WITH ALL THY FITNESS, GET...
IS THERE MORE TO RACING, than racing? Well, yeah. Of course. A lot more, the only question is are we taking advantage of the opportunities. As the wise one said...
... With all thy fitness, get adventurous.
By that, I don't mean in a racy way.
The point is to go somewhere,
do something new,
unattempted.
We've got the fitness,
which too few people actually have,
so we can accomplish what most cannot fathom to attempt.
So, what's it gonna be...
- Ride across the country
- Travel to a remote destination
- Run the Grand Canyon rim to rim
- Go from hut to hut in Colorado
... pick something.
What's holding us back...
- A tour guide
- Language barriers
- Support in case things go wrong
... nothing that can't be solved.
Do it.
---
166.7
7 hrs Sleep
Pullups and Pushups
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
82
Tell us about it.
>
H0W ARE THEY SO EXPLOSIVE?
OK, WE GET IT THAT PROS ARE FASTER. Right? But, how they heck are they so explosive without racing? Asking for a friend, myself, and...
... anybody forced to train alone.
We gotta know.
- Personally, I enjoy the solitude.
- Others don't near other riders or group rides
- And, then there's those who's with uncooperative schedules
How are the outstanding pros doing it?
Not racing,
showing up and slaughtering their competition.
Intervals?
Well, personally I can't stand intervals for more than a few weeks without...
... wanting to take a hammer to my bike computer.
Riding and racing with the teammates?
That makes a little more sense, but only a little. Who wants to drill or get drilled by their trusted allies?
Way more rested?
Mmmmmaybe the non-racing leads to a more rested and ready body?
Healthier?
Because they aren't traveling so much:
- They aren't picking up colds and flues.
- They aren't eating whatever they can find.
- They aren't taking such large risks as when racing
E-racing?
Are they just getting on a trainer and duking it out with the online competition? If they are, don't they need to have fake profiles for privacy as well as less fitness?
Virtual racing?
Setting up race course segments on Strava and trying to beat the PRs?
I dunno, for me...
... ain't nothing like the real thing.
---
166.2
8 hrs Sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
GETTING PUSHED AROUND IN THE GROUP
THE RIDE WAS GETTING SPICEY. The pace increasing considerably, and the terrain going from flat to sawtooth. The legs were screaming, and...
... and I was moving backwards.
Then, it happened.
Just before the apex of quick power climb,
just when I needed it most...
... my pal, The Gambler, gave me some pedal assist.
Yep, he had the gaul to put his paws on my lycra and pushed me some.
And I loved it.
It was just the right amount
to keep me on.
Sly enough I quietly thought and hoped...
... Maybe nobody noticed.
That's thing about needing help.
When we could really use some,
we don't ask.
Good givers, like The Gambler, don't ask...
... the just give.
Without making a big deal about it.
---
165.8
9 hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
80
>
SHOULD WE LEARN TO TUMBLE?
LIKE MOST OF US, we have a group of regular riders. So far, 3 of the 10 of us have broken bones this year. One hit a tree skiing, one crossed wheels today...
... and, well, you know my saga.
I was off the back over the top,
and rolled up on the mishap.
If you're a real rider,
you've broken your collar bone.
Ok, I don't know if that's 100% true.
But, I have broken one,
while riding.
So, it's common.
And I gotta ask...
... Should we take tumbling lessons?
Would it help?
Would it keep us from doing the natural thing vs...
... rolling out of danger?
Maybe, sometimes.
Not a guarantee,
perhaps a skill worth...
- learning
- practicing
- investigating
... got a thought on this?
---
166.7
7.5ish hrs Sleep
No Strengthwork today
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
82
>
IS THIS THE BEST RIDE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?
IMAGINE A RIDE THAT FEATURES all the beauty and wonder of Southern California. The beaches, the shaded prairies, the tall forests with ski runs...
... covering all of it in a single day.
Oh, and almost no traffic.
Impossible you say.
Not.
100% possible.
It took us years to scout it.
Here are some pics from 2023... route below.
Here's the route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3216181932420212282
It's 120 miles, 15000' of climbing.
We start at Doheny State Beach and wind up in Big Bear, refueling at convenience stores and restaurants along the way.
It's almost all dirt most to Corona, then a 35-mile bike trail across the Inland Empire. At the bottom of the mountains, we jump on an abandoned logging road, and it's nearly all dirt to the top, and down into Big Bear.
Epic.
Insanely epic.
Are you game for the ride of the year?
Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
Some of the FAQ's from a Zoom call yesterday.
Logistics:
1. Where to stay Friday Night? Dinner plans? Stay as close as you can to Dana Point, where we start… it’s only a few minutes drive to my house. We’ll have dinner at my place and go over last minute specifics.
2. Ride start time? Official Start is 6am, I highly recommend slower riders leave earlier to make sure we all get to Colton at the same time for the flat 35 miles across the Inland Empire – much easier in a group.
3. Where can we store bags? My van… Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
4. Confirm - unsupported? Any plan B options for repairs, crashes, etc.? It’s self-supported, be prepared.
a. Anyone we can hire to assist? Is there a way to transport overnight bag? Susie will drive it to Big Bear.
5. Big Bear
a. Anyone staying the night? TBD on this.
b. Transporation back to Orange County? TBD on this. Some ride back, some Uber back. We need a final head count.
5. Snow blocking trails? Currently yes, but it’s getting warmer and it’s a south facing climb, we should be fine.
People
1. How many people are coming and their capabilities? Unknown, people always commit and don’t show, others never commit and just show up.
a. We are locomotives not goats:). Likelihood of creating riding groups of different speeds (any forecasted pacing / finish times)? For sure start early, and KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD A ROUTE to your device. Any regrouping points? One for sure, in Colton at a convenience store… depending on pace, we might all meet up at Seven Oaks restaurant about 1/3 up the climb… some of us will do some extra climbing and single track at end of 35 mile bike trail, others will go straight to the climb, which is why we might end up there at roughly same time.
Nutrition
1. Where are the nutrition and water stops? ONeil Park is about 2 hours in, a campground with water and bathrooms. Do NOT dillydally at any stops. Next stop is Colton, about 4 hours away. These are my estimates for your speed.
2. Water stops on the final climb or is two bottles sufficient? At Seven Oaks restaurant, we can get water, soda, hamburgers, fries… depending on heat, 2-3 bottles. My bike holds 3.
3. Nutrition recommendations? 300-400 calories per hour. Whatever you like and sits well in your stomach. I like CarboRocket, 333 calories/bottle.
Equipment
1. Tire recommendation? I am running Continental Terra Speed 45s, with 32lbs in the rear, 28 in the front. Lots and lots of sealant before we roll.
What are the gravel sections like? Pretty nice, a little more rutted from rain run-off, but totally 100% ridable and fun. There’s a little single track where trail is currently flooded close to the start.
2. Other gear that would be helpful (e.g. hydration pack, lights). Lights for sure, early start, and maybe a late finish. Be able to carry 3 large bottles worth of water. Get a BLACK mosquito net, bugs can be nasty… we learned the hard way that the white nets reflect light which was blinding as the sun was setting.
3. Clothing recommendations? (Temp change to expect)? May is a tricky month, I’ll carry my KOM Jacket which is great for wind and water and small enough to go in my Barrito Bag … my bike will have a Barrito for the KOM jacket, and food and drink mix supplies in my Day Ripper bag. Only other item I’d carry would be arm warmers… but highly unlikely we’ll need them. My Wahoo died 30 minutes from the top… bring a battery booster.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
Pushups and Pullups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO BE...
I POLLED THE RIPPERS and 100% of them lift weights or do resistance exercise year round. Well, I was shocked by that. I had no idea if we rubbing off on each other...
... just hope.
In the beginning, after our first day with real weight, we often echo the great Cheryl Crow song...
... God, I feel like hell tonight.
Why do it?
- Strong bones
- Good posture
- Improved ability to handle challenges
Why not?
- Takes time
- Potential to get hurt
Here's my current program,
takes about 15 minutes.
- 6 pullups
- 18 pushups
- 10 shoulder press
- 5 pullups
- 15 pushups
- 6 squats
- 4 pullups
- 12 pushups
- 20 toe raises, 10 heel raises
- 3 pullups
- 9 pushups
- 10 curls (vanity muscles)
- 2 pullups
- 6 pushups
In other words, mainly pullups and pushups with something extra to break up the sets.
The focus is on large muscle groups.
In Natural Born Heroes: Mastering the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance, there's a strong emphasis on tendon strength being key to true athlete prowess. We develop that moving heavy weight with large muscle groups...
... the stuff we need to be fast.
For the bar...
- Jump up to the bar, and let yourself down slowly.
- Use a pullup assist machine
- Giant rubberbands
For pushups...
- Figure out hand positions that are comfy on the shoulders
- It's cool to start on your knees
Squats...
- Do air squats and put that arse in the grarsse
- Go half way down
Start somewhere,
just start.
---
166
7.5ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
HOW TO OVERCOME INJURY
I'VE BEEN ASKED TWICE TODAY if I had any feelings of Why me? after my brain injury. And, how did I overcome that? Well, good questions because...
... we all gotta battle through the shiz.
During the darkest days, I only had one thought.
How can I fix this?
We've all been dealt multiple bad hands over the years, and if we think about it...
... we often come through them stronger, better.
It never seems like it at the time.
Our challenges, I believe, are our challenges, for a reason.
As rotten as they appear...
... they are personalized gifts.
If they weren't for our benefit and didn't totally suck,
they'd be easy to overcome,
requiring little effort,
personal growth,
or change.
With that in mind, I set about studying and researching how best to recover from this unplanned set back.
There's plenty of improvement still to be made...
... and that's exciting as hell!
---
166.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses + other stuff
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
79
>
GIMME SHELTER
THERE AIN'T NOTHING LIKE A TAILWIND to blow the group to pieces. The palms were bending, for sure...
... this one was gonna hurt.
It's counter intuitive.
But, it goes like this.
Alone, a tailwind feels nice.
A chance to tap lightly on the pedals and fly along.
In a group, it's whole different game.
The strong go to the front and drill it.
'problem is, there's no draft,
no place to hide,
no rest.
Which is exactly how it went down today.
Three of us were rotating.
Hard pulls.
It felt terrible,
and great.
Nobody else was pulling through.
I didn't blame 'em,
it was hard as heck.
I glanced back...
... gap was 30 feet.
Then 300 feet.
Then, a slight bend in the road,
an every so tiny gap opened, and...
... I was ejected.
Just couldn't close it.
No draft.
How was the ride back up the coast into the wind?
Well, alone it woulda been a bear.
In the group, much easier.
Sure the brief moment pulling through stung a bit, then...
... it was right back to the shelter.
So, there you have it.
Tailwind, get on the front and get a gap.
Headwind, take it easy, nothings getting away.
---
168.4
9ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
DO LESS, AND OBSESS
CAN'T GET THIS CONCEPT OUTTA MY MIND, not because I've never considered it, because it's so darn rhymey. I coudn't say it better...
... Do less, and obsess.
Maybe I just needed to hear the message?
The idea of having 1 (one) 'A' race a year has always turned me on...
- It's more fun to have one focus
- dive into the nittygritty
- get granular
- geek out
... that's the shift I love.
Yeah, I might end up with a bike that's not good for much but a particular course,
training that is so specialized as to be worthless for everything else.
But, that's the point.
To be so singular,
to be uniquely prepared.
Then, and only then, I might have a chance...
... and that's all the hope I need.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to treat...
... all other races as distractions at best.
Places to test...
- equipment
- strategy
- training
... nothing more.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to commit...
... to training blocks and weight lifting.
When I'm that locked in, it's easy to see...
... the big picture.
To do less,
and obsess.
---
168.7
8ish hrs Sleep
20 pullups 60 pushups 15 shoulder presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76
>
HE'S TRYING TO KILL ME
THE POOR WOMAN WAS RED IN THE FACE, if looks could kill her guide/date would be dead. They'd just cleared a very overgrown jungle and were now pushing their bikes up a rocky stretch...
... who could blame her?
Who could blame him?
Sometimes our sense of adventure...
... is total nonsense.
I could only laugh.
Don't kill him here, you need to get home first!
They had a ways to go.
We have about 5 weeks to prep for the SurfNSummit.
Yeah, it's far.
Lots of climbing.
But, still I'm surprised at how many people misjudge what it takes.
Some, think it's just impossible to complete...
... usually my most fit friends.
Others, show up with what appears to be no business attempting it...
... but, hope and the desire to do something epic.
It's one of those Henry Ford moments.
Whether you think can, or think you can't...
... you're right.
So, if you think you can ride 100+ miles with 15,000+ feet of climbing...
... click here to check it out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/free-registration-for-the-surf-n-summit-california-5-18-24
---
168.2
9ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
76er
>
AN OBSERVATION ON UNEVEN POWER BETWEEN LEGS
ONE OF THE SETTINGS ON MY POWER METER shows the power put out by each leg. It can def ovewhelm for an entire ride, because we can...
... freak out about data we don't like.
It's on one of my Wahoo screens.
I see it from time to time on a ride.
Consciously trying to even out the power was annoying the heck out of me.
One leg was always stronger, unless I reallyreallyreallyreally focused.
Then, I had an idea.
Something to try,
that I used to do.
This came to me when I noticed standing and climbing,
power was always 50/50.
Hmmmm.
What's the difference?
Then I noticed,
same thing when it got steep and I really had to put out some power.
Well, that was nice to see...
... somewhat calming.
Hmmmm...
... how to do that all the time?
Welp, this is just an observation.
It might not work for you.
Meter could be mismonitoring, but this makes all the difference in the world...
... when I consciously focus on pedaling with the heels down.
What?
Really?
Yes.
What I think is happening is I'm eliminating a dead spot along the top of my pedal stroke...
... gonna verify with my genius bike fitter, Ashley.
---
167.3
8ish hrs Sleep
No Strength Work
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
78
>
THE WHAT AND WHY OF A PROPER EZ SPIN
I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET THE LEGS TO COME AROUND, which means I had to actually dedicate myself to do some easy spins. Because, like most of us it's just...
... darn hard to go easy.
Or, is it just me?
First off, what constitutes an easy spin?
Two things:
- Low effort
- High rpm's
How low?
Very bottom of Zone 2, or anything in Zone 1.
How high?
90-100+ rpm's.
Why?
Well, one of my early coaches called it a Rinse Ride for a reason.
If we are really doing it correctly,
our legs feel all clean and springy because...
... we rinsed out the crud.
