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Strava Widgets Styling

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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

Rip On Raceday

 


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday


>

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

Rip On Raceday

 


>

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

Rip On Raceday



 


>

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


>

WHADAYA THINK OF UNDULATING TERRAIN?

WE HAVE SOME WEIRD LINGO.  Have you ever heard any body, ever, use the phrase undulating terrain?  Why would they?  When you're motor-powered...

... who cares about the terrain!

Human-powered,
totally different story.

Every bump in the road and trail counts.

The longer we're out there,
the more it counts.

Sooooooooo...

... whadaya think of undulating terrain?

Do you love it?

Or, do you prefer...

  • flat
  • downhill
  • tailwinds
  • straight up
  • headwinds

... lots choices when we roll out.

Me?

Well.

There are times when I'd give my chamois pad for a flat road with a tailwind.

Days when I feel so amazing I just wanna climb and climb and climb.

But, faced with a choice...

... give me undulating.

Ups.
Downs.
Lots a turns.

That's the ride I choose.

--- 

169.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUps, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

ACTION WINS EVERY TIME

WHY WAS IT SO MIND BLOWING?  Yesterday's Strade Bianchi race was so shocking to me.  Because, to me, all the pundits...

... missed the point.

Sure, the favorite won.

This was the inspiring part...

  • he told everybody where he'd attack in advance of the race
  • made a decisive attack 81 km from the finish
  • never looked back
  • and won

... who wouldn't want to be able to do that?

What blew my mind 
was what the talking heads missed.

This athlete,
is a racer of action.

He had a plan,
and went for it.

Could it have failed?
Most definitely.

Could he have looked foolish?
For sure.

Could he have lost the race outright?
Absolutely.

Did he?
No.

Because he took action.

You miss 100% of shots you don't take.
- Wayne Gretzky

--- 

167.2 lbs 
9 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

QUESTION: IS THIS A HIGH DEMAND SPORT?

I WAS LISTENING TO SOME GUYS ARGUE about whether or not was their religion was high demand, and it got me thinking is ours?  Are endurance sports...

... high demand?

Yes.
No.

For me, and maybe for you, too...

... its high demand.

Just consider...

  • Training
  • Fueling
  • Resting

... these are the biggies.

They are priceless,
in a sense.

Which is why the are so easy to screw up,
and so misunderstood by lookers on.

We can't put...

  • Training time
  • Good fueling choices
  • Proper sleep and recovery

... on a credit card.

We've got to demand it from ourselves...

... but, is it really demanding when we love the results?

--- 

166.2 lbs 
7 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
48


>

THE UNCORKED ZONE

 

IF YOU'RE INTO HOT RODS, then you know what uncorked means.  In simple terms, all that junk that keeps the exhaust quiet and lawful is chucked...

... giving us that ultra loud and mean sound.

We have that racing and training, too.

And, if we're smart, we only hit it every so often.

You know what I'm talking about, right?

Zone 2 is corked.

  • easy to breathe
  • talk while riding
  • and go forever.

Today was not Zone 2.
I was uncorked, a bit.

Allowing myself for the first time in 2 months to stretch the legs was amazing.

The accompanying wheezing and gasping for air…

… I don’t know if it was hot rod mean, but it was loud.

Hadn’t heard that in too long…

… ain’t gonna hear for 5 or so days.

Time to add some intensity the smart way.

Polarized.

If ya wanna solid refresher on this approach,
take a listen to this: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-fast-podcast-triathlon-ironman-cycling-coaching/id1400770015?i=1000596124366

Simply, 80-90% of our training should sound like a Tesla...

... cruising through the neighborhood.

That way we are fresh and ready to get after it like the pic above.

Let the rubber...

...  burn, baby burn.

--- 

166.9 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
No strength work today.
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
56

 


>

RESULTS DON'T MEAN SHIFT

I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE ON THE JOURNEY, but I can tell ya this: whether you're just starting out, coming back from injury, at the top of your game, you're gonna fail...

... if results count.

Trust me on this.

I'm rebuilding.

My fitness is shift.
the skills, off.

I've been at the top and the bottom and there is one reason I was able to climb to max fitness and performance...

... I don't care about results.

I mean I do,
but they aren't the motivator.

Optimizing my ability,
having a blast.

Way more important.

Results are nice.

If they are everything... 

... quitting, giving up, and failure is on the horizon.

Don't let that happen.

How?

Relax.

We can't see...

... the great results in the making.

They're coming.

Guaranfreakingteed.

--- 

166.9 lbs 
8 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 
57 


>

ARE WE REALLY DOING THIS?

FOSTER GRANTS ASKED ME Are we really doing this? What kinda question is that...

... Dern straight we're doing it!

Was he hoping we weren't?

Was he doubtful we could do it?

By we, I mainly mean me.

Could you?

I mean, we're gonna have a brain damaged grampa who's been off the bike for months do it...

... can you keep up?

Finish?

What's he referring to?

Oh, just the most life changing ride in Southern California...

  • 100+ miles
  • 15,000+' of vertical gain

... some might consider it hard.

Others a challenge.

Most an adventure of a lifetime.

So, if you wanna support the old sack a lycra,
if outrageous calls to your soul...

... sign up.

It's free.
and fun.

Click here for deets and pics.

--- 

167.4 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
9 hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
57 

Rip On Raceday

 


>

HOW NOT WHAT

LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE is filled with excitement, fear, and lots of scrapes and bruises.  We press through because everyone we see on a bike...

... has a great big smile.

We want that,
the teacher wants it for us.

Finally we get it.

And, at least in my case, it stopped there.

Hall-ah-freakin-lu-yah!

What
and when
and who with

... were left up to me.

I'll be forever grateful for learning how...

... and the freedom to do it my way.

--- 

168.2 lbs (safe to say, it's time to get seriouser)
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 
56 

Rip On Raceday


>

YOU DON'T NEED AN ALARM CLOCK TO WAKE UP, YOU NEED...

ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES I HAVE with our local morning group ride is that it starts at 6:30am.  If it was out my front door...

... not that hard.

It's not.

Takes me 50ish minutes to ride to the start,
which means I'm up at 5am.

Also...

... not that hard.

However, getting to bed at 9...

... is not my standard.

I'm more of a 930-10pm guy.

Therefore, if I don't hit the hay early...

... I'm foggy, at best, the rest of day.

Plus, slower on the bike.

Oh, there's a long list of shift that results from lack of sleep.

What's an athlete to do?

Before I tell, 
you are forewarned...

... this won't make you popular.

You might lose touch with friends, 
or lose them altogether.

We all have a choice...

... live our best lives or live a lower version.

This allows to tap into our superpower...

... set you alarm clock for bedtime.

Every.
Single.
Night.

Or suffer the consequences:

  • Inhibited ability to perform
  • Decreased handling skills
  • Quicker exhaustion
  • Decreased reaction time
  • Difficulty learning and decision making
  • Increased risk of injury
  • Increased risk for illness
  • Poor recovery
  • Memory issues
  • Weight gain
  • Poor balance
  • ... Low sex drive

Like I said,
it might be socially unpopular but...

... wouldn't you rather operate at your optimum?

I would.

---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pullups, pushups, squats, presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

MILEMARKERS FOR DUMMIES

ONE OF THE KEYS TO RIPPING LONG RACES is remembering where you are.  Yeah, you're racing.  Yeah, you're clicking off the miles.  But...

... where the heck are you?

And, there's more than that.

  • Are you on track?
  • When is the next stop?
  • Does your support know when to expect you?

So, I always write down on a piece of tape with a sharpie my goals to be at certain locations at certain times...

... and stick it on my top tube.

This keeps all of us coordinate.

More importantly,
it keeps me focused.

The long races, 6+ hours, can be grueling.
They can wear us down to the point...

... of forgetting why we even signed up in the first place.

Looking down at the humble piece of tape,
seeing my goals...

  • engages my mind
  • re-centers my effort
  • keeps me on the pace

... snaps me back to the present moment.

I don't just use this practice for racing...

... I write down everything I plan to do,
and when I plan to have it done.

---

166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No strength work
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

IS IT HABIT OR RITUAL?

THE SATURDAY MORNING RIDE.  We work all week, and with a little planning and luck we carve out some time to ride.  In the beginning...

... it takes some discipline.

Not the riding.

The commitment.

We are working to establish a habit.
For the most part, a good one.

But, that changes over time.

It becomes a ritual.

  • A set time to leave
  • An expected amount of time to be gone
  • The proper dress code observed
  • A dedicated place to meet
  • A consistent slaying of trails, gravel, pavement
  • A flogging of the sinners who are not as fit as they shouldcould be.

Yep, this is our ritual.
Our practice.
Our faith.

We made the jump.

We are far beyond
discipline and habit.

---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
12-0 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

WHAT DOES AI SAY ABOUT TRAINING METHODS USED 100 YEARS AGO?

I PINGED CHAT GTP AND SEVERAL OTHER AI regarding training methods of Belgians 100 years ago.  Why not?  A lot of knowledge is refined, regurgitated or plain ol' forgotten...

... maybe there's something to be rediscovered?

Oddly?
or, maybe not.

The answers across the AI were eerily similar.

I say eerily because who wants to live in a silo?

Anyway, 
here's the bottom line:

It’s important to note that these training methods were not as scientific or structured as they are today. Cyclists often relied on their own experience and intuition to guide their training. However, despite the lack of modern technology and scientific understanding, many Belgian cyclists were able to achieve impressive results using these methods.

Shocking!
I mean, shocking?

When it comes right down to it, is there anything better than...

... relying on our own experience and intuition to guide our training?

I don't think so.

Not when were really into it,
when we really know our bodies.

Me, for instance, I'm rebuilding my fitness.

I realized what a distraction it is to look at the data pouring across my little Wahoo screen.

  • Maybe I should put out more power?
  • Gosh, my heart rate is ____!
  • I've only gone X miles?

So, I fire up the Wahoo,
put it in my jersey pocket.

Time to ride on just experience and intuition...

... same thing I do when racing.

---

166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
60 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

THE MOST HUMBLING RACE OF MY LFE

MY PAL PETE AND I DECIDED WE WERE REALLY FIT and that we could do anything with just a hint of training.  Racing bikes was kina ho-hum...

... so we signed up for a 10k running race.

We were so arrogant,
we rode our bikes 15 miles to the start.

We lined up in the back, 
because, you know, we were going to
squash these runners.

Gun goes off.

We quickly move forward.

Up to the top 50-100.

Really running.
Hard.

Suddenly, I notice I'm breathing way too loud.

Uh-oh.

My legs hurt,
my hips hurt,
everything hurts.

And, I'm moving backwards quickly.

Chubby guy cruises by.

Oldish lady...

... did she elbow me out of the way?

Kids are skipping and laughing and disappearing up the road.

But, it was the guy in flip flops who said...

... Hang in there, only 3 more miles...

... that really did me in.

Here's the dill.

On the outside, at the start,
looking at these racers,
I would have bet $10,000 on me and Pete.

Looking at competitors is a poor way to pass judgement...

... it's the inside, the heart, that counts.

 ---

166.2 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I KNOW YOU'RE NOT A LOSER LIKE THIS CAT

I was going to post this and then I went for a ride and decided it was too mean, whadaya think?... 

THERE ARE THREE MAIN THINGS LOSERS DO.  I say losers, in this case, meaning they are literally losing out.  If they persist, then, yeah...

... the other kind.

It always surprises me when people make these very basic mistakes.

Even if they are new, 
I find it,
perplexing.

I think you do, too.

Because, for us,
it's just second nature.

Probably because we have learned the hard way.

Not only that, we try and pass this basic knowledge along to every new rider we can.

Still, they...

  • Forget gear when going to a ride or race
  • Completely foul up their nutrition and bonk
  • Neglect the bike prep only to have mechanical difficulty

... and, we shake our heads.

They are losing out on a more excellent ride.

We deal with it,
they are our friends.

However, if it persists one of two things is gonna happen...

  • We don't invite them any more
  • We leave them behind

... because, well, you know they are....

How's that for setting up a shameless plug on why we do what we do?

  • The RaceDay Bag™ has a built in checklist to make sure we bring everything
  • It comes with a RaceDay Bike Check List, too, so bike is properly prepped
  • And an insane Never Forget Anything guarantee.

... that way my friends are always invited,
and never left behind.

 ---

166.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

I USED TO LOVE RAINY DAYS

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN RAINY DAYS were awesome.  Mostly, around here, it meant nobody was riding.  Not me, not anybody else.  Which was perfect...

... if I couldn't ride anyway.

You see the selfishness right?

If I can't ride,
I'm stoked you can't either.

It means nobody is getting in the secret miles.

But, that's hardly true these days.

It's not the trainers,
those have been around forever.

It's the virtual racing,
that is a game changer.

In fact, I know plenty of people who do a fair amount of their riding virtually.

  • It's available 24-7
  • Not hampered by weather
  • All the social connections of a group ride (with right equipment).

Can you blame them?

I can't.

But, I still blame the weather for my own lack of getting it done.

 ---

166.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

CODDLED VS THROTTLED?

YEAH, THE RECOVER IS GOING PRETTY GOOD.  Spoke to my neuroscientist pal, who confirmed my suspicions.  It's good news for me...

... is it good news for you?

Well, yeah, if you taking the Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge.

If you're not, then sit up and pay attention.

Here's what he said.

You're probably doing so well because...

  • you're exercising every day
  • not eating bread
  • staying away from grains
  • not drinking diet drinks or artificial sweeteners
  • eating plenty of veggies and protein
  • getting outside in the sunshine
  • lifting weights
  • getting plenty of sleep, 9-10 or more hours

... right?

I sheepishly said Yes.

Which was mostly true.

But, I gotta cut out all grains and all bread, even my beloved chips and salsa and special sour dough bread.  I've backslid on the diet drinks, those gotta go.  Other than that, I'm mostly on track.

Main thing I need to add is a lot more fish oil.  
Not a problem, I love sardines.

in other words, it's time to practice ALL that I preach.

So, how're you doing?  Yes, you my loyal reader.  How. Are. You. Doing?

Could you tighten things up a bit?

Or, do you need a serious crack in the head like I got to up your game?

Which brings me back to the title of this post, Coddled vs. Throttled?

Here's the dill, for me...

... I prefer to be throttled.

Put me on a ridiculously difficult course, in with the heavy hitters, tell me the honesttogosh truth...

... make me suffer!

Then, and only then, I might merit some coddling.

Maybe it's time for a serious challenge...

... and little coddling 30 days later?

Rip On RaceDay 30-Day Challenge

 ---

165.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
PullUps, PushUPs, Split Squats, Shoulder Presses
20 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I WONDER IF GIRLS DO THIS?

FOR THE MOST PART, we are a healthy lot.  We skip cigars, pass up the bars.  Well, then, where's a cyclist to go to share our struggles, solve our problems...

... shoot the shift?

Dudes,
we ride together...

... and we share, solve and shoot.

That's where we get it done.

What about the lady riders?

Where are they bonding and supporting?

There are so few of them, 
mostly they ride with guys...

... don't think I've ever see an all, or mostly, female group ride.

Is that why so few ladies ride, compared to men?

Are they missing what the guys are getting?

Is that the main reason guys ride?

