Todd's Blog

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Todd’s Journal

Strava Widgets Styling

Get RaceDay Ready

RACELAX

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

... for those in denial.

Of the way things are.

On raceday.

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

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

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

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

Then it hits me,
just like on raceday.

Kid, we gotta make a pit stop.

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

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

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

We bounce to the next gas station...

... just in time.

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

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

Get up early...

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

... on raceday.

===

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

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

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

TAPERING

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

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

IMHO

I like to look at...

mind
body
soul

... three areas.

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

Because let's face it...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Super easy,
or very short spikey efforts.

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

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

That's the intention...

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

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

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

... it's just a bike race.

===

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

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

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

POSITIONING

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

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

We aren't sure it's worth it.

The thingaboutitis...

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

Lemme share two stories with ya.

One bike.

One biz.

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

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

Ever.

Always slight off.

And, I could tell...

more efficient
more comfort
more confidence

... at the end of a ride.

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

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

... I got online to order more.

Out of stock everywhere.

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

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

... a Contender Bikes shop here.

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

You got Ceramic Speed UFO All Conditions?

Yep, 3 bottles.

See you soon.

That's called brand positioning.

===

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

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

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

IF I HAD TO GUESS

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

… just not as we’d planned.

Adjusted.

Usually because of…

· Weather

· Social strife

· Permitting issues

… safety concerns.

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

Part of the course burned down.

They tried an alternate route, more…

· singletrack

· climbing

· rocks

… during the stage race.

Logistically those stages probably won’t piece together cleanly.

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

If I had to guess…

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

No matter how they put the course together…

… we’re all gonna PR.

Which is perfect because PRs are better than podiums.

===

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

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

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

DOWN 6 LBS + A HACK

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

... no substitute for just being up there.

I've tried 'em all.

Altitude tent,
√.

Sauna or smokin' hot baths,
√.

Riding when it's a million degrees,
√.

That last one, I did today.

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

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

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

Context please.

Okay...

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

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

157.8!

Was it good altitude training?

Well, it was hot.

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

HR high,
Watts low.

Was it a good readiness test?

Yes, I think so...

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

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

Time to recover and taper.

Oh, about that hack.

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

frozen Sambazon acai
100 servings
$161

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

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

===

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

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

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

SCREEN MANAGEMENT

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

... it can leak over to our training.

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

Some context for ya.

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

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

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

It occurred to me...

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

And if that's the case...

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

Back in the day...

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

... ittybitty screens, which weighed nothing.

Here's the dill.

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

... the cognitive load might weigh us down.

Or, worse...

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

Thinking we're making headway...

... vs just gettin' after it.

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

XC
CX
Crit

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

And rip.

===

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

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

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

THE OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

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

... how they did that?

Might have even been us people are wondering about.

Well, here's the dill...

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

The...

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

... efforts nobody sees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

BREAKING UP THE VISUAL FIELD

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

... breaks up the visual field.

Like caution tape.

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

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

It stands out.

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

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

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

black background
yellow text
12' tall

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

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

What a life!

===

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

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

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

DRIVING ME CRAZY

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

... or have we?

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

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

My legs were trash this Tuesday morning.

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

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

They felt like trash most of the long weekend.

Driving home Sunday,
same result.

Or worse.

But Diesel, just get out and walk around.

I hear you.

And that kinda helps...

... except it was well north of 105º.

Blazing.

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

Which brings up a very salient point...

air
sea
land

... travel can suck the life outtuv us.

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

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

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

===

I should also point out...

hitting the bano
food intake
sleep

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

Plan accordingly.

===

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

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

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

SHIFTING UP UP OR COPING DOWN?

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

... as what we tell ourselves.

And, others.

Before ...

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

... and after.

I was thinking about this because...

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

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

Cope.

Maybe cancel going altogether.

This pretty much happens to all racers.

But not us.

We stay focused on what we committed to...

... we shift up.

===

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

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

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

GRATITUDE

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

... deconstruct what could have gone better.

Or, so we're told.

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

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

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

As well as reinforcing what did actually work.

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

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

Then I tucked it away.

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

PREAPARING TOGETHER

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

… how it’s all going to go down.

This time.

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

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

The van groaned whole way.

Our son pointed out…

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

He had a point.

Which is not the point.

The point is what I witnessed the last 3 days…

· slicing
· cutting
· cooking

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

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

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

… almost as much as racing.

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

===

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

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

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

THE CAVE

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

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

Let alone those closest to us.

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

... Yeah, totally!

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

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

... slithering down into Harris Cave.

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

... pinches down again for another cramped effort.

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

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

Which is analogous to ...

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

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

===

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

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

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

LIFE IS PRECIOUS

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

… would be helping us, whisking us a away.

Within minutes.

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

Life and death.

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

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

His leg was gashed.

The others gathered to try and help…

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

… but there was nothing they could do.

He was dead in minutes.

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

Service is spotty at best out here.

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

===

Update: mother and baby are happy and healthy!

===

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

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

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

THE DIFFERENCE

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

... it's easy to operate unconsciously.

Asleep.

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

no cell service
rustic cabins
tents

... out to the homestead.

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

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

... over 100 years ago.

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

Soft.

Unacquainted with the land.

How it...

feels
smells
sounds

... when we're living unplugged.

You know what I'm getting at right?

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

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

Living.

===

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

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

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

LOOKING BACK AT TRANSFORMATIONAL

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

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

... I increased my volume a lot.

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

... It has been transformational.

Who doesn't want to transform their training?

Let me pause right here.

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

... because I now have the time.

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

... an average week, about 8.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which is free, just cover the shipping and handling.

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

===

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

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

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

BAKING CAKES

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

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

And, wait.

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

... winding up burnt.

Crispy.

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

... might never rise.

Leaving us flat.

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

Barring those options, I lean toward...

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

... as my top indicators.

I'm officially there.

Couldn't come at a better time.

I'll be spending an extended weekend...

mainly talking
hanging out
relaxing

... at the family reunion.

Oh, that cake analogy...

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

===

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

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

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

IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO BE STRONG

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

... and broke his clavicle.

Sucks.

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

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

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

... pop back up and keep racing.

My thoughts were self-centered of course.

The effort to do hundreds of...

pushups
pullups
squats

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

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

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

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

Then, I heard the unthinkable.

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

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

WHY, IT'S ROUTINE

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

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

Saving us all kinds of mental energy, as well.

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

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

added air with CO2
noticed a leak
plugged it

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

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

Doh!

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

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

... and we blasted the climb together.

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

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

popcicle
Mexican Coke

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

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

Carry on.

Oh, and in case your wondering...

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

PRUNE, FOCUS, EXECUTE

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

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

We know better.

Starting with pruning the options...

uplifting
challenging
beneficial to others

... leaving only the good stuff.

Then, we focus...

attracting
believing
feeling

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

Executing daily...

... continuously improving.

Very nice you say,
but make it practical.

Ok.

Here's an example.

I really enjoy racing and riding my XC mountain bike.

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

... and taken it to the next level.

Most recently, that meant rebuilding the suspension...

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

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

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

... we are in our comfort zone.

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

... demanding the best performance we can aquire.

Got it?

===

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

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

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

IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY?

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

... can muck it all up.

A lot.

Leading to anything from a niggle to a...

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

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

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

I scrubbed up...

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

... put on my operating apron.

The procedure went as expected,
no complication.

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

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

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

... stopping for many adjustments.

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

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

===

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

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

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

I SCREAM

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

... we need a reward.

Beyond kudos.

Something to see us through.

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

Building for Leadville.

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

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

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

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

The point being...

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

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

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

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

Today.

What will it be tomorrow?

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

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

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

THIS IS 'A' SUPER COOL CAT

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

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

And, their morphing iterations over the years.

I was reminded of how our heralded TMWC...

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

Called the A loop.

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

We should add on to the ride.

Why?

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

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

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

... and keep rolling full gas.

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

... now we had an updated hour goal.

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

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

===

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

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

https://strommcycles.com/

===

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

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

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

THAT SONG!

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

... well, all the time.

Could be a playlist.

Mine, current fave for firing up...

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

On repeat.

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

... Kickstart My Heart, by Motley Crew.

Surfergirl on vacation...

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

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

... Animals, by Nickleback

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

... Low Rider, by War.

What's yours?

===

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

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

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

IS IT THE EFFORT THAT COUNTS?

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

... we can sustain.

Or do we?

Lemme splainit.

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

... short 1-5 minutes, repeating.

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

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

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

Training the effort required...

... is part art and part science.

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

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

THIS IS POLARZING

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

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

Take marketing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's the same with...

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

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

What does this have to do with training and us?

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

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

... polarized training has enemies, too.

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

Here's how I set it up...

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

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

If you disagree...

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

===

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

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

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

IT'S GOING TO BE HIDDI

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

... to go the distance.

Battle hardened.

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

... It's going to be hideous.

I had to ask myself...

... What the heck are you thinking?!

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

5 hrs
8000'
80 miles

... fresh and not torched.

Aiming for more power,
and efficiency.

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

WHAT WE ARE

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

... a skill that deserves mastery.

It's not easy.

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

... stay focused on our goal.

Going as fast as possible,
error free.

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

Calming.

Requiring less energy.

Ultimately, a heckuvalot faster.

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

... we forgive ourselves, and reset.

Perhaps the great Emerson said it best...

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

===

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

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

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

THE SLIGHT EDGE

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

... more concerned with our own numbers.

But, the gear matters.

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

... marginal gains.

They matter.

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

So are the marginal losses.

I share this as a cautionary tale.

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

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

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

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

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

Simple enough,
and 7 weeks before Leadville.

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

Hey Todd.

Hi Mike.

We gotta small problem.

Uh-oh.

Sram sent the wrong parts.

Dang.

Yeah, it's gonna be another 10 days.

Is the suspension torn to pieces?

Yes.

Ok, I understand.

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

2026 TUESDAY MORNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS WERE LIT

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

... anything from fear to fun.

Like The TMWC.

A ride we started 24 years ago...

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

... and is still ripping today.

Today wasn't any ol Tuuzdee...

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

... it was the unOFFICIAL 2026 Championships.

4 categories...

Women
U35
U50
U100

... racing for glory.

Bragging rights for a year.

The course has never changed, but...

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

... the raceday never plays out the same.

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

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

... pulling off the first Threepeat.

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

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

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

Insane.

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

It's not all about the wins, though.

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

These aren't participation trophies ...

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

Congrats to these cats....

Overall

Alessandro
Kody
Andrew

Women

Priscilla
Maria
Vi

U35

Andrew
Eric
Scott

U50

Kody
Drew
Alfredo

U100

Alessandro
Rob
Mani

Still reading?
Wondering how we pull it off?

Our 4 rules are key...

Leave on time
Obey the law
Make a friend
Have fun

... plus, always be inviting.

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

Use Promo Code TMWC2026 To Save 20% On The Gear

===

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

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

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

WHO HAS THE BEST TdF ANALYSIS?

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

... handing out our homemade takes.

Who's best?

Certainly it's not Velo's...

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

... latest retarded hyperbole.

Cycling News' take...

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

... wasn't much of an improvement.

Jonas said it better...

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

... and more accurately.

But, he's not selling ads for eyeballs.

My eyeballs and ears like to take in...

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

... if I have the time.

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

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

... collecting a solid paycheck.

Nothing wrong with that.

For actual, pure analysis...

concise
relatable
insightful

... I think Tom Danielson does it best.

He delivers it via blog, vlog and podcast.