Why else?
- It's good on the brain
- Takes the pressure off, simply relaxing
- Great time to catch up with friends and chat while spinning
How long?
45-90 min seems about right.
The things we think about when we're just spinnin' ez.
---
166.9
8ish hrs Sleep
Just PullUps and PushUps today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73
>
EVER HAD THE CRUD BEAT OUT OF YOU, FOR REAL?
GROWING UP, we fought a lot. We were too weak to do much physical damage, but there was plenty of pride and shame on the line. It's not much different now...
... when we race.
If we truly get the crud beat out us by...
- the course
- the competition
- our worse, ourselves
... there is only one question.
Did we really get it beat out of us?
Or, are we destined to get pummeled over and over again because...
... the crud is still there?
Is our diet a joke?
Do our handling skills still stink?
Does our bike squeak and wobble?
'Cause if that crud is still there, then...
... it's not beat out of us.
We've just learned to live with mediocrity...
... and that's just plain cruddy.
---
167.8
8ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER ROAD PEDALS FOR OFFROAD?
WHEN I WAS PRE-RIDING LEADVILLE a while back, the phenom who would shatter the course record floated by me as I labored. He made it look so easy...
... was it the pedals?
99% of MTB racers,
dismount on that course.
There is no way they'd sport road shoes and pedals,
even though they are...
- Lighter
- More aero
- Offer better contact and efficiency
... because once fouled they're VERY difficult to get engaged.
Gravel,
is another deal.
Unless we are pushing the boundaries,
ripping single track,
slaloming sand...
... we're not going to dismount.
The only time would be if crashed,
or unclipped to rutter a turn.
In most gravel races,
that's not likely.
So, should we run the road set up offroad?
I have multiple friends who roll the dice in local XC races...
... and even the long, epic stuff.
It almost always works out great.
Worth the risk?
Up to you.
Worth testing?
100%.
---
167.6
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
74
>
HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TRAINING BIG BLOCKS?
A QUESTION CAME UP LAST NIGHT ON OUR ZOOM CALL. Have you ever trained big training blocks like Keegan Swenson just posted. Good question...
... does it work?
Maybe.
Here's what I can tell you from personal experience.
18 months ago, I was prepping for my insane time goal at Leadville.
I was really committed.
Holed up in Breckinridge all by myself,
for the month prior.
It's easy to be selfish with the time,
when you're by yourself.
The race is in August.
In July, I did..
- 20 hours
- 22 hours
- 25 hours
... a lot more than my normal 10-12 hours a week.
It was very race specific training.
Lots of Zone 2.
Recovery
was key.
I came out of that in awesome shape,
and had the best race
of
my
life.
Does it work for everybody?
I have no idea.
But, I'll definitely do it again when prepping for a once in a life quest.
----
168.9
7.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
73
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THINGS TO CHECK FIRST...
THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT CAN MAKE OR BREAK a race, the chief being the bike. Bikes don't win races, but they sure can make things a lot harder...
... or a lot easier.
As I went through my checklist, I found a few issues:
- Rear brake pad smoked
- Sealant dried out
- Battery low
It's kinda nice to have brakes that work, especially with a ripping downhill like Saturday's.
The course should be in pretty good shape, but that doesn't mean a small wire or piece of glass couldn't be a day-ender without sealant.
And c'mon...
... ya can't ride these modern bikes without good batteries.
And, I'm not just talking about the derailleur batteries. Many of the shifters have their own small batteries.
I have made the mistake of not checking the shifter batteries.
Heck, I didn't even know about them until the start of the Filthy 50 a couple of years ago. I didn't warm up, just saddled up and headed to the start.
Typically MTB XC start... everybody pinned to get to the single track first...
... I got there last.
Shifter was dead, I was spun out and then spit out.
15 minutes later, with some help from the mechanic on site, I was back at it.
Which is exactly why I came up with the RaceDay Bike Checklist, and made it into a sticker.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
For about a year now we've been shipping the stickers out with each RaceDay Bag purchase. They're great for tool boxes and benches.
Here's a link to check 'em out:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-ready™-checklist-stickers
----
168.7
8.5ish hrs Sleep
2 Rip On RaceDay Circuits
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
71
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE HEROIC MOVE
THERE'S A LOT OF GREAT RACING GOING ON. Locally, regionally, internationally. Sometimes we witness the unfathomable attack from impossibly far out, other times...
... a second or third wind, for the win.
By inches.
We shouldn't be impressed.
I'm mean,
it's cool.
We all cheer.
But the truth is the victory was secured long ago.
When nobody was cheering.
It was dark,
lonely,
cold.
The alarm was more drill sergeant, than fan.
In those moments...
... the heroes make their moves.
If we're lucky,
we witness the results.
---
169.1
9ish hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
72
>
IT'S LIKE THE SUN GOING UP ON ME
40 DEGREES, 80% HUMIDITY ain't nothing. Combine that with a dawn start, the sun hidden behind the hills, and, well, when you're going 20+ mph in your underpants...
... it's bonechilly.
I left the knee warmers behind.
No vest.
No jacket.
Just arm warmers,
a base layer,
skull cap.
It's risky,
we might freeze,
this is how we do it...
... when we know sunny times are ahead.
So are they?
Whether we are enjoying the longer days,
recovering from an injury,
just getting back at it...
... we hope and plan for...
- better fitness
- decreased fatness
- all things to improve
... it's a process.
And, we know it.
Just like the sun coming up,
we imperceptibly rise to the occasion.
That's how today was for me.
Still got dropped,
but made it a little further.
I'll take it.
Here's a snapshot of where things stand.
There's nothing like a good fitness journey.
How's yours going?
---
168.7
8ish hrs sleep
10 Pullups 30 Pushups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
73 (per training peaks)
>
MY DUMBEST PREDICTION YET
PARIS-ROUBAIX IS SUNDAY. I can't wait. It's always so fun to watch, and such a battle of machine, mind, and bike handling. Lots of drama, and this year...
... is starts before the famed Arenberg Forest.
The forest is always crazy.
Mud.
Cobbles.
A massive battle for the front ensues for those who want the best chance of getting through with the lead group...
... unscathed.
This year, the organizers decide a chicane right before entering the forest would be a good idea.
Less dangerous.
I looked at the layout.
Here's my prediction.
Rather than racing for the forest entrance to avoid carnage...
... they will race to the chicane.
And...
- have plenty of lycra on the pavement.
- or in the barriers
- or both.
... I hope I'm wrong.
Then, we have to wonder, at least I do, what is the point of racing?
Call me crazy, but I think part of it is to show bike handling prowess.
We're still gonna see it with the chicane.
Just seems like a little chicanery...
... to appease, who?
---
169.1
8 hrs sleep
15 Pullups 50 Pushups 40 Shoulder Press... no legs today.
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
BLOOD. WORK.
DON'T BE LIKE ME. Because I never get sick, I never go to the doctor. Which meant I never had my blood work done. You're too smart for that...
... here's why.
By regularly getting the blood work done, we have a baseline for "our" normal.
I don't have that.
When I had the brain injury a few months ago,
things changed.
The brain is our command center, telling the body what to produce and control and do, etc.
A brain injury often causes issues with how the body is regulated.
Today, we reviewed my blood work which was drawn a few weeks ago.
Some markers are out of range - too high on some, too low on others.
Bad news is...
... I have no reference point of "my" normal.
Could be genetic, could be from the injury.
Good news is...
... we know where I'm at, and have some corrective measures to take.
Bonus, most indicators are positive for my body, and with my overall health.
Dr. Cory King, my functional health doctor from Encinitas, went over it all with me.
Nothing too scary...
... but definitely areas to not ignore.
Things like cholesterol levels, vitamin levels, etc. that can have negative effects if left untreated.
So, we'll chock this up as another blessing from my brain injury.
Regardless of your awesome health.
Find out where you are at,
things can probably be improved.
Consider this a gentle and loving nudge from me to you...
... get the blood work done.
---
169.4
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHEAT CODE
HERE'S A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET. Okay, maybe it's not all that dirty but it is secret and fact is it's...
... a cheat code for life.
There's a reason we get out and do our thing.
Sure, it's great to be in shape.
Have that come what may attitude.
Fact is, even though the fitness is great...
... there's something better.
- The problems we solve
- Ideas we come up with
- Freedom to think
We often, nearly always, return...
... renewed.
Ready
To
Kicka$$
Even when,
especially when...
... we've rung out our body's energy supply.
---
169.1
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
STRUGGLING WITH WEIGHT... TRY NOT
SINCE MY AWESOME START TO THE YEAR, knocking myself out and spending a 5 days in ICU, my metabolism has changed. This is not uncommon, given the standard protocols...
... and now I'm pissed.
I didn't ask for this, and that is not the problem.
I haven't asked for a solution.
I have forgotten my own wisdom.
Well, on the eve of my bday, yesterday, I was asked...
... What do you want?
Get my lycracovered buns back in fighting shape.
I went to bed with a question...
... How do I get back to my normal, leanish self?
I woke up with an answer.
A book recommendation appeared on my Kindle.
Feast., Fast. Fit. by Fred Duncan.
It wasn't new information for me.
Heck, I preach it.
It's worked in the past.
I believe it will work again.
The lesson?
It isn't get on the diet train...
... it's ask the right questions,
and expect answers.
- How can I get lean?
- How can I climb faster?
- How can I stay cool in the blistering heat?
- How can I complete a century without bonking?
- How can I reduce the drag created by my bike and body?
Try not.
Ask or ask not.
---
170.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
70
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THOU SHALT CARE FOR THY HANDS
TAKING CARE OF THE HANDS is importante. Road, is pretty straight forward. So is MTB. Gravel, well, it's got it's own challenges...
... what can we do?
I've seen plenty of ruined hands...
- brutal gripshift blisters
- palms filled with asphalt gravelly stuff
- a thumb's skin pealed from under the nail past the first knuckle
... all of it could have been spared with gloves.
Personally, I prefer very lightweight fullfinger gloves.
But, that ain't gonna help on the gravel bike.
No suspension.
What can we do?
I double wrap my bars with a good soft tape.
- helps with vibration
- displaces pressure points across a wider area
I was reminded of how great this is just last week.
It'd been a while since I'd ridden the roadie, been riding the gravel bike on and off road a ton.
As soon as I got going the bars felt weird.
Sharp.
Oh yeah, the single wrap bar.
It's lighter.
More aero.
But, I'd never go back to a single wrap on the gravel bike.
---
170.5
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and pushups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WHICH NUMBERS ARE WE CHASING?
THERE'S A BIG DIFFERENCE between the kinds of numbers some of us focus on putting up. Some chase big power numbers, while others chase small numbers...
... what's the corresponding motivation?
You know.
Are we more interested in the low numbers: 1st, 2nd, 3rd...
... or, increasing our own personal power numbers?
Do we need everybody to see us on the podium...
... or, are we thrilled when we privately snag a new PR?
We can go out to the race,
or we can design our own incredible adventure.
We can train to beat everybody,
or our training can help us live our best lives.
They're not necessarily mutually exclusive,
there are four seasons for a reason.
---
169
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
IS IT TIME TO STOP BINGING?
SATURDAYS ARE MY DAYS. All week long, I look forward to getting up early and rolling out with no particular plan but wasting time via hours in the saddle...
... I call it binge riding.
Not today.
It was raining
When that happens on the 6th day of the week,
my day,
I'm typically grumpy.
This time,
I was looking forward to it.
Why?
Honestly, I'd been binge riding too much.
Too many days in a row spent
slipping out after work
staying out too long...
... the time change being my enabler.
I was unconsciously due for a break.
Some call it overtrained...
... overbinged is more accurate,
for me.
---
168.2
7.5 hrs sleep
Lots of pull ups, pushups and squats.
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
68
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE OL' WHAT IF YOU KNEW...
THESE TWO PUNKS SHOWED UP TO MY HOUSE, and dragged their dear ol' dad out for his favorite thing. Riding MTBs with them...
... that wasn't the best part.
Sure, it was fun to keep up with 'em.
Mostly.
Then, completely overdoing it at Cheesecake factory.
The best part was dropping by the Audi store...
... and hotrodding around in a $70k RS3.
So.
Dang.
Fast!
It's good to get in the dream car, and throw it around some corners...
... to keep the dreams alive.
But, what if it wasn't a dream.
What if...
... you knew you could PR any segment, win any race?
What would it be?
If we don't know,
can't quickly answer the question..
... likely not going to happen.
But,
what
if
we
knew...
... then,
what would we do with today's training?
---
1680
7.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
JUST BECAUSE IT'S FREE MEANS...
SO MUCH INFORMATION, and so much of it free. Free is a weird price, because we know it's gonna cost time and there's probably...
... an ask down the road.
Don't be fooled.
Sometimes the really expensive stuff is great,
sometimes it's terrible.
Same for free.
Price is a signal.
Should we be swayed?
I recently got an offer to save 30% on a $6000 frame.
6K!!!...
... must be awesome.
Maybe.
But, how do we know?
Really?
The glossy magazine ad?
The pro riding it to a win?
It can be frustrating.
When it comes right down to it, most of us...
... are swayed by our friends' reviews.
Like these -> https://pedalindustries.com/pages/reviews...
... which I'm extremely grateful for.
---
168.3
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DOES YOUR DOG BITE?
THE GREAT INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU encounter with a dog is classic. The dog is off leash, he asks Does your dog bite? The answer is, No. He bends to pet the dog...
... only to have the dog viciously latch on to his hand!
I thought you said your dog does not bite?
That is not my dog.
I thought about that since Surfergirl has...
- demanded
- pleaded
- asked
... that I let her track me on my rides.
I feel like a dog on a leash.
The Jason Bourne in me wants none of that.
There's nothing to hide,
when I ride.
But, really?
She does have a point.
I often venture into the wild.
Signs with warnings of mountain lions and snakes about.
Trails are often treacherous to the bike,
and potentially me.
Humans few and far between.
If, if, if I should need a rescue,
which I never have...
... I'll just need two things.
A cell signal...
... and a friend who cares.
It's kinda romantic when ya think about it,
guess we're doing all right.
---
168.2
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
69
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW MY LITTLE PRACTICE LOOP TOOK ME DOWN
I SET OFF TO POUND MY PRACTICE LOOP. The profile is jagged, lots of single track, and...
... I'm trying to crack 90 minutes.
Today's failure is why it's so important to practice racing.
Here's the dill.
This course is very hard to stay fueled on...
... almost impossible to drink, forget about eating.