 ---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

Are You Ready For A Hero's Journey?

I DID A POLE OF THE RACEDAY RIPPERS.  I asked them If they had to pick just one bike what would it be?  They had 4 options to pick from.  What would you answer be...

... you need the options first.

Here they are:

  • Road
  • MTB
  • Gravel
  • One of Each (acceptable though hard to explain to family and friends)

It came down to a tie between two options, evenly split.

33% for each.

Gravel and One of Each.

Why?

Well, what would your choice be?

Back to Why?

I think it comes down the basic human nature...

... we want to go on a journey.

Not just any journey.

One where we are heroic,
in our own minds at least.

That, I think, is the true appeal of "gravel" (such a dumb name)...

... the appeal of a bike that can handle mixed surfaces.

On that type of bike we have incredible freedom combined with the high likelihood of finding ourselves...

... in place far, far away from our predictable existence.

With luck we'll...

  • Shed some blood without breaking bones.
  • Find out we can do much more than we thought.
  • Gain new confidence, skill, and special experience.

... acquire our own superpowers.

Is it any wonder these bikes and events with mixed surfaces are exploding?

 ---

164.8 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
90 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

WHAT TO ASK A PROSPECTIVE COACH

THINKING OF GETTING A COACH?  Good.  You can get better faster by learning from an expert.  Be it a book, a video, a podcast.  Only a human can...

... answer this question.

The answer will instantly tell you if this relationship is gonna work out.

After small talk, after the coach's spiel, when the conversation stalls...

... ask this:

If we were meeting 3 years from now, looking back, what has to happen for you to be happy with my progress?

Trust me, conversation is gonna stay stalled.

Don't say a thing.

Wait for the answer.

Listen to what is said.

Ask yourself...

... Is this the kind of person I want to have a relationship with?

That's it.

I've used the question many times over the years, usually when hiring somebody.  There are lots of variations.

It works.

Learned it from the great Dan Sullivan.

---

162.6 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
150 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

How To Build Volume 101

IMAGINE YOU'RE STARTING FROM ZERO.  How do you build volume? Are there rules of thumb?  When do you introduce intensity?  Does it matter?...

... can you wing it?

Good questions.

Short answers:

  • Build volume as fast as you can, which isn't going to be very fast if you are starting from zero.
  • There are no rules of thumb, it's ruled by legs and lungs.  Do what you can.
  • Introduce intensity as soon as you want, it ain't going to be much.
  • Yes, it matters.

Long answer.

There are a number of good books on the subject.  Anything by Joe Friel will give you a good plan.  

You don't need a power meter, mainly because you're will not be putting out much power early on.  

But, you do need a heart rate monitor.

In the beginning of the first rides, the heart rate monitor will be exciting.  Then after a few miles, it will dim.  Reality will set in as that heart rate gets lower and lower because you have no stamina built up.  After a few weeks or months, the HR monitor will serve as a governor...

... holding you back.

This is good.

Because if you're tired, you can't do intensity properly.

Introduce the intensity one day per week.  

Don't look at the HR monitor too much, instead get after it.  Could be a group ride you want to desperately hang on to, a Zwift session with same obsession, or simply chasing that mystical PR you want to breatk.

Check the HR data when the ride is over.

Important answer:

  • Pick an event far in the future - you need time.
  • Set an insane goal.
  • Get registered.

Nothing exceptional will come with your training without a date with destiny...

... that's paid for!

---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

Do I Really Love It This Much?

SO, IT'S GONNA WIND UP BEING 8 WEEKS OFF THE BIKE since the noggin took a hit.  If I do the ol' traditional math, that's 8 X 3 (weeks to get back the fitness for every 1 week off the bike)...

... 24 weeks, errrr 6 months?

That's hella long time.

The big question is...

... do I love it that much?

And by it, I do not mean the obvious...

... riding my bike.

I mean being in shape and the...

... feeling of being fast.

If I'm being honest, and I always am with you...

... I've forgotten what that feels like.

Surfgirl said Let's go on a ride today...

... and I jumped at the chance to ride with her support.

How'd it go?

Well, even though I was on my MTB...

... I still easily dropped her.

Nothing new there.

What was new was how hard I had to work to catch her,
huffing and puffing and legs burning...

... at a pace I recall doing for hours, endlessly.

This time it was for about 2 minutes.

Was I surprised?
Disappointed?

Let's just say I laughed out loud when I saw what Training Peaks was showing for my fitness.

37.

Yep, nearly 100 points lower than my all time max fitness just 18 months ago.

Lesson:  fitness disappears, fast.

Lesson:  I'm gonna bring it back, patiently (not my superpower, but a lesson to learn).

Who's in?

---

164.8lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
60 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

TOP REASONS NOT TO LIFT WEIGHTS

THERE IS A LOT OF BANTER about weight training.  We should do it in the off-season, shy away from in the race season.  Frankly...

... I couldn't disagree more.

Weight training is for those who want:

  • stronger bones
  • to build muscle
  • put out more power
  • improved core strength
  • better grip strength

Who want's that?

Year round?

Oh,
well,
me.

You?

Top 3 exercises we should all be doing?

Takes just a few minutes to do a set.

Very little equipment needed: pull up bar, some dumbbells...

... or skip the minor investment.

  • have weak bones
  • look like a T-Rex
  • less power
  • weaker core
  • pathetic grip

It's your body...

... and I'm just a dude, not a doctor!

 ---

164.8lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull Ups Pushups Squats Presses
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

CONFIDENCE, WHO'S RESPONSIBILITY IS IT ANYWAY?

IN GETTING CAUGHT UP WITH THE LATEST BREAKING CYCLNG NEWS, I saw an article title and it's bugged me ever since.  Maybe I'm heartless, from a different generation...

... or maybe this guy is just weak.

The title of the article is, They Lost Faith In Me.

Honestly, I can't believe I even bothered to read it.

But, after a week of it percolating as a top article...

... it got me like a slow moving train wreck.

As expected, featured racer blamed his lack of success on the team losing faith in him.

Bro, it's not the team's job to have faith in you.
They are paying you.
Faith is there.

That's my first reaction.

Bro, them's fighting words.
Now go prove 'em wrong.
Create the failth.

Earn it.

That's my second reaction.

What happened to good ol'...

... if it's to be, it's up to me!?

Or... 

... fake it, 'till ya make it!?

In the end, I couldn't decide if I should feel sorry for a grown man having such a pathetic excuse...

... or be ticked off that such lameness made the front page.

Bottom line,
like it or not...

... it's our responsibility to be confident,
and to infect all those around us with such assuredness.

Life,
racing,
everything...

... is more fun, and, oh, ah, successful!

 ---

162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

WHAT HAPPENS IN SIN CITY...

THERE ARE SINS, and then there are things we personally consider sins.  Either way, 'Vegas promise that what happens in 'Vegas stays in 'Vegas...

... is a big fat lie.

Not a big deal.

We are only letting ourselves,
and those we committed to...

... down.

For example, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter's Day because by then...

... most people have thrown in the towel on their resolutions.

Like I said, 
not a big deal...

... unless you want to
improve,
make changes,
stay true to what matters.

If that's on the line,
we can't afford to sin,
and if we do we've got to...

... repent right away, 
and keep moving forward.

So,
how are those resolutions doing?

I had two:

  • Get to bed around 9,
    start day before 6.
  • Get back to race weight,
    under 163.

The only reason I'm mostly on track is due to putting myself in the hospital on Jan 8th...

  • appetite disappeared
  • needed a lot more sleep

... otherwise, I'd be struggling.

Which is better than quitting.
A lot better.

Struggling,
good.
Repenting,
good.
Never quitting,
Best.

Keep up the good fight.

 ---

162.7 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
No Strength Work
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

THE RACERS CREED

WHETHER WE KNOW IT OR NOT, we stand for a few things.  And, it matters.  Because this is...

... how we roll.

The Racer's Creed

  • Access to bicycles - and anything that makes you stronger and better - should be unlimited.
  • Always yield to the In Real Life Imperative.
  • All racing should be free.
  • Mistrust tradition, government recommendations - promote bro-science.
  • Racers should be judged by their racing, not by bogus criteria like KOMs, USAC Category, age, color or gender.
  • You can be free and forever young on a bicycle.
  • Bicycles change your life for the better.

Agree or Disagree?
Lemmeknow.

 ---

165.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

IT AIN'T EVERY DAY YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THIS

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED RIDING?  For most of us, it was a magical time.  Each ride a little further, a little faster.  Each effort...

... a little easier.

No wonder we got hooked.

Still, 
some wonder off.

Is it because the day comes when going further, faster, with less effort is no longer predictable?

Shoot, forget predictable...

... sometimes those days have months between them.

Even years.

I can tell you this, as I impatiently wait for clearance to get back on my bike and start riding again...

... knowing I'll get better every ride keeps me hanging on.

Can you relate?

 ---

164.9 lbs
8ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups, presses, squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 

 


>

IT'S SO MIXED UP

ROAD BIKES use road tires.  Most of us find a favorite, and that's what we run day, night, rain, shine.  For MTB, it's basically the same formula.  Find a tire we like, run it regardless.  For gravel...

... ugh.

First off, gravel ain't just gravel.

It's gravel and asphalt and single track and rocky terrain.

So, a gravel tire needs to be fast on asphalt, tacky on gravel turns, nimble on techy stuff and rugged on the rockies.

What's the ol' saying?

There's fast, cheap and quality...

... you can only pick two.

But, we're racing.

We want fast, light and rugged...

... and we want all three.

Not gonna happen.

Me?

I'll take fast and light, banking on my handling skills to get me safely through the rugged stuff.

Is that enough?

Probably not.

If it really matters, 
gotta pre-run the course,
then pick the very best option...

... not easy,
but, that's what make it fun. 

 ---

164.9 lbs
9ish hrs sleep
Pull ups, push ups & squats
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>

I TRIPLE THAT EMOTION

ON THE START LINE there is always a lot of emotion.  Some are scared, some are anxious, some are seething, some are just happy to be there.  And...

... it's all good.

Well, kinda.

Facts are facts.

The more emotion we have the more productive we will be.

There's just one problem.

It might not be positive productivity.

Personally, I prefer to make up some story in my head regarding an innocent competitor...

... that ticks me off.

Take that manufactured angst,
turn it up all the way to 11...

... and let emotion do it's thing.

It is nearly a lock that I will race better,
be more and better calculating...

... and not give a hoot about what others think.

So, yeah...

... I triple that emotion.

 ---

163.9 lbs
8 hrs sleep
No strength work.
10 minutes recovery 
120 minutes reading + Journaling 


>
IT'S CALLED ONCE IN A LIFETIME FOR A REASON...

IT'S CALLED ONCE IN A LIFETIME FOR A REASON...

Mar 01, 2021 TODD BROWN

MY FRIEND TOD T. SHOT ME AN EMAIL WITH A LINK TO THE CRUSHER IN THE TUSHAR.  It's a crazy event, so crazy that I've declined going for about 10 years.  My pals Jeff and Cris have done it, and even won it.  But, I've never had the right bike or at least that's what I told them.  In other words...

... it's a once in a lifetime event.

This is crazy right?  

Featuring a 40/60 split between tarmac and dirt & gravel sectors, the 70 mile course accumulates over 10,000 feet of elevation gain and affords riders the opportunity to explore the stunning back country of Utah’s little-known Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest.

When I read featuring and stunning mixed in with all the details, all I see are the features of a sledgehammer delivering a massive stun to my mind, body and soul.

Naturally, knowing I finally have the bike... I entered the lottery.

Which brings me up to this euphemistic gem, LOTTERY!  Good heavens, who's to tell who wins the lottery? 

Those keeping their $200 in fees and spending the weekend relaxing on the coach listening to Phil Liggett's TdF lullabies...

... or those parting with the cash and getting bashed by Burke's heinous course designed to slaughter all the unworthy?

So here's to winning the lottery!

Speaking of winning the lottery... one you'd actually want to win... did you see the video we did of Craig H?

He won the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ GiveAway.

There's a new contest rolling right now.

https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway

The winner will work directly with our top designer Rocky E. to design your very own custom:

RaceDay Bag™

Speed Kit - Jersey and Bib

Changing Poncho

KOM Jacket

RaceDay Calendar™

plus, matching socks and gloves

$1000 in custom products

Enter here:  

https://pedalindustries.com/giveaway

---

164
25 PullUps 50 PushUps
7.8
https://www.strava.com/activities/4872139829

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WE ARE THE AVERAGE OF OUR 5 CLOSEST...

WE ARE THE AVERAGE OF OUR 5 CLOSEST...

Feb 28, 2021 TODD BROWN

RIGOROUS RESEARCH SHOWS WE ARE THE AVERAGE OF OUR 5 CLOSEST FRIENDS.  And, new research is showing that what a friend's friend is doing can also have a big impact on us...

... but, that's the selfish way to look at it.

Especially in bike racing fitnessy stuff.  That logic would have us only hanging out with people that are better than us.  Which we probably do quite naturally anyway.

I'm more interested in the effects we are having on our 5s friends.  Because of our 5 closest friends, they don't all ride bikes.  Far from it.

We get excited about riding bikes fast.  We start thinking about what to ride, to eat, to wear, to race, etc.  Our 5 tap into this energy...

... and it goes out to their 5.

How many people are going to make awesome lifestyle changes because we've inspired them to do so?

They may never race.

Totally cool.

But, they may start riding again. 

They may set a goal to ride 30 miles, or ride up that giant mountain.  They may get a little group of 5 or so and take a road trip to Moab or the Ozarks or the Northeast.

Or maybe they simply get a hankering to get back in shape.

In fact, I'll bet $5 you've already seen changes in your 5.

What I'm wondering though is if you're willing to share your secrets.

Sometimes that can be hard.  

You've invited a friend to start riding.  You've enjoyed spending time together.  Helping them progress has been rewarding...

... and absolutely owning them any time you want is, well, entertaining to say the least.

Are you keeping these little secrets to yourself?

C'mon.  

Be honest.

Of course you'll share the pleasantries of a good chamois cream.   

But what about the good stuff, the stuff that really makes a difference like PR Lotion?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

Back to that $5 bet...

... you purchase PR Lotion and DZ NUTS with the promo code -> $10

 ... and you'll save $10 if you do it before 3/3/21.

Shipping is included. 

That should cover the $5 bet.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

---

16.29
Stretch and Hypervolt
8.2
https://www.strava.com/activities/4868278749

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SOME SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES REQUIRE HOLY KITS - sponsored by BMC

SOME SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES REQUIRE HOLY KITS - sponsored by BMC

Feb 27, 2021 TODD BROWN

SOME SAY YOU CAN SEE THE HAND OF GOD ON A BABY'S FACE OR THE SUN RISING ACROSS A DESERT PLAIN.  For me the mountains never fail to deliver.  Today one of us came prepared with a holy kit...

... and we all spilled some blood.

Naturally, the new guy spilled the most blood.  He'd fallen behind.  So much so that we reversed course.  After a bit he rounded a corner, with an Ace bandage over what appeared to be an unholy amount of gauze.

What happened?

I crashed.

And...

And the blood was squirting out with each heartbeat.

His socks were soaked.

The hikers patched me up.

All good?

Hellyeah!

