential warranty issues are taken care..
So many bikes to choose from.
So many prices for the same bike.
Call me a sheep, but I take my car to the dealer for service. I know he charges more. But, I get more. When the car service is complete I know it’s up to spec, any potential warranty issues are taken care of, it’s done on time, I get a free loaner if needed, it’s washed…
Oh, and my experience has been that when $&@% happens the dealer finds away to take care of it and bill the manufacturer as much as possible.
I pay more, and I get more.
Is it worth it? A question all buyers ask.
How many sellers ask that question and make the compelling case?
Stay Well My Friends
Feb 05, 2013
by Todd Brown
I have had a nice little string of weeks where I feel healthy. With so many of my friends battling sinus infections, hacking cold coughs, gnarly flu, and overall feeling lousy I thought I’d share what’s working for me. Alka-Seltzer nighttime got me sleeping much longer hours, 8+. I’m off it now, but I highly..
I have had a nice little string of weeks where I feel healthy.
With so many of my friends battling sinus infections, hacking cold coughs, gnarly flu, and overall feeling lousy I thought I’d share what’s working for me.
Alka-Seltzer nighttime got me sleeping much longer hours, 8+. I’m off it now, but I highly recommend it if you need to kickstart better sleeping… and I’m still rocking an hour more than my norm.
Flooding my cells with Emergen-C 2-3 times a day at my sickest, and I’m still drinking it at least once a day. You can’t drink too much, drown that flu!
Side note: drinking and sleeping a ton will lead to weight loss.
The Journey Is Better Than The Race
Feb 01, 2013
by Todd Brown
The race is good and usually fun and sometimes provides a stroke to to the ego. The journey involves dedication, commitment, persistence, vision, huge goals, friendship, experience. More preparation or a longer journey nearly always equals a better race. For me it all comes together the night before the race. My gear is before me...
The race is good and usually fun and sometimes provides a stroke to to the ego.
The journey involves dedication, commitment, persistence, vision, huge goals, friendship, experience. More preparation or a longer journey nearly always equals a better race.
For me it all comes together the night before the race. My gear is before me. At this point, I know each piece intimately. We have journeyed together and though we be many parts we are now one great whole.
Done right, one can lay down and sleep in peace knowing all that could be done was done.
On race day, when the nerves are nuts, when doubt leaks all over life, when check lists turn into crosswords, those who have traveled a great journey may, no MUST, immerse themselves in trusting their preparation.
Full immersion in a great journey will sweep away the grime of doubt.
I’m sorry.
Jan 30, 2013
by Todd Brown
To all my wonderful clients and friends I want to apologize for biting off more than I could chew. In October, the company I worked for chopped my pay in half. Panicked, I quickly added jobs and hopefully income: – resurrecting my old promo business; – independent repping Serfas, Scott, Bonk Breaker, and others; –..
To all my wonderful clients and friends I want to apologize for biting off more than I could chew.
In October, the company I worked for chopped my pay in half.
Panicked, I quickly added jobs and hopefully income:
– resurrecting my old promo business;
– independent repping Serfas, Scott, Bonk Breaker, and others;
– putting on Joe Friel LIVE;
– creating Damion Hickman Designs tshirt business;
– and finally, adding a new sales rep
– … wondering when the other shoe might drop.
“The best laid plans”… my plan was work my buns off, bank some money, and be able to afford an assistant.
It would have been dandy except; I didn’t take good care of myself.
I got super sick in December and a lot of my work got away from me. Things just started piling up, until yesterday I collapsed in bed with a smoking migraine. Along the way, I have dropped the ball on a few of you. Yep, stuff is arriving late.
That really pains me. It’s not like me to miss a deadline, ever.
Kari starts Friday. She’s very well qualified, smart, and hard working. She has a passion for cycling, has worked in the business many years, and has a strong graphic arts back ground.
For those that weather this storm with me, I promise I’ll never forget it. For those that move on, I totally understand and wish you only the best.
It Takes Guts To Be A Giver
Jan 30, 2013
by Todd Brown
The gumption required to break away from the pack. The will to be on the tip of the group. The passion to get the gang together and train hard. The fire to build a following. … For the truly successful it’s a gift to the rest of us, one always I’m grateful for. Remember that..
The gumption required to break away from the pack.
The will to be on the tip of the group.
The passion to get the gang together and train hard.
The fire to build a following.
… For the truly successful it’s a gift to the rest of us, one always I’m grateful for.
Remember that when the gift isn’t exactly what you wanted, the lead out wanes early, the price is a shade higher than Amazilla, the ride route changes, etc.