Which meant I was tuckered out, with 4 miles to go. The last 30ish minutes are pretty dern steep.
With about 20 minute warm up,
winging it on 1/2 bottle and 100 calories was a weak effort.
Just not enough.
Strava called a Massive Relative Effort,
giving the workout a score of 192.
I'll try it again in a couple of weeks.
This time with 400 calories,
and 30 ounces of water,
in a Camelbak.
There just isn't time to suck on a bottle,
the bladder hose is easy to grab,
and once in my mouth,
handsfree.
Ya can't figure that out without simulating what ya might be racing...
... in real world conditions.
---
169.1 lbs (dropping some of these will speed things up, too)
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
SPEED AND BRAKES, NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS
THERE'S A TECHNICAL, ROCKY SECTION on part of a local trail. First-timers walk it, new riders use a slow approach, locals...
... let it rip.
They know something.
Speed makes it much easier to glide over the the treachery.
It's counterintuitive.
Disc brakes are the same way.
They rub.
We pry 'em apart and reinsert the wheel.
Soon into the ride they are rubbing again.
Why?
The pads are worn out.
You'd think they would stop touch the disc or barely work when running thin.
That's the way rim brakes work when the pads are worn down.
Not discs.
Counterintuitive.
Which why we alwaysalwaysalways check our brake pads before a race...
... so we hit the tricky stuff with speed.
---
167.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
DO YOU D.H.T.?
WE MAY NOT BE PRO. Our equipment may be lacking, our preparation woeful, our focus far from singular...
... which makes it all the more impressive.
When we, you and me...
... Do Hard Things.
Just like the pros,
but on a whole other level.
They level up,
get a pay check.
Our objective has nothing to do with money, and...
... everything to do with commitment.
Here's the cool part.
People see it.
Our family, friends, work associates, neighbors, etc.
They get inspired.
Maybe not to ride 100 miles or run a marathon or do an Ironman.
Doesn't matter.
The ability to D.H.T. can be applied to anything...
- changing diapers in the middle of the night
- studying instead of clubbing
- making 100 cold calls/day
- working 80 hrs a week for a season
- pushing a car off to the side of the road
- leading volunteers to repair after a disaster strikes
... once we learn we have it within us.
---
169.1 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
No strength work today
10 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
66
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
WE NEED A METRIC FOR THIS
THE FIRST TIME I SAW SHIMANO'S INTEGRATED SHIFTING, dubbed SIS, I knew there was no chance in a sprint without it. Sure we'd perfected the lost of art of...
... sprinting, letting go of the handlebars with one hand to shift.
But, what was the point?
It was useless.
Shimano changed the game, all because...
... Gripshift had changed the game.
Gripshift morphed into SRAM.
Shimano gave us electric shifting.
SRAM did it better with wireless.
How is that my new Kindle got me thinking of this?
Simple.
Kindle changes the reading game.
Which got me thinking about another game changer, Training Peaks.
It's pretty cool.
All kinds of data.
But, one metric is missing and would...
... be so funny to have.
A measurement for how bad a ride sucks...
- Freezing rain
- Frying pan heat
- Mile long hike-a-bike
- Gail force headwinds
- Countless mechanicals
... indicating our badassness for getting it done,
not quitting.
For example, we rolled the dice this morning on a 38% chance of rain.
No big deal, right?
3 hours in, we face another hour of driving headwind and relentless rain...
... the suckometer was needling past halfway.
- Hands were edging towards inoperable.
- Too wet and involved to eat carbs
- Feet sloshing
Not terrible.
But, somewhere on the ride data it woulda been nice to see...
... the badassometer read out.
Just fer fun.
See where the day's suckiness ranked against other such rides over time.
Time to go back the Kindle...
... under the blankies.
Me still cold.
---
167.9 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
67
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
LEARNING TO RIP FROM MARCH MADNESS
BALL AND STICK SPORTS are typically concerned with, and built around, offense and defense. How do we...
... apply that thinking to our endurance addictitions?
Do we have offense?
Defense?
Yep.
Offense
- Riding, running swimming time
- Weight lifting
- Racing and competitive group rides
- Upgrading equipment - new, shiny stuff
- Hiring a coach
- Fine tuning the bike fit
- Developing our handling skills
Defense
- Recovery work
- Sleep
- Proper nutrition
- Accountability partner(s)
- Equipment maintenance
- Stretching
- Allies to work with when falling behind
And before you say I've misplaced one of those, we all know...
... the best defense is offense and visa versa.
That's not the point.
The point is to figure out...
... how to incorporate a great offense and defense in our limited time.
---
167.8 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
Just pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
TWO OF LIFE'S MYSTERIES
THERE TWO MYSTERIES THAT SCIENCE can't explain. AI doesn't have the answer, either. But's they are facts just the same. For example...
... why do beginners get all the flats?
Riddle me that one LycraMan.
You know it's true.
You know if you invite a new, excitedtobethere, rider along, there's gonna be a flat.
Waywaywayway more often than the experienced riders will experience.
Makes no sense.
Just like why more bike shops don't have a comfy couch to wait for that...
.... just a few more minutes...
repair.
Maybe a coffee table showcasing
- A colorful catalog of their favorite products
- Samples of their go to sports drinks or things to chomp
- Gotta have tools to check out
I was thinking of another mystery as I swapped out my worn disc brake pads...
... why more of us don't learn the basics of maintenance.
---
168.7 lbs (the struggle is real)
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
180 minutes reading + Journaling
63
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THE PRIDE CYCLE QUEST
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE THAT YOU'RE PROUD OF? Could be anything, but let's stay on point with athletic endeavors because it's important...
... to harness this concept.
The Pride Cycle Quest.
It's also dangerous,
if we let it get the best of us.
For me, at least, it's all about the quest.
Can I do it?
And, it's a cycle...
- Pick the outrageous result to chase
- Train for it.
- Do it.
... and pick another quest.
I don't really care if anybody else thinks it's cool,
so few understand us anyway.
It's internal.
Am I proud of that result?
It's only dangerous if we are chasing likes and kudos and cheers...
... from the world.
It's not about that.
It's about the quest.
It's personal.
I'm happiest when I have at least one per year.
That's my cycle of pride.
---
167.9 lbs
7.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
CHASING GHOSTS
PATHS BECOME TRAILS, trails become roads, roads become highways. It's evolution, and underneath it all are the ghosts...
... who got it started.
We think we're blazing a trail,
when we are really just going along with the crowd.
I was thinking about the day my longgone granpappy came to watch me race a criterium.
It was all new to me.
We wizzed past him every lap.
But, the laps were long...
... and he could barely see at that stage.
Afterwards, he told me how it was years before, when he was young.
I thought it would be in a velodrome and I'd be able to see you entire race.
Clueless me had no idea velodrome racing was the only bicycle racing 100 years ago.
Prior to that, it was racing bicycles long distance, on dusty...
... gravel roads.
In other words, we gone from...
- gravel
- to velodrome
- to road
- to bmx
- to mtb
- to gravel
... so why is gravel "new"?
It's not.
We're all just chasing ghosts who've gone before.
---
168 lbs
8.25 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
62
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
THIS AIN'T NO TIME FOR FOOLING AROUND
WHAT IS THE BASELINE? The minimum effort to do and consider the week a win? It's important to have the least acceptable effort in mind...
... and make it happen.
Riding in the rain will make you think things like that.
Like, why the heck am I doing this?
Which is exactly what I was thinking as the skies opened an hour away from home.
Because I made a plan.
A public commitment.
Accountability.
Yesterday, in the sunshine and 72 degrees I committed to do the following this week:
- 15 pull ups, 50 push ups, 10 squats daily
- Ride 14 hours this week
- Drop 3 lbs
Easy to do when the weather is good,
and the day lazy.
The public commit was to the RaceDay Rippers,
who also hold me accountable each week when we check in.
I'm two months out from my next quest, the SurfNSummit.
The plan is on my RaceDay Calendar.
Some say Show me your calendar and I'll know what important to you...
... and yes, Date Night better be on there each week.
We have a few of the Giant RaceDay Calendars left, and you can save 25% since a quarter of the year is nearly past by using promo code:
CAL25OFF
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-black-2024-giant-raceday-calendar
Here is the code:
CAL25OFF
Nod to the great Talking Heads for the inspiration
This is ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no time for foolin' around
---
168.9 lbs
9 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups and push ups
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
59
Do you want to Rip On Raceday?
>
HOW TO STAY SLOW...
IT'S SUPER EASY TO STAY SLOW, and just as easy to stay fast. To stay slow, do what your slow friends do and...
... expect to get fast.
The problem with actually getting fast,
nobody gives you credit.
For the most part, they can't see or appreciate, and will never know...
... how hard we work.
And, we've got to be okay with that.
To commence,
recognition be damned.
To be fast, do what you fast friends do...
... and expect to get fast.
Do.
Expect.
168.4 lbs
7.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
58
>
WWDGD?! - 25 WEEKS TO GO
I FELT GOOD ENOUGH THIS WEEK TO DREAM of getting my fitness back and setting unrealistic goals. Is there anything better than that? Getting to a place to...
... dare to go for it.
After pushing hard for nearly 3 hours, we had a choice.
Take it easy or do the hurtful climb?
500' in a mile doesn't sound like much...
... unless it's the last climb of a fast day.
We were gonna skip it, and then Love Watts yelled...
... WWDGD!
Huh?
What Would David Goggins Do?!
There was no choice at that point, because all of us have streeeeeeeeetch goals this summer.
It was fine.
Slower than I'd like...
... but, compared to last week waywayway better.
And so the journey begins.
The countdown to Gravel Nationals.
Here's where I'm at.
You can see my fitness score at the very bottom.
Down from over 50%, 18 months ago.
Weight, 168ish.
Up 10 lbs, 18 months ago.
Vision is still messed up.
Way off from what I considered one of my few advantages racing off road.
Can I be ready September 8th, 2024?
It's gonna be fun,
and frustrating.
WWDGD?
Go for it.
Every
single
freakin'
opportunity.
168.2 lbs
8 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
60
>
WHEN THE RACE PLAN GOES TO HECK IN A HANDLEBAR
IT WAS A ROUGH START, things weren't going smoothly at all. It was causing a lot of stress and internal turmoil. Energy I'd hoped to reserve for...
... more important sections of the event.
Ayyyy, what to do?
What I always do...
... but, forget to do.
Think of of the things going right...
- I felt good
- I'd started on time
- My prep was perfect
... other words be grateful for the good.
My energy shifted.
I calmed down.
Focused on getting down to business.
Wound up having a spectacular day...
... at the office.
Tomorrow's race should go a lot better, and if it doesn't...
... I know what to do.
168.2 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
Push Ups and Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
600 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
YOU INSURED FOR THAT?
WELL, THE BILLS ARE COMING and I'm thinking about you and me. For years I've looked at health insurance as lame. Struggled mentally, sometimes economically...
... to pay that everlarger bill.
Why?
I never get sick.
Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I see a doctor.
I'm already doing all they would recommend to get better...
- eat good
- skip sugar
- get plenty of rest
- and workout regularly
... why would I spend the $ on insurance?
It feels like I'm being duped.
Well, there are these events called...
... accidents.
They happen,
and are almost completely unplanned.
So, yeah, my bills are coming in and I'm happy as being at the to of the podium at my A race...
... 'cause it looks like almost all of it covered.
Sucks to be out 1000s...
... but, way better than being out 100s of thousands.
Just putting this out there 'cause I love you...
... get covered, if ya ain't.
====
Side Note: has anybody tried insurance for bike like BikeInsure? Asking for myself, just found out about 'em
167.2 lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
56
>
DO YOU LET POWER OR HR DETERMINE YOUR HARD VS EASY DAYS?
I HADN'T WORN MY HR MONITOR FOR DAYS. It wasn't working consistently, so I left it parked in the drawer. Until today, I gave it a shot and it actually worked...
... it got me thinking about the levels of easy.
There's so easy...
- I can barely feel the pedals
- I can sing a song
- I can easily talk
- I am not sure
... and maybe a few more levels.
My goal today was to ride as close to the top of my Zone 2 as possible, without going over...
... the I'm not sure range.
I wasn't sure, because my heart rate was bouncing at the top of the range. Meanwhile...
... my power was definitely over into a higher range quite often.
This is how I trained for decades, when I just had a HR monitor.
What's more important then...
... HR in Zone 2 or Power in Zone 2?
I'm gonna say, for me at least, HR is more important. It is more reflective of how all systems are working given the effort and absorbs the little efforts when the terrain or other elements require a few more watts.
Here's a real world application.
When I'm racing something epic, like Leadville, I'm going off heart rate for my pacing, and using the power meter to keep things in check when I have to dig a little deeper to close a gap or clean a technical uphill section.
The reality is, for peak performance on the long efforts...
... it's good to have both.
If it's a short race, under an hour, well, you know...
... put the dadgum gadget in the back pocket and race on feel.
Same for a long day of adventuring, who cares about the data when we're out there.
Enjoy the ride.
We can analyze later.
---
168. lbs
7.8 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
57
>
SHOULD WE DO A HUNDRED RACES IN A YEAR?
YA WANNA GET GOOD, be a boss, strike fear in your frenemies, be the maker of things that happen...
... instead of wondering what happened?
Race.
A lot more.
100 times/year.
Think I'm crazy?
Think it's immmm po siiiiii ble?
Then don't do it.
Don't even try.
Keep wonderin',
misreading the moves.
Or, commit.
Do:
- 2 zwifties
- 2 local races
- 2 group rides
- 2 of your own personal courses for PR
We all have 52 chances a year,
to race twice a week.
No excuses.
Nothing but upside.
Heck, even a brain-damaged guy like me can do it.
This week...
- hammering my xc race loop Tuesday
- group ride on weekend
... slaying myself today, getting crushed by the fellas Saturday.
Gotta start somewhere.
Gonna do what hurts and what I'm comfortable with.
Twice a week.
Oh... I know you're askin'...
... Why 100 times a year?
Because, every race is different.
We'll see a lot of different situations.
We're trying to see 'em all, or have a reallyreallyreally good feel for what is going to happen.
Simple as that.
Experience counts.
Get some.
It's free.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
55
Are you ready to Rip On Raceday?
>
NOT GONNA LIE
WHEN I FINALLY CAME TO, I had one thing on my mind. Not after first being knocked out, not after the morphine and other meds wore off, days after being home...
... I wanted to say one thing.
Not gonna lie.
I was hurting.
Stunned.
