Todd's Blog

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Todd’s Journal

Strava Widgets Styling

Get RaceDay Ready

RACELAX

SOMETIMES PRE-RIDING the course can get a little too real. I'm just gonna say right now, the following is not...

... for those in denial.

Of the way things are.

On raceday.

'Cause this morning, YoungScott and I met up to pre-ride the biggest climb on our upcoming 'A' race.

We jump in the PEDALvan and head through town to the mountains.

It's his first time to Leadville and he's excited.

I've been here a bunch and I'm excited for him,
and to show him the secrets.

Then it hits me,
just like on raceday.

Kid, we gotta make a pit stop.

I pull in to CircleK to take care of business...

... the ragged creatures of the night are lined up to use the can.

Now, it's like waiting outside the portapotties on raceday.

We bounce to the next gas station...

... just in time.

Now, I'm not saying we need to practice station hopping on raceday, but I am saying...

... it pays to practice on those early morning rides where the group isn't gonna wait.

Get up early...

to do what we gotta do
before we reallyreally gotta do
and there ain't time or place go git 'er done

... on raceday.

===

164.6ish lbs
7.5ish hours sleep
5500 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
176/207/-31 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TAPERING

WHEN AND HOW TO TAPER can be a mystery for the new and experienced. Over time we can get better at knowing out bodies. But...

... doing it right isn't just a physical thing.

IMHO

I like to look at...

mind
body
soul

... three areas.

What I'm aiming to do when I taper is to bring each of these areas back up to full strength.

Because let's face it...

... two weeks out from the 'A' race we're feeling pretty taxed.

Of course, I'm going to cut back on the volume.

The week before the week before, my volume is usually around two thirds of my biggest week.

And the week of the event, I drop it down another third.

If 18 hours is the biggest week,
then 12ish hours,
and 6ish.

While the volume drops,
it's much more polarized.

Super easy,
or very short spikey efforts.

For the mind,
the goal is to have all of work squared away by Wednesday the week of the event, and major projects off the table the week before the week before.

For the soul,
it's really about resting, getting enough sleep, unplugging from all the nonesense of the world at large.

That's the intention...

... to feel really fast and fresh and confident.

Usually, I'm able to arrange things so most of that happens.

And, if it doesn't, well...

... it's just a bike race.

===

164.6ishlbs
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/185/-13 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

POSITIONING

WE PAY THOUSANDS for just the right equipment, yet often skimp on getting the position perfected. Because...

... it's an extra cost and takes time.

We aren't sure it's worth it.

The thingaboutitis...

... get it right and the results make everything mo' bettah.

Lemme share two stories with ya.

One bike.

One biz.

My recently eversoslightly adjust cleat position quest was worth all the effort and extra travel...

... I haven't seen my legs register 50/50 balance on output.

Ever.

Always slight off.

And, I could tell...

more efficient
more comfort
more confidence

... at the end of a ride.

Businesses spend a lot of time, effort and money to position themselves in the market place.

So, today, when I realized I was basically out of my favorite chain wax from Ceramic Speed...

... I got online to order more.

Out of stock everywhere.

But, I'm in Park City UT and I know...

a legit pro shop
always high end, drool worthy bikes
and super excellent service department

... a Contender Bikes shop here.

Knowing it was a long shot, but not, because of who they are, I called up.

You got Ceramic Speed UFO All Conditions?

Yep, 3 bottles.

See you soon.

That's called brand positioning.

===

164.6 lbs
8ish hours sleep
490ish anti-oxidant level
Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
173/191/-19 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IF I HAD TO GUESS

FOR ANY NUMBER OF REASONS, all our very specific preparation for the demands of the racecourse might be for naught. The race will go on…

… just not as we’d planned.

Adjusted.

Usually because of…

· Weather

· Social strife

· Permitting issues

… safety concerns.

I’m looking at just that for my ‘A’ race in Leadville.

Part of the course burned down.

They tried an alternate route, more…

· singletrack

· climbing

· rocks

… during the stage race.

Logistically those stages probably won’t piece together cleanly.

They’ll have to come up with something unique for the hundred.

If I had to guess…

…the mileage will be a little less,
and the time a little longer.

No matter how they put the course together…

… we’re all gonna PR.

Which is perfect because PRs are better than podiums.

===

163 lbs 12.5%
6ish hours sleep
490ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/182/-16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

DOWN 6 LBS + A HACK

RACING AT ALTITUDE has challenges all on it's own. Besides the obvious, the weather can be extremely unpredictable. There really is...

... no substitute for just being up there.

I've tried 'em all.

Altitude tent,
√.

Sauna or smokin' hot baths,
√.

Riding when it's a million degrees,
√.

That last one, I did today.

Laid out a pretty challenging route to simulate the 'A' race...

80 miles
8000' of vert
90º w/high humidity

... and boy, was I suffering in that heat.

Context please.

Okay...

I rolled out weighing 163.6
Drank 6 bottles + a popsicle
Got home, ate a ton of frozen acai + 20 ounces Liquid IV + 16 ounces chocolate milk

... then, got on the scale en route to shower.

157.8!

Was it good altitude training?

Well, it was hot.

More importantly, I was forced to push through when I just wanted to quit.

HR high,
Watts low.

Was it a good readiness test?

Yes, I think so...

100'/mile elevation gain
Blistering heat
13 mph ave.

... exactly the speed I need to turn in two weeks.

Time to recover and taper.

Oh, about that hack.

The pic above is a 3-gallon container...

frozen Sambazon acai
100 servings
$161

... Walmart.com ships it with dry ice.

Couldn't wait to get home and start scooping to my hearts content today and cool my core while getting in carbs.

===

163.6 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
490 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
181/251/-70 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SCREEN MANAGEMENT

STARING AT GLASS all can be a fools errand. We think we're productive only to find out we're just busy. And...

... it can leak over to our training.

We think we're fast,
only to find out we're just fit.

Some context for ya.

While I was killing time waiting two hours to see my bike fitter (look, LA traffic on a Friday is a bear - better to drive up early for a 4pm appt)...

... I popped into a local coffer shop,
busted out my laptop.

The keyboard cowboy quickly slipped into flow and got a whole bunch of endo the week clean up done.

It occurred to me...

... I think I'm more focused with a single, small screen vs the 3 display set up in the office.

And if that's the case...

... how does that transfer to the growing screens on our machines?

Back in the day...

Avocet - time, miles speed
Cateye - same but cooler
Polar - same with HR

... ittybitty screens, which weighed nothing.

Here's the dill.

While increased computer size and weight ain't nothing...

... the cognitive load might weigh us down.

Or, worse...

... keep us focused on all the wrong things.

Thinking we're making headway...

... vs just gettin' after it.

Maybe that's why, as I've shared before, races under an hour...

XC
CX
Crit

... I prefer to just put the little beggar in my jersey pocket.

And rip.

===

164 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
710ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
1681/135/25 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

WE'VE ALL HEARD OF THE OVERNIGHT SUCCESS. In fact, we've probably seen more than a few and wondered...

... how they did that?

Might have even been us people are wondering about.

Well, here's the dill...

... nobody understands the overnight success like the athlete who navigated the dark hours.

The...

predawn workouts
post kids-to-bed gym
back at the desktop because we hit the blacktop during the day

... efforts nobody sees.

I was thinking about that today because we've had some remarkable breakthroughs this month.

From cracking accounts that took years to get to setting up collaborations with brands who previously turned us down.

It's exciting stuff, and a reminder the overnight success...

.. is just an athlete or human or business who persisted.

Even when they didn't want to,
when it looked hopeless,
exhaustion a constant.

Or, as the great Dylan Thomas wrote....

Do not go gentle into that good night...
... Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

===

164 lbs 12.5%
8ish hours sleep
650ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
168/155/9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BREAKING UP THE VISUAL FIELD

AT SOME 'A' RACES the field is comprised of 1000s of competitors, and if we want to make things super easy for our support team it's helpful to have a kit that...

... breaks up the visual field.

Like caution tape.

I learned this design cue way back when I was doing some work with Intense Cycles.

Their found Jeff Steber had a background in graphic design, and shared why he liked to include a caution tape-like look on some of the bikes and jerseys.

It stands out.

Getting ready for Leadville this year, I thought I'd do a twist on the jail break kit from '22 and go with stripes on the sleeves and socks.

It should stand out, and help the crew see me.

To see them, I've designed some fancy flags...

black background
yellow text
12' tall

... which should stand out among the chaos at the feedzones.

I learned the yellow on black trick back when I was running check cashing stores.

What a life!

===

164.6 lbs 12.5%
8ish hours sleep
650ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 6 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
168/174/-7 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

DRIVING ME CRAZY

ONE OF THE TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES of an A race is not getting there. We've mastered all forms of travel...

... or have we?

I bring this up because even though the Stravathenian's app said my form was 26, a super high value indicating...

... big rested, look out world I'm gonna uncork one.

My legs were trash this Tuesday morning.

It actually started last Wednesday, on the drive to Show Low.

10 hours behind the wheel, while Surfergirl rode shot gun or slept in the back.

They felt like trash most of the long weekend.

Driving home Sunday,
same result.

Or worse.

But Diesel, just get out and walk around.

I hear you.

And that kinda helps...

... except it was well north of 105º.

Blazing.

All I wanted to do was be hauling gas across the desert.

Which brings up a very salient point...

air
sea
land

... travel can suck the life outtuv us.

Whenever possible, we need to buffer the big day with some big recuvry.

As I look forward to my trek to Colorado, and anticipate the same rotten sensations...

... I'm askin' How soon should I leave?

===

I should also point out...

hitting the bano
food intake
sleep

... travel can mess with all kinds of our "regular" inputs and outputs.

Plan accordingly.

===

165.2 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
650ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/181/-13 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

SHIFTING UP UP OR COPING DOWN?

GET CLOSE ENOUGH THE 'A' RACE and sooner or later we've got to make a choice. Whether we've publicly declared our intentions or not doesn't matter as much...

... as what we tell ourselves.

And, others.

Before ...

on the start line
after the finish line
and all points in between

... and after.

I was thinking about this because...

things are not going perfect for my prep
life is extra superduper busy
the race course changes

... and it would be easy to start lining up the excuses.

Cope.

Maybe cancel going altogether.

This pretty much happens to all racers.

But not us.

We stay focused on what we committed to...

... we shift up.

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/135/26 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GRATITUDE

AFTER THE 'A' EVENT, regardless of the outcome, the most important thing we can do is...

... deconstruct what could have gone better.

Or, so we're told.

Heck, I've shared those exact words in the context of selling...

... every great sales professional reviews the process to better prepare for the next sale.

So, yeah, that would be the obvious thing with racing.

As well as reinforcing what did actually work.

After pulling off the family reunion for the last 4 days...

... I def had a list of things I wish we'd done better.

Then I tucked it away.

Because just like at the end of the race,
when we cross the finish...

our health and abilities
the competitors who challenged us
the promoters who risk blood and treasure

... aren't we just darn grateful we were in on the action?

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/148/16 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PREAPARING TOGETHER

ONE OF THE MORE FUN THINGS we can participate in is preparing for the A race together. From the cold morning meetups, to the long chats about…

… how it’s all going to go down.

This time.

I was thinking about that today because I’d massively discounted Surfgirl’s insistence that we not only cook all the meals at the big family reunion…

… but, we’d bring all the food for 40ish people for 3 days.

The van groaned whole way.

Our son pointed out…

… Dad you don’t care about food, you eat sardines and beans from a can.

He had a point.

Which is not the point.

The point is what I witnessed the last 3 days…

· slicing
· cutting
· cooking

… preparing anything together is a socially beautiful and bonding thing.

Which is why we love getting into the nitty-gritty of race prep…

· training
· geeking out on equipment
· hashing out all the logistics and travel

… almost as much as racing.

Sometimes, all times?, even more than pinning on the number and towing the line.

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
168/171/-3 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE CAVE

THE ANALOGIES we come up as endurance athletes can be so disconnected from reality because, if we're being totally honest...

... it's hard to explain to the uninitiated.

Let alone those closest to us.

They're things only we understand, and as soon as we hear it, we're like...

... Yeah, totally!

I thought about this today as we dropped into one our weirder family traditions...

from 5 on up to 78
wiggling into the openilng
crouch crawling the first 30' in pitch black

... slithering down into Harris Cave.

Once we're far enough in, the lava tube opens up into a cavern, then...

... pinches down again for another cramped effort.

Before opening up to yet another cavern where we can stand and feel slightly less threatened by claustrophobia and...

... whatever might be lurking down there to get us, should our lights fail.

Which is analogous to ...

forcing ourselves in
adjusting and relaxing in the darkness
before doing it all again to find out how far we can go

... the pain cave we all love and loathe.

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
169/171/-11 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LIFE IS PRECIOUS

TAKING RISKS these days ain’t what it used to be. Most of us live close to civilization. If we were to take a tumble, emergency medical services…

… would be helping us, whisking us a away.

Within minutes.

I thought about that, plummeting down a lonely dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

Life and death.

About 90 years ago, my relatives were working a sawmill they’d built (see pic).

A young cousin was manning a large log,
the timber bucked,
catching him.

His leg was gashed.

The others gathered to try and help…

· 50 miles to town
· horrendous dirt roads
· no communications, no helicopters

… but there was nothing they could do.

He was dead in minutes.

Prior to stopping at the sawmill site,
I gotta ping on my cell phone.

Service is spotty at best out here.

Our daughter had gone into labor,
they’d easily made it to the nearby hospital,
doctors and nurses and all the supplies were ready.

===

Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!

===

165ish lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
700ish anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/168/-2 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE DIFFERENCE

KNOWING THE ORIGIN of things can be empowering if we can tie it into who we are and how we operate. But, in today's connected world...

... it's easy to operate unconsciously.

Asleep.

Which is why I've sold my rather large extended family on the virtues of trekking...

no cell service
rustic cabins
tents

... out to the homestead.

Land my great great grandpappy lived on for 3 years to secure the title...

where my grampa rode out the Spanish flu epidemic
where my dad spend his summers cowboying
where I spent a few days every other year

... over 100 years ago.

Some of the distant cousins still ranch,
most of us are city slickers.

Soft.

Unacquainted with the land.

How it...

feels
smells
sounds

... when we're living unplugged.

You know what I'm getting at right?

The feeling we have when rolling with a group,
talking and sharing...

... because plugging in would distract from the experience.

Living.

===

164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
171/193/-23 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL

[as I prep for my A race, I thought I'd look back how I felt the last time I did it, in 2022]

IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, but it might be for you. I came across this concept a bunch of times over the years. It never really sunk in until I heard it stated like this...

... I increased my volume a lot.

Yeah, we've all heard that. However, what followed hit deeply into my thought process and ultimately my training...

... It has been transformational.

Who doesn't want to transform their training?

Let me pause right here.

It might not work for you. The main reason is the timing of life just isn't right. For me, it's working...

... because I now have the time.

When I had less time, and less focus, a big week for me was about 12 hours...

... an average week, about 8.

These days, in fact this year, my biggest week ever has been 20 hours...

... the last four build weeks have averaged nearly 15, and 12 the rest of the year.

That's nowhere the 20-30 hours most pros put in. In fact, it's a challenge during this build session before Leadville. Frankly, I'm happy in the 12 range. Plenty fit...

... by making my average week equal my formally biggest week.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

In the end, it's about doing all you can do...

... a topic I cover in the 2nd chapter of my book.

Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.

https://pedalindustries.myshopify.com/products/the-way-of-the-r-a-c-e-r

===

164.4 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
700 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
no today Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
175/223/-49 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BAKING CAKES

HOW DO WE KNOW it's time to bring the high volume phase to an end, when preparing for the A race of the year? It's a lot like baking a cake...

... at some point we gotta put it the oven.

And, wait.