Bonus: First person to tell me their favorite giver gets a gift from me.
Who do you love?
Jan 28, 2013
by Todd Brown
I haven’t walked “47 miles of barbed wire”, but I can wail that question with some of the tension George Thorogood explodes in his classic song, Who do you love?. The people we ride with are often a reflection of how we see the world. Are all your rides hard core, all business? Do you..
I haven’t walked “47 miles of barbed wire”, but I can wail that question with some of the tension George Thorogood explodes in his classic song, Who do you love?.
The people we ride with are often a reflection of how we see the world.
Are all your rides hard core, all business?
Do you ride with some folks because you share more than a need to ride with someone?
Some rides leave the flatted rider behind, others stop. It largely depends on the agenda of the group and our own personal agendas.
There are rides we all love because the terrain is great and the company is better. There are others where the personalities clash and we avoid them. Fortunately, most of us live in places where it’s easy to find a ride and group we connect with on many levels.
Who do you love?
A good lesson
Jan 18, 2013
by Todd Brown
One of awesome customers called me up and said… “The gear looks great. Thank for the good service.” I’m sure lots of customers think of doing that, I know I do. He actually did it. So, I got on the horn and thanked my vendors that helped me deliver on the order. Short. Sweet. 30..
One of awesome customers called me up and said…
“The gear looks great. Thank for the good service.”
I’m sure lots of customers think of doing that, I know I do. He actually did it.
So, I got on the horn and thanked my vendors that helped me deliver on the order.
Short. Sweet. 30 second phone call.
Please don’t hate me for loving
Jan 15, 2013
by Todd Brown
Entertainment… that’s all professional sports are. Lance was/still is? the greatest entertainer ever in cycling. The only upset people should be those who weren’t entertained. ALL his sponsors got/still get huge bang for the buck. Now for all the amateurs that dope – Hang ’em high! Oh, and all those that really care and are..
Entertainment… that’s all professional sports are.
Lance was/still is? the greatest entertainer ever in cycling. The only upset people should be those who weren’t entertained. ALL his sponsors got/still get huge bang for the buck.
Now for all the amateurs that dope – Hang ’em high!
Oh, and all those that really care and are really, really, really torn up about the “cheating” among pros… go help someone in need to day, it eases the pain and puts it in check.
Not So Sure
Jan 12, 2013
by Todd Brown
When I go for a ride and the average temperature is 37 degrees… in Califorina… well, I am forced to remember how sure my high school teachers were that we’d all freeze in an Ice Age by now and that the food supplies would be exhausted. It doesn’t mean they were wrong, it could still..
When I go for a ride and the average temperature is 37 degrees… in Califorina… well, I am forced to remember how sure my high school teachers were that we’d all freeze in an Ice Age by now and that the food supplies would be exhausted.
It doesn’t mean they were wrong, it could still happen. But, there is tremendous value in reviewing the passionate pleas of our leaders from time to time.
They clearly aren’t always right. What if we could identify who’s got it right and who’s rarely right?
Join Our Cult
Jan 10, 2013
by Todd Brown
I love cycling, it’s not secret. And, I’m constantly inviting and encouraging people to ride. Some get it right away, some take years. But, when my friends do start to ride this is a common response.
I love cycling, it’s not secret.
And, I’m constantly inviting and encouraging people to ride. Some get it right away, some take years.
But, when my friends do start to ride this is a common response.
4,000,000 feet pounds
Dec 29, 2012
by Todd Brown
Since I’ve been too sick to ride for a week… I thought I’d post this from 12 years ago. There are events designed for fun, events designed for competition, and then there are events designed for pain. I’m not quite sure why I go for the pain. Maybe it’s that I’m not that fast, or..
Since I’ve been too sick to ride for a week… I thought I’d post this from 12 years ago.
There are events designed for fun, events designed for competition, and then there are events designed for pain. I’m not quite sure why I go for the pain. Maybe it’s that I’m not that fast, or that I hate feeling like I have energy left at the end of a race. Whatever, I do like the pain, I do like to see others suffering and wheezing and whining and crying and quitting and their bodies revolting.
I’m sick. I know it. Pain.
This year has gone great for my racing. I haven’t raced much , but I’ve had great success in the races I have chosen to do. With the team not together for a third go at 24 Hours of Moab, I turned my focus to the 12 Hours At The Summit, in Big Bear. This race featured a solo event called the Titanium class. The format was simple: whoever completed the most laps (8miles, 1300 ‘) in 12 hours was the winner. No categories, just an Open Division.