How could my crazy good health take such a drastic turn in seconds...
... this wasn't what I had planned for 2024.
8 weeks later, I'm improving.
I'd leave it there, but...
... not gonna lie.
I'm nowhere near where I was just prior, nor 12 months ago, nor 2 years ago.
I'm off.
I can work 4-5 hours,
then my brain needs a break.
I can ride my bike,
but I have no power,
off-road vision is shift.
I can talk to friends,
until I can't.
Something even more weird happened though.
Something few will admit or acknowledge or maybe even notice...
... when I took that blow to the noggin' it felt like my spirit left my body.
There's a disconnectedness.
I know things aren't quite right.
Will they return or is life just going to be different?
Not gonna lie...
... this is new territory.
Now, I'm being as honest and transparent as possible in all I do.
My friend battling cancer taught me that,
the freedom of being honest.
Yes, I hid it from Surfergirl that on one of my first bike rides alone I was going down the road and thought I saw 4 ducks crossing the road in front of me...
... it was just two,
that's troubling.
Not gonna lie.
I kept riding.
Lying to myself it was all good,
hiding the truth if asked.
What is easier, being honest with ourselves and those around us or pulling the lycra over our eyes and theirs?
To remind myself of my new commitment...
... I made a special kit, see above.
That's the kind of thing I was looking forward to in 2024.
New designs,
new patterns,
new fabrics.
The good newsy stuff.
If you're into the rawness of honesty, maybe you'll like this too.
It's patterned after one of my all-time favorite Porsche's.
Check the full kit here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ngl-collection
Use this promo code on this kit to save 30%: NGL30
Code expires on 3.15.24.
---
168.6 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
HE SWITCHED TEAM, AND IT...
TODAY AN AMERICAN WON PARIS-NICE, an 8-Day stage race in France. A youngun, 25 years old. He'd never done it before, and wasn't picked as a favorite...
... except he picked himself.
A long time ago.
When riding for a less professional, less scientific team he was spending his own cash on equipment and training to up his game.
Something the top teams covered and pursued relentlessly.
He jumped at the chance to upgrade to the current dominant force in European road racing this season.
Would it matter?
I'd say it is clear.
What's interesting is how many of are trapped like a monkey...
... failing to let go, when we know we should.
Not only did he upgrade his team and training, but placed a huge bet on himself in a daring and startling breakaway with fellow US racer Brandon McNulty.
When you are a pro...
... winning actually is everything.
Way to go Mateo Jorgenson.
---
168.4 lbs
9 hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
53
>
HOW TO GET FASTER FOR DUMMIES
APPARENTLY, LOVE WATTS FORGOT our commitment to go easy on the way up the coast. Which meant we had time to do the biggest climb I've done this year...
... 2 hours and 2000' of climbing for our "warm up".
At the usual time, riders flocked in and we were off.
It felt good to do my first group ride of the year...
- to see the guys
- get whooshed along
- and see some higher power numbers
... until the first overpass.
Where I was off the back.
Caught on at a light.
Off again.
On again.
My breathing and wheezing needed a muffler.
On the next power climb, normally 2ish minutes...
... I needed an extra minute or three.
They were gone.
Yeah, they are nowhere near as fast as I am...
... they're a heckuvalot faster.
Am I good with that?
Yeah, they've always been faster than lit'l ol' me.
Now I just need patience to close the gap to where...
... they are less faster.
So, here's the plan that I've used many a year...
... pick a spot beyond where I got popped today.
Make it just a little further each week.
Corner by corner,
Hill by hill.
Progress > Perfection
---
167.6 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
54
>
IT WAS ABOUT THE TRUTH, NOT ARMS RACE
I HATE TIMETRIALS. I mean, I like 'em, but, yeah, I hate 'em. It's not because I'm not great at 'em, and trust me I'm not. It's because...
... they hurt so dang bad.
Not only that, it's...
- lonely
- painful
- humbling
... is there anything more truthful than getting passed by your minute man?
No drafting.
No wily cunning.
Nothing matters except...
... who is the strongest,
and who can suffer the most.
Oh, wait, one more thing matters...
... who's got the most money to afford the most advanced gear.
When everything tiny thing adds time and seconds matter...
... it can turn into an arms race.
I'm okay with that to a point.
Butttttttttt, don't ya think participation would rise...
... if we raced Merckx-style?
At least at the amateur level?
On our road bikes vs tt bikes?
With road helmets?
And "normal" road wheels?
And... you get the point right?
As much as I hate/love a tt, I truly appreciated Tucson Bicycle Classic for making their tt be done on road bikes the last to years.
It's just a lot more fair/approachable/inviting...
... and equally miserable for all.
That's the truth.
Side note: I think I love XC MTB racing because it's basically a mass start time trial. The terrain naturally and quickly separates us.
---
168.4 lbs
8.5 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
51
>
WERE YOU AS DORKY AS THIS?
WHEN I WAS JUST GETTING INTO THE SPORT, I was such a dork. A small percentage of you will disagree, maybe even swear at me, but nothing says...
... stay clear, like a mirror.
I know, I know, some of us are damaged and can't look over our shoulders.
Too stiff,
crap balance.
I was neither of those.
I was a spry young newb.
Excited to ride and race.
And my girlfriend of the time wanted to get me something cool.
I quickly mounted the mirror to the end of my handlebar - see pic above.
I thought it was rad.
Perfect for the high speeds and shoulder banging of crit racing,
which I loved.
Rather than turn my head and telegraph my plans,
I could take a peek at my mirror.
Nobody else thought it was cool...
... and they made an obnoxious and clear point of it.
If my hairy legs,
questionable bike handling,
roadrashed arms and legs weren't a give away...
... the mirror, made it clear.
I was not to be trusted in the bunch.
Here's the dill.
They were right.
Because let's face it, anybody focused on the past...
... doesn't have a shot at a winning future.
---
167.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
50
>
I DON'T ALWAYS RIDE IN THE RAIN...
I COULD SEE THE STORM BREWING. Like a crazy fool, I rolled out anyway even though I was certain to...
... get caught in the rain.
Trust me, I am a fair weather rider.
Gimme 70 degrees,
and a lite breeze.
So why ride?
Two reasons.
One embarrassing.
One legit...
- Poorly executed work day
- It rains on raceday
- Commitment
Yeah, I had all this work scheduled and a timeline to follow....
... and, well, ya know, things didn't go as planned.
That's 1.
Since it does rain on raceday, and I've never let that stop me from lining up...
... it's good to practice from time to time.
That's 2.
And I committed to myself to get my slothful self back in shape.
That's 3, a bonus.
So which one's embarrassing?
- crap planning
- useless prep
- silly commitment
Well, I dunno about you...
... but, I'm cool with
- keeping my commitments,
- being prepared for all conditions,
- even when things don't go as planned.
---
167.4 lbs
7ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
50
>
IT FEELS LIKE THE FIRST TIME!
I WOULD CLIMB ANY MOUNTAIN, ride across the stormy sky. It seemed like I'd waited a lifetime, spent so much time in recovery...
... it felt like the first time!
The MTB.
Like it never did before,
like I'd opened up the door.
Finally!
What is it?
I guess it's just the rawness of nature,
bringing out the rider in me.
Dawgawn I'd missed it.
Carving turns,
wiggling up technical sections,
brushing the thistles,
hanging my lycra off the back in the steeps.
Why today?
Well, to be honest, today was a breakthrough on my vision.
The double-vision I've been dealing with was greatly diminished.
Partly time.
Partly exercises for my eyes.
One of you loyal readers,
one of us,
took the time to share with me a gift for everyone.
Tools for increasing our eyesight,
the kind we need to quickly assess the best way to rip it up off road (on road, too).
You can check the tool out here: https://www.readbetweenthelions.org. Go to the K-12 program.
It's free.
Thanks Rick!
Makes me wonder what else we can learn from each other?
Speak up y'all!
Let's get betterfasterstronger...
... together.
Have you checked out https://pedalindustries.com/pages/rip-on-raceday-network?
(yeah, this post is a nod to Foreigner)
---
168.2 lbs
9 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
48
>
THIS AIN'T JUST FOR HEMORRHOIDS
WHAT A DEMONSTRATION of how to do it well. If you missed it, if you don't follow it, if you listened to the prognosticators, then you didn't witness...
... what happens with preparation.
I'm down to following one sportsball team, and it's been a dismal year for the fans of SC football.
When things aren't going according to plan, it is so easy to give up.
To quit.
24 players did just that,
either sat out the game
or transferred to a new team.
The rest kept practicing,
and kept preparing,
for their chance.
The quarter back had never started a game,
had only played a handful of minutes...
... came in prepared.
Confidence oozing.
He left with...
70% pass completion
372 yards
6 TDs
... a record setting night.
Because he knew how good he was and kept preparing for his date with history...
... that is the Preparation H we should all aspire to accomplish.
---
162.9
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DATA DON'T CARE 'BOUT YOUR FEELINGS
MY SON IS A PROFESSIONAL FINANCE NERD. He constantly reminds me to know my numbers vs the ol' gut feeling. It's a good practice and reveals the truth...
... sometimes confirming what I thought to be true,
others showing how off I can be by winging it.
We all have a lot of data available now.
So, while I was feeling discouraged this week regarding...
- my current weight
- the lingering cough
- the drifting fitness score
... I decided to look at the data.
2 years ago...
- same weight
- 3% better fitness
- and got covid just after Christmas
- hadn't perfected my strength routine
... had my best year ever on the bike.
1 year ago...
- slightly lighter
- same exact fitness
- battled a similar cold
- had just added the sled and nordic curl
... had a great spring racing campaign
In other words, it's quite normal for me to be at my lowest fitness this time of year,
and you know what they say...
... December hero = race season zero.
Am I still apprehensive?
Yep.
But, that's the point of the data...
... to kick the feelings to the curb.
They aren't helping.
Instead,
by looking at the numbers
I can relax and stick with my plan...
... I'm right where I want to be.
---
164.8
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WOULD YOU SAY THIS?
ONLY OUR OLDEST WAS IN TOWN, so we met midway. At the bay. Unloaded paddle boards. Set out for some mansion gawking, and sunshine...
... and paddled for 6 miles, 2ish hours.
Not the traditional Christmas morning for most,
on par for us..
Something weird happened all day,
never seen it before.
When we got home, there was still enough sunlight
for me to spin the pedals
and Mrs Claus to walk.
Every single person I saw,
on the water and on the dirt,
had the exact same thing to say.
We live in an area with lots of people from around the country, and around the world, representing all kinds of cultures and beliefs.
Which is why I thought this was odd.
The last person I talked to was a kid in his 20's from Michoacan, Mexico.
New bike?
No speak english.
No problemo.
I learned Spanish a long time ago, and can still get along pretty good. I asked where he was from, told him how much I loved the famous ice cream sticks La Michoacana, from his state.
He was on a really sweet Giant Trance. Said he'd just picked it up on FB marketplace, and how much he loved it.
A common language, we all understand.
We talked about how long he was here and his main objective to learn English.
It was time to part ways before sunset, and say the thing I'd over and over today.
Merry Christmas.
Feliz Navidad.
---
165.1
8 hrs
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IGNORING THIS CHRISTMASY MESSAGE WILL MAKE YOU CRASH
I CAN'T STOP THINKING of the silliness I've practiced over the years. Not the Christmasy stuff, which was personally a tough season for many years, but...
... ignoring the real point of it all.
Whether you're a belieber or not, doesn't matter, the principle is true...
... you can't ride your bicycle while looking backward.
Oh, you can go a ways, however the penalty of not facing forward will be paid.
Which is the message that little babe came to deliver...
... look forward with hope and faith that good things await.
He gave instructions on how to live.
He knew all would falter from time to time.
He gave a simple formula to get back on track.
Repent.
Start anew.
Don't look back,
focus on forward.
I don't know why that is so easy to practice on a bike,
and so difficult when life's blunders serve up a shouldawouldacoulda sandwich.
Pedal on.
---
163.8
7.5 hrs
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIDING ART OF LOST
I WOKE WITH A FROG IN MY THROAT. Not surprising, Surfergirl has been coughing for a week. There was only one thing to do, and it wasn't going to be easy...
... with all the rain this week.
No, I wouldn't be meeting up with the fellas.
However, since the onset of my cold was above the neck...
... I could ride long as heck.
Most people don't do this,
and decline my invites.
Where are we riding today?
I don't know.
You have no plan.
Nope.
Okay, I'm gonna do a group ride.
See ya next time.
The idea of getting lost,
aimlessly wandering,
is too vague.
I get it,
I also get this.
Every great adventure,
the ones we tell over and over,
are epic because at some point...
... the unexpected happened.
- We got lost
- Found a new trail
- Discovered a forgotten road
- Ignored the Private Property sign
- Had a massive mishap and lived to tell the tale
None of this happens on the group ride,
or in the man cave zwifting,
or at the races.
For me, It's almost a lock
I will discover something worthy
nearly every single time my objective is big zone 2.
It's an art,
to get lost and enjoy it.
Nothing new is ever discovered
on the road most traveled
---
166.2 lbs (more lost rides needed)
7.25 hrs
Push Ups and Pull Ups.
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL SIGNAL?
THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF WAYS to signal to your mind that it's time to shift gears. Gurus, like Tony Robbins, might call it shifting states or moods...
... and this shift matters.
Because if we don't get our helmet in the race,
we're destined to get shelled.
For racing, I cycle through till I find the right jam on my...
... special a playlist.
Sometimes the pump up music isn't getting it done for me and I have to...
... wait until the first cat cuts me off or won't let me through.
Other times...
... simply seeing a frenemy can raise the HR.
Another one I like for racing or hard training is ...
... lathering up with PR lotion.
For work, I turn the volume super low and hit repeat for...
... one goto song.
Butttttttttttt...
... what's the signal for a new season
or legit off-season
or mini-break?
Before I get there,
why does this work?
Why do preachers and motivators play music before the message is delivered?
Why do bands drop the lights before electrifying the audience?
It's all signals,
that things are changing,
and we mentally shift and become a different person...
... and love it.
The opposite is also true,
no definitive signal,
no change...
... and before we know it,
the race is over,
the day done...
... and nothing accomplished.
So, what's the signal for a new season?
Mine,
shave my legs.
---
166.1 lbs (might be time for the razor)
7.25 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more.
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU CAN SPRINT SOME PEOPLE SOME TIMES
SPRINTING IS SO FUN, especially alone. Down clear road with a tail wind, out of a turn and into the next, up a short hill...