Thataboy!

These are the kinds of spiritual experiences which often....
... accompany?
... precede?
... follow?
... the sense of oneness with nature.

For is there a better way to escape our digital dungeons than to truly connect with Mother Nature?  Touch her with great force?  Breath her pristine air through gaping  and gasping mouths?  And, yes, bleed with her?

Which brings me to the kit one practitioner wisely wore today.

You know there are a lot holes on that kit.

Yes.

You know I gotta guy that can hook you up with a new kit?

Yes... it's you!

Well...

Well.. I know where we are going today, I know it's highly likely I'll be leaving some skin on the trail... therefore I prefer to don an old kit with holes.

Ahhh, a holy kit.

If you're into these kinds of spiritual experiences, and why wouldn't you be, it's quite helpful to have a bike that climbs like a Blue Angel and handles like Ferrari.

I'm partial to the Swiss engineering on BMC bikes.

Apparently their partial to us as well because they accidentally shipped three (3) of their top of the line XC, Long Travel mountain bikes.,,

... we'll be shipping them back Monday or Tuesday, unless you'd like to pick one up at the PEDALposse price?

Here's a link to all the details.

https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/intl_en/models/mountain/fourstroke-lt.html

This is the same bike I've been tearing up my local trails on and absolutely loving, but it's the long travel version. 

Nearly as light, more travel.

Superduper fun!

Did I mention these bikes are completely sold out for 2021?

That they shipped them to us on accident?

Contact me by Monday, 3/1 if interested.

https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/intl_en/models/mountain/fourstroke-lt.html

 

I saw God twice today

---

164
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.8
https://www.strava.com/activities/4862017083

View Details
PRODUCTIVITY HACK 58 - sponsored by BMC bicycles

PRODUCTIVITY HACK 58 - sponsored by BMC bicycles

Feb 26, 2021 TODD BROWN

EVER WONDER HOW TO SQUEEZE IN ALL THE OFF THE BIKE STUFF WE'RE SUPPOSED TO DO?  I do.  After reading that the holy trinity of fitness is pull ups, burpies and squats in Natural Born Heroes I thought to myself...

... I got the pull ups covered with a pull up bar at home and at the shop, I can upgrade pushups to burpies, but when the heck am I ever going to do squats?

First off, I don't have weights of any significance.  Second, there is a 0% chance I'll go to a gym.  Third, and this is the good part, air squats can be very effective if doing...

... ass to the grass (Coach Brian Mcculloch's words not mine).

Still when would I do them?

The pull up/pushup routine started by doing a set every time I got in the shower or walk in the office.  Just rattle off a quick set.

I needed a cue for squats.

I found one, and it seems to be working for now.

While brushing my teeth I do 20 very slow and controlled asstothegrass squats...

... clean teeth, descent regular squatting.

Simple.

No need to tip me yet another invaluable tip, but you might want to check this little bit of info...

... BMC accidentally shipped us 3 beautiful Long Travel XC bikes.  I'm going to ship them back on Monday unless you want one at the PEDALposse price.  Two larges, One medium.

 Here's a link to all the details.

https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/intl_en/models/mountain/fourstroke-lt.html

This is the same bike I've been tearing up my local trails on and absolutely loving, but it's the long travel version. 

Nearly as light, more travel.

Superduper fun!

Did I mention these bikes are completely sold out for 2021?

That they shipped them to us on accident?

Contact me by Monday, 3/1 if interested.

https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/intl_en/models/mountain/fourstroke-lt.html

---

163.4
Stretch and Hypervolt
8.2
https://www.strava.com/activities/4855566237

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STRETCHING IS LIKE PRAYING... AND RESULTS FROM YESTERDAYS REQUEST

STRETCHING IS LIKE PRAYING... AND RESULTS FROM YESTERDAYS REQUEST

Feb 25, 2021 TODD BROWN

I'VE HEARD IT SAID THAT STRETCHING IS A LOT LIKE PRAYING, we should do it when we least want to.  I get that sentiment.  There was a time when I'd stretch every time I returned from a ride...

... never before.

Someone somewhere told me to never stretch cold muscles.  It sounded sound, and very convenient.  I'm rushed as it is trying to meet the posse, skipping a pre-ride stretch was easy to do.

For a long time, I'd return from a ride and always do some stretching and a few crunches.

Not these days.

These days have it in my head to stretch at night, do a few planks, a little yoga... and hit the legs with the HyperVolt.

But, having it in my mind mid-day is a lot different from actually doing it mid-night, when I'm tuckered out, when I just wanna fall asleep to an old and mindless re-run...

... so I start to skip.

Little aches and kinks start popping up.  IT band irritation.  Tight back.  Strained calf.  The sort of stuff I really want to avoid...

... just need to get on the floor before I go to bed, and do my stretches.

On that note, I appreciate y'all giving me feedback on a non-racey name for the inter-galacticly famous RaceDay Bag™.

Pedal Bag and Ride Bag were the top 2 suggestions.  I like PEDALbag from a marketing standpoint because it leverages PEDALindustries.  I like RIDEbag because we all ride.  Stay-tuned the final decision.  Video will launch soon.

Mike G 1st and Amy L, were 1st and 15th respectively.  New waterbottles are on their way to them.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

Everyone else can get these beautiful bottles delivered for a scant twenty bucks... 

... yes, including shipping, $20.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

---

162.7
Stretch and Hypervolt
8
https://www.strava.com/activities/4848621940

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FOR THOSE ABOUT TO RIDE - I NEED YOUR HELP

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO RIDE - I NEED YOUR HELP

Feb 24, 2021 TODD BROWN

OUR FRIEND MONICA GARRISON IS BEING FEATURED ON TODAY.  She is the founder of Black Girls Do Bike, 25000 strong and growing.  If you're wondering how to grow your club or team or cause check out what Monica is up to on Today or Facebook or on her site Black Girls Do Bike. ...

... I think it's more important than ever we keep connected and motivated to maximize our health, which is the mission of BGDB.

All this got me thinking that while the RaceDay Bag™ has been a hit, we are missing all the I Don't Race peeps.  So I'm asking ya for some help with more general name for a new campaign...

... because you are the best people I know.

The motivation is to help more people have more excellent days when they travel to a ride or an indoor class.

Choice are:

  • RideBag
  • PedalBag
  • CycleBag
  • _____________ (your suggestions welcome)

 Muchos thanks for the help.

First and 15th person to respond will get some new waterbottles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

Everyone else can get these beautiful bottles delivered for a scant twenty bucks... 

... yes, including shipping, $20.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

---

163.1
42 PullUps, 84 Burpees
8.2
https://www.strava.com/activities/4845287382

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I'M SICK OF ALL THESE EXCUSES, LIKE #BIKECOIN

I'M SICK OF ALL THESE EXCUSES, LIKE #BIKECOIN

Feb 23, 2021 TODD BROWN

I COULDA BEEN A CONTENDER?  Heck, I was a contender. Something has happened.  Not only don't I contend, I don't even give it a shot.  And I can't even tell you when it started.  How did I get here?...

... this is not my pathetic attitude.

Actually it is.

... this is not my heavish bike.

Actually, that is also true.

... this is not my slovenly body.

And yes, that in actuality is slightly true.

That's how I felt when I rolled out the door today...

... defeated.

But, somewhere along the way I felt a little encouraged.

Was it the sunrise?

The easier than usual pace at the start?

Hard to say.

All I can tell is I was huffingandpuffing up all the climbs while everyone else was chatting and telling jokes.

My lungs hurt, and my throat burned.

I'm gonna ditch two of the three lame excuses, attitude and body, and maybe if the #bikecoin crisis ever ends I'll get the parts for that new, half-built road bike...

... I'll be a contender.

For sure it helped to have lathered up with PR Lotion.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion

I've created a lot of believers in this lotiony potion.  So much so that on the way to our vicious MTB ride last Saturday Chris shot me a text

Whether or not you've ever used PR Lotion, you'll want to use the promo code: PRme

It'll save ya 10% on your entire order, and get ya free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery/products/amp-pr-lotion

---

162.7
21 PullUps, 42 PushUps
6.5 hrs sleep (not enough!)
https://www.strava.com/activities/4836672634

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NOBODY CAN KEEP UP WITH ME ON AN EASY DAY

NOBODY CAN KEEP UP WITH ME ON AN EASY DAY

Feb 22, 2021 TODD BROWN

I KNOW IT'S BOLD TO SAY NOBODY CAN KEEP UP WITH ME ON MY EASY DAYS.  If it weren't true, I wouldn't make such an utterly outrageous claim.  But it is a cold hard reality that my easy day pace is just too...

... brutally slow.

Somehow I have garnered the underserved reputation of hauling boodwah all the time.  Its unfortunate because there's a whole slew of peeps I'd love to ride with on my easy days.

Every now and again someone will tag along... they are totally unprepared for the insanely slow pace.  They never come back, dawgawnit.

Here's an easy way to remember my formula.  Think of a 24 hour day.

  • 8 hours for work
  • 8 hours for living
  • 8 hours for sleep

That's basically my training week.

  • 1/3 intensity - 2 days, Tuesday and Saturday
  • 1/3 tempo - 2 days, Wednesday and Friday
  • 1/3 easy - 2 days or 1 day, Monday and maybe Thursday

Simple enough.

The fact is, it's even easier than that because Friday is a lot more like Monday.  Easy with a few short efforts, at most.

How easy?

Well, just look at today (Monday):  120 bpm, 10.1 mph... Strava suggests I stay under 360 for recovery, todays ride was 27.

Here's the money ->  Only by going slow can we ever hope to truly haulbooty when it matters.

Where ya gonna keep money like that?  In your soul.

Where ya gonna keep your greenbacks, c cards, and ID?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet

Right here in the only wallet made from bicycle innertubes.  

You do know why this is the perfect material right?  Well, because it's water and sweat resistant and because it holds everything you need when on the go...

... but the best part is the rubber is super grippy, and once it's in your jersey pocket it will never ever ever ever come out on it's own.

Trust me.

Best part... it's $20 delivered to your mailbox.  Including shipping.  Crazy, I know.

Just click here to order:  

https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet

---

163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt (almost everyday, don't always post it)
14 PullUps, 28 Burpees
8 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4831136024

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JOE ROGAN MADE ME DO IT

JOE ROGAN MADE ME DO IT

Feb 21, 2021 TODD BROWN

JOE ROGAN WAS RAVING ABOUT THIS BOOK ON A PODCAST, Natural Born Heroes.  Because I'm always down to read and study what's going on in other sports to see if I bring something new to my code, I took his recommendation.  It's a wild and heroic tale of real histry, definitely a good read...

... I burned through it in a few days.

In the end it reminded me of a magical day racing.  Before I get there, here are a few of the nuggets I mined:

  • True heroism is motivated by compassion
  • You aren't an adult until you can rescue someone
  • The holy trinity:  PullUps, Burpees, Squats
  • Burn fat for fuel to go the distance
  • The mediterranean diet is king
  • Go slow to go fast

It's that last one I'm having trouble reconciling at the moment.  In past years, I've been focused on real tests of endurance:  Leadville, VisionQuest, Tahoe 100.  But, lately I've been road racing and doing some short XC races.

In these short races there are moments of violence that if you miss them, it's pretty much over....

Screw up the start of an XC race and you'll never make it to the front. 

Same goes for road racing.  If you miss the winning break it's over. 

... ya just can't go slow - the distance too short, decisive moment to quick

But, the book brings up Mark Allen.  6 time Ironman champ, known as The Grip.  Because as the races drew to an end if he had you in his sites he'd run you down.  You had no chance.

All that reminded me of something I used to have my best day ever at Counting Coup, Tahoe 100, and most recently at Leadville.

I call it The Pace.

Natural Born Heroes definitely alludes to this as the heroes live up to their Greek origins fighting the Nazis in WW2.

I need to get back to that type of training, especially with Cactus Cup in 3 weeks and Sagebrush Safari after that.  I might have waited too long.  We'll see.

Thinking about The Pace today, while finishing the book, I realized I left it out of The Leadville Letters.

Shame on me.

It's critical info for anybody looking to go the distance.  

So, I'm going to add it to the letters and ship it out to everybody made a previous purchase.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters

If you've got something epic on your RaceDay Calendar™, then you might want to have these handy letters in your library too.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/books-n-such/products/the-leadville-letters

---

163.4
Stretch and HyperVolt (almost everyday, don't always post it)
8.2 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4827006272

 

View Details
SAME AS IT NEVER WAS

SAME AS IT NEVER WAS

Feb 20, 2021 TODD BROWN

THE TRAIL SPLITS AND WE ALWAYS GO TO THE RIGHT.  Been doing if for decades.  I've stopped, looked to the left...

... and just kept going to the right.

Not today.

Fittingly, the name of the trail is Viejo Tie -> I am old, and I prayed it would tie back into where we wanted to end up.  

It wasn't much of a prayer, I was prettydamnsure this was the famed trail nobody ever rides because if you have a mishap nobody will ever find you.  Plus, there are bonus points if you can make it without dabbing...

... mission not accomplished.

Yet, still accomplished.

The whole point of today's ride was to get on some terrain that would beat the crud out of us...

... get the blood flowing inside and outside our mortalness.

In that we were most successful. 

Plenty of scrapes, dandy dabs, and a wholelotta Damnman we should be able to ride this!

When we got back on familiar, easier terrain the results where immediate.  We cleared a number of features we might normally walk, and Chris PeeYar'd the long and ridiculously fun final 30 minute downhill. 

This is not the first time I've confirmed R. Frost's claim...

... nor will it be the last.

The reason for today's adventure is the Cactus Cup looming 3 weeks out.  I can see it on my great, big, giant, amazing RaceDay Calendar™.  March 11-14 is circled in red.  

The terrain is very similar to the racecourse out in Arizona.  Only harder, and ideally will make us fasterbetterstronger.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

The calendars are awesome.  27" wide x 50" tall

  • printed on our beautiful bag fabric
  • grommets to hang up, and remove easily
  • foldable for travel
  • ... and we can make them in your team colors with your team's special dates highlighted.

For $30, delivered.

 

Yes, for just a few bucks you can have this calendar delivering inspiration all year long.

Order here: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

---

163.6
21 PullUps 21 Burpees
7 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/4820131182

 

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DO YOU HAVE BAR ENVE?

DO YOU HAVE BAR ENVE?

Feb 19, 2021 TODD BROWN

WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS SILLY CHALLENGE... some people straight up refuse.  I don't know if it's out of embarrassment or inability or if they are offended.  Today we had more takers than usual.  Anybody who walks in we ask 'em...

... How many pullups can you do?

Then we point to the pullup bar.

After the pullups...

... How about pushups?

Now before you ask yourself what the helk does that have to do with bike riding... let me just share the results.

WH
3 Pullups - 40 Pushups

SD
1 Pullup - 0 Pushups

MS
10 Pullups - 0 Pushups

JE
15 Pullups - 7 Pushups

Ok, now you can ask... What the helk does that have to do with bike riding?

Honestly, I'm not exactly sure.

But, I was thinking about it lately since more than a few of my friends have managed to fall off their bikes and get pretty banged up. 

Could it be they are weak? 

Pullups require a fair amount of hand strength, and tendon strength through out your arms and back.