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

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

Links to Tom's work:

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

===

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

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

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

WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT'S NOT WORKING

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

... to see where we're at.

Sometimes years of data points.

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

The results are instructive...

PR'd it
on track
woefully wanting

... from elation to devastation.

Gratefully, it's usually good and confirming info.

But, what about when it isn't?

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

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

... which is honestly, quite discouraging?

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

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

Big takeaway...

... my fitness is going backwards.

So, find the positives...

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

... and make adjust ments.

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

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

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

Will it work?

I dunno.

What won't work is quitting.

Thoughtful, calculated perseverance is always the right answer.

===

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

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

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

HALF THE FREEDOM

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

... finish with good energy.

But, is that enough?

Knowing vs doing,
totally different things.

The first half of 2026 is gone.

For some, it flew right by.

Others...

bored
unengaged
beset by challenges

... had a different experience.

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

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

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

God, bless America.

===

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

What I'm studying: The works of Neville Goddard

Let's rip!

===

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

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

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

GUITY AS CHARGED

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

... we've got a problem.

And, we don't care.

It's who we are...

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

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

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

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

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

We aren't normal...

... we're race junkies.

===

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

I'll fix the price after the holiday.

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

===

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

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

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

BROKE OR BROKEN?

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

... we thrive at the endurance game.

We tune it out.

And, here's the dill.

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

... can be demoralizing.

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

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

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

Honestly?

Yeah.

It was making me feel poor.

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

... the cost would have been minimal.

Which begs the question...

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

===

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

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

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

MY EXCUSE FOR NOT BEING ON PEPTIDES

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

... lotsa people on the train.

I've been surprised.

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

trimmer
slimmer
sexier?

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

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

My response is always the same.

Dang...

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

I know...

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

... but, I'll know.

So I push on in the land of...

working hard
eating clean
getting rest

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

===

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

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

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

RIDE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU WOULD RIDE WITH YOURSELF

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

... we can all relate to.

Try this one.

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

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

... it wasn't my finest moment.

We're all rich.

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

Ignoring the obvious hurt and loneliness.

I was ashamed...

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

What would it have cost to acknowledge her?

And it hit my heart so hard...

... Love they neighbor as thyself.

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

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

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

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

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

if we were raised differently
made regrettable choices
had terrible experiences

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

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

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

... and Todd disappears.

Where'd you go?

Stopped to talk to the homeless hiker?

What?

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

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

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

IS THIS CODDLING?

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

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

That's life.

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

... I sighed.

Stop the coddling.

They're professionals.

Then Surfergirl chimed in...

2013 Tour of California
4pm finish
114º

... But, remember Palms Springs.

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

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

Oppressive and awful.

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

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

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

She had a point.

It was horrific.

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

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

MOVING THE COMFORT ZONE

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

... because it's scary.

Like ripping downhill.

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

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

None of it...

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

... will give most mountain bikers any trouble.

Unless we're racing,
really going for it.

Even then, most will be fine...

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

And here's the headscratcher...

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

They protest,
avoid,
skip.

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

steeper
chunkier
twistier and slicker

... will move the comfort zone.

Moving the comfort zone means we are...

more efficient
relaxed
calm

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

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

recovery
relaxation
moments of bliss

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

If we're into that.

I am.

You?

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

===

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

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

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

BUT, DOES HE REALLY CARE (NOW)?

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

... they're all coming together.

We need to rip.

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

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

Take a dude I heard about...

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

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

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

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

family
race wins
inspiring and helping others

... what would you prefer?

===

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

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

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

INNOVATION THROUGH IGNORANCE

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

... is just plain mean spirited.

Ain't gonna make ya friends.

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

never heard of
never thought of
never been exposed to

... we were completely ignorant to.

Here are a few of mine...

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

... that have helped improve over the years.

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

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

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

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

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

I could go on...

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

... but that's not the point.

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

... keep innovating and growing.

Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Socially.

===

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

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

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

THE VISION BORED

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

... to move forward.

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

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

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

When I'm focused far ahead...

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

The thing I was thinking about was my vision board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

===

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

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

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

TUCK AND ROLL!

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

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

Can we escape the creepiness?

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

positioning
equipment
apparel

... it's almost impossible to stop.

That list falls short of the whackiness...

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

... which actually works.

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

Pedaling till I was spun out...

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

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

Would I, could I catch before the bottom?

Being on my lessthanaero gravel bike...

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

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

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

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

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

I'm already thinking about next week...

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

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

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

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

Tuesday can't some soon enough.

===

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

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

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

CUI BONO?

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

... for money, glory and pride.

The worst deal of all?

Well, that depends on Cui bono?...

... Who benefits?

Deals between competitors kindasuck, but...

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

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

No, the most insidious deals...

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

... are the ones we cut with ourselves.

Because nobody benefits,
'cepting our competitors.

===

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

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

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

MY INSANE CULT

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

... I'm an endurance junkie.

Hi Todd.

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

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

... they think we're crazy.

We're not.

The adrenaline rush of ...

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

... we need that hit.

Regularly.

This risks we take...

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

... would freakout any life insurance company.

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

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

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

... stay dangerous my friends.

The sane kind.

===

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

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

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

TODAY WAS A ROUGHIE

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

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

Like today.

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

7 hrs
87 miles
10,500' of vert

... on Monday.

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

For me,
today,
I just never got comfortable.

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

... smoothly moving like a Singer sewing machine.

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

... in desperate need of lube and love.

Clunk.
Clunk.
Clunk.

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

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

... and I should know better.

I'm gonna add to that...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time for...

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

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

===

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

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

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

THAT TOPSECRET SECRET

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

... because it works.

There is a hitch.

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

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

... sometimes by knockout.

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

I'm onboard with that.

There is also power in keeping our intentions unknown.

Wherein lies another hitch.

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

Which begs the question...

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

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

... on my vision board.

===

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

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

IMAGINE THAT!

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

... our lives were boundless.

What happened?

Did reality set in?

Did we set conditions on our dreams?

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

The thingaboutitis...

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

We've already imagined...

the trainging
the equipement
the travel and accomodations

... to start.

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

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

Which isn't child's play.

It's actually...

life
business
relationships

... how doers get it done!

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

and the shirt I'm wearing right now

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

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

Order the Gloves, get the Shirt for FREE.

Use this code: LET'SRIP

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

===

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

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

EMBRACING THE BURN, DAILY/OFTEN

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

... the burn is coming for us.

Is it minimizable?

Maybe.

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

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

From reps of 10 to reps of 30.

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

standing
to full "ass to grass"
to standing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best I've felt in weeks/months.

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

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

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

Gonna keep upping it,
apparently 100 is a thing.

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

===

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

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

I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE TOOK ME BACK

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

... is real, and tantalizing.

The known vs the unknown.

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

forget about us
reject our return
change and move on

... it's risky.

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

But!...

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

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

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

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

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

... to smack me in the face!

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

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

The fellas were all welcoming...

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

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

===

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

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

IS IT POSSIBLE TO WIN THE SAME RACE TWICE?

Mar 20, 2020

TODD BROWN

A WEEK AGO WE WERE GOING FOR A CERTAIN, GUARANTEED VICTORY. Then, we weren't. Someone hit the brakes, hard!

But, I think we are in a better race now. Maybe you can help?

Nationwide we have health professionals that need a mask to wear over the limited supply N95 masks, which must be changed after each patient visit.

Our factory, as of last night, can only make essential products.

We need to get the word our to the health professionals that we have answered Governor Cuomo's call to supply reusable fabric masks...

... which will help keep our people working.

Getting the word out, that's how we win twice.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/fleece-breathing-mask

THIS IS A FLEECE MASK, which is what Gov Cuomo called for, today, 3/20/2020.

Fleece masks have been shown to be on par with surgical masks for virus protection - 75%. The N95 mask is rated at 95%.

The CDC recommends changing the N95 mask after each patient is seen. With the current shortage of masks, medical personal are keeping the N95 on and changing a reusable mask like this between each patient visit.

Our fleece masks should be washed between patient visits and can safely be washed with chlorine.

Here is information from Oxford Academic
-> https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/54/7/789/202744

Of course, we can make them custom with your company logo.

Please forward to any medical professionals you believe are in need of these masks first.

Our current capacity is 200/day.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/fleece-breathing-mask

May all our races end in victory.

_____

164.4 lbs
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3201478353

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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I USED TO SUFFER FROM PREMATURE ACCELERATION

Mar 19, 2020

TODD BROWN

OH, YOUTH. THE VIGOR. THE UNBRIDLED PASSION.

The first time it felt so good. The starter said Go!, and I went, and then it was over...

... premature acceleration.

The next time out, surely I'd gotten a handle on things...

... I led right up until the finish line.

Next I tried the long range attack...

... only to drop my bomb a good half mile from the mark.

If you've ever hung your head in frustration at never timing your max just perfect, then this post is for you.

Yes, you, regardless of age or experience, can do better.

You may never win, but there's no reason to misfire your big fire.

So, here are 3 things you gotta do:

Be a warrior: practice sprint, by yourself. Go find a nice straight road with at least 4 well spaced light posts. Roll into the first one at 70%, shift and go faster until the second one, shift and go 9/10ths until the 3rd... here is where the warriors displace the weekenders, go all out to that fourth post. It's gonna burn, you're gonna wobble, the lungs will be searing and the slobber sloshing. Be a warrior.
Own the lights. Don't just lazily clip in and yawn your way back up to speed. Grab those bars, snap those cleats, and get to ramming speed as quickly as possible.
Latch onto the best. Those first two will help you with this one. Find the fastest wheel in your group - a skill you need to hone in and of itself. Now, every time there is a sprint get on that wheel. Superglue yourself. And watch... don't even try and come around or win... just latch on. Notice how he gets up to speed, how he out maneuvers the others, and how far out he launches this final effort.

These 3 practices are still practiced by yours Diesely, because they work.

Want more?... well, here's the place...

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

I know, it's a little unclear. There's a reason for that. For those who join, it's real clear.

---

164.4 lbs
200 push ups
no ride todau

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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A PERSONAL RECORD.

Mar 18, 2020

TODD BROWN

I SNAPPED OFF PRS YESTERDAY, HO-HUMISH. It's pretty easy to do around here, where nearly every ride spouts countless segments. Rarely is it worth the time it takes to investigate the digital trinkets.

The real PRs are legendary...

Like our local 9 mile, 3000' dirt climb up Harding Truck Trail.
Or the Alpine Loop in Utah
Or Mount Lemon in Tucson

Since there's no organized racing at the moment, and since 99% of Strava segments are plain silly, now is the time to lay hold on that elusive PR.

Is it an epic climb?
A pancakeflat TT?
The Everest Challenge?

Or, maybe it's just a ridiculous ride like the one I'm looking at, so far and hideous it'd never be done again... The surf of San Clemente to the peaks of Big Bear - A Surf N Summit?

With all the racing being shoved off to the fall, it's a good reminder that the only race that matters is the one against our 2nd best.

So what's it gonna be?
What are you going to go after?
What's gonna keep your fire stoked?

While you're thinking about that, consider this... if you love these posts, you'll probably love the PEDALposse too.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

I know, it's a little unclear. There's a reason for that. For those who join, it's real clear.

---

165 lbs
arms/shoulders
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3196215427

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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YOU CALL THAT MOTORPACING?!!!

Mar 17, 2020

TODD BROWN

THE SITUATION I'M ABOUT TO DESCRIBE ACTUALLY HAPPENED, only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Motorpacing: the ages old training method of riding right on the fender of a motorcycle to work on your speed or riding right on the bumper of your team car to catch back up to the peloton.