... It's so energizing.
Then why not sprint all the time?
The answer's obvious,
because we can't.
It's not physically possible.
The next best thing is...
... if we do it right.
The great John Wooden preached...
... Be quick, don't hurry.
Quick is
- precise
- error free
- looks effortless
Hurrying is
- looks atrocious
- mistake laden
- sloppy
We sweat with both...
... we win, PR, achieve greatness with one.
The difference?
- Practice
- Planning
- Routines
So, when the shift goes off the trails on the bike, in life...
... slow down,
be quick.
Oh, I almost forgot,
if you're hurrying to get a gift for your favorite cyclist, triathlete or runner...
... here's a quick and awesome idea.
---
164.9 lbs
8 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
IF I COULD RACE EVERY RACE
APPARENTLY, POSTING ALL THE RACE PLANS is a bigger thing than ever for the pros. Imagine being paid to race, then telling your sponsors and team...
... which races you'll do.
It's one thing to say I'm going to X, Y and Z races, it's quite another to say...
... and I'm going to win.
For some racers, it's probably a requirement. For sure...
- the team wants to know
- the journalists want to know
- the competitors want to know
... if they're going to be there.
It gives everybody a chance to promote and hype and draw in the eyeballs and the money...
... which is exactly not what most amateurs do.
Most of us...
- no plan
- no calendar
- can be easily swayed
- find committing can be tough
... because, well, we are amateurs.
Or,,,,, are we amateurs because we...
- find committing to be tough
- are too easily swayed
- have no calendar
- and no plan
... not that there's anything wrong with that.
It's just the difference between pro and amateur...
... getting results,
and the ability to call our own shots (wins, PRs, quests).
It starts here.
---
164.8 lbs
8.5 hrs
Push Ups Pull Ups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I HEARD SOMETHING RIDICULOUS TODAY
ON THE RIDE THIS MORNING I was assured that pedaling in circles is wasted energy and that the studies of one bike fitter in England done on pros are conclusive...
... I sprint to differ.
While it may be true that mashers have just as much power in certain situations, I'm 100% certain that is not true of all situations.
For example, any mountain bike rider can you tell you that on technical climbs it is critical that the power you put down is even and steady.
Why?
Because mashing will likely cause 2 problems...
- slipping the rear tire
- stalling out and falling over
... mountain bikers are generally really good at putting power down all the way through the pedal stroke.
You know who else?
Track sprinters.
I learned this from the great Gibby Hatton when I went to him for a bike fit.
After watching me spin warming up...
Have you raced on the track?
No, mostly MTB.
Oh, that explains it... trackies and offroaders are the most efficient at putting out power.
Why, is the question.
And I think I know why, because when traction is required and when explosive power is required the hamstrings are engaged.
I learned this a long time ago when sprinting with my friend who easily beat me. He taught me to extend my stride and pull myself forward. Sure enough, I got a little faster.
Sprinters of all types spend time developing their hamstrings for this very reason.
Which brings me to my next thought. The reason most cyclists don't have any power on the upstroke is because they are pathetically weak.
If they weren't, they'd engage the hammies more in certain situations: sprinting, climbing loose terrain and...
... cruising on the flat.
Lately, with all my Nordic Curl work, I've noticed I can cruise faster on flats and let my quads rest a bet by more fully engaging my hamstrings.
I'm just practicing bro-science, so take it or leave it...
... but, Joe Friel practices real science.
When I flew him out to speak to us a few years back he pulled up charts which definitively demonstrated the small gains to be made by learning how to pedal correctly.
Yes, mashers can go fast.
Yes, there are times to mash.
Yes, you should experiment with this in the off-season.
---
165.5 lbs
7 hrs
PushUps and PullUps
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
OLD GUYS RULES
YOU'VE PROBABLY SEEN THE SHIRTS AND HATS, usually on old guys who are kinda pudgy and unreasonably confident. I get it, but don't done it...
... more about that later.
I bring this up because lately the interwebs be chiming that old guys shouldn't be advising young guys...
... according to medium guys.
And really Peter Sagan brought it home on the latest The Move podcast discussing today's racing...
... versus how they used to race.
I tell them young guys, why going so fast. No need.
Whatever old man.
We go down hill and young guys crashing, all for nothing.
Another GenXer on X, was even harsher on old guys trying to help young guys.
Old guys are irrelevant.
I thought about it all day...
... probably because I'm of a certain age.
I think when it comes to tactics, yes, the old guys' rules are probably outdated and useless.
But!,
when it comes to strategy I'll take the age-old wisdom of the old-age guys every time.
In business, a tactic would be knocking doors. I did that. Almost pointless to do these days...
... the wisdom is to hustle and get out there and be seen.
In training, a tactic is use a heart monitor. I did that. But, there's a lot more tech to be learned and mastered for improvement...
... the wisdom is to ride piles of miles.
Anyway, if you're into improving...
- old guys have the strategies
- young guys have the tactics
... those are the rules.
I love looking for the timeless ones...
... and ladies still love flowers.
---
165.3 lbs
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW DO YOU SPELL FAST?
THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS to get faster on the bike, which is why it is endlessly fascinating. They range from physical to mechanical to mental to social to spiritual and...
... help us on our quest to get fast.
Some think that the best way to get better is to fail faster, which sounds great until...
- we come up short on a jump
- or, slide out in a high speed turn
... mmmmmaybe we ought to temper that a bit.
So, I don't spell fast F-A-I-L.
The fastest people I know are relentless and pay attention to all areas where speed can be gained.
They experiment,
practice,
tinker,
study,
train,
... they do the W-O-R-K.
Usually, a lot more work than most are willing to do.
---
We're getting pretty low on Cycling bag inventory, but still have a good amount we can ship for Triathletes & Runners
---
164.9 lbs
8 hrs
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
I THOUGHT I WAS SO SMART
A BEAUTIFUL DAY WAS ON TAP, and I was meeting two of my fave riding pals. Always good and uplifting conversation, plenty of shredding on the downhills...
... and Love Watts had planned a fun route.
After the first segment of goodness we had a problem.
Sure, I'd...
- checked all the batteries
- pumped up the tires
- adjusted shock pressures
- lubed the chain
... what could go wrong?
Uh, what about them brake pads bro?
There we were 47 minutes in to a 4ish our ride and my rear wheel was not spinning...
... which explained why I'd struggled on the first climb.
This is how good my friends are.
Rather than let me slog home with my chamois between my legs...
... we got to wrenching.
The calipers were all kindsa messed up.
The pads were smoked.
Again, I tried to wo-is-me my way home...
... no dice.
Construction Kev...
My house is nearby, and I have a set of new pads.
... les go!
Never seen this before, look at the retention clip in pic above.
It is destroyed.
15 minutes later,
we're back on track,
hootin' and hollerin' and PRin'.
I love these guys.
On the suspension set up, I aired up a little higher than my normal, which is still lower than factory setting...
... 90lbs up front, 180lbs out back.
Perfect,
much cushier,
still tracking the corners really well.
When Love Watts started charging a long, twisty and steepish singletrack I cut loose...
... figuring he'd clear the way.
Normally, with so many blind turns and a stunning day, there is just too much traffic to go for it.
I'm cautious that way.
It was a gamble,
total blast.
---
I have too much PR Lotion inventory.
This promo code: FRENS
It is buy one, get one free. You MUST purchase TWO bottles, discount will be applied when you check out.
Code can be used 15 times, so use it new before it sells out.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
164.5 lbs
7 hrs
No strength work today
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
YOU KNOW WHY THE BANNED TURNING IN THE BRAKE LEVERS, RIGHT?
THIS JUST IN, UCI figures out how to squash another innovation and has the innovators crying foul. Was it for safety reasons? Worry over racers suffering carpel-braking syndrome...
... or, something much darker?
In these cases, as in all news...
... it pays to follow the money.
Now, just who really cares?
You and I, the fans, who have seen these micro adjustments...
- levers
- socks
- rider position
... to name a few, burst onto the scene then be smothered?
We don't care because...
- It's cool to sees these clever, committed racers explore the fringes of speed
- and, escape into a breakaway that is never caught
... we like that, because we dream of doing the same thing.
Follow the money...
- Fewer sponsors logos being flashed during hours long races, when a handful of racers are off on their own.
... and we get the only logical reason.
Money,
nearly always the #1 reason.
The conspiracylover in me says the big component manufacturers have already begun developing a brake lever/shifting system that is designed to give these aero benefits while leaving the levers inline with the bars.
Nahhhh,
they wouldn't be involved, too?
Personally, never tried it.
I'm also still running "standard" width bars.
I've seen the set up on local rides,
as well as the very short bar widths.
Looks cool,
seems faster.
What's wrong with that?
---
163.8 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
I LOVE IT WHEN THINGS BREAK
When making a purchase I always go for the best quality available. I like things that last a long time and are extremely reliable. Given enough time and wear and tear...
... nearly everything breaks.
Here's the truth I've discovered, and it's not just bike parts...
... the replacement is almost always way better.
I was reminded this on a ride recently with a heartbroken friend. The love of his life...
... had left.
Having had my own share of love gone wrong, I could relate. I could also share the big picture, everyone of those girlfriends was replaced with someone better...
... and finally with Surfergirl.
Just this week my bookkeeper let me know she was retiring. If you're looked for a good one, reasonably priced bookkeeper lately, you know they are hard to find. I asked my CPA for a referral...
... not only does he offer that now, but at a much better rate than I was paying..
My chief designer moved on 2 years ago, best thing that happened to the business in a long time. Forced me to rethink the entire process and put what is now, I believe...
... the finest experience in the industry.
Of course, we've all hit a nail, had the tire go flat, and realize there's just no way to proceed without getting...
... and brand new bike.
The real question is...
... should we wait until things break?
---
164.5 lbs
5 hrs (Surfergirl had to watch meteor shower until 2am)
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
0 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY?
I (ALMOST) ALWAYS SCAN THE RACE PHOTOS when the promoter sends out the link. Yes, I like to see myself in action. Who doesn't? The thing is...
... they aren't always outstanding.
Which makes it even more important to purchase the pretty good ones.
Take last Saturday's race.
There were photographers all over the place, and I was really hoping one of the guys on the downhill would post his pics.
Instead, I got this one.
I like it, but for something you might not notice.
Before I get there, I'm just making a public service announcement...
- Buy the pics, unless they just muffed the shot
- Do NOT lift the pics and post without paying
... we gotta support 'em for the days they nail the shot.
Like this one...
Now, about that shot at the top.
The thing I like is it looks to me like the weight training is paying dividends...
... which gets me kind of excited for next season,
and hitting the weights a lot more.
---
164.9 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
0 minutes recovery
75 minutes reading + Journaling
DO CYCLISTS REALLY NEED TO COLD PLUNGE?
COLD PLUNGE IS ALL THE RAGE, and I've yet to do it. But, I'm wondering if today's ride counts as a cold plunge, which was prognosticated to be in the high 40's, yet on some devices...
... registered in the low 30's.
I'm still cold.
Because I dressed like a rookie...
- Decided my summer gloves would be sufficient
- Left my awesome KOM jacket at home
- Couldn't find my toe warmers
... I froze like a rookie.
Which gets us back to the original question:
Does not feeling anything in my hands for at least 20 minutes, wondering if I still had toes, and being cold 12 hours later count as a cold plunge?
Another bonus was we recorded very slow times on the main segments even though we were giving it everything to get home as quickly as possible...
... low hr,
low power,
complete exhaustion.
Now I know this is the point where all the armchair zwifties chime in on how dumb it is to ride in the cold, and the snowbound chide me for wearing arm and knee warmers, a base layer and skull cap in such balmy weather, so before you go there...
... can some heat me up so cocoa?
---
165.1 lbs
7.5 hrs
No strength
10 minutes recovery
45 minutes reading + Journaling
FAVORITE NEW TECH OF THE YEAR?
DID YOU FIND SOME CRAZY NEW TECH in 2023, or something you want to try out in 2024? I did, and it's not on my Christmas list because....
... it's priiiiii-ceeeeey.
In this case,
it's way better to give to myself
than to receive a look of shock and awe.
Oh, I'm gonna get it because...
... I think it will be a game changer for me.
First, my gravel bike will get it since that's my focus for 2024.
Here's the problem it solves.
If you run a 1x drivetrain, like I do, you either have to run a mullet cassette (10-52) so you have a wide range or run a smaller range of gears so you have narrower jumps.
The obvious solution is to run a 2x with a front derailleur, but that's not possible because of tire clearance.
Is it really a problem?
Well, it sure was last weekend at the Hardman Classic. I really wanted a few in between gears on the climb for maximum efficiency...
... and then on the return with 30 mph gusts blowing me at top speed.
The solution?
The Classified Hub which has a planetary gearing system in the rear hub effectively turning the drive train into a 2x system.
The result...
- Wider range of gears
- Narrower jumps between shifts
... a minor weight gain, with big efficiency gains.
You can read more about here: https://www.classified-cycling.cc/en_us/
Once I get one, I'll report it.
Anyway, that's best product leap I've seen this year.
How about you?
---
166 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Ciruit + more
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
DO WE HAVE AN OPERATING SYSTEM?
I'M FASCINATED WITH AI, not that I'm using it much, more with the implications of what it means to be human. And the question...
... do we have an operating system?
For example, just yesterday bombing Coal Canyon, a rough and tumble dirt road, on gravel bikes it was clear....
... some of saw a playground, others saw a torture chamber.
From an OS perspective, I think it's pretty clear we see what we want to see.
- I wanted to see clean lines and the fastest way down
- Others, moving much slower, could only see the jagged rocks and harsh terrain
Can we control that or are we born with it?
Consider the Troxler Effect.
Stare at the red + sign above, and you'll see blue dot's randomly disappear and reappear.
Why?
Some say it's our Operating System no longer rendering them because they aren't novel.
I suspect something like this is happening when we bomb a mountain.
Some of us can focus on the red + sign - the clean line down the mountain - while others are trying to take it all in and remember all the danger points instead of editing them out like the blue dots.
If we are focused on the red +, the clean line, we don't need to render all the blue dots, the dangers...
... which frees up processing speed for us to go faster, and safer.
If this is true, that it is just an OS issue, can we improve that...
... rewrite our code and go faster?
I think we can, especially when we are young. And, I think the best way to do that is not to go as fast as possible all the time but to go slow and be playful and assess the options and pitfalls in slow motion...
... then speed that up.
Which brings up the question of what is happening as we age?
Why do we slow down over time?
