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
>
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.
===
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
>
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
>
FAILURE FEEDBACK
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A SPECTACULAR FAIL FOR LEARNING. Whether or not Thursday was a true failure is questionable, the fact I fell off the athletewagon is undoubtable.
Exercise: lazy walk on beach
Diet: donuts for breakfast, a giant serving of PickUp Stix for lunch, Domino's for dinner, and multiple servings of Oreo ice cream pie while watching Revenge Of The Sith.
Why the fall: son Shane's bday + all kids in town for Mother's Day = party time.
The failure feedback: 2 lbs heavier than previous morning, and some karaze dreams
Without that feedback from the scale and dreams, nothing would be learned.
Racing, with a number or just amongst friends, has been a great source of feedback.
But, I think chasing PRs has been the best teacher because I experiment more.
Tinkering with tread patterns and tire pressure,
bike position,
nutrition,
pacing,
apparel,
time of day...
oh, it's an endless list... and chasing a PR is endlessly fascinating... figuring out what is holding me back - often it's the blubber, my homegrown ballast, that needs to be cast off.
Speaking of casting off, we're moving to a new location this month... so if you have a hankerin' for some deals, there are a number of things we are closing out
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.
---
165.8 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3426929762
A COLD BLOODED KILLER PLANS FOR SUMMER RELEASE
I HAD THIS WHOLE POST ABOUT LEARNING FROM FAILURE READY TO GO, then I read this quote from Egan Bernal who learned from winning.
Bernal:
At the moment, it's a question of having cold blood, focusing on training, trying to do things as well as possible, get to the Tour and then things will fall into place.
That's his answer to the question of who will lead his team... himself, being the reigning champ, his teammate Geraint Thomas the previous winner, or Chris Froome who won before Thomas.
And, I freakin' love it... it's a question of cold blood... ie: getting your buns in gear, the world ain't waitin'.
We ain't waitin' over here either, in fact we're movin'... and rather than move it all, we're puttin' some of it on clearance... can ya help a brother out?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/close-outs
No promo code - deals are too good, unless you're part of the PEDALposse and have your super code... which you know you should be.
---
166.6 lbs
Coach Loran Live Workout
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3421857164
CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT
THERE IS SO MUCH CHEAP ENTERTAINMENT ON A BIKE. I love to admit it, some of the very best is when a friend flies off the trail and lands in the tree below... clipped in, upside down... with a sliced shin.
If you're a rider, and you're tough, and you signed up for said adventures... shiz like that be really funny. Whether it's you or your pal.
So, there we were laughing our helmets off only last night!
Poor unnamed rider X.
Don't tell my wife, I'll wear pants for a few days.
Copy that cowboy.
Just like that we rode on... bleeding, smashed shifter dangling... doing our thang.
I was reminded of that story this morning when I got an email from my Aussie mate Tony.
Hi Todd,
Every ride where I use your XL RaceDay bag I am reminded of you. ( I always laugh when someone say SH@T I left my gloves at home and point to my bag).
Yep... that's super funny, and happens all the time.
Reminds me of the time I forgot my kit and raced a crit in surf trunks and a tank top. Really wanted to win that won after all the shaming. No luck.
I've laughed a million times thinking about that race.
Even funnier was when my friend got kicked out of a race for doing a towel change in the pits... by the Sheriff!
Too bad she didn't have a changing poncho... hahahaha!
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
You know what they say... Modest is hottest!
Use promo code: CHEAPENTERTAINMENT
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-changing-poncho
Pedalposse... use your super code.
---
165.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3414501436
TO RUST OR NOT TO RUST, THAT IS THE QUESTION
WE HAVE THIS OLD IBIS TANDEM COUSIN IT. The attention to detail is awesome. From the matching Silca pump to the little forged hand that holds the brake cable. After 25ish years, it's in good shape... not worn, not rusted.... because we haven't ridden it for the last 10+ years.
Which reminds me of this quote:
We must all either wear out or rust out, every one of us.
My choice is to wear out.
-Theodore Roosevelt
While our contemporaries slowly rust out, we are in the big gears. Charging ahead. Setting karazy goals.
Which reminds me of this qoute from my distant cousin:
I don't know karate,
but I do know karazy.
- James Brown
Whatever your karaze biking goal is, if you have some base bikefitness you can be karaze ready in 10 weeks.
Right now, I'm working on a new book...10 Weeks To Speed... the premise is you don't need a full-time coach, you just need 10 focused weeks.
Get out your calendar and sip on that.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
PEDALposse, remember to use your special code.
---
165.2 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3411138895
OUTRAGEOUSNESS IS THE ONLY STRATEGY
SPARE ME THE SHOOT FOR THE STARS HIT THE MOON PLATITUDES. I want something outrageous, clear and concrete.
Like PRing Leadville last summer, 20 years after my previous PR.
It's the only way to wring out the best.
This year's outrageous goal... sheesh, my palms just started sweating... but, I gotta do it... gotta commit to something ridonkulous.
Here it is Marathon Nationals... for the win.
November 14th.
Texas.
There. Said it.
Six months to get in tiptopshape. Be one with my MTB.
That wasn't so hard. There's almost a relief, finally putting it out there. Writing it down. The trepidation turns to fascination... how to get it done?
One thing I'll be doing for sure is getting my buns kicked regularly by Coach Loran. Body strength, coordination, balance will be key for a successful day.
If you haven't trained with Coach Loran yet... well, you're probably not in the PEDALposse where her training is included.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
I know what you're thinking... she looks so nice and inviting, how could she possible motivate me?
Well... start with the fact she's probably a better bike handler than 99% of riders then add in she's be training people for 15 years.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran killed me
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3405159184
SO YOU'RE SAYING I'VE GOT A CHANCE?
PERHAPS THE GREATEST LESSON OF AN EPIC EVENT IS TO TAKE IT MILE BY MILE. Shtuff happens. Whether it happens at mile 2 or mile 92 matters not. Our response is all that matters.
At the original 12 Hours of Big Bear, I started catching up to the leaders on the long downhill.
It was the first lap.
We were all fresh.
I'd been dropped, but I was back.
Hellyeah boys, I'm here... was all I was thinking.
Poof! tsss... tsss... tsss... tsss... a dawgawn flat tire, and now all I was thinking was...
Hell!
I noted the time. Fixed the flat in 2 minutes, flat.
We still had 11 hours and 35 minutes of racing. I stuck to my pace, about 50 minutes per lap.
By the 11th hour, first place Matt Oran had lapped me and figured no one could match his 12 laps. He pulled out and watched.
Second place, also pulled over having completed 11 laps. Like Matt, he figured no one could catch.
At 11 hours 5 minutes, I pitted. 11 laps done. Surfergirl told me the situation. Poured to packs of table salt into my mouth and sent me off.
We'd started at 7am. Most of the mountain was now dark, the sunsetting on the other side. Nobody else as on the course because they'd done the calculation and figured they couldn't get back by 7pm.
Could I make it back by 7pm and complete 12 laps, securing 2nd place? Everything hurt. Cramps came and went.
It was just me and DuranDuran, Hungry Like A Wolf... strangely serene.
---
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
---
Riding that fateful downhill for the 12th time, doing all the mental math, knowing it was going to be very, very close... I knew something else,
if I'd hesitated when it all went sideways, or given up hope, I never would have made it to this moment... in a beautiful forest,
this beautiful, quiet moment, completely satisfied I'd done all I could do.
---
I crossed the line at 6:58PM, and collapsed. Numero dos.
---
A lot of folks have been buying this lately. We got lucky and stocked up before production was halted.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
Less than 20 smackers, delivered to your door... yes, both bottles.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalindustries-water-bottle-24oz-purist-2-pack
---
166 lbs
Core day with Coach Loran
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3399691968
BEAST OF HURTIN'
SOMEDAYS ON SUNDAYS MY LEGS ARE HURTIN'. After yesterday's peppy jaunt around the county, today is one of them. Didn't really notice it until a late afternoon walk up a coupla a sets of stairs.
Which reminds me of a question my pal Talley asked.
Do you ride to "get it over with” so you can reward yourself OR is your ride the reward?
My reply...
I think it's some of both... though, lately I've been riding end of day a lot more... it's nice to look forward to and it forces me to compress the work day, not let it leak into dinner and the evening.
A few years ago I read The 5 Hour Workday, and we committed to it pretty hard. But, somehow we lost our discipline and drifted back into the 8 to 10 hour workday.