If we stretch out the build phase too long,
we run the very real possibility of over cookin' it...

... winding up burnt.

Crispy.

If we stop too far out from the A race,
well, then our training ingredients...

... might never rise.

Leaving us flat.

I'm sure there's some real science we could tap into,
or the wise voice of a trusted coach.

Barring those options, I lean toward...

feeling exhausted
not wanting to get outside
residual, never-receding muskul pain

... as my top indicators.

I'm officially there.

Couldn't come at a better time.

I'll be spending an extended weekend...

mainly talking
hanging out
relaxing

... at the family reunion.

Oh, that cake analogy...

... now is the time to give the training into deliciousness.

===

166.4 lbs 12.7%
7.5ish hours sleep
750 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 15 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
170/201/-32 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG

THE TOUR DE FRANCE took a big tumble today. Jonas, running in 2nd place, a previous winner and excellent bike handler failed to navigate a very tricky turn...

... and broke his clavicle.

Sucks.

Before the news hit, enlightening us all to one potential factor in causing him to go down...

... I was already thinking about why some crashes happen.

More importantly, why some hit the deck and shatter, while others...

... pop back up and keep racing.

My thoughts were self-centered of course.

The effort to do hundreds of...

pushups
pullups
squats

... building up my body's ability to handle what is thrown at me, late into a ride or race?

It feels like it is,
as I feel in complete control 5 hours into a stout offroad ride.

At the same time,
am I putting body in a state where it is more likely to bend vs break?

These thoughts were going through my head as the skin and bones Jonas was clearly in massive pain.

Then, I heard the unthinkable.

After traveling hundreds of kilometers from yesterday's race to today's,
arriving very late in the evening...

... he was awakened for a drug test at 2am.

No matter what we are doing to keep our bodies in top shape to handle the demands of racing...

... missing sleep when we are already exhausted is a formula for disaster.

===

164.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
174/228/-55 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHY, IT'S ROUTINE

IN THE QUEST TO SQUEEZE IT ALL IN, we learn to develop and rely on routines. Do something consistently, and it becomes rote. Boring in the sense that...

... we don't have to think about it.

Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.

Here are a few examples that made today's ride, much better.

20 minutes into my 2 hour sprint to meet Smiley, I felt my rear tire losing a ton of air...

added air with CO2
noticed a leak
plugged it

... took less than 60 seconds to diagnose and repair.

Thought I'd better text him to confirm my ETA, and noticed I'd left my phone at home.

Doh!

But, I have a reputation for being on time and it's routine for me not to wait, so...

I pressed on
arrived at Cook's at 9
didn't see him there, waited 2 minutes at the trailhead

... and we blasted the climb together.

Mostly together,
he always starts out hotter than me,
becoming my top rabbit to chase and pace.

When I rolled up to the general store for my Saturday fix, 4.5 hours into the ride, parched and empty, without my phone to pay...

popcicle
Mexican Coke

... I didn't have to beg, because they know my m.o. and that I'm good for it.

And, that's just a smidge of routine evidence for operational mastery.

Carry on.

Oh, and in case your wondering...

a mini tool
2 CO2s + 1 nozzle
Dynaplug RacerPro (4 plugs)

... what's in my mini raceday bag.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-mini-raceday-bag-2-0-isd

===

166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
178/263/-86 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE

HOW WE ARRIVED AT OUR CURRENT LEVEL OF COMPETENCY is a matter of choice. And, that's the challenge. In a world where we can do anything...

... it's easy to reach the end of the day having done nothing.

We know better.

Starting with pruning the options...

uplifting
challenging
beneficial to others

... leaving only the good stuff.

Then, we focus...

attracting
believing
feeling

... with the blinders on, seeing only our end goal.

Executing daily...

... continuously improving.

Very nice you say,
but make it practical.

Ok.

Here's an example.

I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.

Knowing that, I've built up a race-ready rig...

... and taken it to the next level.

Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...

removing the Brain
replacing a bunch of parts
and all new lubes and fluids

... which now is supremely supple and plush, fork and shock.

When we are unwilling to prune, focus and execute...

... we are in our comfort zone.

The case there would be comfort with absolute crap vs...

... demanding the best performance we can aquire.

Got it?

===

165lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none todayLower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
161/169/-9 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?

AT A CERTAIN LEVEL, the set up of our equipment is highly personal. The reason is simple, we are putting in a massive amount of time. And, the minutest adjustment...

... can muck it all up.

A lot.

Leading to anything from a niggle to a...

... Screw it, I'm done with this sport.

So it was with great care that a swapped out my cleats today.

They weren't completely warn out, but they were a little sloppy and replacing them now vs a week before my A race seemed prudent.

I scrubbed up...

pictures had been taken of the current position
the area around the cleats taped off
tools and lube lay at the ready

... put on my operating apron.

The procedure went as expected,
no complication.

The patient was warned to take it easy the next few days,
and expect to feel some initial discomfort.

Physical therapy, in the form of bringing a torque wrench on the next few rides, was presribed.

Like the idiot I am, I promptly headed out for 90 minutes and a fair amount of climbing...

... stopping for many adjustments.

Got close to the old position,
gonna take a few more rides to reach nirvana.

PS... if this seems dramatic, or overkill, blame my dad burning this lesson into my young impressionable mind. his first lawyering job was as a malpractice attorney and the first case was defending a doctor who cut off the wrong leg.

===

163.6 lbs 12.7%
7ish hours sleep
6800 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
164/192/-28 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I SCREAM

DURING THE LARGEST BUILD PHASE, the miles and hours are waywayway bigger than our norm. It can be daunting, overwhelming...

... we need a reward.

Beyond kudos.

Something to see us through.

Which is exactly what I was thinking today,
halfway through what will like be my biggest week of the year.

Building for Leadville.

The route would be much longer than my usual Dirty Wednesday...

... and it hit my like a icy bolt from the Silver Surfer.

If I stayed on the pedals,
I'd have time to stop by the General Store.

A hundred year old building I usually only visit on Saturdays.

The point being...

... the always have the best selection of Mexican popsicles.

I was flooded with a memory of my dad, and his favorite saying...

... I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

And that was all I needed to get me through the summer heat.

Today.

What will it be tomorrow?

165.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
730 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 110 push ups, 22 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 110 ATG air squats and 24 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/217/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT

MOST OF US DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY of the famous group rides. I'm not talking about the one 5 locals started a couple of months back...

... I'm talkin' the legendary loops.

And, their morphing iterations over the years.

I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...

... took it to the next level by adding some extra credit.

Called the A loop.

About 10 years ago, Super Dave Koesel made a great suggestion.

We should add on to the ride.

Why?

So we have something to do vs waiting for the guys at the regroup.

It took us a few iterations,
carving our way through a neighborhood,
adding on two punchysprinty climbs.

Finally, we had it perfected,
arriving just in time to meet the crew...

... and keep rolling full gas.

Plus, since we had just started cracking the hour on the original TMWC, back then...

... now we had an updated hour goal.

We've hit it on the A loop multiple times,
even got closer than we've been lately today, 1:02:54 (for me)...

... could it be because Super Dave was back in town, after years of being gone?

===

ICYMI... Super Dave is an aero genius... Remember when 3T came out with their aero gravel bike, years before that was a thing?... yeah, that was Dave's project.

Here's a link to his current company... look to see top secret versions of these bikes at the Olympics.

https://strommcycles.com/

===

167 lbs 12.7% (I keep telling myself I'm 10lbs over goal because of all the strength work, but we all know it's because
7ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 10 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
166/216/-50 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THAT SONG!

WE AIN'T SERIOUS if we don't have a our own battle song. The one we can count on when...

... well, all the time.

Could be a playlist.

Mine, current fave for firing up...

... Born To Run, Frankie Goes To Hollywood version

On repeat.

Now Chuck shared a forgotten gem with me for raceday...

... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.

Surfergirl on vacation...

... Don't Disturb This Grove, by The System

To get pumped for motos in the desert the kids loved...

... Animals, by Nickleback

When I head off to the pearly gates, my beatbox will be humming...

... Low Rider, by War.

What's yours?

===

166.4 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
5900 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
159/181/-22 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?

WHEN TRAINING FOR THE 'A' RACE, if we're really all in, it's imperative that we prepare by doing the work demanded by the course. That means we have to nail the pace...

... we can sustain.

Or do we?

Lemme splainit.

Say, I'm training for a punchy event with lots of power climbs...

... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.

I could do intervals at a specified power output...

... or I could go for the burn I know I can barely handle for 1-5 minutes.

Or, take my upcoming Leadville MTB race, I know the pace I need to sustain to meet my goal finishing time.

Training the effort required...

... is part art and part science.

The science might say we need to put out an average of X watts...

getting over a steep, short pitch
hustling to catch a group
tucking a long downhill

... the art is knowing when to go above or below the power needed.

Being intimately aware of the effort > callous commitment to pace.

===

165 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
163/209/-46 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THIS IS POLARZING

THE DEBATE RAGES ON, whether or not polarized training is valuable for the unwashed or is it just for the uber elites putting in bigbig hours. To really get a grasp on the argument...

... let's look at from other perspectives.

Take marketing.

In marketing, we tout what makes us special, unique, desirable...

... while pointing out the enemies of our awesomeness.

For example, when it comes to bags I might communicate dome bags with everything piled inside are just complete trash and chaos...

... where as our RaceDay bags make raceday smooth, easy and successful.

In politics, the party we align with makes the others out to be stupid, incompetent and evil...

... where our party is full of benevolent geniuses.

It's the same with...

religion
sports teams
abortion, climate change, guns, borders, etc

... topics never to be brought up at Thanksgiving dinner.

What does this have to do with training and us?

I'm just trying to set the stage....

too much time in tempo
not enough aggregate training
inadequate or non-existent recovery

... polarized training has enemies, too.

I was thinking about that today,
because I had a great day with the fellas.

Here's how I set it up...

Monday Z1
Tuesday romping group ride, all zones all out
Wednesday high Z2
Thursday low Z2
Friday Z1, barely tapping the pedals
Saturday, 6 hours at Leadville pace with nearly 2 hours at threshold or above

... finishing the final ride, feeling pretty darn good despite 9000' in 80 miles.

If you disagree...

... then, I have succeeded in providing you some polarizing thoughts on polarization.

===

165.4 lbs 12.7% <- this blubber has got to go!
7.5ish hours sleep
600 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
167/241/-74 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI

TRAINING FOR AN EPIC ride or race is always tricky. It's so easy to over do it on the preparation when we want to be confident that we are ready...

... to go the distance.

Battle hardened.

So, when I put together tomorrow's route and added...

... It's going to be hideous.

I had to ask myself...

... What the heck are you thinking?!

This goes against my plan to prepare for Leadville this year by staying under

5 hrs
8000'
80 miles

... fresh and not torched.

Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.

We're going to over every one of those metrics tomorrow,
plus it's a group of hitters and we'll be hitting it.

Yes, I could pull the plug,
or just not show.

But, who are we kidding when we say stuff like that?
(Hideous rides call to my soul. How 'bout you?)

===

164.4 lbs 12.5%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
152/152/-1 per Strava Relative Effort (whatever that means)

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT WE ARE

LOOKING WHERE WE WANT TO GO takes great discipline. Not to be distracted by the lady in the red dress is...

... a skill that deserves mastery.

It's not easy.

Time and time again, ripping the course, we have to ignore the obvious perils and...

... stay focused on our goal.

Going as fast as possible,
error free.

Oddly,
limiting our vision to the best path forward is relaxing.

Calming.

Requiring less energy.

Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.

So, we practice the skill all the time and when we have those Oh shift! moments...

... we forgive ourselves, and reset.

Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...

... What we are, that only can we see.

===

164.4 lbs 12.5%
7.5ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 10 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 20 ATG air squats and 10 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/98/-8 per Strava

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE SLIGHT EDGE

BECAUSE WE USE OUR GEAR every day, we don't always notice the performance is degrading. It's gradual, and we are...

... more concerned with our own numbers.

But, the gear matters.

If we remember anything from the dominance of Team Sky it's...

... marginal gains.

They matter.

Not necessarily individually,
collectively they stack and become game changers.

So are the marginal losses.

I share this as a cautionary tale.

While in Park City a few weeks back,
bombing miles and miles of sweet single track...

... my fork went from finicky to very funked up

My pal Chad helped me get it working enough to enjoy the trip.

As soon as I returned, I rang up the local suspension whiz Mike and gave him the situation.

He ordered parts from Sram to rebuild and improve the fork by replacing the Brain.

Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.

Dropped off the bike Monday, planning to have it back for the weekend and continue to perfect my oneness with my steed.

Hey Todd.

Hi Mike.

We gotta small problem.

Uh-oh.

Sram sent the wrong parts.

Dang.

Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.

Is the suspension torn to pieces?

Yes.

Ok, I understand.

Now, here's the part we all need to understand...

we need to stay on top of the maintenance
allow plenty of time for parts to arrive
and for the mechanic's schedule

... in order to have the slight edge we need on raceday.

===

165.8 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 125 push ups, 25 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 125 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/103/-10 per Strava

What I'm reading: State of The Union, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT

ABOUT THE MOST FUN we can have is upping our game for the weekly group ride. The good ones all have memorable names. Just saying them sparks...

... anything from fear to fun.

Like The TMWC.

A ride we started 24 years ago...

30+ riders every Tuesday at 630
most wearing the ride's kit
with an annual throwdown

... and is still ripping today.

Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...

the regulars
the outta towners
the first timers hoping to hang on

... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.

4 categories...

Women
U35
U50
U100

... racing for glory.

Bragging rights for a year.

The course has never changed, but...

fullgas from the start
even paced 'till The Wall
saving it all for the Corkscrew finish

... the raceday never plays out the same.

Today unfolded with bouts of massive power,
dropping to conversational,
and back at it.

The only thing that was the same was Alessandro...

... pulling off the first Threepeat.

He was so far off the front the camera crew mistook him as some cat who happened upon the course...

... except he raced up The Wall with god-like speed.

Put over a minute on lil' ol' me,
and nearly everyone else.

Insane.

Priscilla crushed the women's field,
snatching longstanding, legit QOMs.

It's not all about the wins, though.

Juan was voted most-improved,
and Eric picked up rookie of the year.

These aren't participation trophies ...

... they represent outstanding effort, week after week.

Congrats to these cats....

Overall

Alessandro
Kody
Andrew

Women

Priscilla
Maria
Vi

U35

Andrew
Eric
Scott

U50

Kody
Drew
Alfredo

U100

Alessandro
Rob
Mani

Still reading?
Wondering how we pull it off?

Our 4 rules are key...

Leave on time
Obey the law
Make a friend
Have fun

... plus, always be inviting.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/2024-tmwc

Use Promo Code TMWC2026 To Save 20% On The Gear

===

166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
640 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/100/-10 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?

THERE ARE A LOT of professional pundits pontificating the particulars of each stage of the Tour de Frants. Then, there's the amachurs. Us handlebar hams...

... handing out our homemade takes.

Who's best?

Certainly it's not Velo's...

Jonas Vingegaard was left choking in Pogi's exhaust and came to the line two seconds back after the 1.7km hilltop kick to Les Angles.

... latest retarded hyperbole.

Cycling News' take...

A devastatingly-long and sustained acceleration by Tadej... with a two-second advantage.

... wasn't much of an improvement.

Jonas said it better...

It's a shame, of course. But when we started the Tour, we expected to lose time... so it's a good starting point that I'm tied on time with Tadej.

... and more accurately.

But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.

My eyeballs and ears like to take in...

Chris Horner for pointing out the knucklehead moves of the day
Lance's podcast for the entertainment
GCN's breathy and breasty euroness

... if I have the time.

And then there's NBC's crew...