This wasn't motorpacing.

This was Todderpacing.

I was late, going all out to catch the fellas... and uh-oh, there's one of 'em now... fixing a flat, nearly done. We get 'im situated and I look into his eyes... we both know I'm a wee bit faster than him and there's only one way we're gonna catch...

You've got to stay right on my wheel!

Okay.

Todderpacing, named after some weirdo, is where the stronger friend goes to the front and the slower friend hangs on.

It's a great way to train for each friend.

The Todder, the rider on the front, must go right at his maximum without dropping the friend. This requires keeping the power very, very even and smooth and picking the cleanest of lines through turns.

The friend, the rider hanging on, must stay pegged to the Todder's rear wheel. Any gap opened up and the friend will be ejected. The friend must also resist pulling through when feeling rested - often called premature acceleration - as this will cause the friend to tucker out and get ejected.

Todderpacing is a fine way for two friends of unequal speed to train together and have a ball.

I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend you check out the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

Especially since we changed the look...

... and might I add, especially if you enjoy these emails and want a deeper connection to what we're up to.

I know it's sounds mysterious, but there's a reason for that.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/join-the-pedalposse

---

163.6 lbs
Yoga
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3192041677

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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MY TOP 3 CYCLING MOVIES

Mar 16, 2020

TODD BROWN

IT'S PRETTY EASY FOR ME TO WHINNY THE LIST OF CYCLNG MOVIES DOWN TO 3. Frankly there just aren't many to choose from. That said, there are a few I love.

First, the classic, Breaking Away. This was my introduction to passionate cycling. I found it while I was in college. I was already dating my bicycle, but here came the love affair that has never ended.

Best line: I want something American damnit, gimme some french fries! ... I loved that line...

... and boy could I relate to parents that didn't get it.

My dad made an emergency visit, as cycling had her finger wrapped around my heart. He was concerned at my weight loss - 162. All the time riding indoors as snow fell. Clearly I'd gone mad.

What possesses us?

It's nearly impossible to describe, but it's very obviously and purely romantic.

Second, A Sunday In Hell. Is there anything more better than Roger De Vlaeminck and Eddie Merckx pulling up to Paris Roubaix in their own sports cars with multiple bikes mounted to the top? Both of them gushing with style and confidence.

Their crews anxiously greeting and fawning over them.

Of course, De Vlaemink is on a Gios... the same electricbluewonder I scraped my summer savings to buy in '86.

This documentary is so pure and honest and brutal in the truth of what it means to race.

Third, and don't hate me... well, you can... but...

Third, for me, is the first Rocky movie. Yes, Rocky!

From the training scenes to drinking raw eggs to ultimate underdog status... this movie epitomizes why I love the build up as much or more than the racing, and why I love the finish as long as I know I gave it my all.

Silly as it is, it is just amateur racing after all, but on more than one occasion of an epic Leadville or Vision Quest or LoToJa I've crossed that finish line and yelled Susie, Susie, Susie... so glad she's put up with me all these years.

So, there you have it. As you toil from home and wonder what to do after you've ridden a ton while "working remotely", you can always dig into these classics.

And... if you need to load up on nutrition you know I've got ya covered.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

Use promo code FILLERUP to grande

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

164.4 lbs
50 pull ups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3188728452

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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I'M GONNA BEAT YOU!

Mar 15, 2020

TODD BROWN

I love winning and will do all I can to beat you. And I mean all I can. I'll out sleep you, out rest you, out pullups you, out eatbetter you, out maintainmybike you, out health you...

... but, for me it's never been about the gold trinket. Oh, I like 'em and keep 'em and even frame 'em... because they are a bold reminder that it's always been all about my health... that on a given day I had my optimum athleteness

Social
Mental
Physical
Spiritual

Our best health is a must to deliver our best results in any situation.

For me that means my best...

Rest.
Focus.
Strength.
Nutrition.

And I get that by preparing to race my bike.

Aren't we fortunate to have found a great, lifelong sport and path to great health?

As the most interesting man in the world says, Stay healthy my friends!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ride-your-bike

For the month of March 2020, buy one get one, use promo code RIDEYOURBIKE

... and give it to a friend, or have a back up for yourself.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/ride-your-bike

---

165 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3187309177

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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IT'S BECOMING A HOBBIT

Mar 14, 2020

TODD BROWN

I'M FEELING QUITE HAPPY GO LUCKY THIS WEEK. In spite of rain every single day, I managed to get in 7 rides in 5 days.

Kinda like a Hobbit...

... you know first breakfast and second breakfast.

Dodging the rain showers - they were hardly storms - I squeaked in a couple of twoadays.

Today's were great... sticking with the food theme, it was a family sandwich. Ride in the morning, meet the kid's for lunch, ride in the evening.

With projected midday rain, I grabbed HVY MTL - my gravel bike - and followed a new route to get things started. That bike has really opened up a whole new world of rides. It's a more creative kind of riding, following the pull of any trail or road or sidewalk that needs exploring or curb that needs jumping.

For better or worse, with the unpredictable weather, I'm tending to do more soul riding than structured training. Scratch that, it's definitely for better.

After surfing the roads and trails around town on HVY MTL, we checked out a new condo the kids are looking at leasing. It's closer to us. It's so fun to be part of their lives. Feeling very lucky about that. Then we showed them the nearby tasty Greek food at Surfin' Souvlaki.

Chris and I met at the bottom of the San Juan Trail at 3pm. All single track, straight up for an hour. 30 minutes back down. The top was in the clouds, cold and misty. Chris pulled the plug after 1 lap. I went for another..

... it turned out to be the best ride of the week.

When I got back near the summit the cloud had cleared.

A full sky.

Not a rider around.

Irresistible peace everywhere.

And little ol' me.

Covered in it,

Like the misty dew drops, gently cleansing my soul.

Yep, I'm feeling very lucky.

But, it wasn't luck that kept my water from launching out as Sparky and I were were shredding hero dirt.

No, that bottle stayed put because I have the best water bottle cage ever.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mandible-bike-cage

WHAT WE SAY:

Been racing these cages for 8 years. The same cages, taking them from bike to bike. Nothing - NOTHING - holds a bottle like the Mandible. If you're racing the bumpy stuff, this is the only cage to get.. Not because it's crazylight, because it works.

Weighs a scant 28 grams.

WHAT THEY SAY:

Mandible is the top Arundel model; its grip is the strongest of all Arundel cages. It's great in extreme situations. Mandible cages have weathered the Grand Tours, the Spring Classics, Worlds, all of it. Durable and elegant.

Here's the dealio... we're putting in an order on Tuesday, will ship about a week later.

Use promo code FRODO

https://pedalindustries.com/products/mandible-bike-cage

Note... I was going to hold off on ordering these until we moved to our new location, but ya know... the rain's gonna stop, the snow's gonna melt, and I'm wanting the best for you.

---

164.6 lbs
Yoga
8 hours sleep - git yer sleep!
https://www.strava.com/activities/3183292600
https://www.strava.com/activities/3184107987

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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DON'T DISTURB THIS GROOVE

Mar 13, 2020

TODD BROWN

THERE'S THIS WEIRD THING THAT ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN AN "A" RACE GETS CLOSE. I don't know if it's the pressure I put on myself or if it's focusexhaustion. But, it's real. And, I must deal.

Am I weird?

Yes, Old Diesel... you are weird. We all are, and we love it.

Oh, that warms my fit and strong heart.

So, here's my deal... I just don't have the fire to get out and ride as the A race approaches and gets more and more real. The rides seem like drudgery. It takes conscious commitment to go out and do them...

... but, I do go out...

... and guess what?...

... once I'm out there, within a mile or 5, I'm in the groove and wanna ride all day.

Why is the Sagebrush Safari an A race for me?

Well,

The fastest guys in my age group are gonna be there
The course is fantastic, and while I will lose big time on the opening 7 mile climb
The descents are ALL perfect for T.O.D - fast and flowy

... "So, you're saying I've got a chance"...

And that's the kind of thinking that gets The Old Diesel fired up - shootin' smoke out the pipe. The fact it's hardly a given I'll do well, but that I have a chance.

I love that.

When we were young and just getting started SurferGirl found this song, Don't Disturb This Groove. She played it over and over. On days like today, it's on my mental sound track. It just pops up and reminds me...

... once I'm in my groove...

... their ain't no stopping...

So I grab a kit that matches the groove of the day.

Today it's this kit, because Sagebrush Safari is right on the Mexican border... and while it's too high for cactus blooms, there will be plenty of soul searching in a race like this.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

This is a limited edition kit, and we have not yet hit our 100th kit.

Use this promo code: MYGROOVE ... and the matching socks and t-shirt are free.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/dia-de-los-muertos

---

163.6 lbs
Yoga
7.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/athletes/10248/posts

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

_____

Custom Gear Made in USA - No Minimums – 3 to 4 Weeks Production Time

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FAITHISH OR FOOLISH

Mar 12, 2020

TODD BROWN

SO THIS MORNING, THE OL' WEATHER APP SAID CLEAR SKYS 'TIL 11. I looked out across the horizon (we are on a hill and I can see 70+ miles when it's clear) and it didn't appear so good, but apps never lie. Any hour in, and it's really coming down.

It wasn't the workout I wanted, but 'twas betterthen nuthin'.

Tonight, in between doing my pushup sets, I'm laying everything out for an early morning spin...

... even though the app says rains a comin' again.

I figure the app owes me, right? And will pay me back with an unpredicted dry spell.

Who's to say if I'm being foolish or faithish by preppring, all I know is...

... luck comes to those who are prepared.

Part of my prep is picking out the right glove for tomorrow.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

I've been using these gloves all winter, and I really like them. Today, in the downpour the were perf.

Should you have a little faith in yours foolish, use this promo code: FAITHISH

https://pedalindustries.com/products/100-brisker-gloves

---

164.2 lbs
100 push ups
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3177292591

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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I'M TRYING TO BE NIECE ABOUT IT.

Mar 11, 2020

TODD BROWN

PARIS - NICE IS THE FIRST PRO TOUR RACE I'VE WATCHED THIS YEAR, and it seems like a good time to weigh on which teams did a good job on their 2020 kit design.

I'm only going to talk about the top 3 team designs, because the rest are terribleboring.

INEOS - unique colors, clear who the title sponsor is...

These cues of course are not surprising because they are the same eyecatching cues used when SKY exploded onto the scene. We instantly know which team, and who is the sponsor.

EF - bold colors, first to introduce the fade so many teams have followed...

Vaughters has a history of bringing in a new design element going back to the early days of his Garmin-Cervelo team with their argyle. And, I really like what they are doing with the punchy colors and fades.

What you may not know is our designer Joe - creator of the Wild Child designs and others - designed those early kits for Vaughters.

MCLAREN - I know it says Bahrain, but who cares... McLaren man!

Here are truly striking colors with design nods to the Formula 1 team. This is my favorite kit for 2020. I'd like it even better if they could ditch the rest of the sponsors cluttering things up.

What does any of that matter? Well, not at all unless you're looking for a kickash kit design for your team.

Keep these 3 things in mind:

Bold Colors
Striking design
1 main sponsor/team name

Even if you have a legacy color, or legacy elements there are ways to tell that story visually that will allow you to stand out.

Sponsors like standout designs, fans like stand out designs... and crew wants that too.

Here's a little side note, business story.

We use to offer free artwork, it seemed like a good thing to do. But, the problem was it took forever to wrap up a project.