Perhaps this is the right time to recommit? I'm gonna dig that book back up.
... and run this another day.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder
You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY
... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.
---
166 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3394583609
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY
TRUST IN GOD AND KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY... advice for the ages. Fighting advice. And it works for long, vicious and terrible rides... because it means to be prepared to take action yourself... here's how not to do it.
Yes, Zach, this post is for you!
Setting the stage...
The bright sun was balanced with a lingering hint of winter in the early air. An intoxicating mixture that had Justin returning home about 3 hours later than promised to wifey... and had coaxed Zach out for his first ride in months.
We'd planned to circumnavigate most of the county at a brisk pace.
First stop 60 miles in, then another 40 to get home.
Being the wise old diesel that I am, I had a big drink before I left. And loaded my pockets with Honey Stinger waffles and a ziploc bag full of 4 scoops of GQ6 powder.. powder which would stay dry in said bag and mix up to power me home.
We warmed up nice enough, but the further we went the harder we ground. Soon pulls were being skipped. It was on.
The Anaheim train station is on the route and a wonderful stop, with a cafe and water and bathrooms. It's beautiful inside.
I busted out my bottles. Poured dry powder into bottle one, began pouring bottle two.
Zach looked so sad.
The cafe was closed.
The only working vending machine was stocked with novels of the 50 Shades of Gray ilk.
I gave him a good portion of my dry powder. Mike gave him a bar.
At which point Justin asked if I had my supply of Salt Sticks...
We clipped in and Zach mentioned to Justin...
I feel like all the posts are about me.
Me, too.
Which warmed my heart.
Bring your powder, and keep it dry.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/drypowder
You provide the ziploc bags, I'll provide the promo code: POWDERDRY
... unless you're in the PEDALposse and have the more better code.
---
165 lbs
Stretch
6.5 hours sleep - too excited to sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3387267351
I KNEW A GREAT MECHANIC, AND YOU'RE NO GREAT MECHANIC
THE PROBLEM WITH TODAY'S BIKES is they are too dawgawn good. Rare is the breakdown, part failure... shoot, we hardly get flats anymore let alone a busted spoke.
I don't know about you, but my wrenching skills kinda stink... and my wrench collection?... a flippin' mess.
Fearless as ever, I approached swapping out my very worn rear tire on my gravel bike.
No quick release, need a wrench to remove the wheel.
Easy enough, then I removed the tire.
Inside there was plenty of Stan's milk sloshing.
I carefully disposed of the old stuff.
Popped on the new tire.
Poured in a bunch of Stan's.
Mounted the rest of the tire.
Aired it up.
Jiggled, wiggled, bounced... all manner of movements to get that inside coated with the magic white stuff <- the kind of thing that magically does away with flats and tire changing skills at the same time... here's what I mean...
It was a little tricky getting the wheel situated inside the frame and a dinged the brake calipers somehow.
No amount of fiddling would get it to stop rubbing.
Did I mention I'm a fearless mechanic?... yeah, well, this is the point I should have set it aside and approached fresh in the morning. But I din't.
Instead, I proceed to... well, I'll cut to the chase... my brake still rubs and the bolts mounting it to the frame are now nearly stripped out.
Ugh...
(Diminished skills + crummy tools) X lack of practice = Bike Down!
Such a drag... I was mounting that tire up to have good romp in the dirt.
But, there's good news.
PEDALposse member Chris M just moved to town. And guess what he is?... a pro-fesh-nul mechanic. And, he's got some time. And, he's already extracted the stripped bolt... and now we're just waitin' on parts.
Maybe we need PEDALpossePlus... and include service?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.4 lbs
Live session with Coach Loran - she killed me.
7.5 hours sleep
Got an hour in, but the Wahoo is acting wacko.
PEDALposse RULES TO RIDE BY
HERE ARE 5 RULES TO ABIDE BY:
- Train at the front of the group. If you're on a group ride, get your buns to the front... where it's hard, you'll be a lot harder to drop come race time.
- Always be prepared. We're hardly Boy Scouts. But, the Scouts are right. Be prepared in body, mind, spirit and saddle bag. The posse doesn't spect anyone to carry parts for them.
- Thou shalt bend thy elbows. While riding with the elbows locked my feel good, might even look good in your mind, it's a great way to find yourself splattered on the asphalt.
- Name thy bike. Your bike is an extensive of you... give it a name to be known on the records of Starva.
- Never bonk. Bonking, running out of food, is the true rookie move... and if done righteously can leave you depleted an in a hole for weeks.
More to come... until then, consider this... the lightest, quietest saddle bag ever.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
The mini RaceDay bag is super lightweight and durable bag that holds a tube, air cartridge and nozzle, and levers perfectly.
Everything is snug, sucked up under your saddle, and never rattles around. Plus, there's room for a couple of bucks and a patch kit if ya like.
Made from durable 29" mountain bike tube.
Use promo code: RULES1-5 to save, or your PEDALposse code to save twice as much.
---
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran #2
7 hours sleep
ride didn't record
IT'S SHOCKING
I'M ALWAYS AMAZED AT HOW WONDROUS PEOPLE ARE AT NATURE. Half of me is in disbelief that anybody could make such a big deal about seeing a deer or bobcat, etc... and the other half is smug thinking I see that all the time.
But, such is the world we live in. People sucked so far into their cocoons they freak out at seeing nature. They've lost their nature.
We on the other hand, are much closer to our wild side.
We are wild.
Wolves.
Eagles.
The thing about animals is they only attack in two instances: when threatened, and when the kill is certain. They can't afford the luxury of taking physical risks. In the wild, there's no back up.
Which just might be good racing advice. Attack when threatened, or when the kill is certain.
Speaking good advice, now would be a good time to check out the PEDALposse... here's why: it's been purposely mysterious because we didn't want to many people to join before we had it figured out.
We've got a little more clarity on this wild offer.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3373573030
SAME AS IT EVER WAS
THOUGHT EXPERIMENT: What if we changed the order of things?
For years, the Tour De France started with a prologue, and over the course of 3 weeks got into harder and harder climbs, ending with a bunch of laps and a sprint in Paris.
What if they raced it in reverse?
If the start was a bunch of laps round the Champs -Élysées with a giant crowd cheering the racers for an hour or so before they head out to discover who is the best.
Then we'd see fresh climbers slug it out on the first 10 days of massive mountains.
Follow by another 10 days of rolling terrain and sprints.
Ending with short prologue of 8ish minutes where racers are basically riding more than racing and basking in the glory of 3 weeks well done... and finishing fresh ready for a big party.
Would it matter?
Probably more than it mattered that I had the pricing and code wrong for this promo yesterday:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.
Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic. There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks. I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.
So, if you want an early crack at them here you go:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.
---
167.2 lbs
Coach Loran #5
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3368841663
THE OLDEST TRICK IN THE BOOK
ALL I KNOW IS I WAS ENJOYING A COOL EVENING, COASTING HOME WITH MY HANDS AT MY SIDES AND MY SMILE REAL WIDE... thinking I'm gonna call tonight's post The oldest trick in the book.
Because is there an older, cooler trick than that first time you let go with boh hands... not the first time for onetenthofasecond... the first time you were relaxed, cool as a cucumber?
Well, come to think of it there are cooler times...
... like riding the Stingray off the curb, no hands...
... like casually pulling off your jacket or vest or warmers and patiently folding to properly fit in your jersey pocket all while rolling along in the bunch, no hands...
... like beating your friends across the city limits sign and celebrating, no hands...
... like ending a long day at the yob with a little spin, cleansing your mind, no hands..
... and the oldest trick, becomes the best trick.
You wanna no another cool trick?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
The factory is taking this 2D rendering and turning it into a super sweet pair of gloves... and they'll be available in about 3 weeks.
Let me just interject a phenomenon I've noticed over the years, when we are under attack as a nation we get very patriotic. There's been a marked uptick in our Patriotic collection the last 3 weeks. I think these gloves will be a hit, and probably sell out.
So, if you want an early crack at them here you go:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/patriotic/products/patriotic-superlight-full-finger-gloves
Use promo code: BESTTRICK ... if you're part of the PEDALposse, you can use your mo' betta' personal code.
---
168.6 lbs
Coach Loran #4 + 40 pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3364198985
IT'S NOT RACING IF IT'S NOT DANGEROUS
GRAVEL RIDING IS REALLY FUN, brings a ton of adventure and all kinds of freedom on where yer gonna ride that day. Any turn is a good turn. Every path brings unknown potential. But, let's be fair... it's not really racing if it's not dangerous.