I don't think it's the OS as much as it is the hardware, the gray matter, not being able to process as quickly and efficiently as it once could...
... take in the data and send signals to the body.
What does this really have to do with ripping on raceday...
... I'm not sure.
But, I never thought about this before observing AI.
---
164.9 lbs
7 hrs
No strength work
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
THAT WAS HARD, MAN.
AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGEMENT, I opted for the long route of the 8th annual Hardman Classic. The head wind was brutal for the first hour. If it had flipped for the return, which often happens...
... I would have cried.
Why did I go the long route?
Well, because Tatt!...
You doing the race Saturday.
I reckon, but just the short version.
C'mon, we're all going long. We'll ride together and just cruise.
Ok.
In other words, I knew that he knew that I knew he was totally full of bs, but...
... who doesn't want to ride with their pals?
The only reason we stuck together for the first hour was the brutal headwind. Nobody wanted any piece of the front. Once the climbing began...
... it was every racer for themself.
Let me just insert this odd piece of wisdom...
... I always suffer the most on the races I care the least about.
No disrespect to the race, or the promoter, or competitors. But, if I'm not totally into pushing myself I can count on the usual rookie blunders...
- Not eat enough
- Not drink enough
- Forgot to start computer until 20 minutes in (hard to know how much torture is left when you don't know how many miles have been covered.)
... those got me today, but I've also done these...
- Stayed out late the night before
- Lazy bike prep leading to failure
- Changing a tire the night before to wake up to a flat
- and more
... I actually did put on a new tire last night, and it sealed perfectly.
I told the network yesterday I'd be going for a PR on Skyline, and I was pleasantly surprised to get it done.
Not that it helped me ride with my much faster friends.
The downhill was a pretty rugged gravel road that had clearly been battered by all the rain earlier this year and the hurricane we had a few months back.
I let it rip and had a blast, so glad I had the new tread on the back.
The Conti Terra Speed 45s were flawless even though I rimmed out numerous times.
28lbs up front, 30lbs in the rear.
At the bottom I caught up with the Assassin and Out Of Africa. I was ready to pull the plug and head back vs doing all of that a second time.
C'mon, go with us.
Nah...
It's just that one climb.
For reference, long coures is 8300' of climbing over 70 miles...
... 6000' of it in a scant 35 miles.
Anyway, they talk me into it and I swear, the first little bump in the road was like dropping anchor...
... leaving me to ride alone for 2 1/2 hours.
I have the best friends.
I really do...
... and I saw lots of 'em today.
All I can say is the Hardman...
... is hard, man.
---
Because I accomplished my PR goal, and persevered I figured it was time for my typical splurge.
---
166 lbs
7 hrs
No strength work
00 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
---
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MY BEEF WITH GRAVEL BIKES
GRABBED MY "GRAVEL" BIKE THIS MORNING. The only objective was to get to the cafe for some sipping time and take a breather from the rush of holidayness. Why that bike?...
... I wanted an adventure.
And, I got one.
Yeah, dirt and single track and pavement with no preset route...
... but, the best was the lovely gentleman I encountered whilst sipping outside.
Do you ride much?
Oh, yes, as often as I can.
Will you be around here Saturday?
Probably.
We'll be performing a Dixieland Christmas Concert over at the museum (downtown San Juan Capistrano).
Sounds wonderful.
By the way, you look strong. Could you help me out?
Sure.
We need to put up the tents today.
On the way to the museum to set up the tents, he pulled out a painting his great granddaughter had made for him, knowing how much he also likes to ride...
... with a perfect quote.
If there is a fork in the road, take it!"
- Yogi Berah
And, well, honestly this is my beef with "gravel bikes"...
... nobody wakes up wishing for gravel.
We want an adventure.
Let it be known that from this day forth all road bikes with fat tires shall hitherto be referred to as Adventure Bikes.
---
164.6 lbs
7.75 hrs
Pushups and Pullups
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Comment on the post here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/spaces/12740042
THE BEST BOOK I READ ON RACING THIS YEAR
OF THE TWENTY OR BOOKS I'VE READ THIS YEAR, one stands out. It shouldn't really, it's a book for ages 8-12. I've applied it's teachings on raceday...
... but, story of our heroin drives home the point so well.
I couldn't stop thinking about it.
You might consider yourself much too wise to learn from an 11 year old girl.
I did,
and, mostly, still do.
However, the story of Pollyanna is a gem.
It is set in the early 1900's and there are all kinds of culture norms to consider, and ponder upon.
Plus, all the changes in technology and science that we take for granted.
Then, there's the language.
It's english, with a larger and more complex vocabulary than we use today, mixed in with all kinds of slang along the various social statuses.
I said the story is a gem, because Pollyanna plays the glad game...
... whatever happens, she finds a reason to be glad about it.
Which, when it comes to racing, is a mighty fine attitude to have...
... almost a superpower.
Lots can go wrong over the course of a season. Once we cross the start line and we have to adjust our plans, looking for the benefits of the challenges we face as the race unfolds is significantly more empowering than whining and complaining...
... the energy we have is limited.
We've to focus that energy on one thing only...
... getting across the finish line as quickly as possible.
Over the course of a season...
... Pollyanna would be tough to beat.
While we might complain about the weather, our equipment, lack of time, etc...
... she would be advancing every day.
---
Did you know PEDALindustries/riders are eligible for race reimbursement?
Check out here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pedalindustries-riders-gear
---
164.1 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
---
Comment on the post here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/spaces/12740042
ARE YOU THIS SELFISH?
THIS IS HOW SELFISH I AM. I was very apprehensive about attempting the Surf N Summit by myself. At 122 miles, 15000' of vert, with 10's of miles on desolate gravel roads...
... I was too scared to go it alone.
So, I invited and invited and invited until...
... I had a small group of warriors to take it on with me.
For most of these brave souls,
it would be their farthest ride ever.
By a long shot.
Which meant I'd be doing a lot of the pulling across the flats,
and I was totally down with that, as well as...
- Putting together a training plan for those who needed it
- Buying dinner the night before (though they all wound up paying me back)
- Teaching some of them how to download routes
... basically all I could think of to make sure they'd make it with me.
That's how selfish I can be,
just to get a few hearty gents,
to do more than they ever thought possible...
... and accompany on my personal quest,
because I had to get it done.
Have you been that selfish?
I bet you have.
---
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---
163.8 lbs
8ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THE RIDER WHO DARES GREATLY
SOMETIMES IT HELPS TO PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. We see our heroes, the pros with big contracts, the local pros with endless free and amazing gear...
... and then there's us.
Doing our best.
Tight budgets.
Family to clothe and feed.
Pressed for time in every direction.
Then, when we are mocked for our endeavors,
chastised for our dedication,
misunderstood.
It can hurt,
if we let it.
But, we don't because we know...
... without our health we are nothing.
So in honor of the great Teddy Roosevelt...
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the busy and committed man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who actually crosses the start line...
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.
who strives valiantly,
who errs,
who gets dropped again and again...
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming;
but who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;...
who at the best knows in the end the triumph of the podium,
and who at the worst, if he fails,
at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be
with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat.
Dare greatly my friends...
... it matters to those who look up to you.
---
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---
164 lbs
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU KNOW THE MATH FOR SUCCESS?
LOOKING BACK ON THE BUSINESS YEAR is always a little more fun after the Christmas rush. The investments in inventory and ads start to pay, just like our fitness...
... it's simple math.
The problem is figuring out the equation.
The basics are:
- Increase Sales
- Reduce Expenses
No body argues that...
... but they sure as heck do argue this.
Weightloss basics:
- Increase training
- Reduce calories
It's not always + and -,
sometimes it's + and +
Fitness basics:
- Increase training
- Increase recovery
Sometimes it's just a feeling
Stress basics:
- Definitely gotta do that!
- No.
I use the last one a lot when I'm feeling overwhelmed or over committed...
... If it ain't Definitely gotta do!,
it's No.
---
165.6 lbs (uh, oh)
8.5 hrs
Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pushups, pullups, squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
BABY STEPS TO BEING STRONG
IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY STARTED, you've most likely started thinking about it some sort of cross training to do now that it's dark and cold. Great!...
... being strong pays dividends on and off the bike.
You're not alone,
and there's no need to over think it.
There are 3 basic must exercises, but I'll bet my helmet most of ya are over thinking squats.
I was reminded of this yesterday at the park with our grandsons...
... if you're around toddlers, just watch.
They don't bend down to pick things up...
... they lower down by doing an air squat.
All the way down,
@$$ to the gr@$$.
Whether or not you invest in weights start here,
air squats.
How many?
Well, here's my formula.
It starts with pullups. For every pullup you can do, do 3 times as many pushups and 3 times as many squats.
5 pullups -> 15 pushups -> 15 air squats
Like a toddler,
do these EVERY SINGLE DAY.
How to remember?
Well, I have an inexpensive pullup bar I purchased a garage sell decades ago. It resides in my bathroom's door jamb. When I go to take a shower...
... I knock out one set of all 3 exercises.
We're busy,
We want to ride,
not change clothes and drive to gym.
This takes 5 minutes, and will astound you with...
... how weak you are
and how strong you will get.
Want bonus points?
My pullup bar is in the bathroom so any time I'm going to the bathroom...
... I'm knocking out a set.
Something quick.
3 pullups, 9 pushups, 9 air squats.
1 pullup, 3 pushups, 3 air squats
4 pullup, 12 pushups, 12 air squats
Nothing magical, just mixing up and getting on with life.
At the end of a typical day I've knocked out 10s of pullups and 3 times as many pushups and air squats...
... in no time.
Add the other accessories like dumbbells, jump box, sled, nodic curl fixture over time...
... this is a lifelong pursuit, not a sprint.
---
165 lbs
8 hrs
1 set of pushups, pullups, squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
THIS IS NOT A CHEAP COUNTERFEIT
THE GENTLEMAN AND I met up some dirt today. It was perfect after a few light rains in the last 48 hours. Tacky, ripable...
... hero dirt.
Is there anything better?
Maybe fresh, new asphalt.
Or, a real gravel road.
Stringing together a bonanza of trails, some well-know to us and some completely knew, it occurred to me that some of today's dazzling tech...
... is just a cheap counterfeit.
We were IRL.
Not VR glasses,
on a stationary bike leaning over,
with a fan giving the sensation of speed.
This was the real thing...
- My arm was bleeding after being stabbed by unruly shrubbery.
- More than once, I felt the strain of the knobbies giving way and regaining their perch as we carved down the steep stuff.
- Hard-earned sweat dropped onto my lens, then sizzled in my eye
... and we were loving it.
But, the best was the ol' lady heckling us as we battled a loose, 25% pitch...
If it isn't 90%, it's not a real climb.
It was like a cackle from with Wicked Witch of The West.
We ride bikes.
They can go fast.
You will likely get hurt...
... and have a great story to tell about a lesson you learned,
in real life.
---
164 lbs
6.5 hrs
0 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
THE OFTEN OVERLOOKED BENEFIT OF A GOOD TAPER.
AS WE WIND DOWN THE YEAR, few of us are racing. Personally, having backed down the miles I'm feeling really fresh and spunky, which reminds me about...
... what I love about tapering.
Sure, there's the reduced miles and training and all the good feelings that come with that, but there's something else and if we're doing it right...
... is a huge benefit.
Because all the fatigue is leaving our bodies we not only start to feel really good, we have time to reflect on how we got here...
... all the work we've put in.
The result is where once we were tired, questioning out motivations and our capabilities....
... now we are confident.
Confidence is key to...
... ripping on raceday.
---
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---
Did you know PEDALindustries/riders are eligible for race reimbursement?
Check out here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pedalindustries-riders-gear
---
164.1 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU DO THIS, AND IS IT WEIRD?
I'M TAKING A FEW WEEKS OFF, by that I mean I'm riding with absolutely no agenda and only if I feel like it. Three days so far this week, and I'm noticing a trend...
... I'm getting really good at my timing.
I have no reason to do this.
No coach in my ear,
No schedule.
Monday I decided I had time for a quick hour on the bike.
Tuesday, I passed on the traditional TMWC and as the day went on I was dying to get out. I thought I'd go our for 90 minutes and just rip it up for fun.
This afternoon, after grinding straight from 7am to 4ish I really need a mental break and two hours seemed about right.
There are a couple of trends there.
- Longer rides each day
- Riding at sunset
- Predicting ride time
Which I think is kinda weird...
Why am I so bent on ending at just the right?
How am I getting so accurate on ride time?
Is it just a product of playtime on the bike?
... are you as weird as me?
On a related note...
... I never seem to care about hitting a certain mileage on a ride.
It's all about time because miles can vary so much with terrain and weather conditions...
... the body does need a certain amount of time in the saddle to be fit.
Good thing I don't really care about that right now.
---
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---
Did you know PEDALindustries/riders are eligible for race reimbursement?
Check out here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/pedalindustries-riders-gear
---
164. lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
MY STORY
MY STORY
I grew up on southern California.
From an early age, I loved riding bicycles. I wasn’t great. My friends were faster, more skilled. But, I loved it. I loved riding, and I loved learning tricks. Jumping, skidding, wheelies.
Once we could all drive, we got into surfing. Saturday mornings went from riding around town to waking up next to the shore and jumping in the water. I wasn’t the best, my friends had more talent and guts. But, I loved it. Riding the waves, learning the tricks and hanging out with my buddies.
I went away to college and fell in love with the mountains. Saturday mornings were spent up high. Hiking and skiing. I wasn’t the best, my friends had more talent and guts. But, I loved it. The solitude, learning tricks and hanging out with my pals.
One day a roommate brought home a road bike.
The next day, I rode it 6 miles.
The day after, 12 miles.
I was hooked.
When I moved back to Southern California, I did some racing on the road. It was a lot of fun. I wasn’t the best, my friends were all faster. But, Ioved it. Being in the zone in a crit brought me peace and happiness. I worked up to a Cat 2.
Kids came.
I quit racing.
Mountain bikes were a thing. I got one and loved it. The skills from my BMX days with the fitness from road racing. We got a little group going on Saturdays. I was better than most of my friends – some had fitness but no skill, some had skill but no fitness.I did a few races, when I could.
In '99, my friend Jeff challenged me to do Leadville. 100 miles, off road, at 10,000-12,500’ above sea level seemed insane. I trained for it as best I could. The skills were there, but the actual workouts were a mystery to me. I rode a lot and watched my heartrate. Looking back on it, I’m amazed I finished at all. My goal the first time was to keep my heartrate just under 180 beats a minute.