I do feel for Brent and TJ having to educate the unwashed with silly cartoons and goofy bets
No way I could ride the sissybar like Christian or do the man on the course stuff like Steve
Amid correcting, Bobke does a good job as the straight man
Phil may miss a few deets, but that voice is still gold to me

... collecting a solid paycheck.

Nothing wrong with that.

For actual, pure analysis...

concise
relatable
insightful

... I think Tom Danielson does it best.

He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.

You're probably thinking Nice job taking potshots at people just trying to do their jobs...

... to which I'll counter, I'm grateful we have so many real human points of view vs the AI slop sure to come our way.

Links to Tom's work:

https://cinchcycling.cc/blogs/news/tour-de-france-stage-3-tadejs-boxing-match

===

166 lbs 12.7%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 18 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/81/5 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING

MOST OF US have a test course, a segment that is our fitness barometer, where we lay down a valiant effort, then upload it...

... to see where we're at.

Sometimes years of data points.

When we're prepping for the A race we'll hit it hard.

The results are instructive...

PR'd it
on track
woefully wanting

... from elation to devastation.

Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.

But, what about when it isn't?

Like my Leadville prep test up a similar climb to Columbine...

1:10 in May
1:14 in June
1:15 in July

... which is honestly, quite discouraging?

The May effort I was waiting for my friends,
in June I was chasing all the way,
in July I went alone.

July's effort was the shortest
June's was much longer,
May's the longest.

Big takeaway...

... my fitness is going backwards.

So, find the positives...

I'm descending better than I have since the TBI
the nutrition plan seems to be on point
the bike is nearly complete

... and make adjust ments.

I still have 7 weeks to turn it around...

stop shredding my legs with weight training
get back to throttling Saturdays
stack the Zone 2 miles

... and I have some definite ideas on how to do that.

Will it work?

I dunno.

What won't work is quitting.

Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.

===

165.6 lbs 12.6%
7.5ish hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/87/1 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

HALF THE FREEDOM

WE KNOW where the 50% mark is on the course. The distance. The estimated time it takes to get there. The food we'll need to arrive and...

... finish with good energy.

But, is that enough?

Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.

The first half of 2026 is gone.

For some, it flew right by.

Others...

bored
unengaged
beset by challenges

... had a different experience.

We are free to stay the course, or...

10x goals
Committed mindset work
Severing whatever is holding us back

... recalibrate and blow everyone's minds (ours included).

God, bless America.

===

Nowza good time to crack that journal open and document the amazing things we've accomplished to date.

What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

Let's rip!

===

164 lbs 12.6%
8ish hours sleep
530 anti-oxidant level
none today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/88/0 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

GUITY AS CHARGED

THE EVIDENCE IS OVERWHELMING, there is no defense for the flagrant violations of society's norm...

... we've got a problem.

And, we don't care.

It's who we are...

city limit sign? let's race
KOM within reach? let's race
event 700 miles away? let's race

... we're constantly on the lookout for our tribe.

We rarely watch sportsball,
we'll watch a TdF stage start to finish.

We do find comfort in the couch,
after an absurdly long day outside ripping.

We do devour ice cream and cookies,
but only when the calorie deficit is irredeamable.

We aren't normal...

... we're race junkies.

===

If that resonates,
you might want this shirt,
which I'm pretty sure we priced wrong at $20.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe

I'll fix the price after the holiday.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/race-junky-classic-t-shirt-fe

===

165 lbs 12.6%
7ish hours sleep
680 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 60 push ups, 12 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 112 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/96/-7 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BROKE OR BROKEN?

IT'S AMAZING what we're willing to put up with. I suspect it's just in our nature and probably why...

... we thrive at the endurance game.

We tune it out.

And, here's the dill.

Pretending things aren't the way they are...

... can be demoralizing.

Yesterday, I had my cracked front windshield replaced on the van.

It wasn't huge,
but it was slowly growing,
ever since our trip to Sea Otter.

Neighbor Rick came out to chat and asked me why I replaced it.

Honestly?

Yeah.

It was making me feel poor.

The thingaboutitis, if I'd had the rock chip fixed immediately...

... the cost would have been minimal.

Which begs the question...

... what are we allowing to languish and bring us (our performance) down?

===

166.4 lbs 12.4%
8ish hours sleep
610 anti-oxidant level
√ today Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 50lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES

THE TEMPTATION to tap the pharmacy is getting realer every day. Call it the effects of the human genome project or clever marketing...

... lotsa people on the train.

I've been surprised.

Just in the last month or so, some of my much younger (30s and 40s) and generally healthy friends...

trimmer
slimmer
sexier?

... have let me know their results from peptides.

They aren't athletes who compete,
just dudes wanting a better bod.

My response is always the same.

Dang...

... I can't do that because I'm a racer.

I know...

the likelihood of getting tested is practically nil
the evidence of peptides disappears quickly
the help they deliver is real

... but, I'll know.

So I push on in the land of...

working hard
eating clean
getting rest

... and I'm quite okay with that.

===

165.8 lbs
7 hours sleep
540 anti-oxidant level
not today Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
90/104/-14 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN we get an insight that touches our hearts and when we try and explain it to others they just don't get it. Not their fault. We just need an analogy...

... we can all relate to.

Try this one.

I'll do my best to share the change of heart I had recently...

a homeless woman sitting on the corner of a busy sidewalk in front of a food court
people, me included, waiting for the light to change
ignoring her sad, red eyes like they didn't exist.

... it wasn't my finest moment.

We're all rich.

I'm on a stupidly expensive bike,
but no cash on me,
gazing ahead.

Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.

I was ashamed...

... of my inability to see the once beautiful baby at my feet.

What would it have cost to acknowledge her?

And it hit my heart so hard...

... Love they neighbor as thyself.

Finally I got it,
and I'll do my best to share it with you.

If we really loved our neighbors as ourselves we might...

be a little nicer, kinder more patient
genuinely ask how they are, if they need a hand
we might hold the bar a little lower or a little higher, out of love

... not the awkward, stumbling empathy that paralyzes us.

Genuine desire to help others as ourselves out knowing that...

if we were raised differently
made regrettable choices
had terrible experiences

... but for the grace of God go I.

It reminds me of my good friend Todd Darley, a better Todd than I, who always rolls out with food.

One day we're ripping up Mulholland with a spicy group, gonna PR it...

... and Todd disappears.

Where'd you go?

Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?

What?

Yeah, wanted to make sure he was okay. Gave him a bagel I had.

Last Saturday, a dude in a pick up with a trailer full of tools pulled up to me and Chad and flipped us the bird...

... I laughed and asked myself Now why would I do that? Having a bad day? PTSD from cyclists?

I'll never know that dude's literal problem...

... just hoping this change of heart stays with me forever.

===

165.4 lbs
8 hours sleep
630 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 50 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
not today Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/91/-3 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IS THIS CODDLING?

WE'VE ALL HAD to face the unbearable hot situations. Sometimes in training, others in a race. But, that's the thing...

... we've all had to face them.

That's life.

So, when the geniuses at Velo led with Extreme Heat Could Force Radical Rethink of the Tour de France...

... I sighed.

Stop the coddling.

They're professionals.

Then Surfergirl chimed in...

2013 Tour of California
4pm finish
114º

... But, remember Palms Springs.

We started early and rode the stage ahead of the pros.

Dropping down into the desert floor was like riding into a giant hair dryer.

Oppressive and awful.

My son and I staggered into a 7-11 and chugged giant Slurpees...

... finally lowering our body temps to be able to ride to the finish.

The pros came in and literally collapsed on the sizzling black and gooey tarmac.

She had a point.

It was horrific.

After wading through the Velo clickbait I discovered the "radical rethink" just meant considering starting the races at 9:30 vs the typical much later starts that finish in the hottest time of the afternoon.

You know the real tragedy isn't the coddling, it's that...

... I won't be able to go for an early spin and watch the race finish live.

I'm sure I'll find a "radical rethink" of my entertainment consumption.

===

163.4 lbs
9 hours sleep
690 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 150 ATG air squats and 36 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/99/-10 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of the Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE

IT CAN BE PERPLEXING to know a truth from personal experience, to share it because we care, and see it not be received...

... because it's scary.

Like ripping downhill.

I have a few friends who are training for a big event with me.

There will be a fair amount of climbing,
followed by a fair amount of descending.

None of it...

steep double-track
wide open hardpack
a bit of chunky rocky stuff

... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.

Unless we're racing,
really going for it.

Even then, most will be fine...

... but, they could be so much better.

And here's the headscratcher...

... I can't get them to ride much harder trails in preparation.

They protest,
avoid,
skip.

Because I'm absolutely failing to ride home the point that learning to rip more challenging trails now...

steeper
chunkier
twistier and slicker

... will move the comfort zone.

Moving the comfort zone means we are...

more efficient
relaxed
calm

... saving all kinds of physical and emotional energy.

While others bog down with Oh shift! moments, we can turn those sections into...

recovery
relaxation
moments of bliss

... something to look forward to, and potentially gain/make up time.

If we're into that.

I am.

You?

(Where else are we too fraidy catty to move the comfort zone?)

===

163.6 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
91/114/-23 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all kinds of marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?

ON RACEDAY it's fair to say nothing else matters but the race. The training, the fine-tuning, the sacrifices...

... they're all coming together.

We need to rip.

But, when it's all said and done...

... should anybody, ourselves included, really care?

Take a dude I heard about...

inspired and helped millions of cancer patients to believe they had a chance
single-handedly lifted a dying sport getting legions to pedal
operator of a massively popular podcast
successful investor and businessman
father of five children

... does he really care that he's not recognized as winning 7 TdFs?

For all you haters that are now triggered, the unsubscribe button is above and below.

For the open minded, contemplating our own mortality and personal achievements...

family
race wins
inspiring and helping others

... what would you prefer?

===

164 lbs
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
none Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
87/93/-6 per Strava

What I'm reading: Path of The Assassin, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard, all things marketing

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE

IGNORANCE AND IGNORANT are such ugly words. And don't even speak ignoramus. Referring to anybody with those words...

... is just plain mean spirited.

Ain't gonna make ya friends.

Yet, the truth is, many of personal innovations come from ideas...

never heard of
never thought of
never been exposed to

... we were completely ignorant to.

Here are a few of mine...

swimming to control breathing
lift heavy, low reps
sprints for power

... that have helped improve over the years.

The swimming one I came up with on my own when training for Leadville in the early days. I wanted to control my breathing and keep my breaths deep.

The lift heavy, low reps I learned from one of the great Phil Mafetone books. He only pioneered Zone 2 training coaching Mark Allen to become the most complete and dominating triathlete of his era.

Lift heavy, low reps was also heavily preached in the fascinating book Underground Secrets To Faster Running, by Barry Ross.

Sprints for power came from the awesome Fred Duncan, a premiere track coach.

The idea that we are born to be athletic and should treat our bodies as such came through loud and clear in Christopher McDougall's book Natural Born Heroes.

I could go on...

crusty old curmudgeons calling me out
lessons learned through experience
defeats whose sting was wicked

... but that's not the point.

The point is we've got to continually expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and experiences in order to...

... keep innovating and growing.

Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.

===

1664 lbs
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 75 push ups, 15 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
none today Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
88/102/-14 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE VISION BORED

VISION WHILE RACING isn't everything, but it's right up there with oxygen. We gotta breathe, we gotta see...

... to move forward.

I was thinking about that today while zipping down a twisty trail.

If I let my eyes start to focus on what's up close...

... my speed drops and I become much more reactive.

When I'm focused far ahead...

... I go much faster, slipping into a state of flow and things are magically easier.

The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.

Mulling over the things already accomplished, as well as what is in the works.

The vision board seems to work the same way...

... focusing on the outcome, not how I'm going to get there.

Some of you may be thinking Dude is nuts,
others nodding your heads That's right.

Either way, I'll leave you with this thought from King Salomon...

... Where there is no vision, the people perish.

===

166.2 lbs
8 hours sleep
620 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 100 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, shoulder press, curls
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs, nordic curls, box jumps, heel and toe raises
89/108/-19 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TUCK AND ROLL!

AERO. The term is like a science fiction blob that oozes it's way into everything, eventually killing everything in sight and taking over the world...

... with no end of it's pervasiveness in site.

Can we escape the creepiness?

The thingaboutitis, once we go slip down the aero tube...

positioning
equipment
apparel

... it's almost impossible to stop.

That list falls short of the whackiness...

hands on the mtb fork crowns at Leadville
hydration bladders stuffed in front of jersey
dropper seat post for bombing road descents

... which actually works.

I was thinking about that this morning as I crested The Wall, about 15 seconds behind the leaders.

Pedaling till I was spun out...

butt hooked on end of saddle
hands next to the stem
chin on the Wahoo
elbows in
knees in

... I assumed the position (I'm not a butt on seat tube believer).

Would I, could I catch before the bottom?

Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...

spun out with gravel gears
rolling shallow depth road wheels
rockin' a well ventilated KASK helmet

... I needed every aero advantage I could get.

After rolling up on the 3 in between the two leaders...

... we rotated, taking short and speedy pulls.

It took forever to catch,
all the way to the final curve.

I'm already thinking about next week...

actual aero helmet
clean shave on the legs, face, arms(?)
and, yeah, gonna bust out the Speedsuit

... what else I can do to improve my aeroness.

On my previous road bike, I clocked 51 mph...

... today's set up shows 47.4 mph.

Tuesday can't some soon enough.

===

168 lbs
7 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
no Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 70lbs
89/113/-24 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

CUI BONO?

THERE ARE A LOT OF DEALS that get cut on the race course. Some are obvious, some hidden. Many between competitors...

... for money, glory and pride.

The worst deal of all?

Well, that depends on Cui bono?...

... Who benefits?

Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...

hang on for camera glory
work to stay in break
straight cash

... we can usually tell who benefits,
and who pays.

No, the most insidious deals...

staying up late
backing off the finishing sprint
starting the new diet "tomorrow"

... are the ones we cut with ourselves.

Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.

===

167.4 (Happy Fatter's Day - sheesh!)
8 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 150 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
no Lower Body: 100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
85/90/-6 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

MY INSANE CULT

FEW OF US HAVE BEEN TO AN AA MEETING, but we've seen TV/movie version many times. Hi, I'm Todd and...

... I'm an endurance junkie.

Hi Todd.

When we come clean with the general population, Today I...

swam 10,000 yards
rode for 5 hours
ran 20 miles

... they think we're crazy.

We're not.

The adrenaline rush of ...

60 miles an hour in nothing but lycra
the swimmers blue mind
the runner's high

... we need that hit.

Regularly.

This risks we take...

sending it down the mountain
running along into the cold, dark night
impossibly holding our breath one more length

... would freakout any life insurance company.

These sensations of pushing well beyond normal, reasonable, safe...

... are often all that's keeping us stable.

In all sincerity, because the allure of the lottery and dulling our senses with substances is so very tempting and tragically treacherous...

... stay dangerous my friends.

The sane kind.

===

164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 60 push ups, 20 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `100 ATG air squats and 20 split squats with 60lbs
86/98/-12 per Strava

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE

SOME BIG TRAINING DAYS are better than others. The reasons are myriad. Which means when it goes sideways...

... it's up to us to figure it out.

Like today.

I knew it was going to be a big day...

7 hrs
87 miles
10,500' of vert

... on Monday.

There are only 8 weeks to get our Leadville legs, and me and Let's Go need(ed) to do some simulation.

For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.

Never felt that feeling of being on top of the pedals and...

... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.

It was much more like a broke down pumpjack one might see in the hot and dusty oil fields of Bakersfield...

... in desperate need of lube and love.

Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.

I've narrowed it down to a few things...

going too deep on Thursday after solid Tuesday and Wednesday
rolling the gravel wheels vs road wheels on Friday's BRO ride
hitting the legs with resistance Sunday-Thursday

... and I should know better.