Nobody goes crit riding.
Road racing, means eventually there's gonna be massive risk taking.
CX you might stub your toe or skin your shin.
Mountain bike racing is synonymous with destruction of bikes and bones.
Which brings me to the first gravel racer, the original drop bar ripper, the King of Kamikaze... if you don't know his name, that's a true shame.
Because at the height of mountain biking, with the advent of DownHill this cat was running a disc wheel, an aero helmet, a skin suit, and looking smooth and planted while drifting turns at 50+ mpg.
That my lads and ladettes, my fellow parishioners of the church of the crank, is real gravel racing...
.. the rest of it is gravel riding, and it's super fun...
... but I can't stop thinking about the racing, the gravel type.
I reckon that's why I prefer my speedy KASK road helmet.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone
This is by far, the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. And, I use it for everything road, XC, and of course gravel...
... and you know I'll be wearing when I go gravel racing!
You can pick it up here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/kask-protone
And you can save if you're part of the PEDALposse.
---
166lbs
stretch and roll
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3359288764
TEMPERING THE GRAVEL GOON
FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CONNECT A 100K GRAVEL COURSE AROUND DEEZ PARTS. Finally got 'er done today... and it was a roughie.
I started too late, getting scorched by the midday heat... but, the course is so rad it didn't discourage me.
Here's why:
Starting from the sandy shores of the Pacific, I rode the 62ish miles and all but 5 or so were either on paved bike trail, gravel road or sweet single track.
The route includes water crossings, beautiful old oak trees, tall grass and wild flowers... plus a large bobcat, a gazillion rabbits, and 2 red tail hawks.
There's 5000' of vertical gained, and it's mostly packed in the middle 30 miles. These are not gentle climbs, these are make you want to walk climbs.
Why have I been on this quest?
Did you read that part above? JK... I dunno, it's just in my nature to figure out fun courses. Plus, Jeff is coming to visit and he's been bugging me to ride gravel for 10 years... gotta show off our stuff.
I learned a few more things along the way.
- Carry lube. On these long gravel rides if there's water crossings, it's a good idea to carry a small tube of lube.
- Low pressure, mo' betta. I rode 35lbs in the rear and 32lbs up front.
- One of those dorky boxes on the top tube would be handy for carrying extra food... I had 7 waffles jammed in my left pocket.
Questions you may have, should you choose to join us on an official Gravel Goon:
Do I need a gravel bike? No, an MTB would be great.
Can I ride a road bike? Doable with exceptional bike skills and a bombproof back.
Will you wait for me? Probably not.
Will you have aid stations? When it's official, fo' sho'.
What should you eat?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.
Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.
Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box. The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
---
The other thing I learned/practiced was how to use a GoPro. For my bday I got myself one... inspired by my friend Jose who takes such amazing pictures. I asked what he used and he clued me in.
I ran into 4 friends on the ride - Justin, Robot, Mark and Chris (pictured)... it's not as good as riding together, but it's darn nice to see the fellas.
---
165.8 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3353469209
THE LEADVILLE LETTERS
A FEW MONTHS AGO A FRIEND ASKED IF I'D COACH HIM TO RACE THE LEADVILLE 100. So, I fired off an email every day... with homework.
Some of the information is tactical for Leadville.
But, more importantly, the letters reveal nuggets which may be applied to any ride or race likely to leave nothing but the residue of who you are when it's over.
If you're planning to get your head handed to you at Dirty Kanza or BWR... or, just want to do an epic attack on your local mountains, you need the Leadville Letters.
For example...
Every Friday and Saturday you need to experiment with your food to find out what works for you. Do not leave this up to the last couple of weeks before the race, or worse, the week of. Figure it out early, then tinker with it.
Be the person people ask, not the one who’s unsure and ready to try something new on race day.
Okay, here is exactly what I eat and drink...
... revealed in the Leadville Letters are 20 years of mining racing some of the hardest more ridiculous courses in the western US, pure gold.
These letters will be shipping in June, and can be ordered here:
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-leadville-letters
However, if you're part of the PEDALposse no need to order as they're included with your subscription.
Not a member of the PEDALposse yet?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
166.2 lbs
Coach Loran #2 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
No ride.
USELESS INFORMATION YOUR BUTT CAN USE
MICKEY'S MESSAGE:
I learned my core is useless. Video #3 kicked my butt but will be back for more.
Jake's take:
Loran kicked my butt (again) this morning btw :) never used the rubberband before but wow that hurt so good :)
Chris' crushing:
Week one was with the "I've got this I'm a strong competitive cyclist" attitude. After the 3rd day I could hardly walk. Quads, abs, sides were so wrecked I had a hard time getting in and out of the car, walking up stairs, and getting up off the couch.
an honest inkling...
a flunking feeling you too might be a two-wheeled weakling...
JUST A LITTLE GOAL: 7 DAYS - 30K
IT STARTED OF AS A CHALLENGE TO "EVEREST" IN A WEEK - climb 29,029 feet. But, doesn't 30k sound a lot better? It did to me, when I started. Then it didn't sound so good 3 days ago when there was still 12k to go. And it sounded worse last night as the sun was setting. And, even more worser this afternoon when I still needed over 4,000 feet.
But, you know... get done with work early, lube up with PR Lotion, 70 degrees, sunny...
... 3 hours later, and I'm at 5k for the day...
... and 31,834' of vertical in a 7 day period.
Yes, I know the cool kids all do that Everesting in 1 day. On the same climb. And I applaud them loudly.
I just wanted to do my own challenge. And, 30k in 7 days sounded plenty epic.
The first day was on the road. The second, fifth and sixth on the MTB. The third and seventh gravel bike. The fourth day I rested.
I learned a ton... which I shall share more of tomorrow.
For now, I'm stoked to have accomplished a new PR. I've never climbed that much in a week. And, I know my food strategy was spot on.
Which reminds me how poopular this special has been... and maybe you're on the fence about it and you know we are shipping immediately...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.
Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.
Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box. The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
---
165.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3338986707
WHAT ARE YOU WEIGHTING FOR?
HAD A CAT NOTICE MY WEIGHT'S BEEN GOING UP. TBH, it kinda freaked me out that people actually look at that. Made me think I should stop posting. Made me wonder why folks actually believe I'm posting real stats. Then... I hearkened back to the day I first posted my weight.
It was in high 170's.
Now, It's in the mid 160's.
And that's f'real weight... when I first wake up.
And it's every day.
Because the only way to tell how what I'm eatin' is affectin' what I'm weighin' is by weighin' every day'n.
How'd I do it?
- Weigh same time, every day.
- Record it on an app.
- Tell a friend, or 1000s like I do.
If you're serious:
- No bread or baked goods
- No packaged foods
- Lots of fruits and vegetables and nuts
Keep it real...
- Cheat once a week - I cheat on Sunday
- If anybody asks if you're on a diet... No, I'm an athlete.
- Have fun with it.
And to that cat who commented... yeah, I typically gain a few pounds after a big day like Saturday - 7 1/2 hours, 80 miles, 10,280' of vert. And I cheated a lot on Sunday. It'll be gone soon... and thanks for calling me out, that's why I post it.
Speaking of food, I'm gonna roll this promo one more day because it's been very poopular... and maybe you're on the fence about it and you know we are shipping immediately...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.
Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.
Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box. The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
---
166.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3334068092
ARE YOU USING YOUR ANGRINALIN TO DOMINATE?
IN 2005, I WAS 75% THROUGH MY CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING SUPER-D. Totally in the zone. I'd just block passed a dude that just wouldn't get outta my way, and wanted to put as much distance as possible between the two of us. Carving through the trees, I came to a very steep drop with a ladder to help with traction. I was going too fast.
At the bottom of the ladder, my suspension compressed completely.
My body kept moving.
Head first into the dirt.
I was stunned.
Covered in moon dust.
Nothing was broken - bones or bike.
I grabbed my bike, left my Oakleys in the dirt, and proceeded to shred the rest of the race course.
I won a 25 minute long race... by 7 seconds.
Forget the glorious ending... racing or not, if I'd laid there and slowly dusted myself off, found and cleaned my Oakleys, taken a "deep breath"... I eventually would have gotten back up to speed.
Instead, I harnessed my Angrinalin. Anger +Adrenalin.
Any hesitation and overwhelming power would have been lost.
May the Angrinalin be with you.
... and my you get back with great stories to tell.