I went 3 years in a row, and each year cramped and limped across the finish line.
Because I’d cracked the magical 9-hour mark, and received a big belt buckle, I figured I knew what I was doing.
I didn't have a clue.
About that time, my friend Kevin challenged me to go under 9 hours at age 60. I was 39 at the time, and busy with work and family. It seemed so far away, and it was. This turned out to be one of the greatest blessings in my life because it was always in the back of my mind. It reminded me not to get too out of shape.
I was riding less and less, spending Saturdays with the kids on motos or surfing. If we were in town, I’d get up early and be home by 830 ready to play with the littles.
That changed.
They got older, wanted to do their own things. Went off to college.
I started riding more regularly, and reconnecting with the community.
In the early 2000s, Super-D burst onto the national scene. Promoters took the long DH of an XC course and timed it. Talk about an event tailor made for me: short, I wasn’t too fit or light; fast, I was used the moto speed; technical, and still pretty handy on my MTB.
I won back-to-back National Championships.
The key?
I did way more prep than anybody else, pre-riding the courses. Most showed up in baggies and pads, I showed up in a skinsuit with moto goggles and an aero helmet.
My 20 year goal, was getting closer.
I started to think about that date with destiny… sub-9 at 60.
Around 2012, I went back to Leadville and clocked 8:30. That marked 4 tries. 3 between 8:28 and 8:38, 1 at 8:20. I felt good about my chances of cracking 9, and figured I’d go back one more time between then and 2022.
A year or two later, our oldest got into road riding and racing, I followed him. Bought a road bike, started to get back into some light racing. It was the funnest two years of training I ever had.
He moved back to Southern California and returned surfing.
At that point, I started this incredible journey.
I had the time, kids were gone.
I had the curiosity, how to go faster than ever at Leadville?
In 2019, I went back. I’d learned a lot over the years about my body, about training, about bike set up, about going fast.
I decided to go for a PR.
It all came together, and I went 8:15. I was completely blown away. How did I just go faster than ever, at 57 years old?
The next 3 years, I studied more, tinkered more, learned more. I developed a philosophy of how to pull it all together and have a truly great day on the bike.
In 2021, I did the Leadville Stage Race with the solitary goal of qualifying for the Silver Corral. This would allow me to start with pros and other incredibly fast races. In a race with 1000s, starting position matters.
With the start assured, I was now ready to put it all together.
And, I did.
I started to feel so good in early 2022, I wondered could I do another PR… at 60? I believed I could, if everything was perfect on raceday: my body, bike, preparation, and the always iffy weather.
I set my sights on a truly absurd goal: sub-8 hours.
Only one person over 60 had ever accomplished that, and he was an ex-pro who had the race outright back when I did an 8:20. He beat me by an hour that day.
The day came in 2022. Everything, and I mean everything, went perfectly.
7:57.
I was stunned, my friends shocked.
But, was I really?
No.
I had cracked the code to ripping on raceday, and I knew it.
It started with the simple idea of exploring what is physically possible for me?
What am I capable of?
I’m fascinated by that question… in all areas of life.
Now it’s time to share the keys to mastering ripping on raceday.
---
164.1 lbs
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
10 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
GIVE ME TREACHEROUS OR GIVE ME DEATH
I HAD A CHOICE TO MAKE TODAY: take the fire well-worn fire road or the hard packed clay with varying depths of gravel strewn across it. One I could ride blindfolded...
... the other could leave me folded in cement ditch.
I didn't hesitate.
The treacherous gravel was much more appealing for the simple reason it would require more skill...
- The slippery feel of the moving gravel
- Proper modulation of the brakes as the road curved
- Quick identification and adjustments as the gravel depths changed
... and honing those skills will lead to massive efficiency on raceday.
For the same reason, I rode the very challenging singletrack on Saturday.
I'd much rather deal with the obstacles at my own pace, build up my skills by myself, than face them for the first time, in a crowd, at speed...
... in a racing situation.
But, that's just me.
---
164.4 lbs
7ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups, pushups, squats and nordic curls
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO RIDE FOREVER
WHY ARE SOME OF US RIDING FOREVER, and others for a season or two? Are there basic laws that if applied would keep us all endlessly fascinated with this beautiful sport...
... do they apply elsewhere?
I think so.
I'll take me for an example, because... yeah, decades in the saddle.
- I left surfing for cycling because of certainty. The waves are so fickle, the roads and trails always deliver.
- The thing I love about riding and surfing is variety. All the places to ride, all the skills required to be proficient.
- When I started racing, I loved the recognition of moving up the ranks, getting on podiums, and now Strava cups and KOMs.
- There is so much connection between my regular riding pals as we log the miles and share what is going on in life.
I've heard it said, if we can consistently deliver on 3 of the 4 qualities above...
... we will create an addiction.
So, here's the question:
Where else can we apply this?...
- lovers
- customers
- family
- teams
- ...
specifically, who needs...
- certainty
- variety
- recognition
- connection
... from us?
If we're losing teammates, or worse...
... it's a pretty easy fix to touch the people that really matter.
Another amazing lesson learned...
... JRA (just riding along).
---
164.9 lbs
8ish hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pull ups, pushups and squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO WE NEED TO BRING BACK THE TOUR DE DONUT?
IT'S BEEN A MINUTE since our last Tour de Donut. I know why we haven't repeated the silliness, because it just doesn't jive with the trend in massive carb consumption while racing...
... it was too much.
Maybe we did it wrong?
It was easy to string together 10 stops over the course of about 80 miles,
we live in a donut mecca.
According to the latest trend, Pro Tour racers are consuming 100-120 grams of carb an hour. The science and the results prove this new twist on nutrition vs the old-fashion way.
That is about 4 glazed donuts, and I can verify...
... a donut every 30 minutes was too much.
But!... since I'm 99.999999999% sure we did it wrong,
I'm considering a second attempt.
How'd we foul it up?
We simply weren't riding that hard, and it actually got worse as the sugar caught up with us and nearly put us into a collective coma.
The more I think about it,
the more a second attempt seems prudent.
In the name of science and athletic excellence a Tour de Donut must be reenacted...
... this time we must sprint from shop to shop.
Think of the strides we'll make for humanity.
Think of how smart we'll look powering down a bear claw,
while power away from the bunch...
... oh, the sponsorship opportunities!
Who's in?
https://pedalindustries.com/products/tour-de-donut-speed-jersey
---
163.8 lbs
8ish hrs
no strength today
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
ABOVE THE NOISE AND CONFUSION
FIVE OR SIX OF US WERE SUPPOSED TO MEET UP TODAY. Instead, it was just me and Smiles, and he had to be back early. The trail, which is quite rugged...
... was unusually deserted.
We climbed for well over an hour before seeing a single soul, at which point we parted ways.
I climbed on, up and through a near-empty campground...
... the next singletrack was a place known for cougar encounters.
It was too pristine,
too sacred a morning,
to be concerned about...
... what could go wrong miles from help?
The final mile and a half gains 1000', with pitches well above 20%.
I could hear a few propellor planes in the distance.
Other than that,
silence.
I laid my bike down,
grabbed a tasty crepé,
and sat on a metal bar meant to keep traffic on the gravel road.
No need to hurry,
It was difficult to leave.
I was glad nobody else made it,
the solitude was cleansing.
These days, it can be so difficult to rise above the noise and confusion and here I was...
... far above the illusions that tug us daily here and there.
And, I had a thought.
What if I tried something different this coming season.
Rather than block out Saturdays from some brutal group ride, or racy MTB PR-chasing throwdown...
... what if I dedicated more time for adventures?
I'd still get the hard efforts in the day before with structured workouts.
Gotta hit those highs.
But, rather than a couple of times in the offseason...
... most of my Saturdays would be filled with adventure.
Scoping out new single track on the MTB,
discovering new gravel routes...
... driving to the start of something new vs rolling from home for the same ol' ride.
Would I have more blissful moments like today, accompanied by the inherent risks of new territory and riding alone?
Can they be manufactured,
forced?
Would I lose fitness?
Would I lose the racer's edge?
Something to think about as I take some time off before ramping up for the new season.
---
164.5 lbs
7 hrs
Pushups and Pullups
20 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
WE KNOW WHAT IT IS, THEY THINK THEY DO
WHATEVER THE BIKE RACE, what we see is totally different from what a casual observer sees. First, the TV cameras always make the inclines, jumps and corners...
... look way easier.
Even if the casual observer gets beyond that, they are missing something more important that we have.
Context.
Because when you've done the same thing,
or tried to do it and failed...
... you know what it takes.
Is the video of Tom Pidcock blasting by other pros down a mountain at 60+ mph, along the side of a cliff with no barriers thrilling?
Yes, for sure.
Anybody can appreciate that.
But, until you've suited up in colorful, aero underpants,
put on a pitifully lightweight plastic half-shell helmet,
"protected" your hands in ultra-thin leather gloves,
ridden on tires as wide as your thumb,
at anything over 50 mph...
... you have no freakin' idea of the incredible,
skills and reflexes required,
or courage summoned.
But, we do.
Most of us have done something like that at least once.
For some, once is enough.
For others, it's never enough.
And, when we see Pidcock calm and relaxed and loving it,
we can actually imagine what it would be like.
Our hearts might race,
or our palms sweat.
We know how freakin' crazy it is.
We have real-life context...
... and that's a darn fine thing to have regarding anything.
---
163.8 lbs
8 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
A FRIENDLY REMINDER REGARDING PIGGING OUT
I WAS DOING GOOD, solid ride with the posse, recovery drink, quick shower, walk a couple of miles on the beach with family. It was all according to plan...
... until we got home.
Smelled all the goodness.
Saw all the snacks to hold us over...
... and completely lost my mind.
It started innocently enough,
chips, salsa and a
game of chess.
Crushed my son-in-law...
... celebrated a rare victory with mini peanut butter cups.
That was it,
chip tooth and sugar tooth fully activated.
Hours later, as I was polishing off two slices of pie (gotta find out which is tastier) my son said...
... Don't worry dad, it's just one day.
He's right,
but here's the thing I want to share.
When we ride more and eat less,
the math of weight loss,
our energy drops.
Other than my belly feeling abnormally full,
I feel great...
... and I'll probably feel great riding tomorrow.
So here it is..
... if you want to drop some blubber,
do it now.
Not in the season when we're trying to train hard,
set big PRs,
and race.
We need good energy to rip on raceday.
It's just one day,
and there will probably be several more this year,
the rest of the coming days I'll be monk like so I can...
... roll into 2024 in fighting shape.
---
161.7 lbs
6.5 hrs
no weights
10 minutes recovery
20 minutes reading + Journaling
AWARDS FOR NEXT YEAR'S WORLDS
EARLIER THIS MONTH we held the unOFFICIAL Tuesday Morning World Championships. As usual, we had the age group winners, and for the first time I announced a Most Improved Rider of the year...
... but, all week I have been lamenting I didn't add more callouts.
Like:
- Dr. of Animation - for that cat who charges week after week
- El Suckador - for the one who just will not, unless mocked, pull through
- The Therapist - you know, the one everyone wants to talk to
My motivation is this:
- Reward the rider who keeps the ride lively and pace fast
- Shame that sucker into pulling through
- Acknowledge the person who makes the ride always lovely
The idea being, that if it was an annual award, cats might be thinking about it during the year...
- I sure hope I in the running for Dr. of Animation,
or Most Improved
or The Therapist - I sure as heck hope I'm not called out for being a wheelsucker
Whadaya think?
Got any suggestions to add... add 'em here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/posts/awards-for-next-years-worlds
---
162.7 lbs
7 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
NOW YOU'VE DONE IT!
You signed up for the big race,
or to go for an outrageous PR goal,
or you’re attempting an insane challenge, just finishing would be amazing.
I get it.
It’s scary.
It’s also the most exciting way to live…
… and train.
These quests give our training a purpose for a season, usually a year (I’m working on a 10-year quest).
But…
… it is more than that because we know when we are fit we do all of life better.
And, that is the cliff's edge we are all on.
How do we be true to what matters (family, career, faith, community, friends, commitments) and still Rip On RaceDay, our self-selected date with destiny?
That is our quest.
To be true… and rip.
It is why we are here.
- To share and learn what works and doesn’t
- To stay motivated and be held accountable
- To buoy each other when discouraged.
To arrive at the start line ready…
… to cross the finish line completely satisfied, knowing we did all we could do.
That is winning.
That is ripping on raceday.
Does that resonate with you?
---
164.3 lbs
7 hrs
no strength exercises
0 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO AWESOMENESSES HOOK UP?
IT'S HAPPENING! I'll take full credit for this, because it's true in my mind. Two of my favorite race promoters are hooking up. Not like that!...
... hooking up a killer week for us.
In the desert.
This winter.
Arizona.
I'm taking credit because last year I did my part to get these two lovers, not like that!...
... who promote for the love of sport,
and hope to make a profit.
Sage, you really outta team up with BWR next year for a desert showdown.
Oh, yeah.
Michael, wouldn't it be cool to put something together with Cactus Cup?
For sure.
Now, what you might be wondering is why the heck would I do that?...
... because it's gonna be awesome.
- I love the desert in the winter, so pretty!
- I love the idea of finding out who's got the skills.
- I love stage racing, and this is taking it to the next level.
Michael coined the phrase, Duel In The Desert...
... we all loved it, because that's what it is.
A duel to see who's got skills: dirt, road, singletrack, and recovery.
How's it work?
Lowest combined time of BWR Wafer and Cactus Cup 40 mile XC course...
... will be crowned King or Queen of the Desert.
Why is it so rad?
Because these are legit courses.
- Cactus Cup is 40 miles of 100% single track
- BWR is unroad, a road race with serious skill challenges
I can't wait.
Sign up and race deets here: https://thecactuscup.com/duel-in-the-desert/
Oh, and each registrant will receive one of these...
Kings & Queens will get one of these...
If you're thinking of going, let's meet up.
You can RSVP here: https://pedal-r.mn.co/posts/45749547
---
164.7 lbs
7.5 hrs
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + more
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU REMEMBER YOURS?
AT DINNER WITH THE FAM TONIGHT, I asked What was your most memorable Christmas gift? The kids are adults now, I was curious what they'd answer. I knew exactly what mine was...
... the moment the words left my mouth.
What surprised me however,
was Surfergirl's answer.
My bike, it definitely wasn't new, and I didn't care. It was freedom, we'd roam the streets of Kailua, and all to go the donut shop on Saturday mornings.