Typically I don’t sleep to well the night before a race. This night would be among my worst. I was so concerned about hydration the day before, I spent most of the night like the Sparklett’s man (delivering water). By 3:30am, I was exhausted, frustrated and finally got a few hours of sleep in. The pre-crack-of-dawn breakfast at Denny’s was uneventful, I couldn’t eat – nerves – I could barely take my trusty vitamins. Susie, on the other hand, wolfed down a huge skillet special, all the while talking cheerfully and going over all my anal instructions about food and supplies for each lap. I sat paralyzed by the enormity of 12 hours on my mountain bike which played in concert to an uncertain rhythm of just how far would I have to ride to get on the podium.
Open class races always bring an eclectic group together. Our field of 48 was impressive. Lots of skinny dudes with matching jerseys and bikes and helmets, others less well equipped. I was very covetous of the bike with fur glued to the forks. The start was LeMans style, albeit a short run. Do you run to your bike and sprint the first four miles up hill when you have 12 hours of racing and no idea of the required mileage??? I guess so.
We shot out like rockets, like a typical NORBA race. We all wanted to among the first to hit the single-track and avoid the subsequent bottle-neck. I was in great position for a NORBA race. Should I be going this hard??? for 12 hours??? Onward, the adrenaline won’t last forever, might as well use it while I’ve got it.
My pre-race strategy was simple, and in the end, elegant. Don’t get off the bike, have fun where possible.
After 4 miles of climbing I was about 5 back from the lead rocket. How can they keep this up? We crested the top, wait, one more little grunt… there we go. Time to bomb downhill. This was my “have fun where possible” section. I sprinted up the grunt, passed all but the leader and kept my fingers off the brakes. It does pay to have some girth. Unfortunately, half way down I found myself in the middle of a rock strewn rut. Bam! A flat tire. Two minutes later I was flying down again, having lost about 10 places.
In these types of events you have to check-in each lap, have a ticket punched and place your sticker on the leader board. That completed, I rode a few feet to my wonderful wife. “What do you nee?” ” Tube and a cartridge!” As she runs off to get that, I’m thinking I needed other stuff too. She’s gone. I have nothing. Forget it. I jump back on course praying I don’t get another flat… the best laid plans.
The second time through she’s got it all. I’m in about 8th place still. Passing and being passed as the pitch changes up and down the course.
Everyone has a certain area they’re strong and another where they’re weak. My weakness has always been cramping. The projected high of 101 degrees put fear in my soul. With four laps completed in less than 3 hours (by only a minute), we were on track to complete 16 laps. Last years’ winner only needed 12 laps to win. Something was wrong. I’d gone out too fast. And 30 minutes later my Achilles heal punctured through my overconfident ego. Running up the final hike-a-bike section my quads started to cramp. I leaped aboard my faithful steed and look down at my less faithful legs. I could see the defined muscles cramping down even as my leg floated up the pedal stroke. This is not good.
On the way down, I found a new jump to hit. I also noticed how I could go brakeless through another section and bank hard off the side of the trail. Dangerous? Maybe. Time-eating? Possible. Fun? Definitely! I arrived with a smile at the check-in. Waited for my ticket to be punched. My hamstring cramped hard. I pounded it like my mom pounds meat loaf. “What do you need, babe?” You gotta love that kind of support. “Salt. Lots of salt and bananas.” Again, she didn’t have what I needed. She was about to run off. “Stop! Just gimme whatcha got. Get salt next time.” I spent the next mile choking down a bag of Pringle’s and a banana, with a carbo-drink chaser. Yum.
In all my races, I don’t think I ever suffered like this fifth lap. Cramping bad on the three hike-a-bike sections, the ominous distance ahead, and I wasn’t even close to the end of the race. I was nearly done. As fate would have it, one of the jokers I had passed before came by me. He looked great. Real smooth. Tanned skin. “Just go till you drop man, then try and survive.” “Gee, thanks.” I wanted to kill him, no I wanted to lasso him. I wanted to quit. Cresting the top, I came into the most technical section. Huge, sharp rocks studded the middle of the trail. A dust covered racer lay prone on the side, another wearily negotiated the section on foot. I yelled “rider!” and rolled through as swift as a greyhound a the track.
Smiling again, I reached the check-in. Susie is a genius. She confiscated salt packets from the hamburger stand. I poured three down my throat and lubed up my chain while she swapped out my Camelbak bladder. More banana and a protein bar. I cramped just as bad for the next few laps, but I felt like I was taking corrective measures. Besides, I had mysteriously maneuvered into 5th place. I wasn’t the only fast-starting fool after all. Lots of pain to go, but a glimmer of hope.