Pushups require a lot of chest, tricep and core strength.

All I can tell ya is since finishing Living With A Seal and getting on this Pullup and Pushup kick ...

... I feel a helluvalot stronger on all my bikes

  • Out of the saddle climbing and sprinting
  • Steep descents on the local trails
  • Seated, technical MTB climbs
  • Bunnyhopping and other quick moves

Would this have helped my pals stay on their bikes?  I dunno, but it makes carrying in the groceries a lot easier.

I do sets throughout the day.  However many pullups, I do twice as many pushups.  I try and keep my form - no swinging on the pullups and shoulders as high as the bar; back flat and legs locked on the pushups, all the way down and all the way up.

Right now I'm doing sets of 7/14.  The goal is to do 5 sets of 10/20 each day, minimum 5 days a week.  I think I'll be able to do that by my birthday in April.

Steve installed a sweet bar in our rafters, and Chris wrapped it with the most excellent ENVE bar tape.  

It's so grippy and soft.

Just what you'd want on your handle bars.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-enve-composites-handlebar-tape-black

If you're looking for some super sweet bar tape, here it is.

Use this promo code:  BARENVE

It'll save ya 10% and get ya free shippin'.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-enve-composites-handlebar-tape-black

 

---

162.9
35 PullUps 70 PushUps 
8 solid hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4813488611

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WHEN REGGIE MILLER SPEAKS...

WHEN REGGIE MILLER SPEAKS...

Feb 18, 2021 TODD BROWN

NBA SUPERSTAR REGGIE MILLER IS PART OF OUR LOCAL MOUNTAIN BIKE SCENE.  Racing.  Putting up prize money. Buying RaceDay Bags™ for his team, Boombaby.  When he commented on a video I posted on the Instagram today...

... then, and only then, was I sure we were onto something.

But, let me give you some background.

Lately, I've realized just how useless I've become.  Having tacked a bike shop on to our online empire, staffed with a pro mechanic named The Wrench to bail me out regularly, has only made my uselessness more useless.

It's embarrassing.

We, me for sure, oughtta be able to fix our bikes.  Because if we can't fix our own bikes how the helk are we gonna help anybody else roadside, trailside or gravelside?

I was thinking all that when it me...

Fix a man's bike and he can ride for a day,
Teach a man to fix his bike and he can ride forever.

So, I walked around the corner and shot impromtu this video

 Which I posted and which the great Reggie Miller commented That's actually TRUE...

So count me in as a dude who is recommitted to becoming a kickarse garage mechanic.

And why not?

It's a helluva a lot better than HuluFlix.

How am I gonna do it?  The same way you can. 

Next time I need some work done I'm going to schedule Chris and let him know I want to watch and learn.  Easy enough.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-wrench-calendar

I'm also going to get a good set of tools for home that I can travel with.

In the meantime, I'll keep my hands protected with the most awesomest, lightest, airiest race gloves ever...

... and my feet cozy in our socks knitted in these united states using EZ Breathe Yarns and FastMax compression technology.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

And I highly encourage you do the same.  With this BuyOneGetOne promo code - > REGGIE

Now if you're thinking it's too cold for the superlight awesome stuff... the weather is going to be perfect before you know it, and won't new gloves and socks be a joy to pull on when it's time?

A scant $25 will get you the gloves and the socks, shipping is free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

---

163.8
28 PullUps 56 PushUps 
8 solid hours sleep
no ride - boohoo

View Details
A RUT BY ANY OTHER NAME

A RUT BY ANY OTHER NAME

Feb 17, 2021 TODD BROWN

IF A RUT IS A GRAVE WITH THE ENDS KICKED OUT, what is a rut filled in by the county tractor?  I'll tell what it is, one of the most lethal tricks in the book...

... but, is there a name for such hazards?

They are phrases for sure, and depending on who you're talking to the phrase will range from grateful to hateful. 

A hiker, might appreciate a rut being filled in.  Just moseying along, it is nice to have a smooth surface on which to plant one's boot even if it's a little loose.

A runner, moving a little faster and hitting the ground with more force, if not careful, could turn an ankle.  Lucky for them, they aren't really going all that fast and have time to adjust course accordingly.

But a rider, a racer, like you and I...

... letting it all hang out, possibly at night, might come whipping around a familiar corner and realize too late - if at all! - that things have changed.  The ruts are gone...

... that's what the new rider might think, Oh look it's all smooth now.  Yippee!...

... Not us.  We see that change and our PEDALsense is on high alert, Oh crud, the ruts are gone which means the county tractor rolled through and filled them with loose dust and a couple of rocks. Be careful Joe or we're going down!

Yep, we really think all that and maybe a few saltier words in a micronanomiliseocnd.

We search madly to find the old ruts and avoid them because we know if we hit them with speed the wheels will drop in and we'll be an instant yardsale.

It happens so quick.

Ruts.

This is about the point where I come up with some new, clever name for ruts recently filled in by the county tractor.  But, I got nothing.  No new word.

No pithy way to describe the feeling we've had, lurking beneath that newly smooth dirt is a disaster waiting to happen.

Can't win 'em all.

But, you can win the Ultimate RaceDay Bag™ - custom bag, custom kit, custom poncho, custom KOM jacket, custom RaceDay Calendar™ and a bunch of other goodies.

Check it out:  https://pedalindustries.com/pages/3000-enve-wheel-giveaway

---

165.2 - the horror!
42 PullUps 84 PushUps 30 leg to shoulder press
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4805024710

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FLAT INNA LUCK

FLAT INNA LUCK

Feb 16, 2021 TODD BROWN

YA KNOW....... SOMETIMES IT'S BETTER TO STAY IN BED.  But, I never do.  Even when I get home late the night before, even when the ground is soaked, even when the Wahoo isn't charged...

... I charge out the door for TMWC.

And that soaked ground is always risky on road tires, right? 

I think the flats per ride goes up a million percent on wet days. I wasn't worrying about it this morning...

... getting a flat...

... because ya know, tubeless.  In fact, I've been consciously wreckless since going tubeless.  Purposely not paying attention like I did in my tubed days.

Psssssst psssssst psssssssssst.

Flat!

Oh man, we got time to change it.

Not changing it, got this handydandy plug.

And I did have a handydandy plug.  Jammed it in the toobigtosealwithsealant hole, yanked it out, shot in some CO2.  Just like the commercial said, except the CO2 shot right back out.

I wasn't surprised. 

This is exactly what happened last time we experimented with the Stan's Dart system at the shop.  If the hole is too small, the dart head separates from the feathery things meant to fill the hole.  It's a big fail.

Luckily for me, Steve was driving over and stopped to lend a hand and a CO2 cartridge.  

The second dart I shoved more slowlier.  Then even slowlier extracted the dart shover.  Said a prayer.  Filled it up.  

Success!

I wasn't suprised.

It supposed to work that way.  

There is somewhat of an art to all these dartlike systems for patching a hole too gaping for sealant.  With the Stan's, if the hole is just barelytoobigforsealant the dart must be shoved in carefully.

Anyway, I sent the guys on ahead and turned around.  Figured it would be better to be close to home in case the system failed.  Rode for 30ish miles. 

It's still holding air perfectly now, hours later.

Even though you can see the feathery thingies, you really don't feel them when riding.  Part of the reason could be that this all happened on the BMC URS which has 20 millimeters of travel in the rear.

The temptation, when you're surrounded with new tires like I am, is to throw a new one on.  But, I think I'm going to really test this out for a few hundred miles.

It's good to practice flat repairs.  Tubeless or tubed.  Not too long ago, flats were things you got once a month, or more.  It was a skill every rider honed and could easily perform.  These days not so much.

Which is why I say Every day is RaceDay.  Especially today.  I got a little more practice with the darts and reminded myself to carry more than one CO2.  One could say this was a fortuitus time to flat:  not in a turn, not in a hurry, not in a race... a good time to practice.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

It's still beanie weather, so you probably don't want this hat yet.  But, then again maybe you do.  Even if it's just hanging in the garage by the Zwifty set up.

According to our website, this hat sells for twentyfour dollars and ninety seven cents, which is such a weird number.  I don't know what we were thinking.  So just remember this...

25 bucks, delivered to your door.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/every-day-is-raceday-trucker-curved-bill-adjustable-hat

 ---

164.2 lbs - not bad after 5 days on the road eating junk
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4797003122

 

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I FINALLY STRUCK 3 OUT OF 5 GOLD IN SEDONA

I FINALLY STRUCK 3 OUT OF 5 GOLD IN SEDONA

Feb 15, 2021 TODD BROWN

SEDONA, AZ. FEB 15 2021.  It’s 29 degrees.  The sun ain’t quite up.  But you are.  And you want to have the best day ever mountainbiking Sedona AZ...

... What are ya gonna do?

Well, the obvious first move is to look up the closest 3 out of 5 stars rated greasy spoon... ‘cause the heaterless PEDALvan is fffffffffreezing.

Now, why a 3 out of 5?

  • You know all the touristy snobs won’t be there.
  • The locals will be.
  • There will be plenty of grease.
  • The price will be cheap.

Let me introduce you to The Coffee Pot.  $7: eggs and sausage and French toast. 

Perfect.

An hour later, we’re stuffed and warm and have a plan thanks to the Trail Forks app I’ve been studying. 

It’s warmed up to about 40, but it’s a dry freezing. 

Not terrible. 

The only terrible thing was my app reading skills.  In no time, we are riding along a cliff edge on some fine Arizona sandstone.  I like the challenge.  Surfergirl... well, she later admitted to wanting to cry. 

It got better.

We got off the Most Difficult trail after a bit, onto Intermediate, and finished with a downhill Green.

This is my third or fourth time to Sedona.  I’ve never had a great riding experience.  The first couple of times we had no idea where to ride and I’m pretty sure the locals purposely pointed us in the wrong direction. 

A few months back I visited my friends Hardtail Party and Dusty Betty.  Hardtail took Chris and I out for some raucous and righteous singletrack.  If it weren’t a million degrees that day, I probably would have gotten the Sedona bug.  But it was, and we suffered mightily under the sun.

Today... today was a new day.  My best Sedona day ever.

While Surfergirl recuperated, The Old Diesel went out to shred.  I took another stab at Trail Forks and found a bunch of sweet singletrack.

The trails were most excellent, after a heavy rain two days prior.  Hero dirt.  Plenty of berms and jumps.  Miles and miles of goodness.

Finally, I found something perfect for my lady and swung back to coax her out... and found her out hiking along the same trail.

I found some good stuff, you’ll love it.

Let me see the app.

Right here.

That’s where we supposed to go last time.

Uhhhhh... let’s go!

Okay.

... yeah, way more than ok.  I’m definitely coming back.  Not for the 6-mile hike...

... for the endless challenging and playful mountain bike trails, stunning views and the locals at The Coffee Pot.

I wouldn't change a thing.

But, I did change using the internationally famous Changing Poncho.  The custom one I made for the PEDALposse.  

More and more teams are starting to order these ponchos to go inside their incredibly awesome RaceDay Bags™. 

Can ya blame 'em?

Can ya join 'em?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

 

Of course you can join us... order an InStock poncho with this link below or send me a note and we'll design a custom poncho for you and yours.

No minimum required.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

---

? lbs - traveling with family and feeling bloatederish
100 PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4793751282
https://www.strava.com/activities/4793753187

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THE LOVE WE DO FOR THINGS

THE LOVE WE DO FOR THINGS

Feb 14, 2021 TODD BROWN

ONE OF THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE IS SHOW HOW BUFF WE ARE.  And we are, right?  Rippling legs, sinewy arms.  Everybody loves buffness. It's so useful.  In a bind...

... call my kind.

Until, well, someone actually calls or says something like...

We rode bikes yesterday for you, today I want to do a long hike for me.

And we say to ourselves... Hike.  Sheesh.  What could be easier than a hike with these tree trunks of mine?

Sounds great.

There's a really pretty one.  It's seven miles.

And we say to ourselves... 7 miles, no prob.

It was going so well.  Surfergirl plotted the hike, filled up our bottles, grabbed some fruity things.  Off we went.

Straight up for the first 3 miles.

Took just over an hour.

I barely broke a sweat.

But, here's where things got ugly.  Seems maybe we ain't as buff as we think. 

First, I was wearing these old New Balance Minimus shoes.  As in minimal to nonexistent padding.  As someone who rarely wears anything but flipflops and who only walks long distances in the sand this was quickly turning into misery on the balls of my feet.

Second, within about a mile on the return these tree trunks of mine were chopped into kindling.  We aren't tough at all when it comes to the jarring of each downward step.  The quads were definitely lighting up.

Third, and my favorite because it's gonna be around for at least a week, by the time we got back to the PEDALvan I was sure I'd developed a solid case of shin splints.

There are the things we do for love.

These are also the things we suffer for our love of getting around on two wheels vs two feet.

I'm just glad it turned out to be 6 miles vs the promised 7.

Speaking of promises...

... I can promise you we are nearly out of these beautiful bottles.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

Get 'em while you can.

$20.

Delivered.... yes, the 2-pack.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

---

? lbs - traveling with family and feeling bloateder
80 PushUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4788749699

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IT'S BACKWARDS DAY

IT'S BACKWARDS DAY

Feb 14, 2021 TODD BROWN

GOT IN 2 MOSTEXCELLENT RIDES TODAY.  The first was with my pal Markell and his Best pal.  The second started with Surfergirl and ended with Sufferdiesel...

... both were kinda backwards, which has a few significant benefits.

Generally, Markell and Mike Best have their way with me.  But, poor young Markell's fire for cycling needs some new fuel.

I think he got it today.

We met at the Hawes/Canal area outside of Phoenix.  TBH, this singletrack is so good I'm surprised it's still legal.  Surely someone will find out humans are having a ball and nobody is collecting rent on this happiness.

Imagine endless singletrack, as far as you can see, and your mouth hurting at the end due to a constant grin.  Yep, it's that good.

Mike schooled us both.  Up and down.  But, for a rare moment I got best of Markell.  I know this bugged him.  He's a legit D1 athlete.  Competitive is an understatement.

So that was backwards ride number one... me beating Markell into submission, kinda, with the noble purpose of stoking his MTB fire.

The other started off correctly, ended backwards.

Surfergirl and I snagged a campspot in the overflow at McDowell Mountain Regional Park... site of next month's Cactus Cup.  We took a leisurelyforme ride up to the top of the racecourse.  She was on her limit, I was working on my onelegged drills and trackstand.

But, true to form she had some good game on the downhill.  Always has, always will.

After an hour I shot out for some hot time on the racecourse. 

Immediately took a wrong turn and found myself going up the 3rd leg of the Enduro stage. 

Then, around a technical section of the XC stage.  In reverse.

I did manage to get myself back to the start of the TT course and ride that in the correct direction, part of which we race in reverse/down for the last leg of the Enduro.

That's when it hit me.

Something I've always done when time permits, but you may not have considered for race prep.

Riding the course in reverse allows a racer to see things differently.  For example that first Enduro section is not nearly as steep as I remember it.  I rode it easily, which probably means I could go even faster.  

The section of XC I rode in reverse, which I remembered being much more punchy is actually quite manageable.