I'm gonna add to that...

probs too much tire pressure
def hotter today than our last attempt
carrying a third bottle to be safe on hydration

... some I can control, some I can't.

In the end, I think it really comes down to not being sufficiently recovered.

On a positive note, given the fatigue level...

... we averaged 12.7 mph with zero drafting over a similar profile to Leadville.

Not bad.
Not great.
But, we can work with that.

Oh, and I'm feeling quite extra speedy on the downhills.

Time for...

In-N-Out burger, fries and shake
some good sleep
and a day off

... to set the pins up to be knocked down next week.

===

164.6
7.5 hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 0 push ups, 0 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
89/113/-25 per Strava (someone's tired!)

What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THAT TOPSECRET SECRET

THE IDEA OF A PUBLIC DECLARATION is not new. Lots of people have proclaimed they will accomplish X goal and gone on to do just that...

... because it works.

There is a hitch.

The haters,
the perceived haters,
hating the idea of haters.

There are plenty of famous athletes who have made the call and fallen flat on their face...

... sometimes by knockout.

Which is why most of keep our plans secret,
denying ourselves the power therein.

I'm onboard with that.

There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.

Wherein lies another hitch.

If we're posting our stats with the Strava lords,
that might be considered a passive-aggressive statement.

Which begs the question...

... if we're keeping our mouths shut, do we keep our training private?

Personally, I'm open book on that, except for my top secret racing agenda which scrawled in code...

... on my vision board.

===

164.6
7iah hours sleep
580 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: `0 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
83/84/1 per Strava
What I'm reading: Lions of Lucerne, Brad Thor
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

IMAGINE THAT!

WHEN WE WERE CHILDREN, can ya even remember that?, we had tremendous imaginative powers. From games to friends to travel to faraway places...

... our lives were boundless.

What happened?

Did reality set in?

Did we set conditions on our dreams?

Did some kind old bag of wind tell us not to have our heads in the clouds?

The thingaboutitis...

... when we register for an event or race, all bets are off.

We've already imagined...

the trainging
the equipement
the travel and accomodations

... to start.

More importantly, if we're really on our A game, and you and I are!...

... we can see the finish line, and exactly how we'll be at that moment.

Which isn't child's play.

It's actually...

life
business
relationships

... how doers get it done!

As I'm writing this I'm reminded of the gloves I wore today...

and the shirt I'm wearing right now

This is gonna be a total marketing faux pas because we're neverever supposed to make too many offers, but...

... I imagine more than a few of you will want this reminder to Rip!

Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.

Use this code: LET'SRIP

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lets-rip-buy-t-get-gloves-for-free

===

162.6
8 hours sleep
670 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
85/91/-7 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Imagination, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN

WE'VE ALL FELT THE BURN. Some of us love it, some of us hate it. No matter where we are on the spectrum...

... the burn is coming for us.

Is it minimizable?

Maybe.

If yesterday is any indicator, I may have stumbled upon something.

For the last few weeks, I've been steadily increasing my ATG air squats.

From reps of 10 to reps of 30.

If you haven't done them lately, or ever...

standing
to full "ass to grass"
to standing

... it's quite a shock to learn our trusty bottom half may not be as durable as we think.

When I started 10 burned,
then 20 really burned...

... the last 5 of 30 were a massive struggle.

Back to yesterday's hammerfest, when the burn came on it was like my body saying...

... Oh, we're gonna burn now. Buckle up buttercup, I've got this.

Rather than pulling the plug at the onset of burn, I embraced it and powered on.

Best I've felt in weeks/months.

Now, I'll be the first to admit it could just be that I was supertapered going into last weekend's BWR UT and I might just be having a good response to the taper followed by the 3.5 hours of racing across the high desert.

But, even if that's the case...

... the burn of 30 ATGs feels so good.

Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.

(yes, on top of split squats and probably bringing back box jumps)

===

165.2
8 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 90 push ups, 30 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 90 ATG air squats and 18 split squats with 50lbs
85/96/-12 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK

IT'S REALLY HARD TO LET GO of something we love. The fear we won't get it back is legit. Yet, the opportunity of enjoying something new...

... is real, and tantalizing.

The known vs the unknown.

Once we move on, that thing we left behind might...

forget about us
reject our return
change and move on

... it's risky.

No, Surfergirl didn't leave me or vice versa.

But!...

... I did leave my beloved TMWC (Tuesday Morning World Championships) for another ride: Wednesday Worlds.

The main reason, and it's very valid, waking up at 5am and rolling out in the cold, dark, pre-dawn was leaving me almost worthless for work the rest of the day.

The lesser reason, I was thinking the blazing intensity of WW would be a better work out.

Well, a funny thing happened when a downloaded the Tuesday vs WW data...

significantly more time above threshold and VO2 max
much higher average and normalized power
and, the best, all my pals were there

... to smack me in the face!

For sure, it helped that the sun was up when I rolled out.

And, I was putting down power on the road vs battling dust, rocks and terrain.

The fellas were all welcoming...

... probably because they knew they'd dump me up The Wall and send me home with a good lycra whipping.

Gawd, I've missed this ride and these awesome cats.

===

165.2
7 hours sleep
480 anti-oxidant level
√ Upper Body: 30 push ups, 10 pull ups, hand gripper, heel and toe raises
√ Lower Body: 30 ATG air squats and 0 split squats with 50lbs
84/83/-9 per Strava
What I'm reading: 7 Powers, The Foundations of Business Strategy, Hamilton Helmer
What I'm studying: Prayer, Neville Goddard

https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248

THE TRUTH ABOUT PUTTING IN THE WORK.

Apr 25, 2021

TODD BROWN

PUTTING IN THE WORK. That's what really matters. When it comes down to it, my favorite people to ride with are the ones with whom I've worked the hardest...

... the cats I have suffered with the most.

It could be those 12 and 24 hour relay races,
Ripping the White Rim Trail in a day
Or long breakaways that stuck,

Those are good ones.

But, if I had to pick it would be the nonglorious days. The ones where we trained for a specific goal.

Like prepping for Santa Barbara Road Race
Or PRing Leadville

The myriad hard days when no one else is looking except a committed few.

Working together keeps us together.
Work is a blessing.

Lately when working hard on the road I prefer the amazing and sexy Pirelli P-Zero SL tires.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-pirelli-p-zero-race-sl-tire-black

They are really fast, supple and weirdly quiet.

I run them tubeless.

They seem to be pretty darn puncture resistant, even the SL's that I'm running.

Use promo code WORK

To save 15%.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires/products/bikeshop-pirelli-p-zero-race-sl-tire-black

---

165.3
Stretch and Hypervolt.
7.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/5192575707

View Details

JUST A SPOONFUL OF PAIN...

Apr 24, 2021

TODD BROWN

WHAT CHANGED? We smashed the SHoP ride today. Well under an hour. Only 8 of us, we've had more. My second fastest time ever...

... on my gravel bike.

Yes, I'd mounted the deep dish road wheels and tires.

But, still.

That's whack. In fact, it's whack anytime we break an hour.

My unscientific assessment links this performance gain to one eversoslight tweak.

I'm taking Tuesdays a little easier, because Wednesdays are a lot harder.

Now, instead of going out for a big MTB ride on Wednesday, we are racing our bibs off for one hour on dirt. No drafting, simply chasing and being chased up down and around. It's brutal...

... but, that's it.

Nothing else.

Just a spoonful of pain.

How did I deduce this?

Just by looking at the Fitness & Freshness tab on Strava. It's pretty easy to see when the improvements started.

You know what else I've deduced?

Racers and riders really like the Mini RaceDay™ bag. I haven't promoted them for quite awhile and they aren't even easy to find on the site - doh! - but the orders keep flowing in.

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

Like everything we make, this started off as me wanting to solve the ol' crap clanging around in my saddle bag problem.

We make it out of inner tube so everything is held tight.

These days I only use the road version and only carry 2 canisters a nozzle and some bacon strips, plus a multitool and tire levers.

You'd think I'd raise the price, demand being like it is. But, I feel like I'm doing a public service getting all those nasty sounding saddle bags off the roads and trails of our country.

$20. Delivered.

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

---

166 lbs (this is what happens with the kids visit and we eat at 9pm)
Stretch and Hypervolt.
6 hrs sleep (so is this... maybe this was the reason I flew today?)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5186182750

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RIDING SLOW IS FOR FOOLS... AND THE OTHER F WORD.

Apr 23, 2021

TODD BROWN

RIDING SLOW IS FOR FOOLS. It's just that simple. Riding slow has no purpose and no place for most riders. In fact, I'd say it's a total and complete waste of time...

... unless you ride fast.

Now, if you're foolish enough to ride really fast or race...

... or push yourself to the point of literally seeing stars
... or to hacking like a smoker the rest of your day
... or limping up and down stairs
... or needing a nap

... then, I hope you are mixing in plenty of slow, easy, restorative rides. The kind where you barely touch the pedals and your heart rate is ticking so low you think the HRM might be busted are the best...

... yes, the pace that looks foolish to all those wise riders constantly pushing 7/10ths of their max...

.. because if you have anything as foolishly fast our Saturday Hour of Power planned you're gonna need some blessed supereasy miles.

Stay foolish...
... and you'll stay foolishly FAST!

Even though we call it the S.H.o.P., it's really about 3 hours with the warm up and cool down.

Which means we'll be needing some sugar and electrolytes.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

Lots of options are there, I am digging this one and the others on the page the link will lead you too.

Use promo code: FASTFOOL

To get free shipping and save 10%

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

163.4 lbs
30 Pullups 60 Pushups
7.5hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5178510205

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THE FAMOUS RULE NUMBER 4.

Apr 22, 2021

TODD BROWN

THIS IS GONNA BE HARD TO BELIEVE, but I had a customer... shoot a member of the PEDALposse!... ping me over the weekend. He'd never done something we do, love, and live for...

... he'd never done a group ride!

Hey Todd, what's the best way to learn how to do a group ride?

Ride with me.

I get inquiries like this often and always respond with Ride with me.

Nobody, well very few, take me up on it. I don't know why.

But this cat did.

I gave him the basics as we rode to meet the group.

Stay at the back.
To be smooth, never stop pedaling even when braking (beginners only)
Never overlap your front wheel with the back wheel in front of you.

I wanted to keep is simple. As you know, when things heat up there's a lot going on.

He did so well that on the way back to the shop he broke Rule #4.

How could I forget that one?!

Bad teacher.

4. Never lead a group ride if you don't know the route.

He'd wound his way to the front, went straight... and we all turned left. The locals chuckled.

Classic rookie move.

You know what else is a rookie move?

Not refueling after a big ride.

You know what's great for refueling?

A recovery drink.

You know what I've been loving because it's filling and effective?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/bikeshop-skratch-labs-sport-recovery-drink-mix-chocolate-24-serving-resealable-pouch

A good recovery drink right away does 2 things:

Feeds your muscles what they need
Satiates so we (me for sure) don't need to gorge the moment we get home.

Use promo code RULE#4

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/bikeshop-skratch-labs-sport-recovery-drink-mix-chocolate-24-serving-resealable-pouch

---

163.4 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.5hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5175553453

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JACK OF ALL TRAILS, MASTER OF NONE

Apr 21, 2021

TODD BROWN

WHAT HAPPENED TONIGHT WAS EYEOPENING. I had scouted out a course that took just over 19 minutes on my gravel bike. It's mostly fast, lumpy single track...

... easy to ride on a gravel bike.

I had no idea how much faster it would be on my mountain bike.

Nearly 3 minutes.

That's 15% faster.

Look, I absolutely L-O-V-E to ride my gravel bike for the many options it provides. But, when it comes to haulingass...

... nothing beats a specialty bike.

MTB on trails. Roadbike on pavement. Gravel bike on smooth dirt.

As far as race prep goes, the closer our A race gets the more we need to spend time on the bike we'll be racing. Bonus points if we can set up a similar course. Triple Bonus points if we can pre-ride the racecourse, a lot.

Here's a specialty product you may not not about, yet.

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

The thing I like about this chamois cream is it doesn't break down over time.

Some creams do, this doesn't.

Which means I end up using a lot less per application and I can ride a lot longer.

Don't let the name fool you ladies... think of the Secret deodorant commercial.

Plus, the DZ stands for the awesome Dave Zabriskie - look him up. Very cool cat.

Use promo code: DZNUTS

Save 10% and get free shipping.

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

---

165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
7.7hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5170035210

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PAINESIA - IT'S REAL, AND I HAVE PROOF

Apr 20, 2021

TODD BROWN

I SAW A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF PAINESIA TODAY. For no reason other than Why not? we went back to an A and a B ride this morning. After a year of being all together I guess it was time...

... but that's not painesia.

The painesia happened at the end of the ride.

Two the the main protagonists were flummoxed over their performance on The Wall.

Man, I had no legs on the wall today.

I know, and we weren't even charging into the climb.

That's painesia.

How could they have forgotten the searing efforts on the first part of the ride, up the long 2-3% grade? For the first time in a year, some of us were really charging. Attacks. Vicious pulls...

... these two were hitting it hard.

I'll tell ya this. I remembered it.

After my own feeble attempt to stir the pot, I found myself all the way in the back. Next thing I know, I'm hustling trying to close gaps as things are falling to pieces in front me.

Maybe it's because I was lathered up with PR Lotion and not feeling the pain they were feeling that I wasn't suffering painesia?

Could be... it's that good.

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

If you haven't used it yet... what are ya waitin' for?

If you have... wouldn't it be a great gift?

Use promo code: PAINESIA

And save 10% and get free shipping.

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

---

165.3 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
6.7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5161124003

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HE DIDN'T JUST SURVIVE.

Apr 19, 2021

TODD BROWN

HE DIDN'T JUST SURVIVE. He kept working harder and stayed focused. The ability to stay focused in the midst of crisis is one of his main advantages. No matter what we're up to, the preceding words are ones we'd love to own...

... even when simply racing bikes.

I think that's why I'm loving the Elon Musk biography so much. Because it's written 6 years ago, and we know how much more has been accomplished by working hard and staying focused.

In fact, one of my riding buddies' company is now a vendor for Tesla. He says the pace is insane. The deadlines beyond demanding.

They are accomplishing the impossible.

Simply because the leader has otherworldly goals and knows there is no time to waste.

I received 2 texts today with the same message.

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

The giant calendar is awesome.

This one belongs to a World Champion Jet Skier and National MTB and CX racer.

Maybe there's something putting your goals to paper and having them front and center?

... and yes, we can make these calendars with your team graphics, sponsors and important dates highlighted.

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

---

165.1 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5158166321

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GET READY FOR BIKECOIN

Apr 18, 2021

TODD BROWN

HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE NEW CRYPTOCURRENCY, BIKECOIN? It's ingenious. Each Bikecoin is backed by one bicycle. As we all know, bicycles and their components are in extremely limited supply. Demand is high...

... and the price of Bikecoin is sure to rise.

Get Bikecoin now and ride your way to riches.

Haha... there's no such thing as Bikecoin, yet.

But, there is such a thing as people meeting each other riding and finding out that they have a common business interest or one can provide a solution to a problem for the other.

All it takes is genuine conversation.

The only motive is friendship.

The result is true wealth.

Another way to get rich is saving money... and boy do I have an offer for you.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo

This is my go to for early morning and late afternoon rides. Super powerful, easy to use, and lasts a longlong time.

Use this promo code and save $40.

The code is RICH

Trust me... this is a steal.

The code will expire on 4/23/21 or when we sell it.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-lights/products/urban-1000-commuter-combo

---

165.9 lbs
Stretch and Hypervolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5152385312

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THE PRICE OF ADMISSION

Apr 17, 2021

TODD BROWN

YOU DON'T WANT TO RIDE WITH FASTER RIDERS? What's wrong with you? Really, I mean that sincerely. Riding with faster riders, getting destroyed by them, is like going to Harvard or Stanford for free...