Somewhere in here the race leader, Matt Ohran, lapped me. It bummed me out quit a bit. Then I found out he had take 4th in the Vail 100 the previous week, he was a pro. Okay, I can deal with that. Still lots of racing to go, lots of pain to suffer.
I didn’t think the next challenge would ever happen. Really. With all the heat, all the sweat, how could I possibly need to pee? My bladder started to kill. I figured I would have to dismount at the hike-a-bike section anyway, so might as well try. Am I’m standing there, a few feet from the trail with stage fright no less, my quads and hammies in both legs lock. This is bad. One task done, I hobble over to my trusty steed, throw a stiff leg over and slowly begin to pedal. At the bottom of this lap, while I’m inhaling salt, Susie is yelling, “you’re not drinking enough, drink more.” Drink more?! Peeing almost left me like the tin man in a rain storm.
Figuring this was the point where weird things could happen in my head, I chose to trust the advice of my wife. I almost cried, realizing I still had 5 hours to go, my wife lovingly supporting me, and hating the fact that I was racing instead of at the beach with the kids. Then creeping into my ears came the final words she had yelled, “you’re in fourth place, third is 5 minutes up the trail.” This was my break through lap. The carbo-drink was chilled to almost a slushy. She’d filled the bladder with enough juice to ge me across the Sahara, and I let her have it the next lap through – “I’m a racer, not a camel! I’ll be back in 50 minutes! Think!” She was thinking, I wasn’t. Just pain.
The heat of the day was diminishing and the cool breeze blew through tall pines. A lone coyote crossed the trail, like me, out for the final hunt of the day. I was feeling better, much better. My cramping was lessening. The decent was getting faster and more furious. Each rock, each rut, each jump and each bank became hard wired from my brain to my twitching fingers.
During the last laps Susie would run next to me as we swapped out wrappers for bars, bananas, liquid and lube. Our transitions were smooth. Each lap I knew she would be there, so dependable, so cheerful. My secret weapon. Each lap I felt better. I began to look forward to the final lap, when i wouldn’t have to “save it” for another, I wanted to put the hammer down for good one last time.
“Babe, your back in 4th. Some guy slipped in, blue shirt, number 244”. I was riding with abondon this last lap. I ran the hike-a-bike. Okay, not really, I hiked it fast. But, the gears I chose were much taller than the previous laps, I was flying – that too is relative, because the four-man team riders were ripping past me. Nevertheless, I soon saw the blue jersey way ahead. It takes a long time to overcome somebody on a steep hill after over 11 hours, one hundred miles and 19,000 feet of climbing. Slowly, I reeled him in just after the last hike-a-bike. As I came up on number 244, the repeated the phrase of the day… “what lap ya on?” Should I tell him 14 just like him? Nah, “uh, 10, you?” 12 dude, I’m hurting.” “Really?! That’s great, good luck!” Did Susie invent the phantom racer to spur me on?
I pushed harder on the pedals in search of second place. In retrospect, I did take the final switchbacks way too fast, I risked crashing, I risked flatting, I risked too much. As I crested the final slope in my big chain ring, defiantly stomping it into history as a previous middle-ring-climb, I could hear my wife and friends yelling. No crying this time, just yelling. I was mobbed. I felt great. But how did I wind up? ‘Todd! The guy in second quit, hi didn’t think you could get another lap in under the time limit. You’re in 2nd man, 2nd!”… with 13 minutes to spare!
There’s a lot to be said for winning and there’s a lot to be said for finishing, but not enough cab be said about suffering and sticking with it no matter what place you finish. As far as I’m concerned, we were all winners that night, especially my wife, she deserved the top of the podium.
Sunday, I got a million calls from friends and family wanting to know how I’d done. I tried to explain. Even I couldn’t believe it. I tried to put it in some perspective for them – open category, pro’s, eco-challenge racers, young studs, furry forks. They all acted impressed, though I think they mainly thought I’m a little off. My dad said it best. “Let’s see, about 20,0000 feet of climbing, about 200 pounds with the bike, that’s… 4,000,000 pounds lifted one foot or one pound lifted 4,000,000 times, or… hey, that’s a lot of pain son.”
Lap Times: 44, 43, 45, 47, 49, 52, 53, 55, 52, 53, 53, 55, 51, 49
Why I Love Strava
Dec 19, 2012
by Todd Brown
Need I say more? No, but I will. Matt Ford happens to annihilate me every Tuesday morning on The TMWC. He’s a beast. But somehow, some way, there’s a Strava segment where, for the time being, I own him. Scoreboard. For sure, he’ll go out and smash my time. So for now, I will bask..
Need I say more?
No, but I will.