But, the very best part of all this desert riding is getting on the terrain and messing with my tire pressures. 

I rode 25ish last time I raced out here.  

It worked well, and no flats.

Today I went as low as 19lbs. 

Sure the traction was nice, but that puncture I got and the subsequent slow leak was quite unwelcome.... especially as the sun had set and the shadows were long gone.  

I was miles from camp.

The thought of hoofing it in stiff, carbon soles was terrible. 

Fortunately for me, I was carrying my miniRaceDay Bag™. 

Inside was a canister, a nozzle and some plugs.  I couldn't find a hole big enough to plug, so I gave it a shot of CO2 and easily got back with a pinch of twilight.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag

We make these from bicycle innertubes.  They are very light weight and tuck up under your saddle.

The pic above and this one show the road version which is all I use these days as I don't carry tubes any more.  Risky, I know.

They are $20.  Ship free.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag

 ---

? lbs - traveling with family and feeling bloated
80 PushUps
8 hours sleep - this is killing me
https://www.strava.com/activities/4782015830
https://www.strava.com/activities/4783267363

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SANDBAGGING FOR DUMMIES

SANDBAGGING FOR DUMMIES

Feb 12, 2021 TODD BROWN

THE WORST SANDBAGGING I EVER SAW WAS RACING MOTOS IN THE CALIFORNIA HIGH DESERT.  A certifiable pro lined up next to me in Novice.  Never saw him again...

... which is a lot like MTB vs Road.

MTB has a tradition that is much more wild west.  Sign up for what you feel you can, should, want to handle.

Whereas, the stuffier side of the sport, the road racers, force everybody through a set of hoops many fail to even finish.  And track... you can't even get on the track without completing a few classes.

And that's where the sandbagging comes in...

... while there are always few wolves in the henhouse looking for an easy win, I have to say MTB has the most offenders.

Why?

Welp, because in MTB you can waltz in and sign up for any category, there is less of an ego stroke in saying I'm an X level racer.

Conversely on the road, and more so on the track, you have to earn you way up to the higher levels.  Hence, saying I'm a X Category racer means something.

All that to say the MTB side has the most winers when it comes to being kicked out of a lower level for winning too much.

I know there's some sort of life lesson in there, but I can't put my finger on it.  

It's probably something like we cherish most what we pay the most for - whether it be blood, treasure or time.

Or is it... we care least for the things that are given to us.

Nah... its sandbagging is for dummies.

Because, the best of any of these disciplines are always at the top.  And few, if any, are in for the easy win... they best always want to be the best, of the best.

The best are planners.  

They look at the entire year and pick their one or two races.  Oh, they'll race a lot.  To practice, to get to know the competition, etc.  But, look at their calendar and guaranteed there is only a few races circled in red.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

 

You can get this giant beauty which measures 27" wide X 50 inches tall for a scant $30.

Yep, for 30 smackers you can plan out your year and the various smackdown you intend to deliver or have delivered.

Can you see it there in your garage?

Motivating you?

Or what about one with your team graphics and sponsors?

$30.

Delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

 ---

? lbs - traveling with family and feeling bloated
100 PushUps
6 hours sleep - this is killing me
no ride

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UCI ANNOUNCES DROPPER POST BAN!

UCI ANNOUNCES DROPPER POST BAN!

Feb 11, 2021 TODD BROWN

IN AN EFFORT TO GET AHEAD OF POSITION DOPING, the almighty and glorious governing body of cyclng, The UCI, has decreed dropper posts to be illegal in all forms of bicycle racing.  We want to congratulate this bold move...

... only enlightened visionaries could see Droppergate far on the horizon.

Head of Technical Advancement & Safety, Dr. Enrich Von Schmartypants, was captured on Zoom.

Vee are wery concernded with da safety of da pros.

Really?

Ya.  Day are taking big risks with da superduperpooper tuck.

Do explain.

Ju see, in da superduperpooper tuck position not only it's likely to lose control of da bicycle but da pooper as well.

Da pooper?

Ja!, just look at der position.  Turn it precisely 90 degrees and you see da poop gonna come out.  Just a matter of time.

Has it been documented?

Just a matter of da time.  Da rider gonna poop during da race.  Could easily have been Herr Doumolin.

Oh...

And da sponsor logo gonna be covered in da poop.  Dhat's too dangerous for der sport.  We already losing so much sponsor euros.

So, it's about the euros then?

It's always about da euros ju dumbpoop.

There you have it folks.  Sell those droppers before the bottoms drops out of the market like steamy...

...  wisdom from The UCI.

Fortunately, and I do mean very fortunately, neither the UCI nor it's step-child USACycling have much say in most races around these parts.

So, as I start to fill in my RaceDay Calendar™ I'm not worried about their many, silly rules. 

I'm really digging the Eddy Merckx version of the calendar.

Check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

Look at those eyes.

The determination.

Confidence.

It inspires the helk outta me.

You can get this giant beauty which measures 27" wide X 50 inches tall for a scant $30.

Yep, for 30 smackers you can plan out your year and the various smackdown you intend to deliver or have delivered.

Can you see it there in your garage?

Motivating you?

Or what about one with your team graphics and sponsors?

$30.

Delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

 ---

165.4 (very late family dinner, ugh I have no will power when it comes to fresh, hot sourdough bread.  none.)
18 PullUps 70 PushUps
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4771271357

 

 

 

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SPEAKING OF BIG CATS

SPEAKING OF BIG CATS

Feb 10, 2021 TODD BROWN

WE SET UP THIS TERRIBLE PRACTICE COURSE.  Really hard... 3.77 miles long with 780' feet of elevation gain per lap, and all the downhill is single track. It’s perfect...

... for me to get gapped.

As the laps wore on, the other's lights got further and further ahead.

There was no doubt.  I was not up to the pace.

Slower on the climbs.
Slower on the drops.  
Slower...
... than some really fast cats.

Speaking of cats.

Lots of sitings lately. 

The big ones, 130 poundsish. 

You know the kind that run 40 mph.

Jump 20 ft.

Attack from behind.

Well I’m thinking about these stealthy killing machines...

... and that saying about being faster than your friend being more important than being faster than the really big, fast cat, that wants to snap my neck and claw my guts out...

... which gets me going. 

if you’re really into getting going at night, this light set up is really sweet.  A huge beam on my bars and a nice spotlight on my helmet.

Perfect for charging hard when the friends are gone and imagination is riding wild.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-o-d-s-night-set-up 

Use promo code: BIGCAT

To save over $50.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/t-o-d-s-night-set-up 

 ---

164
54 PullUps 108 PushUps 108 Squat to Press
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4768502383

 

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NASTY HABIT BATTLE

NASTY HABIT BATTLE

Feb 09, 2021 TODD BROWN

I HAVE A NASTY HABIT BATTLE GOING... not the Flying Nun kind.  This is the kind of habit battle that could kill a rider if he wasn't careful. That's how habits are, they get burned in...

... and can leave us burned out.

I'm not burned out yet.  But, as they say...

.. the struggle is real.

The first habit is the wind down.  Each evening, around 9 or so, I start shutting 'er down.

You know... mindless TV, stretching, and some serious HyperVolting.

This process lasts about an hour.  It's enjoyable and signals to my helmet holder Time to sleep big boy.

That's a pretty good habit to have, resulting in nearly 8 hours of sleep most nights.

The other habit is every Tuesday morning...

... up at 5am.

Meet the boys and girls at the corner for the weekly leg ripping affair.

Also a good habit, keeping us all light and lean cycling fiends.

And there is the nasty battle....

Like today.

The wind down started at 930 last night, ended at 1020.  

The 5am habit sometimes is so locked in I rise sans alarm at 450.

Result, 6 1/2 hours of sleep.

Heap on a true beatdown of ride like today...

... and The Old Diesel morphs into The Worthless Very Old Diesel.

But Diesel, start the wind down earlier... you'll be fine.  

I hear you. 

But these two habits are deep.

Like ruts...

... you know, Ruts!

... graves with the ends kicked out.

Hopefully, this battle won't kill me...

... and Friedrich I'm derned sure it ain't makin' me stronger!

The thing that is saving me, I believe, is that HyperVolt.

It's the weirdest recovery tool I've ever used.

Most recovery is awful.

Ice bath : Misearable

Epsom Salt Bath : Awkward and messy

Essential Oils : Hard to tell

Massage : Costly and time consuming

You probably have a few secret home remedies you swear by, but I don't.  I didn't.  Until I got my hands on one of these.

If I could distill it down to one sentence, and I can, I'd say...

... A few minutes on the painful muscles and the pain goes away.

If I could shrink that down to one word, and I will, I'd say ...

... Easy.

By easy I mean it's super easy to use.  Super convenient.  

And, you'll be super happy if you use this super promo code which will save you $$$$ and get you free shipping.

The code is WINTHEBATTLE and it will save you 35 smackers.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery/products/hypervolt-w-bluetooth

 ---

163.6
24 PullUps 48 PushUps
6.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4761011137

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SEEING IS BELIEVING, HEARING IS KNOWING

SEEING IS BELIEVING, HEARING IS KNOWING

Feb 08, 2021 TODD BROWN

SEEING OUR PROGRESS BUILDS BELIEVE IN OUR PROCESS.  A perfect example is all the pushups and pullups I've been doing for about a month to get stronger for MTB season and life in general.  No joke, I look slightly less like a T-Rex.  But, the best part...

... they are getting easier, a lot easier.

Plus, I felt a lot stronger on Saturday's race course:  punchy climbs and technical drops.

That's the seeing part.

The hearing part is different.

On a smooth section of road with few cars buzzing me, I pedaled my MTB this morning.  The treads are wide, the pressure low.  I could hear the power being put down on the road.

The sound was smooth.

Not vrmmmm, vrmmmm, vrmmmm... 

but, vrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

It reminded me of a chat with Gibby Hatton about smooth pedal strokes.  He said BMXrs put down the smoothest power because no clips.  MTBrs second smoothest because no traction.  Roadies the worst because no feedback.

If you have a trainer, you can easily hear your pedal stroke...

... and know if it's smooth or not.

Smooth is faster, more efficient.  

Better.

I like to see stuff, whether it's results or visualizing the future.

But, the question I have for you is can you see Eddy Merckx in this calendar?

Can you see his eyes?

Determination?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2/products/eddie-merckx-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar

It looks outstanding in real life.  27" wide X 50" tall.

A perfect place to plan out the year's adventures.

$30.

Delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2/products/eddie-merckx-raceday%E2%84%A2-calendar

 ---

164.5 (superbowl got me good)
35 PullUps 70 PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4755920548

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TOP 3 REASONS NOT TO BUY ENVE WHEELS

TOP 3 REASONS NOT TO BUY ENVE WHEELS

Feb 07, 2021 TODD BROWN

BRYSON AND I WERE TALKING ABOUT WHEEL CHOICE FOR LEADVILLE A FEW YEARS AGO.  Shocking, I know.  Because what self-respecting cyclist would ever talk about wheel choice? Uh...

... everysingleone.  

Wheels matter,.

(We know Diesel, get on with the story.)

Anyway, there we were talking about wheels choice... mind you, he's won Leadville twice, is a national champ in MTB Marathon, etc...

I looking at getting some new wheels for PbVille.  What are you running?

ENVEs, even though ENVEs are a little heavier.

Why run 'em?

Because I trust them.

Which reminds me of my own intro to ENVEs.  I was running brand X, and they kept warping and breaking.  Finally my very awesome local bike shop got the money back from brand X and hooked me up with my first set of ENVEs.

Road wheels, 3.4s.

Rode 'em 3 years, never trued 'em.  Ever. 

#3 Reason not to purchase ENVEs is the price.  Which is why I was on Brand X to begin with.  ENVEs will cost you an arm and a leg, but in the end I can honestly say the are veryvery cost effective.

You'd think, of course, if you're gonna pay that much then you oughta be able to get them quickly.

Nope.

#2 Reason not to purchase ENVEs is you have to wait.  It's probably a bad analogy, but you know how you can get a BigMac quicker than Sagan can snag a sprint?  Well, ordering ENVEs is more like waiting for a juicy steak at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

Totally worth it.

I realize, I kinda left the Bryson story hanging... didn't connect the dots.

Here you go.

#1 Reason not to purchase ENVEs is there will be no excuse for not getting it done. By it I mean, your PR/Win/KOM thingy you're chasing.  A lot of people like to have excuses of why things didn't work out.  So, if you're one of those types you don't get ENVEs.

They are reliable.

Strong.

Fast.

If you can handle not being able to blame your wheels for poor performance...

If you're okay waiting many weeks for perfection...

If you've got a few extra bucks...

Let's chat.

We are an ENVE dealer, and I'd love to hook you up with just the right set for your bike...

... just reply to this email.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/enve-wheels

 ---

162.7
HyperVolt/Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4751970787

 

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WHY I LOVE TO RACE MOUNTAIN BIKES

WHY I LOVE TO RACE MOUNTAIN BIKES

Feb 06, 2021 TODD BROWN

I LOVE ALL KINDS OF RACING.  Bikes for sure, and cars and motos and skateboards and paddleboards and running and skipping and... But, when it comes to bicycle racing there's something about mountain bike racing...

... because of something it lacks.

It's unlike road racing, and though I've only dipped my cleat in gravel racing I'd say it leans more toward road than MTB.

The reason I like MTB so much is at the end of the race.

Not the finish line.

I mean, generally, the races are so damned hard the finish line is a very welcome site.

But the thing I really like is seeing the placings...

... and the times.

You see, in a road race a breakaway can get on up the road and put big chunks of time into the group.  So when you look at the placings things are distorted.  Unlike MTB, where the placings so obviously point out the truth.

The reason for that, of course, is there is very little to no drafting on the MTB.  It's much more mano a mano. You either have the goods or you don't.

Which brings me back to the placings, and what I like.

I like to look at those final times and see the guys who trounced me, and see the time gaps... because I'll go away, like today, and think to myself...

... sure as helk I can close those 2 minutes and get my arse up a couple of placings.

Now you might be thinking Wait a minute Diesel, that could be done in a road time trial as well.. But, you'd be mostly wrong.

You see, in a road time trial... well, yes, you can improve... but not like you can MTB racing.  

There are many more places to improve in MTB racing, mostly in this order:

  • The start, from a good spot on the grid to holding max effort well into the first singletrack.
  • Handling skills can be dramatically improved simply riding the MTB a lot more, over a lot more challenging terrain.
  • Because the MTB requires so much more upper body strength, regular pull ups and push ups and core work can make those final laps much faster.
  • Bike set up, sure road has position and aeroness and tire pressure... but, MTB has those plus suspension and dropper posts

I could go on... but, the point is... making 5%, even 10%, gains, is a real possibility on MTB which is why those placings and seeing the fellas just a few minutes a head is a helluva motivator...

... and yes, after today's beat down The Old Diesel is plenty motivated.  

I bet I'm not alone.

A couple of more things about today:

  • Victor is putting on a dandy race series this winter:  excellent course, live timing, good sound system.  Really pro.
  • I realized we are actually a well-known brand now:  multiple people came up and thanked me for our RaceDay Bags™ and Changing Ponchos and bygolly that makes me happy.
  • I was determined to get at least 3 hours in today, so I rode near home this morning, got in a giant warm up for the race, raced hard, then went out with Coach Brian and his little boy for our cool down.  Honestly, I can't tell if the extra morning ride or super long warm up helped or hindered.  I felt pretty darn good.
  • I saw a bunch of my friends, which always makes it fun.