... it's the best education we'll ever get.

The trick is finding the faster riders, because if we can find the right cats to ride with they will...

Make us suffer
Serve us humble pie
Leave us for dead

... but the best ones, if we keep coming back, will see our tenacity and desire to improve. They will teach us the inner secrets. Trust me, they want to teach us...

... once we prove we're ready to learn.

For example, years ago I was riding with the great Nelson Vails.

I was in full fanboy mode. Drooling all over myself, stuttering, dumbstruck and awestruck all at once.

Hi Nelson, I'm Todd.

Todd...

Yeah.

Hold onto your bars like this. Always have your fingers looped. Riding with your hands lazy on the bars is risky. You hit a bump, hands slip... and then you lose control, and maybe take us all out.

Yep, there I was acting cool... and a real pro and Olympian took the time to teach me something simple. I've never forgotten it.

At a minimum, I make sure I have good control on the bars. Always.

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

We may not be racing every day, but we should be practicing our racing every ride.

Yes, you can have this mostexcellent trucker hat delivered for less than the cost of a new BMC.

$24.95

Shipping is included.

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

---

166.9 lbs
Beach walk
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5144174641

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I SWORE I'D NEVER HUNKR AGAIN

Apr 16, 2021

TODD BROWN

PEOPLE KEEP ASKING, When is the next HUNKR? HUNKR broke a lot of rules at the time. It was a road race, but it was mass start. There was a huge purse, with equal payout for Men and Women. Every course was exactly 100k, so there were lots of ways to win...

... overall, age group, and the most glorious -> getting a PR.

We had a lot of fun, including singing the National Anthem a cappella winding through hundreds of racers on a live mic.

Why did we stop?

It's really hard to put on a first class race.

Will we do it again?

Yeah, I'm thinking we can, we should and we must.

Will it be better?

It'll be different, and probably better. You know me.

When you show up for a HUNKR the prime directive is to snag a PR, then beat your best friend, then win your age group, then win the overall.

To do that, you're going to need your drivetrain to be as free of friction as possible.

My go to is WEND.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax

Start with a clean, non greasy chain.

It's a liquid wax and it goes on like this, one drop at a time.

Then I massage it in with my fingers so it looks like this.

Then, and only then, do get on my bike and get haulin' boodwah!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wend-wax

Use this promo code and save 10% and get free shipping... code is HUNKR.

---

164.9 lbs
30 Pull ups 60 Push ups
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5137454711

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OUR NORTH STAR

Apr 15, 2021

TODD BROWN

WHAT IS OUR NORTH STAR? What is it that gets us out riding each day? Eating like athletes? Getting proper sleep? Doing what many consider insane and impossible...

... of our own free will?

Do you know what yours is?

I know what mine is.

It's racing.

Always has been.

And, not a lot of racing.

Just a few big ones a year.

Often just one.

It's scarier that way. To think you'd spend a bunch of time and effort, an entire season going for it on only one race. Yikes!

Here's what it doesn't take:

Hedging
Extra effort on inconsequential races
Riding a prescribed, focused routine year-round
...

Having that one or two big races sets the direction and keeps me on track and gives me hope I can pull it off.

That's it.

What does that have to do with clear water bottles that are easy to squeeze and gulp down liquid when you really need it?

Well, sometimes these big events are actually really long. If I play my cards right Surfergirl will come crew for me. In those cases, I've been known to mix up 8, even 10, bottles the night before.

I'll put numbers on them so she knows which ones to give me at which stop.

That's one reason to have clear bottles. Plenty of space to sharpie on important info.

Another is sometimes it's nice to look down and easily see how much liquid is left. There are times we need to drink faster, and times we are drinking too fast. Having a good visual can be helpful.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles?variant=39480373772449

You maybe asking yourself... How the heck is he selling these bottles for such a low price if they are so great?

Which is a great question, How can I sell these bottles for as low as $2?

Just click the link and watch the highly entertaining video.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles?variant=39480373772449

---

164.5 lbs
Paddleboard in the morning
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5134471558

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IS THAT YOUR ELBOW OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE ME?

Apr 14, 2021

TODD BROWN

YES, I JUST DID THE ULTIMATE NASTY MOVE. It was a punishing battle to the top and the wide road was about to turn into a narrow, twisty single track. With zero chance to pass for miles, there was only one thing to do...

... ride full speed for the entrance.

I was confident the extra effort was worth it for two reasons:

one, if I was faster downhill there's no reason to be stuck and unable to pass;
two, if he was faster why let him go first and put time on me?...

... that's racethink.

How'd it work out?

Well, it was the right thing to do. Even though he caught me half way down, the last portion of the single track was an awful steep climb. I had a good gap the rest of the race.

But, I've seen the same thing go really wrong when the downhill skills aren't even close to being equal. Where the battle is won by a much slower descender and said descender will not move over, then is when things get ugly.

What's the protocol?

It comes down to confidence and class.

Confident descenders will always push to be first into the single track. Less confident descenders will back off knowing they'll make it back as soon as the climbing starts again.

Classy racers move over if they're going to be causing a bottle neck for anything more than a minute or so.

Tonight, it was just a practice race amongst friends.

All good.

You know what else is good?

Having all your gear at the start of the practice race. Which we all did, because we all have RaceDay Bags™.

In fact, we all had custom RaceDay Bags™ with team graphics.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/all-raceday-bags

We made some sweet bags for local races. They use the bags for VIPs and raffles.

Did you know 9 out of 10 racers love custom RaceDay Bags™? (it's really higher, but you wouldn't believe me if I put the real number).

Did you know our minimum order is 1 bag?

Do you have a friend who you want to blow away with a custom bag?

Click here: https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

It'll be the most fun you've had in years.

---

165.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5129032607

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THEY JUST AREN'T AS GOOD

Apr 13, 2021

TODD BROWN

THE RAIN WAS DRIFTING DOWN AS I ROLLED ONTO THE DARK STREET. It was not supposed to be raining. I checked the app again. Cloudy, it said. Cloudy my Chamois Butt'r covered...

... I kept going anyway.

Because it rains on RaceDay. And when it does, I love it! I know a good chunk of the cats will DNS, and another chunk will DNF...

... because they don't ride in the rain.

The harder things are, the easier it is to get a win or top result. Since a lot of cats just won't ride...

... rain,
... heat,
... dark,
... ice,
... you name it...

... they won't do it and we will, therefore we have a HUGE advantage.

Do hard things.
Get results easier.

That's why they aren't as good...

... when it gets hard.

Sometimes it's hard to get someone's attention, which is why I like to use this fancy bell.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

It's beautiful, so is the sound it makes... so much so that people turn around with a smile and bow graciously to let me by.

Use Promo Code: BELL

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-parts/products/knog-oi-bike-bell

---

166.5 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
6.75 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5120221218

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YEAH, I'M TOTALLY IN2 THAT.

Apr 12, 2021

TODD BROWN

ONE OF MY FAVORITE TWEETERS DISCOVERED PELOTAUNT. He thinks he's a bike racer now. I'll let that slide for the moment for the simple reason that he was going off on Zone 2 training today...

... and how it burns fat better than anything else.

Further, he shared a very deep dive into Zone 2 by Dr. Peter Attia, also notabikeracer, who has done exceptional research in this area...

... but, that's not why I ride Zone 2.

At least not the fat burning part...

... I ride Zone 2 for the mitochondrial part.

That's the part that builds our aerobic capacity. Our engine. Our big, throaty V-8s that carry us on our own personal victories.

Just do a search on Zone 2 if this is new,

If it's old hat, consider this...

... could more Zone 2 be helpful?

Speaking of helpful, you might appreciate this recommendation regarding tubeless 28s for road.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli

I started riding them instead of Continentals about 6 months ago. I love 'em. They are quieter, ride smoother and seem to hold up really well.

Plus... drumroll... they are in stock.

After that I started riding the Pirelli gravel tire. In my opinion, there's nothing faster on the road or dirt.

I know it's not the deepest tread, but I'm only running 28-30 lbs in 'em. The hook up plenty good. Their only fault, and I'd say it's only a fault if you're really on the slicing edge of corning is you really have to lean them over to get the edge to grab. But, if you've got the skills they hold plenty fine.

If you're down to try them out...

... I'm down to share this code with you: ZONE2

Use it and you'll save 20%, just because I really want you to try 'em out.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/pirelli

---

166.2 lbs
Hypervolt and Stretch
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5114477365

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THE UNSLAYABLE DEMON: FIGHT AT YOUR OWN PERIL

Apr 11, 2021

TODD BROWN

IT'S THE DAY AFTER. Our bodies are healing, but it feels like things are getting worse. Yesterday's hint of physical and psychological pain is now an exclamation point and we are left wondering...

... what if I'd...

... specifically trained and tapered?

... made repairs a week before rather than the day before?

... left earlier, arriving relaxed and rested?

Losers dwell on the What Ifs.

Winners learn and move on.

I can't tell you the number of OhCrap moments I've had riding looking backwards...

... which is just like dwelling on the What Ifs.

What if the price of a Hypervolt dropped to $299?

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

Would you get one?

Or, would you keep wondering if you're aching muscles really would recover if you had one?

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

---

163.8 lbs
Hypervolt
9 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5110691303

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EVERYBODY IS SO NICE, WHEN THEY HAVE A HATCHET IN HAND

Apr 10, 2021

TODD BROWN

YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY A GRAVEL BIKE TO APPRECIATE WHY GRAVEL EVENTS ARE GROWING SO FAST. And, brining a mountain bike to race is not like bringing a knife to a gun fight...

... in fact Brian Scarbrough took 3rd today on an MTB.

To be honest, you don't event need to do a gravel even to get it.

You just need to show up and check it out.

The vibe is friendly, comradic, even collaboratory.

People are antsy at the start, but that's because these are always an adventure. A wide skillset is required: good road skills, good dirt skills, good repair skills.

There is always some pileup you just can't believe,

Like today.

I'm jamming along in a sweet, ripping pack and I see this gal nearly go down. I'm talking bounce off her seat, land on the top tube, vector off course and save it.

But, she wasn't done.

You'd think...

Unbelievably I see her do it a few miles later. This time she doesn't save it and goes flying off a hill. Total yard sale.

I stop.

She's giggling. Trapped in her crumpled bike.

We try and get it working, Stem recentered. Front brake fixed. But, then I saw the twisted derailler.

Bummer.

Anyway, these are the kinds of things you see... and maybe experience.

Which is why there is a party at the end...

... with people hanging out...

... and rehashing it all...

... which is also why you might want to check out the gravel scene.

Our finisher's award?

A hatchet.

Personally, I thought that was risky. There were a number of heinous climbs where I was mentally cussing Sam, the promoter. The cramps were hitting me hard.

Fortunately, they were rewarded with some very fun and twisty slot canyons.

At that point I was hitting my supply of Salt Stick tablets hard.

Cramps came on.

Tablets chewed.

Cramps gone.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews

The nifty thing about what we do is we included a little plastic container with a pop top. It's perfect for keeping in your jersey pocket and popping as needed,

Trust me on this... for less than $19, you just might save your next race.

Ships free, too.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews

---

? lbs
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5104539643

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THE LAST SUPPER OF SORTS

Apr 09, 2021

TODD BROWN

A SMALL GROUP OF US GATHERED OUTSIDE OUR CAMPSITES FOR BBQ TONIGHT. Only one guy knew everybody, but it didn’t matter. In the morning at 8:15am, we will all sing the National Anthem and then Sam Ames will explain the many ways he has concocted to destroy us over 80 or so miles of the Rock Cobbler gravel race...

... it feels more like a reunion or revival than a race.

In fact, the thing I like about the Rock Cobbler... besides the whacky courses with things like riding through residential homes - yes through the living room... is that it's not a race.

I mean there's numbers. There's timing.

But don't be fooled.

The numbers are there because Sam wants a headcount on all the destroyed riders who didn't make it in.

Same thing for the timing, it's so that one of his hired hands can look you in the eyes and say...

I'm sorry son, your race is done.

Which is probably why the last supper tonight was so enjoyable. A final chance to bond with other crazy cats.

Speaking of crazy, can you believe it's April?

Can you believe we are actually back to doing events?

Isn't cool that the race calendars are starting to solidify?

Yeah, you probably are wanting one of these now, right? So you can plan out your mighty A races.

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

They're giant. 50" tall x 24" wide. The weeks start on Monday, end on Sunday.

Use promo code ROCKCOBBLER to save 10% and get free shipping.

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

---

164.8
Hypervolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5099185474

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HOW TO DRAMATICALLY IMPROVE YOUR RACE WATCHING EXPERIENCE

Apr 08, 2021

TODD BROWN

WANT TO MAKE YOUR TV BIKE RACE WATCHING A WHOLE LOT MORE EXCITING? The best way, the way that is the most fun, is actually about to start happening again. If you do it right, it's like planting a seed...

... and seeing a giant tree burst forth.

For example, while standing on the side of the road at the San Dimas Stage Race a few years ago I watched a kid flying off the front of the Cat 3 race.

It didn't look like he was really trying.

Everybody chasing was in tatters.

He was 15.

Brandon McNulty solos in for the win. Remember that name folks. We're going to be seeing more from him.

What you want to do, whenever you can, is go to the big amateur races nearby. Of course, you'll want to do some racing yourself.

Just remember to stick around and watch the 15-18 year olds.

Because when one of those kids goes off to Europe, and they will, and lead a European stage race it makes the watching a million times better.

Right now McNulty is doing just that at the Itzulia Basque Country.

I've also seen Chris Horner killing it at Sea Otter, and he's now killing it with race analysis on his The Butterfly Effect. https://youtu.be/6L9MXywRCZg

If you plan on doing some racing, now's a good time to plan getting a new bike... if you're in the market.

As you know, it's hard to get a new bike. We are putting together our season order for 2022 BMC's. Bikes ordered now will be available between now and September.

Check out their site https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/ . It's not showing 2022 models, but will give you an idea of what's coming. Let me know what you want and I'll get you the details.

---

164.8
Morning Paddle Surfing
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5093955578

View Details

THIS (THIS RIGHT HERE) IS HOW WE DO IT

Apr 07, 2021

TODD BROWN

IF I COULD OVEREMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF RIDING WITH OTHERS, believe me I would. I can't. It's impossible. I've tried. But, there are still riders who insist they'll get better and improve by Doing my intervals man! They're wrong...

... and I think they know it.

There's nothing better than rolling out with a group of riders with the goal of whooping up on each other, because nothing pushes us like chasing a rabbit and not being caught if we are the rabbit.

The challenge, of course, is getting the ride going if you can't find one.

There are 5 keys:

Start on time.
Leave from the same place.
Do NOT wait for anybody, ever, as a group.
Keep inviting.
Keep doing it.

The last two are the secret sauce. It's not gonna happen over night. It will take commitment and promotion. Keep inviting everyone you meet and keep doing it.

We've started this new MTB Hot Laps on Wednesday nights. It's still small, and we don't want it to get too big. Max 20. Tonight we had 8.

I know we'll get it where we want it.

I wonder how many other movements and traditions are started like this?

I bet you can name a few.

Just like I'll bet you'll go a lot faster if you lather up with PR Lotion.

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

And, I'll even wager you'll want to get in on this deal... which includes FREE Shipping

Purchase AMP PR Lotion by 4/9, and we'll include 2 of the Clearly Awesome water bottles.

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

---

164.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5088257980

View Details

THE SNEAKY ART OF HEADSET ADJUSTMENTS

Apr 06, 2021

TODD BROWN

FOR SURE YOU DON'T WANT A TIGHT HEADSET. It makes steering difficult and riding with no hands dangerous if not impossible. But it doesn't stop there, because if you're a coy rider...

... it's really fun to mess with someone's head.