I'm still rolling with this promo because, well... seems like people are digging it, and maybe you're on the fence about it but now that you know it's been working pretty good and we are shipping immediately you'll go for it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Delicious Honey Stinger waffles... I like to break off half, the package is perfect for storing the second half and eating 30 minutes later.
Tasty GQ6... I like 2 scoops in my big bottle.
Salt Stick chews... I keep them in a TicTac box. The roll out one at a time and into my mouth to suck on while I ride.
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
167.6 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3329019229
MY LEGS HURT
THREE DAYS INTO MY 7 DAY QUEST TO CLIMB EVEREST, and my legs a pretty sore. 5000' Thursday, 3000' Friday, 10,000' Saturday. Took today off, per my plan... well, kinda took it off... did a 4 mile hike with the family, totally worth it. That leaves 11,000' more, Monday-Wednesday.
I think the biggest factor causing pain is my poor route choice. Too many 12-18% pitches.
But, when time is a constraint... straight up and straight down is a heckuva lot faster.
My Rx is for the pain is stretching and rolling, and if I had the fancy compression bootlegthingies I'd be using that too.
Rolling the legs, if they're fresh is nothing. If they're sore... oh man, that really hurt. But, it's a strange hurt because the more I roll the better I feel.
The question now is do I break up the next 3 days into an even 3000' ride... or 2k tomorrow, 3k Tuesday, 4k Wednesday... or 5k, 2k, 2k? Some of that will depend on the work days, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to leave a bunch to be done on the last day, in the middle of the workweek.
What's not in question is the fuel I'll be using as I get back at it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
---
166.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3324127075
WHAT STARTS BAD, ENDS...
I'D LOOKED FORWARD TO TODAY ALL WEEK. When I woke up the streets were wet. When I left it was raining. Five miles in the streets were dry.
So, that's how you're going to play it Mother?
The rocks at the first water crossing were gone, blown out by the gushing water. I charged it. Knee deep.
The mist kept coming down, but the soil was good. Lots of sand.
The second water crossing splintered into 5 different bottom bracket deep streams.
My drive train was smoked. Screaming in the low gears.
Messaged CH.
You home?
Yep.
Got lube?
Yep.
See ya in 5.
It's weird to bum lube off a friend and not hug or shake hands... especially when he went to town on my chain, then handed me the lube. I'd need it.
Seeing he was kitted up...
Where ya headed?
Up Harding - a local 9 mile gravel road climb.
You?
Trying to connect the Gravel Goon and nab 8000'.
Ride safe.
Roger that.
I was only two hours in. 2000' done.
Where we are the dirt switches from sandy to clay quickly. Sandy can be ridden in a flood. Clay... oh man, if it's been wet clay can clog your rig and have you walking in right quick.
The next 90 minutes I gained another 2000' but I had to forgo the Gravel Goon course... too much clay. Close by, at this point was Harding.
Why not?
Plenty of sand there, and plenty of climbing. Plus, I'll run into Chris on his way down and we can keep an eye on each other as we rip.
On the way over, I saw Tooch coming towards me... Hey Steve!
I hadn't been up Harding since '19 when it was graded. It was terrible then, too soft. But, all the rain had packed it and it was like a freeway. No problem for my gravel bike, HVY MTL.
3000' feet of climbing later, I finally ran into Chris. He was prepared. PEDALindustries KOM jacket for the heavy mist, neck gator. Me?... oh just my Camo kit. 50 degrees. And time to plummet.
He gapped me on the way down.
We rode side by side up Old Mojeska, me in the gutter, him on the center line. Talking. Man, I've missed riding and talking. I need my dude time.
We parted. Him to rougher MTB trails... and I still had 30 miles of mostly gravel ahead of me.
I could see a blue sky to the west, where I'd be going.
The trails were dried out. Quite a few families were out. Riding and hiking.
Ran into Joe... he was sporting a classic TMWC kit, and he reminded me I still owe him the 2020 kit. Sure will be nice to fire up the factory soon.
9 hours after what looked like an unpromising day, I returned. 80 miles. 10, 280' of vert...
... and that's a great end.
Speaking of starting... is it time for you to start up your PEDALposse subscription?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164 lbs
Stretch n Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3318769837
GET BACK!
IS GET BACK! THE BEST BEATLES SONG? Get back to where you once belong!
I dunno.
But, I dig the beat.
It's just a charger, a steamroller of a groove. And that's exactly what I'm gonna need manana, bright n early. So I'm playin' it on repeat while I get HVY MTL ready.
'Cause I'm getting back in the saddle for a long 'un.
It'll be day 3 of my 7 day challenge, and it's gonna - gotta - be the biggest of the 6 of 7 days I'm planning to ride.
8k of climbin'... nearly all off road, on the gravel rig.
Nutrition will be the biggest factor determining when my body starts singing...
Get back, Diesel
Here's how I'm gonna handle it:
Decent breakfast of fruit and nuts.
2 Scoops of GQ6 in 24 oz bottle per hour
1 Honey Stinger Waffle per hour
2 SaltStick Fast chews per hour
That should last me 6-7 hours... 300 calories/hour always bueno.
The waffles will be in my left hand pocket, 2 ziplocs with 4 scoops of GQ6 and a tic tac box with the salt chews in the middle pocket, phone and wallet in the right pocket.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
Buy two of those, get the third free with promo code: GETBACK.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/big-ride-supplies
---
165.2 lbs
Stretch and Roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3312205069
YOU KNOW THAT GUY...
I HAVE THIS FRIEND, I shall call him by his real name because he deserves to be shamed. Who knows... maybe he'll quit texting me and do something with his life.
Jeff texts or calls me every couple of months.
It always starts out the same.
Hey man, what's up?
Just doing my thing.
Check out this bike.
The first time he did this... let me interject, I once loaned him a bike for over a year... I thought he was finally gonna do it. Actually plunk down the bones. We looked at a lot of bikes.
Anyway fast forward 10 years... he pulls it on me again yesterday.
Yes!, at least 10 years!!
Can you imagine not riding for 10 years, just talking about. Thinking about it. For what? To save a couple some bucks?
Bikes are so good now, you can easily get 5 year of top performance out of a proper bike. 10 or more if you're not racing.
So Jeff... Jeff, Jeff, Jeff...
If you spent $5000 on a really, really nice race bike. And rode it for 10 years. It would cost you $0.73 per day.
Seventy-three cents a day, Jeff!...
... 73 pennies a day for more fun than any amusement park, wonderful health, and terrific friendships with people like me.
But, not me.
Not now.
Don't you dare text or call me or lead me on one more time Jeffrey Chavez!
I don't want to see or hear you until you ride up on 2 wheels of our own.
Ya hear?!
Phew... that felt good.
You know what else feels good?
The secure feeling of knowing there is nowayinheck your wallet is gonna fall out of your jersey...
The reminder that yes you are a badassbikerider every time you grab your wallet...
... you can only get that with incredible, the oneofakind RaceDay wallet.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/raceday-wallet
I came up with it for one of our local rides called Swami's Wednesday Worlds. A ride of the most ferocious kind. The kind Jeff will never be on because Jeff is all talk... but the kind you might be on if you ever come visit. And if you do, you'll need our I.D.
Use promo code: JEFFISCHEAP
Or if you're in the PEDALposse use your personal code.
---
165.6 lbs
Stretch and roll
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3308097196
EVERYONE ELSE CAN FIGHT FOR SECOND
ONCE UPON A TIME I HUNG OUT WITH DR. DENIS WAITLEY. By that time, I was already a fan of his audio book the Psychology of Winning. And, I'd heard him recite his classic poem Someday I'll many times.
But, what really stuck with me was his retelling of the great American skier Bill Johnson, and his gold medal quest... specifically a statement Bill made one month prior to shocking the world.
Bill was a nobody. 23 year-old punk. Racing an event no American had ever one, neverever. But, he qualified for the Olympics and here's what he said...
“I don’t even know why everyone else is here,” he said. “Everyone else can fight for second.”
Denis used that story to demonstrate how the reticular activating system works.
In his words...
The reticular activating system performs the unique function of filtering incoming sensory stimuli, sight, sound, smell and touch. And determining which ones are going to make an impression in your mind. It decides from moment to moment what information is going to become part of your world.
In our biking words...
We go, where we look.
His conclusion...
Concentrate your attention on where you want to go, not away from where you don’t want to be. Because you’ll always move in the direction of your currently dominate thoughts.
Our biking conclusion...
Look only where we want to go.