Matt Ford happens to annihilate me every Tuesday morning on The TMWC. He’s a beast.
But somehow, some way, there’s a Strava segment where, for the time being, I own him.
Scoreboard.
For sure, he’ll go out and smash my time. So for now, I will bask in the warm glory of Strava.
Revenge
Dec 18, 2012
by Todd Brown
What friends are forRobot: JR says let’s go back to Barnburner and get revenge. Todd: Barnburner was revenge. It was horrid. Awful. A dust bowl. JR: I will return to the dust bowl to avenge my finish. Travis: The RV is ready, and Todd is riding with us this time. Robot: It might just be..
What friends are for
Robot: JR says let’s go back to Barnburner and get revenge.
Todd: Barnburner was revenge. It was horrid. Awful. A dust bowl.
JR: I will return to the dust bowl to avenge my finish.
Travis: The RV is ready, and Todd is riding with us this time.
Robot: It might just be worse if we’re lucky.
Todd: Crud… really?
Robot: We can run an ad on Craig’s list for your Twinkies.
TMWC Shout Out
Dec 15, 2012
by Todd Brown
As we prepare for the final TMWC of 2012, I wanted to give a shout out to the pioneers. About 10 years ago I moved out to Coto and told my friends Peter Vidmar and Don Miller, who had moved out there earlier, we should try and get a quality ride going… like we used..
As we prepare for the final TMWC of 2012, I wanted to give a shout out to the pioneers.
About 10 years ago I moved out to Coto and told my friends Peter Vidmar and Don Miller, who had moved out there earlier, we should try and get a quality ride going… like we used to have with Coffee Crew.
I plotted the most stoplight free course, which turned out to be very hill heavy.
Every Tuesday at 630 sharp we left from Antonio and Meandering Trail.
Just the three of us.
Dan “Daniel Boone” McAneny (sp?) (Don’s biz partner) was the first to join us from RSM.
Soon Jim “from the gym” Bishop (that was Don’s intro) was riding over from Laguna Niguel… he’s our awesome video man with proof of the attacks, and who pushed Robot over at the light.
Somewhere, I ran into “Crooked” Steve Lind. We’d ridden all those years ago in the early Coffee Crew days and he expertly started showing us what climbing was all about while using his world class running legs. Stevie also started pulling the Ladera boys over.
Matt “TT” Ford hopped in about the same time… he couldn’t climb to save his life and was just getting back to competitive riding – we’d hammer him at will (something the new guys can’t fathom).
With Matt came Bob Kmetz… who throttled us ramping up for cyclocross way, way, way before it was cool.
Bryson Perry, an actual pro, moved to town to work with me. He’d pull a few guys up the road then drift back and tell us we could catch them, then he’d scoot back up to them and tell ’em to get a move on. True talent.
Kevin Hall, Bryson’s father-in-law, laid down roots for a few years. That brought in the era of big trash talking… oh, I miss the rudeness of it all.
I’m sure I’m out of order at this point…
Kevin “Backpack” McKenna was soon working in his morning commute and regularly forcing us to red line on the bike trail.
Phil was now riding over with Jim from the gym, and always pushing it hard over The Wall.
David Frank started coming over with Stevie and dragging a slew of guys over from Ladera – Robert and Robot and Mellow and Kent and Charlie… hammers all.
I tapped in to friends from church, and bam Scott Moncrief (our Physical Therapist) was on the ride and putting us back together when we crashed, Brad Perry and Mark Christopherson and a bunch of guys I can’t name were part of this group.
This year, we’ve seen a ton of growth… 24 guys on a cold and dark December morning is uncharted territory… Baghouse, WinTeam, and more.
Please forgive my old mind if I’ve missed you, we’ve had many wonderful riders share the roads with us.
Over the years we’ve seen our kids grow up and move away, survived cancer, struggled through a tough economy, sold houses, shared all of this from the rolling chatter box at the start of each ride.
Some folks hope there’s golf in heaven, I’ll take the Tuesday Morning World Champions.
Tribes Are All Powerful
Dec 13, 2012
by Todd Brown
Example: Team Un-named just cut a deal to buy directly from Builder-X. Tribes have the power, more than ever. If you’re not building one, you’re part of one. Failing to connect with the tribes is becoming more and more costly. Winners: Team members get smoking deal. Builder-X gets high margin sale. Losers: anybody not building..
Example: Team Un-named just cut a deal to buy directly from Builder-X.
Tribes have the power, more than ever.
If you’re not building one, you’re part of one.
Failing to connect with the tribes is becoming more and more costly.
Winners: Team members get smoking deal. Builder-X gets high margin sale.