Would I ever do that?

In a race?

Well, yeah. For sure. Sometimes ya gotta dig deep...

... inside your opponent's helmetcovered head.

I think it was in some LeMond book where I read about faking tired when feeling good and it's equally sneaky twin faking good when feeling terrible.

Then there's faking like you don't know what you're doing so racers steer clear and don't pay you any attention.

It's endless really, however we were talking about some of our favorites last weekend and I shared one that can be really devastating.

Will I share it with you?

Sure... why not.

We're friends.

It's this one, and it only works on a really long and miserable day. The kind of day I might have this weekend.

Just imagine you're 80% into the race. Conditions are very challenging. Wind. Dust. Heat.

It's just you and one other cat.

Trust me this works better than you'd think.

Hey, how are you feeling?

That's it.

Just leave it hanging.

No need to follow up.

That cat heard you and is thinking...

It's not like popping their tire. It's more like a pin hole, and the air slowly starts to seep out.

Which is one reason I've switched completely to tubeless tires. Because with tubeless tires and sealant no pin hole is gonna slow us down. Glass and grit and rocks. I laugh at them now. Well, not totally... I just don't fear them like I did.

On the road, I'm loving the Pirelli P Zero SLs.

Gravel, the Pirelli Cinturato.

MTB, Continental Cross King up front and Race King on the rear.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-tires

We have a whole slew of tires in stock.

Use promo code TODDSTIRES

To save 20%... the code expires 4/8/21.

---

166.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.4 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5080277077

View Details

3 THINGS YOU DON'T WANNA BE DOING: BURPING, PINCHING AND ROLLING

Apr 05, 2021

TODD BROWN

I PLAY WITH MY AIR PRESSURE CONSTANTLY. I test low pressure vs high pressure, to try and figure out the optimum for the kinds of conditions I'll be racing on. There's no easy answer...

... though the trend towards lower and lower pressure is winning me over.

But, you can go too low. Even with the tubeless setups I'm riding, there's a point of negative returns.

The problem is there's only one way to find out if you've gone too low...

... and that is going to failure.

What kind of failure?

It ranges from burping to pinching to rolling.

Burping is landing so hard some of the air in your tire escapes.

Pinching is hitting a sharp object so hard the tire gets pinched against the rim and tears.

Rolling is the worst. That's where you land or corner so hard the tire rolls off the rim and a terrible crash ensues.

One friend burped his tire after overjumping a landing, missing the gentle slope and hitting the side of the berm that followed.

I pinched ripping over a section of mini tombstones.

My was able to keep riding. You can do that on a burp, but it slows you down until you put in more air.

I had to stop and jam a plug into the tear before filling the tire back up with CO2.

I'm not sure what pressure my friend was running, but I was down to 18lbs in the rear tire. For me, over that harsh terrain, that was too low in my 2.2 MTB tires.

When doing this kind of testing we have to be very precise.

Can't go on feel.
Can't be using different pumps.

That's why I use a digital gauge. And why that gauge is either by my floor pump or in my RaceDay Bag™.

It makes a difference.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

This is the one we trust.

It's compact, and very reliable.

Use Promo Code: AIRCHECK

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/tools/products/bikeshop-sks-airchecker-digital-display-pressure-gauge-presta-and-schrader

---

166.9
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5074751057

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JUMPING THE BIGGEST GAP

Apr 04, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE IS THIS HUGE GAP WE ARE TRYING TO JUMP. To get across we've got to be moving fast enough, with the correct attitude and enough altitude, to land it safely...

... and keep shredding what lies ahead.

But the biggest gap we'll ever jump is the one from our nature to our potential.

It takes real guts.

Deep commitment.

Patience and practice.

Jumping anything is one of the best feelings ever because of the fear and danger and giant reward when we land it.

My nature is ice cream and tv.

My potential...

... that's the only path I want to ride.

Every day,

every single day,

really is raceday.

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

I just love these hats.

They are light, and cool on my sweaty, post ride helmet head.
Motivational to me and all those who see it.
A secret code only we understand.

Not a hat cat?... then maybe this hat isn't for you, but for a friend who is.

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

---

166.9 (definitely been letting my nature rule my diet this week, ugh!)
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5071162285

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TAKING TURNS.

Apr 03, 2021

TODD BROWN

OUR LITTLE RACE CREW HAS BEEN KEEN TO CORNER BETTER ON MTBs. Enter better, carve better, exit faster. Playing with braking evenly between front and rear, and just going heavy on the rear brakes to whip the bike around turns...

... to no brakes at all.

A wrong turn can be corrected. A missed turn can be catastrophic.

An unnamed rider (gotta protect the innocent) and I were quickly slicing and dicing a narrow, twisty path. I took the sweeping left berm high, he shot inside and low to slip by me...

... no brakes for either of us...

... the trail wound sharply back to the right, my tire compressed and the nobs gripped as I leaned over...

... dust was flying up from his skidding rear tire as he went off trail, down the slope, and over the bars.

It was a soft landing.

This ain't basketball, where a miss is just a chance to shoot again.

This is what we do to get better. We play, we take chances.

But you know what blows me away? It's how we learn to rely so completely on our equipment. I mean the brakes, I'm modulating them with one finger. Those tires, they're 2" wide with 20lbs of air...

... and then there are the gloves, a very thin layer of perforated leather covered with much, much thinner lycra.

That's it: brakes, tires, gloves.

Which is exactly why I never skimp on my equipment. There are too many variables to assess and address when on the edge, and no bandwidth to contemplate product failure.

Of course all this was discussed over tacos and Cokes...

... because if we're not reviewing the wrong and missed turns we'll just keep making and missing them...

... and some landings are harder than others.

In case you missed it, we're supporting jeremy's effort to raise Autism Awareness through the weekend.

We'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% of the sales on any glove and sock purchases.

To make it extra sweet for you use this code to get matching socks for free. This is a worthy cause... be sure to order the gloves and the socks and use this code:

BuyGlovesGetSocks

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

---

166.9 (too much cake)
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5063581918

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ROUND AND ROUND

Apr 02, 2021

TODD BROWN

I KNEW RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING, right from the start, this was gonna be a great day. Weather perfect, check. Apple fritter waiting for me in the kitchen, check. MTBs ready to rip, check. Jeremy doing 54 1.5 mile laps for Autism Awareness...

... on a super fun loop, CHECK!

When we dig into the secret sauce of a successful charity event, there are a key ingredients but only one that really matters.

Is it the course? Well, yeah it's good to have a course that is fun and interesting.

Is it the awards and recognition? For sure, a lot energy gets put behind being the top fundraiser or finisher or whatev'.

Is it the after party? Always important.

What truly matters is that the person doing the fund raising is the type of person others want to get behind. Kind, generous, friendly...

... and heart in the right place.

I'm fortunate to see a lot of people doing rides as fundraisers, either as participants or organizers. In every case, the most successful ones are the coolest people you'll ever meet.

Through the weekend, we'll make an additional contribution to Jeremy's effort by donating 30% on any glove and sock purchases.

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

---

163.8
Quick PullUps and PushUps
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5057715675

View Details

THAT ANNUAL EXCUSE TO DO WHATEVER THE WE WANT

Apr 01, 2021

TODD BROWN

ONCE A YEAR WE GET ASKED THAT QUESTION: What are you going to do on your birthday? I mean, really? C'mon. Is it even a question?..

... those that know me best ask different questions.

Who are you riding with?

What time are you riding?

Where are your riding?

When will you be back?

... but nobody asks Why are you riding?

If they did, it's Because I can.

Learning to ride a bike is like a right of passage. It was hard to take those training wheels off and go...

... and then it wasn't.

Suddenly we were free to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted, with whoever wanted...

... kinda like a birthday every day.

So, yeah, I'll be riding my bike tomorrow.

With my friend Jeremy, who is riding for Autism Awareness. He's riding 54 1.5 mile laps because 1 in 54 children develop autism. That's the kind of guy I want to ride with. Total stud.

In celebration, I'll make an additional donation 30% of any glove and sock purchases through the weekend.

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

---

164.8
Stretch and Plank
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/505293047

View Details

THE FASTEST WAY TO IMPROVE

Mar 31, 2021

TODD BROWN

DID YOU EVER NOTICE HOW DIFFERENT WE ARE? Not you and me, us and them. The pros. There's the Godgiven differences, can't do anything about that...

... but what about the things we can do something about?

Let's leave buying speedier equipment aside for the moment. Too obvious.

Instead, take this insane workout from Nino Schurter. He's a multi-time MTB World Champion and he's showing all the world, even us verymortals, how to be strong. It's a 27 minute workout. Who doesn't have 27 minutes? Watch here.

Here's another. Chris Froome's shedding of 20 lbs and going from zero to hero. We can get a glimpse of how he did that. Cutting the carbs, upping the protein. It's very straight forward. Who couldn't drop a few lbs by skipping a few carbs? Details here.

Do they tell us everything? No.

Should we do all they do? Doubtful.

Could we get better by studying what makes us different? Hellyeah.

Which brings me to my point. My pal Bart, in the 5 years of I've known him, has gone from a sub-9 hour Leadville guy to a card-carrying professional body builder to a champion calf roper. He's nuts...

... but he has a method we could all use more.

When he sets his mind on something he seeks out the very best people that he can find and studies everything they do. He hires the best mentors he can find. This singlemindedness and alignment with the top pros allows him to do in a couple of years what most people never accomplish in a life time.

Wanna get better?...

... that right there is a very solid formula.

But, don't it all go to your head or you might not be to fit that expanded cranium inside one of these amazing helmets.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

If I had to pick one, it would be the Protone for sure. Light, aero, super comfy.

Use this promo code to save 10% and get free shipping.

MENTORS

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

165.3
Lots of pullups, pushups, squats and shoulder presses today - Nino style
7.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5047341440

View Details

I DID THIS BECAUSE I WAS HUNGRY, RIDING IN A FARAWAY LAND

Mar 30, 2021

TODD BROWN

THIS IS JUST ONE OF THOSE FREE ADVICE THINGIES about a little hack I came up with last week while riding ill prepared. Starving. Near bonking. I had a couple of bucks. There was a store...

... but I was missing the mandatory you know what.

Rats!

The sign was quite large indicating it was definitely required, and the crowd of people enjoying savory snacks had plenty of willing witnesses.

I had to comply...

... but how?

Surveying my my gear I did the obvious. Grabbed a glove, stuck it on my nose, draped the opening over my mouth, and held it in place with my Oakleys.

Just like that, I marched in and got my fix.

Hopefully you won't find yourself in a similar situation.

You're smarter, I'm sure. Better prepared, for sure.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

You probably roll out with a few waffles just in case... which I did, just needed more.

Use promo code FARAWAY

To save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition

---

166.6
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5038178322

View Details

THE NOT SO EASY ANSWER OF WHEN TO RIDE WITH A GROUP

Mar 29, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE REALLY TWO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING A RIDE IN. If I want to go for a quick spin or if I'm trying to cover a lot of ground who is in my peloton makes a huge difference. In fact, the quick spin...

... is best done alone.

However, getting someplace far away fast can be lot easier in a group. But, not just any group.

If I'm the strongest, it's likely to take even longer to get where I want to go than if I were by myself.

If I'm the slowest, I risk getting left behind.

The fastest way is with the right mix of riders.

Who we ride with matters.

Which is why we created the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse-monthly-subscription

---

165.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5034768100

View Details

LIMITS = GREATNESS

Mar 28, 2021

TODD BROWN

A BICYCLE RACE IS LIKE A REALLY GOOD STORY because it take place within a limited knowable world. We know the course, the day, the weather, the duration, the bike we'll ride, clothes we'll wear, food we'll need etc. The variables are all constrained. Compared to the freedom of just heading out for a ride...

... we are really go for it.

For example, one time in a race I found myself off the front with a lap to go. Adrenalin levels were sky high. I felt no pain...

... my heart rate was 207.

I never produced an effort like that before or after. It was a glorious ride I'll never forget. The only time I ever soloed in.

You probably have similar experiences where you performed high above what you'd expected. The constraints of racing do that to us.

We don't have forever.

Make today count.

Speaking of counting, have you counted how many of these awesome clear bottles you can get for $48?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/water-bottles/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.

$19 for 4 bottles

$ 48 for 12 bottles

$ 75 for 24 bottles

$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away Monday

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

163.5
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5029214631

View Details

BENJAMIN BUTTON VS USE IT OR LOSE IT

Mar 27, 2021

TODD BROWN

WE ALL KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE: If we eat right, regularly ride our bikes, get plenty of rest, then we age differently than many of our peers. We're a little like Benjamin Button, who aged in reverse...

... which is a dern fine thing.

I think use it or lose it is real. And, I think it's pretty obvious once you take note and look around a little.

I also think abuse it and lose it is real. Duh.

But, what about...

... use it and boost it?

Yep, that's real too... unless we are already at our max, and who really is?

However, I have to admit after a largish ride this afternoon I was feeling a lot more like baby Benjamin. A little creeky after 4ish hours, 60ish miles, 5000ish feet of vert mostly on dirt roads and single track.

... definitely used it today.

... data will tell if I boosted it.

For sure I was properly hydrated. Drinking like a boss from these fantastic Made in USA bottles I scored for us.

Picked up a few thousand, and they are going fast.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

I really like the easy to squeeze plastic.

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle

$19 for 4 bottles

$ 48 for 12 bottles

$ 75 for 24 bottles

$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away Monday

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748

View Details

33 YRS OF TRYING TO GET THIS PR

Mar 26, 2021

TODD BROWN

THE MORE CHALLENGING THE TERRAIN, the easier it is to snag a PR the second time around. And the third. And fourth. Right up until the time we are really on the sliding edge...

... where things get a bit dicey.

It could be the final turn before a sprint finish. The first time through we are scrubbing speed, exiting and getting on the pedals. Each subsequent effort less braking, more momentum, faster finish.

Or a steep gravely descent. The first brush feels loose and skiddish. We overtense, overbrake which leads to undercontrol. But, we get the feel of looseness and where to have our weight, we drop down with speed and ease.

You get the idea.

PRs are there for the taking. Every go, and we go faster. Our bodies memorize the course.

What was difficult becomes unconsciously effortless.

Commitment to getting it right by doing it over and over again brings about our very best effort.

There are crashes along the way.

Pushing too hard, missing the blind turn, improperly tuned suspension, incorrectly inflated tires. The list of where we can improve is nearly endless.

Which brings me to today's anniversary...

... 33 years together, a lot of missed turns, poorly approached jumps, scrapes and bruises along the way...

... but Surfergirl and I are still at it, snagging the occasional PR that really matters.

If there's one thing I've learned from racing, it's to improve from my failures and make them strengths.

Like this failure from a bottle manufacturer. The business actually started in the late 80's. Was sold to a company out in Texas. Sold again to a local company who couldn't master imprinting the bottles.

We win!

I scored the remaining inventory. The were going to throw it away. But, we don't toss our failures aside do we?

I mean these are wonderful bottles. Made in USA. Just unprintable by current owner of a very large and diversified business.

So, I purchased all 5000.

They are going fast.

Which is typical of things around here. Ride Fast is a motto of ours.

Check 'em out.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle

$19 for 4 bottles

$ 48 for 12 bottles

$ 75 for 24 bottles

$100 for 48 bottles <- this option is going away soon.

PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick. That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748

View Details

I MAY BE A CON MAN

Mar 25, 2021

TODD BROWN

ONE OF MY PALS HAS JOINED US ON 3 MTB RIDES, The first two ended with spilt blood and broken parts. It was my fault. In my exuberance to share my love of dirt I failed to assess his ability. For at least 6 months he's blown me off...

... undeterred, I kept inviting.

At our practice MTB race last night, he showed up. It made me so happy just to see him there.