My legs felt great due to the PR Lotion, and my special purpose did too thanks to DZ Nuts.

Ya really don't want to chances with either of those areas when racing hard, and facing a long drive home afterwards.  

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

Cool thing is these ship free... and if you use this promo code you'll save a bucks too.

The code is LOVEMTB

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lotions-for-speed-comfort-and-recovery

 ---

163.6
HyperVolt
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4747270996

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LITTLE BOY BLUE AND THE MAN IN THE MOON

LITTLE BOY BLUE AND THE MAN IN THE MOON

Feb 05, 2021 TODD BROWN

MY FRIEND ZACH MISSED OUR RIDE LAST NIGHT, and I was so glad!  Not because he's a beast.  Not because he's a bad bike handler.  Not because he always snags a waffle when he's here... 

... none of those reasons.

I was thrilled because he bailed out to spend time with his young daughter,
take her on a bike ride.

There's nothing better.

I was able to do the same myself this morning with my old son,
take him on one of my favorite gravel rides,
to one of my favorite stops,
first time.

We did a ton of riding when he was little.  First on our tandem.  Then shuttle runs and resort runs.  But, he never really caught the vision of climbing...
... under manpower 
... suffering
... and I get it, it's not for everybody...
... but then again, he did say...

I can't wait for Beck to be big enough to go on a bike ride.

I still have the tandem.

Don't sell it.

Not a chance.

But, I am selling this beauty... the one that got me down this gravel road, the gateway drug to endless choices. 

Even Shane loves gravel, and that's something.  Heck, we road for 2 hours this morning... and on the way back he said, lets go further next time, and have the ladies meet us at the store.

So, if you're into adventure and possible carving out some time with family and friends...

Details are below... no unreasonable offer will be refused.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/sequoia-merz-2017

---

164.4 lbs - oops
20 PullUps 40 PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4740272216

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PEOPLE SMILE AND TELL ME I'M THE LUCKY ONE

PEOPLE SMILE AND TELL ME I'M THE LUCKY ONE

Feb 04, 2021 TODD BROWN

WE'VE JUST BEGUN.  Opened a shop off the side of our online empire to scratch an itch.  Personally, I swore in no uncertain term, I'll never own another retail operation again... but, you know, sometimes things line up and ya gotta go for it...

... like when Chris, longtime customer who moved to town just as the last local "pro" shop closed, had no place to hang his helmet.  He's a15+ year professional bicycle mechanic known as The Wrench...

... we pitched our idea to BMC Switzerland, you know Tour De France winning road bikes and recent winner of the MTB XC World Championships.  Apparently The Old Diesel has quite a following so they joined our mission...

,,,. people think we are killing it.

We aren't. 

We aren't trying to.  

What we are doing is delivering the kind of experience we want to a very specific client who demands high performance and personal service. 

How personal?

Schedule an appointment and get your service done while you wait personal.

Along with BMC, we carry only product we use and love:  ENVE wheels, KASK helmets, Fizik shoes, etc.

There aren't a lot of people like us... who demand outstanding racing bicycles and accessories, individualized bike fitting, service-while-you-wait.

We like that.

We enjoy working with likeminded athletes.

It's better that way.

If you're ever in town, stop in.

Heck, schedule an appointment with Chris.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/bikeshop-wrench-calendar

Just be prepared to be greeted by a friendly dude who will listen to what you need and get it done professionally.

Disclaimer:  because we are small and nitchy sometimes we have to order parts, which can delay the process...

... but, you know... ya can't hurry love.

---

163.6 lbs 
Light Weights Workout
7.3 hours sleep
No ride today.

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I NEVER SAW THAT BEFORE

I NEVER SAW THAT BEFORE

Feb 03, 2021 TODD BROWN

TONIGHT, I SAW THREE THINGS I'D NEVER SEEN BEFORE.  The first happened early on the ride, between 2 riders who barely know each other.  I know one of them real well, so when he said he forgot something I wasn't surprised...

... I was surprised by the quick solution, a true trailside rescue.

I forgot to charge my battery.

Your lights?

No, derailleur.  It's red.

C'mon Rookie!

No worries man... take mine.  I have two.  I won't use the front one.

And, just like that, problem solved.

There's one more thing about this first surprise that was not surprising.  Our crew is really giving and caring.  That instant giving up of the battery is just the way we are... when we aren't kicking the crap out of each other.

Okay, the next two surprises I have no photographic proof so you'll have to take my word for it.

I came whipping around a turn and a giant, and I mean GIANT, owl was right there.  It's head spun around, the flat face, wise eyes, vicious beak... it stayed put.  Not even a ruffled feather.  More of a...

... Hey man, nice night.

Ten minutes later, higher on the trail we saw a million little, white field mice.  They reminded me of snow blowing across the road, their white fur gleaming in our lights.

Only now is it dawning on me what Mr. Owl was doing, still as can be trail side.

I would have been freezing if I was just standing there like him.  In the dark.  Not moving. 

At a minimum I'd need a sexy beanie to keep my head warm.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock 

Probably this green one, to blend in... but, maybe the black one for the night or the blue one to match my eyes or perhaps the gray one for dawn?

Final surprise... you can get any of those colors delivered to you for $20... yep $20 includes said beanie in preferred color and shipping.

Get one:  https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-beanie-available-in-4-colors-instock

---

163.1 lbs 
50 PullUps 100 PushUps
8.2 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4730991490

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FRESH MEAT

FRESH MEAT

Feb 02, 2021 TODD BROWN

ONE OF THE MORE ENTERTAINING PARTS OF OUR LOCAL GROUP RIDE IS BRINGING THE NEWGUY.  Today's newguy certainly looked the part:  svelte, stylish, confident.  You know the type...

... no fat, gold shoes, effortlessly navigating our galloping herd.

I've seen a lot of newguys start out like that. 

Just fine. 

But, the cumulative effect of multiple surges, not knowing the course, not knowing the players from the fakers can wear newguy down.  Just like that, spunky turns to spongy.  Bouncing off the front to soggy off the back.

Which is why it's so entertaining for yours Diesely.

Kindly, I let him know what was coming. 

Turn ahead,
watch that dip,
5 minutes of pain.

Just being friendly, in a voyeur sorta way.  

Now you might be thinking that I was thinking, can't wait 'till he blows.  Noooo, not little ol' me.  Why would I hope for newguy to blow and roll in with debris like me?  That wouldn't be nice, or gentlemanly, or even mature.

Nope, it was more of a self-bet. 

I'll bet he gets ejected on the wall.

That's a safe bet.  Real safe.  Everybody gets ejected on the wall.  

But not this newguy.  Hellno! 

He popped around me and everyone between me and the front like a humming bird pollinating beautiful blooms on a bright spring morning. 

When The Old Diesel finally finished, I did what every spongy, soggy piece of debris should do...

... Great to meet ya Fern!  Keep coming, we need more guys like you.

Because, you know

It's just a social ride.

To reinforce the friendliness of our little ol' ride I thought I'd highlight the socialness on the sleeves for this year's kit.

Check it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

Now, if you're unfamiliar with our gear:

  • We make it to order
  • In the USA
  • With the best Italian fabrics
  • The best Japanese zippers
  • And a pad so delicious you'll never ride another bib again. 

Yes, it's sexy as hell.

Yes, you can wear it even if you never do the ride... in fact, we highly encourage you to start your own TMWC.  A few people have done just that.

This promo code will expire in 2 weeks: TMWCNEWGUY

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/the-tmwc

---

163.4 lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6 hours sleep <- that cost me at least 100 watts
https://www.strava.com/activities/4722948021

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WE CAN DO HARD THINGS

WE CAN DO HARD THINGS

Feb 01, 2021 TODD BROWN

AROUND 6PM TODAY, CUSTOMER BRIAN AND I TALKED A BIT ABOUT THE HISTORY OF A LOCAL RACE CALLED VISION QUEST.  For most people, it's a once in a lifetime experience.   It took me two times to figure that out...

... it's hardashell.

A feather under 50 miles.

11000' of vert.

2 miles of hiking.

Average finishing time is 9ish hours.

In '99, the heat topped out at 90 degrees just as I was hitting the hikeabike...

... brutal.

There aren't really any races like that any more. 

VisionQuest has been on hiatus due to forest fires, tree huggers, and now the pandemic thingy.

Supposedly it will be back later this year.

But will it?

I feel like the troubled souls who were doing these insane events 20 years ago are a dying breed.  

My first VisionQuest, we loaded our bikes into a U-Haul and our bodies into a rusted out school bus just to get to the start.

Then we stood in the dark, freezing, smelling tribal smoke as the promoter blessed our efforts.

Brian reminded me about the aid station he manned over the years.  He'd be up there grilling hamburgers.  And people'd eat 'em.  They were 7 hours in and famished.  Just trying to finish the dern thing.

Seems more like today's racers think an adventure is a $500 event, with cushy accommodations and cushy bikes and cushy plane flights.

Back then, I gotta be honest, we were a helluva a lot tougher. 

No suspension,
heavy bikes,
multiple flats,
broken chains,
drinking just water,
eating PB&J.

See that paper number plate?

I'm real proud of that.

One, that I still have it.
Two, that it's #4... the promoter would use your finish from the previous year.  I wasn't 4th, but only 3 guys from the previous year were faster than me... therefore I got number four.

Sometimes ya gotta remind yourself where you've come from... those days when you'd just rather quit, climb under a rock... when it seems like nothing has changed, no progress has been made...

... those are the days I look back on my VisionQuest(s), buckle up, and say...

...  I can do hard things.

One thing I know I would have loved back then is our superlight gloves and socks.  Back then I was rocking the half finger road gloves, which are perfect for ripping the skin right off your fingers in a crash. 

I would have loved our race socks with EZBreathe Yarns and FastMax Compression.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

If you haven't tried them... knows the time.

Use promo code:  HARDASHELL

and, when you buy gloves and socks the socks will be free when you check out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/socks-and-gloves

the code is good for 48 hours.

---

164.2 lbs 
40 PullUps 80 PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4717699151

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I'M NOT DONE YET

I'M NOT DONE YET

Jan 31, 2021 TODD BROWN

CHRIS FROOME SAYS AGE IS A STATE OF MIND.  I say whatev'. He also says, he plans to snag his 5th TdF while simultaneously becoming the oldest to ever do it.  I say again, whatev'.  Meanwhile, Tom Brady switched NFL teams because his previous team said he was too old and he is now taking his new team to the Superbowl...

... cute stories, hopes of old guys.

Not at all relevant to what matters.

What matters, what has always mattered, is motivation.

Winning is always nice, and it's a motivator for sure.  But, TBH I think it's weak compared to things like revenge, anger and proving a point.  Yes, these are baser motives...

... but, I guarantee you they're a huge part of these super human performances.

These guys are pros.  Seasoned.  They won't be seeing red, hurrying, making mistakes.

They're killers.

Patient.

When they strike, it's a killshot.

Do they have a chance against young phenoms? Not really.  They know that.  Which is what makes them so deadly.

But, they are just like us... right?

We can harness that same energy.

And, just like us they have to eat and sleep and ride and drink.

But, will they have these stylish bottles?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

I mean, they are good looking bottles.  And they're tall, because sometimes when you are hacked off, looking to prove a point you have to ride long.

$20.

That's it.

Shipping is included.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack

---

163.6 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4714419471

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A BET OF MY OWN MEDICINE... CAN I HAVE SOME SUGAR?

A BET OF MY OWN MEDICINE... CAN I HAVE SOME SUGAR?

Jan 30, 2021 TODD BROWN

TODAY TURNED OUT TO BE A HELLUVA RIDE.  Got to prove OneBikeToRuleThemAll concept, got mugged on the Thug Ride, got to sing HBD to Justin, and just for good measure...

... a onceinalifetime experience getting shelled riding renegade through Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

One of these things will likely never be done again.

First things first... I've been riding my sexy BMC URS - aka Showtime - with full gravel set up for months now.  Partly 'cause it's dern fun, partly 'cause the Srambassador parts for my sexy BMC Teammachine are floating somewher off the coast...

... so last night I mounted up my sexy ENVE 5.6s and through 'em on Showtime.  

Things went beautifully because both sets of wheels have ENVE hubs.  Slotted them in, didn't even need to touch the brakes.  

Right off the bike felt faster... duh Diesel, you put deep dish roadie wheels with Pirelli tubeless tires.  I felt pretty confident I'd be able to hang on the Thug Ride.

The Thug Ride is made up of the killers who used to do Swami's, the badassiest ride in these parts.  Every Friday they post the route for Saturday morning.  It makes for an exciting ride.  I hung on pretty dern good.  Considering I haven't done any road intensity for months, I can say in all honesty...

... if you want OneBikeToRuleAll, a killer gravel bike and 2 sets of wheels is a legit option.

I would only say if you're truly racing road, you're gonna need a proper road racer.  I never really spun out.  The bike is a few pounds heavier due to it's design for comfort and taking a beating, plus the 20mm of rear travel/bumper.  But, I don't think that mattered much.  The only thing that mattered to speak of was being in the perfect gear on the extremely fast climbs.  But, like I said... 

... unless you're truly roadie racing, this is a gloriously easy way to go.

We finished the Thug,
I was feeling smug.

So much so that rather than drive home with MattnCharlienJimmy I opted to ride home - another 50ish miles with MikenEricnChris.

You would have, too.
55 degrees.
Beautiful people out.
Along the coast.

No, I haven't ridden a hundy in months... maybe a year?

No, I didn't have enough food to make it.

Yes, I clearly was going to get a taste of my own medicine... and find myself begging for sugar!

When you ride through Camp Pendleton you have to have a special ID.  Eric had a current one.  Mike's had expired yesterday.  Mine expired  last year.  Chris didn't even have one.  We got lucky at the guard station... the alternative is riding the freeway where the minimum speed limit in the right hand lane is 200 mph.

It's a beautiful ride through the base.  One lane roads, open country to the right, gorgeous ocean to the left.  All was going according to plan, until we hit the North gate...

... we road around the barriers, ignored the road closed sign, and introduced ourselves to machine gun totting 20something who were not impressed with our fancy underwear and inability to follow directions.

Turn around?

Huh?

Didn't you see the barriers?

Uh....

Back to where you came from.

We just wanna get home.

Too bad.

We'll take Basilone.

You do that.

Now all 6 of us, those two and us four, knew the Basilone route is verbotten for der bikes.  They even have nice signs saying Getthehellouttahere.

But, we were tired and hungry and too dern close to home to care.

Which meant...

... we rode some of the most beautiful roads you'll never see.  Mostly to ourselves.  Especially me... I kept getting dropped on every rolling hill, of which there are a plenty.

It was so worth it.

One of the best rides of my life, even though I was hating on my friends for continually dropping me.  As Surfergirl so nicely pointed out... a bit of your medicine, eh. Dawgawnher!

We got back to town, I road straight to Surfin Donuts thinking of a huge apple fritter.

Closed.

Across the street was a gas station.  I came out with candy bars and bananas for all.