Now we charge, and the projects are not only better designed but done in record time.

No matter what business you're in...

... when people pay, they pay attention.

Here's another one, and it's a lot more relevant to this post...

... when you feel fast, you ride fast.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/feel-fast-ride-fast-available-in-5-colors

We're going to close this design out to make room for our upcoming move.

Use promo code BENIECE...

... and you can have this T delivered for $12.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/feel-fast-ride-fast-available-in-5-colors

---

164 lbs
31 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3176063259

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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NOBODY EVER WON A RACE DRAFTING

Mar 10, 2020

TODD BROWN

NOBODY EVERY WON A RACE DRAFTING. The only way to win is by being in front. Leading.

Which means taking chances.

Sure we can sit and hide and conserve.

But, sooner or later we've got to lead or we'll never cross the finish line first.

Which means work.

Working out what it takes to be the leader at the only moment that counts.

Is it sprinting for the win?
Breaking away?
Out cornering?
Out climbing?

There's a million ways to win,
all of them require risk
and commitment
and vision.

None will be accomplished in someone else's draft.

Nor with a rotten drive train,

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

This is my go to combo. Wend's Wax-Off chain cleaner and Smoove's wax-based lubricant.

Super easy, super fast and super clean.

Save with promo code: OUTTAMYWAY

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

164.2 lbs
Legs/Shouders/100 Pushups
8 hours sleep
rained out

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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SINGING IN THE WIND, HOWLING TO THE MOON

Mar 09, 2020

TODD BROWN

WHILE I CAN NEVER SEEM TO REMEMBER WHICH TIME IS THE FAKE ONE, I love it when we spring forward. The dark mornings don't bug me, the dark afternoons do. To celebrate, and on the eve of rainmegeddon, I hung the lights and rolled on out at 630pm.

I guess I'm alone in this jubilation.

Or, maybe it was the howling southern wind.

The darkening and cloudy sky.

Because it was a strange ride.

I didn't see another soul out riding.

Not one.

Looping toward home the first super moon of the year lit up the clouds, bursting through in bits and pieces.

It's colossalness spreading a peaceful calm across the sky.

To that I add this peaceful kit. I had Joe design this kit with one objective: peace. It was late 2019, and my cyclesense sensed a peaceful kit would be a nice treat for 2020.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace

Order the full kit this week and save with promo code: SPRINGPEACE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/peace

---

165 lbs
YOGA
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3168780138
https://www.strava.com/activities/3170122119

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T POST THIS

Mar 08, 2020

TODD BROWN

IMAGINE "OLD CALIFORNIA" BEAUTY
- rolling hills, coastal sage brush, granite boulders big and small.

Now add miles and miles of easytopass singletrack
- flowyfastfun trails you dream about and want to ride forever

... I probably shouldn't even post this.

Because now that I've figured out the Sagebrush Safari is the best XC course in Southern California, I want it all to myself.

It's a miracle this race isn't an overrun shyteshow with 2000+ racers on the line ala Leadville and Epic rides...

... it might get that way.

But, I hope not.

I hope it stays in the hundreds and off the radar.

I hope enough people come to be very profitable for Victor, and not one more.

It's too good.

Too fun.

It's also too good and too fun not to share.

So, I'll tell ya what... the first person to share this post on FB, Insta and Strava will get their entry paid for by little Ol' me... unless you're already registered, in that case you can gift it to your favorite pal.

Just shoot me links of your handiwork.

It was rather chilly when we started, 43degrees chilly.

I was glad I'd packed my KOM jacket... you know, the one I designed to wear on days like this.

It was perfect until it warmed up, then I tucked it easily into my middle jersey pocket.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black

So, if you have any days planned with chilly/wet starts you'll want to have this jacket. It's wind and water resistant membrane is super thin and breathable, yet kept me warm and dry.

Use promo code: SAGEBRUSH

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-industries-wind-jacket-black

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THEY LAUGHED AT ME WHEN I PUT ON MY CAMELBAK

Mar 07, 2020

TODD BROWN

WE ALL RODE TO THE TOP TOGETHER, I knew this first descent would be a preening of who's got speed/get outta my way. So, I let them go. Gave 'em quite the head start. Then, I, the dork with Camelbak, proceeded to pick them off one by one.

One gent 'splained how he had to go slow as he was afraid his water bottle would be ejected over the rocky terrain.

I've never seen a Camelbak get ejected - but I have seen a rider get ejected and have his back protected by the liquid-filled bladder.

Another claimed he was bonking because he'd forgotten to drink.

It's so easy to drink and race with a Camelbak - jam hose in mouth, spit out when done. No futzing about grabbing a bottle the trying to race and drink with 1 hand on the bar then somehow getting the bottle back in the cage... all while negotiating a techy single track.

I'm not saying the Camelbak was the reason I was shredding the DH, but I am saying there's a lot to be said for rocking the Camelbak...

... it's secure and it's easy.

Which is part of my secret to DH speed.

I learned it from the unlikeliest of places, a book called Zen and The Art of Archery. This is an old book, and a quick read. It's an autobiography of an amateur archer on assignment in Japan who winds up shooting with zen masters of archery.

My big takeaway: hold onto the bars firmly, all nonessential muscle in your arms should be flaccid.

That simple skill is so hard to master, seems so trivial, and is a key to uncorking real speed on a mountain bike.

Speaking of uncorking... what's this dork drinking?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/3-2-1-hydration-base

I'm a big believer in GQ6.

I go with 2 scoops in a bottle, or 4 scoops in my Camelbak (50oz). Basically 2 scoops/hour. It's about 200 calories per hour.

If you want to check it out, use this promo code: THEYLAUGHEDATME

The code will expire soon...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/3-2-1-hydration-base

---

164.2 lbs
No weights
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3163305576

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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YES, NETFLIX CAN MAKE YOU FASTER

Mar 06, 2020

TODD BROWN

IF YOU WANT TO UP YOUR CUTTHROATNESS, cue up F1: The Drive To Survive on Netflix. It's got racing, it's got drama... and best of all, it's an inside view to what it takes not just to make the team, to win a race, but how you keep you job.

The big AHHA for me was this... every team has 2 drivers, in identical cars.

You know why?

Because the fastest of the 2 is going to keep his job.

Brutal.

Imagine starting every training ride, testing all your equipment, knowing your training partner is doing all she can to beat you... even at the races.

We kind of see it in the highest levels of road racing: Froome v Wiggins, Movistar's 3 headed monster, LeMond v Hinault etc.

Tonight, while your doing your pushups or pullups or yoga and getting all fired up watching Netflix' F1...

... who are you planning to slay tomorrow comehellorhighwater?

If you're a killer or feel like it sometimes, this might be the kit for you

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak

It's our Speed Jersey Short Sleeve because... SPEED!

And, our Pro Bib because... PRO!

I know those are simplistic, hyperbolic reasons... so let me add all the fabrics are the finest Italy makes, and Italy makes the best.

The sleeves and legs are finished with a wide, comfortable gripper that holds the fabric perfectly in place.

The pad in the bib is rated for racing all day. It's high-density, which means it doesn't feel like an adult diaper and it won't put your special purpose to sleep.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/jailbreak

This code will expire soon: F1KILLER

---

163.2 lbs
PaddleBall
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3159759357

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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IF THERE WERE A MOUNT RUSHMORE OF CYCLING

Mar 05, 2020

TODD BROWN

WHO'S CARVED ON MY MOUNT RUSHMORE? If I owned a granite mountain, and if I was a talented artisan, I'd carve these heads for all to see. Instead I've carved the ideas and emotions of these four racers into my mind, and in a sense my own body... I'm guessing you've done something similar.

EDDY.

The great Eddy Merckx gave the greatest advice when asked his secret: Piles of Miles. So simple, so true. Nothing beats time in the saddle. Ever.

But, there's more to that for me. Most know he won the Tour de France a record setting 5 times. He also one many 1 day classics as well as all kinds of track racing. If mountain biking was a thing in his time, he'd have dominated that... and forget gravel.

Bonus: he was merciless, hence his nickname The Cannibal.

LEMOND.

7 seconds. That's the narrowest victory of the Tour De France ever, and Greg LeMond will own that indefinitely.

I remember watching it on ABC. It was unbelievable, making up 50 seconds in a short time trial on the last day of the tour.

Yes, he's USA'n, and first USA'n to win Tour.

But, for me, the impressive part was his belief in himself, that against all France he would win.

Bonus, he broke the tradition of leaving wife and family at home - family first.

COACH JOE.

Joe Friel wrote the Cyclist's Training Bible. Finally here was a detailed, workable plan, and I gobbled it up.

I had the pleasure of eating with lunch with Joe a few years ago, and I can tell you he's just as nice and thoughtful as he comes across in the book.

Bonus: in his 70's he's still totally geeked on cycling... just like us.

SAGAN.

He crushed the competition at his first Tour of California, and I was hooked on his style.

He's a man of and for the people.

After that first ToC he came and raced our local weekly MTB race. I thought it was just some wannabe in a Cannondale kit. I lined up next to him, and he was nice as could be... then he disappeared.

Bonus: he get's a lot of video time on his winning sprints and I've learned a ton watching and rewatching them.

Who's on your Mount?
Who inspires you when you're training, planning, racing?

Sometimes throwing on my kit feels kind of like becoming a different person, probably has something to do with all the inspiration.

By far the best way to change at the races with with the changing poncho. It's easy, modest, fast.

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And if you act quickly, this promo code will save you a few bucks: MOUNTRUSHMORE

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---

16.2 lbs
50 pullups, 100 pushups
8 hours sleep
no ride - today

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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FAMOUS ACTOR CLAIMS TO KNOW ABOUT RACING

Mar 04, 2020

TODD BROWN

I CAN'T THINK OF ANY STATEMENT THAT BETTER CLARIFIES what racing is all about. And, it's from an actor...that's right and actor... is there anything more fake than acting? Yet, this actor gets it.

The emotion is real and raw... and resonates through every bone in every realracer's chiseled-on body.

Because... he actually raced.

A lot.

And won.

His words come from that place only people like us have experienced.
Only a racer gets this.
It's unmistakably pure.

Racing is life.
Everything else is just waiting.
-Steve McQueen

I love that.

For me, it's not that time stops when racing.
It doesn't exist at all...
... just life.

The inner voice, gone.
The cares of the world, gone.

Just me,
my bike,
and my beating heart.

When the finish line is crossed, and the bottles are empty, I tend to want to keep my kit on. Relish the moment kinda thing. Sometimes a little longer than I should.

Which is one of the reason, before the race, I like to lube up the area of my crank and cogs. Somehow that sounds a little pervy, but it's not...

... it's a simple call to action: Protect thy special purpose!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/chamois-buttr

Personally, I prefer the Eurostyle... but, don't let that sway you... let this sway you:

Chamois Butt'r - Just a dab'll do ya!

And this promo code can sway you too - CHAMOISLOVE

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---

162.2 lbs
LegsArmsShoulders
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3155307805

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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MASSIVE SPEED INCREASES FOR A LITTLE BIT OF TIME

Mar 03, 2020

TODD BROWN

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS TO GO FASTER, most involve a lot more time training and more money. Some of those are simple experience. Take my pal Senor Suave, while a rocket on any bike he keeps losing time MTB racing.

For example, he did one of his first legit MTB races recently. Everything was on schedule except his bladder. Most races this is not a big deal, but experienced MTB racers would never make this mistake...

... and when he came back to line up, the corral was full and he found himself 50 people back in the pack.