Losers: anybody not building or connecting with the tribes is going to feel the pain, real fast.
Shops need to build their own tribes, need to connect with existing tribes.
It’s not enough to open your door any more.
Death by Digital
Dec 10, 2012
by Todd Brown
We’re so hip, spending most of our wake time in front of a small glass window peering into the moving I/O’s of our counterparts and customers. Death by digital creeps through our consciousness, slinking in the shadows, slowly stealing away our precious physical seconds. This is hardly living epic. Never dangerous. Rarely rewarding. What heart..
We’re so hip, spending most of our wake time in front of a small glass window peering into the moving I/O’s of our counterparts and customers.
Death by digital creeps through our consciousness, slinking in the shadows, slowly stealing away our precious physical seconds.
This is hardly living epic.
Never dangerous.
Rarely rewarding.
What heart pumping increases we do get to experience are mostly non-nonsensical and the result of digital frustration.
Ergo the explosion of the epic events – Leadville, Ragnar, Ironman etc.
The very idea of an epic event sucks at our cerebral center, begging for life, begging you and me to live. It gives us hope that like Neo we can disconnect, however briefly, and soar like we were designed to.
A massive, ludicrous challenge for a mind desperate to find reality in a physical world that slips away a little more each day.
Like Melville and Shelley we go to work on our own beast, and exactly how we will slay it.
Characters we meet and invent become mentors, nemesis, road kill and occasionally the greatest of friends.
Mishaps pound us at the most inopportune times, turning our rough edges into polished and hardened steel ready slice through all future demons.
Triumph, though allusive, becomes not the end but the process of preparation.
Friendship abounds in the stories of those who have gone before, the landscapes we continually cover, and experience and encouragement only those who do can share.
Sacrifice of time, pleasure, comfort, ease, diet, money and much more must be kept in balance lest we cross over into a world of self and never return.
Digital dreamers shutter and scoff… yet they are the sleepers, we are living epic.
Join us.
Nice Attitude
Dec 08, 2012
by Todd Brown
So much of smooth, effortless cycling is about you. Your attitude determines everything. It’s about your approach, your confidence, your ability to take a “love tap” from the rider next to you for what it is vs what it might be. Spotting a poor attitude is a piece of cake, especially off-road. It’s shaky. It’s..
So much of smooth, effortless cycling is about you.
Your attitude determines everything.
It’s about your approach, your confidence, your ability to take a “love tap” from the rider next to you for what it is vs what it might be.
Spotting a poor attitude is a piece of cake, especially off-road. It’s shaky. It’s unsure. It’s a death grip, and petrified arms. All of it is screaming, I’M GONNA CRASH
My limited education grandfather told me over and over Attitude Determines Altitude. He rose to become VP of Kellogg’s.
Take it from from Grampa, your attitude will determine whether or not your next ride is awesome or ahhhh-crud.
Let’s Get Lucky
Dec 06, 2012
by Todd Brown
How is it that new guy gets a zillion flats while the group waits/helps to fix/or just rides on? It’s called Luck. How is it that new guy manages to consistently find himself at the worst possible place at the worst possible time in every race or group ride and whabam! broken this and torn..
How is it that new guy gets a zillion flats while the group waits/helps to fix/or just rides on?
It’s called Luck.
How is it that new guy manages to consistently find himself at the worst possible place at the worst possible time in every race or group ride and whabam! broken this and torn that?
It’s called Luck.
What’s with new guy coming home from the mountain bike ride with a thousand thorns in his leg, a busted shifter, and covered in dirt while going slower than the rest of the gang could possibly walk?
It’s called Luck.
**** Practice + Patience + Persistence + Passion = Luck. ****
Let’s get lucky!
Are you insane?
Nov 29, 2012
by Todd Brown
Boys, are you insane*… really, are you content having Ford drill you into submission each week? I’m not happy with that… so here’s what I’m doing: I’ve hired Joe Friel (author of the Cyclist’s Training Bible and TrainingPeaks.com) to come and speak to us. And you my friends, committed studs that rip each other’s legs..
Boys, are you insane*… really, are you content having Ford drill you into submission each week?
I’m not happy with that… so here’s what I’m doing:
I’ve hired Joe Friel (author of the Cyclist’s Training Bible and TrainingPeaks.com) to come and speak to us. And you my friends, committed studs that rip each other’s legs off each Tuesday, have a chance to hang out with Joe, too.
What could be cooler than kicking off the year with a genius?