End of story.

I read a great quote today, 
If it scares you, you should definitely do it.

Right now LoToJa's 204 miles from Logan UT to Jackson Hole WI is definitely scaring me.

What's scaring you on your calendar?

Our calendar is HUGE!  27.5" wide X 48" tall.

It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.

Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

THAT'S $20 DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR... YOU'D BE A FOOL TO MISS THIS ONE.

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

---

164 lbs (too much loading last night)
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4701082377

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SO MANY RACES, SO LITTLE TIME

SO MANY RACES, SO LITTLE TIME

Jan 29, 2021 TODD BROWN

IT'S LOOKING LIKE THE FALL OF 2021 WILL BE FILLED WITH ALL THE EPIC, ICONIC, BUCKET LIST RACES AN AMATEUR COULD EVER HOPE TO DO.  So, what's the plan kids?  Gotta pick one, maybe two, possibly three...

... but, can't do 'em all.

Me, I'm going with my gut on at least one... maybe all.

Now, the curious thing about going with the gut is it rarely lines up with the race that best matches my talents... which is what makes them so great.

The expectations are askew.

The unknown turned up to 11.

All of the sudden, I've got a whole new set of arrows needed for my quiver.  Could be figuring out lodging in a place with no lodging, food for a race with no support, tires for unknown terrain...

... but why is the gut saying go race X?

Because the gut knows things have got a bit stale and it's time to change it up.

So, right now I'm just filling in My RaceDay Calendar™ with all the possibilities...

... later I'll take out the red Sharpie and put a big red outline around the gut race(s).

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

You did get your calendar didn't you?

The one where the promo code expires Sunday?

Our calendar is HUGE!  27.5" wide X 48" tall.

It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.

Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

---

162.6 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4701082377

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YOU CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT A PELOTON

YOU CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT A PELOTON

Jan 28, 2021 TODD BROWN

YOU CAN SURVIVE WITHOUT A PELOTON, BUT YOU CANNOT THRIVE WITHOUT ONE... no this is not a ringing endorsement for fancy spin classes on a stationary bike...

... if anything it's a tangential rant. 

What I'm talking about Fred is,
the peloton,
the guys,
the crew...
... the posse.

I can survive just fine riding alone, or even one a themthere zwiftoton thingies.  Okay, TBH, it'll be a hot day in Antartica before I zwiftoton... but I know for a lot of peeps they're a godsend... so, for me personally, I can survive just fine riding alone...

... but I can't thrive riding alone.

I need my posse.

I need to meet up with the fellas and the ladies.

Whether it's a fake social ride like the Tuesday Morning World Championships where legs are casually ripped off and tossed into the burning fire or a social adventure like DRTY WDNSDY or an actual conversational pace like EasyPeasyThursdee...

... we can't truly thrive without those that push us and pull us and love us.

Speaking of love, don't you just love having an ace up your sleeve?  You know, some secret weapon to spring on your posse.

It's impossible to hide a serious upgrade like a new BMC bicycle.

Nearly as difficult to disguise a game changing set of ENVE wheels.

But, for just a few bucks you can massively upgrade your legs. 

I'm actually surprised how many people have yet to rub on this magic elixir.  My friend SuperDave let me in on this secret.  I ran it by Coach Brian who said...

... Dude, I applied it twice every morning during the Tour of Utah and again each evening before I went to sleep.

... which I did myself the morning I broke my PR at Leadville in 2019.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

One cat who is definitely in the know, John J, purchased 4 bottles yesterday.  4, like four.  You think he knows something you don't?

Yes, we ship it for free... and yes, you should use this promo code:

THRIVE

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

---

162.9 lbs 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4695912490 - paddle
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4697950397 - ride

 

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F' YEAH!

F' YEAH!

Jan 27, 2021 TODD BROWN

I TRY NOT TO SWEAR, OUTLOUD... it might be a dad thing, or just the right thing.  But, when I'm racing I love the F word...

... not that F word.

The adverb that follows Ride...

... FAST!

Faster is always better...

... to ride faster, isn't to hurry. 

Hurrying creates errors.

Fast is a result of practice.  It's reptilian.  It's reflexes.  And, it comes from practice.  From doing the right thing, over and over.  

As my good friend Olympic Champion Peter Vidmar says...

... Practice makes permanent...

... to which we say...

.... F' yeah, we ride fast!

Especially this guy, who just picked his new BMC Roadmachine... first new bike in years!

I probably could have taken a better pic of the bike, but I just couldn't get enough of that smile!

Don't check out the BMC... website... unless you're into Swiss precision and exceptional engineering.  

For sure do not go to their website if you're looking for a cheap solution.

And, in no way should you go to the BMC website unless kicking asst and going fasst is important to you.

In the meantime, we still have a few of these hats in stock.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats

Which you can have hand delivered to you from a friendly United States Postal Service worker in just a couple of days for less than the price of a new BMC bicycle.

Yep, that's the truth.

You can have that hat, for less than George's bike.

Delivered.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/hats

---

164 lbs 
40 PullUps, 80 PushUps, 50 Squat to Press
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4692962398 

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YOU KNOW IT'S COLD WHEN...

YOU KNOW IT'S COLD WHEN...

Jan 26, 2021 TODD BROWN

WE HAD A COLD RIDE TODAY, and before you say sure West Coast softie... let me lay out the raw facts:  5:38am pitch dark start, low temp 28.9 degrees.  But, that's not the real indicator of how bonechilling it was...

... this might be:

  • Mark C, who hasn't missed the ride in 13 years... missed the ride
  • Fashionista Charlie M... wore a flappy long-sleeved flannel
  • Mike G, who has never donned more than a jersey... sported shoe covers and arm warmers
  • Consistent Chris H, who texted last night I'll be there!...  stayed in bed.

... or this:

  • Our numbers were down 50%
  • Our speed was down 20%
  • Our conversation down 70%
  • Nobody, and I mean nobody, wanted to be on the front.

... but, I think it was this:

  • It never warmed up, average temp was 34

That's a helluva cold ride...
which called for a helluva long, hot shower... 
leading to a helluva giant hot chocolate...
finding me with a cranked up space heater jammed between my legs all day....

Sometimes I wonder if my lights weren't so awesome, would I still head out to the dark and dreary world?  It's so much easy to roll out knowing I'll be able to see everything... and be seen.

If you're finding excuses to say cozy, maybe you're in need of a little more light in your life?

For road, I'm really digging the VIS 1000 Trooper... it's compact, aero and muy powerful.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights

Use promo code: BRIGHT

And get out there and train!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights

---

162.6 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4685149829

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THERE IS NO ESCAPE

THERE IS NO ESCAPE

Jan 25, 2021 TODD BROWN

WE CAN'T ESCAPE OUR POTENTIAL FOR GREATNESS, it's in our genes.  We are born athletes.  Our predecessors ran down their prey, not with speed, with endurance and cunning. They had to as a matter of survival...

... but we don't.

We, not you and me, the collective we no longer need to be athletes.  The effects are obvious and tragic. 

Look at a distance runner, that's what we were designed for.

Crud, watch a movie from the 50's, that's what we are supposed to look like.

We, you and me, get this.

We see the stairs next to the elevator, and bound up.

We see a mountain road, and dream of climbing... and carving down.

We are attracted to our kindred souls.  We push each other.  We demand more from each other, without saying a word... or, unleashing a string of salty words when the sitchyation demands.

We can't escape our potential for greatness.

When you're not the fastest or strongest in the jungle, and we aren't, you have to use cunning.  Making a plan, coordinating with others, and persisting is what we do best...

... which is why it's so fun to pick a huge personal challenge, register for a giant event and start planning.  Methodically working backwards and putting all the pieces into place to be our very best at a given location and time...

... to be greater and better, is in our DNA.

Nothing is better for making memories than a giant calendar. 

For inspiration as the event(s) approaches.

To look back on as the years go by.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

 

Our calendar is HUGE!  27.5" wide X 48" tall.

It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.

Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

163.2 lbs 
40 PullUps 70 PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4682097054

 

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YOU NEED TO FEEL THE PACE.

YOU NEED TO FEEL THE PACE.

Jan 24, 2021 TODD BROWN

I JUST FINISHED A BOOK THAT HAS ME FREAKIN PUMPED UP!  Pumped to train my lycracovered heinie off.  To pedal morning, day and night.   Plus, way more pushups and pull ups and strength stuff.  It has nothing to do with bicycle racing... 

... and everything to do with getting after it.

A few quotes:

  • I don't do shit for applauses.  I don't do shit for fanfare.  I do it for me.
  • I don't think about yesterday.  I think about today, and getting better.
  • If you want to be pushed to your limits, you have to train to your limits

If you're into getting better, you're gonna love this book, Living With a Sealby Jesse Itzler.  Jesse invites superendurance athlete and ex-Navy Seal David Goggins to live with him for a month and train him...

... he destroys him, day after day.

The day after day of being pushed to his limits is so motivating.  It's just ridiculous some of the things they do.  And it got me really thinking how predictable my own training has become.  

Yes, I have a process that's worked really well.  But, I think it's time to shake it up a bit/a lot.  Set some new goals.  Try some new methods.  Helk, I might even get a power meter again.

As I look over the things I want to accomplish this year... well, I think I can do a helluvalot more.  My RaceDay Calendar™ is gonna be key to make that happen.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2

I keep thinking how cool it would be if I'd had these calendars for all my years of racing.  Such a great way to memorialize the things we do.

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

 

PS... click here to check out the book:  

Living With a Seal,

164.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4677087640

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THE ARTFUL DODGER

THE ARTFUL DODGER

Jan 23, 2021 TODD BROWN

I HAD BIG PLANS TO RIDE IN THE RAIN TODAY.  Kept telling myself, Hellyeah I'm riding in the rain!. Thus, I tucked in for my beauty sleep and got down to dreaming...

... of how much better I'd be than everybody else.

I knew the locals would mostly opt for staying in bed.  A few might get on their trainers.  Where as I would be riding, getting in secret miles.

But, that's not even the main reason.  The main reason Fred was this...

... because it rains on raceday.

Yeah, no joke.

And when it does, I'm always thrilled.

First, a good chunk of the racers will straight up DNS.

We don't DNS.  Ever.  We always S.  Because we are badassedly prepared.  Always.

Second, of those who start another good chunk will DNF.

We don't DNF.  Ever.  We always F'ing F!  Because that's what we registered for in the first place. Finishing the dern race.

Third, slice off another chunk of racers that will get washed away in the elements.

The soaking shoes, the drenched butt crack, the puddled glasses... most cats can't handle that, it slowly zaps their energy.  We love it, because we know they hate it.

A good gnarly rain can easily whittle the competition down by 75%... without you are I having to do a dawgawn thing besides show up prepared.

Easy.

Anyway... as much as I was looking forward to all that rain I didn't get much more than some wet streets, cold toes and a squishy chamois.  I'd artfully dodged the main storm and still got a good ride in.

I was never cold thanks to the neverceasestoamaze KOM jacket.  It's such a great tool for rainy and cold days.  Just a jersey underneath. 

Looking at My RaceDay Calendar™ I can see I have a number of opportunities to race in the rain.  I don't love it, but I sure ain't afraid of it. 

For sure it can rain at Leadville and LoToJa... 2 of my A races... because they are high altitude, during the monsoon season.  The local races this winter always have a good chance, because it always rains in CA in February and March.

Will you be prepared?

What's on your calendar?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/raceday-calendars%E2%84%A2/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

You do have a calendar don't you? 
I mean you gotta have a giant calendar where you can see the whole year, right?
How else can you plan like a pro?

Our calendar is HUGE!  27.5" wide X 48" tall.

It's made of fabric so you can hang it, and take it with you.

Don't you wish you'd had one of these for the last 10 seasons?... something to remind you of all the amazing things you've accomplished?

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

163.2 lbs 
50 PullUps 150 PushUps
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4669979044

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GOT YOU IN A STRANGLEHOLD

GOT YOU IN A STRANGLEHOLD

Jan 22, 2021 TODD BROWN

YEAH, I LIKE MY TED NUGENT SLOW AND STEADY, LIKE A STRANGLEHOLD... and that's exactly how I feel when I'm planning out my race season.  Month by Month.  Week by Week.  Day by Day...

... until I'm ready to do the deed.

There's just a helluvalot of confidence to be gained by having a long range plan and checking off the boxes of what needs to be done each and every day.

I'm not a killer...

... just methodical.  disciplined.  patient.

A friend once told me, You give me 10 weeks and I can get you in shape for anything...

... and I believed him.  put it into practice.

I plan out my base weeks.

The building intensity weeks.

The race specific training weeks.

If you've never treated yourself to the awesome pleasure of having a Hugh Jass calendar just for yourself, with your important dates now's the time.

If you have experienced the magic of doing the impossible because you planned for it, there's no time like the present.

Trust me... forget that... watch this highly education video:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

Click on the link below, scroll down a touch... turn up the volume, and remember to

use this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

to save 33%, but you have to use it before 1/31/21

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

163.6 lbs 
https://www.strava.com/activities/4663223170
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4665132329 (sometimes ya just gotta ride twice)

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WHAT'S YOUR PHILOSOPHY?

WHAT'S YOUR PHILOSOPHY?

Jan 21, 2021 TODD BROWN

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING AND RACING YOUR BIKE?   Listening to an old Jim Rohn recording I was reminded of his insistence that we all have a personal philosophy.  A way of approaching life that is our truth.

... what is your philisophy(s) when it comes to riding and racing you bicycle?

Here are a few of mine:

Every Day Is RaceDay™.   To me that means every day has a purpose:  recovery, strength, endurance, etc.

Another is PRs > KOMs.  Sure, it's great to win a race or snag a KOM.  However, it's superior to set a PR.  Knowing I did my best and there was nothing left to give is everything.

Ride Fast, Don't Hurry.  I got this from the great John Wooden who implored his players to be quick, yet not hurried.  Hurrying is when we make mistakes.  Being fast or quick means we are error free. 

Here's one I haven't talked about enough...

... having a giant calendar of your upcoming events.  Mounted up where you see and appreciate what you're committing to make happen.  To work backwards and arrange your training, work, family and other commitments for a few key events each year.

I believe in this so much I created a calendar just for us...

... and it's HUGE!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

 

We're going to create a video tomorrow... but quite frankly, I'm just too excited to wait.  

We're going into production and will be able to ship in about 2 weeks.

Here's the deal... you can order now and save 33%,

using this promo code: PHILOSOPHY

Check it out: 

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-2021-my-raceda-calendar%E2%84%A2

What are your philosophies?

163.4 lbs 
Paddleboard
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4660241280

 

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EVERYTHING COUNTS IN LARGE AMOUNTS

EVERYTHING COUNTS IN LARGE AMOUNTS

Jan 20, 2021 TODD BROWN

ENDURANCE SPORTS, LIKE OUR BELOVED CYCLING, REQUIRE A LOT OF ENDURING.  You already know this.  Just like you know the more you ride the deeper your reserves.  I was thinking how much riding style has changed in the last 5 years ...

... by adding an endurance hack to my quiver.

There was a time when I'd rarely ride out of the saddle.  I was a spinner, maybe more of a grinder.  Then I had an encounter with a coach who told me something unbelievable...