Pee early.
Line up early.

But, that yellowhighliter ain't my point today.

This little gem requires a teenyweeny bit of time, and maybe a couple of bucks - maybe...

... and I'll be doing it this Saturday.

Preride the race course.
The more you can preride, the faster you'll go.

You're going to be riding anyway, so ride the course.

Figure out places
to pass
that suite your strength
tricky sections until their easy
and so on and so on and so on
until when you're on it,
you own it!

What if the course is far away?
Get there a day or two early.

What if it's just a 4 corner crit?
Ride 'em 4 thousand times.

What if....
Makeithappen Cap'n.

Which is exactly what Senor Suave did passing 45ish people, finishing fourth.
I predict a podium in the very near future for him.

I also predict a few of you are gonna wanna jump on this before the price goes up.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

163.2 lbs
100 pushups
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3150939306

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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THE FOUR POWERFUL LETTERS THAT SPELL SUCCESS

Mar 02, 2020

TODD BROWN

PERFECT, PIOUS UNCLE PHIL WAS ONCE ACCUSED OF SWEARING... impossible to imagine 70 years ago... coming from him.

Dad inquired.

Phil asked Who?

So and so.

Oh yeah... well, it's true. It was the only way I could get that S.O.B outta bed and out the door to work!

I have found this method quite effective in my own life.

Starting with
Get out of bed you

Followed by
Slow
Lazy
Dumb
Phat

Peppered with saltier fourletterness.
!@#$
%^&*

... and always puncuated with
It's time to kicksome@ss!

I ain't ashamed.

I'm committed.

To myself.

My dreams.

My mission.

My health!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

I'm also committed to making you the softest, mostbestest tshirts so you're confident and comfortable when you let the world know.

Can't make it, Gotta Ride!

Use promo code: IMCOMMITTED

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

164.2 lbs
100 pushups
7.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3148038901

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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THE SIMPLEST WAY FOR OLYMPIC SPEED

Mar 01, 2020

TODD BROWN

WHEN YOU'RE AN ENDURANCE ATHLETE, when you really know how to dig, scrape and claw... you know truth when you see it.

And, I love this quote from Molly Seidel:

I wasn’t paying attention to the miles or pace and just going off feel and when we made our move I just wanted to keep running the pace I felt good at.

That is truth.

It's why a lot times I'll toss the ol' computer in my back pocket when racing.

And leave it there.

Sure, I like looking at the data when it's all done... but some formats I find it too distracting...

... like any event under 2ish hours.

Who is Molly Seidel?... oh, just the first person who ever ran a marathon and at the same time qualified for the Olympics.

THE OLYMPICS!

That's right...

... just going off feel...

... 'cause it felt good.

Dawgawn... I love that, gotta say it again:

I wasn’t paying attention to the miles or pace and just going off feel.

Going off feel, isn't that the be feeling?

Ever?

I know what you're thinking... musta been a long time ago, before the "modern age".

Nope.

It was Saturday.

2hours27minutes31second.

... just going off feel.

There's another kind of feeling, it's feeling of feedback I get through my hands.
Personally, I prefer very thin gloves.
Real leather.
No padding.
Immense ventilation.
Full fingers.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

Yes, I know we should charge a lot more for these. But, I guess I just want as many people to try them as possible.

Use promo code: GOINGOFFFEEL

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

---

161.6 lbs
REST
9 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3146160956

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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ENTER SANDMAN - GRITTY ADVICE FOR SMOOTH RIDING

Feb 29, 2020

TODD BROWN

I RECENTLY SAW A THREAD ASKING HOW TO RIDE SAND SECTIONS AT BWR. Numerous longworded discussions followed. Here's my simple truth:

1. Ride more sand.

Nothing is going to make up for actually riding sand... so if you don't live by a lovely beach, get down to the local play ground...

... practice.

2. Aim for 10' beyond where the sand ends.

I think it was Moses who said Where there is no vision the people perish. Whoever shared that ancient advice woulda been a heckuva gravel/mtb racer. Because if you're looking straight down and not far forward you're gonna perish...

... look where you want to go.

If you just did those 2 things you'd be an ace in no time.

There are two more essential techniques which you'll probably figure out with enough practice.

However, if you want to cut to the chase you'll need to click here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

161.6 lbs
no lifting
10 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3143368168

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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The one diet guaranteed to work.

Feb 29, 2020

TODD BROWN

I WAS ON THIS DIET YESTERDAY, and I lost 5 lbs. It's a terrible diet. One you should turn to only as a last resort. But, it's nearly impossible to even try it on purpose. Not that you should. You could. But, I wouldn't.

This diet is so debilitating I couldn't race today, even though I'm the lightest I've been in a year.

Weight down, power way down.

So I'm here.

On the couch, recovering.

It's the El Pollo Loco foodpoisoning diet... at least that's who I'm giving credit to, 'cause against my monklike ways I ate there Thursday - in a hurry, making things happen.

Spent all day Friday praying to the porcelain god - 12am on baby!

I'm on the mend today.

Surfergirl picked up a pack of donuts at my insistence... I knew I'd be better soon, and wanted something delicious to look forward to. And, boy do they taste great!

I can't resist... I guess, because I'm going to get up and ride for a bit at some point today and I know I'll be needing lots of fuel in my Ferris Bueller I'msuddenly better moment.

Here's what I'll be chowing on my ride.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

Use promo code FILLERUP to save.

Isn't it great to open the cupboard and see you're loaded up with all the fuel you need for the next ride?

---

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/filler-up

160.6 lbs
No lifting
12 hours sleep
No ride.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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THE SUPERPOWER ONLY BIKE RACERS HAVE

Feb 27, 2020

TODD BROWN

LAST NIGHT I PATIENTLY WAITED TO TURN LEFT IN MY CAR. The light turned green, I looked left and eased off the brakes rolling forward... I looked left again and hit the brakes!

A truck traveling about 50mph blazed through the red.... probably would have killed me...

... if I didn't have the bike racing superpower.

But, I do.

And so do you!

We all have Cyclngsense,
it's our version of Spidersense.

We use it all the time, every ride.

The more we ride, the stronger it gets.

The experienced rider rarely flats, new guy flats all the time.

Cyclingsense.

New gal struggles on a trail, experienced gal attacks it with glee.

Cyclingsense.

Driving experiences like mine above happen all the time, our Cyclingsense is so attuned we often don't even recognize it.

Same with sports, we quickly pick up any motion sport... our fitness, our developed peripheral vision, our Cyclingsense making it easy.

Socially too. We casually strike up a conversation with a fellow rider and our Cyclingsense quickly evaluates friend or foe.

Because 99% of drivers lack Cyclingsense, I ride with blinking lights day and night.

I love the little Knog lights,
330 degrees of retinasearing power.

It's like giving Cyclingsense to the drivers.

And isn't that a gem of an idea?

If you don't have daytime blinkies get these.
They're lite and aero.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/knog-cobber-wrap-around-bike-light

Use promocode -> KNOGCyclingSense <- to save 20%

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... this code will expire within 48 hours.

---

165.2 lbs
200 push ups
7.5 hours sleep
no ride today : (

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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The 3 words you never want to say or hear at a bike race

Feb 26, 2020

TODD BROWN

(photo by Danny Munson)

WHAT MOTIVATES ME MORE THAN ANYTHING WHEN IT COMES TO BIKE RACING PREP is making sure none us ever utter these 3 words on RaceDay. Nothing is more deflating, defeating or defanging.

I forgot my __________.

The results can be...

embarrassing... I've raced in my bathing suit and tank top.

inconvenient... I've borrowed a friend's sweattystinky backup helmet.

disastrous... I even forgot my shoes once.

... heck, doesn't even have to be a race...
... might just be a road trip with the crew.

Which is exactly why I invented the RaceDay Bag™...

Easy to pack
Easy to find our gear
Easy to get ridin' and racin'

Kicking boodwah on a bike starts with confidence, like knowing you've got everything you need.

But why stop there?

Want to know what it's in my bag, what I trust... depend on?

I thought it was impossible for a lotion to make any kind of a noticeable difference in race performance...

... then I podiumed at a race where I'd always sufered,

and set a PR of 8:15 at Leadville!

I'll neverever race again without PR Lotion.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/amp-pr-lotion

Follow the application instructions... be sure to put on a lot, and really massage it in!

When you place your order use this promo code: AMPSAVE10

... I was reminded of how great this product is just yesterday on our regular legripping group ride when Justin said,

You're riding great.

Now those are 3 words I always want to hear!

---

That code will expire soon.

---

164.6 lbs
LegsShoulders
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3135299216

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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THE 3 RIDERS I ADMIRE MOST

Feb 25, 2020

TODD BROWN

AS WE WERE SLICING AND DICING OUR REGULAR SOCIALRIDE/LEGDESTROYER THIS MORNING, I catalogued the 3 riders I admire most.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a total Saganfanboy, worshipped LeMond's 7-second TdF win, and have relived Grewal's gold medal countless times... but, I don't ride with them.

I ride with these cats:

Takeshispulls guy.
This rider rotates through to the front, takes his pull and eases over and off the power, doing all he can to keep the group's pace fast and smooth... never mucking it up, sucking wheel at the front.

Standsupsmooth girl.
The girl stands gracefully stands up on climbs, often... never thrusting the bike back, scaring - or worse - the rider behind.

Pointsstuffout kid.
This kid is always pointing out the holes, sticks, glass, etc... making sure the riders behind avoid peril.

These 3 make rides like today's trulytruly glorious.

So, I study their moves and do my best to mimic them... 'cause when I'm all growed up I wanna be just like 'em

You know what else is trulytruly glorious?...

... this right here -> https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Truly.

---

165.4 lbs
50 pull ups
6.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3131287462

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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THE F WORD

Feb 24, 2020

TODD BROWN

I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I FOUND THE NOCARS WAY THROUGH TOWN. There were cars, but not many.

I rode and rode and rode that route. Mostly on Mondays, always by myself.

It was scenic, with a few punchy hills to stand up and pound the pedals.

But, then I didn't ride it much. I'd ridden it too much.

It had become...

... Familiar.

No, it wasn't breeding contempt, but it was...
Mundane.
Predictable.
Uneventful.

Conversely, we ride the same loop every Tuesday, going on 17 years. It's always good.

Gus lives out in NC. He sent me a pic of their Saturday ride. The leafless trees, bundled riders. The smiles. It was 18 when they started, 40 midday.

It ain't the route or the weather, it's the people.

Which is why it's so key to have a silent chain, spinning free with no drag. 'Cause if your chain is whiney with lots of drag... sooner or later you'll be riding alone.

These are my go to products - one to clean, one to lube. It took years time to find them, and I'd never mount up without them.

The superpro thing to do is to wipe the chain clean and apply the lube the night before - one link at a time. Painstaking, I know... but totally worth it if going fast is important to you. And, when done correctly will last hundreds of miles.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

Use this code at check out - SOSMOOTHE - and save 50% on the 2nd item.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/bike-care

---

165.2 lbs
PushUps
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3128568351

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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SIMPLY BELIEVE

Feb 23, 2020

TODD BROWN

I FINALLY GOT AROUND TO FINISHING PHILTHETHRILL GAIMON'S BOOK, Pro Cycling On $10 A DAY. He concludes with two valuable lessons.

First, keep the workouts simple.

Phil's hardest training block ever was two weeks with Tom Danielson on Mount Lemon in Tucson. I've ridden that climb myself... think of a long, long, long very steady climb. Day one, 3 sets of 20 minute intervals... followed by 5 hours of easy riding. Day two, 3 sets of 45 minute intervals. Day three, rest or long and easy. Then start over.