So, here’s the nitty gritty… Not only do I want you to attend this event and learn a ton about haulin’ #$%, but I really need you to blast this out to all your fellow riders. (Not just because I’m on the hook for a few grand)
Three reasons:
1. You’ll get faster and have more fun.
2. Your friends will be stoked for including them (trust me I had 3 sign up within 30 minutes of my email going out).
3. We can do more fun stuff like this.
Shops are already kickin’ in gear for a solid raffle, and sponsors are kickin’ in a little product. The more people we get, the better stuff we get.
If you choose not to join us, not a big deal. We’ll still be friends… except you’ll be slower and poorer for missing out on a great learning opportunity.
Don’t be insane. Join us: www.gotoddbrown.com/events
Positively!, tb
*insane: doing the same thing and expecting different results.
Receiving My Dues
Nov 28, 2012
by Todd Brown
The funny thing about paying my dues with my time and talents in anything is that I always seem to receive much more than I ever paid. There are plenty of clubs and subscriptions I’ve paid into over time. I keep paying if the return is equal or great to the value paid. But that..
The funny thing about paying my dues with my time and talents in anything is that I always seem to receive much more than I ever paid.
There are plenty of clubs and subscriptions I’ve paid into over time. I keep paying if the return is equal or great to the value paid.
But that personal sacrifice, where I give of myself, always over pays.
Certain organizations, clubs and people merit our time. Many people, have time to give. Does my organization merit their contribution? Is my vision grand enough?
If We Don’t Change
Nov 26, 2012
by Todd Brown
Chinese Proverb – If we don’t change our direction, we’re likely to end up where we are headed.
Chinese Proverb –
If we don’t change our direction, we’re likely to end up where we are headed.
Absurd Standard of Readiness
Nov 22, 2012
by Todd Brown
Before 16 year old Jay can attempt surfing a true killer, Mavericks, he must pass his mentor’s tests. In Chasing Mavericks, the indie surf movie now playing, we are escorted into the world of surfing truly killer waves. The old wizard gives the boy two simple, measurable, and absurd standards of readiness: – Hold his..
Before 16 year old Jay can attempt surfing a true killer, Mavericks, he must pass his mentor’s tests.
In Chasing Mavericks, the indie surf movie now playing, we are escorted into the world of surfing truly killer waves. The old wizard gives the boy two simple, measurable, and absurd standards of readiness:
– Hold his breath for 4 minutes under water
– Paddle 36 miles across the Monterrey Bay
Every athlete thinks he or she knows what it takes to reach the highest heights. Every sport has it’s mentors, the experienced wizards who have lived to tell the tell, to truly understand what it takes.
If you had to pick two standards to focus on this year what would they be?
– __________________?
– __________________?
The movie is awesome, and it definitely made me want to Live Like Jay.
Why Black?
Nov 20, 2012
by Todd Brown
When everybody is doing the Black Friday promo, why aren’t we doing Gobble Wednesday? … some folks just want to gobble up a great deal and could be sporting sweet new gear on the Thursday Turkey ride.
When everybody is doing the Black Friday promo, why aren’t we doing Gobble Wednesday?
… some folks just want to gobble up a great deal and could be sporting sweet new gear on the Thursday Turkey ride.
I got lucky today
Nov 20, 2012
by Todd Brown
I laid in bed at 5:50am. To ride or not to ride? Roll over and sleep I told myself. 5:58, trying to sleep rarely works for me. 6:07, still up? Might as well get your runny nose out there, just take it easy. Hammering on the bike when sick will generally give you one of..
I laid in bed at 5:50am. To ride or not to ride? Roll over and sleep I told myself. 5:58, trying to sleep rarely works for me. 6:07, still up? Might as well get your runny nose out there, just take it easy.
Hammering on the bike when sick will generally give you one of two results: make you sicker or heat your body enough to kill the cold.
I rolled out to the TMWC, tried to keep the pace down. That only works for so long with this crew. Eventually the groupthink sucks us all in.
I got lucky today, I feel great!
Single & Loving IT
Nov 17, 2012
by Todd Brown
by Todd Brown (Previously printed in Competitor Magazine) After a 35-year span of racing and riding all sorts of two wheelers, I can definitely say that I still can’t get enough of the thrill I get every time I throw my leg over a seat. During the last 10 months , though, I have found..
by Todd Brown (Previously printed in Competitor Magazine)
After a 35-year span of racing and riding all sorts of two wheelers, I can definitely say that I still can’t get enough of the thrill I get every time I throw my leg over a seat. During the last 10 months , though, I have found a new passion on two wheels. This passion is based on a bike that is simple, light, and easy to maintain. It has one gear of choice, and that limited, narrowly-defined choice has remade the bike into a truly new passion for me.