Speaking of going places, are you going to ride with the PEDALposse?
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
166.6 lbs
Coach Loran #3 + pull-ups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3305351474
WHAT I LEARNED ON ZOOM TODAY
I HAD A ZOOM MEETING TODAY, and 1 great lesson.
It was work related. Before we even got started, dude had the gears to state I'm outta here in 30 minutes.
We cranked, hyperofocused, for 30 minutes.
At the end, I asked...
Where are ya off to?
Gotta go for a bike ride.
Sheesh... I didn't even know he was a rider let alone a master teacher in using time constraints to get a lot done.
He totally gets it.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
It's not that I'm a selfish pig, well I might be but this tshirt isn't proof of that... this tshirt is proof I know I'm a heckuva lot more productive when I'm getting the ride in...
... and you can get it delivered to your door for under $20 with this promo code:
ZOOM
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors
167
Pull Ups
7.25 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3298166546
I'M TAKING A BIG RISK HERE...
AT THE RISK OF SOUNDING LIKE THE OLD CROTCHETY GUY, I gotta tell ya... the road racing in the 80's, pro and amateur, was a million times more exciting than the last 10 years.
First the pro, because gotta save the best for last.
I was youtubing around last night and pulled up Greg LeMond's amazing time trial.
Now, the thing that's not amazing is all the manufactured drama. They did that back then because the entire race was packaged and shrunk for American's into a 2 hour special.
So... if you can get past that, the actual story of a guy making up 50 seconds by averaging 33.89 miles an hour for just under 27 minutes is stunning.
But, that was just the start... 'cause youknow how youtube can getyou.
Next thing I know I'm watching all these classic battles of that era.
And here's the difference... those guys would make crazy, riskitall attacks. Just bonkers. Unlike today's tres boring powermetermetered approach. The were like boxers throwing one haymaker after another.
So good.
The video quality isn't that good, but dang... that drama is delicious.
And amateur racing of that era compared to t'day?
Well, first there was only road racing and track racing... which really means only road racing.
With only one outlet, and an American World and Tour champion, and the 7-11 team doing their thing... road racing was nuts.
Imagine this... it's unbelievable when I think about it... but, true. No internet, strictly word of mouth and a few flyers in bike shops... crits with fields of 120 Cat 3's would sell out, consistently.
Road racing was so hot...
... but, we were not.
Most of us were in our 20s and had not clue how to train or ride etc. We were simply in love with the sport and digging the adrenaline rush.
And... like the pros... we were swinging for the fences ourselves. Team work was nonexistent. Everybody wanted to win, wanted the glory.
Yep, the drama was just flippin' awesomesauce back then.
The fact that there was so much energy with just one outlet was the big difference.
One that hasn't changed on the road is the need for a stealth back under the saddle.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
That, right there, is the mini-RaceDay bag. It's made of MTB inner tube, and cinches down with a fat piece of velcro.
Developed by yours bikely because I can't stand listening to thing rattling around.
Fits the basics: tube, cartridge, levers, and a couple a bucks.
Completely silent.
This is lowtech at it's best.
And you can get it delivered to your bike stand for less than 20 bones.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/the-mini-raceday-bag
---
167.2 lbs (the horror)
Stretch
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3294015788
THE 1 THING I CAN CONTROL
The one thing you can control in life is your effort.
- Mark Cuban, owner Dallas Mavericks
The moment I read this tweet, I knew I had to share it.
But why?
Because that sacred early morning ride is one of the few events I can control?
Because the connection between effort and results on a bike is so much more obvious than other sports? Lots of people regularly make a lucky shot, non-existent is the lucky sprint.
I'm not sure I can put into words why that statement resonates so strongly with me.
But it does.
Deeply.
In a satisfying and disturbing way... like that picture that vacillates between the old lady and the young lady.
Which reminds me why I like these lights so much.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
They are very lightweight, and very disturbing. I run them front and rear, day and night.
And I know people see me... they're that alarming.
Use promo code: EFFORT
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light
---
164.8 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3290108448
I'LL TAKE ANOTHER HIT OF L.S.D.
ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR, I used to ride to San Diego and take the train home. It was 80 miles down, 20 miles home. A nice century, and an easy pace. An all day adventure, sunrise to sunset.
The amazing thing about that ride was not the ride itself, though it is splendid.
It was the fitness I'd have the following week.
L.S.D. - long, slow distance - can be just the thing for S.F.R. - short, fast riding.
In fact, I don't think it's ever failed me.
And, it's always fun.
So, with my diabolical plan hatched for next week's riding with predicted sunshine, I dropped some L.S.D. on today's ride.
I'd tell ya right now what my plan is, but I gotta make sure the weather is gonna be a willing partner.
Speaking of willing partners, I'm stoked that PEDALposse member B.L. is going to share his app with us some upcoming challenges... with prizes, too!
If ya haven't checked out the PEDALposse yet, there's no time like Easter to give yourself a treat.
Here's the link:
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.6 lbs
20 pullups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3286554616
IF IT WAS HARD, EVERYONE WOULD DO IT
NOBODY GOES TO LEADVILLE, KANZA, LOTOJA because it's easy. We go because it's hard. And we know, no matter the result on the given day, we're gonna be a heckuvalot better for it.
So, when the messages started coming in this morning...
- Coach Loran kicked my butt
- That was brutal, I'll be cursing you tomorrow
- etc
... well, it made me just giddy as all getout!
It's so easy to make things... easy. To keep the bar low. To make your kids' breakfast when they're 17, but there's no lasting joy in it.
It's the big gran fondo, the impossible century, the 10 mile climb that gives us, me for sure, joy... because they require a lot, and the deliver incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
But, you know what the real benefit is? Yes, I know you do. It's the confidence we gain that...
I can do hard shtuff.
... I can climb that mountain, I can lift that for you, I can stay focused when it's all goingtoheckinahandbasket... because I've done it before and I'm prepped to do it again.
Which brings me back to Coach Loran... she's prepping the PEDALposse to be stronger than ever, on and off the bike.
If you're into that sort of badassery, what are you waiting for?
Join us ->https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---> Live reading of this post
---
164.8 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3280878185
IT AIN'T RAINING UNTIL THE SOCKS ARE SWIMMING
IT'S RAINING EVERYDAY, but it's not raining all day. And the part that is raining, has hardly been worth calling rain. In fact, the app calls it 25% chance of rain. And this week, that's meant the streets are wet but the top tube isn't. Which isn't really riding in the rain.
Riding in the rain is when the glasses are bubbled, the gloves are soggy and the socks are swimming.
I'm good with the bubbled glasses.
And I don't really mind soggy gloves.
But once the socks ares swimming, I'm done. It must be some primordial warning...
... yer feed er wet, yer gonna die!...
... because I can pretty much ride in all kinds of treachery: freezing temps, hail, snow, the dead of night, 110 degree heat, ferocious winds... but I know my miles are numbered the moment I feel the tops of the socks start to drown.
It's only a matter of splashing and drenching until it works it's way inside my very expensive shoes and the warning bells start to sound and the legs start to congeal.
Then the very sad trumpets sound, and the little diesel that could calls it quits.
But, not this week.
This week the rain drops fell on my matte black KASK helmet... and I loved it.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Normally, I'd insert a promo code here. But, there's no discount on these unless you're part of the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran killed me - film on the 11th
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3273817672
'ELLO GUVANAH
I PURPOSELY ROLLED OUT TONIGHT WITH NO BOTTLE AND NO FOOD. I know myself, and if I'd rolled with food and drink I would have ridden a lot longer. That's one type of cycling governor.
Sure enough, about 60 minutes I started to get real bonky.
Bonking is never a good idea. It can do lasting damage to your muskels that can take weeks to recover from. But, this was a baby bonk.
... back to the plot of this email.
Governors are things that limit what we want to do.
The awesome Joe Friel, in The Cyclist's Training Bible, dedicated a big chunk of his message to figuring out our what he calls our limiters and what to do about them.
An obvious limiter is power to weight ratio. If you have a low power to weight ratio climbing is going to be hard.
Coach Loran and I were talking about this today, because she's lost 16 pounds using her Fit56 program and she can't believe how much better she's climbing.
The other side of that is getting stronger.
And, as I've talked about lately... not only is getting stronger easier than you think - 2-4% of your day - but it's not just about getting those gnarly pistons below your hips more stouter, there's much speed to be gained by strengthening our core and upper body.
Position on the bike can be a limiter.