We first did a parade lap around the course so everybody knew where to go. I kept looking back expecting the worse. This wasn't a baby course...

... we like challenges.

Clearly he'd been riding dirt on his own. He'd upped his skills a ton...

... after the last lap, he was all smiles.

I may be a con man when it comes to inviting on rides, but it ain't malicious. It's because I know it's the only way to be a confident cat.

Do the rides.

Like our wounds.

Learn what worked.

Repeat.

It's a pretty simple formula, and it works for anything because over time our confidence improves. The overwhelming obstacles become easy. It's a virtuous cycle.

Talking about improvement...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

One of my suppliers is closing out their water bottle business. I picked up the remaining inventory of bottles. They are Made in USA, and they are a really awesome bottle.

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle

$19 for 4 bottles

$50 for 12 bottles

$75 for 25 bottles

$100 for 50 bottles <- that's what I'd do if I was a starving student. #fundraiser

PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick. That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

164.5
50 PullUps 40 SuperBurpees 20 PushUps 40 Goblet squats
7 hrs sleep - not enough
https://www.strava.com/activities/5008869835

View Details

HE'S NEVER TIRED, HE'S NEVER MISERABLE

Mar 24, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH GOOD MOVIES. Not when it comes to trying to explain our culture. I'll bet any true fan says that about their sport. It seems to be a lost art, capturing what we are really all about.

But, there are a few that nail it.

Some aren't even about cycling, but are so relatable we understand what others are doing simply because we are so into what we are doing. We feel their souls.

On Any Sunday - Motocross

Big Wednesday - Surfing

Free Solo - Climbing

For cycling, for me anyway, there is only one.

Breaking Away

Maybe because the first time I saw it I was the same age as Dave, the hero. Just as in love with bike racing and the ladies.

With one lines like this...

Give me something American dammit, gimme french fries!

All I want is a refund.
REFUND?!!

I sure miss playing basketball. I got depressed when my athlete's foot and jock itch went away.

What's the matter?
He's shaving.
Well... so what?
His legs.

... At the time of my life I was eating PB&J and Mac&Cheese, drinking water.

If I'd found a deal like this I would have picked up 50 bottles and sold to all my friends for some extra funds.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

Here's the skinny...

One of my suppliers is closing out their water bottle business. I picked up the remaining inventory of bottles. They are Made in USA, and they are a really awesome bottle.

But don't take my word for it, watch the video

Normally I'd have some promo code, however this is already super sweet.

All prices include shipping..., crazy, right? Supplies are limited.

$7 for 1 bottle

$19 for 4 bottles

$100 for 50 bottles <- that's what I'd do if I was a starving student. #fundraiser

PS. They wanted to do custom imprints on the bottles and couldn’t get the ink to stick. That’s the reason for closing out them out... these bottles will be blank.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/clear-and-awesome-waterbottles

---

165
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/5005814748

View Details

IT'S A NUMBERS GAME

Mar 22, 2021

TODD BROWN

HOW MANY RACE NUMBER PLATES DO YOU HAVE STORED AWAY? I have an overflowing shoe box of them. Kind of like a little history book, or school album. But how to use them?...

... well, here's one way.

Wednesday nights we have this little practice MTB race on our local trails.

I'd say it's chill, but nothing with the word race is chill. It is little, a 3ish miles loop. And it is practice, with a Start or Go or something predictable to launch us.

Then the unpredictable will happen.

Someone will ride way over their head. Another will blow a turn. I'll probably just blow up.

Thinking about it, should I pull a rando from the pile or pull the Leadville plate since it's my A race for the summer?

Now, if I'm having a great little practice race Leadville would properly burn in the success feeling. But what if it's no bueno? What if I'm suckering suffertash? The mental association could be mucho negativo.

And that's where the numbers part of racing comes in...

.. the more you can race, the better you get...

... at everything.

At packing for the race, warming up, starting, staying focused, keeping fueled.

It's been said that practice makes permanent. Who doesn't want to be permanently good at all aspects of racing?

I know Tina does because she called up today and told me about all the races she's doing... she's a charger. From crits to 6 hour MTB races.

She's from the south, and I'm a huge sucker for the drawl...

Darlin, does that PR Lotion really work?

Oh yeah!

You promise?

Yep, just put in on 30 minutes before you race.

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

For the long races I'm a big proponent of chamois cream as well.

Use promo code NUMBERS

To save 10% and get free shipping.

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

PS Join the PEDAL industries Strava Club for deets on the MTB races. https://www.strava.com/clubs/pedalindustries

---

164
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4993789009

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4 RULES FOR SUCCESSFUL RACING.

Mar 21, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE A MILLION TACTICS FOR SUCCESSFUL BIKE RACING. It would be impossible to know or practice them all. A fool's errand. I have a handful of strategies that have served me well...

... here are four of them.

Be strong. On and off the bike
Eat real food. If you can't identify the ingredients it's not food.
PRs > KOMs. It's nice to win prizes, it's everything to know you did your absolute best.
1 big event per year. Have one big challenge every year and you'll always be fit.

Some day I'll write a book about those. In the meantime, I'll finish up the book I've nearly completed.

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

Here's another:

Drink water.

And yes, you can get two of these tall Purist bottles delivered to your mailbox for less than a new Tesla.

Use promo code: 4rules

And you'll save 10% and get free shipping.

---

166
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4985341222

View Details

FOLLOWING MY NOSE

Mar 20, 2021

TODD BROWN

OUR DOG HAZEL USED TO DRIVE ME CRAZY. Now you may wonder how a sweet, loving, little Beagle could get under The Old Diesel’s lycracovered skin... frankly I wondered the same thing many a time. But, I think I figured it out on my ride today...

... by simply following my nose.

Ya see, sometimes for lesser developed humans such as I, it’s the personalities most alike that clash the strongest.

What was our family treasure’s greatest sin?

The moment that front door opened, she was gone. Full speed. Up the street. Gone for hours. She had no control over her nose’s call of the wild.

Alas, I am no different.

The moment I dropped Surfergirl off at the airport last night was like leaving the front door open. For sure, I would ride all day and simply follow my nose...

... starting with a very hot pursuit after my first query, meeting the crew at the corner.

They were off to a horrendous hundred. They begged me to keep on... but that was never my plan, hence the gravel bike.

I simply wanted to say Howdy and get a towed up to the wild that was calling me. From there...

... just followed my nose.

If done correctly, as today was, you're bound to find a few new paths and options. These really are my favorite rides. Alone, on the hunt. Phone off. Just me and my thoughts. This is how we rejuvenate our superpowers.

Sometimes I feel for the suckers who can't be a moment without some sort of distraction... running, riding, hiking with crud plugged in their ears.

Dogs don't do that.

Nor should we...

... better to tap into our disobedient, singleminded, slave to our nose, sense of adventure. Much better.

So here's a little challenge for ya...

... get out your calendar, and pick a date to just roll out with no particular place to go. All day. Just grab your wallet and get out that front door.

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

Need an excuse?

Pick your b-day.

We have a limited number of calendars left.

With events starting to solidify, you'll definitely want one of these to remind you and those who see it that a healthy you is a productive you.

Use promo code RIDELIKEADOG

To save 10% and get free shipping.

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

---

165.5
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4980858143

View Details

ONE CAT'S WHEEL OF FORTUNE IS ANOTHER'S WHEEL OF DOOM

Mar 19, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN WE'D BEG, EVEN PAY, SOMEONE TO RIDE A MOPED OR SCOOTER IN FRONT OF US. It was called motorpacing. The motorized rider would ride about 27 miles an hour...

... just fast enough to make your eyeballs bleed.

But that was then, and this is now.

That's the odd thing about the future. What we paid for in the past and now get for free is frowned upon. Cursed out. Simply because it's being used different.

The result is the same.

We're pedaling our buns off, trying to hang on, and some of the younger riders are genuinely hacked off about it.

Do you know how fast an electric bicycle can go? Unmodified, about 27 mph.

Now we've got a gentleman rider who is injured. He's rehabbing a bum leg. He's a decorated racing legend, wanting to get out with the fellas. Be part of the bunch.

Me, I feel fortunate to have my health... and a friend who'll show up on an obviously electric city bike to keep the pace high and burning.

Maybe I'm old.

What must have been old for y'all yesterday was trying to get in on this wonderful offer which I fouled up some of the coding on.

It works now. The coding. The products have always worked. Excellently. Just like my friend's leg will be doing very soon.

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

These gloves. Made from leather, forming to your hands.

There are lots of color combinations. When you order a pair of gloves and socks

use promo code: DONTTELLHR

The socks will be free, and so will the shipping.

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

---

166
Stretch and HyperVolt
7.75 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4973724397

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DON'T TELL H.R.! + YOU GOTTA BE SHIFTTING ME

Mar 18, 2021

TODD BROWN

HEY, WILL YOU HOLD THIS AT MY CROTCH? There is just so much wrong with that statement, and to make matters worse it was the boss asking a co-worker to take said delicate measurement. Yikes!...

... but sometimes when you are a rider you gotta know your inseam.

Which is exactly what this cat needed to know in order to purchase a bicycle from us.

There was an awkward silence on that end of the line...
... we were dying on our end.

I don't know why, but that got me thinking about other awkward silence sitchyations in our sport...

... the most difficult of all being the silence after this question.

So, how much is a good bike?

Uh..................

Should we be embarrassed?

I dunno.

I have a friend who just purchased $1300 earbuds. He's totally into music.
Another told me about her new $1200 snowboard.
One friend works for a place that sells used purses... for upwards of $15k.

Now, my point isn't to justify these purchases or point out any potential irrationalities. It's simply this...

How much is a good bike?

Not much at all... but a bike that will thrill you for years, take you places you only dreamt of, and bring you back in a state of exquisite bliss... well, those are priceless.

Speaking of priceless, how about that skin that covers your fingers?

Did I ever tell you the story that convinced me to always ride with gloves?

It's short.

We were ripping along this nifty singletrack trail. It was a bit slippery, and a tad rocky.

All good.

Until my friend lost the front wheel, stuck his hand out and peeled the skin from his thumbnail down to that crease opposite the first knuckle.

What a gusher!

So, yeah, I'm a fullfinger glove lover. But not just any fullfinger glove. It's gotta be lightweight and breathable.

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

Like these gloves. Made from leather, forming to your hands.

There are lots of color combinations. When you order a pair of gloves and socks

use promo code: DONTTELLHR

The socks will be free, and so will the shipping.

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

---

164.1 lbs -
Stretch and HyperVolt
7 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4968076614

View Details

FEELING VINDICATED

Mar 17, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A HEAPING DOSE OF CONFIRMATION BIAS TO MAKE ONE FEEL GREAT... am I right? You know, when you figured out by dumb luck or maybe osmosis or reading some forgotten book and developed a method and preached it...

... and the choir was like, yawn.

But Hotdarnit! Joe Friel has been tweeting about 2 hard days a week. All week. Same thing yours Diesel has been hellfire and damnationing for years...

... 2 days, hard.
no more, no less.

Now that I'm writing this and searching my cavernous library of filed wisdom fragments... I think it was the great Eddy B. who said...

... If you're not feeling awesome twice a week, you're doing it wrong!

But in a thick eastoeuroaccent.

Just remember,
what you're reading here is unadulterated Diesel anecdotes...
forced through the mighty cycling echo chamber...
lavished with exquisite confirmation bias from 2 of US cycling's pillars of coaching.

In other words, you might want to try it out if you haven't already.

2 hard days - 72 hours apart
Joe says the rest are mostly recovery
I still like a good tempo day thrown in as well.

Because I do at least half of my rides from the shop, I load my RaceDay Bag™ often. It just part of my routine, can't imagine doing things the old way. Wondering if I packed everything, fumbling to find things...

... and I'm guessing a few of you love the bags as much as I do.

So I have a favor to ask...

Would you shoot a video on your phone...

... with your bag...

... answering this question...

... Why do you love your RaceDay Bag™?

Keep it short and sweet. First thing that comes to mind. Less than 15 seconds.

Don't worry about the background or looking pro... just an honest to goodness message would be terrific!

All who send me a video will get a little gift of appreciation mailed out.

I'd love to get your videos this week.

I think it will be super fun to see what you come up.

Y'all are awesome!

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

Here's a little video for inspiration.

By the way, these changing ponchos have become quite popular.

If you'd like one use promo code LOVEMYBAG

To save 10% and get free shipping.

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

---

165.1 lbs -
50 PullUps, 60 SuperBurpees, 40 Pushups, 50 Goblet Squats, 20 Box Jumps
7.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4965334684

PS Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's prior beliefs or values.

View Details

THAT FIRST GROUP RIDE... OH BOY!

Mar 16, 2021

TODD BROWN

THIS RIDE HAS ONLY BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE TURN OF THE 7TH DECADE OF THE 20TH CENTURY, so you'd think all the pot holes and debris and whatnot would be memorized by now and easily pointed out...

... but that's not the case.

Unlike most rides around these parts the Market Ride goes on hiatus from time change to time change. I reckon it's the same way with a good chunk of our united states.

Most of ya's actually have seasons,
ergo actual riding seasons.

I'm feeling ya tonight.

In fact, I'm wondering if the first group rides of the season are going to be even more of a cluster than normal thanks to the fitness gains of digital dungeons set up for Zwifty and Pelotaunt...

... without any of the actual skills required to participate properly being used or honed or, crud!, even developed?

Because if your first ride of the season is anything like ours was tonight, well keep you peepers popped, your head on a swivel...

... and trust no one!

I was shocked at how little pointing out of hazards was happening, There was even some downright squirreliness. And these guys and dolls are solid riders, that ride year round. Outdoors. I'm sure things will be all settled in a just a few rides.

Anyway, you'll be thawing out soon... so consider this just a friendly reminder from the Diesel who wants ya back with a smile and only good tales to tell.

Speaking of good tales to tell, I warned Kevin about his new bike.

He purchased a long travel BMC 4 Stroke. It's the same bike that I pounded out a million PRs on last weekend in AZ, except it has a little longer travel.

Kevin, be careful on your first ride.

What do you mean?

Well, your face is really going to hurt.

Huh?

You'll see

Yep, new bikes always make my face hurt.

This morning, we spent a good hour on BMC's unveiling of 2022 new products.

TBH, my face was hurting... there's a bunch of good stuff coming, guaranteed to make you smile. Details will be coming forth.

In the meantime, if you are around 6' tall and looking for a most excellent gravel bike. We have 2 of these bikes in size Large.

Yes, they'll make you smile... and your bummy will be happy too because there's 20mm of travel built into the rear triangle.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

I'm not allowed to post the price available, so ping if you're interested.

Oh, one last thing... I was on my gravel bike for the group ride tonight, and that extra cush for my tush was most bueno.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

---

166 lbs - just a little celebrating after Cactus Cup
Stretch and HyperVolt
8 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/4959659466

View Details

THE SUM OF NEGLIGIBLE FORCES

Mar 15, 2021

TODD BROWN

DON'T TELL ANYBODY BECAUSE IT'S JUST OUR LITTLE SECRET... we can learn about riding and racing from well outside the sport itself. Take my ongoing interest in economics sparked by a visiting professor who opened up with...

... monopolies are great... if you're the monopolist!

Little ol' brainwashed me was captivated from that point on. My brain had been opened.

Well, consider this quote in How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life from the great Milton Friedman and apply it to your bold ambitions as an athlete:

The sum of negligible forces,
need not be negligible.

Ride on that thought for a moment.

Aren't our 10 pullups and matching 20 burpees a negligible force? What does it matter if we get in an easy spin for 45 minutes? Where can we attribute passing up a harmless chocolate chip cookie a day?

Taken by themselves, these are all negligible forces. But sum up a month or quarter or year of these choices and we fundamentally transform who we can become.

Who's down getting some negligible work done today and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow and... ?