That surprised me.
Not the donuts,
that tradition lives on.
Not the pre-ownedness,
it was humble times for the inlaws.
I've asked myself a million times...
What did she see in me then,
What does she see in me now,
... maybe she saw a kindred roamer?
Because, I was doing the exact same thing on my Stingray I'd painted dozens of times...
... roaming the streets and dirt lots with my pals on Saturday mornings.
Still am.
Oh, my favorite Christmas gift?
The red Schwinn Le Tour I drooled over when my mom's boyfriend took me to Fullerton bikes. I imagined myself flying up the hills and traveling great distances...
... shocked me to see it with a bow.
Wish I'd kept it.
...
Our first grandchild has mastered the pre-owned Stryder bike his parents found on FB and is getting a pedal bike this year...
... who's more excited?
---
164.8
6 hours (not enough)
no strength exercises today
20 minutes recovery
120 minutes reading + Journaling
I'M DRY, BIKE IS FILTHY
THE PLAN WAS TO LEAVE AT 7AM. Pesky clouds and rain wouldn't clear as predicted. The group text kept pushing a later start. At 9:20...
... I finally got on the road.
Can I just point something out for you who like to gather....
... please RSVP.
Multiple people I enjoy riding with missed the ride because I had no idea they were coming and I didn't add them to the text chain.
I could do better,
and RSVPing would help a brother out.
Anyway....... I really like the rides we do this time of year.
A lot more chill.
A lot more conversational.
Just base miles,
good times.
Which reminded me of one of my training break throughs from 2021...
... back to back hard days during the week,
long tempo on the weekend
the rest zone 2.
Which... has nothing to do with the title of the post.
But, this does.
When the bike comes back filthy, it's a good indication we had the guts to brave the elements.
We kind of did today.
Wet roads can be slippery,
and lead to a lot of flats.
Since we missed the rain and the roads were drying and perfect by the end we also missed the soaked socks, soggy shoes...
... my least favorite consequence of riding in the rain.
Thanks to the great Steve B for sharing his secret...
... why his bike looked amazing and mine didn't.
He uses SC-1 from Maxima.
Tell us what you use, click here.
---
164.5
7.5 hours
pushups, pullups & squats
10 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WE CAN ONLY IMAGINE...
Y'ALL ARE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, ride all kinds of bikes at all kinds of different races and events and festivals, with wildly varying experience, talent and skill level. We can only...
... imagine your #1 goal for next year.
I'm crystal clear on mine,
are you?
Mine...
is a whole new challenge,
is yours?
will have me in 3 different states,
will you travel?
involves racing,
does yours?
I'll do with some of my pals,
how about you?
seems outrageous,
does yours?
will require some new bike parts, not a bike,
how about you?
is spread over 8 weeks,
yours?
includes a side race or two which could throw it all out of whack,
will you risk ruining recovery?
might include the support of Surfergirl,
will you have your own support?
deserves a special edition kit to fire me up,
have you ever done that?
could include heinous weather,
would you race if it gets ugly, cold, miserable?
I am so stoked about I decided to sponsor the prizes,
have you done that?
I really really really want to know,
and so does everybody else reading...
... do tell us here: https://pedalindustries.com/rip
---
163.4
7.4 hours
pushups, pullups & squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HOW TO GAIN RESPECT IN THE BUNCH
WHEN YOU'RE NEW TO ROAD RIDING, or riding in a new area with a new group, it's superduper easy to feel dissed. Trust me, it's real and they know their doing it...
... because they don't know us.
We are an unknown,
a potential danger...
... a newb.
How to fix that:
- Be nice
- Be confident
That's it,
that's all you can do.
The dissing can come in many forms: cold shoulders, yelling at us, not letting us pull through, chopping our wheels, mocking us, etc...
... none of it is cool as far as I'm concerned.
As long as it's not dangerous, I mostly find it entertaining...
... even hilarious.
For example, at BWR UT this year, I was in the second group and we were closing on the leaders.
It was a hard effort, and I wanted to be as efficient as possible while still making it up to the front...
... I was spinning like a hamster wheel.
This tan, chiseled dude for a well-known team rides up and says...
... You're spinning too much.
Talk about a diss!
I just smiled, and said...
... Thank you.
We connected with the leaders,
flew out of town to the rollers.
I knew, having done the race before, that the rollers were deceiving and that there was a stout little hill at the end...
... then it was very fast double track for miles.
I let them go,
cleared the top on my own and did my thing...
... passing blown or unskilled rider after rider.
By the time we hit the pavement,
just in time to get in a paceline...
... I was back with the tan, chiseled disser and his merry group of graveleros.
We were rotating nicely,
his demeanor changed...
... Where are you from?
Yeah, we struck up a pleasant, friendly conversation.
Nothing changed.
I was the same rider.
- Nice
- Confident
After about 30 minutes of riding in a well-working paceline...
... we hit another challenging section.
I moved to the front...
... never saw them again.
It's always better, whenever possible, if we really feel it's necessary...
... to let the legs do the talking.
---
163.1
8 hours
1 Rip On RaceDay circuit + more pushups, pullups & squats
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
THE COST OF NOT REGISTERING
THE FIRST LINE OF MY BOOK, The Way of The RACER, has been quoted back to me more than any other. Every time I hear that line, I'm reminded of the day I shared it with Surfergirl...
... she didn't like it.
So,I knew it was good.
She doesn't know us (me and you) like I do.
Here it is:
Until you Register for an event, or the event, you are nothing.
Because that's just how it is.
And that, my fine young ripper, is the cost not registering.
Being a hopydreamy cat vs. a driven and...
... highly committed son of a shift.
No wonder Evan just picked up ten to give to his teammates for Christmas.
$8.95, include shipping: https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r
---
163.8
8 hours
1 Rip On RaceDay circuit + more pushups, pullups & squats
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WILL WE EVER SEE THIS CAT AGAIN?
THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, and I fret for those who go this route. Cat retires (in this case) or gets laid off or starts working remote, and decides there is no need to
... meet at 630am when it's cold.
I get it.
But, most don't fully comprehend the danger.
'Cause here's what happens almost every time...
cat skips those cold mornings,
shows up in the Spring when it's warm,
gets shot out the back...
... decides the ride has somehow gotten too fast.
No, sucker...
You
have
gotten
slower.
Because...
You
have
skipped
the hard rides.
Oddly, this does not seem to happen to those who are laid up due to illness, injury, work, family or other more pressing matters because those cats...
... would be there if they could.
There's a difference,
in mindset.
When those cats come back,
they know what they're in for...
... but, I think it's more than that.
They never left,
in their heads their I'd be there if I could mindset...
... gives them the wherewithal to withstand
those initial kicks in the lycra when back
to the regularly scheduled drubbing.
Set your alarm clock,
set your mind,
dress warm,
stay fit.
Ain't nothing gonna replace meeting the gang at the corner at 630am.
... and before you tell me Zwift is the replacement... yeah, I know and I'm not worried about you. You get it.
The key is the weekly checkin,
heartrate revving ride,
chasing friends...
... weekly, all year long.
Still reading?
This is exactly why I have no intention of retiring,
that kinda thinking scares the shift outta me.
---
164.9
7 hours
pullups and pushups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
SOME PEOPLE HAVE A SWEET TOOTH, I HAVE A...
THE FIRST THING I DO EVERY DAY: strip and weigh. Before anything else. Then I record it to look for trends. It's the only way to get a consistent reading of my weight...
... and instant feedback on yesterday's nutrition choices.
Today was not pretty.
It happens.
But, that's not important. I know where I got offtrack with my system, and I just need to get back on it.
Which dovetails nicely into this question from reader Michael S.
How do you determine what your ideal weight is ? I am 6 1 and a half and 177lbs . I could drop another 5 to 10 , but at my age (66) I am afraid I would drop muscle. I still race gravel and am competitive in my age group. I road 10K miles last year and will this year also .
Here's my answer, which is also part of Rip On RaceDay my system:
I’m 61, so I get it and think about it often.
First, to combat losing muscle I
- Lift weight every single day. Minimum of push ups and pull ups, almost always squats and Nordic curls, too… and do my Rip On RaceDay Circuit training 3-5 days a week.
- I have really upped my protein intake, shooting for 1 gram/lb of body weight – via meat, bars and shakes
Second, how much to weigh…
- I know I fly at 162 or less
- Currently shooting for 160, not there.
- We’re all built differently, but having a gut or paunch ain’t a picture of health so I figure if my tummy is flat or close to it, if I can see the abs more than the flab, that’s a good weight.
Hope that helps, tb
Now, about that system I'm bragging about...
... see that pic up there.
It's time stamped October, 2017.
Way before I created the system, back then I was happy to weigh 175...
... I'm appalled at today's weight.
Which brings up not my sweet tooth. That is in check. It's the...
... dawgawn chip tooth.
Not chipped tooth, but my kryptonite...
... tortilla chips and salsa.
It got fully activated over the weekend.
Time to get back on the system.
---
166
8 hours
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit + extra pullups and pushups
20 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WE ALMOST HAD A TRAGEDY
A GOOD GRAVEL RIDE AROUND HERE is going to include some road, some dirt road, some doubletrack...
... and a tiny bit of treachery.
Kevin came close to a major mishap.
It was my fault.
Not guiding us down the narrow
singletrack on side of a small cliff,
or the sharp rocks at the bottom...
... that's normal.
I should have told the guys to give me some space.
Instead, I slammed on the brakes to walk over the unridable.
Charlie slammed harder.
Kevin rolled off the side...
... it could have been so much worse.
Luckily, he landed on the thick green bushes,
not on the backbreaking,
helmet shattering,
rocks.
But, there's a second lesson...
... one you need to know about.
He told us he'd purchased some Shimano "compatible" cleats, and turns out...
... they are compatible,
not identical.
Meaning, they don't release anywhere near as well as the o.e.m. cleats.
A lot of us buy from companies promising...
- compatible
- just like
- just as good
- we make the big brands products, too
... it usually works out okay.
Personally, I'll pay a few extra bucks to
... save the emotional energy of wondering if my gear will deliver,
when the stakes are high.
---
164
8 hours
push ups pull ups
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
WILL YOU PAY THE PRICE FOR FREE SPEED?
THERE ARE A TON OF WAYS TO GET FASTER. I've done most of them, and they all cost time and money. Mainly money, often lots of it. But, every upgrade, every gizmo, every coach we hire pales in comparison...
... to this free upgrade.
For most of us.
Some, a few, are already there.
Here's the thing... and try not to kill the messenger on this, okay?
We don't do it.
Don't do it full out.
Don't own it like we should.
It's FREE.
Maybe that's why?
No.
It requires a reframing for a few things in our brain.
When we do that, it's easy to access all the amazing free speed.
Replace this...
I could never forego eating sugar and bread, drinking soda and alcohol. It's too big of a sacrifice to give up.
With this...
I'm an athlete and would never sacrifice my health for poisons like sugar, bread, soda and alcohol.
The result?
Free speed by
- Being much leaner
- Sleeping much better
- Functioning at a much higher level.
- and, more.
I didn't say it would be easy...
... oh, wait I did.
We just need to reframe how we see ourselves...
... we are athletes.
If you don't hate me enough already for treading on our sacred poisons...
... do this:
- Find a mirror
- Take off your clothes - all of them
Take a look and if the answer is...
... Pretty good, a blind man would like to see that...
... then, take another look at that reframe.
I'm an athlete and would never sacrifice my health for poisons like sugar, bread, soda and alcohol.
---
I far from perfect...
... just an athlete doin' his best.
---
If you're just dying to tell me what an idiot I am for such sacrilege Click Here.
---
163.8
7ish hours
push ups pull ups
20 minutes recovery
30 minutes reading + Journaling
DO YOU EVER GET BORED WITH RACING AND TRAINING?
ALTHOUGH I'VE BEEN AN AVID CYCLIST for many years, I haven't always been this focused or committed. Part of that was busy times raising family, getting career going...
... part of it was something else.
There's a pattern,
do you see it?
Boredom from road racing,
led to crits.
Boredom for business park crits,
led to MTB.
Boredom from MTB racing,
led to SuperD.
Boredom from SuperD,
let to motorcycles.
Boredom from not racing bicycles,
got me back into road.
Boredom from road,
back into XC.
Boredom from XC,
into gravel.
When we get bored the passion dies.
Here are some ideas:
- Try a new discipline
- Go to races in faraway places
- Make a public declaration of our goal
- Take chances on new tactics
- Test new positions
And so on.
Here's the dealio on that...
... most of us would rather let the passion die
vs. risk embarrassment of failure.
Now you do:
- Marriage
- Family
- Career
- Books
- Diet
- God
Enjoy the weekend...
... be spontaneous.
(I'm going to Taylor Swift movie with Surfergirl.)
---
162.8
7 hours
push ups pull ups squats nordics
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
WANTERS VS DOERS
OKAY, IT'S GETTING COLD and we have a few choices we'll want to make, but for most of us it's really two decisions. We can ride early, we can ride late, we can ride indoors or outdoors...
... we just have to decide.
Wanting isn't enough.
Last night, I left as the sun was setting and rode into the night. Now the problem with that is...
... it just keeps getting colder.
Tuesday, I left at sunrise and rode into the morning, which is nice...
... because it keeps getting warmer.
If it's really cold,
most of us go inside.
Those are a few of the choices we might want to do, but like I said...
... wanting isn't enough.
Wanting doesn't...
- get us out from under the covers
- get us out the door when it's dark
- get us on our bikes or in the gym
... deciding does.
Wanters,
want.
Deciders,
do.
Oh, the two choices I mentioned...
- pull on the bibs
- zip up the jersey
... it's easy to get out on the bike from there.
---
162.7
7 hours
push ups pull ups squats nordics
10 minutes recovery
60 minutes reading + Journaling
HE RODE WITH US FOR YEARS, BUT NOT LIKE THIS
ONCE YOU FIGURE THIS OUT, things become a lot easier. The problem is most of us don't, and those who do...
... don't like the reality.
We, me, crowned the great Ken L. as the most improved rider on our local legrippinglungsearing group ride.
It wasn't hard.
He's been killing it all year.
But, it wasn't always that way.
For years, he was like most of us...
... pack fodder.
Then something clicked,
and he became a slayer.
Which brings up my point.
It doesn't take that long to change the way things are...
... once we decide to make a change.
---
163.8
8 hours
1 Rip On RaceDay Circuit
20 minutes recovery
90 minutes reading + Journaling