Second, you've got to believe in yourself.

This was painfully drilled into Phil's selfjustifyingbrain by Jonathan Vaughters, before Vaughters signed him to ride for Garmin. Phil had lost crucial seconds and wound up losing GC, was bummed about it. Rather than being consoling, Vaughters wisely rubbed acid in that wound remind Phil to believe in himself.

... normally I've got a bunch of pithypontification about right now, but not today...

Keep it simple.
Believe in yourself.

Here's a simple secret you may not know -> larger water bottles are more aero than small bottles... because they fill in the gap better and reduce wind turbulence.

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

I believe you should take advantage of this promo code prior to 2/26/2020

SAVE15

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Yes, they still ship free if you use the code.

---

165.2 lbs
rest
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3126596854

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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IT'S ONLY A FLESH WOUND

Feb 22, 2020

TODD BROWN

I COULDN'T HEAR THE SKIN GRINDING OFF, the rain too heavy. I couldn't see the damage, the shadows too dark. I couldn't feel the gash, the cold too stiff. But, in my shivering hustle off the mountain I overcooked a corner... my lower leg grinding across the decomposed granite hillside.

That wasn't the plan.

We'd missed perfection by about 30 minutes.

Up until that Makita grinder moment, we'd cheated mamanature. We'd slept in, done our dadly duties. While the morning rain fell on our favorite dusty trail.

When we started, it was purrrrrfect... super tacky, traction o'plenty. 6 miles to the top, 2200', all single track... purrrrrfect single track.

We climbed it once, decently fast, under an hour.

Ripped down.

Climbed it again.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. But, when we got to the top the clouds came in and the temperature dropped.

Even with the incomparable KOM jacket, I was cold. A beanie and leg warmers woulda helped... oh, and a light!

But... but... we'll ALWAYS remember today. It will stand out. One of those, Remember that time moments. Unforgettable.

So maybe it did go according to plan?

... come to think of it, if I'd worn the leg warmers they'd be a little worse of but my leg better off...

I'd say 20% better off... so use this promocode TODDSPOORLEG to save 20% on these leg warmers/skin savers

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedal-leg-warmers

Use TODDSPOORLEG at check out

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In the cloud, time to hustle down.

---

164.4 lbs
50 pull ups
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3123719136

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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WANNA GET LUCKY?

Feb 21, 2020

TODD BROWN

SURE, IT'S A HECKUVALOT EASIER 30, 40, 50 RIDERS BACK. It's 30% easier! And that's the problem in a lot of cases.

Wanna get "lucky"?...
... get your buns up front.

Don't come whining to me with silliness like...

... you were lucky to make the break
... you were lucky you missed the pile up
... you were lucky in that sprint

Sheesh... I remember the one and only time I did Tour de Tucson. There were about 7000 people lined up.

Gun goes off.

I'm redlined instantly.

We are flying through town.

All kinda chaos.

But, I'm upfront and I can see. And I'm safe.

Unfortunately, when things settled down a bit I drifted back and a break of 20 went away. Full gas. I'm thinking, not a big deal. 90 miles to go. Then, I see the longest train I've ever seen in my life chugging along...

... and those guys are all in, ALL IN!

Like a scripted scene from a Bond movie they squeeze across the tracks, the gates come down, we screech to a halt.

They were never to be seen again.

If you need more luck in your life ya really oughta check this out...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... but don't you dare click on that link if ain't in need.

---

165.4 lbs
yoga
7.2 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3119578048

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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SOMETIMES, WHEN YOU ARE A RACER...

Feb 20, 2020

TODD BROWN

IN THE IMMORTAL WORDS OF NACHO LIBRE... Sometimes when you are a man, you wear stretchy pants.

I was reminded of that today as I headed out for a quick sunset blast... Sometimes when you are a racer, you ride two-a-day.

Why 2, today?

Because CH texted... Gonna rain Saturday, 80% chance.

Why 2, other days?

Because why not?
Because fun.
Because...

... did you know every time you work out you get a shot of Human Growth Hormone? I read it somewhere.

So, when you see yer peers and they say something like...

Damndude, you're looking good...
or... Damngirl, look at you...
How do you do it?

... two-a-day.

It takes a lot of energy to fuel all that riding, and I like a variety of options like this

https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-pack

Save big with promo code TwoADay.

Ships free in USA.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/honey-stinger-pack

---

168.2 lbs
Yoga
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3118086373

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

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IT'S JUST MONEY

Feb 19, 2020

TODD BROWN

ONE OF THE THINGS I AIM TO DO is get the very best value for any purchase. So, when I saw some cat advertising an amazing wallet for cycling I had to check it out...

... the hyperbolic promises were too great.

There it was, $50. It was beautiful, all leather. Very elegant. Perfect for anything except actually cycling.

It reminded me of my first bibs, Blackbottoms. The chamois was actually leather, and so were my bits and pieces after that first summer.

Being a poorcollegekid, I could scant afford 1 bib.

I'd ride, wash, hang dry, repeat 3-4 times a week.

By summer's end they were sanctified - very holy.

Where was I?...

Oh yeah, wallets and the most humble cycling wallet of all times.

Made of actual bike parts
Impossibly durable
Military grade thread
So grippy it will never fall out of your jersey

Delivered to your door for 20 bones

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wallets

... or less if you use promo code SAVE10,

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wallets
(I have 10 cards and cash in mine)

Customizable?

Of course... makes a great conversation piece, reminder of what's important, and a supergift for your sponsors.

If you don't have one in your team store, let me know and we'll get it added.

---

166.8 lbs
LegsShoulders
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3115341348

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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DIS COMFORT FOOD

Feb 18, 2020

TODD BROWN

COMFORT FOOD... is there a bigger lie?

After nearly a week with family celebrating the life of a loved one, I'm a bigfatpig... and it's my owndarnfault.

Comfort food was abundant, mass quantities everywhere.

When I woke up this morning, finally back home, I waddled to the scale. Ugh! 5lbs in 5 days.

It got me thinking about the old miserylovescompany thing... and is there anything more miserable than climbing with blubberstuffed bibs?

Of course, some would like company in such moments...
... but, not me...
... heck no...
... leave me alone, with my own thoughts of whattheheckwasIdoing?

I'm sure there's some sort of championshipthinking of paying the price today for victory tomorrow, you know a valuable life lesson summed up in a few choice words... but, let's just be honest... it ain't comfort food, it's...

DisComfort Food

Rant concluded.

The good news is, there's nowhere but down from here.. and if you're down with that then you're probably also down with joining the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---

167,6 lbs
0/0
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3111153557

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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COMMANDMENTS FOR SPEED

Feb 17, 2020

TODD BROWN

THE 10 RACER COMMANDMENTS

Thou shalt ride thy bike as much as thou canst whilst placing thy family and thy social life first, and whilst thou kickist butt at work.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s KOM, but thou shalt chase thine own PRs.
Thou shalt eat whole foods whenever possible.
Thou shalt sleep 8+ hours.
Thou shalt be strong, doing pushups, pullups and such to failure.
Thy bike shall be clean, thy drivetrain free of drag, thy tires properly pumped.
Thy wheels, above all other parts, shall be the best thou canst pay cash for.
Thy jersey and bibs shalt make thee feel fast.
Thou shalt train with faster riders than thee whenever possible, and thou shalt train at the front of thy congregation.
Thou shalt have a day of rest, no riding. If standing sit, if sitting lie, if lying prop thy feet up, if they feet are propped close thine eyes and dream of winning.

Eleven... I could go on and on pronouncing from on high, if ya want more go here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

---
(still travelin')
unknown lbs
nada
7ish hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3109428288

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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JUST ONE GOOD DAY

Feb 16, 2020

TODD BROWN

I'M VISITING THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL STARTED FOR ME. Provo, UT. Sure, I'd ridden my Schwinn LeTour around town as a kid, and I'd won the 6th Grade Motocross on my Stingray- which we'd call a Super-D today, but it wasn't until 1985 that I won a legit bike race.

It wasn't even legit, really.

The university ski coach had set up a cycling program centered on crit racing in the giant stadium parking lot.

It was here that I got my most valuable bike handling lession: never let go over the brakes and always keep pedaling.

What he was teaching us was how to keep our speed up and be smooth in a pack vs the typical beginner who stops pedaling and yanks on the brakes at the slightest concern.

Each weekday crit I got a little closer to the win. The throwdown of the C's spint was intoxicating, and I wanted more. On about the fourth or fifth try it worked...

... the passionate, mediocre surfer
... the weak link on a terrible tennis team
... the obscenely late bloomer with his first whiskers at age 21

... got a V.

And, as PhilTheThrill Gaimon says... it just takes one good day to start thinking.

I promptly spent my summer's hard earned cash on a Cannondale touring bike that some yokel in a struggling bike shop conned me into buying because "more gears = more options for speed".

It didn't matter.

That bike took all the punishment I could could give it, and was stable as hell at speed. I'm talking I-80 from Park City to Salt Lake drafting a semi at 60 mph with a t-shirt, cut offs, and a sweet pair of Vuarnets.

I was hooked.

For life.

Speaking of hooked, after skiing and hiking in the mountains the last few days I'm reminding how hooked I am on layers for keeping warm. It's the best way to go, which I confirmed catching up with my pals that live up here.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

Starting with the KOM jacket... and if you use code KOMLAYER...

... and add any other layer product you'll save 50% of the 2nd product.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/vests-jackets-warmers

Code KOMLAYER will be applied on checkout, remember to add the 2nd item first.

---

unknow
nada
8.3 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3106753719

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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GIANT ADVICE

Feb 15, 2020

TODD BROWN

A REAL GIANT TAUGHT ME A VALUABLE LESSON. It's not enough to be the biggest and the strongest. That's not a guarantee of winning.

This was laid out in the classic movie The Princess Bride.

Fezzik played by Andre The Giant - 7' tall, 500 lbs.
vs
Westley - a normalsized Man In Black.

Fezzik: I just figured why you give me so much trouble.

Westley : Why is that...

[squashed against a rock]

... do you think?

Fezzik : Well, I haven't fought one person for so long. I've been specialized in groups, battling gangs for local charities, that kind of thing.

Westley : Why should that make such a

[squashed painfully]

... difference?

Fezzik : You use different moves when you're fighting half a dozen people, than when you only have to be worried about one

[falls unconscious]

It's impossible to learn to learn to win a group sprint by yourself...
It's hard to ride single track with someone much slower...
No one can figure out how to draft riding alone...

... as the giant said, You use different moves.

I remember the first time a saw my friend in real cycling shorts. Lycra. Not just any short, they were red.

Outrageous I thought.

And held up by suspenders!

Now I wouldn't dream of heading out for a ride with anything but a supremely designed bib like this:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/black-19-team-pro-bib

100% Italian fabric. An anatomical chamois with multidensity foam. Printed, but and sewn in our own California factory.

---

164.2 lbs
nada
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3103441547

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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MY SCREWYOU FUND

Feb 14, 2020

TODD BROWN

IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT A SCREWYOU FUND IS... welllllllll junior, it’s enough cash to go at least 6 months without a check. And, it equals confidence.

There are other types of screwyou funds.

When - waywayway back when - I was single, I strove to have a number of options... ya know, just in case things went off the rails at a socially inconvenient time. (Easy there, it’s a figure of speech. Not literal)

We, you and me, we have fitness screwyou funds...