Pro bike fitters will tell ya, a proper fit can get you 10-15% more power. Even if they're off by 75%, a 2.5-4% gain in power can easily be the difference between winning and losing.
Equipment can be a limiter.
Going from clunky wheels to aero with ceramic bearings can to anybody from zero to hero.
Then there's apparel... is that jersey a parachute only a drag racer could love? There's a reason our Speed jersey looks like it's made for a prepubescent punk. First, it's made from the finest Italian yarns that have massive stretch capabilities. Second, it's made to be skin tight... no flappy crappy.
Did you know...
Studies show...
A good aero helmet is on par with a good set of aero wheels in increasing your speed?... and heckuva lot less of an investment.
Did you know...
I looooovve KASK helmets?
I always thought they looked super cool. Then my buddy John got a job at H2 and started repping the helmets. He had a sample in his car. I tried it on...
... it fit perfectly. Really. Like, put it on and never take it off. Which is exactly what I did. I'm not sure how John handled his next few sales calls, because that was his only sample and I wasn't giving it back.
I've worn my Protone from crits to Leadville to LoToJa. Same helmet, for 4 years.
That's quality.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/helmets
Normally, I'd insert a promo code here. But, there's no discount on these unless your part of the PEDALposse.
---
165 lbs
Coach Loran's Abs/Back/Gluts
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3273817672
1 HOUR ON EVEREST
WHEN I WAS YOUNG WARTHOG - when he was a young warthog! - I wondered if my biker legs would easily carry me up the treacherous slopes of Mount Everest.
I read Into Thin Air as prep for Leadville.
I thought I had a grip on it.
Today I spent 1 hour on Everest... by that I mean I explored what it would be like to do the Everest Challenge - 29,029' in 1 day. I climbed 2800ish feet in 1 hour.
The gradients were too steep to climb seated, or at high cadence. And, too tricky to relax on the decent.
So many questions surfaced:
Best average gradient?
Best time of day to start?
Best nutrition strategy?
Long 30-60 minute climb?
Short 12-20 minute climb?
Where is a shaded climb?
Where would the wind be light or favorable?
What gears to run?
After that first hour of dedicated climbing, I meandered home and knocked another 1600ish feet.
I think I could average 2000'/hour, which would mean 15ish hours. That would be 6 hours longer than Leadville and LoToJa.
It would be a massive challenge.
To start, I'm going to knock out 29,029' over the course an upcoming week. Even that will be about 50% more climbing than I've ever down in a week and nearly 3X my average week.
I don't know if there's a PR tracker for that...
... but I do know our t-shirts get KOMs for being the softest t's on the planet. Trust me, these will be your all time faves.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
Today, and only today, it's buy 1 get 1 free.
Here's the code: 1day
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/tshirts
164 lbs
50 Pullups
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3267790276
3 Ways To Snag PRs
I've surprised myself quite a bit lately... and I think it has everything to do with a slight change of habit. The old ways are being replaced by new ways. The curious thing is according to the nerds at Strava my Fitness is quite a bit lower than it was in January, when I getting ready for the first race of the year.
Yet, I've snagged a number of PRs.
How can this be... an old diesel getting better?
Well, here's one way to PR... and I can't 'splain it.
With all the rage about fatter tires and lower pressure being faster... why the heck am I faster on my gravel bike on a lot of fire roads than on my MTB with fatter, softer tires?
That shouldn't happen.
But it does, a lot.
Here's another way I've been PRing... the last coupla weeks, as I've scouted a 100k gravel route that I'm calling the Gravel Goon, I've hit trails near our old place where we lived 5 years ago. 5 years ago, I was 10 lbs heavier and a whole lot weaker.
Less weight + more strength = more PRs.
But, the biggest difference is the change in training during the last month. No group rides, which is how I traditionally get my intensity in. Which means... while I've been putting in some pretty big weeks, I've been building my base... growing my capillaries, my aerobic capacity.
While I haven't been chasin' PRs, I have snagged quite a few.
Long live the PR quest!
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule
_____
164.6 lbs
Shoulders/Abs with Loran + 100 pushups
7 hours sleep <- not enough
rained out.
HAVE A HEART
A WISE MAN ONCE SAID,
Our hearts define who we are.
He's not a bike nut, like us.
Nor is he much an athlete, that I know of.
But he's right.
We'll only go as far and fast as our heart permits...
What we consume...
How we spend our time...
Matters...
... those with big hearts make it big.
And so we train hard, eat right, dial in our rigs that one day we can produce a good result in a bike race...
... but we also must rest.
For me, that means taking at least one day a week to get off the bike. True rest. Unplugged from all distractions. I choose Sundays...
... and early mornings,
to put some a that chickensoupforthesoul kinda stuff in first... before anything else, like the news and socialmedias.
Every race requires a healthy heart, especially the human race.
---
If you're lining up for big race, or riding indoors and sweating it up good, well, let me recommend a proper lubing for the area of your special purpose...
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
Did you know it comes in all these flavors?
Did you know we ship it for free?
Did you know you can get it for 50% off when you purchase PR Lotion at the same time?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion
Yep... get game changing performance with PR Lotion and keep your other area of performance nice and buttery.
Use promo code: LUBEMEUP
And you'll save 50% on the Chamois Butt'r
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
---
164.6 lbs
stretch
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3260058023
EFFORT BRINGS REWARDS
IS IT EASY TO RIDE 100K?
No, not really. It takes a lot of hard work just to be able to ride far and fast. But, it's worth it... it's a feeling like no other.
Effort brings rewards.
I was rewarded today with a gorgeous sunset during another go scouting the Gravel Goon ride. I had to stop, such was it's pull.
Maybe it was the endorphins, being 40ish miles into the ride?
Or, the grassy single track that seemed to lead right into the clouds?
Whatever it was it was, it was more that just a sunset. It was something I needed at the end of a full week.
Those the rewards we get which make the effort worth it.
Along the way we get other rewards, like knowing how to make that 100k ride more enjoyable.
For instance I really like Chamois Butt'r for long rides. It's magic for nether regions in tip top shape.
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
Did you know it comes in all these flavors?
Did you know we ship it for free?
Did you know you can get it for 50% off when you purchase PR Lotion at the same time?
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup/products/amp-pr-lotion
Yep... get game changing performance with PR Lotion and keep your other area of performance nice and buttery.
Use promo code: LUBEMEUP
And you'll save 50% on the Chamois Butt'r
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/lubemeup
---
165.6 lbs
strech
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3256339681
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
IT'S 2% OF YOUR DAY
COACH LORAN KICKED MY BUTT AGAIN TODAY. Yep, we hit the gluts and abs hard. She said something off the cuff, but I thought it was super profound.
It's 20 minutes Todd, 2% of your day... everybody's got 20 minutes.
I had to do the math. It didn't seem right. But, it's right. 20 minutes is 2% of 16 hours of wakey time.
And you know what's cool about that?
That 2%, spent wisely can equal 2% or more faster on the bike.
Where do I notice that strength? On the long climbs and long rides. Sprinting up little climbs, or just straight up sprinting.
Strength equals speed.
Where do you find another 2%? I find it either first thing in the morning, or in the evening when I unwind.
Or you could just be a lazy sloth.
Don't!
Anyway, Loran and I are spending more than 2% of our days creating videos so you too and get some free speed.
They'll be included with the PEDALposse.
---
164 lbs
Abs/Gluts/38 pullups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3252006572
THEY DON'T EVEN TRY
THEY'VE GIVEN UP ME, and I can't blame them. Have they given up on you, too? Back in the beginning, it was easy. But, now it's just impossible. I'm too far gone.
When I first got the bug...
I remember the handlebar mirror my girlfriend purchased for my racing bike. She thought it would help me see what the others were doing while I sped to victory. Seemed like a good idea to me too... oh, the shaming that followed.
Then there was super cool Italian pro team jersey my mom got me, it was so bright and colorful... all the cool guys mocked me, again.
So, I got smart and put together a list of gear that would be nice to have for a gift. And that worked pretty well while things were not so technical.
But, the more passionate I got for cycling the more impossible it became for me to wait... and forget surprising me with just the right thing.
Alas my pickiness for awesomeness led me to today... to a family who truly loves me and gets me...
... a wonderful time around the dinner table, and a stack of dark chocolate bars and other treats.
I'm a lucky man.
Oh, and what did I get myself for my birthday?
A few hours scouting out a super rad gravel route. Even came up with just the right name: GravelGoon. And plunked down $12 for the URL.