I want you do the Live Oak climb out of the saddle next time.

All 5 minutes?

As much as you can.

Why?

Because with your body structure you'll be more efficient.

I didn't believe her. 

  1. I could only ride out of the saddle for about 30 seconds at a time... and that was only when my back was tight or I just need a quick change of pace.  
  2. See number 1.

So I gave it a try.  Sure enough, my pace remained the same and my heart rate actually dropped slightly.

But, I was so weak.

That's when I read the Geoff Kabush's metric for mountain bikers... you've got to be able to do 50 push ups.  Concurrently, on an episode of Tim Ferris' podcast, Jamai Foxx said the only exercise that matters is pull ups. 

Naturally, I decided to combine their advice and start doing push ups and pull ups daily.  Those two exercises done regularly have made a huge difference in my riding.

Being able to climb for long stretches out of the saddle allows me to use my muscles differently.  Some get to rest a bit while others get to pitch and help for a change. 

Want to see how much push up and pull ups matter? 

Do a set of each to failure, back to back, when you're fresh.  Next time you come in from a moderately easy ride, do those exercises again. I think you'll be surprised at how much more difficult they are post ride.

Plus, there's nothing wrong with looking a little less like a T-Rex and more like a super hero...

... okay, that might be a stretch, but I'll bet you'll linger just a little longer in just your bibs before you pull on the changing poncho next time you're at the races.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

We offer the ponchos in four different color schemes, or we can make them for you team to match your kit and RaceDay Bags™

Use promo code: LARGEAMOUNTS

To save and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho

162.6 lbs 
40 PullUps 120 PushUps 120 squat presses
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4655039116

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OLD TRADITION LEADS TO HAPPY ENDING

OLD TRADITION LEADS TO HAPPY ENDING

Jan 19, 2021 TODD BROWN

RIDE REPORT:

  • Was so excited to ride hard today, I could barely sleep.
  • Woke up early, still left late.
  • PR'd getting to the meet up.
  • Had a genius idea on the way home....

Put on your biking clothes.

What.

Kit up, and ride towards me.

Why?

Because we're gonna go to Moulin and indulge ourselves.

Okay!

Now why in Todd's name would I invite Surfergirl to crash my Tuesday tradition of riding with the fellas?  What could I possibly be thinking?

It's pretty obvious, really.

1.  I ride the last 40+ minutes alone on Tuesdays.  Most of the time I'm so smoked one would hardly call it riding.  I'm barely able to turn the cranks. 

2.  Most Tuesdays, Surfergirl isn't surfing.  She has a beautiful bike that needs riding.  Her pace will synch up nicely with my slog.

3.  We both enjoy delicious croissants smothered in goodness.

But, for sure there was one more reason...

... I knew I could bribe into listening to the blowbyblow of the ride.

You're gonna think I'm just trying to sell a bill of good on this next part, but you'd be wrong.  What I'm going to do is try and convince you to do what I did this morning... because I really do want the best for you.

Not only was I excited.  Not only did I spend a good 20 minutes a day on my legs with the HyperVolt.  Not only was I off the bike Sunday, and riding easy yesterday.  

TBH, I do the above almost every week any way.

But, this morning I did something I hadn't done since I was ramping up the intensity for Dirty 30 way back in November...

... and it's the reason I left a little late for the ride.

I would put a picture here, but I don't want to give it away to the speed readers.  This is really good info, just for you and me.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/my-top-secret-secret-weapons

You'll want to use this promo code:  TRADITIONS

Sometimes I put the promo code on the product page, but not this time.  This time it's just for the careful readers.

PS... is Surfergirl invited next week?  Hellyeah, it's a great tradition.

---

162.6 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4647650387

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I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH TUNNEL VISION

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH TUNNEL VISION

Jan 18, 2021 TODD BROWN

I HAVE TUNNEL VISION.  Is it bad?  I dunno.  Want proof?  I can't find a darn thing, even when it's close enough to kill me.  Is it curable?  I'm not sure I care.  It took a long time hone it...

... and it's served me well, manymany times.

For example... One day, after climbing up for a couple of hours, we gathered at the top of the Trabuco trail.  Preparing to shred the tight shaley single-track that skirted the super steep mountain side... I was pumped, raring to go.

12ish minutes later, after the more challenging portions, I waited for my pals.

RiderX rolled up.

All that cactus was freaking me out.

Where?

Up there.

Hmmm.

So were those giant, jagged boulders all over the place!

Really?

Yeah, I had to stop a bunch.

Oh...

I wondered if we’d ridden the same trail?  I wasn’t being a tool; just hadn’t seen any of it.

That's when I self-diagnosed Tunnel Vision... and I knew exactly how I got it:  repeated exposure to challenging situations.  The only way to ride 'em was controlling my mind, focusing solely on the ridable parts of the trail.  Never even considering the dangers or threats.

It’s not always easy...

... especially as I get older and continue to ride with younger and younger cats.  My vision, literal vision, isn’t as sharp.  The reactions are a little slower.  When my vision expands I have to recenter myself, remind myself to see only the good stuff...

... but, it's worth it, like all superpowers.

One disadvantage to riding with said confidence is rolling up on other riders, hikers, runners, strollermoms, etc...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

... which is why I love this bell.  I wouldn't say it's going to drown out the headphones you can hear from a mile away, but most folks hear it from a good distance and appreciate the cheerful chime.

Use promo code: TUNNEL

You'll save and get free shipping!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

---

163.6 lbs 
PushUps and PUllUps
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4642930993

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THE MIND IS THE ATHLETE

THE MIND IS THE ATHLETE

Jan 17, 2021 TODD BROWN

ON A RECENT RIDE, WE WERE DISCUSSING ALL THE LESSONS WE'VE LEARNED AND THEIR PARALLELS OFF THE BIKE.  Is it all the time we spend doing bikey things that the world starts to look so bikey?  I found this amazing statement in a book I just finished...

... and I naturally applied to bicycle racing.

The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated.  The mind is the athlete, the body simply the means it uses to run faster, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further or box better.

To really get the impact of the above statement, you'll need to read the book.  A movie was made, but ya know... the book is always better.  

Don't fret, I haven't given away the punchline or even a hint of what the book is about... just a piece of what us bikey people stow might in our minds when we find the going particularly rough.

Believe in yourself.

The mind is the athlete.

The body the means.

Tomorrow, I'm going to wake as I have for the past 20ish years and read Dr. King's famous speech.  If you've never read it start to finish, click here.  Afterward, I'll review the dreams I have for 2021.

Then, I'll head out for a ride.

It's one of my favorite rituals.

So, if you're trying to reach me...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

I'll get back to you as soon as I can... no doubt I'll be wearing this super soft shirt with the not so cuddly message.  

Use promo code: PEEKAY

And you can get this shirt delivered for $17, all in.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

 ---

164.4 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep
http://strava.com/activities/4638188185
 

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A PERFECT DAY FOR SOME T AND A.

A PERFECT DAY FOR SOME T AND A.

Jan 16, 2021 TODD BROWN

THERE'S A LOCAL SINGLE-TRACK I'VE PLAYED ON PLENTY OF TIMES CALLED T AND A.  I'm not sure what the T and the A stand for or what the phrase T and A means...

... but, I know I got a lot of T and A today.

For example:

Training at Altitude,
we spent about half the ride over 5000'

Together and Alone,
we started together until Andy couldn't contain himself any longer and rode on ahead.

Trailblazing and Advice,
we did some serious trailblazing and were advised to stay helk off the private property.

Traction and Adrenalin
there's nothing like the adrenalin rush you get with the traction of fat tires carving pavement.

However, the best T and A of the day was by far...
... all the trails and asphalt we covered.

It was a perfect day for riding all kinds of surfaces.

Of course, our tails were still lit with lights.  It's just an easy safety measure.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights

These lights last a long time and have nearly 180 degrees of awareness.

Use promo code TANDA

to save on any of our lights.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights

 ---

164 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5 hours sleep

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PEACEFUL, EASY FEELING

PEACEFUL, EASY FEELING

Jan 15, 2021 TODD BROWN

FRIDAYS, WHEN I CAN PULL IT OFF, AND I TRY TO PULL IT OFF EVERY FRIDAY, I like to sneak over to a little out of the way place where nobody knows me.  You know, the kind of place where your people don't hang.  One you can ride to, prop up your bike, get a snack...

... and do nothing.

Doing nothing ain't as easy as it sounds. 

My preciousphone is with me for snapping pics along the ride, and it's hard as helk not to reach for it.  So, I turn it off.

After a few moments, the urge to grab it goes away and the colors and sounds of this part of town become more vibrant and distinct.

I used to bring a note pad and jot down ideas, but I don't like that any more.  

Doing less makes the stop so much more enjoyable.

It's addicting...

... and a great way to start the last day of the work week, fresh and creative.

... and roll in to tomorrow's suretobeblistering ride rested and ready.

Since this promo did so well, I'm going to extend it through the weekend.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

My all around favorite is the Protone.  If I had to chose one that would be it.  The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there.  The Utopia is most aero.  The Rapido is a good all arounder.

Use promo code:  GoChar

To save 20%.  Code expires on 1/16/21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

164.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4625406198

 

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IT'S NOT A WORKOUT, AND IT'S NOT WORK... TELLTALE SIGNS YOU MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT HAVE A PROBLEM

IT'S NOT A WORKOUT, AND IT'S NOT WORK... TELLTALE SIGNS YOU MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT HAVE A PROBLEM

Jan 14, 2021 TODD BROWN

YEAH, BUT YOU LIKE IT... is a complaint/comment I often get from, well, everybody.

I'm going for a giant ride.

I wish I could.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I'm want to head to work early today.

I wish I wanted to.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I'm diving in deep on this history book.

I wish I did that.

You can, if I can.

Yeah, but you like it.

I know you get the joke.  You probably got it first time, but not everybody is as sharp as you.  Just like not everybody can do what you and I can do...

... and it grand to love what we do so much it ain't work at all?

... to get all the benefits of working out, without working at all?

... to really work hard on something because we love it?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic

These gloves remind me of how lucky we are.

Not because the are super lightweight and can be worn year round, on and off road.

Not because Jimmy proclaims: Todd, these gloves are like glue on my grips.  I love 'em.

Not because they have tactile thread for snapping quick pics with touch screens.

It's those colors.... if you're into that sort of thing, use this promo code:

 ITAINTWORK

That code wills save ya 15% through the weekend.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic

 

---

164.2 lbs 
Paddle
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4622214102

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IT'S A MYTHTERY TO ME

IT'S A MYTHTERY TO ME

Jan 13, 2021 TODD BROWN

APPARENTLY WE HAVE SOMETHING OF A REPUTATION.  People are concerned, even scared, they won't be able to keep up.  Then, they don't show up...

... tonight a brave soul took a chance.

Maybe it was the ride description?  Gravel adventure, friendly pace.

Maybe it was her new bike itching to get dirty?

Maybe the timing was right?

While the rest of us were whining about this and that prepping to start riding, Char just came right out with it...

... I'm worried I won't keep up, y'all are so fast.

I wasn't worried for one second about her chances, because when we say gravel adventure, friendly pace... by golly, we mean it!

For someone whose an accomplished track racer like she is, jumping on a gravel bike is easy.  Riding on a wide gravel road is no big deal.  That's why we took her straight to our local single track; the twisty one, with a few burgeoning rain ruts...

... so she'd have an adventure, be challenged and improve.

We all had a blast, witnessing one of the most glorious sunsets in recent memory.  There's just something about this kind of ride for forging friendships.

It's a mystery to me, this jumping to conclusions.  We may have a reputation for being a heartless bunch, but we sure ain't cruel.  That's the problem with myths I guess...

... or maybe the power of myths.

Whatever it is, I'll continue doing my best to set each ride's expectations. 

If the description is easy, it's probably gonna be too easy and I'll end up being half-wheeled the entire ride... which means you probably won't be invited back. 

If the invitation says adventure, expect to be challenged... and encouraged.

If the there is a speed warning, we ain't waiting so make sure you know you're way home.

It's good to mix up the rides, and the people you ride with.  Join us or join someone closer or start you're own ride.  Just keep your head up to the ride description...

... starting with the ever excellent KASK Helmets

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

My all around favorite is the Protone.  If I had to chose one that would be it.  The Valegro is excellent for MTB... and I really like it for night riding because it's easy to mount a helmet light up there.  The Utopia is most aero.  The Rapido is a good all arounder.

Use promo code:  GoChar

To save 20%.  Code expires on 1/16/21.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

166.2 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4617351551

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THE WORST SON EVER

THE WORST SON EVER

Jan 12, 2021 TODD BROWN

BE CAREFUL, IT'S WET OUT THERE! said the voice in my head.

It's hard to shed the mom's voice... at any age.

But, it wasn't in my head...

... her concerned pronouncement shrieked down from her room... in our home.

Shyte!... next thing I knew I was wondering if my jersey matched my bib and if I needed to get her permission to be home late after playing at the office all day.

... and worst thing is...  she's going to read this between now and the time I get home from tomorrow's ride.  She reads them all.  She's my No. 1 fan for heck's sake.

I'm doomed.

Which only means I'm going to ride even crazier, and be home later.

Just kidding, because...

Our daughter also has a room at our AirBNB... which she will be vacating at approximately 2pm to drive back to school - 2 states away.

... ya know what I'm gonna say...

Be careful... blah, blah, blah.

---

Can't wait to load up my new Wild Child RaceDay bag... they're in production now.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

It's gonna go perfect with the kit... and I don't even need my mama to help me pick it out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

 

_____

164.8 lbs 
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4609750855

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CLAWING THE CLIMB

CLAWING THE CLIMB

Jan 11, 2021 TODD BROWN

THE 4200' CLIMB WE DID SATURDAY REINFORCED A TRUTH.  The lookout was high, high above.  It was tiny.  White.  Barely distinguishable.  Within 5 minutes, nothing had changed.  After 10 minutes I could see the hotel where we started looming large.  Shortly thereafter, I realized how important it would be to control my mind...

... because things weren't changing.

The hotel still seemed close, and the lookout far away.

I hadn't prepared mentally for this kind of climb at all. 

For 45 minutes we ground out the miles.  Some pitches were 20%, and the average was just under 10%.  We stopped talking.  Andy would ride ahead on the very steepest sections, I'd work my way back to him when the climb backed off.

All the while, the hotel still appeared large and the lookout nothing more than a small white box.

This is what I call clawing the climb.

Staying on top of the pedals, maintaining a sustainable pace, never slowing down. 

Clawing our way up the climb vs cracking and letting the mountain claw our souls.

Suddenly, the perspective changed.  

The hotel now seemed minuscule and the lookout a giant white beacon towering above the pine trees.  The grave grasp of the hotel was released and the magnetic pull of the lookout unleashed.

15 minutes later we stopped at the summit.  The view was clear and beautiful and worth every clawing pedal stroke.

I love that feeling of clawing and clawing until where I started is far, far away and the destination seems inevitable...

... which is why I often wear this shirt.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

To inspire people to get outside, put their phones away, connect with the physical world.

If you're of the same mindset, use promo code: CLAW

... and save 20%

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

---

164.8
Stretch PushUps PullUps
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4604145336

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