What could be so engaging about a bicycle whose top claim is humility? And why would this old bike be the new favorite of a vast quiver? The answer lies in the gear choice – or lack of choice.
Because the bike has only one gear, I as a rider have to develop a wide array of different riding styles and techniques to accommodate changing terrain. These techniques are not limited to simply powering the bike because it also lacks rear suspension, so railing the trail has become much more than the point-and-plow used with today’s superior suspensions.
The single-speed bicycle has consumed my riding time because it has multiplied my riding styles. Today we hear so much about the magical car/bike/boat/ski/board with “Jekyll and Hide” characteristics that can do it all, and well. Refreshingly, my single-speed makes both Jekyll and Hyde out of me… now I’m the one who much do it all well.
Because the bike requires so much, my mind is completely free to explore the capabilities of my body and my body is free to explore the capabilities of the bike. Gone is that little voice that so often accompanies other less distracting workouts; there’s no time to chitchat with myself about the dilemmas of the day. I must focus, and the focus required is limitelessly liberating. It’s the same liberation I find when bombing across the desert floor on my 450, stepping off a cornice into free fall, or dropping in on a furious wave – and it can last for hours.
The nitty-gritty of riding a single-speed involves so much more of the human body than a traditional bike ride does.
On flat terrain, my leg speed is fast and the effort constantly refines my pedaling technique. A smooth pedal stroke vastly increases efficiency, so my legs learn to pedal in circles rather than just stabbing down.
As the trail tilts up a little, I settle in to the seated burn so common to riding bicycles. This seated power allows me to ride endlessly on my motor cycle and forever on my snowboard. With the lightness of an un-geared, un-sprung ride, I move along much faster than I would on a geared bike.
When the incline increases, I stand to stay on top of the gear. This next pitch, where I’m standing and my leg speed is still fairly fast, makes me feel like I might be actually be a Euro-Pro attacking the mountains for Europe. My upper body is engaged, my triceps and shoulders push the bike side to side, my head is high and my vision stretches far up the trail, all conspiring to get me on up and over. I feel fantastically fast.
The final climbing technique is the point when traction becomes an issue. I can no longer just pump hard; I must control the output or the rear tire will break loose and I’ll probably jam my knee into the top of the fork – it hurts, and bleeds, so I am definitely motivated to ply my skill. Still standing out of the saddle, I now pull on the bars rather than push. My torso is much more involved, working the core muscles. My biceps and lats combine to pull me on up. My cadence slows to 40, 30, maybe 20 rpm. I’m barely moving up very steep, dusty and loose trails. The total body strength needed is kept in check by the balance required to stay upright. My lungs fill and empty, sweat weeps from my brown and trickles down the lens of my glasses – it’s an all-out effort to keep from stopping, succumbing and waling. Honor and pride must be recruited to keep it all together.
Up these extreme pitches, my position vacillates between a squatted power lifter hunched over so close to the bars I could lick the sweat off my Garmin, and an erect deadlifter, with my arms exteneded and locked. I attribute these alternating techniques with keeping my back strong and trouble free.
At the apex, I relized the reward of a total-body workout that will transfer over to all the other activities I enjoy. Oh and of course, what goes up gets to come down.
Heading downhill, my legs speed up, spinning at rates only reached by track racers so fast they must unhitch and blow right through my hips. My butt remains glued to the saddle. Each ride I seem to get a little faster, a little silkier. Finally, I can no longer match the speed of my descent and my legs rest.
I’m heading down and I hear… nothing. No chain slapping because there is no slack in the chain, no derailleur clanking off the stays, and no long cables to accommodate suspension bouncing on the frame. Just silence, and the wind.
This is the bliss of a single-speed.
Watching is NOT Doing
Nov 08, 2012
by Todd Brown
Watching is NOT Doing. While watching a great cyclist on TV or Live is thrilling and even inspiring it will not actually make me faster or better. It’s simply the joy of watching someone else do great work. This does not entitle me to reap the rewards of greatness. For me to do great work,..
Watching is NOT Doing.
While watching a great cyclist on TV or Live is thrilling and even inspiring it will not actually make me faster or better.
It’s simply the joy of watching someone else do great work. This does not entitle me to reap the rewards of greatness.
For me to do great work, I must get out and train and put in the time.
Eddy Merckx was right: Piles of Miles lead to Greatness.
Question:
Is there a connection between a society where parents work so much they don’t have the energy to teach the kids to work, thus creating entertained kids who feel entitled to a lifetime of coddling because they were never taught to what to DO to achieve their own greatness?
“I’m not your friend, I’m your parent.”
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