Who knows, next year I might even invite some friends to ride it with me on my special day?
If your family is anything like mine, well they might just want to get you a gift card.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/gift-card
---
164 lbs
yoga
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3247838416
A LIFE OF SPEED
NETFLIX HAS THIS GREAT DOCUMENTARY RIGHT NOW CALLED A LIFE OF SPEED: The Juan Manual Fangio Story. Fangio won multiple championships with 4 different manufacturers: MercedesBenz, AlfaRomeo, Ferrari and Maserati. He raced F1 well into his 40's.
That will never happen again.
Unlike bicycle racing, today race car success is much more about the car and the team behind the driver... some say it's only 5% the driver.
For us, it's much more about the athlete. I'd say it's athlete first, team second, then the equipment.
We all know FitDiesel much faster than FatDiesel.
One thing I've noticed with all the upper body and core work I've been doing is that I can climb endlessly out of the saddle. It's truly remarkable. I never realized the reason I would sit down on a climb and spin had so much to do with how pathetically weak I had become.
Do you pushups and pullups... and stay tuned because this month we're launching our first work out video. In less than 2% of your day, you're gonna get your butt kicked... and lover every minute of it.
Which brings me back to Fangio. Several times he repeated the following words...
You must always strive to be the best,
but you must never believe you are.
On the surface it's easy to say, Well yeah. But there's real gold there. If ya think about it...
You must always strive to be the best,
but you must never believe you are.
... World Champion gold.
Part of being the best is looking for opportunities to win. An open gap to shoot, an inside line to take...
... so, while things have been slowed down on the cycling side of our biz, we are all hands on deck making fleece face masks.
We launched a fleece mask specific site today. We have plain colors in stock, ready to ship... and yes, we can make them in your team colors too.
---
164.6 lbs
Legs/Shoulders/Abs with Coach Loran
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3244667247
LESSONS FROM CLUBBER LANG
.MY FAVORITE ROCKY VILLAIN IS CLUBBER LANG. He's so raw and terrible and confident. The movie version of Tyson.
While Rocky is cruising along knocking out tomatocanhasbeens, Clubber is beating people senseless.
Rocky's manager knows Clubber will crush Rocky, so he dodges the fights.
But Clubber is coming, and finally confronts the ItalianStallion in public with the greatest makeyouhatehim quote ever:
Hey woman! Hey woman! Listen here: since your ol' man ain't got no heart maybe you'd like to see a real man. I bet you stay up late every night dreaming you had a real man, don't ya'? I tell you what, bring yo' pretty lil' self over to my apartment tonight and I'll show you a real man.
Rocky gets destroyed.
But that's not the point.
We all have Clubber Langs in life. Whether that's a racing nemesis or a ferocious headwind or a climb that's always a little too long... it's the Clubber Lang that brings out our very best.
Only Clubber could teach Rocky this lesson..
Nothing is real if you don't believe in who you are!
164.6 lbs
Yoga
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3238905534
https://www.strava.com/activities/3240885431
IT'S THE BEST
I WAS RECENTLY READING AN "IT'S THE BEST" ARTICLE... in a bike mag. When I read this type of article on subjects I know a little less about I just take it granted...
Well of course that's the best droptop sports car under $30k with 4 tires...
and, Clearly that's the best Enduro motorcycle with wide ratio gearing made for Dakar...
or, this is the best singlestory layout for high desert living...
I'm sure that really is the best gravel bike for under $3500 made by a major advertiser in said mag.
And, I guess that's the point...
... when you actually know yer stuff,
the articles turn out to be pure fluff.
It's been said that the best bike out there is the one we're riding, but I'll go ya one better...
... the best bike out there is the one I'd be saddest to lose,
the one I'm least likely to sell off.
Which is the weird, irrational part... for me anyway, the bike I'd want to keep most is the one that I...
Shelled out the fewest bucks for
Have never won anything on.
Ride most often
Treat the worst
Can count on.
It's a trust thing... and I trust it to deliver good times, at all times.
Kinda like trusting me when I say the PEDALposse is going up next month
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.2 lbs
100 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3235008439
https://www.strava.com/activities/3236854224
I'LL SEND AN SOS TO THE WORLD
TOM CURREN WAS THE BEST SURFER OF MY GENERATION, and he didn't care a whit for his sponsors. I remember my bikeracing friend Bill, then a big shot at Quiksilver, ranting that Tom was a terrible athlete to front the brand. Bill liked LeMond. Tom was no tightly wound euro... he didn't seem to care about winning,.. didn't show up for the people paying the bills. He showed up to surf.
He became a 3-time world champion... soul surfing.
Colin Strickland reminds of Curren. A man cutting his own path. He turned down an opportunity to race the classics for Jonathan Vaughters.
He's a soul rider.
And he used that soul riding to dominate the Red Hook Crit Series.
Then owned World Tour pros at Dirty Kanza.
Yesterday I gave my soul a good cleanse... here's my Rx:
Load up with plenty of fuel,
a gist of where you want to go,
and let your loved ones know you'll be back before dark.
Take the route less traveled, at whatever pace your feelin'.
No chasing or waiting. Just riding.
Ease off the pace a bit and bust out some real food. A waffle, a PBnJ, dried fruit, salted dates with almonds.
Coast along.
No hands.
Save. Our. Souls.
Who knows there just might be a championship or PR up ahead.
You what else is up ahead, a price increase on the PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my
I hope that someone gets my...
---
163.6 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3232871708
SOME WARM UPS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS
TODAY'S RIDE WAS EPIC: killer loop, fast times, incredible weather. And, I think it had everything to do with the six (6) hours I spent warming up.
Not exactly pro protocol, on a trainer in front of the team motorcoach in just my bibs, sweating with a gold chain swinging back and forth... this was something much better.
Get up early, skip breakfast, load van with boxes, meet kids at their new place, unload van, drive to old place, load up van, unload at new place, back to old place for a final load, unload at new place, eat 4 slices of pizza...
... simple enough?
TBH, I was pretty pooped out... but I really, really wanted to figure out this new loop I'd plotted in my head all week.
By 3pm, I was on HVY MTL ready for a 100k of dirt, gravel, water and good 'ol asphalt.
I could have taken a nap.
Right...
I felt great.
It was 62 degrees and sunny.
Every turn greeted me with lush greenery.
I wasn't sure of the General Store would be open, given the lock down, but it was my halfwayish point and I'd need fuel... it was. I grabbed a Mexican Coke and some Reece's Peanut Butter Cups. Stood 10 feet behind the couple in front of me... my mouth was watering, the Coke looked so refreshing.
Do you take Apple Pay?
Yes, we do.
... if only their Apple Pay reader worked, silly me forgot cash.
You know what, it was such a wonderful afternoon I didn't even care. I'd be fine.
2 bottles with 2 scoops of GQ6 and 3 Honey Stinger Waffles was prefect for 4 hours, 55 miles, 5500' of vert.
But, I was hellbent on going a full HUNKR (100K ride)... and that last 7 miles took at least another 3 hours.
There's just something about sticking with the commitment... no matter how tired, no matter bonked.
Nobody'd know if I cut it short.
But that's not our style.
You know what is our style?
The PEDALposse.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
And next week the price is going up.
---
164.6 lbs
Lifting Furniture
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3229812993
I THOUGHT IT WAS DINNER TIME
ONCE YOU GO DING-DING, you'll never go back. Why just this morning I was working my way home on a gentrified dirt path... one of those fancy jobbers the developer put in so the buyers could feel adventurous 50' from home.
That's cool with me... folks gotta start somewhere, or they'll never get to where we get.
Bonus, the trails are rarely used and allow me to connect all kinds options from roads to paths to singletrack right on out to nowhere... which is exactly where I need to get this morning.
On my way back from nowhere, on the final dirt path before the paved road home, I came upon a sweet lady.
Ding.
DingDing.
Ding.
Oh... why I couldn't figure that sound... I thought it was dinner time.
She had a lovely, coquetteish smile.
I smiled back.
I love this little bell. So much better than my teenage superwhistle, or a bunch of HeyTheres.
Ding.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-oi-bike-bell
This the kind of thing the PEDALposse saves a little more on.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
The PEDALposse price is going up next week.
---
165 lbs
arms/shoulders
6.5 hours sleep (not enough)
https://www.strava.com/activities/3224337190
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
I RINSE MY LEGS ONCE A WEEK, NO MATTER WHAT
YOU KNOW HIGENE IS IMPORTANT, that's why I rinse my legs once a week. Sometimes, even two times. Rarely, three or more.