... and I'm making a withdrawal.

No riding the next five or six days.

Starting this morning... skied for the first time in a coupla decades, you know a board for each foot vs a snowboard - which I've done less and less.

My nubby bikerlegs vs my college girl's dancerskierlegs...

... it was pretty even until around 330pm. We'd been going straight through, old school on nothing but Snickers bars.

Finally...

Dad, I'm tired.

I feel great.

Last run?

Up to you.

Truly a wonderful DaddyDaughter Valentine's Day. Such fun to catch up with her on life. I'm feeling quite blessed to enjoy a day like today.

... and that’s how to use the fitness screwyou fund.

Of course, sometimes you want to unleash your screwyou fitness in the heat of battle and might be looking for a little inspiration.

Personally, I always feel a little more ready to battle on the bike when I don these camo socks

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/all-socks/products/camo-sock-sublimated

$15.99 and they'll be on your doorstep in a couple of days.

---

unknown lbs  
nada
7 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3099831660

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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PAYSHUNCE

Feb 13, 2020

TODD BROWN

IT’S CALLED PAYSHUNCE FOR A REASON

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT, WAIT... the overhead view of a Peter Sagan sprint is always my favorite.

Man can he wait.

The barreling peloton screams into the final Kms and he’s miles back.

Payshunt.

One time, some cat put together a bunch of different on onbike camera views of a Sagan sprint. Switching from front view to back view and back as he roared...

... accelerating as the rest were detonating...

... which is why he’s payd the big bucks.

Payshunce is a superpower.

Use it, or lose.

Even going after a PR, which can require the greatest payshunce of all. Because the right PR will demand our very best.

In case you need a daily reminder

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

And if you use promo code PRSRULE, it's in your hands for a paltry 18 bones.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prsrule

I believe in you!

---

164.2 lbs  
nada
6.5 hours sleep 
https://www.strava.com/activities/3096630631

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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A WINNING FORMULA

Feb 12, 2020

TODD BROWN

IF IT'S TO BE, it's up to ______.

If it's really up to me, then I better take it for reals.

That's why every year I put the big hairy audacious goals (BHAG) out there, to inspire me to carve the time I need to be ready on the big day. Things like PRing Leadville last year, or going to Nationals this year.

Really big.

Impossible.

The result is even on the days I don't wanna, the cold days, the booked solid days, the dark days, the rain days... I get out and ride.

Yes, of course part of the plan is to be a badass on the given day and slay my BHAG... but...

... the bigger part of the plan...
... the sneaky part...

... is the daily result: a healthier, happier, immensely more productive me.

It's a simple system, and it yields undeniable results.

We get really granular on the system with the PEDALposse, where we share what's working and what's not.

Join us!

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Join us before the price goes up in March.

How much? I dunno... but, can't be giving it away fo' evah.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

_____

164.4 lbs
legs n shoulders
7 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3094056015 <- snagged a KOM back - not that it matters. Right?

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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JUMP RIGHT IN

Feb 11, 2020

TODD BROWN

ONE OF THE PLACES PEOPLE REALLY SUFFER ON A ROAD RIDE is when the group accelerates time after time.

I was reminded of this on today's ride... and the exercise I do at home to prep for days like today.

It was hellawindy.

30mph gusts.

Hella.

To make matters worse, it was the first week back splitting our little legripper into an A and a B ride. Leaving just a handful of us to slice the wind together on the A loop.

Our rotation started smooth enough, but after about 15 minutes of really drilling it things started to fall apart. The discrepancies in power between riders became evident, as stronger riders pulled hard and long and weaker riders clogged the front often unable to even pull through for a millisecond.

So, I have this little routine I do a few times a week. It may or may not be helpful at all... but, it's kinda hard which is always good for building confidence.

It's simple.

Requires no tools.

And, probably doable in your own home.

Remember, I am not a doctor nor any kind of certified anything. Do not do this if you are timid, unsure or a total klutz... though, if you think you'll fall please take video and post for the entertainment value.

Are ya ready?

Stand flatfooted at the bottom of a set of stairs and jump up 3 at a time.

Probably best to start at 2 at a time... and I've had limited success jumping 4 at a time. Repeat until failure (can't do more).

That's it.

Please, please, please be careful... and remember you're on your own.

Advice given.

Here's another piece of advice... not for you, hopefully. But, something you might want to share with a friend.

You should probably get a RaceDay Bag™.

Why?

Because you're always wondering where your gear is.

No I'm not.

Then, why are you asking to borrow my extra glasses?

I guess that could be advice for you too... friends don't let friends show up unprepared - especially if they don't want to loan their stuff.

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

Remind them to use promo code SAVE10.

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

---

165.4 lbs
push ups.
6.8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3091073638

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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DON'T BELIEVE ME

Feb 10, 2020

TODD BROWN

IT'S NOT THAT I'M A GUINEA PIG. I'm not. Once I find something that works, I stick with it.

It's not that I'm unwilling to change, I test things all the time.

What am I then?... a dude has cracked the code on a lot of what it takes to go fast on a bike.

I could force a bunch of my results down your throat, like the fact I've been a national champion twice.

But where's the fun in that?

What's fun for me is when a cat like DH asks a question like this...

What kind of electrolytes do you use/ sell?

And I reply...

Here’s what I use: https://pedalindustries.com/collections/electrolytes

I was in a hurry and should have added more... DH, I hope you're reading:

For all racing/hard training I strive for 300 calories per hour.

Road/Gravel, I like 2 scoops of GQ6 in my bottles, and another 100 calories via Honey Stinger Waffles or Chews.

MTB, I get all my calories through the bottle if it's a short XC race... the flavor can be a bit strong, but the racing is so intense I find it impossible to eat. A epic event like Leadville I'll eat more like the roadie above.

For adventures, I go with 1-1.5 scoops per bottle and eat as much as I feel like.

For recover rides, pretty much just water.

The other product on that link Salt Stick chews... and my hot tip for taking those is something I'll be sharing with the PEDALposse...

... check it out: https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

We're just launching the PEDALposse, I should let you know the price is going up soon.

_____

163.8 lbs
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3089585174

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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NO SUCH THING AS BAD TRAINING?

Feb 09, 2020

TODD BROWN

THERE'S ONLY 1 KIND OF BAD TRAINING DAY...

It's not fell and got a booboo,
Not rode too hard,
Nor rode too easy,
Not gotta a flat,
Not had to cut 'er short,
Not no one else could go,
Not got stuck in the rain,
Not lost Zwifting,
Nor any kind of weatherforced trainertime,
Not resting, if that was your plan...
... the only way, is to not train.

Today I rested, according to plan, and took a walk along the beach.

It also rained, and I loved that. The sinisterside of me relished the thought of the locals who'd planned a big day staying off the bike.

I hope that wasn't you... but, if it was maybe you just needed an extraawesome windandwater resistant KOM jacket?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

If that's the case, and you're the patient type, then I'd like to make you one of these awesome jackets.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

And we'll throw in a pair of these gloves for free when you use this promo code: KOMGLOVE.

Go here:
https://pedalindustries.com/collections/komglove

Use this:
KOMGLOVE

Who loves ya?

---

163.8 lbs
Stretching
8.5 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3086679887

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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GOT THAT RIGHT

Feb 08, 2020

TODD BROWN

IT'S 650AM, SUB-40 DEGREES, FOGGY AND WET... I'm smartly outfitted in what some might consider pajamas. I'm also late. Going full gas. Railing the turns. Jumping curbs. Shortcutting through ShoreCliffsElementary.

If I don't catch the crew at 705, I'm... How do you say in this country?... Ehscrewed!... chasing 20+ miles, just to catch the even faster group.

So started the first 70 miles of my ride... of which I felt absolutely fantastic.

I'd woken up with pleeennnnnty of time. PLENTY!. 530AM. But, I was so groggy I completely lost track.

There was one thing I did right. I got that darn PR Lotion on, and thick. No, this is not a commercial for that magical potion... but, it is a tiny lesson for me to check the source.

Last night I was skimming YouTube and noticed I had a few notifications. One was from Tony and it was a nasty review on my review of said lotion. It really bugged me, because I have shared the product with so many people and all results are 2thumbsup. I tossed and turned all night, which is probably why I woke so early. Then I had this genius idea...

... is he even a customer of ours?

No.

I'll leave it at that.

Anyway, that first 70 was pretty magical. I felt really good.

There's a longcut on the ride called Old Mojeska. It's a real kick in the teeth, coming after a lot of climbing. Few do it, though I sell the hell out of it any time I do the ride. It's very, very steep.

It's smack in the middle of a 17.25 miles stretch with 2000' of climbing, called RR-Old Moj-Silverado.

I knew I was going good, and I'd done my best to surf the fast guys to the longcut. Most of them went straight to regroup at the big oak tree. I turned right with 2 bravecourageous souls. We hit it as best we could, dropped down the other side... little Rayan, can't weigh more than 110 lbs, struggled to keep up on the decent. We came around the corner, saw the resting group taking a smoke break... and I dieseled on.

They eventually caught me, and we worked hard to finish the last big climb of the ride.

I PR'd it!

But I don't want you think this is a commercial for PR Lotion... because there's a tiny lesson for you my friend.

All that climbing?... I felt strong and connected.

So get if you haven't already drop and give me 20!... seriously, do your push ups and pull ups.

Because even if you do succumb to my Jedi marketing tricks and in a moment of weakness purchase PR Lotion...

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/prs-rule

... you're still going to be a weakling riding around looking like a T-Rex... and we can't have that can we?!

Friends don't let friends ride weak.

Usually I insert some sort of promo code to go along with blatant sales pitch... but this wasn't blatant, it was just me telling it like it is.

You know what though? I really like telling it like it is... if you buy the lotion this t-shirt will ship free - you just need to purchase them both and apply this code: PRsRULE

We do a lot that tellingitlikeitis stuff here:

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

Oh, I forgot to tell you how long and lonely the last 35 miles were of the ride...

They weren't!... because I fueled up, in remembrance of our Hawaiian Nana.

---

165 lbs
Just stretching today
6 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3083723694

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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I NEEDED A DAY LIKE TODAY

Feb 07, 2020

TODD BROWN

MY SWEET, SWEET MOTHER-IN-LAW passed away last night. It was overdue, but we will still miss her uplifting spirit.

I rode alone, mistyeyed and laughingtomyself... all the emotions, reflecting on her influence in our family's lives. These are the rides we all need from time to time, and they're best solo...

... stopping along the way.

---

Good things happened all day long, credit to her.

Scott called to say he'd received 2 bags... one should have gone to Alvin... which was great because Alvin called to say he couldn't track his order. They live nearishby each other.

Nancy and Neal joined the PEDALposse.

Two new teams took the time to email me and let me know how lovely it is to work with designer Rocky.

... and Shane reminded me that he and Abbey and friends are coming over tonight to watch Abbey dominate on Ellen's Game of Games - it's finally airing.

As I wind down the day, I'm feeling very blessed to have known a great lady... her gravelvoiced husband parted long ago and I'm reminded of Johnny Cash's rendition of In My Life.

---

... a while back, she told us a new story...

I used to sunbathe in the nude on top of our house.

No!

Yes, I was always worried Momma would catch me.

Such a Wild Child!

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

If you're feeling a little wild, this is a pretty good place to start

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child

If you've never heard this version Johnny recorded it just after June passed... it's an old Beatles song.