All in favor say Aye!

Did you know KASK means Kick @$$ Steal KOMs?

Well, it doesn't... but that's how you feel when you wear one.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

I keep seeing more and more of these KASK helmets at the races and on the rides.

Use promo code THESUM

to save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
RestDay - 20 PullUps, 30 PushUps, 10 Supermans

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JUST A LITTLE NICER

Mar 14, 2021

TODD BROWN

WE WERE HANGING OUT AFTER THE RACE TODAY WAITING FOR THE FINAL RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED. I ran into Adam and his wife who were kind enough to show me the sweet line for today’s Enduro. Jimmy introduced himself as the guy tacked on my wheel and thanked me for offering him my salt tabs yesterday. Sweet Sage, the promoter, and I were chatting when Mike walked up and said...

... I read the blog every morning!

Which was real nice, but not as nice as what he wanted to talk to Sage about.

Mike races 70+.

Now, if you're not racing 70+ yet I have two things to share with you.

The first is you can race at 70. Yes, people do that. It takes some good genes and luck for sure But, when you see these athletes you realize it's not an accident. They are fit and committed to maintaining their health.

It's the second that always touches my heart. The septuagenarians all know each other, and more importantly they care about each other in ways I've never seen amongst the other ages.

I've seen them wait for each other on the start line if someone is running late. I've seen them give health reports on the missing. I've seen genuine love between them, and it's always moving.

Today was no different.

Mike was there to pick up the bike of his only fellow racer from yesterday. His friend had crashed.

Sage can I pick up the bike?

Yes, was it only a collarbone?

No, 12 broken ribs. He's in ICU.

It wasn't a teary moment, that's racing. However, as I write this and reflect on the blessings we all share of health and friendship riding the roads and trails of life...

... and how fleeting it can be

... at any age

... I'm verklempt.

Yep, there are a lot of nice people in our community. It's always a joy to make a new friend on a ride or at the races.

Thanks for being nice y'all.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cactus-cup

We made some real nice gear for this year's cactus cup: RaceDay Bags™, Changing Ponchos, and Wallets.

Why?

Because it's such a dawgawn fun event.

If you have an event, ping me... let's make you some gear.

If you have a team, ping me... let's make you some gear.

If you want to make something custom to give a nice gift to friends or customers... ping me... let's make you some gear.

Our minimum order is 1... yes one (1)!

Get it done.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/cactus-cup

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.2
https://www.strava.com/activities/4947282977

Still reading?

Some stats:

8 dudes, one friend that's a girl, and 2 dogs.

1 busted spoke on day 1, that held up the entire weekend.

1 bloodied knee and bruised hip.

1 punctured tire a mile from the finish and ridden in sloppy as it wouldn't seal.

1 First place in the enduro

1 Third place overall.

9 smiles.

View Details

THE ULTIMATE ROOKIE MISTAKE, PAYS OFF

Mar 13, 2021

TODD BROWN

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO CHANGE THINGS UP, but never ever do that when racing. Racing is when you apply all your hard earned training, all the lessons on nutrition, all the things that have worked in the past...

... not the time to chuck it all out the window.

But, that's what I did.

And, it's a long list of nonos.

Breakfast
For years I've had good luck getting up 3 hours early and eating a can of sardines and half a can of beans. Pinch your nose if you must, but there was gold with them tactics.

Today, lots of carbs. Rice cake, 2 tangerines, 1 1/2 Honeystinger waffles, a few macadamia nuts.

Warm Up
For decades all I've done to warm up is soft pedal and do some hard accelerations.

Today, and yesterday, I slowly ramped my HR up to 160s and held it there for 5-10 minutes.

Food
I had my strategy of 2 bottles with 2 scoops + 4 waffles and 2 gels. 900 calories for 3 hours.

But, then I saw Victor Sheldon. He reps Hammer Nutrition and suggested I go with their flask and fill it with 7 gel packs. It's way easier than tearing a gel pack open! More importantly, he always annihilates me and everybody in our age group.

As I rolled out, thinking how bad I wanted redemption after such a poor showing last year at this event I consoled myself with these nuggets...

... the only way to know something works better in a race is to test it in a race...

... isn't amazing how the best secrets are revealed racing.

Due to Covid, we went off in 2 waves of 25 or so. I was in the second wave, my friends in the first. The race overnight leader was in my wave. We took off and the leader towed about 6 guys off into the distance.

I committed to ride my pace and stuff my face with gel from the flask, double scoop bottles, and my Salt Sticks.

It worked.

I felt absolutely amazing all 3 hours. Best I've felt in years. Even power throughout.

So, yeah, you'll be seeing a promo here for Hammer Nutrition very soon...

... the meantime I'll tell the dirty secret of Salt Stick.

First, as noted in the book Waterlogged that I reported on: one, as long as we don't over-hydrate we don't need more salt; two, cramps are more neurological than chemical; three, the salt tabs and the pickle juice etc confuse the brain and the cramps stop.

I'd never race without Salt Stick, and I love the chewables.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/nutrition/products/saltstick-fast-chews

Use this promo code: ROOKIE

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

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
6.5
https://www.strava.com/activities/4941302379

View Details

GIVING UP IS ALWAYS EASIER THAN PRESSING ON

Mar 12, 2021

TODD BROWN

REVIEWING THE START LIST OF ANY RACE CAN BE DEFLATING. Last year's winner is here, the previous year's winner is here, the cats you know are always good on RaceDay have been putting in the time...

... and then there's us.

If there are seeds of doubt, looking at the list is like adding water and sunshine. Here, at the Cactus Cup, those seeds grow into giant saguaros whose prickly pads are waiting to embrace all who lack the discipline to control their thoughts...

... all that's missing is a pile of dung for fertilizer.

Which is exactly what those thoughts are. Pure shyte.

In a race like this, 40 miles with a million turns and drops, 96% of us will be riding alone at some point. The other racers could be 30, 60, 90 seconds ahead and we won't even see each other.

We'll be solito.

With our thoughts.

Those damn seeds of doubt will be aching to sprout.

There is only one countermeasure I've found to be effective, remembering what helk I'm doing here.

Changing those feelings of What was I thinking? sure to arise on the start line is easy if we can just find a reason and a reasonable goal...

... one reason, one reasonable goal.

Protect them, viciously.

At all costs.

At the blistering start,
when the gaps start to open,
when we're all alone with no one insight...

... one reason, one reasonable goal...

... will win the day.

Of course there are other little tricks of the trade, like PR Lotion.

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

I know, it seems insane that a lotion applied before a race could make a big difference...

... but, at this point all of us here think it would be insane to line up without PR Lotion.

So, here's the dealio.

Use this promo code before Midnight on Sunday and save 20% when you purchase 2 or more of the above.

The code is PRESSON

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

---

Of the 8 of us out here racing... we fared pretty well today. Top 10 times, and only one busted spoke and scraped up knee.

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
https://www.strava.com/activities/4931942586

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INSIDERS AND OUTSIDERS

Mar 11, 2021

TODD BROWN

DO YOU EVER GET THE FEELING THAT OUTSIDE IS AN INSIDER'S GAME? Take today, we woke up to an outstanding view. Gawwwl... I love the desert in the winter! It can be cold and windy, for sure. But the views, the sky...

... well, you gotta be here.

A lot of the time, it seems like society has forgotten how awesome outside is. And maybe that's okay. Because it leaves more of outside for us, the adventurous.

While the digital dorks may have won the battle...

... they haven't won the war, not yet.

As long as we keep heading outside and returning rejuvenated I think we have a chance to course correct.

I'll drink to that.

These Purist bottles are awesome.

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

$20, delivered to your door. Including shipping.

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

---

? lbs
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
https://www.strava.com/activities/4931942586

View Details

WHY STAGE RACING IS THE BEST!

Mar 10, 2021

TODD BROWN

WE'RE STAGING RACING THIS WEEKEND. 3 days in Aridzona, Fri-Sun. A TT, an XC, and an Enduro. Something for everyone. But this is better than a pro road stage race...

... or even an amateur one with a team.

Because it's MTB. There isn't really any teamwork to be done. No drafting, no leading out. No pacing back to the front. So, it's way better in the sense we can all battle for our own results each day.

That's the first thing that's better about MTB stage racing - fighting our individual battles.

However, it's the second thing about stage racing, in general, that I enjoy the most.

Piling in a couple of cars,
Buzzing gas stations and fastfood joints,
Taking over a rented house in a new town,
Geeking out over course maps and last minute gear choices,

Rolling up to the start line with the posse,
Racing our guts out,
Licking our wounds that night,
... and doing it all over again the next day.

That's why stage racing rules. The camaraderie. The getting away... whether camping like tonight, hoteling it, or VRBO.

Pull up your race calendars, look for a stage race. You might have to look out of state. We are in AZ for Cactus Cup, then I'm planning on Leadville Stage Race in CO, and finally Sea Otter in NorCal in October. Sea Otter isn't a stage race, but it is a bunch of races spread out over a 5 day weekend.

Find a few and see if one fits in with the other parts of life. If it does... by all means make it happen!

The best way to do that is write it down in Sharpie on one of these giant calendars.

We added more designs.

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

Click on these images to check 'em out.

For a few bucks you can have a super rad calendar - either one of these stock designs or with your team graphics and dates important to your team highlighted.

$30. Delivered.

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

---

165.2
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
no ride today.

View Details

BLAME IT ON THE DIESEL

Mar 09, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE WAS A TIME WHEN I'D TRY AND CONCEAL MY UPGRADES. Not now. That evil has been replaced with a much more sinister deceit. Apparently I've developed a nasty habit of story telling...

... kinda like this:

Is that a new helmet?

Oh, this?

Yes, that shiny red helmet.

Right, well you see Chris was telling me that we should never wear a helmet more than 3 years old. Apparently all the shocky absorby stops working after a while. Degrades. And, you know I figure I need to protect what little gray matter I have.

You realize that you have a habit of coming up some amazing story about every purchase you make lately, right?

Hmmm...

... so, if you're thinking about getting a new helmet no need to blame it on the Devil, I'll take full credit.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

We love KASK helmets.

Use promo code DEVIL to save 10% and get free shipping.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets

---

164.7
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
https://www.strava.com/activities/4919161937

View Details

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING TO DO AT THIS POINT

Mar 08, 2021

TODD BROWN

THERE IS ONLY ONE THING TO DO AT THIS POINT, and it doesn't involve slitting my wrists or a bottle of pills or any other easy outs...

... but, there will be razor blades involved.

It's the final countdown for the only A race on the calendar this quarter, and though I'm feeling quite ill-prepared I'm still gonna do it. Because, tradition.

Yes, I shall obey the edict...

Shave thy legs.

... like any devout follower of this religion we call racing.

Why do we do it?

It's a mountain bike race, so can't be for aero reasons.

TBH, I can't think of any good reasons except this:

It feels faster. There's something about a final shave before a race that I find delightful.

Or, maybe it's taking time to appreciate the supreme health I enjoy, the immense fun I have huffing and puffing under my own manpower.

Ain't it great to have the ability to ride a bike, at any speed?

I think so.

There is one other thing, though this is recent, I think it's a heck of a lot nicer to have smooth legs when buzzing up and down them with the HyperVolt.

And that is actually one of the main things I'll be doing this week as part of my recovery. HyperVolting and stretching and sleeping and resting.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery

As much as I thought I'd be ready to slay all comers 5 months ago, I can see I'm not in the shape I intended to be.

Which leaves recovery as my prime objective this week and after each race - Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

If you're into excellent recovery, use promo code SHAVE to shave $35 off this awesome tool.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/recovery

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163.8
Stretch and HyperVolt
8
30 PullUps 60 PushUps

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3 IDEAS FROM THE WORLD'S RICHEST DORK

Mar 07, 2021

TODD BROWN

HATE IS A STRONG WORD. I hate what Jeff Bezos' Amazon did to our little tshirt business. Destroying it by refusing to protect us from counterfeiters. But, I gotta hand it to the guy...

... he focuses on the right things.

Here are the top 3 takeaways:

We are what we choose... and in this case, we choose to be bike racers. We each have our reasons, but I suspect it boils down to friendship.

My friend(s) are riding and racing bikes. It seems like fun. I'll give it a try.

Or, I met some really cool cats out riding. They seem to have their shiz together. I'll be doing a lot more riding and racing because these people inspire me and make me feel included.

High standards. We know what they are, but sometimes we can't put our finger on them.

We know we want to win, but we rarely actually - if ever - win a bike race.

We don't need to if we have high standards for ourselves.

It could be creating our own race to smash a PR, or simply hit a certain metric like weight or hours ridden per week. It could be knowing how to repair anything or simply knowing enough to fix a flat and get back riding. It could be learning how to fuel our bodies so our energy is strong all day long. It could be riding a tricky rocky section without putting our feet down - dabbing.

The point is, it's hard to the define the true wins...

... but we sure has heck recognize them when our standards are high.

Nowhere in the book does he mention focusing on sales as a top priority. The top priority is always customer experience...

... and this stood out to me the most.

I'd be lying if I told you I was always on the same page when it comes to customer experience. Somewhere I picked up that it's all about the sales numbers. That's an inherently bad focus, and I've fallen in it's trap much more than I care to admit.

The devil is right when he says it's all about obsession with customer experience. It's definitely an area where I think we can improve, a lot.

If we choose to.

If we set our standards high enough.

I'll never put our products on Amazon again, but I sure as helk will do all I can to blow your minds every single day by continuing to improve our offerings.

I wasn't asking for feedback when we recently shipped our first orders of our new Pro jersey out. But the comments started coming in and I thought you'd be interested.

Did you know 90% of our apparel production is custom?

For teams?

That our minimum order is one (1) item?

If you're looking for something rad for your team, we can have your store up and running quickly and beautiful product delivered right to you door.

Made in USA.

From Italian fabrics.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/start-a-project

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164.2
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https://www.strava.com/activities/4909286499

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TAKE MY STRONG ADVICE

Mar 06, 2021

TODD BROWN

TODAY DIDN'T GO AS WELL AS I'D HOPED. If you haven't figured it out, sometimes I'm terrible at taking my own advice. Like, warming up matters. Today I had planned to set a hot time on a local climb. The kind of thing you want to do the Saturday for before the only A race on my calendar for months. Instead, I pretty much bombed...

... instantly gapped by my faster friends, while holding up the first-timer I was sure wouldn't be able to keep up.

Was I holding you up?

Oh, I probably had another 30 or 40 watts.

Ouch!

I knew I'd gap him on the very technical stuff at the top, but he could have walked the last mile and still beat me...

... 30-40 watts!

The next two hours were a little better. Well, a lot better. A surprising number of PRs.

You know what I think really fouled me up was the old...

... Hey, let's not warm up before we haul gass for an hour straight uphill.

Genius.

So take my strong advice,
remember to always think twice...

... and warm up proper.

Which is what I'm planning to do at the races next weekend.

Chris, The Wrench, pinged me later in the day.

Can ya help me prep these bikes for pick up?

Let the record show... a professional mechanic asked little Ol' Diesel to help prep two new bikes for pick up.

Yep, he trusted me to put air in the tires.

Well, convert 'em to tubeless, then put air in.

He also reminded me that I erroneously stated we were out of gravel bikes.

We have two, still.

One is the demo, and one is still in the box. Both Large.

These are truly special bikes. Built on the BMC hardtail platform, they have 20mm of travel in the rear triangle.

They are light.

Stiff, yet compliant with that travel.

Climb great.

Descend like a dream on road, gravel, and especially on singletrack.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

We had 4 yesterday, now we are down to 2 larges.

So, if you're into that sorta thing...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bmc-bicycles/products/urs-01-three

Check it, and drop me a line Clementine.

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164
Stretch and HyperVolt
7
https://www.strava.com/activities/4894848345

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