It's all part of my diabolical training... one of the reasons you may get me on a training a ride, but RaceDay be totally different.
Do you rinse your legs?
Errr... do you even know how to rinse your legs?
Not wash.
Rinse.
A rinse ride is where you go out and go real easylike.
Heart rate, very low.
Power, negligible.
Cadence, high.
It feels like a big, fat waste of time. But it's not, at least for me. For me, it's integral to what I do.
Train hard, then rinse.
I usually rinse on Thursdays, after Monday openers and Tuesday hammering and Wednesday tempo/climbing...
... rinse, and repeat.
Keep your power low and your cadence up real high,
Going on a rinse ride gonna have a real, a good time!
You know what else is a good time?
The PEDALposse.
How good?
Click it out before price goes up next week.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
164.4 lbs
Yoga
7.75 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3220507815
DIRTY SECRETS OF A CONFESSED ADULTERER
RAIN PLUS SUNSHINE PLUS TIME ALWAYS EQUAL HERO DIRT. That moist, tacky stuff. The kinda dirt that turns mere mortals into super heroes.
That's the dirt I love.
It keeps me out past my dinner time.
I can't help it, it's too entreating to be denied.
Every turn is a little faster, the bike leaned a little more.
But, there's something more than the obvious tactile and visual feedback from which confidence flows.
Here dirt is quiet.
Weirdly quiet.
The kinda quiet you don't even notice, but it's there. Urging us to go faster...
... and faster ...
... yes, nights like tonight, I'm deeply in love with Mother Earth.
Does that make me unfaithful?... I dunno.
But, I do know I'm very faithful to the PEDALposse and excited to move into the next phase. The price is going up next week.
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
---
165.2 lbs
30 pullups, 104 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3218807723
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
GEORGE WASHINGTON DID THE RIGHT THING?
I WAS NEVER MORE SURE OF THE NEED TO BREAKAWAY FROM BRITAIN THAN TODAY. The Brits have a deep and romantic passion for long, long, long time trials.
They're proud of this.
They measure them in miles, not klicks.
From their governing body website:
Most races are at fixed distances (10, 25, 50 and 100 miles) or fixed time (12 and 24 hours).
10. Okay, I've done a few of those on Fiesta Island... even nabbed a state medal once.
25. I'm not TT'r, so that sounds longish.
50. Uh... no.
100. Are you nuts?
Fixed time, 12-24 hours....
... well, I was thinking about that today as I headed out to do our TMWC group ride... by myself, because that's the thing do to at the moment...
What possesses the Brits to have such a fascination with said competitions?
Why torture yourself so?
Didn't Cav' start off doing those?
Or, Wigo?
Or, Froome?
Or, Thomas?
-> Insert sound of screeching brain cells here <-
If it's good enough for those legends, maybe it's not such a bad idea?
In fact, it turned out to be a pretty darn fun and hard ride. MikeZ entered the course about 30 seconds ahead of me.
I passed him as quickly and definitively as I could.
But, that gap wouldn't grow.
Then, he did the same to me.
But, that gap wouldn't grow.
I made one final pass before The Wall.
But, that gap wouldn't grow.
... and that was okay. It pushed us on. Just having each other within 30 or so seconds made things a lot more funner.
Jorge saw our hi-jinx, went and gave it a shot and texted this
Who knows? We just might develop some championship grit if we keep this up.
There was one thing I was missing this morning, and that was my PR Lotion. For sure, next week I'm lathering up.
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
I hope MikeZ and Jorge aren't reading this, and I hope you get out and chase some PRs.
Use promo code: FREAKINDIESEL
https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion
---
164. lbs
50 PullUps
7ish hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3213860103
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
---
Here’s a quick update on things over here with regards to the restrictions we are under:
- We have answered the call by the government to support essential needs and retooled our workflow to help produce breathing masks medical professionals need – more info.
- All InStock Orders and Partially Complete Custom Orders are shipping from our Sales office. I’m personally taking care of that.
- All pending Custom Orders and Pre-Orders are ready to print – this is 80% of the work. As soon as we are allowed back online, these jobs will be completed and delivered.
- The design team is working remote and continuing to prep files for production once we are given the go ahead.
Stay safe.
RIDE ON! SCHEDULE.
PETE AND I FOUND THIS KID TO CUT OUR HAIR. His exuberance for life and hair was magnetic. He grew up with Brian Lopes, and recycled his stories for us. But, the best part about this kid was his constant, and I mean constant, use of the phrase...
...Right on!...
Hey man, how's the riding?
Super good.
Right on!
And the family?
They are great.
Right on!
Everything ended with Right on!
Dudes being dudes, Pete and I started saying Ride on! to everything he said.
How's are the ladies treating you?
Oh man, my girl is sweet.
Ride on!
And biz?
You know I love what I do.
Ride on!
Years, decades?, later, we still work it into our conversations with each other.
How's was your trip?
We had a blast.
Ride on!
Did you take your bike?
No, just surf and wife time.
Ride on!
My son sent a text early this morning.
Back to my normal schedule!! After sleeping in all last week, it feels great to be up before the sun again! Sticking to a schedule is huge—the experts were right!
He's right.
It's time to get back on schedule.
Tomorrow, I'm doing TMWC. Not with the crew. Not wise. Not cool. By myself. Back on schedule. It's time to...
... Ride on!
PS... have some fun, work Ride on! into your lexicon.
---
164.6 lbs
100 pushups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3211898739
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
YOU OUGHTA KNOW
I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT I'M HAPPY FOR YOU.
I wish nothing but the best for you...
... dawgawnit, it was so great to see so many people out riding bikes this weekend.
They were in every shape and size.
Cruisers
Foldables
BMXrs
and 10 Speeds
A few, like us, working out the base miles, continuing to pull back on the bow with the calendar cleared and no target to hit.
Most, with that goofyEinsteingrin, falling back in love with the wind on their face under their own power.
My favorites are the kids fulla spunk... the young kids who just realized this sport might just be better than love itself... boys and girls with...
... helmets high, high, high on their foreheads,
runnin' shoes on platform pedals,
grabbing the bars like the bike just might get away...
... I love your energy
My daughter will be joining your throngs.
She's gonna do a triathlon, not an actual organized triathlon. Surf for an hour, ride 16 miles, run 3. Her own numbers. Her own race.
Where'd you get that idea?
I heard about this girl who trained for a half-marathon and on the date of the cancelled event she just went out and did it. So, I'm going do my own triathlon.
Here's my chance to get her off to a good start, because she oughta know. Give her all the pointers a loving DieselDad can give. Starting with getting her bike dusted off and teaching her the basics...
Maintenance
Nutrition
Handing
Positioning
Helmet placement
Which begs the question...
Should I just head on down and race the Sagebrush Safari on my own?
Maybe a few of us can drive down separate, do a time trial start. Set a few course PRs, maybe even get a big cup... could be the start of something new.
Ya know what else could be the start of something new for you? The mysterious and secretive PEDALposse...
https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse
... I'm here, to remind you,
to check it out.
---
165 lbs
Yoga
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3208761197
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE CLIMBS
MORNING GREETED ME WITH MUCHO WORK. By 10am, I had gone from PJs to kit. A few more things to do... and at 1215ish I finally got out to stretch the ol' legs... and rest the ol' noggin.
A stunning Spring day.
Everyone was out.
And I had a plan hatching... why not ride up and hit all my 5 favorite climbs in Laguna Beach?
There's the celebrated "7 Sisters". Seven climbs from sea levelish to a thousand or so feet. Grades of up to 25%. But, 3 of the climbs, for me, just aren't that interesting.
So, my plan was the "5 Bros". 5 climbs, just as redonkulous, but with better views and suckyouin architecture. For the locals: Alta Vista, Temple Hills, Skyline to Top of the World, Summit Dr to Del Mar to Moulton Meadows Park, Sea Island to Isle Vista.
5000+ feet of climbing in perfect weather by myself.
The legs never tired.
With no reason other than cleaning the climbs, I found a blissful rhythm.
An easy sweat bounced off my Wahoo.
I was working, but it wasn't work. Just joy, at the end of a challenging week.
A verse came to mind, from the Book of The Old Diesel:
There's peace in the climbs.
If you don't trust me by now... then for heck's sake, trust Emil. He's a cool cat.164.2 lbs
Stretching
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3205199640
TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries
_____
Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time