164.4 lbs
180 push ups
6 sleepless hours
https://www.strava.com/activities/3079938325

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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HACKS FOR HACKS

Feb 06, 2020

TODD BROWN

I HATE DOING THE DISHES, and I hate doing pull ups. Taken individually, they go straight to the back of the procrastination line.

So, how did I do 50 pull ups today?

Before I get there, let me share a few of the countless benefits to doing pull ups.

Posture.
Yep, you my deskboundstaringatglass friend will experience better posture doing pull ups. I'm not sure if it's the actual pull ups or just the confidence one gets by being a badass pullupper.

Another...

Climbing powerfully on the bike.
No more sitting back down in defeat after 2 pedal strokes - especially effective when combined with push ups.

More...

Sprinting speedily.
Grab those bars and feel a bigbrawnyconnection as you unleash your mighty fury.

Back to my hack...

1. Have a pull up at home, mine is upstairs jammed between a bathroom door.

2. Do as many as you can.

3. Unload some dishes.

Repeat until dishes are done and body is smoked.

Here's my breakdown - switching between palms out and palms in.

9-7-5-5-4-4-3-4-2-3-2-2-1 50

All that may sound silly,
or maybe you're just so dedicated already,
possibly you're in love with the T-rex look of many cyclists...

... but if any of that resonates, you really ought to check out the PEDALposse.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

But, before you click over there...

My friend BC shot me a text: What's the posse all about?

Honestly, I'm not sure.

Should I join?

No.

Now why wouldn't a want a longtime, raploving pal like BC to join? For the simple reason he's not sure. If you're not sure, don't even hover over the link...

https://pedalindustries.com/products/pedalposse

... might accidentally click it, but if you're sure you're down for something different then join us.

---

163.8 lbs
50 pull ups
8 hours sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3078456037

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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CONFI-DENSE.

Feb 05, 2020

TODD BROWN

THERE'S A CERTAIN MISPLACED CONFIDENCE one can get with a high level of fitness. I'm unsure as to whether it's healthy or not... I mean it is healthy, well healthy related... I guess it's just ego.

Before you go spiritualbuddhamystic on me... just admit it... you feel it too.

For instance, I remember - distinctly remember - when all the ladies were fawning over my massivefootballstar friend thinking to myself... Yeah, he's cool and has big manly muscles but ladies I can drop him any time I want on a bike.

Or, the time I compared myself to myself to Mike Tyson... Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth/I unleash my sprint.

One of my favorites was the time young Miles joined us on the Saturday Hour of Power... he was quite sure he'd stick it to us and I was thinking... you're sizing us up based on age and you're about to get a lesson in cardiokungfu bikestyle.

Confidence is one of Miles great traits.

I remember how confident he was that within no time he'd pay me back on the bike - which he did, and I loved. Better, I remember how confident he was that he'd overcome his visual challenges and turn them into a plus thereby pursuing his dream as part of the US Navy.

It's the kind of confidence that only comes with miles on a bike, or time spent on any endeavor.

The more dense the training, the more dense the the results...ConfiDense.

Of course another definition of dense is stupid, and yes I know it's stupid to compare myself to others... I still do it more than I care to admit.

Want more confidense?

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

You don't even have to wear this shirt to gain confidense... just having it your drawer and seeing it is magical.

https://pedalindustries.com/products/ride-your-bike-t-shirt

---

163.8 lbs
arms/shoulders/legs
8 hours sleep
no time to ride

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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WE NEVER DETOUR

Feb 04, 2020

TODD BROWN

PART OF THE SECRET SAUCE OF A STANDING GROUP RIDE is always riding the same course. We never detour, never wait and always start on time.

But, not today.

Our detour wasn't to escape the wind, we'd have slept in if we wanted to escape it... and let the record show, a wholelotta the gang slept in... those that were up for the challenge know that sometimes it's hellawindy in a race and a good thing to practice...

... and the rest of us, me especially, were there to say farewell to one of our ride's OGs, Backpack Kevin.

Most of the current generation don't even know him.
Don't know he was one of the truly elite local MTB racers in the 90's.
Don't know he used to join us on his work commute, with a loaded back pack and ride us off his wheel.
Don't know his kindness and always happy outlook.

Jim brought a cake, I brought a TMWC tshirt, the rest of the guys brought their love...

... and that's what I cherish about this little social ride, the love.

If you want to share the spirit of this ride, check out this year's kit

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/our-sample-team-store

If you have a ride of your own and want to appropriate this design, we're down for that too...

For a few days, you can save 20% with this code TEAMTMWCCODE

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/our-sample-team-store

---

164.8
173 Push Ups
6.5 hrs
https://www.strava.com/activities/3071370443

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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SUPERBOWLED

Feb 03, 2020

TODD BROWN

THERE'S NO WAY I COULD WATCH THE SUPERBOWL without chips 'n Surfergirl's guac. And things would have been ok if I'd stopped there. Even better if I hadn't prepped my gord with giant apple fritter to get things started. But I Suiperbowled myself all dawgawn day... topping it off with bowls of ChicBoomPop with every KC touchdown, such was the state of my handtomoutheyesonscreen coordination.

How much did I pack on?

The better question is how quick can I pack it off?

Before I get to that... I checked in with Littlepants on her progress with the Whole30 diet.

How's that working?

I quit.

Really, why?

I read a book that dieting isn't a healthy relationship to food.

So now what?

Now I listen to my body.

No help from my college kid.

So... let me be completely honest - I'm always honest with ya, just feels extra honest to say that - the only reason I know that poundage and more is coming off is because I just looked at the calendar...

... and in 7 weeks, it's on!

... 7 weeks is all it takes.

... 7 dedicated weeks

... focused on beating my nemesis!

Now, before ya go say... But, Diesel you said PRs were better than KOMs!...

... I hear ya, and that's true, but for me, and possibly for you, it's a lot more juicy packing my own can of whoopass to beat a guy I know I have almost no chance of beating...

... in fact, it would be a complete miracle if I was within a mile, a mountain bike mile - which is a lot longer than a gravel mile and hellalonger than a road mile - of this cat, such is his godgiventalent and monklikededication...

... so I began this morning, with decent ride on my MTB... because it's time to go all in training the position... and I followed up tonight with pull ups till failure, which I'm doing between paragraphs here... and I'll keep doing it until that deadly day when I shall spring on said unsuspectingnemesis my viciousnastyhomemade can of whoopass..

... sure I could listen to my body like a sweet college kid,
or I can look at the calendar like the ragingdiesel I plan to be...

- here ends another episode of Crazytalk with TheOldDiesel

In honor of such crazytalk, I'm gonna be wearing this tshirt all the time

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

You know the drill, for a mere twenty bones you too can rock crazytalk

https://pedalindustries.com/products/gotta-ride-t-shirt-avail-in-2-colors

---

167
50 pull ups
7.75 hrs restless, tossnturn, atetoomuch sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3068563492

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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LONE.

Feb 02, 2020

TODD BROWN

A FEW CARS AHEAD A LONE RIDER WAIT FOR THE GREEN. USACyclng redwhiteandblue jersey, USACycling black shorts.

Is it a real racer?

Can't tell, looks like an oldish bike and wheels.

Sure looks lean.

Might be a real one.

The rider shot out Supermanlike, leaving now doubt. We eased by a lane over, too far to yell...

... Hey Andrew!

Yep, 98% sure that was Andrew Vollmer. Known him since he was a stringbean under a giant helmet racing NICA.

I'd heard he and his friend Kevin Vermaerke were in town training. Closing in on 20, they're both working hard to make it.

Fitting that this week I'd finally gotten around to starting PhilTheThrill Gaimon's book, Pro Cycling On $10 A Day.

If you've ever wondered what kind of life these young pros are living, I highly recommend the book. Phil is a great story teller... sharing tidbits of truth and wisdom mixed with background info on many riders you may have heard of.

... I tried to write that paragraph above for about 10 minutes... let me try one more time... it's a helluva entertaining book for bike racing nuts like myself.

Which brings me back to young Andrew, training alone... Phil asks the question in his book, What is it about bike racing and loner weirdos?... my answer, maybe that's part of the superpower all racers have... being okay enough with ourselves to enjoy being alone?

Maybe we enjoy the peace?

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

I know I enjoy the peace I find logging solo, soulful miles... if you're the same you might enjoy them more clad in this jersey or it's wild child fraternal twin.

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/peace-speed-jersey-short-sleeve

Just for this week, we'll say buy the Peace or Wild Child Jersey, get the socks free use promo code: WILDPEACE

https://pedalindustries.com/collections/wild-child/products/wild-child-sublimated-sock

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165.2
0
8.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3067040915

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'IM N 'IS BIKE ARE MOUNTAINBRED

Feb 01, 2020

TODD BROWN

SOMEWHERE ALONG THE TRAIL MY SOULBROTHER PETE AND I misappropriated a line from The Man From Snow River. There's a scene where the young buckaroo cowboy shows up the villains, and the allknowing wise old man says...

'Im n 'is 'orse are mountainbred.

Any time we raced, any time we rode on the edge of oblivion, we'd pump up with our best 'strailyun accents

'Im n 'is bike are mountainbred.

But, it was true.

We were mountainbred.

It was all we rode.

At the time, I didn't even own a road bike. And it showed.

Everything was second nature.... jumping, skidding, turning, no-braking, ridiculous speed... it was easy, flowy and relaxed...

... and the climbing, oh lordy, the climbing was effortless.

But that was then, and today was... painful.

The first mile or 2 of our 9mile3000foot time trial climb was discouraging. The position felt off. The power, limited. It was just a grind. Not fun. It had been too long.

... what am I thinking proclaiming that this is going to be a mountain bike year?...

But, a funny thing happened on the way to the top... as Chris and I climbed and chatted about "life"...

... I started to feel better, I settled in, found my groove, and got a glimpse of that mountainbredness.

... the last 2 miles were exquisitely awful, perfectly terrible... a sensational sensation, confirming this very real fact...

... there is betterness with specialization, maybe not greatness, but clearly to get a lot better it takes a lot more focus.

The great Eddy Merckx encouraged piles of miles, to that I add -> on the bike you'll be racing... only then will it all become second nature, only then will I once again be mountainbred.

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One thing I've always loved from my original MTB days is a superlite fullfinger glove... you know the kind you can wear even on a hot day, the kind that are so thin you forget your wearing a glove at all...

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/gloves

I know we shouldcould and onedaymight increase the price on these by 50%, but until then you can get 'em delivered for less than 20 bones.

Crazy, I know.

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164.8
0
6.5 hrs sleep
https://www.strava.com/activities/3063107998/segments/75976170969

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TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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I QUIVER

Jan 31, 2020

TODD BROWN

I COULD BARELY HOLD MY PHONE. My arm was quivering. My chest was too.

What was wrong?

Should I be concerned?

... no.

I was holding the phone at just the right angle to activate the muscles I'd thrashed an hour earlier doing push ups to failure.

160 of 'em, in this order:

36-21-17-12-12-9-8-7-7-6-5-4-5-5-5-4-3–160

... all because Jeff Kabush said you'll never win a mountain bike race if you can't do 50 push ups in a row.

I'm getting closer, because Jeff inspired me...

You know what else is inspsiring?

Riding on a well organized team... if you're on a team, and you need a new canopy or just a new top... the pro canopy special is going, reply to this and we'll get cracking.

https://pedalindustries.com/pages/canopies-flags

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165.2
160 pushups
7.25 hrs sleep
no time to ride : (

Ride with us: click for info.

TODD brown 888-308-0005 PEDALindustries

We specialize in custom gear - No minimums – 3 to 4 weeks production time.

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